With our 30th Anniversary celebration behind us, Region 9 is already looking at what the next 10, 20 and 30 years will bring.
Region 9’s goal is to be financially sustainable to where we will not be reliant on our government partners to fund our organization. We believe if we can increase our loan fund to about $10 Million, we will be able to cover our operating costs allowing us to withstand most state and federal funding cuts.
In 2018, Region 9 purchased a building and opened satellite offices in Montezuma and Archuleta counties to better serve our communities. We expect future employees will be located in these communities.
Region 9 will continue to provide socioeconomic data to area stakeholders and decision makers, because we all need accurate information to make informed decisions.
We continue to believe in, and support, the importance of our county-level economic development groups to be our boots on the ground working on local priorities, providing one-on-one assistance to businesses, and helping us know where to focus our efforts in each community.
We will continue strengthening our regional partnerships with the Southwest Colorado Council of Governments, Southwest Workforce Center, Fort Lewis College, Pueblo Community College Southwest, and regional nonprofit and housing organizations.
Region 9 has plans to expand into redevelopment, and reuse activities. We also see a need to expand our grant writing and technical assistance services in communities. We are looking forward to our future and appreciate your interest and support of our activities.
Sincerely,
Laura Lewis Marchino
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