Community forum set for Meeker on Jan. 25

MEEKER I A citizens’ forum on economic development for Rio Blanco County will be held on Jan. 25 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the Meeker Hotel dining room.
Sponsored by a new group, Rio Blanco County Citizens for Economic Development, which has a chief advocacy mission to encourage economic development through promotion of heritage and agra-tourism and related historic and cultural venues, the forum is a good chance to learn about a variety of efforts and opportunities being considered to improve the economy throughout the county and for the public to have input and give suggestions on ideas that may provide viable solutions.
All county residents are invited and welcomed to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Bring ideas and creativity to help address issues for the future of the county, organizers urged.
Representatives from the Colorado Tourism Office have been invited to share insight into programs that have worked in other rural communities.
Heritage and agri-tourism are among the most successful and easily accomplished in rural communities, and they account for the greatest economic growth in Colorado tourism.
Delta County has already pursued such programs with success, and Kelli Hepler from Delta and the Colorado Tourism Office will present their success story.
The Colorado Commission on Agriculture will also provide input and discussion.
Other presenters invited are from History Colorado, the Office of Economic Development’s Colorado Creative Industries, who will discuss designation as a creative district.
Meeker has been approved for nomination as a Colorado Historical District and the details of pursuing this nomination will be discussed.
A renowned professor emerita from Arizona State University who is a frequent Meeker visitor remarked this past fall that Rio Blanco County is a treasure trove of historic buildings and artifacts and has a rich and fascinating history that should and could be marketed to the world.
A multifaceted and strong marketing campaign through the Internet and social media can literally invite the world to visit and tour this most historic and interesting areal, organizers said.
A teleconference will be made available for those who cannot attend in person. For more information or to participate in the citizens’ forum by teleconference, please RSVP to 970-878-4832 or email [email protected].