County

Craig energy meeting attracts White House advisor

RBC I While the region’s path to economic prosperity might not be exactly clear, one thing is: The path must be forged together.
That message was the focus of the Economic Diversification Roundtable on Wednesday at Colorado Northwestern Community College’s Craig campus. Craig-Moffat Economic Development Partnership (CMEDP) hosted the event, which included key players in the economic well being and growth of Moffat, Routt and Rio Blanco counties.

Just as important, it also included partners from state- and federal-level agencies that can help make the region’s economic future a strong, bright one.
Jason Walsh, senior policy advisor in the Executive Office of the President, said his visit was as much about providing information about economic growth programs as it was a listening opportunity to hear about Northwest Colorado’s unique challenges.
“I’m impressed by leadership in this community,” Walsh said. “Where these conversations are successful is where they are catalytic.”
Walsh said his visit was one of only a few he and his colleagues are doing throughout the country. Craig’s roundtable marks the fourth of a possible six such events.
Representatives from agencies including the Departments of Commerce, Energy, Agriculture and Labor, Employment and Training Administration as well as many state and local entities participated in three panel discussions throughout the day-long event. The 50 local officials and organization directors learned about the many grant, loan and assistance programs available through the state and federal agencies and how local entities can partner to implement plans for economic growth.
“The outcome of this roundtable is our communities coming together as we work side by side to build our economic future,” said CMEDP Executive Director Audrey Danner. “I was so pleased to see the level of engagement in the room from all levels of stakeholders and the openness to moving forward as a team.
Walsh said U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet connected him to CMEDP and the region. In light of the region’s threats to its coal mining industry and primary economic driver, Walsh said he wanted to visit the area to offer some assistance through the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, part of the President’s POWER+ Plan proposed for fiscal year 2016.
“It’s news to no one in this room that the U.S. is undergoing a pretty dramatic, pretty rapid transition of its energy sector,” Walsh said. “(The POWER+ Plan) is not a silver bullet, but we think it’s a strategic commitment.”
According to The White House’s website, “The POWER+ Plan invests in workers and jobs, addresses important legacy costs in coal country and drives development of coal technology.”
Routt County Commissioner Tim Corrigan was impressed to see the federal representation in Craig on Wednesday.
“It was good to get a good description of the POWER program. It was good to see some meat on the bones of that word and for me to get a better understanding of what that’s all about,” Corrigan said. “It was also great to see the array of resources that are actually available and be able to put some names and faces to those resources.”
Doug Lynott, program director for the POWER Initiative, explained how the administration’s goals for 2016 could play well into Northwest Colorado’s economic plans.
If Congress approves the POWER Initiative in the 2016 budget, Lynott said Phase II implementation grants will be available for communities such as Moffat, Routt and Rio Blanco counties.
Moffat County won a Phase I planning grant through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) last month. Of the $100,000 grant, EDA provided $50,000, Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) awarded $25,000, the county supplied $7,000 and CMEDP, the Craig Chamber of Commerce and Moffat County Tourism Association offered the remainder in in-kind support.
Lynott said that communities who have already done the “heavy lifting” of planning for economic growth in their coal-reliant communities may have a competitive advantage in the Phase II awards.
Jay Oxley, chairman of the CMEDP board of directors, said that with the recent EDA grant award, the passing of key ballot measures earlier last week and the collaborative relationships being solidified locally and regionally, he is optimistic about the future.
On Tuesday, Moffat County voters approved Ballot Measure 5A allowing for an additional lodging tax to generate about $275,000 each year and to form a Local Marketing District. Voters also approved Ballot Measures 1A and 2A, an override of Senate Bill 152, which will permit Craig and Moffat County officials to pursue broadband telecommunications infrastructure, something Rio Blanco County has already done.
“All of these things coming together feels like the culmination of a lot of hard work,” Oxley said. “To have everyone on board—local, state and federal officials—is a huge step in the right direction for the future of our community and our region.”
That new path is not without its challenges, however. The decline of the coal industry and risk of losing high-wage mining jobs pose a real risk to the local economy, said Dave Fleming, former CMEDP board member and Yampa Valley Bank president. Replacing those jobs at a similar wage and benefit package is a primary concern.
“To me, that’s the biggest question we have to figure out,” Fleming said.
Walsh and Lynott agreed, saying that diversifying and stabilizing the regional economy is a process that will take time and creativity as local leaders look to build on the area’s manufacturing, recreational and agricultural assets.
Tom Bugnitz, CEO of Manufacturer’s Edge, said that utilizing the resources and business strengths already available within the community allows companies to “zig” into new markets and offer opportunity for growth.
“When we look at ourselves, we have to look at ourselves differently. We have to think creatively,” Moffat County Commissioner Frank Moe said. “Our whole futures are in our hands. We are going to be the best ‘ziggers’ and ‘zaggers’ this country has ever seen.”
Other regional leaders agreed, recognizing that a collaborative effort to new initiatives will create the strongest approach.
“There are the right people in the room, the people who actually have the ability to make the change,” said Katelin Cook, economic development coordinator for Rio Blanco County. “They all have a clarified vision of where we want to be.”
Leaders also made it clear that this cannot be the job of the leaders who attended Wednesday’s workshop alone.
“Economic development for small communities is all our jobs,” said Kelly Manning, state director of the Colorado Small Business Development Center Network.
And even together, the path isn’t without its challenges.
“The reality is tough but you’re doing the right things,” said Irv Halter, executive director of DOLA. “This is the stuff that strengthens you and puts you on the right path.”

Comments are closed.

Come say hi!

@ht.1885
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
  • Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Thank you, advertisers!