About URGED

Supporting Business Growth & Community Development

Mission

Upper Rio Grande Economic Development’s mission is to serve as a communication hub, increase job opportunities, the population and tax base, and help Rio Grande County businesses.

Vision

Our vision is to make Rio Grande County and the western side of the San Luis Valley the most attractive Rocky Mountain destination with a vibrant rural economy. 

Our Team & Partners

The sum is greater than the parts.  Our collaborative spirit sets us apart.  We develop solutions through aligned efforts and regional partnerships.  In the San Luis Valley, you will find a group of professionals and economic development practitioners who intentionally collaborate.

San Luis Valley Small Business Development Center

San Luis Valley Small Business Development Center

SLV SBDC Executive Director: Sonia Perez

SAN LUIS VALLEY DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES GROUP

SAN LUIS VALLEY DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES GROUP

Executive Director: Sarah Stoeber
Regional Grants Navigator:
Craig Barraclough
Business Loan Fund Director:
Dan Scinto
Accounting Coordinator:
Alliyah Garcia
Office Administrator: Tarah Chiles 
610 State Street, Suite 200
Alamosa, CO 81101
(719) 589-6099
FIRST SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY FUND

FIRST SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY FUND

FSWCF

720 Main Street
Alamosa, CO 81101

Phone: 719-587-4264
Fax: 719-589-5425
Email: info@fswcf.org

Other team members

Jason Medina, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of the San Luis Valley

State Partners

Randi Snead, Regional Manager, Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Andrew Atchley, Housing Development Specialist, Colorado Department of Local Affairs

Wendy Stewart-Martinez, Southern Rural Opportunity Representative, OEDIT

Our Services

As a 501(c)6 non-profit, we provide free business services and operate with the support of investor members and our communities. 

Marketing

Through all media, we promote our region to attract businesses and grow the tourism industry

Business Assist

URGED helps with site selection and coordinates with local and county zoning and planning departments. We provide sources for engineering, contractor services, utilities, transportation, financial assistance, and strategic partners.

Compile Data

URGED provides custom data and demographics reports to businesses, realtors, and our municipal governments

Business Support

We help businesses relocate, start and expand – identify financial incentives, grants, and workforce development and training programs in the creation of new jobs.

Community Development

To encourage place making we assist with infrastructure improvements and recreation ventures.

Our Board of Directors

Each member of the URGED Board is a community leader, representing both the private and public sector. They oversee the URGED Executive Director and hold a monthly meeting and a regular monthly membership breakfast meeting.

Meet the Board

  • Jennifer Alonzo, President; Marketing/Sales Coordinator, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative
  • Traci Holmes, Vice President; Senior Vice President, Del Norte Bank
  • Bernadette Martinez, Secretary/Treasurer; Town Administrator/Clerk, Town of Del Norte
  • Gigi Dennis, Director; City Manager, City of Monte Vista
  • Heather Hillian, Director; Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce
  • Skip Schoen, Director; Rio Grande County Adminstrator, Rio Grande
  • Shon Davis, Director; President of RG Bank
  • Ed Anderson, Director; GM Rio Grande Club & Resort

ready to make the move?