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
SLV SBDC Executive Director: Sonia Perez
SAN LUIS VALLEY DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES GROUP
Alamosa, CO 81101
(719) 589-6099
FIRST SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY FUND
Other team members
Other Resources
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
Our Investor Members
Meet the Investor Members of the URGED
Who Are Making a Commitment to Economic Development
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- Rio Grande County
- San Luis Valley Rural Electric Co-op
- City of Monte Vista
- Colorado Housing & Finance Authority
- Town of Del Norte
- Del Norte Bank
- Del Norte Chamber of Commerce
- Farm Credit of Southern Colorado ACA
- First Southwest Bank
- Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce
- Monte Vista Co-op
- Rio Grande Hospital
- RG Bank
- San Luis Valley Federal Bank
- Wilbur-Ellis Company
ready to make the move?
