GRAND LAKE BECOMES A CREATIVE DISTRICT
Colorado Creative Industries has designated Grand Lake as a Colorado Creative District. "With this designation, we are moving towards building a creative economy that will help expand the shoulder seasons in Grand Lake,” explains DiAnn Butler, director of the Grand County Office of Economic Development.
In honor of this accomplishment, there will be a Creative District Celebration on Tuesday, July 24th from 4-6 pm at Squeaky B’s! Live music and $1 hot dogs will honor the occasion at the Squeaky B’s beer garden!
Everyone in the Grand County community is invited to attend this free event.
BUILDING MOMENTUM...
Timber Solutions
As one of the largest employers in the county, the timber industry plays an important role in maintaining a healthy forest. Working with the Colorado State Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service, Grand County Library District and the timber industry, an educational outreach campaign has been created under the name of Timber Solutions. In June, Ryan McNertney of the Colorado State Forest Service spoke at the Fraser and Granby Libraries about the timber industry's role in maintaining a healthy forest.
In July and August, Brian Slagle and Jon Morrissey of the U.S. Forest Service will be leading a forest tour and discussion on the evolution of the local pine beetle epidemic. This event is open to the public and will be held at the Heckert Pavilion in Grand Lake. A second event will be at the Granby Library in August.
To learn more, visit the facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradotimbersolutions.
Heart and Soul Community Launch
In June, Mayor Mike Bestor of Golden, Colorado spoke at the community launch for the Heart and Soul initiative that is breaking ground in Grand Lake. This process is supported by grants from the Orton Family Foundation and the Town of Grand Lake. During the launch, members of the community came together to learn the process for creating a strategic plan that will guide the town into the future. To get involved in this initiative, contact Heart and Soul Coordinator Robyn Wilson at (970) 708-0559 or email her at robyn@loudexample.com.
Funding Secured for Workforce Web Portal
Over the last several years, DiAnn Butler, Director of the Grand County Economic Development Department, and Hrishue Mahlalha of Innovation Economy Partners has worked with employers in the region to identify ways to leverage resources for workforce development. This year, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs awarded a $15,000 Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) grant to Grand County. This money will be used with additional funding from Freeport McMoRan to create a centralized web portal that will connect employers and employees with important resources in the local economy. The plan is to launch this portal in the next four months.
What Else is Happening?
- Grand Lake is one of two finalists for a Space to Create grant that would develop an art space in town. Representatives from this initiative will be touring Grand Lake on July 25th.
- The Heart and Soul initiative is moving into Phase II. Grand Lake will begin identifying what is most important to the town. Learn more at a Morning Update meeting on Friday, July 27 at 8AM in the Sagebrush BBQ and Grill.
- Local educators and business leaders met in June to discuss opportunities for student internships and workforce skill development.
Sombrero Stables is seeking a MakerSpace grant that would provide a location where hands-on artistic skills can be taught, nurtured and developed to young people in the county. - Ken Fucik of the Wooden Boat School is working with three students from the East Grand School District to build and restore wooden boats in Grand Lake.
Want to Get Involved?
Grand County Economic Development is seeking employers, creatives, and volunteers to help with these initiatives. This is an exciting time to get involved with the county. If you have an interest in learning more about any of these initiatives contact DiAnn Butler at (970) 531-1343 or email her at dbutler@co.grand.co.us