For more than a decade, the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation (Chaffee County EDC) has led efforts on behalf of primary employers to create an economy that rivals our unsurpassed mountain lifestyle. Structured as a 501c6 nonprofit, the EDC serves as a public-private-academic partnership, convening the region’s private sector, government, and academic leaders to support industry growth and career opportunities through business advocacy, talent pipeline initiatives, and startup support.
Meet our Partners
Private Sector
The Trailhead, First Colorado Land Office, Collegiate Peaks Bank, Elevation Brewing, Fading West Development, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Central Colorado Title & Escrow, Sangre de Christo Electric Association, Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center, Comfurt Gas, and Pure Greens.
Public Sector
Chaffee County, Town of Buena Vista, Town of Poncha Springs, City of Salida
Academic Sector
Colorado Mountain College, Buena Vista School District, Salida School District
OUR WORK
Startup Support
The Chaffee County EDC supports entrepreneurship as a primary tool in diversifying our year-round economy in addition to a thriving tourism economy. We serve as a navigator connecting entrepreneurs to funding, expert mentorship, business design curriculum, etc. We measure job creation and investment.
Talent & Workforce Development
The Chaffee County EDC creates better alignment between employers and our education system (including school districts, Colorado Mountain College – Salida, and other remote higher education institutions.) We define the skills gap and build collaborative systems to address it. We measure participating employers and employees.
Land Use & infrastructure
The Chaffee County EDC encourages investment in the built environment to support a modern, competitive workforce and economy. We build productive public-private partnerships, advocate for improvements to the development process, and promote business-friendly policy. We measure our policy wins.
Are You Driven By Nature?
Consider joining the Chaffee County EDC. Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch.
Chaffee County Success Stories – In Their Own Words
Chaffee County is an incredible place for makers and doers to live, work, and play. It is also a place where successful businesses and leaders uplift and support a growing economy and strong community. We want to share those stories of success, passion, and enjoyment with you.
Charlie Chupp, CEO, Fading West Development
How do you drive job creation while addressing a community need, in this case attainable workforce housing? Charlie Chupp, CEO of Fading West, talks about how they’re doing just that at The Farm in Buena Vista, Colo.
Lenny Eckstein, Founder, Deerhammer Distilling
How do you capture the spirit of a vibrant community that’s home to a dozen 14,000-foot peaks and the headwaters of the Arkansas River? Deerhammer Distilling in Buena Vista, Colo. puts it in a bottle.
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