CB Town Council supportive of economic development group

“Good luck…”

The latest rendition of an economic development plan for the county is taking shape, and Crested Butte Town Council members got an update on its progress Monday, May 16.

The impetus was a directive from Governor Hickenlooper for counties in Colorado to come up with a “Bottom Up” economic development plan. Led by Gunnison County commissioner Paula Swenson, approximately 80 diverse members of the community began discussion about a plan several months ago. The group has pared down to about 30 and Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce director Richard Bond is still one of them. He reported to the Town Council that while a draft has been submitted to the state, adjustments are still being made.
“This plan satisfied the governor’s request but also lays out a specific plan for the county,” Bond told the council. “It is changing quite a bit but the ultimate goal is to have a professionally managed and financially well-endowed group to move this forward,” said Bond.
The basic plan calls for encouraging growth of existing business and industry, diversifying the economic base, increasing tourism activity, creating a more “business-friendly” climate and creating new, higher-paying jobs.
Suggestions to reach those goals that are mentioned in the plan include cutting government red tape, improving Internet bandwidth capacity, securing affordable, year-round air service, and increasing jobs in the energy sector and health and wellness areas.
“I’m surprised there isn’t more focus on Western State College,” said councilperson Jim Schmidt.
“One of the original stated goals was to help Western increase enrollment by 500 students a year,” said Bond. “It is still the intent but it is more complicated than that. A primary goal is to promote the county as a ‘College Valley.’”
“I love seeing this type of initiative,” said councilperson Reed Betz, “but the timeline is pretty vague.”
“We are meeting on Wednesday, May 25 to further discuss ideas and firm up some things like the timeline,” said Bond. “It is a work in progress. It involves three- or four-hour meetings and there are some frank discussions.”
“Good luck,” said Schmidt. “The last time this was attempted about ten years ago, the only job that came out of it was the executive director of the economic development group. And then he left for another job elsewhere.”
“We hope to truly get something done this time,” stated Bond.