Some of the largest engines in La Plata County’s economy were candid in describing their challenges and successes at last Wednesday’s annual Economic Summit in Ignacio.
Among them were increasing customer loyalty (at Purgatory, those 10 and under can receive a free pass, which encourages family skiing) while the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad continues its successful short runs for Halloween and Christmas (“something for everyone,” Al Harper said). And Fort Lewis College, which aims to be more student-centered and to provide, where possible, skills training that is applicable to local employment needs.
“We need the community and want to be a partner,” said FLC’s new president, Tom Stritikus.
James Coleman, whose company owns Purgatory along with smaller ski areas in New Mexico and Arizona, talked about the importance of new ideas and of moving quickly in decision-making, and that he was conscious of not slowing down his management team. Water – Purgatory could not make all the snow it wanted to last December because of the drought – and his competitors, such as the cruise ship lines, are on his mind, he said.
“Snow farming” is what a ski area does, Coleman said.
The D&SNG’s Harper said that he divides challenges into three categories, reacting to changes in rules and regulations and to evolutionary trends, and to revolutionary events which are a surprise. Evolutionary would be the aging railroad fan, and the last was a reference to the June and July 416 Fire.
Roger Zalneraitis, executive director of the county Economic Development Alliance, provided a skillful overview of the conditions which attract newcomers who can bring or create businesses. At the top of the list is that a community must be safe and that it must have good schools. Housing follows, and then the amenities, such as coffee shops and brew pubs.
The event’s headliner, a business consultant and adjunct at the University of Chicago, said entrepreneurs need to consider whether their invention can benefit from geography, low cost, a brand name, new technology or eliminating a middle person. He cautioned new business people to have a strategy and patience (and the necessary resources to be patient), and persistence, because success can come slowly.
Do not trust your gut in making decisions, he said. Use data.
La Plata County has attracted a variety of business people with different backgrounds and experiences who have ideas and energy. So, too, locals who have grown up here. The county’s economy may be moved from side to side by national events, but the considerable resources in people and their desire to enjoy living in Southwest Colorado mean that there will continue to be new and growing businesses in the future. The many participants in the Economic Summit reflected that.
