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Partnership

Sustainable Future
RCEDP drives innovation in the Yampa Valley, prioritizing quality of life and long-term economic sustainability. We diversify industries and quality jobs through entrepreneurship, business retention/expansion, and are committed to community-driven economic development. Join us in shaping a more sustainable economy.
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About RCEDP

Serving The Yampa Valley

At Routt County Economic Development Partnership, we embrace innovative thinking and challenge the status quo. We are on a mission to drive positive change in our local economy, steering it towards long-term sustainability, all while maintaining a careful balance that protects the quality of life and economic well-being of our beloved home, the Yampa Valley.

Our innovative approach is straightforward: we focus on diversifying the mix of local primary industry and quality jobs. This involves nurturing entrepreneurship, supporting the retention and expansion of existing businesses, strategically targeting support to key industries, and engaging with relocating businesses.

RCEDP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to community-driven economic development in the Yampa Valley. We are guided by a passionate board of directors and benefit from the insights of our esteemed Economic Development Council. Our program portfolio includes the Yampa Valley Entrepreneurship Center, Business Retention & Expansion, Key Industries, and Business Relocation, among others, all designed to foster a sustainable future for our Yampa Valley community.

We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we shape a more balanced, resilient, and sustainable future for the Yampa Valley. Together, we can achieve a balanced economy without compromising the exceptional quality of life that defines the Yampa Valley.

“RCEDP’s Business Retention & Expansion work saved me thousands of dollars, better positioning the business and our employees for long-term success in Hayden.” - Derek Martin, Owner, Alpenglow Beverage

Thank You To Our Partners

Public Partners

Private Partners

Thank You To Our Donors

And Community Members Like You

Our local community and future generations are relying on us to take action now and move toward a more sustainable, balanced, and diversified economy—one that benefits everyone while preserving our quality of life, including the environment and wildlife.

By working together, we can make this vision a reality—but we need your support. Please consider making a gift to RCEDP today.

Your donation, whether large or small, will help fund thoughtful, community-driven initiatives focused on diversifying primary industries and  quality jobs. This includes fostering local entrepreneurship, retaining and expanding local businesses, and supporting emerging industries that will enhance our economic diversity.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your generous contribution may qualify for a federal charitable donation deduction. Additionally, donations of $250 or more are eligible for a Colorado income tax credit of up to 25% through the state’s Enterprise Zone (EZ) Tax Credit program.

We invite you to learn more, join us, and make a meaningful impact by contributing today. Thank you for your consideration!

Thank You To These Donors And More

  • Stephanie Yarbrough
  • Darcy Owens
  • Tim Wohlgenant
  • Ryan Bales
  • Kim Keith
  • Greg Friedman
  • The Bristol Family Trust
  • Anonymous Donors
  • John Bristol
  • And More
“We got connected with international trade experts because of RCEDP’s Business Retention & Expansion initiative and they’ve already helped us identify new international markets to expand our exports from Steamboat.” - Nate Bradley, GM, Moots Cycles

Economic Development Council

Community Advisory Committee

RCEDP is dedicated to community-economic development, with the Economic Development Council (EDC) playing a pivotal role in upholding this commitment. The EDC actively monitors and discusses economic activities within the Yampa Valley, offering invaluable insights that shape and bolster RCEDP's initiatives. Comprising esteemed community leaders who volunteer their time, the EDC represents a diverse range of industry sectors aligned with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), the standard for categorizing businesses and industries.

  • Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
    • Libby Christensen, Statewide Agriculture and Food Specialist, CSU Extension
    • Patrick Stanko, Ag Resource Coordinator, Community Agriculture Alliance
  • Mining
    • Vacant
  • Utilities
    • Vacant
  • Construction
    • Michael Marchand LaMotte, Dir. of Development, Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp.
  • Manufacturing
    • Vacant
  • Wholesale Trade
    • Vacant
  • Retail Trade
    • Bethany Karulak, Marketing Manager, Main Street Steamboat Springs
  • Transportation and Warehousing
    • Kevin Booth, Airport Manager, Yampa Valley Regional Airport
  • Information
    • Scott Ford, Owner, Pinnacle Economic Research Group
  • Finance and Insurance
    • Todd Hayes, President & Chief Operating Officer, Mountain West Insurance
    • Madison Keeffe, Commercial Lender, Mountain Valley Bank
  • Real Estate Rental and Leasing
    • Vacant
  • Professional, Scientific, and Technical Servic
    • Scott Ford, Owner, Pinnacle Economic Research Group
  • Management of Companies and Enterprises
    • Vacant
  • Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
    • Christina Oxley, Business Services Coordinator, Colorado Workforce Centers
  • Educational Services
    • J.C. Norling, VP & Campus Dean, Colorado Mountain College
  • Health Care and Social Assistance
    • Michael Nelson, Director of Finance, Yampa Valley Medical Center
  • Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
    • Kim Keith, Executive Director, Steamboat Creates
  • Accommodation and Food Services
    • Sarah Jones, Dir. of Social Responsibility, Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp.
  • Other Services (except Public Administration)
    • Hannah Albertson, Treasurer, Young Professional Network
    • Jennifer Bruen, Associate Director, United Way of the Yampa Valley
  • Public Administration
    • Tegan Ebbert, Community Development Dir., Town of Hayden
    • Gail Garey, Councilmember, City of Steamboat Springs
    • Mary Alice Page-Allen, Treasurer/Planner, Town of Yampa
    • Joella West, Councilmember, City of Steamboat Springs
    • Sonja Macys, Commissioner, Routt County
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Board of Directors

Governance, Oversight, Strategy

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to community-driven economic development, RCEDP is led by a committed board of directors and receives guidance from the Economic Development Council. Functioning as a public-private partnership, RCEDP's ten-member Board of Directors embodies partnership between the public and private sectors. These management professionals contribute to RCEDP's governance, oversight, and strategic direction. With a focus on long-term sustainability, the Board is committed to protecting the quality of life and economic well-being of our beloved home, the Yampa Valley.a Valley.

  • - Robin Hall, Co-Founder + CEO, Town Hall Outdoor Co.
  • - Jay Harrington, County Manager, Routt County
  • - Sarah Leonard, CEO, Steamboat Springs Chamber
  • - Michael Marchand LaMotte, Chair, Economic Development Council
  • - Mathew Mendisco, Town Manager, Town of Hayden
  • - Megan Moore-Kemp, Member Relations Manager, YVEA
  • - Gary Suiter, City Manager, City of Steamboat Springs
  • - Sheila Symons, Town Clerk, Town of Yampa
  • - David Torgler, Town Manager, Town of Oak Creek
  • - Tim Wohlgenant, Executive Director, Yampa Valley Community Foundation

Staff Members

Community Builders

Meet the dedicated team that supports Yampa Valley entrepreneurs and businesses. Our staff brings together a wealth of experience and expertise, driven by a commitment to fostering community-driven economic development in the Yampa Valley. With a diverse range of skills acquired from Main Street enterprises, corporate environments, entrepreneurship, and government, each team member plays a significant role in contributing to our Yampa Valley community.

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Executive Director
John Bristol
John is proud to be in the Yampa Valley where his great-grandparents homesteaded, grandparents met, father was born, and generations were involved in ranching, coal, and other local businesses. He embraces mountain life by backpacking, camping, fishing, skiing, and time with family and friends.
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Director of Existing Industry
Keith Hensley
Keith is a Colorado native and Routt County local since 2015. He is passionate about the environment and dedicated to helping businesses expand and thrive in the Yampa Valley. When not in the office, Keith is often found climbing, fishing, biking, backpacking, snowboarding, and engaging in backcountry touring.
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Managing Director of the Yampa Valley Entrepreneurship Center
Aaron Walls
Building the Yampa Valley's entrepreneurial community is Aaron's passion. A trusted advisor and mentor, he empowers both aspiring and seasoned founders across the region to achieve their business dreams. When he's not fostering innovation, you'll find him enjoying the Yampa Valley with his family, skiing the slopes or biking the trails.