From Our Board President

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the La Plata Economic Development Alliance. As Board Chair, I want to personally invite you to invest in La Plata County! We believe that economic development is critical to building a community that is healthy and stable for the future. Members of the Alliance recognize our efforts [...]
Start Your Business

“La Plata County is more than just a great place to live…it's a great place to do business!”
Economic Dashboard

How is the economy right now in La Plata County?
Be an Investor

"Our Investors believe that economic development is critical to building a vibrant business community" Having a vibrant business community that is healthy and dynamic allow our county to have a stable for the future where our citizen thrive and prosper. In addition, they recognize the Alliance efforts are not only key to creating a regional [...]
New Business in Our Community

Durango and La Plata County extend an invitation for you to learn more about business, investment and trade opportunities here!
Hear From Local Business Owners

Beth McMacken of Athena Designs……. " I founded and operated a successful marketing firm in Boston. I relocated to Durango for a better work-life balance. The Durango business community is a vibrant blend of homegrown entrepreneurs and enterprising business people who have moved here from all over the world to embrace Durango as their [...]
Quality of Life

"It is this quality of life that attracts, motivates and retains talented and skilled workers!"

Live & Play

Live and Play in La Plata County! Postcard scenery – the surrounding landscape of Durango is diverse and often dramatic, spanning from red sandstone bluffs of the Animas River Valley to the 14,000 foot jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains. Mountain Bikes to Motor Bikes – from the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic to the [...]

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Expand & Relocate

Businesses will find a friendly, helpful environment in La Plata County. The growth and expansion of existing businesses as well as welcoming those interested in our area is paramount for The La Plata Economic Development Alliance. The Alliance will work directly with your company to find the right location, resources, workforce, financial programs and more — all tailored [...]

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Facts & Figures

Want to know more about the La Plata economy? You've come to the right place! Here you will find more in-depth information on the La Plata economy, as well as the surrounding counties of southwest Colorado. If you need more information, please contact us and we will create customized reports for your data needs.

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Welcome…

to the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance. Whether you are thinking about creating, expanding, relocating your business, the alliance and its partners welcome and want to provide you with full community resources, information and services to make your business endeavors in our county a success. Our mission is to create a vibrant business community and a range of employment opportunities for our citizens through retention, expansion, and recruitment of quality businesses. The Alliance collaborates with the State of Colorado, La Plata County, city of Durango, city of Bayfield, city of Ignacio, Regional Chambers of Commerce and business leaders to encourage and support the development of new business opportunities in the county. With our investors, partnerships and affiliations in the community, you are not alone when thinking about making La Plata, Colorado your home.

La Plata County Economic Development Alliance wants to be your first point of contact when looking for resources to contribute to smooth and successful creation, expansion or relocation of your business. We look and advocate for business incentives, job training programs, appropriate land and business packages to encourage a positive experience. In addition, the Alliance actively supports local business owners on matter that affect their success. Working with associations, business and community leaders, The Alliance informs federal, state legislators and other local and regional decision makers about "Business Life" in our county and "How To's" on supporting our business community to thrive and grow. We also are creating an atmosphere where we all can encourage economic growth while maintaining a stewardship of our area's inherent beauty and resources.

About the Alliance

What We Do?

The La Plata Economic Development Alliance (The Alliance) has just recently re-branded the organization from what was formerly known as LEAD – La Plata Economic Action Partnership. The rebranding is part of our effort to streamline communications and become a central resource for businesses in our area.

Our focus is in maintaining and spurring the economic vitality of the businesses who are already part of our community, as well as to provide excellent resources to those who might be interested in joining us here in La Plata County. (more…)
Who We Are?

Recognizing the need in late 1997 for a concerted economic development effort to sustain the vibrancy and quality of life cherished in La Plata County, a consortium of local business leaders, in tandem with the Durango Chamber of Commerce, organized the Economic Development Task Force. As the new century dawned, so did the La Plata Economic Development Action Partnership, now referred to as LEAD. Incorporated as a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation, LEAD welcomed an official board of directors and appointed officers. Next, the group began the search for an executive director to meet the challenge of fulfilling the vision established by this volunteer coalition. (more…)
Our Staff

Our staff members are the first point of contact to connect expanding companies with resources to contribute to their success. The La Plata Economic Development Alliance staff members keep in contact with La Plata County and various regional Chamber of Commerce from the surrounding communities of Durango, Bayfield, and Ignacio.

Our Staff Includes: Executive Director, Roger Zalneraitis and the Administrative Assistant, Donna Bauer. Staff also includes all the Alliance members that offer many hours of volunteer committee time to the success of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance. Working as a Team is critical to the success of La Plata County.

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Our Board

The La Plata Economic Development Board of Directors is dedicated to expanding the economic base of the La Plata County community, enhancing the earnings opportunities of area residents by retaining and expanding existing business and industry, as well as attracting desirable new employers that are consistent with La Plata County's high quality of life. (more…)
Investors

The La Plata County Economic Development Alliance is La Plata County's central source for economic development.

Recognizing the need in late 1997 for a concerted economic development effort to sustain the vibrancy and quality of life cherished in La Plata County, a consortium of local business leaders, in tandem with the Durango Chamber of Commerce, organized the Economic Development Task Force. (more…)