The Journal
The Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado has opened a satellite office in The Dolores State Bank’s east branch outside Cortez.
“Adding office space in communities outside Durango has been a long-term goal in support of our mission,” Laura Lewis Marchino, Region 9’s executive director, said in a news release. “We serve a five-county region and routinely travel a minimum of an hour to serve most of our communities.”
The Dolores State Bank’s renting of office space to Region 9 is a first step to having additional locations throughout the region.
“Having this physical location in Cortez will be much more convenient for the west side of our region and allow Region 9’s programs and services to be more easily accessed by the Montezuma and Dolores County business communities,” said Dewayne Findley, a longtime Region 9 Board member.
Cortez City Manager and Board member, Shane Hale said, “Region 9 already works closely with area banks and this is a great step to providing even more opportunities that are a win-win for local banks and businesses.”
“As a locally owned community bank, The Dolores State Bank is excited to share Region 9’s goal of promoting the economic benefits and opportunities to the communities we serve,” said Doug Aiken President of The Dolores State Bank. “This partnership will assist us in achieving this goal.”
Region 9 is a nonprofit corporation led by a 26-member board of directors that provides lending capital for start-up businesses, businesses needing smaller amounts or those that have a funding gap with their local Bank. Region 9 also administers the Enterprise Zone Tax credit program, provides socio-economic data, and provides a variety of technical assistance to support economic development goals and priorities.
“Region 9 is one resource for entrepreneurs willing to put in the effort required to build a successful business,” said Shawn Gregory, founder of Tuffy Security Products and also a Region 9 board member.
Office hours will be Thursdays from 10am to 3pm or by appointment at their location at 27880 Hwy 160, Cortez. Please contact Region 9 at 970-247-9621 to schedule an appointment. You can learn more about Region 9 programs on their website www.scan.org.
