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PEP Member Spotlights

April 2026

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Southeast Colorado Power Association

๐€๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฅ ๐Œ๐ž๐ฆ๐›๐ž๐ซ ๐’๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ: ๐’๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐š๐ฌ๐ญ ๐‚๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ๐š๐๐จ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ž๐ซ ๐€๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐œ๐ข๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง

๐‘ƒ๐‘œ๐‘ค๐‘’๐‘Ÿ๐‘–๐‘›๐‘” ๐ถ๐‘œ๐‘š๐‘š๐‘ข๐‘›๐‘–๐‘ก๐‘–๐‘’๐‘  ๐‘Ž๐‘›๐‘‘ ๐‘ƒ๐‘Ÿ๐‘œ๐‘”๐‘Ÿ๐‘’๐‘ ๐‘  ๐ด๐‘๐‘Ÿ๐‘œ๐‘ ๐‘  ๐‘†๐‘œ๐‘ข๐‘กโ„Ž๐‘’๐‘Ž๐‘ ๐‘ก ๐ถ๐‘œ๐‘™๐‘œ๐‘Ÿ๐‘Ž๐‘‘๐‘œ

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For nearly nine decades, Southeast Colorado Power Association (SECPA) has played a vital role in powering homes, businesses, and communities across Southeastern Colorado. Established in 1937, SECPA operates as a member-owned electric cooperative, serving a vast 11-county region that stretches from the Kansas state line to Pueblo, and from the New Mexico border to Colorado Springs.

Headquartered in La Junta with additional offices in Lamar, Springfield, and Eads, SECPA provides reliable electric service to more than 10,000 active meters across one of the largest certificated service territories in the state. Despite covering such a large geographic footprint, the cooperative operates with one of the lowest meter-per-mile ratios in Colorado thus highlighting both the challenges and the commitment required to serve rural communities.

SECPA’s impact extends far beyond electricity. Through its subsidiary, Southeast Colorado Communications (SECOM), the organization is also expanding access to broadband internet and telecommunications services across the region. This dual focus on energy and connectivity positions SECPA as a critical infrastructure provider, helping ensure Southeast Colorado remains both powered and connected in an increasingly digital world.

 

As a regional employer, SECPA and SECOM support a workforce of 95 employees and contribute approximately $7 million annually in wages into the local economy. These jobs not only provide stable employment but also support families, local businesses, and long-term economic stability throughout the communities they serve.

 

Reliability and responsiveness are at the core of SECPA’s operations. The organization maintains thousands of miles of distribution and transmission infrastructure that supports both residential and industrial energy needs. Whether responding to outages in the middle of the night or investing in system upgrades, SECPA remains committed to delivering safe, dependable power no matter the conditions.

 

That commitment is reinforced through ongoing investments in infrastructure and modernization. Over the past year, SECPA has invested more than $4.5 million into system improvements, while also advancing efforts to convert substations to SCADA technology. This allows for remote monitoring and improved system reliability. At the same time, SECOM has secured a $26 million grant to expand fiber connectivity to rural communities, ensuring that more residents have access to high-speed internet by the end of 2026.

 

Beyond infrastructure, the organization actively supports local fairs, 4-H livestock sales, and youth development programs across its service area. Through scholarships totaling more than $10,000 annually and a sponsored Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., SECPA continues to invest in the next generation of leaders in Southeast Colorado.

 

“SECPA is committed to serving the electrical needs of both existing and new members. Through a board-approved aid-to-construction program, we’re able to help offset the cost of new projects making it easier for members to expand existing operations or pursue new development opportunities,” shared CEO Mark Hall. His perspective reflects the cooperative’s mission: to provide high quality and reliable electric service at a reasonable cost to their members; improve their quality of life through new technologies and services; be a visible and active member of the community; and serve their members with respect, courtesy, and

responsiveness. “I’m proud to have served as a SECPA employee for the past 21 years, working every day to ensure our members’ electrical needs are met with reliability and care.”

 

As an Investor-Level Member of Prowers Economic Prosperity, SECPA plays a foundational role in supporting economic development across Southeast Colorado. Reliable and affordable electricity is essential to business operations, agricultural production, healthcare services, and overall quality of life. By continuing to invest in infrastructure, expand connectivity, and serve its members with consistency, SECPA helps ensure the region remains positioned for long-term growth and stability.

 

PEP is grateful for Southeast Colorado Power Association’s continued partnership and commitment to the communities it serves. Through its dedication to reliability, innovation, and service, SECPA continues to power not just homes and businesses, but the future of Southeast Colorado.

 

๐—Ÿ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป: La Junta, CO | Lamar, Springfield, Eads

๐—ฃ๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ: 719.384.2551

๐—ช๐—ฒ๐—ฏ๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฒ: www.secpa.com

๐—ฆ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐˜€: Electric Distribution, Outage Response, Energy Programs

๐—ฆ๐—˜๐—–๐—ข๐— : Broadband & Telecommunications

๐—ฆ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐—”๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ: 11 Counties across Southeast Colorado.

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March 2026

Lamar Community College

๐Œ๐š๐ซ๐œ๐ก ๐Œ๐ž๐ฆ๐›๐ž๐ซ ๐’๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ: ๐‹๐š๐ฆ๐š๐ซ ๐‚๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐‚๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ž๐ ๐ž

๐ธ๐‘›๐‘Ÿ๐‘–๐‘โ„Ž๐‘–๐‘›๐‘” ๐ฟ๐‘–๐‘ฃ๐‘’๐‘  ๐‘‡โ„Ž๐‘Ÿ๐‘œ๐‘ข๐‘”โ„Ž ๐ธ๐‘‘๐‘ข๐‘๐‘Ž๐‘ก๐‘–๐‘œ๐‘›

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For nearly nine decades, ๐—Ÿ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—บ๐—บ๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ถ๐˜๐˜† ๐—–๐—ผ๐—น๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ฒ (๐—Ÿ๐—–๐—–) has served as a cornerstone of education and opportunity in ๐—ฆ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜€๐˜ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—น๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ผ. Originally established in 1937 as the Junior College of Southeast Colorado, LCC continues to provide residents of Prowers, Baca, Kiowa, and Cheyenne counties and beyond with educational opportunities for individuals of all goals and career aspirations.

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As part of the Colorado Community College System, LCC offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs designed to prepare students to transfer into four-year colleges or universities or enter the workforce in high-demand industries. Its programs span fields including nursing, renewable energy, technology, business, agriculture, behavioral sciences, and, more recently, plumbing and heavy equipment.

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The impact of LCC extends far beyond the classroom. A 2017 economic impact study conducted by the research firm Ensi found that LCC students and alumni contributed $41.1 million to the regional economy. In recent years, that impact has continued to grow through new programs designed to meet the evolving needs of Southeast Colorado.

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The Spring 2026 semester marked another milestone with the launch of LCC’s Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business Administration, the college’s first four-year degree. Another notable recent development is the launch of LCC’s High School Diploma Program through the Adult Career Education Center. Introduced in Spring 2026, the tuition-free program allows working adults to complete their high school education while simultaneously taking college-level courses. As of early March, 17 students have enrolled, each working toward both their diploma and college credits.

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"This is a transformative moment for our college, our students, and Southeast Colorado," said Dr. Rosana Reyes, President of LCC, about the BAS. "Offering a bachelor’s degree right here at LCC opens new doors for local students and strengthens the workforce pipeline in our region."

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Looking ahead to the Fall 2026 semester, LCC plans to further expand educational opportunities that align with regional workforce needs by introducing five new associate degree and several new certificate programs in areas including health science, agriculture education, heavy equipment, and behavioral health.

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Student success remains central to LCC’s mission. Through programs like COSI ASAP, a replica of the nationally recognized Accelerated Study in Academic Pathways (ASAP) and supported by the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), students receive enhanced academic, tuition and housing support, a monthly stipend, and academic support to help them complete their degrees and reach their career goals.

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The college’s commitment to opportunity extends to its employees as well, reflecting a deep belief that institutional excellence begins with investing in people. By ensuring the vast majority of its workforce receives adjustments that keep pace with competitive wages, LCC affirms the value of their contributions. Beyond compensation, the College has created meaningful pathways for advancement through tuition reimbursement for bachelor’s and graduate studies, empowering employees to continue learning, grow in their careers, and model the very spirit of lifelong learning that defines the institution.

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As an Investor-Level Member of Prowers Economic Prosperity (PEP), LCC plays an essential role in building Southeast Colorado’s workforce. LCC staff actively participate in PEP’s Workforce Development Committee and collaborate on initiatives that connect education to local industry needs. One key example is the college’s soon-to-be launched concurrent enrollment program expansion in Welding. This grant-funded Welding Concurrent Program in four local high schools will bring equipment and curriculum to help students gain career-ready skills before graduation.

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Workforce development also drives LCC’s partnership with the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC). With a consistent presence on campus, SBDC supports entrepreneurs and small business owners across the region. In February 2026, the organization helped lead the soft relaunch of LCC’s Innovate & Make Space, a collaborative workspace where students, community members, and entrepreneurs can use advanced fabrication equipment to turn ideas into real products. Combined with over $19 million in campus renovations, these investments position the college as a hub for innovation, workforce training, and community growth.

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PEP is grateful for LCC’s continued partnership and its long-standing commitment to strengthening Southeast Colorado. By expanding access to education, supporting workforce development, and investing in the success of students and businesses alike, LCC continues to play a vital role in building a stronger regional economy.

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๐—Ÿ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป: 2401 S. Main Street, Lamar, CO 81052

๐—™๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—ฏ๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ: Lamar Community College

๐—ช๐—ฒ๐—ฏ๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฒ: www.lamarcc.edu

๐—ฃ๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ: 719-336-2248

February 2026

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High Plains Community Health Center

๐Œ๐ž๐ฆ๐›๐ž๐ซ ๐’๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ: ๐‡๐ข๐ ๐ก ๐๐ฅ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ฌ ๐‚๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐‡๐ž๐š๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐‚๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ซ

๐ด ๐ป๐‘’๐‘Ž๐‘™๐‘กโ„Ž๐‘๐‘Ž๐‘Ÿ๐‘’ ๐ด๐‘›๐‘โ„Ž๐‘œ๐‘Ÿ ๐‘Ž๐‘›๐‘‘ ๐ธ๐‘๐‘œ๐‘›๐‘œ๐‘š๐‘–๐‘ ๐‘ƒ๐‘Ž๐‘Ÿ๐‘ก๐‘›๐‘’๐‘Ÿ ๐‘“๐‘œ๐‘Ÿ ๐‘†๐‘œ๐‘ข๐‘กโ„Ž๐‘’๐‘Ž๐‘ ๐‘ก ๐ถ๐‘œ๐‘™๐‘œ๐‘Ÿ๐‘Ž๐‘‘๐‘œ

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๐—›๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต ๐—ฃ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ถ๐—ป๐˜€ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—บ๐—บ๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ถ๐˜๐˜† ๐—›๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—น๐˜๐—ต ๐—–๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ (HPCHC) has been a cornerstone of accessible, compassionate healthcare in Southeast Colorado for more than 30 years. As a Federally Qualified Health Center serving Prowers, Baca, Bent, and Kiowa counties, HPCHC plays a vital role in strengthening both community health and the region’s long-term stability.

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With clinic locations in Lamar and Holly, HPCHC provides integrated primary care, dental, and behavioral health services, ensuring patients can access comprehensive care close to home regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. This patient-centered model reduces barriers to care while supporting healthier, more resilient communities across the region.

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Beyond healthcare delivery, HPCHC is also a significant economic driver in Prowers County. With a growing workforce of 84 employees, the organization supports local jobs, attracts healthcare professionals to the area, and contributes to long-term workforce stability which remains an essential component of economic development in rural communities.

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HPCHC has made meaningful strides in strengthening continuity of care. After years of relying on temporary providers, the health center is now 100% staffed with in-house providers, allowing for stronger patient relationships and more consistent care. With additional providers expected to join the team in early 2026, High Plains is excited to announce that they are now open on Saturdays and accepting new patients. HPCHC’s goal is to grow the organization’s capacity in order to better serve Southeast Colorado through expanded access for working families and individuals across the region.

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“Having a fully staffed team of in-house providers allows us to build long-term relationships with our patients and provide the kind of consistent, high-quality care our region deserves—and on a schedule that meets their needs,” said Jeremy Carroll, CEO of High Plains Community Health Center.

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Community connection is central to HPCHC’s mission. The organization maintains a strong and essential partnership with Prowers Medical Center, helping ensure broad, coordinated, and equitable access to healthcare across Southeast Colorado. Beyond clinical collaboration, the HPCHC team is actively engaged in the community throughout the year by participating in events such as the Back 2 School Bash; Sand and Sage Fair activities including Family Night, Kids Day, and the Parade; the Suicide Awareness 5K; Beer and Brats for Boobies 5K; Trick or Treat Street; Community Thanksgiving; and Family Wellness Night, reinforcing its role as a trusted community partner.

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High Plains also collaborates with and supports numerous local organizations, including Lamar School District, Head Start, DSS, Parade of Lights, LCC Booster Club, the Holiday Basketball Tournament, Lamar Area Hospice, the City of Lamar Employee Wellness Fair, the Lamar Community College Career Fair, and Sparrow House, further demonstrating its commitment to community well-being beyond clinic walls.

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“We believe strong community involvement not only enriches the care we provide but also strengthens the trust and relationships we build with our patients,” says Jeremy Carroll. “By working alongside local partners and organizations, we’re able to promote a healthier, more connected, and more resilient community.”

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As an Investor-Level Member of Prowers Economic Prosperity (PEP), HPCHC plays an important role in strengthening the foundation that allows Southeast Colorado communities to thrive. Reliable access to comprehensive, high-quality healthcare supports workforce stability, helps families remain rooted locally, and contributes to the overall strength of the regional economy.

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PEP is grateful for High Plains Community Health Center’s continued partnership, leadership, and commitment to Southeast Colorado. Through its focus on accessibility, prevention, and collaboration, HPCHC helps ensure the region remains not only healthier but more connected, resilient, and positioned for the future.

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๐—Ÿ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป: Main Clinic - 201 Kendall Drive, Lamar CO

                 Family Health Center - 200 Kendall Drive, Lamar CO

                 Holly Clinic - 410 West Colorado, Holly CO

๐—™๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—ฏ๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ: High Plains Community Health Center

๐—ช๐—ฒ๐—ฏ๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฒ: www.highplainschc.net

๐—ฃ๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ: 719-336-0261

January 2026

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Prowers Medical Center

๐‰๐š๐ง๐ฎ๐š๐ซ๐ฒ ๐Œ๐ž๐ฆ๐›๐ž๐ซ ๐’๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ: ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ ๐Œ๐ž๐๐ข๐œ๐š๐ฅ ๐‚๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ซ

๐‘ƒ๐‘€๐ถ– ๐‘Œ๐‘œ๐‘ข๐‘Ÿ ๐‘ƒ๐‘™๐‘Ž๐‘๐‘’ ๐‘“๐‘œ๐‘Ÿ ๐ถ๐‘œ๐‘š๐‘๐‘™๐‘’๐‘ก๐‘’, ๐ถ๐‘œ๐‘š๐‘๐‘Ž๐‘ ๐‘ ๐‘–๐‘œ๐‘›๐‘Ž๐‘ก๐‘’ ๐ถ๐‘Ž๐‘Ÿ๐‘’

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๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐— ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—–๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ (PMC) has been a cornerstone of healthcare and community stability in Southeast Colorado for more than five decades. ๐—Ÿ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—Ÿ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ, PMC serves a four-county region—Prowers, Baca, Bent, and Kiowa counties—providing advanced, patient-centered care in a setting defined by hometown compassion.

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Designated as a Critical Access Hospital and Level IV Trauma Center, PMC operates a 99,000-square-foot campus with 25 private patient rooms and a full spectrum of services ranging from emergency care and primary care to surgery, orthopedics, women’s health, rehabilitation, and telemedicine. In 2023, PMC proudly reopened its New Beginnings Birth Center, re-establishing labor and delivery services and positioning the hospital as a regional hub for maternal care.

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Beyond the services it provides, PMC plays a vital role in the region’s economic health. With a workforce of more than 200 professionals, many of whom have deep local ties and long tenures, PMC is one of the area’s most stable employers. Its consistent provider base, specialty service stability, and ongoing investment in advanced certifications support not only quality care, but a strong and reliable workforce.

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“Healthcare is personal,” said Karen Bryant, CEO of Prowers Medical Center. “We make a difference in someone’s life each and every day through small moments that have a tremendous impact on a person’s health and well-being. That responsibility is both a rare privilege and a profound calling.”

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As an Investor-Level Contributor to Prowers Economic Prosperity (PEP), PMC demonstrates a clear understanding of the link between healthcare access and economic development. Strong healthcare infrastructure is a key factor in workforce retention, business attraction, and overall quality of life—making PMC an essential partner in regional growth.

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“Community economic health and hospital sustainability are closely connected,” Bryant added. “By working together, organizations with shared values can strengthen not just healthcare, but the future of our entire region.”

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PEP is grateful for Prowers Medical Center’s longstanding support, leadership, and commitment to collaboration. Through its investment in people, partnerships, and place, PMC continues to help ensure Southeast Colorado remains healthy, resilient, and positioned for long-term prosperity.

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Prowers Economic Prosperity would like to extend a heartfelt "THANK YOU" to PMC for being a valued member.

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๐—Ÿ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป: 401 Kendall Drive, Lamar CO 81052

๐—™๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—ฏ๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ: Prowers Medical Center

๐—ช๐—ฒ๐—ฏ๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฒ: www.prowersmedical.com

๐—ฃ๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ: 719-336-4343

September 2025

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City of Lamar

๐’๐ž๐ฉ๐ญ๐ž๐ฆ๐›๐ž๐ซ ๐Œ๐ž๐ฆ๐›๐ž๐ซ ๐’๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ: ๐‚๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐‹๐š๐ฆ๐š๐ซ – ๐€ ๐ƒ๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐…๐จ๐ซ๐œ๐ž ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐‘๐ž๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐š๐ฅ ๐†๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ก

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As a foundational public-sector contributor, the City of Lamar stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Prowers Economic Prosperity (PEP) in pursuing economic growth. From strategic visioning to hands-on collaboration, the City consistently demonstrates what it means to be a working partner in Southeast Colorado’s economic future.

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Like Prowers County, the City of Lamar contributes not only financially, but also through active leadership. The City’s designated voting delegate on the PEP Board of Directors is Anne-Marie Crampton, the City’s Community Development Director. Anne-Marie currently serves as PEP Board Secretary and has previously served as Board President—a testament to her enduring commitment and steady leadership.

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Over recent years, the City of Lamar has played a vital role in guiding and supporting key economic development initiatives. These include assisting in creating the Business Enhancement Grant Program and Common Incentive Application, as well as collaborating in the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for our future. PEP and its long-term partners are actively seeking opportunities to attract new businesses, developers, and

investors to the area—paving the way for job creation and long-term sustainability.

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The City’s commitment doesn’t end there. Lamar actively collaborates with PEP’s working committees, contributing valuable insight and alignment from its recent ten-year comprehensive plan. These efforts are shaping real-world solutions to the community and county’s most pressing needs, including housing and workforce development.

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“The City of Lamar is an essential partner in both the vision and execution of PEP’s work,” said PEP Executive Director Tallie Harmon. “Their collaborative approach, consistent leadership, and strategic alignment with our initiatives have helped turn ideas into action. Their support reflects a true commitment to meaningful, long-term growth for Southeast Colorado.”

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In recent years, the City of Lamar has strategically aligned itself with vital regional and state organizations, including Southeast Colorado Enterprise Development Inc., Southeast Council of Governments, Colorado Municipal League, and multiple State agencies, for example, Colorado’s Main Street effort led by the Department of Local Affairs. These alignments ensure project coordination, informed planning, and smart growth that reflects the region’s full potential.

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Brent Bates, PEP Project Assistant and current Lamar City Councilmember, shared, “I’m excited about the momentum we’re building. The collaboration between the City of Lamar and PEP is starting to show results—and it’s only the beginning. We have new wind in our sails, and we’re ready to make waves.”

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From governance and policy to on-the-ground partnerships, the City of Lamar continues to be a catalyst for growth—fostering relationships, embracing opportunities, and helping shape a brighter future for Southeast Colorado.

August 2025

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Prowers County 

๐— ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ฆ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐˜๐—น๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต๐˜: ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—–๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ป๐˜๐˜† – ๐—” ๐—™๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—™๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜€๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐˜๐˜†

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When it comes to building a stronger Southeast Colorado, ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—–๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ป๐˜๐˜† has long been more than just a partner—it’s been a pillar.

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As a founding member of ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—˜๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ถ๐—ฐ ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜€๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐˜๐˜† (๐—ฃ๐—˜๐—ฃ) since its inception in 2017, Prowers County has remained the organization’s largest public-sector contributor and one of its most steadfast champions. From strategic planning to hands-on project implementation, the County’s involvement is deeply woven into the fabric of PEP’s mission: creating a thriving, sustainable economy in Southeast Colorado.

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That commitment has translated into tangible outcomes across the region. Through County-backed incentive programs—including the ๐—•๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€ ๐—˜๐—ป๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜ ๐—š๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐˜ and the ๐—–๐—ผ๐—บ๐—บ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—œ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐—”๐—ฝ๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป—local businesses have been able to grow, innovate, and remain competitive.

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Prowers County has also played a central role in the development of housing strategy, acting as a key entity for grant acquisition and community alignment. Its collaboration with PEP and other stakeholders in the ๐—–๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐—˜๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ถ๐—ฐ ๐——๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜ ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ด๐˜† (๐—–๐—˜๐——๐—ฆ) further solidifies its leadership in shaping long-term solutions.

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And while infrastructure and incentives are critical, the County's impact extends far beyond brick and mortar. In partnership with PEP, state agencies, and educational institutions, Prowers County helped spearhead a robust career fair that reached high school students and adult job seekers alike—offering hands-on exposure to local industries, job-readiness workshops, and opportunities for workforce development.

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Additionally, the County worked closely with PEP to help bring Sewn Goods training and manufacturing to Southeast Colorado, an emerging initiative that continues to grow and create opportunities in the region.

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“๐—ช๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜ ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐˜€๐˜‚๐—ฝ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐˜๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐—ฝ๐˜‚๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฐ-๐˜€๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐˜๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ธ๐—ฒ ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—–๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ป๐˜๐˜†, ๐—ฃ๐—˜๐—ฃ ๐˜„๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—น๐—ฑ ๐—ป๐—ผ๐˜ ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ ๐˜„๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ถ๐˜ ๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐˜๐—ผ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐˜†,” said Executive Director Tallie Harmon. “๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ฝ ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐˜๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—–๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ป๐˜๐˜† ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—˜๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ถ๐—ฐ ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜€๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐˜๐˜† ๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ ๐—ฏ๐˜‚๐—ถ๐—น๐˜ ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฑ ๐˜„๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ธ, ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป, ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ท๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐˜ ๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ป๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—ฏ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด๐˜€ ๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜†๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ฒ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ฆ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜€๐˜ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—น๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ผ.”

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Prowers County’s leadership reminds us that economic development isn’t just about funding—it’s about vision, collaboration, and showing up for your community. From launching incentive programs to building new pathways for workforce growth, the County continues to lead with purpose.

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PEP is proud to recognize ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—–๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ป๐˜๐˜† as the first Member Spotlight, honoring not just years of support—but years of shared success.

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