Durango, Colo. — (April 14, 2020) — The Southwest Colorado Disaster Assistance (SWCODA) officially introduces the La Plata County Economic Recovery Task Force, a group of over 30 leaders from business, nonprofit and civic organizations from the region who have been meeting since the outbreak of COVID-19.

The Task Force is dedicated towards the immediate response and assistance for local businesses’ and organizations who have been economically impacted by COVID-19, as well as supporting the future recovery and economic development of La Plata County.

“This group originated in response to the 416 Fire and has naturally bonded even stronger since COVID-19,”  said Tim Walsworth, Executive Director of the Durango Business Improvement District. “We recognize local businesses are faced with unprecedented challenges and an overwhelming amount of information right now. As a local group of leaders you know and trust, our efforts are focused on supporting, advocating and recovering locally, together.”   

Emerging under the same mission of SWCODA, to share resources and raise awareness during emergencies, the Task Force’s efforts can be found at www.swcoda.org/la-plata-economic-recovery-taskforce.

Constantly evolving on a weekly basis surrounding the group’s collective understanding of federal, state and regional resources as well as the feedback from local businesses, the Task Force is creating tools to help navigate the challenging times. For example, Task Force members from the La Plata Economic Development Alliance created a “Business Resource Playbook” and are hosting regular webinars to help disseminate the overwhelming amount of data and information available into a guide curated for local businesses.

Launching on April 15, the Task Force will be hosting free business marketing sessions presented by various local marketing experts for local businesses to sharpen their online presence during Colorado’s stay at home executive order. For the 20-day class schedule and more information, please visit: https://www.swcoda.org/la-plata-county-economic-taskforce/business-marketing

SWCODA.org and the Task Force is also committed to helping local nonprofit organiations with resources as well as raising awareness and drive fundraising for the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF).

For more information please visit www.swcoda.org/la-plata-economic-recovery-taskforce.

To contact SWCODA or the La Plata County Economic Recovery Task Force please email swcoda@gmail.com.

 About SWCODA

The mission of SWCODA is to share resources and raise awareness during times of crisis or emergency situations, and help residents and businesses based in Southwest Colorado including the five counties of La Plata, San Juan, Archuleta, Montezuma and Dolores. A major function of SWCODA is to raise awareness and assist with fundraising efforts, including the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF). Please visit www.swcoda.org to get involved and learn more.

About La Plata County Economic Recovery Task Force:

Motivated by the vitality of La Plata County’s local economy, the group is comprised of leaders from business, nonprofit and civic organizations from the region working in collaboration during the COVID-19 outbreak with immediate response, assistance and future recovery resources. The Task Force is represented and supported by Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado, Durango Business Improvement District, Bayfield Chamber of Commerce, City of Durango, Colorado Restaurant Association, Durango Chamber of Commerce, Durango/La Plata County Airport, Farmington Chamber of Commerce, Fort Lewis College, Ignacio Chamber of Commerce, Keller Williams, La Plata County, La Plata County Economic Development Alliance, Local First, Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Region 9 Economic Development District, San Juan Basin Public Health, SCAPE, Small Business Development Center, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Start Up Colorado, Town of Ignacio, Vallecito Chamber, Visit Durango.

Please visit www.swcoda.org/la-plata-county-economic-recovery-task-force to learn more.