Event Details

Wednesday, June 9, 2021 – Virtual

9:00am – 10:30am

Session Description: Join Amber Coté, Director of Education and Service Enterprise, Colorado Nonprofit Association, for this deep dive into the critical role board members play at nonprofit organizations. Topics covered will include expectations for board members, as well as the governance, financial and legal roles and responsibilities they assume when joining a board. Attendees will also learn how effective boards operate and how to create strong board/staff partnerships. Amber will share stories from the field and her experience working with and serving on boards for over 20 years.

Presenter: Amber Coté

  • Hello, I’m Amber, Director of Education and Service Enterprise for the Association. I was born in Colorado, an only child raised by a single mom, and now the proud mom of an only child. I have the privilege of living in my hometown where four generations of my family reside, along with a host of two-and-four-legged chosen-family. I’ve worked in nonprofits most of my adult life with over 20 years in leadership and governance roles for regional and statewide organizations. I bring a depth of knowledge in diverse aspects of nonprofit management, including program development, human resources, fund development, public speaking, and strategic alliances. I’ve served on and for dozens of boards and committees over the years, experiencing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Through those experiences, I have developed a passion for working with people around board governance so we can all better understand how it works best to truly meet the needs of communities. A few boards and committees I’ve particularly enjoyed being elected to are: The Women & Girls of Color Fund Advisory Council with the Womens’ Foundation; Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Board; Urban Peak Board; Colorado Springs Fine Art Center Board; Center for Nonprofit Excellence Board; El Pomar Foundation’s, Emerging Leaders Development Program – Asian Advisory Council Co-Chair, to name a few. In my role at Colorado Nonprofit Association, I get to bring people changemakers together in learning environments, where they learn from one another as much as they learn from subject matter experts. As a lifelong learner, myself, I am thrilled to get to walk alongside people on their personal and professional development path.

Panel Description: Everyone needs access to quality healthcare. This panel will tell the story of health access in Northeast Colorado, both before the pandemic and now, over a year from when the pandemic began. Discussion will center on affordability, mental health, telehealth and the unique challenges marginalized communities face in accessing care.

Facilitator: Kevin Stansbury, JD, MS, CEO Lincoln Community Hospital and Care Center

Panelists:

  • Dr. Liz Hickman, Executive Director of Centennial Mental Health Center
  • Dr. Tillman Farley, Chief Medical Officer with Salud Family Health Centers
  • Dr. Jeffrey Bacon, DO, Chief Medical Officer with Sterling Regional MedCenter
  • Cathy Harshbarger, BSN, MHA, Chief Executive Officer at Melissa Memorial Hospital

Panel Description: Communities that create outdoor recreation and open space experience improvements in physical and psychological health. Such enhancements have also been shown to not only make neighborhoods attractive places to live but have proven to make a positive economic impact as well. In Colorado, a majority of funding activities occur in the mountains or on the Front Range. But more and more communities on the Eastern Plains are taking advantage of funding such as Colorado Trails and GOCO grants to create trail systems, enhancing public parks, and to improve fairgrounds. Join this panel and hear more about the type of funding available along with some of the projects receiving awards.

Facilitator: Betsy Blecha, Rural Communities Advocate. Currently a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioner and former Jackson County Commissioner

Panelists:

  • Ty Hamer, PGA, CPW, Director of Community Services City of Fort Morgan
  • Cynthia D. Nieb, Director, Urban Renewal, Economic Development, Main Street & CLG
  • Andrea Calhoun, Yuma County Administrator
  • Todd Schmidt, Area Wildlife Manager – Brush, Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Session Description: Recently, the Town of Eagle ceased using an outside communication firm for day-to-day communications and brought the process in-house, without adding staff, changing job descriptions, and with improved service. Learn how smart use of work flow technology, social media management programs, and your own internal communications can be transformed into meaningful public engagement with little additional effort.

Presenter: William Shrum

  • Bill is currently the Assistant Town Manager in Eagle, CO, beginning in 2021 after earning his Executive MPA from CU-Denver and completing the DOLA Best and Brightest Management Internship and Fellowship. As the Assistant Town Manager, Bill oversees the departments of Innovation, Broadband, Communications, Economic Development, Marketing and Events, and Sustainability. Bill has previously been an entrepreneur, starting several businesses and working in media and communications for startups, non-profits, universities, and multi-national media publishers. Bill has a Bachelor of Environmental Design and Master of Communication Degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Session Description: Selecting new technology tools to support your work can be an overwhelming task. Often, decisions are made urgently and based on past or current needs. In this session, we will discuss how to think and act strategically — with the future in mind — about technology decisions. We’ll review common challenges of selecting and maintaining new technology tools as a small organization and some best practices (and practical tips!) for how to overcome these challenges. We’ll work in small groups to practice the skills learned and help individuals solve real technology challenges they are currently facing. If your organization is thinking about a centralized CRM/database for the first time, looking for a new online donation or volunteer platform, or in the midst of any other technology decision, this session is for you.

Presenter: Emily Hinck

  • Emily founded Singletrack Consulting in 2019 to support nonprofit leaders with process improvement and related technology solutions. Prior to this, she worked in various roles with local, national, and international nonprofit organizations focused on communications, fundraising, technology, and cross-team collaboration. Most recently, Emily spent four years supporting nonprofit organizations as a Salesforce consultant. She excels at evaluating business requirements and refining and designing high-performing processes and systems customized to organizational goals. Emily is passionate about working with nonprofit organizations to increase operational efficiency and therefore better fulfill their missions and has a track record of success in the areas of process improvement for donor, volunteer & stakeholder relationships, grant management & administration, reporting & data analysis, and internal & external communication strategies. Emily holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University, is a certified Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Consultant, and serves in a volunteer capacity with Social Venture Partners of Boulder County.

Session Description: This training session aims to help organizations better fulfill their mission by teaching participants how to conduct and implement a successful fund development campaign. Examples and real stories will be shared of rural community campaigns that have made significant impacts. Participants will work together in brief breakout sessions in order to help start the planning process.

Presenter: Alan Sherwood, MBA, CFRE

  • Alan Sherwood MBA, CFRE is President of Sherwood Consulting Service. The Firm specializes in Feasibility Studies, Capital and Endowment Campaigns, and Executive Search. They serve clients throughout the Midwest and Rocky Mountain Region. Sherwood has over 30 years nonprofit executive management experience, having created comprehensive institutional advancement and development programs for different organizations. He is the owner and founder of the consulting firm. As such, he has successfully conducted over 50 Campaigns from $500,000 to $18 million. He has consistently presented engaging workshops for a variety of organizations, including CRC of America, RPD conferences, AFP and AHP. Also author of Successfully Unemployed: Finding or Creating Your Dream Job on Amazon. www.SherwoodCSI.com www.SuccessfullyUnemployed.com
11:00am – 12:30pm

Session Description: Advocacy for Nonprofits is an essential best practice, positioning nonprofits to educate and engage their communities and advocate for just and inclusive solutions. This session will: demystify advocacy – Clarify the rules and regulations for nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organizations; introduce tactics and strategies best suited for nonprofits; and explore opportunities to get started in the coming year.

Presenter: Alex McHenry

  • Alex brings over ten years of experience in the fields of education, leadership, and community engagement. As the Community Engagement Program Manager, Alex oversees CRC’s civic engagement programs including the Participation Project and The Root Causes Network helping nonprofits to build and strengthen their advocacy efforts. While born and raised in Denver, Alex has spent the majority of her adult life moving around the US and abroad, including living in Kenya and Malaysia, and she is happy to once more be settled in the sunny state of Colorado. Alex has a masters’ degree in conservation social science and is passionate about working at a systems level to tackle complex social issues. In her free time, Alex can be found hiking, playing volleyball, or exploring one of Denver’s many thrift stores.

Session Description: This interactive session will discuss the power of AmeriCorps service to strengthen organizations throughout the state of Colorado. AmeriCorps Grantmakers and Community Resource Center will provide insight into the impact of this Network of National Service Programs and how to tap into this valuable resource. Discussion will be held on the key differences between the streams of service and close with audience Q&A.

Presenter: Megan Carter

  • Megan is the AmeriCorps Program Coordinator with Community Resource Center, working to support nonprofits and community groups across Colorado to build their capacity through AmeriCorps service. Megan has a background in statistical analysis and specializes in Industrial and Organizational psychology as well as experimental social psychology. Megan is an AmeriCorps VISTA alumni and enjoys creating the same transformative opportunity for others to participate in national service as they experienced themself.

Session Description: Are you confused when you look at your nonprofit’s financials? Would you like to have a better understanding of the financial reports discussed during your board meetings or with funders? This is a session for anyone who wants to learn how to interpret basic nonprofit financial statements, or just needs a refresher.

Presenter: Julie Lerudis

  • Julie is the Director of Finance & Operations at the Boettcher Foundation and is also a certified public accountant. She has over 25 years’ experience in project management and accounting in nonprofit, healthcare, and real estate sectors. She began her career with Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Prior to joining the Boettcher Foundation is 2007, Julie was an auditor at Kundinger, Corder & Engle, P.C. in Denver, which specialized in nonprofit accounting.

Session Description: This interactive session will present best practices and tips for success in seeking and writing grants. Participants will understand the essential elements included in a grant proposal, terminology, research and grant management tools. As a participant, you will learn how to utilize nonprofit best practices to make your grants even more competitive.

Presenter: Nellie Stagg

  • Nellie is the Director of Rural Programs at Community Resource Center, working with hundreds of rural nonprofit leaders across the state to strengthen their organizations and communities. Nellie has a background in rural programmatic management, nonprofit capacity building, and data informed decision making. A proud AmeriCorps NCCC alumni, Nellie understands the value of national service and the impact it can have on individuals, organizations, and communities. As a former Program Officer with Serve Colorado – the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, Nellie brings the unique perspective of having been a grant maker overseeing a portfolio rural and developing programs across the state. When not driving across Colorado, she can be found at the library, in a makerspace, or in the garden.

Session Description: In this talk, It’s Not About You: A Radical Approach to Talking About Your Organization So People Will Engage, Adam Wills – a StoryBrand Certified Guide – will share seven simple marketing principles proven to grow organizations. After this keynote presentation and short workshop, you’ll walk away knowing how to capture your audience’s attention and compel them to engage. Stop worrying about your marketing, and start feeling hopeful about your work again.

Presenter: Adam Wills

  • Adam is a Marketing & Website Strategist and Owner of StoryWeb Creative. After seeing so many people waste money on marketing strategies that don’t work, he decided to do something about it. Adam became Certified in the StoryBrand 7-Part Framework which helps companies eliminate confusion and communicate clearly with their customers so they can grow their business. As a StoryBrand Certified Guide, Adam is trained and licensed by StoryBrand to create marketing collateral for customers using the StoryBrand 7-Part Framework. By using the power of story you will engage your customers like never before and drive more revenue and engagement for your organization.

Panel Description:  Local government officials representing a wide spread of the counties in the Northeast region will discuss how their communities have changed since Rural Philanthropy Days was last hosted in the region in Holyoke & Haxtun in 2016. As our communities emerge from the 2020 pandemic, panelists will candidly discuss the struggles and successes of their counties, and will share how they see the role of the nonprofit sector intersecting with local government to make lasting change.

Facilitator: Chantal Unfug, Director of the Division of Local Government, Colorado Department of Local Affairs 

Panelists:

  • Greg Tacha, Limon Town Manager 
  • Steve Glammeyer, Fort Morgan City Manager
  • James DePue, Wray City Manager
12:45pm – 1:30pm

Like the break room at your office, only bigger! Join funders and your colleagues from across the region for an informal virtual networking opportunity. After a quick break to warm-up your lunch, sit down and connect with other participants in our networking breakout rooms. You’ll have the option to join the room(s) of your choice separated by organizational focus area (including youth serving, environmental, health, economic development, arts, etc) or join one of our open connection spaces.

Don’t miss out on this fun and informal opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new potential partners!

Facilitator: Maria Fabula, President & CEO of CRC

1:30pm – 3:00pm

Panel Description: Discussing the development of rural Colorado communities through the arts, discussion of successful projects seen across the Northeast and beyond.

Facilitator: Meredith Badler, Deputy Director, Colorado Business Committee for the Arts

Panelists:

  • Audrey Sayles, Some Girls and a Mural
  • Apryl Huleskamp, President, Lincoln County Tourism Board
  • Mandy Ritter, Sterling Creative District

Session Description: Succession planning in nonprofit organizations is one of the least understood, yet most frequently talked about topics – it is the most critical element to having a sustainable nonprofit. Besides explaining why a succession plan is so critical participants will learn specific strategies for developing a smooth transition plan whether for a board or an executive level.

Presenter: Richard Male

  • Richard was the founder and executive director of CRC for 17 years and the founder of rural philanthropy days. In addition, he was the co-founder of the Colorado Nonprofit Association, Community Shares of Colorado and has worked with nonprofit organizations for 40+ years, helping to build their capacity around fundraising, leadership, strategic planning and a variety of organizational issues. Rich has worked throughout the United States and internationally in Asia, Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Session Description: Join us for a workshop intended to inspire and empower by sharing practices, testimony and initiatives that are helping employers benefit from hiring and retaining employees that come from marginalized populations. Come learn about the successes and challenges of employers that have been intentional about working with vulnerable populations, and the resources available to organizations that take action to create a more inclusive workforce. We will also name and deconstruct some of the biases we may have in regard to the employment of individuals from disenfranchised communities.

Presenter: Debra Brown

  • Debra has extensive experience with both business and nonprofit organizations. She was the Co-Founder and CEO of MobilizeUs, a social enterprise that provides organizations with affordable and effective text messaging and mobile marketing services. Debra also has over twenty years of experience in launching and growing nonprofit organizations, with concentrated expertise in grassroots fundraising. Prior to starting Good Business Colorado and running MobilizeUs, Debra served as the Director of the Colorado Community Organizers Collaborative Grassroots Fundraising Project, the US Outreach Coordinator for DocFactory, and was the Community Relations Liaison for the Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center. Debra is a Colorado native who graduated Summa cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a degree in political science.

Session Description: Build your capacity to write competitive grants by gaining a deeper understanding of all that goes into a successful application – beyond just answering the questions. In this interactive session you will learn and discuss how to structure a grant narrative for maximum effectiveness, build data systems for impactful grant reporting, strengthen funder relationships and cultivate donors, create sustainable grant management tools, and build a culture of philanthropy across your organization.

Presenter: Nellie Stagg

  • Nellie Stagg is the Senior Program Director at Community Resource Center, working with hundreds of rural nonprofit leaders across the state to strengthen their organizations and communities. Nellie has a background in rural programmatic management, nonprofit capacity building, and data informed decision making. A proud AmeriCorps NCCC alumni, Nellie understands the value of national service and the impact it can have on individuals, organizations, and communities. As a former Program Officer with Serve Colorado – the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, Nellie brings the unique perspective of having been a grant maker overseeing a portfolio rural and developing programs across the state. When not driving across Colorado, she can be found at the library, in a makerspace, or in the garden.

Panel Description: A panel discussion between various organizations reaching children, youth and families throughout Northeast Colorado, including childcare, home visitation, youth-led programming and a family resource center. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of the major strengths and key challenges in this work across the Northeast region.

Facilitator: Hillary Fulton, Senior Program Officer, The Colorado Health Foundation

Panelists:

  • Ruth Seedorf, Executive Director, Baby Bear Hugs
  • Jodi Walker, Executive Director, Kids at their Best
  • Margo Ebersole, Executive Director, Rural Communities Resource Center
  • Michelle Sharp, Executive Director, Early Childhood Council of Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick Counties

Session Description: This workshop explores the fundamentals of creating and running an effective, efficient and sustainable volunteer program including: identifying and documenting potential volunteer roles, determining appropriate intake and screening processes, developing necessary orientation and training components, managing and tracking volunteer assignments, and recognizing and retaining your vital volunteers. This is a skill-building workshop in which participants are encouraged to reflect upon and share ideas about practical applications in their own organizations, and takeaways will be concrete plans for volunteer program enhancements.

Presenter: Traci Lato-Smith, CVA

  • Traci Lato-Smith, a Certified Volunteer Administrator, has spent her career developing systems for engaging volunteers to support mission-focused work. Traci has created vibrant volunteer engagement strategies for organizations in the fields of social justice, senior advocacy and education, and consults on building infrastructure for effective and efficient volunteer engagement across all sectors.
7:00pm – 8:30pm

Enjoy a relaxing evening with our welcome reception at the Tamarack Golf Course and Country Club.  This golf course is one of the oldest 9 hole courses in the state and is nicknamed the “jewel of the plains.”  Bask in the views of the prairie sunset beyond the course on the lit outdoor patio while networking and indulging in local favorite sweets and drinks

Thursday, June 10, 2021 – In-Person

8:00am – 9:00am

Join your fellow RPD attendees at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds for breakfast and informal networking. 

9:00am – 9:20am

Fairgrounds – Pavilion

9:20am – 10:00am

Join Matt Carpenter from El Pomar for a Family Feud style Networking event! Get to know other attendees through a Family Feud style event – Northeast Colorado Edition! – imagining how people responded to prompts like “Feeding harvest crews is vital to getting work done! Name a popular food to feed the crew during work on the farm:”

10:15am – 12:00pm

We kick-off in person programming with an energizing activity and interactive conversation about the strengths, needs, and opportunities facing Northeast Colorado. Facilitated small and full-group engagement will bring nonprofits, community leaders, and funders together for reflection, connection, and visioning.

12:00pm – 1:00pm
1:00pm – 2:30pm

Session Description: This interactive session will present best practices and tips for success in seeking and writing grants. Participants will understand the essential elements included in a grant proposal, terminology, research and grant management tools. As a participant, you will learn how to utilize nonprofit best practices to make your grants even more competitive.

Presenter: Nellie Stagg

  • Nellie is the Senior Program Director at Community Resource Center, working with hundreds of rural nonprofit leaders across the state to strengthen their organizations and communities. Nellie has a background in rural programmatic management, nonprofit capacity building, and data informed decision making. A proud AmeriCorps NCCC alumni, Nellie understands the value of national service and the impact it can have on individuals, organizations, and communities. As a former Program Officer with Serve Colorado – the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, Nellie brings the unique perspective of having been a grant maker overseeing a portfolio rural and developing programs across the state. When not driving across Colorado, she can be found at the library, in a makerspace, or in the garden.

Session Description: This workshop will cover outward-facing and social media communication strategies for non-profits. This workshop will be helpful whether you have one hour or 10 hours a week dedicated to communications. Although this will be (primarily) a high-level presentation, participants will leave with tools for their communications toolbox they will be able to use immediately. The focus of the workshop for NE RPD will be on traditional media.

Presenter: Joe Haines

  • Joe brings more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. He has a wealth of experience working with many different populations including, people experiencing homelessness, youth, individuals with disabilities, and feral and stray cats. Currently, he is the Executive Director at Yampatika in Steamboat Springs, where he aims to inspire environmental stewardship through education. Joe is a life-long chess enthusiast and enjoys the outdoors, including hiking and biking.

Session Description: Too often nonprofits are asked to take on the burden of evaluation and do not reap internal benefits from the collected data. Organizations need to be supported throughout the evaluation or data collection process to identify and think about what is useful to learn. This presentation will provide a dynamic and interactive session on theories and practices which enable learning environments when using data. Hands on tools and practical resources will be shared for further self-education and use.

Presenter: Natalie De Sole

  • Natalie started Rooted-Growth to coach mission-driven organizations to develop, process, and use data. Her mission is to build positive learning environments with all her clients. Natalie grew up in Western and Southern Africa. Her mother’s family has been in Colorado for many generations, and father is from Italy. She deeply values how context and opportunities effect one’s ability to use data. Natalie received her M.S.W. focused in Social Policy and Evaluation from the University of Michigan in 2011 and teaches Macro Social Work Capstone classes at Metropolitan State University.

Through facilitated small group dialogues leadership from Northeast based nonprofits will workshop a specific problem, roadblock, or challenging scenario that they are experiencing within their organization or wider work collaboratively with their peers. Nonprofit leaders will give and receive practical advice on an issue they are facing and foster deeper relationship building among seasoned nonprofit staff across the region.  Come prepared to ask questions and share resources. 

The target audience for this session are leaders of nonprofit organizations including Executive Directors, Program Directors, Board members, etc. 

Facilitator: Rebecca Gorrell, Chief Program Officer of CRC

A curated exploration of the rich history and vibrant culture of Lincoln County. Choose to take this self-paced tour during the conference time slots for a more in-depth experience where certain locations will be attended by knowledgeable staff or volunteers.

3:00pm – 4:30pm

Session Description: Build your capacity to write competitive grants by gaining a deeper understanding of all that goes into a successful application – beyond just answering the questions. In this interactive session you will learn and discuss how to structure a grant narrative for maximum effectiveness, build data systems for impactful grant reporting, strengthen funder relationships and cultivate donors, create sustainable grant management tools, and build a culture of philanthropy across your organization.

Presenter: Nellie Stagg

  • Nellie is the Senior Program Director at Community Resource Center, working with hundreds of rural nonprofit leaders across the state to strengthen their organizations and communities. Nellie has a background in rural programmatic management, nonprofit capacity building, and data informed decision making. A proud AmeriCorps NCCC alumni, Nellie understands the value of national service and the impact it can have on individuals, organizations, and communities. As a former Program Officer with Serve Colorado – the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, Nellie brings the unique perspective of having been a grant maker overseeing a portfolio rural and developing programs across the state. When not driving across Colorado, she can be found at the library, in a makerspace, or in the garden.

Session Description: This workshop will cover outward-facing and social media communication strategies for non-profits. This workshop will be helpful whether you have one hour or 10 hours a week dedicated to communications. Although this will be (primarily) a high-level presentation, participants will leave with tools for their communications toolbox they will be able to use immediately. The focus of the workshop for NERPD will be on social media.

Presenter: Joe Haines

  • Joe brings more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. He has a wealth of experience working with many different populations including, people experiencing homelessness, youth, individuals with disabilities, and feral and stray cats. Currently, he is the Executive Director at Yampatika in Steamboat Springs, where he aims to inspire environmental stewardship through education. Joe is a life-long chess enthusiast and enjoys the outdoors, including hiking and biking.

Session Description: Each personality type brings skills to successful teams. Learn how to identify them, how they interact and how this knowledge helps you build successful teams in businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and charitable organizations.

Presenter: Catherine Shull

  • A native of Northeast Colorado, I also spent much of my youth on a cattle ranch in Gunnison, Colorado. I was active in 4-H (both home ec and ag), editor of my school paper and an early overachiever. I started my career in banking as the secretary to the President. I worked at several banks around the state finishing up as an officer before my attention was focused elsewhere. I then managed Embassy Suites hotels all over the country and ended up back in Northeast Colorado as the director of the local chamber for 10 years. Sage Strategies started part-time and has evolved to a full time business to which I have added Discover Rural, a tourism website  and Rural Drive By – Photos From the Road.  I have a B. S. in Hotel Administration from University of Nevada at Las Vegas and am currently working on an M. S. in Organizational Leadership from CSU-Global.

Through facilitated small group dialogues leadership from Northeast based nonprofits will workshop a specific problem, roadblock, or challenging scenario that they are experiencing within their organization or wider work collaboratively with their peers. Nonprofit leaders will give and receive practical advice on an issue they are facing and foster deeper relationship building among seasoned nonprofit staff across the region.  Come prepared to ask questions and share resources. 

The target audience for this session are leaders of nonprofit organizations including Executive Directors, Program Directors, Board members, etc. 

Facilitator: Rebecca Gorrell, Chief Program Officer of CRC

A curated exploration of the rich history and vibrant culture of Lincoln County. Choose to take this self-paced tour during the conference time slots for a more in-depth experience where certain locations will be attended by knowledgeable staff or volunteers.

5:30pm – 8:30pm

On Thursday evening, enjoy a relaxing good ole fashioned country BBQ featuring brisket and all the fixings with drinks, outdoors at the Limon Heritage Museum and Railroad Park that features historic relics, butterfly and flower gardens with a pergola for networking opportunities.  The boxcars and dining cars will be open, as well as the depot and museum for your viewing.  Horse and carriage rides will be available to take you on a ride of the downtown Limon area.  We can’t forget the live music entertainment!

Friday, June 11, 2021 – In-Person

8:00am – 9:30am

Join your fellow RPD attendees at Hipstirs for breakfast and informal networking. 

9:00am – 12:00pm

PLEASE NOTE THIS TOUR WILL TAKE PLACE ON A SCHOOL BUS WITH LIMITED REGISTRATION

Participants will convene at the Hugo Roundhouse at 9am. A speaker on the bus will provide a guided tour of Karval. You will travel to find a small town that is famous for its annual Plover Festival and is a rich culture and community that thrives on since 1872.

Although Karval is an unincorporated town in Lincoln County, the impact that the town has on the county is tremendous. An agricultural economy, you can see corn and wheat fields along the prairie horizon. With the grocery store closing in the 2000’s, the community now relies on the Karval Food Pantry.  For some members of the community the food pantry is the main source of how they receive their food needs.  During this tour you will listen how the pantry works and other resources they use to make it a successful operation.

You will be able to see and experience how the Karval Community Alliance comes together at the Karval Community Center.  The tour guide will discuss how economic growth in agro tourism, local ecology, and how Karval preserves and protects this amazing community that many have called home.  Another pivotal spot on the tour is to the Lower L Feeds store that is a local ranch and farm supply business that is owned by a devoted long-time Karval family.

In 2019 the local fire department received funds for a new building. You will see the new building on the tour and hear from Dianne and Jess about the impact the fire department has on the community and surrounding areas. Karval may not have many stores or a booming population, but they have more than any community could ever need.  They have each other and the grit to thrive for generations to come.  Stop and visit anyone from Karval and I promise you will be a changed person by the time you leave.

Venues

Hipstir Wagon Food Truck (1098 Main Street Limon CO 80821): An artisanal bakery in a food trailer based in Limon, CO and we want to serve good food to anyone who wants to eat it. All of our products are hand made from quality basic ingredients here inside the trailer.

Limon Heritage Museum and Railroad Park (899 1st St, Limon, CO 80828): On Thursday evening, enjoy a relaxing good ole fashioned country BBQ featuring brisket and all the fixings with drinks, outdoors at the Limon Heritage Museum and Railroad Park that features historic relics, butterfly and flower gardens with a pergola for networking opportunities. The boxcars and dining cars will be open, as well as the depot and museum for your viewing. Horse and carriage rides will be available to take you on a ride of the downtown Limon area. We can’t forget the live music entertainment!

Lincoln County Fairgrounds (33747 County Rd 2W, Hugo, CO 80821): Lincoln County Fairgrounds was first the location of the Willow Springs Stop founding the start of the settlement in Hugo. The Lincoln County Fairgrounds are central to everyone in Lincoln County, being the largest event center in the County and home to a robust summer events and rodeo schedule every year!

Tamarack Golf Course and Country Club (50771 CO-71, Limon, CO 80828): This golf course is one of the oldest 9 hole courses in the state and is nicknamed the “jewel of the plains.” Bask in the views of the prairie sunset beyond the course on the lit outdoor patio while networking and indulging in local favorite sweets and drinks.

The Depot at Hines Park (675 4th Avenue Hugo Colorado 80821): This landmark building now known as the Eastern Trails Depot, started life as an actual Union Pacific passenger depot. It was originally located along the Union Pacific tracks but is now located on the southeast side of Main Street. The depot has been completely restored and also houses the furnishings from Lincoln County’s original court house are set up on display in the East end room of the Depot.

The Garage Workspace (507 4th St, Hugo, CO 80821): At the Garage we are working to revitalize this neglected property located on the main street of Hugo, Colorado. Built in 1954 as a gas service station and motor lodge, we are now working diligently to renew this derelict building and surrounding property, repurposing it into a space that fosters innovation, productivity, creativity and community.

Union Pacific Roundhouse (3rd Ave, Hugo, CO 80821): Constructed in 1909, the Hugo Union Pacific Railroad Roundhouse is one of only three remaining from the original pre-merger Union Pacific Railroad, with this being the only one in Colorado. It’s one of only four historic roundhouses left in Colorado and the only one associated with the Union Pacific Railroad. It’s also the only surviving brick roundhouse in the state and one of the most significant historical sites on Colorado’s Central Plains.