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Mission & Vision

Empowering Opportunity. Anchored in Place.

 

At the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation, our mission is clear: to ensure Chaffee County remains “open for business”—by fostering the retention, expansion, and creation of jobs to sustain a vibrant, year-round economy.

We envision a stronger, more resilient Chaffee County—one where entrepreneurs, community partners, and public agencies converge to drive innovation, economic diversity, and opportunity rooted in our mountain lifestyle

  • A Unified Network for Growth
    We serve as a “one-stop shop,” connecting businesses with local, state, and federal resources—making sure startups, relocators, and established ventures have the guidance they need to succeed.

  • Strategic Partnerships That Matter
    From the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to Colorado Mountain College and the Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments, we leverage strong regional relationships to streamline support and amplify impact.

  • Year-Round Economic Resilience
    We believe that entrepreneurship and innovation are key to diversifying beyond tourism—building a balanced, sustainable economy for all seasons and all communities.

Chaffee County | Heart of The Rockies

About the Area: Chaffee County at a Glance

Chaffee County, “the Heart of the Rockies,” sits at a population of approximately 20,780 as of 2024, with a median age of 47.6 years and a median household income of roughly $40,112 in 2023. Source – US Census Bureau. Communities here are tightly knit, anchored by friendly towns and a thriving economy.

20k

Population

47.6

Median Age
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Chaffee County | Areas We Serve

Key Communities:

  • Salida — The county seat and largest city, housing around 6,007 (2024) – (US Census Bureau) residents. It’s a creative hub with Colorado’s first Certified Creative District, home to art galleries, boutiques, poets, and cultural venues. City of Salida Website

  • Buena Vista — A statutory town of just 3,127 (2024), perched at 8,000 feet above sea level with rich mining-era roots and historic character. Buena Vista Website

  • Poncha Springs — Known as the “Crossroads of the Rockies,” this growing town has seen its population rise from about 925 in 2020 to 1,406 in 2024. Poncha Springs Website

  • Chaffee County Government — Chaffee County’s government oversees essential services, resources, and community programs for residents across the region.

    🔗 Visit the Official Chaffee County Website

About The Area | Adventure At Every Turn

Explore Our Mountain Playground

Chaffee County is where adventure and innovation meet. Raft the Arkansas River, ski Monarch Mountain, soak at Mount Princeton, and explore a thriving arts and entrepreneurial scene in Salida, Buena Vista, and Poncha Springs. Whether you’re building a business or seeking inspiration, Chaffee invites you to live, grow, and belong.

  • Rivers & Rapids: Experience over 100 miles of Gold Medal fly-fishing, world-class whitewater rafting in Browns Canyon, and even river surfing on the Arkansas’ standing waves.

  • Peaks & Trails: With 12 towering fourteeners and hundreds of miles of trails, Chaffee County is a hiker’s and mountain biker’s paradise, offering alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and sweeping vistas.

  • Snow & Soaks: Ski Monarch Mountain’s 350 inches of annual snowfall, then unwind at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort’s mineral pools and spa after a day of adventure.

  • Culture & Creativity: Explore Salida’s Certified Creative District, Buena Vista’s music venues, and Poncha Springs’ community festivals—where art, innovation, and entrepreneurship thrive alongside outdoor adventure.

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Meet our amazing team

Meet the Team Behind Chaffee County’s Business Growth

Led by experienced local business and civic leaders, our Board and team guide Chaffee County’s economic vision with strategic insight, regional expertise, and collaborative spirit.

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Deborah Cameron

Executive Director

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Carlin Walsh

Owner of Elevation Beer & EDC Board Chair

What They’re Saying

Real Stories. Real Impact.

The Ascent Accelerator has been transformative for us. With the EDC’s mentorship and support, Coletrain Music Academy has grown from a one-room school into two thriving locations, an on-demand lesson platform, and our new nonprofit, Camp Coletrain Inc. We’re so grateful to be part of a program that truly invests in local entrepreneurs.

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Coleman Smith

Chaffee County, Colorado

Chaffee County, Colorado
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Chaffee County | Join The EDC

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