Region 9 highlights impact of 30 years of economic development

The Region 9 Economic Development District will celebrate its 30th year with a Legacy Lunch on Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel in Durango. The event will highlight businesses, programs and people that have utilized Region 9 resources.

“Since inception, Region 9 has distributed almost $28 million dollars in loan funding in our five-county region, and currently has about 164 active loans,” Laura Lewis Marchino, Region 9 executive director, said in a press release. “We want to celebrate the importance of our programs by showcasing the success of our loan clients and legacy businesses that have diversified and strengthen our local economy.”

Durango Entrepreneur and co-founder of the former Mercury Payment Systems, Marc Katz, will be a featured speaker, along with Danny Frazer, program director with Open Sky Wilderness Therapy.

Seating is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance at 970-247-9621 or eventbrite.com.

Region 9 is a nonprofit corporation that provides lending capital for businesses, administers the Enterprise Zone Tax credit program, and provides technical assistance to support local economic development goals and priorities and provides socio-economic data.