ScSEED is composed of citizen volunteers from throughout Saguache County, Colorado and the San Luis Valley.
Our Purpose
To work together as a community to develop a sustainable economy that builds on our existing strength, contributes to a strong integrated community, and protects the environment, rural lifestyle and the character of Saguache County.
We need your financial support. Click here to:
As of April 1, 2013, the Mountain Money program will be discontinued and currency will no longer be valid at local retailers. To redeem cash for Mountain Money currency, please contact Julie Mach with ScSEED by March 31, 2013 at development@scseed.org or 719-966-7060. Currency will be liquidated and no refunds will be issued after March 31, 2013.
The Mountain Money (MoMo) program was initiated in 2011 to help stimulate the local economy and keep money circulating among local businesses and residents. Saguache County residents and visitors could obtain one MoMo for 95 cents at the local credit union and then utilize it to purchase one US dollar’s worth of goods or services at over 20 businesses in the County. Some businesses allowed customers to pay for their entire purchase in Mountain Money, while others accepted 10% or $10 towards each purchase. Mountain Money was used to purchase groceries, enjoy a meal out, stock up on spirits, buy clothes, have a driveway or business parking lot plowed, purchase books, art, gifts, receive body work and more.
Mountain Money was modeled after the BerkShares, a currency in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. The BerkShares was started by the E.F. Schumacher Society in 2006. Since then, over 2.4 million BerkShares have circulated throughout the region. It is one of the most successful local currencies and has been replicated in many other communities, including the Plenty in North Carolina and Toronto Dollars in Toronto, Canada.
Unfortunately in Saguache County, very few residents and visitors joined the program and the currency did not circulate effectively among local businesses. Currently the structure of the program has not provided enough economic benefit to the county and it will be discontinued due to lack of enthusiasm at this time.
ScSEED would like to thank all of the participating businesses, residents and visitors who utilized Mountain Money as well as those who brought the idea to fruition including: Jessie DuBoe, Kim Smoyer, the ScSEED Board of Directors, and the Saguache Credit Union.
Again, be sure to contact Julie Mach with ScSEED by March 31, 2013 to redeem any Mountain Money: development@scseed.org or 719-966-7060.
Need to talk to the ScSEED Board or Development Coordinator give us a call at our new phone number listed above. The old number will be disconnected as of January 29, 2013. Thanks!
ScSEED and the Saguache County Museum will host the 12th annual Celebration of Ranching and Frontier Spirit on February 10th from noon to 4pm at the Saguache Community Building. The event theme is "Cowboy Sweethearts" and will showcase stories and songs performed by local community members with MC Fred Hargrove. Western Art and Antiques will also be available for sale. Bring a pot-luck dish to share on contact Liza Marron (719-539-5606) if you would like to perform or bring items to sell. We look forward to seeing you!
Julie Mach has started as ScSEED's new Development Coordinator and will be working toward sustainable economic development in Saguache County. She can be reached at development@scseed.org. The Board wants to extend its gratitude and best wishes to Kim Smoyer who is ScSEED's outgoing Development Director and has been an incredible asset to the organization.
ScSEED received grants from the Saguache County Board of Commissioners and Anschutz Family Foundation to develop a new economic development website designed specifically for Site Selectors. ScSEED contracted with Xplore Design, LLC (http://xplore-design.com) to develop the features and functionality for this ED specific website. The website URL is http://www.choose-saguache.com and will officially launch on December 3, 2012. The website provides critical data that Site Selectors’ use to identify new locations for business and industry. This new website was specifically designed using the Site Selector data standards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) including Saguache County economic profile, population and labor force characteristics, physical conditions, business climate, knowledge-based resources and qualify of life information. The website will enable site selectors and industries interested in locating in Saguache County to access critical information and data in one place – www.choose-saguache.com.
The Crestone Redevelopment Project is a partnership between ScSEED and the Town of Crestone to build capacity for renovating and redeveloping the streetscape within the downtown commercial district. The Crestone Master Plan presents a preliminary vision for encouraging a pedestrian friendly downtown, which might include: sidewalks that include pedestrian supportive features such as benches, landscaping and signage; parallel parking along sidewalks; bicycle parking, etc.
The Saguache Downtown Revitalization Project is entering it's final phase! Street Renovations and Improvements are almost finished and funds are being secured to implement the final peice of the vision- the purchase and construction of a Pocket Park next to the Ute Theatre! Thanks to the community, Town Trustees, Partners and other supporters who have made this project a success! Click here for more information.
Please LIKE us on Facebook - click here!
The Kerber Creek Restoration Project has released it's latest newsletter. Check out their progress, new staff and other exciting things happening on this valuable Saguache County waterway.
The Historic Walking Tour of Saguache which you can print (double-sided), fold in half and away you go on a wonderful tour of historic 4th Street and surrounding area in Saguache. Click here to download a copy to print (warning: this is a large file because of all the wonderful old photos - please be patient it's worth the wait!)
See what's new in the Saguache Community Garden- click here!
Click here to get your copy of the Ranching Way of Life DVD! Read reviews and find out more about how ScSEED is working to preserve Saguache County ranching hertiage.
Get your BUY LOCAL FIRST decal at the Crestone Eagle and participating businesses. Click here to learn more!
The Local Foods Coalition has a local foods guide!! 50 farmers and producers who are willing to sell locally. If you didn't join this first time around, you can be added to the electronic version. To be added contact slvlocalfoods@gmail.com
Check out the electronic version at http://slvjunction.com/index.php?a=5&b=313
2011 ScSEED Project Brochure
Download this .pdf document to see a complete list of ScSEED projects.
Other Saguache County Resources (downloads):
Saguache County on-line Resource Guide
Saguache Strategic Plan - (published in 1999) - How it all began!
Targeted Industry Study Final Report - from the SLV Development Resource Group (DRG)
Saguache County Statisical Data (2007)
www.slvjunction.com - information resource for Saguache County and the entire San Luis Valley.