Special From GrowRaton
RATON — The economic and community development organization, GrowRaton, will be soon relegated to the history books.
In a letter addressed to the community of Raton, the Greater Raton Economic Development Corporation (GrowRaton) shared the news that due to ongoing challenges which include declining membership and inadequate financial support from local governments and businesses, the board voted to dissolve the organization.
GrowRaton was conceived by local business owners in 2009 and incorporated in 2011. Area residents and business owners identified that economic development was necessary to help revive the economy of the greater Raton area. Operating with a minimal budget, volunteers performed all of GrowRaton’s work for the first eight and a half years of its existence,
Early on, organizers recognized that community development was needed for the success of any economic development program. So, GrowRaton took on community development projects and has been acting as a fiduciary agent to support community programs started across the city, from trails in Climax Canyon Park to equipment and murals for the Aquatic Center, from Growing Great Kids to youth development programs at Sugarite Canyon State Park, from community gardens to local hiking trail maps, to the Veterans Memorial Park. GrowRaton also supports the Raton Beautification Coalition, which provides Raton’s downtown flowers each summer.
Later, the organization focused efforts on economic development. Some of its more recent programs include installing the computer lab at the Hylands Building, where the Center for Community Innovation (CCI) offers long-distance learning opportunities. The group developed an entrepreneurial training program, trained over 20 individuals, and helped start and support several new businesses.
GrowRaton also created a vacant property database and published it on their website. In addition, they established a micro-grant program, helping six local store and restaurant owners.
GrowRaton partnered with CCI to implement a hospitality training program and created a series of videos promoting a welcoming business environment in Raton. They partnered with El Raton Media Works on another video series promoting film locations in the greater Raton area. Most recently, we launched the Raton Cottage Market.
The board members said in the statement, “Despite these many accomplishments, ongoing challenges prevent us from moving forward. … GrowRaton has struggled to secure and maintain knowledgeable staff and labored to maintain the minimum board requirements per our Articles of Incorporation. Currently, we have three actively participating board members. As such, we are unable to continue the level of services we have grown accustomed to providing.
“After much discussion and many attempts to remedy our situation, the remaining GrowRaton board members voted to dissolve the organization. We are taking steps now to wind down our operations and programs. Grow Raton’s dissolution will be effective December 31, 2024.”
GrowRaton will soon finalize the dissolution plan for its remaining assets. If you have any questions, contact our office at 575-245-4769 or email president@growraton.org.
The board closed the letter to the community saying, “Lastly, we are eternally grateful for your generous support over the years. You have helped us enrich our community and economy. Without you, we would not hvae these accomplishments. Together, we can all celebrate these successes, and we thank you for that gift.
“Sincerely, GrowRaton BoD
Brandy Dietz, president, Donna Klassen, vice-president, and David Wentling, treasurer and Faith Lindley, director.”,
