Businesses Honored at KCEDF Annual Meeting

by Dennis Pearson

April 4, 2003

Saffer Aerial Spray Service and Teresa’s Maine Street Boutique were honored at the annual Kiowa County Economic Development Foundation (KCEDF) meeting held March 25, 2003 as ‘Agri-Business’ of the year and ‘Business’ of the year respectively. These awards are presented annually to community-minded businesses in Kiowa County that provide quality of service and innovative business practices that benefit Kiowa County.

Around 40 KCEDF members and guests heard a presentation from Felice Entratter, a Certified Economic Developer who is working with Kiowa County and the Arkansas Valley Marketing Coalition to enhance the business climate of the area. In her remarks, Entratter praised Kiowa County for achievements accomplished and the efforts of KCEDF to stimulate economic development in Kiowa County, noting that Kiowa County was further advanced in these areas than are most of the surrounding counties of Southeast Colorado.

KCEDF Executive Director Janet Frederick also spoke to the group, describing multiple efforts that have succeeded in bringing over one million dollars into Kiowa County helping to fund over 2.6 million dollars worth of county improvements. Frederick also praised the Kiowa County Commissioners for their leadership and willingness to support KCEDF in an effort to improve the quality of life in Kiowa County.

Foundation Chairman Rod Johnson noted the importance of collaboration and partnerships between agencies and organizations to accomplish common goals. He also spoke of the need for more people to become actively involved in the community by serving on boards, participating in organization activities, and volunteering services.

KCEDF is a non-profit 501C.3 organization founded in 1999 to promote economic development within Kiowa County. The organization is funded through tax-deductible memberships and tax-deductible donations. More information about KCEDF may be obtained from the KCEDF website at www.kcedf.org or by contacting Executive Director Janet Frederick at 719-438-2200.