Local First

10/19/2026

🎨 CALLING ALL LOCAL ARTISTS!

We want to feature YOUR artwork on the official 2026 Local First Noel Night tote bag! 🛍️

We're looking for a local artist to create an original design that celebrates the spirit of Noel Night, shopping local, and the creativity of our community.

✨ Here's what you need to know:

🎨 The Design: We're looking for something festive, creative, and distinctly local that people will love carrying year-round!

💰 Artist Compensation: The selected artist will receive a $400 honorarium, plus recognition in Noel Night promotions.

📅 Submission Deadline: November 1, 2026

📝 How to Submit: Complete the Google Form linked in our bio! Details in specs are in the form.

The selected design will be printed on reusable tote bags distributed during Noel Night on December 4!

Know a talented local artist? Tag them below or share this opportunity! ❤️

10/13/2026

🏡 Local businesses making a difference in our community!

This week, we're spotlighting Local First member Reliance Management LLC and their work supporting local community associations.

One of their clients, Hermosa Village Cooperative, recently made history when 56 households came together to purchase their mobile home park for $5.45 million, securing long-term stability and local ownership for their community! 🎉

With ongoing management support from Reliance, the cooperative has continued to grow and thrive, even earning the Rookie Resident-Owned Community of the Year Award!

Reliance helps local HOA boards and community associations navigate everything from finances and maintenance to governance and day-to-day operations, empowering residents and strengthening our local communities.

🥂 You're Invited!
Reliance is hosting its 2nd Annual HOA Board Member Celebration, bringing together local board members to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the people who help our neighborhoods thrive.

📅 Thursday, October 15 | 4–6 PM�
📍 The Rochester Hotel Garden Courtyard�
🎟️ Free drink tickets for HOA board members!

Cheers to local leadership, community ownership, and the businesses helping make it all possible!

10/07/2026

🎉 Please join us in welcoming Andrea Wright Parmenter as Local First Foundation’s new Executive Director!

Andrea brings nearly two decades of community leadership in Durango, extensive experience in organizational development, and a long-standing connection to Local First and our work.

In fact, Andrea’s relationship with Local First began nearly 15 years ago, when the Needham Elementary PTO used the Be Local Coupon Book as a major student fundraiser. She’s been following and supporting Local First’s work ever since.

“Local businesses are a huge part of what makes this community work. They employ our neighbors, support our schools and nonprofits, sponsor our events, contribute to the character of this place, and continually show up when the community needs them,” says Parmenter.

We’re so excited to welcome Andrea and begin this next chapter for Local First! 💛

10/02/2026

📻 Support local radio. Support local voices. Support KDUR Community Radio!

Local First member KDUR Community Radio is kicking off its Fall Membership Drive this October! From Oct. 2–10, tune in, show your support, and help keep independent, community-powered radio thriving in Southwest Colorado.

KDUR brings local voices, eclectic music, community programming, and the kind of independent radio that makes our region a more vibrant place to live. Their membership drive is a chance to directly support that work and keep local radio strong.

📅 October 2–10, 2026
📻 91.9 & 93.9 FM
🌎 Listen and pledge at KDUR.org

Keep it local. Keep it independent. Keep KDUR on the air! ❤️📻

09/17/2026

We were honored to present Local First's Healthcare Performance Dashboard to the Durango City Council, highlighting both local strengths and gaps to close. A key finding: 19% average improvement across 24 measures would put La Plata County on par with the best-performing rural resort counties in Colorado. How do we get there? The way is paved by collaboration. Local First stands ready to facilitate the journey toward more affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare for everyone in southwest Colorado.

Watch the presentation on YouTube (starting at 1:11:15): https://www.youtube.com/live/57Z5wpxZ-F4?t=4279s
Learn more and download the Dashboard here: https://local-first.org/healthcare-performance-dashboard-lpc/

Many thanks to our partner Peak Health Alliance and funders of this work: City of Durango - Government, La Plata County Government, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), Rocky Mountain Health Foundation, Ballantine Family Fund, and Local First Foundation.

09/09/2026

Join us in celebrating Local First member Leland House | Lola’s | Gather Room at their Open House! 🎉

Come check out the beautiful new event space: The Gather Room, tour hotel rooms, and enjoy live music, complimentary food and beverages, and good company.

📅 Tuesday, September 15
⏰ 5–8 PM
✂️ Chamber Ribbon Cutting at 5:15 PM

Come celebrate this exciting new chapter for The Leland House. 💛

08/20/2026

Fresh produce. Handmade goods. Friendly faces.

There's nothing quite like spending a morning at the local farmers market. Every purchase supports local growers, makers, and entrepreneurs while keeping more dollars right here in our community.

What's the first thing you look for when you visit the market?

08/17/2026

📣 We’re hiring: Executive Director!

Local First Foundation is looking for a collaborative, resourceful, community-minded leader to help us strengthen Southwest Colorado’s local economy and support the independent businesses and organizations that make our region thrive.

Our next Executive Director will work alongside our Board, local businesses, nonprofits, and community partners to lead Local First’s programs, grow our network, and build meaningful partnerships.

✨ Part-time: 25–30 hours/week
🏡 Work from home
💰 $30–$40/hour, depending on experience

We’re looking for someone who loves wearing many hats, builds relationships naturally, and is passionate about local economic development and community-building.

Sound like you—or someone you know? We’d love to hear from you!

👉 Learn more and apply:

Join the Local First team as an Administrative and Program Assistant.

08/14/2026

🎉 Celebrate local ownership with Local First member Natural Foods Co-op at their Annual Harvest Fest!

Join DNF on August 22 from 2–7 PM at Rotary Park for an afternoon of live music, family-friendly activities and games, local vendors, and food and beverages available for purchase.

The event is free and open to everyone—no Co-op membership required. Come out, celebrate community, and support a longtime locally owned business! 🌱💚

👉 Find out more: https://www.durangonaturalfoods.coop/harvestfest2026

08/02/2026

Did you know Local First offers free memberships to new businesses?

Thanks to the generosity of the Michael & Elaine Moravan Foundation, qualifying startups can receive a Local First membership at no cost for up to three years through our Startup Membership Scholarship.

As a scholarship recipient, you'll gain access to:
✨ Marketing opportunities to promote your business
🤝 Networking events and educational workshops
🎟️ Discounts on programs like the Be Local Coupon Book and Noel Night
📣 Advocacy for locally owned businesses
💚 A community of more than 220 local businesses and nonprofits

If you're launching a new business in La Plata County, we'd love to help you grow.

Apply today: https://bit.ly/startup-membership-application