Local First

06/19/2026

Food is something that connects all of us, but it's also a powerful economic engine.

Every time we choose a local farmer, rancher, food producer, or independent grocer, we're helping keep dollars circulating in our community and supporting the people who make Southwest Colorado such a special place to live.

This month, our Durango Herald column explores the many organizations and businesses that make our local food system work—from farms and markets to nonprofits and community partnerships—and why that work matters for the future of our region.

I'm grateful to be part of a community that understands good food is more than what's on our plates. It's about local jobs, resilient businesses, stronger connections, and a thriving local economy.

Read more here: https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/investing-in-local-food-strengthens-la-plata-countys-future/

And next time you're shopping for groceries or planning a meal, consider choosing local. 🌱

06/17/2026

📢 Know Your Rights: Accessing Health Care in Colorado

Navigating health care can be confusing, but understanding your rights can make all the difference.

Join the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative and Benefits in Action for a free virtual webinar where they'll discuss:

✅ Healthcare basics
✅ Medical billing tips
✅ Common health care issues
✅ Your legal protections as a patient
✅ Support available through Benefits in Action and CCHI

📅 Wednesday, June 24
🕧 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
💻 Virtual Webinar

The presentation will be offered in both English and Spanish.

Whether you're dealing with medical bills, insurance questions, or simply want to better understand your rights, this webinar will provide valuable information and resources to help you advocate for yourself and your family.

Register today: https://cohealthinitiative.org/events/know-your-rights-presentation-with-bia/

Please share with friends, family, and community members who may benefit from this information!

Join CCHI & Benefits in Action virtually on June 24, for a presentation on: Know Your Rights: Accessing Healthcare in Colorado. Presentación disponible en español.

06/12/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Be Local Bash and helped us celebrate the businesses, nonprofits, and people that power localism in La Plata County!

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the evening such a meaningful celebration—especially our speaker, John Shaw; musician Leah Orlikowski; Graze Colorado for their wonderful food and hospitality; and the many members, partners, and community supporters whose generosity and support made the event possible.

Special thanks to our sponsors: The Payroll Department, Alpine Bank, Durango Land and Homes, Graze Colorado, Jimmy’s Music & Supply, Durango Sustainable Goods, Durango Flight Tours, Adela Flora, and Tailwind Nutrition.

Thank you for showing up for local. We’re excited to keep building a thriving, resilient, and connected local economy together. 💛

06/10/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Local First Indie Award winners and runners-up! 🎉

🏆 Local Legend Award
Winner: The Good Food Collective
Runner-Up: Sarvaa Organics

⭐ Rising Star Award
Winner: Nook Ceramics
Runner-Up: Durango Wild Soul

🤝 Community Collaborator Award
Winner: The iAM MUSIC Institute
Runner-Up: Graze Colorado

🌱 Sustainability Champion Award
Winner: Desert Sun Coffee Roasters
Runner-Up: Grassburger

💛 Localist of the Year
Winner: Heather Erb, Realtor, Owner & Broker of Destination DRO Real Estate Group
Runner-Up: Jan & Greg Phillips

Each of these businesses and community leaders is helping make La Plata County more vibrant, connected, and local. Thank you to everyone who voted and helped us celebrate the people and businesses making a meaningful impact in our community.

A special thank you to Jacqueline Hess Designs for creating this year's beautiful handcrafted Indie Awards!

06/05/2026

🍴 Great food brings people together, and we're excited to have Graze Colorado helping do just that at this year's Be Local Bash!

Known for their beautiful grazing tables and charcuterie experiences, Graze Colorado sources from local vendors and helps elevate events for businesses and organizations across our community. Their commitment to supporting local makes them a perfect fit for the Be Local Bash.

Join us June 9 from 4:30-6:30pm at The Rochester Hotel for:�

�🍽️ Delicious bites from Graze Colorado�
🎶 Live music by Leah Orlikowski, sponsored by Jimmy's Music & Supply�
🎤 A keynote from John Shaw of Shaw Solar�
🏆 The Indie Awards, honoring local leaders and businesses making a meaningful impact in our community

🎟️ Get your tickets today and celebrate the power of local with us!�https://givebutter.com/2026-be-local-bash

06/03/2026

✨ Be Local Bash Sponsor Spotlight: The Payroll Department ✨

A true champion of localism, The Payroll Department has been a longtime supporter of Local First and our local business community. In addition to providing trusted payroll services to many of our local businesses, they are deeply committed to giving back—donating more than $30,000 to local nonprofits in the past year alone.

Thank you, The Payroll Department, for investing in the people and organizations that make our community thrive! ❤️

🎟️ Join us at the Be Local Bash as we celebrate local businesses, community leaders, and organizations making a difference.
Get your tickets today: https://givebutter.com/2026-be-local-bash

06/03/2026

🎶 Live music, local flavor, and a community worth celebrating.

We're thrilled to have local musician Leah Orlikowski at this year's Be Local Bash! Sponsored by Jimmy's Music & Supply, Leah's live performance will kick off an evening dedicated to celebrating the people, businesses, and partnerships that make La Plata County thrive.

Join us Tuesday, June 9 from 4:30 - 6:30pm at The Rochester Hotel for:

✨ Live music by Leah Orlikowski
🍴 Light bites from Graze Colorado
🎤 A keynote from John Shaw of Shaw Solar
🏆 The Indie Awards, honoring local leaders and businesses making a meaningful impact in our community
🎟️ Tickets: https://givebutter.com/2026-be-local-bash

The Be Local Bash is a celebration of everything local. We hope you'll join us for an evening of connection, inspiration, and community.

📅 Tuesday, June 9
⏰ 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 The Rochester Hotel
🎟️ $30 Members | $35 Non-Members

Special thanks to our sponsors: The Payroll Department, Durango Land and Homes, Graze Colorado, Jimmy's Music & Supply, Durango Sustainable Goods, Durango Flight Tours, Adela Floral, Designs by Natalie, and Tailwind Nutrition

📸 Photo by Renee Cornue Studio

05/29/2026

When you choose local, you’re part of something bigger.

We’ve seen firsthand how community support helps independent businesses grow, adapt, and thrive right here in La Plata County.
That ripple effect touches jobs, families, and the character of our town.

Thank you for being part of it.

05/26/2026

Some moments deserve to be remembered forever.
Allison Ragsdale LLC captures life in La Plata County, from family milestones to quiet, in-between moments that tell a story.
Supporting local creatives means investing in the people who help preserve our community’s memories.
What’s your favorite local spot for photos?