Remote workers chatting in Oveja Negra’s F Street storefront, part of the EDC’s remote worker meetups. Photo by August Toevs.
Breaking: this past Wednesday, 20 or so remote workers and a shop dog named Attila (Atti for short) walked into a bikepacking business, a surf shop and, finally, a bar.
On June 28, the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) hosted the latest in its series of events geared towards folding remote workers into the living, breathing, often sunburnt Chaffee County community.
Sponsored by High Country Bank, the EDC arranged a tour of Salida-based businesses, including Oveja Negra Bikepacking and Badfish SUP, followed by drinks at Tres Litros Beer Co. All of these businesses are located on the same block in Salida’s Historic Downtown and Creative District.
The tours for remote workers were initiated to foster friendships and a sense of community among individuals who can clock into work without leaving their home. Wednesday’s tour of Oveja Negra and Badfish was the second event of the year, following a previous tour of Colorado Mountain College in Salida.
One of the event’s attendees, a Buena Vista resident for just over a year, remarked at how “lovely” an opportunity the EDC’s remote worker meet-up events have been.
Each of the businesses visited on Wednesday are “Two companies that have been fundamental to developing the culture here [in Salida]” remarked Jake Rishavy, Executive Director at the EDC and one of the event’s coordinators, alongside EDC Program Director Abby Peters.
Lane Willson, co-founder of Oveja Negra alongside her partner Monty Willson, spoke briefly to the attendees. She thanked the EDC for organizing the event, High Country Bank for sponsoring it and the community of Salida for providing a space in which the company can flourish. As reported by Ark Valley Voice, Oveja Negra has been successful in winning competitive grants to attract and retain employees.
The current Oveja Negra storefront/repair shop on F St opened officially in April, a second facility for the company in addition to their production space on U.S. 50 in Salida. This location marks their ninth official storefront, following previous establishments in Leadville and Salida.
The ceiling at Badfish’s new storefront, adorned with various boards from the company’s 14-year history. Photo by August Toevs.
“I wish more people would think about that,” said Willson, as she discussed the company’s commitment to ethical manufacturing and employment practices. All products are made in Salida and 97% of the raw materials are made in the USA.
According to Willson, all workers earn enough to live in Salida. Plus they are provided with insurance, supplementary insurance and even a wellness credit that can be put towards recreation equipment or something like a yoga membership.
Mike Harvey, co-owner of Badfish with his friend Zach Hughes, also spoke to the event’s participants. The current Badfish storefront opened on May 5 of this year.
“While I’m stoked I’m the leader of this crazy shop, it’s been a really big community that helped us out,” said Harvey, discussing the integral role Salida has played in formulating the company’s identity. Born of a conversation in Hughes’ garage, Badfish began producing river surfboards back in 2009 and has since expanded into stand-up paddle boards, rafts as well as inner tubes.
The EDC puts together remote worker meetups on a quarterly basis. The next one will take place in September at Monarch Mountain.
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