On Wednesday morning, the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) announced a new chapter in the organization’s mission of supporting economic development and vitality in Chaffee County with the announcement of its next executive director. The organization has appointed Jake Rishavy as its next executive director, effective July 1, 2021.
Rishavy served for nearly a decade as the Vice President for the Denver South Economic Development Corporation; a regional public-private, nonprofit economic development organization representing six south Denver metro jurisdictions in the geographic area known as the “Denver Technological Center” or DTC.
Wendell Pryor, Founding the Director of Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation will be retiring in July. Courtesy photo
Rishavy will have big shoes to fill. He will be replacing Wendell Pryor, who is retiring after 12 years of service as the founding Executive Director of the organization.
Since its formation in 2009, the CCEDC has helped implement projects that underpin business success in the county, including initiatives that expand broadband access, increase affordable housing, and support workforce development.
The Chaffee County EDC has spearheaded many successful endeavors in support of the area economy. They include; support of the Chaffee Commons housing initiative in Buena Vista (a 48-unit multifamily complex) support of the Colorado Mountain College’s regional expansion, the attraction of internet service provider Colorado Central Telecom to provide redundant internet connectivity through the county, and work supporting county leadership as well as that of Buena Vista, Poncha Springs, and Salida on projects that enhance economic development.
Rishavy, and his wife, Emily have had a long-standing connection to the Arkansas River Valley. Both worked on the Arkansas River in the early 2000’s and relocated from the Denver Metro area last fall with their two pre-school-aged children.
“Personally and for my family, it’s the realization of a decades-long dream to live and work here in Chaffee County,” said Rishavy. “Professionally, I can’t think of more meaningful work than helping this amazing community build an economy and career opportunities that rival our unsurpassed quality of life. It’s an honor to be selected as the right person to advance an ambitious vision for the future of our community.”
CCEDC’s Chairman of the Board Dave Blazer, said that a selection committee including members of the CCEDC board interviewed a highly qualified candidate pool and decided on Rishavy as best qualified to lead the organization.
“What the CCEDC has been able to accomplish over the past 12 years under Wendell’s directorship—and the past year through the pandemic—has been significant,” says Blazer.
“Externally, we’re proud of our support of the countywide pandemic response by coordinating efforts with local Chambers of Commerce, the Salida Business Alliance, and the Central Mountain SBDC, to assess business health and provide support to the business community in Chaffee County through a historically challenging time,” Blazer added. “Internally, we’ve spent a great deal of time charting a new course forward to continue our efforts on the economic growth and vitality of this county that we love.”
Recent Comments