Testimonials

“I see you guys as the hub. All the spokes go out but the RREDC is at the center”-Don Locke
 
Natalie Wilson: Olive Ridley’s Coffee and Tea shop 228 Railroad Avenue Unit C, Rifle CO

I recently approached the Rifle Regional Economic Development Corporation for assistance with opening a new coffee shop in Rifle. I was immediately greeted with enthusiasm by Mel Kent and Jacquelyn Johnson who were very happy to assist me with my business venture. I had a great vision of what I wanted my coffee shop to be but had never owned my own business before and had no idea how to even get started.

The EDC directed me every step of the way, connecting me with Jeff Johnson at Johnson Carter Architects for my drawings, The City of Rifle for building permits, and they also told me about various loan and grant opportunities that were available for me to apply for to get my business started.

Mel and Jacquelyn spent time with me in person and over the phone assisting me with creating my business plan and filling out various applications for financial assistance. They have both helped tremendously and were instrumental in making the entire start up process a smooth one!

I am extremely grateful for the funds I have been approved for from the RREDC Revolving Loan fund and for the one on one assistance that Mel and Jacquelyn gave me.

The RREDC is a fantastic organization and I would highly recommend their services to anyone needing assistance with starting a new business in the Rifle, Colorado area.

Natalie Wilson
Olive Ridley’s Coffee Tea & Travel
P.O. Box 524
Rifle, Colorado 81650
001.970.433.4968

Projects

Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting:
The RREDC has continued to show support for the Center of Excellence with a letter of support (read letter here) being included in the final submission packet.

Along with our Letter of Support and the uniting efforts between Municipalities, business owners, and individuals a Letter of Support (read letter here) has been procured from the Colorado Space Business Roundtable. This has created an opportunity to open another target market for our region: Aero Space Manufacturing.

Regional Efforts

The RREDC is continuing to act regionally. We have initiated a conversation with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to advance our great working relationship with them and surrounding municipalities. This is a partnership that yields economic success for our region.

Oil and Gas Efforts

We are continuing to expand our relationship with the region’s largest employer. By attending Vital for Colorado Coalition meetings and showing that we support our region’s gas and oil industry we are creating a working relationship to ensure that our economy endures.