Region 6
Region 6 – Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero and Prowers Counties
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Southeast Colorado Region (Region 6), located in the southeast corner of the state, consists of six counties – Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers. According to the 2010 US Census, the region has a total population of 48,890. The six counties partnered to form a collaborative economic development group – Southeast Colorado Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction (SEBREA) – in order to support the region and the efforts of the existing economic development organizations. The economic development activities and priorities primarily include business retention and attraction. There is reasonably priced available land and existing facilities throughout the region, including the 500+ acre Fort Lyon property.
Within the region, there are numerous small, diverse companies providing primary jobs. Agriculture is the predominant industry in the region and has high volume exports. The crops include wheat, milo, sunflowers, vegetables, peppers, melons, onions, corn, and hay. Due to the amount of available fresh produce, there are farmer’s markets throughout the region. Manufacturing has a presence in the region and contributes greatly to the economy. There is also an abundance of non-renewable and renewable energy including world class wind, a solar development area, waste energy (W2E), and increased oil and gas activities. One state and two private correctional facilities are in the region, as well as medical facilities including three hospitals, numerous clinics, extended care facilities, and dental offices.
In southeastern Colorado, there are heritage tourism locations including Bent’s Old Fort and Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. Other recreational opportunities include boating, fishing, birding, and hunting.
VISION
SEBREA supports regional local economic development organizations and local governments to provide a foundation for sustaining and expanding the economic growth in southeast Colorado utilizing the strength of partnerships and resources.
REGIONAL DATA & HIGHLIGHTS
Largest Companies by Employment
- Corrections Corporation of America
- Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center
- Dragon Industries
- Lewis Bolt & Nut
- BNSF/Amtrak
Top 5 Key Industries by Employment
Top 5 Regional Assets
- Transportation including highways, railroads, and municipal airports
- Available land and water
- Low cost, business-friendly environment
- Renewable and non-renewable energy resources
- Two community colleges to provide workforce training needs