THis is an old post, but still relevant today!
1. If you’re a business owner, join the Leadville/ Lake County Economic Development Corporation! For a small contribution, you will have access to information and resources to help your business grow. You will also be contributing to a fund meant to assist new business owners establish themselves in our community!
2. Buy Local. Instead of purchasing online or driving over the pass, keep your tax dollars local and support local business owners. Statistics show that local business owners reinvest profits into the community and provide jobs for local workers who in turn spend money in the community.
3. Get an Energy Assessment from Cloud City Conservation Center. For $50, you can have your property evaluated for energy efficiency and be given a detailed report about things you can do. C4 will even help you with rebates (up to $400 per year), financing, and contractors to do the work! If you are a family living in a rental unit, there are even programs that can provide this service for free!
4. Invest in the Lake County Community Solar Garden. You can get information from Cloud City Conservation Center. Essentially you become a “subscriber” and purchase a solar panel in the garden. The clean energy collective takes care of maintenance and operations. Energy produced by the panel gets sent to the “grid.” Excel energy uses a net metering system to credit you for solar power produced. This energy can then be used in your home and you are credited for any kWhs produced in excess of use.
5. Support the Advocates of Lake County. They are a family crisis center/ shelter that assists any victim of crime, violence, or other traumatic event, primarily domestic violence and assault. This is a program near and dear to me.
6. Support the Lake County Animal Shelter. Feeding stranded cats and dogs isn’t cheap. They can use all sorts of donations from money to food to kitty litter. You can also volunteer your time!
7. Support Full Circle of Lake County. Full Circle provides opportunities, education and caring relationships to help Lake County become a place where children make healthy choices, families thrive and the community is united. Once again, you can support financially or volunteer your time!
8. Get involved with Lake County Build a Generation. They have job opportunities and action team opportunities. Their mission is to build a healthier community for youth and families. They do this through community organizing, prevention, and community level change.
9. Volunteer. Lake County is in dire need of Red Cross Disaster Volunteers in case we have an emergency. Contact Mike McHargue at 719.486.1249. Also, the Lions club is active in putting together 37 events per year that benefit the community in one way or another. Contact Carol Glenn at 719.486.1409 for more information and an invite!
10. If you’re a business owner, join the Chamber of Commerce. Not only is it good for your business, but supporting the local Chamber supports events like the upcoming BBQ and Brews festival. They hold monthly Chamber mixers that allow you to meet other business owners in the community and establish important networking relationships.
Above all else, just get involved. Supporting Lake County will help make the place we call home a better one, and will encourage others to choose Lake County as well!