Canyons & Plains 2016 Annual Report

Canyons & Plains-2016 Annual Report-Mission Statement

Canyons and Plains’ mission is to grow a vibrant Southeast Colorado heritage economy by promoting our attractions and increasing the visibility of the region. The board of directors is as follows: President Chad Hart, Vice President Pat Palmer, Treasurer Pam Denahy, Secretary Carla Scranton, directors – Alexa Roberts, Richard Medina, Dean Ormiston, Janet Frederick.

Message from Chad Hart, President

2016 was a year of change and growth for Canyons & Plains.

In 2016, we hit the ground running with each of the board members being involved in making a positive contribution to Southeastern Colorado. The organization has been represented at many events: Scenic By-ways meeting, Snow Goose Festival, Southeastern Colorado Business Economic Association, Governor’s tourism conference, Boggsville Charette.

Accomplishments for the year:

Hosted a German Fam Tour as part of the Santa Fe Trail exploration
Hosted the Colorado Tourism Office Coordinator of International Tours
Hosted Colorado Tourism listening session in Lamar
Administered one week of Colorado Instagram with southeastern Colorado photos.

• Economic Impact Survey has been completed with plans being discussed for implementation.
• Southern Colorado Summit May 17-19, La Junta, Colorado. A partnership of Canyons and Plains with Southern Rockies Crossroads of Culturesto bring together 11 county representation to present a summit meeting to promote economic growth and show everyone what southern Colorado has to offer
• Cultural, Heritage and Agri-tourism Mentor Program (CHAMP) and Colorado Blue Print, which targeted two areas of interest, purpose goals and sustainability
• Snow Goose Festival, Lamar, Colorado, Feb. 15 through 18. Promoting heritage and watchable wildlife of southern Colorado.

The Gateway Wayfinding Project

Phase Two of the Canyons & Plains Wayfinding System for travelers is adding 14 kiosk installations to the existing four gateway installations located in Eads, Granada, Fowler and Springfield. When these new kiosks are installed, travelers will be able to find local interpretative information in 18 communities, and regional “You Are Here” maps in five locations (four gateway communities plus La Junta).

Completed elements of the Design Phase of the CDOT Wayfinding Project include a minimum of four content and design meetings with working groups in each community, and sign-offs on proofs for each of the panels, and architectural drawings for the kiosks. When CDOT clearances are complete, the project will move to the Construction Phase. This phase will include a three-week period to advertise the project to construction firms, the selection of a construction firm, and the construction and installation of the kiosks when weather permits. It is projected that the kiosks will be installed in the spring of 2017.

The C&P project has been followed by a second CDOT wayfinding project with the Southern Rockies, Crossroads of Culture. This project will add 40 additional panels and 17 communities. The Design Phase for the Southern Rockies is projected to be complete in 2017. The roll-out of these two CDOT projects is scheduled for a Southern Colorado Tourism Summit, May 17-19, 2017, in La Junta.

The project has involved two regional heritage tourism groups that spread through 11 counties, covering approximately one quarter of the state of Colorado. When both projects are complete, information for travelers will be available on 67 panels in 31 communities in southeast and south central Colorado.