PEP Introduces Lamar Native as New Economic Development Lead

LAMAR, CO – Significant upward momentum is what Prowers Economic Prosperity (PEP) is planning for as the organization finalized the hiring of an economic development consultant on Monday, June 10. Following a recommendation from the hiring committee, the Board of Directors approved the contract for Lamar native Tara Smith-Hosick.

Hosick is expected to serve as an Economic Development Consultant for the organization through the end of 2019. Intentions are that Hosick will transition to the full-time executive director in January 2020. Hosick’s experience and background include a current position as Strategic Community Development Manager and prior experience as field staff with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Executive Director for a county economic development entity. Residing in metro Denver, she currently serves on the Board of the Economic Development Council of Colorado and Advisory Boards for Colorado STEM Champions/Colorado Succeeds and the Colorado Workforce Development Council. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute, Institute for Organizational Management, and holds an Economic Development Finance Professional certification.

PEP President Aaron Leiker commented, “This is the home run hire that Prowers County has always looked for in economic development. Tara is a Lamar native with decades of economic development experience. Her love and desire to help her hometown grow will provide the drive needed to succeed in this position. Her local, state, and international connections will put Prowers County on a whole new level never seen before. I suspect that we are going to see a lot happening for which county residents will want to be part.”

Hosick’s consulting position begins immediately. She will work both remotely and in Prowers County to work with businesses and interested residents. Interim Director Cheryl Sanchez will remain part of PEP and serve as its Project Coordinator at least through the end of the year. She will work closely with PEP into the future as a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultant.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Prowers County and building upon the many prior successes. It’s important that PEP collaborate with the many stakeholders who make economic development progress possible to grow our region. As a Lamar native, it’s important to me to focus on business retention and expansion, supporting what we already have,” added Hosick.

Ms. Hosick can be reached via e-mail at director@prowerspep.org or via phone at 719.931.2144. Sanchez can be contacted at projects@prowerspep.org or 719.336.1929.