Prowers Economic Prosperity holds annual banquet March 26

Don Wilson, Prowers County Administrator, was the keynote speaker for the evening

Prowers Economic Prosperity (PEP) held their annual banquet on March 26, 2026 at the Wiley Methodist Church.  The delicious meal catered by Los Hermanos was sponsored by AES Energy.  County Commissioner Roger Stagner gave the invocation, followed by a welcome by PEP President and Prowers County Commissioner Ron Cook. Ty Harmon was the evening’s emcee.

As part of his welcoming message, Cook said “Economic development is never the effort of one organization alone but is the result of cooperation, communication, and shared vision. Over the past few years, PEP staff and board have built economic momentum.  Major innovations like our new Shovel-Ready Program cannot happen without the adequate staff to move forward which takes every one of us doing the job as a partnership and working together to make this happen.  All your voices are very important to us on how the progress of Prowers County economic development goes.  Welcome, and thank you for being here tonight”.

Tallie Harmon, PEP’s Executive Director, gave the annual report.  “This past year has been one of growth, cooperation, and continued commitment to strengthening our community and none of this happens all at once.  It happens because of the people in this room and the partnerships that we have built together.  At PEP, we continue to prioritize strong regional collaboration and actively participate in monthly planning meetings. She went on to say that this past year, PEP provided services to 87 businesses, supporting both startups and established enterprises. Through the joint incentive programs, PEP supported 17 façade improvements across 2024 and 2025.  Additionally, a $20,000 incentive helped transform a condemned swine facility into a state-of-the-art calf development center.  She said that the continued priority of workforce development culminated in a career fair on October 8 which connected businesses with students and job-seekers.  She added: “This year marked a major milestone for PEP.  In June of 2025, we welcomed Brent Bates to our team in a part-time role but thanks to the vision and support of the board, we were able to bring him to full time in January of 2026”.  She credited Bates for member and business spotlights, and for taking the lead on launching the Shovel-Ready Program, adding that the first commercial project recently closed and the new project repository is providing developers and property owners with easy access to critical information, helping to move projects forward faster and more efficiently.  She then thanked the board, partners and the community.  “The momentum we’re building is just the beginning.  We’re not just reflecting on the past year – we are laying the foundations for what comes next”.

The evening’s guest speaker was Don Wilson, Prowers County Administrator.  Wilson is a former member of the Colorado House of Representatives and is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.  Throughout his career, Wilson has focused on strengthening local government and empowering communities.  He also previously served as mayor of Monument, Colorado.  As a County Administrator, Wilson is a board member of the Association of Colorado County Administrators representing the nine counties in southeast Colorado.  Wilson began his speech with humor, thanking the PEP board for “identifying me as the sucker that would speak after everybody has had their fill and is ready to wrap things up”, eliciting laughter from the crowd. “The businesses here and the reason economics work is because of your innovation and ability to adapt” he said.  “That is what creates economic opportunity – it is you guys and your ability to create and what you specialize in. You guys know best what works in your community.  There is not a person in Denver and there is not a person in D.C. who knows better how a rancher in southeast Colorado does his business than that rancher and that’s what it’s about.  It’s the local community and that local knowledge that you use to work together”.  He referenced the book “The Wealth of Nations” published just months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence and its concept of free market that till exists and argues that a nation’s wealth comes from its people’s labor and is best increased through free markets and division of labor and which advocated for limited government intervention. He gave examples of his time in the state legislature that showed him that the farther away the decisions get made from the people actually doing the work and who have the knowledge, the more they harm the economy and the communities served. “Prosperity grows when people are free to make the decisions closest to its impact. You business owners have the ability to have that effect.  If we want thriving communities we need to innovate, adapt, invest. That all creates opportunities”.

Casa Azteca received the “Rising Star” award

The meeting moved on to the presentation of three awards.  The “Rising Star” award was presented to Casa Azteca.  Said Harmon:  “Casa Azteca represents a powerful story of vision, dedication and commitment to both craft and community.  Since its opening, Casa Azteca has quickly become a valued addition to the local business community, known for its welcoming atmosphere, quality offerings and dedication to customer service.  The Rising Star award recognizes businesses that demonstrate exceptional promise, innovation and impact in their early stages.  Casa Azteca embodies each of these qualities”.

Lamar Auto Parts is honored with the “Business Longevity” award

The second award, the “Business Longevity” award was presented to Lamar Auto Parts and the Pelley family.  Presenter Brent Bates said “For nearly six decades, the Pelley family has remained dedicated not only to providing quality automotive parts and services.  As an independent automotive parts supplier serving Lamar and the surrounding rural communities, Lamar Auto Parts has played a role in supporting the region’s transportation needs.  Beyond their business operations, the Pelley family’s legacy and community involvement is truly exceptional, having been a longstanding supporter of youth and sponsored recreational sports teams and actively contributing to the Lamars Sports Booster Club.  Due to their longevity, service, and community spirit, Lamar Auto Parts exemplifies what it means to be a cornerstone business in rural Colorado”.

Ron Cook is presented with the “Community Champion” award

Ron Cook was the recipient of the evening’s final award, the “Community Champion ” award.  In presenting the award, Harmon spoke of Cook’s strong work ethic from an early age. “He worked in a variety of roles, including grocery stores, and laying carpet alongside his father but his true passion was always mechanical work which led him to become a skilled mechanic, opening Cook’s Radiator Shop in 1992.  In 1997, Ron faced a life-altering challenge when he suffered severe burns but even during his recovery, his resilience and determination showed through.  He used his recovery period to teach himself to repair Harley-Davidson motorcycles, a skill that would become a life-long passion.  Ron founded Cook’s Towing and for 16 years, he and Lonna operated that business”.  Ron also served on the Lamar City Council for 9 years, contributed to the Lamar Utilities Board, and has dedicated 3 terms spanning a decade as a Prowers County Commissioner.  For over 30 years, he and Lonna have organized and supported the Lamar Days Rod Run, as well as being involved in Toys for Tots, Oktoberfest, the County Fair, 9-11 Parade and many other events.  Harmon continued “Ron Cook embodies the true spirit of service, humility and leadership”.  Cook humbly accepted the award but said “everybody deserves this award” referencing how Prowers County helps its own and how grateful he has been to the community.

By: Barbara Crimond