Long known nationally and internationally as an outdoors paradise and one of the best places to live in the Rocky Mountains, Durango Colorado and La Plata County also have a sustainable economy supported by business development in key industries in the region. Key sectors that comprise a large share of La Plata County’s exported goods and services include natural resources, food & beverage manufacturing, lifestyle firms, and technology and homebased (or remote) businesses.

Learn more about who our key industries are and why they thrive here. Some of the reasons for their success may even be reasons for your success here too! Contact us today to find out more.

Durango and La Plata County’s pioneering foresight in developing state-of-the-art high-speed internet, vibrant business support systems, flexible coworking office space, and a strong and growing regional airport provide the intellectual and physical infrastructure for technology firms to thrive here.

Moreover, the relocation of Mercury Payment Systems from New York State has given the region a niche in Financial Technology. The high-level talent that Mercury (now part of Fortune 300 company Worldpay) attracted to the region, combined with the Computer Engineering program at Fort Lewis College, provides the intellectual capital that has enabled other tech firms and Financial Technology firms to start and grow in Durango.

Health care is the fastest growing industry in Colorado. Support services for hospitals and patients is growing along with it. Whether its business-to-business services or emerging technologies in the Health Care sector, La Plata County is seeing strong interest from health care companies to call our community home.

Health Care Service firms are attracted by the high quality of life, easy market access through Durango-La Plata regional airport, and two local hospitals both rated in the top 100 health care operations nationwide. These hospitals help make Durango a regional center for health care, bringing expertise and capabilities that Health Care Service firms won’t find in other high amenity Rocky Mountain communities.

La Plata County has seen a proliferation of businesses that benefit from the inspiring landscape and regional attractions. These businesses could locate anywhere in the country, but they choose to grow here for the Rocky Mountain lifestyle and thrive as a result of the high quality of life.

Whether it is international software consulting practices, sales and administrative functions for outdoor product manufacturers, or creative enterprises like marketing companies with international clientele, executives find Durango and La Plata County an ideal location for their firm.

Back Office Operations find it easy to attract employees because people who live here want quality jobs and a great lifestyle. La Plata County’s advanced internet and wireless capabilities enable these companies to manage operations anywhere, while Durango’s national recognition as an outdoor paradise make it easy for these companies to leverage our regional reputation to their advantage.

Since the founding of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in the early 1970s, food and beverage manufacturers have thrived in La Plata County. These early pioneers have also inspired the development of new manufacturing opportunities here as well.

Manufacturing is one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the local economy. Spinoffs from food & beverage, outdoor recreation, and natural resources have led to the rapid growth in Advanced Manufacturing firms. These companies benefit from a young population that takes pride in not only working, but in creating a product that reflects the values of their community and the local lifestyle.

Interested in moving your business here?

Interested in moving your business here?