This year’s summit is all about connecting the dots between People, Place, and Purpose.
For 17 years, the Alliance Summit has brought together bright minds and passionate leaders to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing our communities. Join us on September 19th for a day packed with insights that will help drive economic growth, foster resilience, and create lasting change. Together, we’ll dig deep and gain a better understanding of what drives our local economy—people, place, and purpose—with sessions and workshops designed to spotlight the employees who power our economy, the place we work and call home, and the deeper meaning behind our collective efforts.
2024 Keynote Speakers
Captain Charlie Plumb
Speaker and Author
Joseph Charles “Charlie” Plumb Jr. is an American former Navy fighter pilot and a six-year prisoner of war in Vietnam who has inspired countless individuals through his compelling story of resilience and survival. As an author and motivational speaker, Charlie shares powerful lessons on perseverance, leadership, and the human spirit.
Lucia Knell
Vice-President of Upworthy
Lucia Knell, Vice President of Upworthy, has dedicated her career to championing the idea that the internet can and should be used to unite people vs. stoke division. Over the past decade she’s grown Upworthy into a beloved household name online, positively impacting millions of people each day. She is the co-creator of Upworthy’s first book, GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity, published in partnership with National Geographic Books — which just released on September 3 and debuted on the New York Times bestseller’s Nonfiction list at #7, its first week.
Matthew Emerzian
Founder of Every Monday Matters
Matthew Emerzian is the Founder of Every Monday Matters, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and organizations realize their significance and impact. Through his work, Matthew inspires others to connect with their sense of purpose and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
Ernest House Jr.
Senior Policy Director, Keystone Policy Center
A passionate advocate for Indigenous communities and an influential voice in tribal policy and cultural preservation. Ernest focuses on advancing tribal consultation, energy, conservation, and cultural resource management as a Senior Policy Director at the Keystone Policy Center. He carries a rich legacy of leadership and advocacy as the son of the late Ernest House Sr. and the great-grandson of Chief Jack House, the last hereditary Chief of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bank of Colorado
Hutton Broadcasting
Animas Surgical Hospital
The Gable House
City of Durango
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Rochester Hotel
SEH Inc.
Bronze Sponsors
Bayfield Haga LLC
Community Foundation serving SW CO
Dominion Payroll Colorado
Durango Land and Homes
Durango-La Plata County Airport
Early Childhood Council of La Plata County
ImageNet Consulting, LLC
Jaynes Corporation of Colorado
King Energy
KSUT Public Radio
Maria’s Bookshop
Nunn Construction
Pedal The Peaks Durango
Pueblo Community College Southwest
Region 9 Economic Development
Shaw Solar
Tafoya Barrett and Associates
The FLC Center for Innovation
The Wells Group
TRC Companies
A peek of what’s in store:
This is more than just a conference—it’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, learn from the best, and contribute to the ongoing development of our communities. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or an emerging entrepreneur, the insights and connections you’ll gain here are invaluable.