Roger Zalneraitis, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Economic Development Manager, was asked to provide a presentation at the opening session of the 2019 Economic Development Conference for the Denver Region of the Economic Development Administration. This conference was held in Denver from August 26– 29,  featuring more than 200 attendees from 10 states and over a dozen Native American tribes.

 

In the presentation, Zalneraitis spoke about the economic development efforts initiated by the Tribe through their Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which was authorized by Southern Ute Tribal Council in September of 2018.  Entitled “CEDS and the Southern Ute Economy,” the presentation highlighted the new initiatives that will support Southern Ute entrepreneurs and provide for economic diversification on the Southern Ute Reservation through new ventures and different industries.  “These programs not only make the Southern Ute Reservation more economically diverse, but they contribute to the economic well-being of all of the Four Corners,” Zalneraitis said.

 

Eric Thayer, the Director of Strategic Planning, noted that regional engagement was important for the success of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.  “Roger’s involvement at the regional, state, and national level in economic development events considerably improves the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s notoriety and furthers its economic development interests with numerous partners.”