Reap’s Mission
Stimulate private investment in order to increase opportunities for employment, expand the tax base, broaden the economy, and generally improve the quality of life of our citizens.
NEXT MEETING: July 10 2025
About REAP
REAP will assist developers and communities with business prospects. Relocation leads from the state and others will be forwarded to interested parties throughout the I-70 Corridor. A primary goal is to attract employment opportunities that are compatible with the rural communities of Eastern Adams and Arapahoe Counties.
Demographics
The report was prepared in support of economic development efforts of the I-70 Corridor, located in Arapahoe and Adams counties. It provides a workforce and economic analysis of populated areas along the I-70 Corridor, including northeast Aurora, and the Towns of Watkins, Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, and Deer Trail.
I-70 Regional Corridor Communities
OUR TEAM
OFFICERS
Chair- Kirk Holwell
Chair Elect – Mark Harding
Co- Founder- Jack Kever
Co-Founder- Will Chase
Secretary – Kevin Hougan
Treasurer – Ivy Craig Officer At Large – Becky Zierer
Officer At Large – Gary May Officer At Large – Nathan Sumner Officer At Large – Robbin Schincke
Private Sector Directors Affiliation
Angie Bedolla – CORE Electric
Wil Chase – REAP Co-Founder
Doug Claussen – I-70 Publishing
Naomi Colwell – Aurora Chamber
Ivy Craig – F&M Bank in Colorado
Sarah Dewindt – Independent Bank
Michelle Gayeski – Bennett Crossing
Mark Harding – Pure Cycle Corporation
Kirk Holwell – High Plains Bank
Frank Linnebur – CoLand Realty
Gary May – May Farms
Becky Zierer – I-70 CoCC and LaZy B Alpacas
Public Sector Directors Affiliation
Lynn Baca – Adam County Commissoner
Jeff Baker – Arapahoe County Commissioner
Loretta Daniel/Alternate – Arapahoe County
Dave Gruber – City of Aurora
Kelly Bongard- Strasburg School Dist. Superintendent
Michael Jobman – Deer Trail School Dist. Superintendent
Jeff Kloska – Colorado Air & Space Port
Robin Purdy – Bennett School Dist. Superintendent
Robert Rhodes – Deer Trail Trustee
Donna Sus – Bennett Trustee
Tom Turrell – Byers School Dist. Superintendent
Executive Director
Louis X. “Kip” Cheroutes
303-204-0479
REAP Administrator
Sherry James
720-800-1999
REAP Intern
Mayte Rojas-Hernandez
Featured Initiatives
General Growth & Development
In Adams & Arapahoe Counties, REAP will be an active player for balanced growth and sustainable quality of life along the I-70 Corridor from Aurora to Deer Trail.
Water
REAP will align with Colorado Air & space
Aerospace
REAP will align with Colorado Air & space Port, commercial and general aviation to advance research development and manufacturing job creation.
Transportation & Infrastructure
REAP will find, leverage, advocate and help implement new highway, internet, grid and transit funding.
Energy
REAP will lead exploration of new electric technologies and help guide the orderly development of existing oil and gas resources.
Agriculture & Agritourism
REAP will support a strong local agriculture economy including hemp, assist agritourism enterprises and bring cultural arts to the region.
Education
REAP will partner with rural schools to connect job centers for early workforce development.
Healthcare
REAP will explore new options for quality rural care with cost and urgent care as priorities.
Photo Gallery
Psyched-In
Ribbon cutting in Strasburg for Psyched-IN with owner Karen Fagan
F&M Bank
F&M Bank
Launchpad Brewery
Launchpad Brewery opens in Bennett with ribbon cutting. It was a packed house!
F&M Bank
F&M Bank Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Bennett
Los Charros
Maria Briones cuts ribbon for the opening of Los Charros in Bennett.
OMG Nails
OMG Nails & Spa ribbon cutting in Strasburg
Los Charros
Ribbon cutting ceremony for Los Charros
Adams County Board2
REAP Executive Director and intern Dakota Strasser address the Adams County Board of Commissioners
Psyched-In
Karen and her furry assistant Ike!
Executive Director Greeting
Louis X. “Kip” Cheroutes
Greetings.
Founded in 2002, the I-70 Regional Economic Advancement Partnership foresaw things to come. But over the past year its trajectory in action and influence soared. REAP is busy…
- Organizing job awareness field trips for students.
- Lobbying for new bio technical and agricultural research in the Farm Bill.
- Advocating for new roadways/bridges.
- Connecting high schools to Career and Technical Education grants.
- Networking to start new Enterprise Zone outreach.
- Advising counties on Byers, Strasburg and Bijou Basin open space plans.
- And much more.
Why so much activity?
The suburban to rural landscape is quickly changing along the East I-70 Corridor. Want evidence?
GO TO REAP’s “NEWS AND INTEL” link. Looking for opportunity, something will catch your eye.
REAP, a 501c6, is a recognized economic development engine in both Arapahoe and Adams County.
Public and private members also recognize its value. What value to members?
- Industry and government research specific to your interest.
- Networking opportunities at membership and other meetings.
- One-on-one member service in lobbying, advocacy, business development.
- Speaker platform to introduce and inform county, local, private stakeholders.
- News and intel on the changing nature of the region. Quick, refer to REAP’s website! www.i-70reap.com
REAP’s mission is printed front and center. But simply, it seeks to make the I-70 East Corridor a desirable place to live, work and play.
Questions or comments? Give a shout.
Thanks. Louis X. “Kip” Cheroutes 303.204.0479 lxc.strategies@gmail.com
News and Upcoming Events
Byers School Special Events Coordinator Carolyn Worell called the worksite “Costco on steroids”. LKQ plant manager Quinton Johnsrud called it a “legal chop shop”. Johnsrud went on to tell students that auto mechanical experience, good grammar and a good set of tools were prerequisites for any LKQ job
