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

The I-70 Corridor Regional Economic Advancement Partnership

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

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

Headshot of man wearing glasses and gray shirt.

News and Upcoming Events

Students from Byers High School learn of career opportunities at LKQ’s 132,000 square foot “mega” auto salvage operation west of Bennett.  Short for “Like Kind Quality”, every day 40 employees buy, unload, tag, inventory, dis-assemble, “rack” 15 cars, then fulfill orders and ship 400 auto parts to regional car and auto body shops.

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


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