A new year brings new opportunities.  In that spirit, we wanted to provide you some insight into the new aspects and approaches the COG is taking in 2021.  COG staff is focused in four main arenas:
1.  New Investments.  The COG is a different kind of government.  Our unique structure and entrepreneurial attitude mean that we can be innovative, forward looking, and find value in filling niches.  Our team is talented and our entity that is flexible and flat enough to act like an enterprise.  We are looking at several diversification strategies to build long-term stability for our organization including building our special projects portfolio, adding a non-profit arm, and attracting private investments.
2.  New Projects.  Working for the COG does not really get old, we are always taking on new projects and new initiatives.  This year, we are adding some projects that should get our juices flowing and make our planning staff stretch even further to deliver value.
3.  New Communication.  The COG has used this COVID-19 transition year to beef up its digital communication and marketing approach.  We have added orientations and in-depth trainings to our YouTube channel.  We have initiated weekly news briefing videos to roll-out our highlights and impact. Sign-up to join the COG family and receive our news, follow us on social media platforms, subscribe, like, and comment on Youtube.
4.  New Capacity.  The COG continues to look innovative and partnership approaches to attracting capacity in our region.  Here are number of concrete approaches we are happy to report:

• Direct Investment:  COG has been able to leverage funds from EDA’s Assistance to Coal Communities and committed a portion to investing directly into local economic development organizations (EDOs).  In FY2020, COG invested about $350,000 and is on pace to provide $360,000 in funding this year.
• Joining the Club:  COG has used its special relationship with EDA to ask for recognition of tribal entities in our region as official Economic Development Districts. If approved, tribal entities would receive an annual investment from like the COG does.
• Americorps*VISTA Program:  Based on survey results and our Regional Recovery Plan, the COG has applied for 10 VISTA members to be placed at local economic development organizations to add even more capacity and human talent to fuel various initiatives.
• National Development Council: Lead by the Gallup Business Improvement District, a regional alliance has formed to contract with this national non-profit to support various project and programs with a focus on project financing, deal attraction, training, and technical support.  The COG is hopeful that this firm will help directly with our Revolving Loan Fund.
• Recovery Coordinator: The COG has contracted with Dwell-evate and Principal Eric Ghahate to help implement our regional recovery efforts.  Mr. Ghahate has been an extended part of our COG team and we are excited to take things to the next level with his expertise.
• Technology Services: The COG will also bringing on a technology firm to help build and launch a new projecteering platform that should help all communities and members move projects to completion.

I want to thank our Board members, partners, and funders as many of these “new” areas are a result of our network and your financial support.  It happens because you care, you ask, you invest, you believe in our mission, you take another “dam” survey, and you push us to do more, better.  If you have opportunity or see an opportunity for service, give us a call or drop us a line. 

We will continue to raise the bar in 2021, while maintaining on base programs, meeting our performance goals, and growing our 50-year reputation.