Bryce Capron, Dove Creek business owner and chair of the Dolores County Development Corporation, has been named the Economic Development Leader of the Year by the Region 9 Economic Development District Board of Directors, according to a written statement from the Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado.

Capron serves on several regional boards, including the Southwest Colorado Council of Governments, Southwest Regional Transportation Planning Commission, Region 9 Board and the Region 9 Loan Committee.

“Bryce is quiet leader,” Laura Lewis Marchino, assistant director of Region 9 EDD, said in the written statement from Region 9. He is soft-spoken but extremely dedicated and reliable. He is always willing to drive 90 miles one-way to make sure Dove Creek and Dolores County is always represented at the table.”

A long-time Dove Creek resident, Capron is also the driving force behind the current revitalization of the Dove Creek Chamber by going door-to-door making a personal plea to businesses on the value of the chamber. In a town of 735 people, the chamber now has over 70 members. As Chair of the DCDC, Capron worked hard to bring in the San Juan Bio Energy plant to the community and continues to work on their Weber Business Park development.

Capron grew up in Arvada, Colo. and moved to Dove Creek for his first job as a teacher, and stayed. Capron currently owns BC Signs.

The Economic Development Leader of the Year award honors individuals for their achievement and commitment as leaders in economic and community development efforts. The award was first given in 2001. Previous winners include former Fort Lewis College School of Business Dean Tom Harrington; Neal Stephens, Montezuma County resident and Empire Electric general manager; Emily Meisner, Ignacio Chamber; Laura Lewis Marchino, assistant director of Region 9; and the late Leonard Burch, Southern Ute tribal chairman.

For more information, contact Region 9 at 247-9621.