Taos County Economic Development Corp

TCEDC Operations/Programs:The companys most recent statistics show that it has assisted around 1000 clients and createdor retained 35 jobs. The programs provide technical and marketing assistance, specialtytraining, and guidance in the preparation of business plans. Training to other organizations andnonprofits working on grassroots community development and food system developmentlocally, regionally, and nationally. Garden and Greenhouse-TCEDC offers training to youth inthe area of sustainable agricultural and environmental food production. Outreach, information,and referral staff assist clients via phone conversations. At least 40 calls daily, 650 calls permonth. Additionally, on site one-on-one assistance was provided to about 20 clients permonth. Business Park/Taos Food Center:This cooperative facility houses 10 business and/or organizations including 1 Native American service company and Taos County Economic Development Corporation offices and a community classroom. These businesses provide employment, education and skill training for many local area residents. Training is provided at no cost for food processing businesses to develop marketing programs for specialty food. Job site training was provided as well as basic business skills to small business entrepreneurs. Education and training was provided pursuant to the Food and Modernization Act to assist 45 food businesses with compliance and implementation. The food center is a 5,000 square foot commercial kitchen which provides food processing facilities and support to local food processors. Each processor employs 1-2 people totaling over 10 during 2024. Larger processors and food caterers have graduated from the food center to their own location and continue to provide employment. The Business Park is also a venue for multiple forums and workshops hosting many community members. The organization offers specialized education and training to food entrepreneurs through its Food Sector Opportunity Program (FSOP). Additional courses such as Nx level Tilling the soil of opportunity; and other community driven workshops are offered on an ongoing basis; there were over 100 participants who attended these workshops in 2024. The food center offers nutrition and food preparation courses to the community providing training to over 50 participants in 2024. Taos Food Center is working on the development of an Incubator Kitchen program as a membership. This program will go into effect in late 2025.Mobile Livestock Slaughter Unit (MLSU):Matanza unit and training program is a tool to assist limited resource ranchers with creating new employment and business opportunities as well as access to new markets. In 2015, the program was interrupted due to lack of funding. In 2024 funding became available, which will make it possible to refurbish the original cut n wrap facility. The cooperative was also able to hire Lucas Salazar as the project engineer.