About Us
Learn more about your LOC and our planning for 2026
Local organizing committees (LOCs) will guide and support observances in our nine-county region.
Our Mission
The mission of America 250 – Colorado 150 is to celebrate the nation's creation and Colorado statehood by acknowledging our shared history, honoring that which makes our state and region unique, and striving toward a shared future.
Who We Are
We are the Southwest Colorado Local Organizing Committee (LOC), one of eight regions around Colorado. Our LOC facilitates and promotes events that celebrate and commemorate activities and projects that honor our state and nation. Our Southwest Colorado LOC coordinates activities and events across a 13-county region. Our LOC is made up entirely of volunteers and engaged citizens.
We are, in turn, part of the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission, which was created by state legislation (SB 22-011 and SB 23-297) and signed into law by Governor Jared Polis. The Commission is housed and managed within History Colorado.
Engage. Educate. Unite.
The three guiding themes of our activities.
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Engage
Is the submission constructed to engage as many people and backgrounds as possible?
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Educate
Does the submission demonstrate the Power of Place, reflecting how Colorado's geography, history, and cultures have shaped today’s Colorado?
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Unite
Will the event or project unite our citizens and communities, bringing us together so that we discover common ground and understanding?
Do you need to check if your event meets any or all of these themes? Contact us; we can make suggestions.
Let Us Help YOu Start a Project or Event!
We can help you plan and promote the development of 2025 and 2026 events with suggestions and help youconnect with planners considering similar activities. Our events team can make suggestions, put you into contact with resources, promote your event, and work with you to make your event even more successful.
There is no charge for our assistance and coordination. We want to make your event as successful as possible.
Share a PDF of Our Brochure
If you are considering developing an event or activity and wish to share our information and objectives with others, download and print or share via email with them a copy of our brochure.
Meet the Team
The Southwest Colorado Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is guided by a core team of volunteers committed to making events in our area successful and unforgettable.
Core Team Members
Ellen Roberts, Chair
Ellen Babers, Vice Chair
Paul DeBell, Secretary
Richard Ballantine, Community Support
Al Harper, Community Support
Susan Jones, Animas Museum
Bill LeMaire, Communications
Foxie Mason
Johnny Valdez
County Leads
Mary Jo Coulehan, Archuleta
Steve Garchar, Dolores
Mette Flynt & Grant Houston, Hinsdale
Barbara Stagg, Montezuma
Carolyn Snowbarger & Ed Bovy, Ouray
DeAnne Gallagos & Beverly Rich, San Juan
Cheryl Miller & Kiernan Lannon, San Miguel