Merging Bold Ideas and Community at Ascent

This month’s Ascent Launch Event hosted by the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation was a powerful testament to what can happen when innovative thinking is met with strong community and intentional support.

Entrepreneurs, partners, funders, and community champions came together for authentic connection, energizing conversation, and a shared commitment to building something meaningful. The atmosphere was one of collaboration, momentum, and possibility.

A standout moment of the event was the innovation and building sector panel, thoughtfully moderated by Frannie Matthews of PBS 12. Panelists Eric Schaefer of Fading West, Jake Rishavy of VeroTouch, Greg Kenny of True North 3DP, and Brent Wall of Peaks Precast shared compelling insights into the future of construction and manufacturing. Highlights included Fading West’s rapid-response housing efforts following the Lahaina fires, True North 3DP’s groundbreaking work on Cleora’s first 3D-printed residential development, and VeroTouch—an Ascent alumni company—celebrating record-setting printing capacity and a growing team of 30 employees.

As a member of the funding panel, Collegiate Peaks Bank holds deep respect for the founders and for the impact of the Ascent Accelerator. Ascent is doing truly exceptional work in Chaffee County, and we are grateful to be part of a community that believes in investing locally, fostering innovation, and lifting one another up.