Thrive! Employer Recognition Program

Living wages benefit workers, their families, businesses, our community, and our economy. The Thrive! Employer Recognition Program seeks to connect consumers to businesses that are committed to creating a just and sustainable local economy where everyone can thrive!

Thrive! modeled the Employer Recognition Program after Just Economics of Western North Carolina who has the largest living wage recognition program in the nation! Since launching the Employer Recognition Program in November 2014, over 100 employers have been recognized! Why not celebrate by stopping by to congratulate these business who are helping make our community a place where everyone can thrive! This project is funded in part by the Unitarian Universalist Fund for a Just Society.
​​Printable List of Recognized Living Wage Employers

Recognized Living Wage Employers

​Absolute Physical Therapy and Wellness is an independent physical therapy clinic striving to provide patients with the highest quality care as they move toward recovery!
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Adaptive Sports Association
Adaptive Sports Association’s (ASA) programs help to enrich and transform the lives of people with disabilities through sports and recreation in a supportive environment.
ASAP Accounting & Payroll, Inc. We are payroll and
accounting experts who love
working with small businesses.   Serving Durango, Telluride, and
Denver for over 27 years!
​Chartered in 1973, Alpine Bank is an employee-owned organization with assets exceeding $3 billion. Alpine Bank employs nearly 600 people and serves more than 130,000 customers with retail, business, mortgage and electronic banking services. Alpine Bank has a 5-star rating for financial strength by BauerFinancial, Inc.
Atlas Specific Your Durango Chiropractors at Atlas Specific are known for being experts in their field. Doctors Timothy Dugas and Danielle Donarski are 2 of only 1,200 Upper Cervical Specific Doctors in the world. The care they deliver is a postdoctoral specialty, requiring extra training and advanced certification within the field of Chiropractic.
AREM Property Management, Inc. represents owners in the management of their investment property for long term leasing. We also represent 60 HOA's in the management of their Associations. AREM retains a brokers license as well as CAM license to manage HOA's.
Axis Health System is a private, nonprofit healthcare organization established in 1960, providing healthcare to residents of Montezuma, La Plata, Archuleta, Dolores and San Juan counties. Axis Health System provides the care people need when they need it.
Bank of Colorado La Plata County Branches
Good people in good towns who bring you banking The Way Banking Should Be. 
Bright Day Orthodontics is an orthodontic practice headed by Dr. Christopher Lovell, DDS. Our main office is in Durango with a satellite office in Cortez. While we accept insurance and private-pay patients, we are primarily Medicaid-based.
Brookie Architecture and Planning's portfolio in sustainable planning and design, historic preservation, affordable housing, commercial, and municipal facility development builds on 38 years of experience in Durango. Licensed in 14 states and Puerto Rico, BAP thinks globally and designs locally.
Coldwell Banker Heritage House Realtors
More motivated Durango Colorado home sellers and buyers turn to Coldwell Banker Heritage House Realtors.

Columbine Landscapes Company Since 1997, Columbine Landscapes has been providing professional, reliable landscape services in Durango, Colorado. They specialize in ecologically-minded garden services for a fresh, lively and engaging landscape. 
Community Connections is a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for children and adults to lead healthy and fulfilling lives within our community.
The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado facilitates the growth and effectiveness of philanthropic contributions and expands the culture of giving to meet the needs of our communities.
Desert Sun Coffee Roasters, LLC
Organic and fair trade coffee roasted fresh in the beautiful Southwest.
Down to Earth Gardening & Landscaping ​is a design/build landscape company serving residential and commercial clients in Durango. We offer a wide range of installation and maintenance services, with an emphasis on xeriscape principles.
Durango Adult Education Center, a caring learning community, fills educational gaps by providing the skills and knowledge necessary for livable wage careers, post-secondary education, and social and economic mobility.
Quality auto repair and service on most domestic and foreign cars. Family owned and operated with over 25 years of experience. Recently voted #1 Best of Durango auto repair shop! Visit our website www.durangocarcare.com or follow us on Facebook!
​Durango Cyclery is the oldest bicycle shop in Durango. We have been servicing, renting, and selling bikes since 1981. We specialize in recycling old bikes into sweet new rides! Our service is second to none.
Durango Early Learning Center offers quality hands-on early year experiences, recognizing that children are natural explorers capable of constructing learning and knowledge.
Durango Natural Foods Cooperative Market (DNF) is 4 corner local, full service natural & organic grocery store owned by members. DNF as a Cooperative Market aims to serve the people, care for the environment and animal by supporting a meaningful and sustainable local economy. Everyone is welcome to shop. Member-owners receive big discounts.
Durango Outdoor Exchange is a consignment shop that provides quality, used outdoor gear and apparel. They exist for you to sell your stuff, find new gear and get out there and enjoy it! 
Durango School District 9-R is a high-performing school district located in western La Plata County in Southwest Colorado. Its seven elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools serve approximately 4,700 students.
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Durango Urgent Care 
​supports our community by providing our patients accessible, affordable, quality healthcare in Durango; offering prompt attention and expert care, delivering unsurpassed customer service in a welcoming environment.
Early Childhood Council of La Plata County is a collaborative team of early childhood advocates dedicated to the vision of bringing comprehensive, high-quality services to children and their families.
Eolus Bar & Dining
James Allred
General Manager
First Southwest Bank
A strong and growing community bank that has been dedicated to serving the people and businesses in our communities for over 10 years.
Four Corners OB/GYN serving teens and motherhood to midlife and beyond, Four Corners OB/GYN has cared for women throughout southwestern Colorado and northern New Mexico since 1996.
 4CORE serves Southwest Colorado by promoting resource conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy through education and programs that reduce costs, strengthen the local economy, and foster a healthy, sustainable environment. 
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FredrickZink & Associates is one of the largest CPA firms in the Four Corners and has been in operation for over 40 years serving individual, business, tax, accounting and audit needs.

Grassburger is a fast-casual, family-owned restaurant featuring 100% grass-fed beef burgers.  We believe that the iconic experience of a burger and fries should be healthy, sustainable and delicious!
Great Old Broads for Wilderness
Great Old Broads for Wilderness is a national grassroots organization led by elders, that engages and inspires activism to preserve and protect wilderness and wild lands. We bring voice, knowledge, commitment, and humor to the movement to protect our last wild places on earth.  
KSUT Public Radio
Connecting people, creating Community. Four Corners Public Radio and Southern Ute Tribal Radio
La Plata County
It is the mission of La Plata County to foster a safe, healthy, viable and self-sustaining community through wise stewardship of public and natural resources, efficient and effective delivery of mandated and discretionary services, local and regional collaboration, open transparent government and active citizen engagement.
La Plata Family Medicine Associates
Physician owned and operated for over 30 years. Your appointment will always be with one of our eight Board Certified Family Physicians.
La Plata Youth Services, Inc.
It is the mission of La Plata Youth Services to prevent youth from entering and further penetrating the juvenile justice system. While holding paramount the safety of the public, we build on the unique strengths of each adolescent and focus on positive youth development.
Local First
The mission of Local First is to provide locally owned, independent businesses and organizations with opportunities to thrive as we work together to build an economy that values people, the planet, and prosperity for everyone.
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​Louisa's Electronics is your source for technology solutions, from televisions and audio systems, to custom home automation and security systems.
Manna - The Durango Soup Kitchen's mission is to provide, in the spirit of faith and love, nourishing meals and supportive services in an atmosphere of acceptance and caring for those in need.
Marley's Angels Cleaning Services has served Southwestern Colorado Since 1999. We provide a variety of cleaning services including Residential, Commercial and Vacation Properties. Call us for house cleaning in the Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, Hermosa, Hesperus, Purgatory area! Our goal is to meet the cleaning needs of your busy lifestyles.
Mountain View Family Healthcare is a family practice providing primary healthcare to individuals and families of all age groups. Direct Primary Care model using membership structure with a monthly fee vs. usual fee-for-service model. Works with other local businesses to provide employees with ready access to primary healthcare services at lower cost for both employer and employee. On-site collaboration with registered dietician, fitness consultants, sports medicine and behavioral health providers.
​Oak Family Dentistry
Gentle, friendly, professional dental care. Durango's premier family dental care office.
Occasions Bridal & Events Boutique
A reputation for outstanding service, unique designs, and extraordinary style. Once you have experienced Occasions, you will know what it is to be truly pampered for your special day.  ​
Ore House
One of Durango's oldest and finest restaurants, with an atmosphere that truly reflects the essence and history of Southwestern Colorado. Specialties are steak, seafood and spirits. The Ore House’s food and beverages are created by a team of chefs that are passionate about sourcing fresh, wild, seasonal, regional, and responsibly harvested ingredients.​
Pediatric Associates of Durango For over 10 years now, families from Durango and the Four Corners area have entrusted the health care of their infants, children and adolescents to Pediatric Associates of Durango. Pediatric Associates honors this privilege by working with families to create a foundation for a lifetime of wellness.

Performance Sports
The oldest independent ski shop on the mountain. Ski and snowboard rentals, serving Purgatory and the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.
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PHD Advanced Nutrition LLC               The PHD philosophy is to improve the health of our community and transform lives. We treat each person as a unique individual helping them achieve their health goals, be it fat loss and optimal wellness or sports performance.
Region 9 Economic Development District of SW Colorado, Inc. is a non-profit, public/private partnership facilitating economic development efforts throughout Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan counties, including the Southern Ute and the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribes.
Rivergate Pharmacy and Compounding Center is a locally owned and operated business offering traditional and compounding prescription services, educational consultations, medical equipment and supplies, nutritional supplements, and OTC products. We strive to provide extraordinary customer service, and locally-made products and sustainability are priorities.
​Rochester Hotel - Luxury accommodations in the Spirit of the Old West. Full gourmet breakfast included. Cruiser bikes and coworking services available. Walking distance to shops, restaurants, activities and the train.
Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses
We are a design/build company hand crafting quality, custom tiny houses for the Rockies and beyond. ​ 
San Juan Basin Public Health
San Juan Basin Health is a local public health agency serving all residents of Archuleta and La Plata counties. For over 60 years, San Juan Basin Health has improved the health and environment of the Southwest Colorado community.
San Juan Citizens Alliance advocates for clean air, pure water, and healthy lands--the foundations of resilient communities, ecosystems and economies in the San Juan Basin.
San Juan Hand Therapy
Since 1996 San Juan Hand Therapy has been providing upper extremity rehabilitation services to the 4 corners area.  We work in an energetic clinic in a vibrant town and we believe in the expectation of a living wage.
San Juan Resource Conservation & Development Council
Promoting sustainable communities and improving the quality of life through economic development and the conservation of resources.
At Sante ​we value our members and patients and want to provide them with premium care. Stop in for a wide variety of CBD products, tinctures, topicals, edibles, concentrates, and flower. Our loyalty programs offer special pricing, discounts, points for every visit and more.
SCW Art Consulting
Creating environments that visually communicate your mission, your brand, your personality with innovative, custom solutions.
Serious Delights Bakery
​Serious Delights is a local, family owned bakery. We bake delicious breads, pastries and desserts from scratch everyday, using local and organic ingredients whenever possible.
Share Our Strength's Cooking Matters teaches participants to shop smarter, use nutrition information to make healthier choices and cook delicious, affordable meals.
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Shanta Foundation ​works in poor rural villages in Myanmar, reaching more than 10,000 people each year.  Through our holistic six-year partnership program we build thriving communities with programs in health, education, leadership, livelihood, and infrastructure.
Shaw Solar
We are a full-service solar contracting company based in Durango, Colorado, specializing in grid-tied solar electric and solar thermal design and installation.
Ska Brewing Company
It takes characters to brew beer with character, and we at Ska Brewing have been doing that since 1995.  Our award-winning craft brewing roots are firmly planted in Durango, Colorado, where our community-minded organization does all we can to give back.
Ska Fabricating established in 2012 as a result of Ska Brewing Company. Ska Fab - where innovation meets fabrication.
Skywalker Construction
Southwest Colorado’s leading custom home builder offering services that include innovative new home designs, commercial & retail buildings, renovations, remodel, additions and custom home building.
Smiley Cafe is Durango's Hidden Gem coffee shop located in the Smiley Building. We feature fresh made sandwiches, salads, soups, gluten free baked goods and locally roasted 81301 coffees.
SolarWorks! is a locally owned, full-service solar installation company serving businesses and residents in Southwest Colorado for 12 years. We specialize in residential & commercial solar, and integrating energy storage systems. Our clients trust our expertise, our products, and our knowledge to develop creative solutions to their energy needs.
Sorrel Sky Gallery’s visionary approach to Western art allows both new and experienced art enthusiasts the opportunity to select from a distinctive collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry.
The Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers confidential, objective services to help your business succeed no matter what stage you’re in.  Serving Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan Counties, as well as the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes.
Southwest Midwives
We provide women's health care in the Four Corner's Area. This includes pregnancy care, the birth of the baby at MRMC, well woman visits, contraception, and basic primary care.
Southwest Women's Health Associates
High quality, patient-centered primary and gynecological care throughout each stage of a woman’s life.  Addressing the needs of body, mind and spirit, meeting women where they are and partnering with them along the road to health and well-being.
Specialists In Women's Care provides compassionate Healthcare for Women. Dr. Pinkerton is a board-certified physician whose practice is limited to gynecology. She is an experienced surgeon who believes in comprehensive counselling and shared-decision making.
Spine Colorado is a highly acclaimed, regional spine center for the treatment of back and neck problems across the Four Corners area. 
The Garden Project of Southwest Colorado
Growing a healthier community through the support and development of school and community garden programs that promote health and wellness, environmental stewardship and a sustainable local food system.
The General Palmer Hotel is set in the heart of Downtown Durango, the historic General Palmer hotel is Durango’s premier Victorian Lodging.
The Payroll Department, Inc. Since 1993 our mission has been to provide you with personal, professional, confidential and accurate payroll and timekeeping services - a mission we continue to stay on one client at a time.
The Living Tree live foods salad bar opened in December of 2016 with a mission to bring healthy, organic, cultured foods to the community.  We live on the principle "let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." -Hippocrates
The Wells Group of Durango, Inc. is the largest independent real estate brokerage in Southwest Colorado with offices in the Durango, Bayfield, North County areas and Tamarron Resort.
Think Network Technologies, LLC is a provider of information technology solutions to both private and public sector accounts including governments, schools and small / medium / enterprise businesses offering customers a totally integrated network including; wireless, video, security, storage, and voice solutions.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango
An open-minded and tolerant group that uses reason, compassion and spirituality as our tools for personal and communal growth. 
Women's Resource Center in Durango, Colorado, advocates for the personal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency of women and girls in La Plata County. WRC does this through educational programming from resources and referral to educational scholarships and professional development.   
Yogadurango is Durango's very own community yoga center.
Zia Taqueria
Fast-service, fresh-mex food. We believe in simple, tasteful, authentic food with an atmosphere and price that feels good, warms the soul, and reminds you that some of the better things in life are quite simple.

Aspiring Living Wage Employers

Employers can be certified as "Aspiring" if they are working towards paying all their employees a living wage.
Riverhouse Children's Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit child development center providing child care and early education services for children from six weeks through five years old. Riverhouse has been in operation since 2004 and has served over 600 families since its inception. Our Mission is building the foundation for a lifetime of success through quality early childhood education.
If you would like to receive information on becoming a Certified Living Wage Employer  or would like to recommend a business who may be interested in being recognized please contact thrivelaplata@gmail.com or call 970-335-8114.