October Speaker Series: Rooted in Success - The Evolution and Future of Colorado Proud

Our October Speaker Series features Danielle Trotta and Barb Howe of Colorado Department of Agriculture's Colorado Proud program. Colorado Proud is a free marketing program designed to help consumers, restaurants, and retailers identify and purchase Colorado food and agricultural products, and connects Colorado business to shoppers seeking Colorado goods through promotional support including advertising, marketing, public relations, and social media opportunities.

Launched in 1999 by the Colorado Department of Agriculture with just 65 founding members, Colorado Proud has grown into a powerhouse brand representing thousands of local growers, processors, retailers, and restaurants. Join us for an engaging look into the story behind one of the state's most successful marketing initiatives. Discover how a simple effort to help consumers identify local goods transformed into a vibrant statewide community that drives billions in economic impact. We'll explore the brand’s history, examine the strategic shifts that sparked its massive growth, and offer an exciting look at where Colorado Proud is headed next—from inclusive multilingual outreach to pioneering the future of sustainable local agriculture.

Danielle Trotta leads the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Colorado Proud program, serving as a passionate advocate for the state’s food, beverage, and agricultural industries. With a career deeply rooted in community and hands-on agricultural experience, Danielle works to connect local producers, processors, retailers, and consumers—championing the economic and social value of buying locally grown and produced goods. Before managing Colorado Proud, Danielle served as a Business Development Specialist for the Department, where she built vital support systems and marketing networks for Colorado producers. Her extensive background in production agriculture includes co-managing a Red Angus cattle operation in Eastern Colorado and working as a livestock welfare auditor. Danielle holds both a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a Master of Agriculture in Integrated Resource Management from Colorado State University. She brings an energetic, community-first approach to expanding access, driving market opportunities, and leading Colorado Proud into its next era of growth.

Barb Howe serves as a Business Development Specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). A passionate advocate for local food systems, she works to drive strategic partnerships, and expand market opportunities for Colorado’s agricultural producers, processors, and consumer package brands. Throughout her work at the CDA, Barb has organized webinars to bring resources and awareness to our agricultural entrepreneurs. She also hosts and moderates the Cultivation Station podcast, where she interviews local food and agriculture champions to highlight the diverse offerings of Colorado's agricultural sector. A Colorado native, Barb holds a Ph.D. in Animal Science and brings a collaborative, community-focused approach to supporting the state’s farming and ranching legacy and connecting local food networks.

Our speaker series will happen virtually, Thursday, October 29, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Zoom links will be distributed to attendees via registration and reminder emails before the event.