Take a trip through some of Pueblo’s pumpkin patches
Take a trip through some of Pueblo’s pumpkin patches
Driven Plastics named to 2025 Cleantech 50 to Watch list
Driven Plastics — a Pueblo recycling company that converts hard-to-recycle plastic waste into advanced asphalt additives — has been named to Cleantech Group’s prestigious 2025 Cleantech 50 to Watch list.
The list spotlights early-stage companies “poised to deliver breakthrough solutions to the world’s most pressing climate and sustainability challenges,” according to its website.
Driven Plastics’ recycling process diverts up to 10 tons of problematic plastic waste per mile of road constructed, but also reduces production-related emissions by 60%, offering stronger, longer-lasting roads at reduced costs.
Selected from hundreds of nominations worldwide, the 50 companies named to the Cleantech list represent the most compelling innovators at the intersection of technology, business, and impact.
“As we’ve seen throughout 2025, innovation doesn’t stand still,” Anthony DeOrsey, research manager at Cleantech Group, said in a news release. “These 50 companies represent where the market is heading next: increasing sophistication of AI, new frontiers in resource resilience, and breakthrough solutions in consumer goods sustainability. Their work shows us not just what’s possible, but what’s urgently needed.”
YMCA is first Pueblo gym with EGYM Smart Fitness Technology
The YMCA of Pueblo recently announced its new EGYM Smart Fitness System, making it the first facility in Pueblo to offer the cutting-edge technology.
This highly anticipated installation follows major renovations and an expansion of the YMCA’s Steelworks Functional Fitness Space, which is now home to 11 new EGYM smart training machines and an integrated Fitness Hub.
EGYM combines advanced technology with intuitive design to create a personalized strength training experience for users of all fitness levels, according to a YMCA news release. Once a member completes their onboarding session, the system automatically adjusts weight, range of motion, and resistance based on the individual’s goals and progress. This makes every workout safe, efficient, and results-driven.
“This is going to completely change the way people think about strength training,” Rylee Lile, Retention & Wellness director at the YMCA of Pueblo, said in the release. “EGYM ensures that weight bearing exercises are accessible and fun for everyone. It’s going to be an incredible tool for our YMCA members and the Pueblo community as a whole.”
The new EGYM system is available as an add-on option for YMCA of Pueblo members with a one-time onboarding fee of $49 and a monthly recurring fee of $10.
Pueblo Chamber donates $10,000 to CASA of Pueblo
The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce announced on Oct. 3 a $10,000 donation to CASA of Pueblo, made possible through bar tips collected at the four entertainment tents during the 31st Annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival.
CASA of Pueblo is a nonprofit organization that advocates for abused and neglected children by providing them with a voice in the courts and the community through trained volunteer advocates.
“The Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival is not only about celebrating our culture and traditions, but also about giving back to the community,” said Duane Nava, CEO/President of The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, in a chamber news release. “We are honored to support CASA of Pueblo with this donation, knowing the funds will directly impact children who need it most.”
The donation was awarded to CASA of Pueblo staff at The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce’s October Business During Lunch at the Pueblo Convention Center on Oct. 9.
Pueblo artist lands residency at New York City art school
Rose Wambsganss, a nationally recognized fine-line ink artist and arts educator from Pueblo, has been awarded a prestigious artist residency at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City.
Known for her intricate visual storytelling and symbolic compositions, Wambsganss will join a select group of artists in Manhattan to further develop her series “Thresholds of Surrender”, which explores sacred geometry, cosmic resonance, and philosophical themes.
“This residency is more than a professional milestone — it’s a continuation of the creative journey that began in Pueblo classrooms and community spaces,” Wambsganss said in a news release. “I’m honored to represent my hometown as I expand my practice and connect with artists and curators in New York.”
Wambsganss will debut new works from her “Thresholds of Surrender” series in a solo exhibition at the Mable House Arts Center in Georgia, running from Feb. 26, 2026, through April 10, 2026.
Community members can follow her residency journey and exhibition updates via her website, art-by-rose.com, and social media channels.
