RTD Civic Center Station Closing for Major Renovation

DENVER, June 9, 2016 – Civic Center Station, one of the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) busiest regional bus transit centers, will be closing for renovation beginning on Sunday, July 3. The closure will last approximately twelve months.

Once completed, the renovated Civic Center Station will be a state-of-the-art transit hub to complement Union Station and will provide improved connections and convenience for RTD passengers.

Civic Center Station currently serves 18 bus routes and sees an average of 15,000 passengers daily. The station also serves as the endpoint for the 16th Street FREE MallRide and the FREE MetroRide.

The new Civic Center building design includes:

  • Nine bus bays
  • Glass-enclosed terminal building
  • Bus concourse rebuild
  • Bus ramp extension connecting Broadway to Lincoln
  • Open view from 16th Street Mall to the State Capital
  • Building structure that is easier to maintain and repair long-term
  • More open and welcoming environment
  • Land parcel preserved for future development opportunities

Plans for the Civic Center Station renovation began in 2011, with a report by Merrick & Company that surveyed the facility and made recommendations. During that process, it was determined that the cost for repairing and keeping the same design were comparable to redesigning and building a new facility.

During the closure, bus routes from Civic Center Station will be assigned temporary bus gates along Broadway and Lincoln Street.
Gates on Lincoln Street:
GATE A: 90L
GATE B: 122X, FF4
GATE C: R/RC/RX

Passengers using routes 90L, 122X, FF4, and R/RC/RX will board buses on Lincoln between 17th Avenue and Colfax Avenue.
Gates on Broadway:
GATE D: 0L, 3L, 83D, 83L, P
GATE E: 87L, 100L, 116X, CV/CS/CX, EV/ES/EX

Passengers using routes 0L, 3L, 83D, 83L, 87L, 100L, 116X, CV/CS/CX, EV/ES/EX and P will board buses on Broadway between 14th and Colfax.

Passengers on routes 16 and 16L will board Colfax Avenue between Lincoln and Broadway.
FREE MallRide shuttles will detour from the 16th Street Mall with the final stop at Broadway/Colfax and resume travel at Court. FREE MetroRide passengers will board at the existing stop at 16th Avenue and Broadway.

For more information about the project and to sign up to receive construction updates, visit www.rtd-denver.com/civiccenter.

About RTD
RTD’s mission is to provide safe, clean, reliable, courteous, accessible and cost-effective bus and rail services in the eight-county district, and fulfills 100 million passenger trips annually. The public transit agency is creating a larger, better and more accessible system through innovation, public-private partnerships and transit-oriented communities.

###

Celebrate Colorado Aviation Week and General Aviation Appreciation Month in June

Colorado Aviation Week (CAW) is dedicated to raising funds to benefit Colorado Aviation Business Association's (CABA) Foundation Scholarship Program and Centennial Airport Foundation. Signature Flight Support and CABA also use proceeds to donate to one or two local charitable organizations to share their good fortune.

Over the past nine years, Signature Flight Support and CABA have raised over $220,000 for various charities. Currently, the golf tournament raises approximately $60,000 annually.  

Recently, John W. Hickenlooper, Governor of the State of Colorado, proclaimed June 2016 as GENERAL AVIATION APPRECIATION MONTH.

CABA invites our members to join in celebrating this proclamation with a week long of events.

Aviation Career Day
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
9:00 am - 4:00 pm  
Signature Flight Support
8001 S InterPort Blvd
Englewood, CO80112

  • We invite young people to experience the excitement and discovery of aviation  
  • This day event is designed for ages 15 and up
  • It's a day of hands-on aviation and science projects, challenging activities, airport tours, exploring different career opportunities, and other aviation experiences

Free Admission

For more Future Aviators Day information, please click here

Golf Tournament Kick-Off Reception  
Wednesday June 15, 2016
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm  
Signature Flight Support
8001 S InterPort Blvd
Englewood, CO80112

  • HondaJet Static Display
  • Carnita's Buffet
  • Beer & Wine
  • Golf Simulator
  • Music - DJ
  • Live Auction

Free Admission

For more Golf Tournament Kick Off Event information, please click here

10th Annual Signature | CABA Charity Golf Tournament  

Thursday, June 16, 2016
Black Bear Golf Club  
11400 Canterberry Parkway
Parker, CO 80138

Sign-In 7:00am     
Shotgun Start (Scramble) 8:00 am  

For more 10th Annual Golf Tournament information, please click here

Colorado Tourism Office to Conduct Statewide Input Sessions to Create Colorado Tourism Roadmap

DENVER - Thurs., May 26, 2016 - The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) will host eight public input sessions in cities, mountain towns and the plains in the coming weeks to gain insight into opportunities to maximize the benefit of tourism for communities throughout Colorado. 

These sessions are the starting point for an eight-month project to develop the Colorado Tourism Roadmap, a statewide strategic plan for Colorado's tourism industry. Anyone with a stake in the future of Colorado tourism, including community leaders and elected officials, is invited to attend and participate in the facilitated discussions. 

"This is a chance for Coloradans across the state to share their voices on how to maximize the benefit of one of the most important industries in Colorado," said Cathy Ritter, director of the CTO. "We hope participants will bring their thoughts about challenges that need to be addressed as well as opportunities to drive even more long-term benefits for our state." 

The three-hour input sessions will be led by Mitch Nichols, president of Nichols Tourism Group of Bellingham, WA, which is leading the development of the strategic roadmap aimed at maximizing Colorado's tourism potential. Nichols is leading a consulting team that also includes the Radcliffe Company of Spokane, WA and the National Laboratory of Tourism and e-Commerce, based at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Findings from the public input sessions will be used to develop a State of the Industry Report, which will be shared at Colorado's Governor's Tourism Conference, Sept. 14-16 in Breckenridge. Following the conference, the consultants will develop draft recommendations for a strategic plan that will be shared in a subsequent round of public sessions in a different set of Colorado communities. Throughout the roadmap process, the CTO will be seeking public input through http://industry.colorado.com.

The eight stops for the first round of input sessions: 
* 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1 at Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs
* 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, June 2 at the Koshare Museum and Trading Post in La Junta
* 8 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 8 at The Hotel Denver in Glenwood Springs
* 2 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8 at location TBD in Silverthorne
* 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley
* 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 10 at the History Colorado Center in Denver
* 2 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29 at location TBD in Telluride
* 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, June 30 at location TBD in Alamosa

In 2014, Colorado set all-time records welcoming 71.3 million visitors to the state who spent $18.6 billion and generated $1.1 billion in tax revenue. 

For the most up-to-date information and details about the public input sessions, please visit http://industry.colorado.com.

# # # 

Office of Gov. John Hickenlooper

Office of Economic Development
& International Trade

Holly Shrewsbury, 303-892-3847
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
Carly Holbrook, 720-289-9366
[email protected]

Business Roundtable Chairman Doug Oberhelman Welcomes Young Presidents’ Organization

The first week of May, the president of CAP Logistics, Kevin Kersting, had the opportunity to meet with Doug Oberhelman, Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. Oberhelman welcomed Kersting and other members of the Young Presidents’ Organization to the company’s headquarters in Peoria, Illinois.

Oberhelman, who also serves as chairman of Business Roundtable, discussed the economy and the wide variety of industries served by both Caterpillar Inc. and Kersting’s CAP Logistics, such as construction, energy, manufacturing and mining. Caterpillar Inc. is able to build the world’s infrastructure and enable progress for millions of people across the globe, as they say at Caterpillar.com, thanks to Team Caterpillar which is comprised of its employees as well as Cat dealers and Cat suppliers.

Kersting was able to identify with the solidarity created by this network of team members in two ways. His company, CAP Logistics, provides customized transportation solutions to customers anywhere, anytime, in the United States and Canada, thanks to a similar culture of team membership across its nationwide network of offices and agents. Additionally, many of the customers served by CAP Logistics use, sell or supply Caterpillar Inc. products, and this experience helps to further the sense of commitment between the two companies.

YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) is the world’s premier peer network of chief executives and business leaders. Founded in 1950, YPO today provides 24,000 peers and their families in more than 130 countries with access to unique educational and networking experiences designed to support their business, community and personal leadership. Kersting has been a member since 2015.

Doug Oberhelman, Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. and Chair of Business Roundtable welcomed members of the Young Presidents’ Organization, including CAP Logistics President Kevin Kersting, to the company’s headquarters in Peoria, Illinois. 

Tip Sheet for Infrastructure Week 2016 (May 16-23)

WELCOME TO OUR INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK TIPSHEET from http://infrastructureweek.org
 
60 events. 150 organizations. Thousands of participants. One week to tell America how #InfrastructureMatters.
 
Infrastructure Week is just around the corner, kicking off next Monday, May 16, and running through an entire jam-packed week of events. We wanted to send this exclusive pre-week tipsheet as an introduction to all of the great events, studies, news stories, social media engagement opportunities, and more that will be a part of Infrastructure Week 2016.
 
This year’s theme for the week is Infrastructure Matters. We believe, it matters to our public health and safety, to our communities, to our economy... essentially, to everything. Infrastructure is the nerve system that keeps our country moving. Infrastructure is responsible for keeping everything from water, to electricity, to goods, flowing from one point to another. When it works well, it keeps us safe and healthy, and our economy strong. But as we’ve seen in too many catastrophes in this country, when infrastructure is neglected, it can put people in danger, it dampens our economy, it leaves our roads and skies congested, and it means we fall behind our international competitors.
 
That’s why we’re spreading the message that Infrastructure Matters through the halls of Congress, across the nation’s capital, and across the country from coast to coast next week. Nearly 150 organizations have signed up to be a part of Infrastructure Week, and together they are planning more than 60 events. As in past years, Infrastructure Week is led by our diverse steering committee of leading national organizations: the AFL-CIO, the American Society of Civil Engineers, Building America’s Future, Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program, the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Value of Water Coalition.
 
KICKOFF ON MONDAY
REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND!
Or, view the live webcast!
On Monday, May 16 we’ll kick off at the US Chamber of Commerce with an all-star line up, including: Jeh Johnson, Secretary of Homeland Security; Victor Mendez, Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO; Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President; Michael Ducker, FedEX Freight President and CEO and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chairman; Mayor David Condon (Spokane, WA); Mayor Sly James (Kansas City, MO); Mayor Stephanie Miner (Syracuse, NY); Paul Misener, Amazon.com VP Global Innovation Policy; Ray LaHood, Former Secretary of Transportation (Obama Admin); Mary Peters, Former Secretary of Transportation (W. Bush Admin); Rodney Slater, Former Secretary of Transportation (Clinton Admin); James Burnley, Former Secretary of Transportation (Reagan Admin), and many more! Seating is limited, but a few spots are still available if you’d like to attend the event. Register here today!
 
IN THE NEWS
The nation's subways are falling apart, but the next president might actually fix them -- “Groups from the left and right, led by the AFL-CIO and the Chamber of Commerce, are gathering this month in Washington to press Congress for infrastructure spending at all levels, including roads, bridges and water pipes that have gained urgent attention after dangerous levels of lead leached into the drinking water in Flint, Mich. While few expect to get an infusion of cash this year, they are hoping to lay the groundwork for next year, when a new president often gets a brief window of cooperation with Congress to pass spending bills.” -- LA TIMES, 5/9/16
 
America's infrastructure $1.44 trln short through 2025 -report -- “America will fall $1.44 trillion short of what it needs to spend on infrastructure through the next decade, a gap that could strip 2.5 million jobs and $4 trillion of gross domestic product from the economy, a report showed on Tuesday. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) estimates that through 2025, the United States has funded only about 56 percent of its needed infrastructure spending.”  -- Reuters, 5/10/16
 
#INFRASTRUCTUREMATTERS - TAKE ACTION!
Whether you can join us in real life next week or not, please be a part of the online Infrastructure Week conversation! Last year, social media about infrastructure issues reached millions of Americans during I Week, amplifying our message well beyond the rooms where our events happen. We want to make sure we’re as successful this year! Here are five ways to join us:

  1. Be part of our Thunderclap: ow.ly/4n6K9Q Start off I-Week with a big bang of social media attention! Help us reach our goal of having 250 organizations all share the same message on social media simultaneously, at 11 am ET on Monday, May 16!
  2. Follow us on Twitter, @InfraWeek
  3. Use #InfrastructureMatters before and during Infrastructure Week
  4. Use the tweets we’ve drafted and graphics we’ve created for you, easily downloaded here.
  5. Write to your elected leaders using our online Take Action platform! Write one letter that will automatically be sent to your national, state, and local leaders!

 
A LOOK AHEAD AT THE INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK CALENDAR
With such a diverse group of affiliates hosting events across the country, there is a plethora of opportunities to attend events in person or online, wherever you are, next week. Here are just a few highlights from the calendar. See the full list of events here.
 

Monday

Our kickoff, of course: LIVE WEBCAST!

Washington, D.C.: At 1:00 pm, the Bipartisan Policy Center Executive Council on Infrastructure is hosting Bridging the Gap Together: A New Model to Modernize U.S. Infrastructure. Register here.

Washington, D.C.: Eno Technology is presenting: Cheaper, Safer, Faster: How Disruptive Technologies are Changing How We Build and Operate Infrastructure at the House T&I Committee hearing room in Rayburn at 3:00 pm.

Tuesday
Tampa, FL: Building America’s Future and HNTB are hosting an event on technology for the next era of streets and automobiles, How Tampa is Driving the Future of Transportation.
Camden, NJ: American Water and the City of Camden will announce a major milestone in a public-private partnership to improve water and wastewater services, and provide workforce training and skill development in the community. The Mayor of Camden will join this event.
 
Wednesday
Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. and around America! Even if you can’t make it to Capitol Hill, write to your delegation!
Washington, DC: Hill briefing and press conference with Gov. Ed Rendell, I Week’s Congressional Co-Chairs Senators Capito and Cardin and Representatives Graves and Maloney, labor and business leaders, and a presentation from American Society of Civil Engineers on the infrastructure investment gap. Register here.
Also, join us for the most fun part of Infrastructure Week - our reception! The widely held event will be from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm, The Flying Bridge - 444 North Capitol St NW. The reception is co-hosted by Infrastructure Week and Value of Water Coalition, because without water, there would be no ice, no beer, no wine, and no receptions. Register to join us here.  
 
Thursday
Washington, D.C.: Our marquee event for Thursday, Bloomberg Government and Siemens host “The Future of Cities,” taking a deeper dive into how an increasingly urban America will be driven by new technologies, policies, and investments across transportation, energy, water, and more! Featured speakers include former governor and presidential candidate Martin O’Malley!
Cleveland, OH: As part of the Value of Water Coalition's “Local Innovators Tour” the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District will lead a tour of green infrastructure in Cleveland.
On the phone: APTA will host a nationwide press conference call on the Current State of the Nation’s Aging Public Transportation Infrastructure.
 
Friday
Washington, D.C.: Want to keep talking tech? Join the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation for a look at the digital infrastructure systems that will define the U.S. economy in the future! More info here.
Juneau, AK: When we said Infrastructure Week was nationwide, we weren’t kidding. ASCE is hosting a port tour and new cruise ship dock celebration in Juneau, Alaska!
 

And the Following Monday...

Washington, D.C.: At 3:00 pm in the Congressional Visitors Center, Airports Council International - North America is presenting Beyond the Runway Coalition: Airport Finance – A Free Market Approach, and Airports as Economics Engines.

Evanston, IL: Mobility 2050: A Vision for Transportation Infrastructure and How We Can Get There will be presented by Association of Equipment Manufacturers and Northwestern University.

 
TALKING ABOUT INFRASTRUCTURE...
"It is just one more example of the under-investments that have been made. The D.C. Metro historically has been a great strength of this region. But over time, we under-invested in maintenance and repair,” said President Obama, last week regarding the recent problems plaguing Washington’s Metro system.
 
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Infrastructure Week would not be possible without the generous support of members of our Steering Committee, and our 2016 sponsors: Autodesk, The Business Roundtable, HNTB, Siemens, WSP-Parsons Brinckerhoff.
 
Infrastructure Week is a national week of events; media coverage; and education and advocacy efforts to elevate infrastructure as a critical issue impacting all Americans. Learn more at http://infrastructureweek.org

Copyright © 2016 Infrastructure Week, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
Infrastructure Week
1101 K St. NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
 

Adams County Microloan Fund Receives $1M to Spur Small Business Growth

ADAMS COUNTY, CO (April 20, 2016) - The Adams County Board of Commissioners, Adams County Economic Development (ACED), Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) and the North Metro Small Business Development Center have partnered to create the Adams County Microloan Fund with starting capital of $1 million, the largest in the metro area. This program provides Adams County’s small businesses access to capital for those who have difficulty obtaining financing from traditional sources but are capable of repaying debt.  

“Small businesses in Adams County have been the catalyst for landing the county among national leaders in job growth and new job creation,” said Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio. “We’re excited to support this new program to expand the options for small businesses that might have challenges working through the traditional loan process.”

The Colorado Enterprise Fund matched Adams County’s non-federally funded contribution of $500,000 creating the initial program value of $1 million. Qualifying businesses can apply for loan amounts up to $50,000 maximum for five (5) years. Loan applications will be reviewed by a committee of bank and financial professionals organized by ACED and approved or denied following CEF’s standard procedures and processes.

“This is one of many steps we are taking to grow Adams County’s economy,” said Barry Gore, President/CEO of ACED. “Access creates opportunities.  More financing opportunities for our local business community will promote growth, jobs, and support entrepreneurship!”  

Businesses can apply directly to the Colorado Enterprise Fund or be referred by Adams County Economic Development members, banks, or from the Small Business Development Center.

###

Media Contact: 
Erin Beckstein
Director, Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
www.AdamsCountyED.com

 

Downtown Denver Partnership Releases 2016 State of Downtown Denver Report

DENVER (May 10, 2016) – The Downtown Denver Partnership issued today the 2016 State of Downtown Denver report. The annual report, funded in part by the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District, is one of the most comprehensive statistical looks at the stories and statistics behind a thriving center city, detailing increasing investment, strong office market fundamentals, a growing and highly-educated workforce and vibrant residential population in Downtown Denver.

“Our center city’s strong economy and dynamic energy creates a place where people want to live and work, and as a result, it’s a place where companies want to locate,” said Tami Door, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “Downtown Denver is a model for what a great city can be as a result of our collective strategic, place-based economic development strategy and the long-term vision and commitment of public and private-sector leaders.”

At a breakfast attended by nearly 600 business and civic leaders, Door presented key facts from the report, including:

Development and Investment
Developers are responding to increased demand propelled by a strong population and job growth, as well as key public-sector investments. $2.5 billion of investment is under construction or planned for Downtown Denver, on top of more than $634 million of investment in 2015 that included 15 projects to create an additional 511 hotel rooms, 1,901 residential units and 333,000 square feet of office space.

Office Market and Employers
Downtown Denver is an ideal place to start or grow a business. In the past 24 months, 24 companies have relocated or expanded, and office market fundamentals remain strong with a 9.5 percent direct vacancy rate and $33.14/square foot direct average lease rate. As of the beginning of 2016, an additional 2.8 million square feet of office space was planned or under construction.

Workforce
More people are working in Downtown Denver than ever before, totaling 123,548 at the end of 2015. Employment has increased 13.2 percent since 2010, surpassing the nation-wide increase of 8.5 percent. Denver is also the seventh most educated metro area in the country, with more than 40 percent of Denver Metro area residents earning a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Students and Universities
54,000 students attend public, not-for-profit institutions of higher education in Downtown Denver, and more than 10,000 students attend trade or private institutions. The Auraria Higher Education Center continues to see growth and investment to help ensure businesses are able to recruit qualified employees, with new facilities including an aerospace and engineering sciences building at Metropolitan State University of Denver, and an advanced manufacturing center at the Community College of Denver.

Residents
Ranked as the top place to live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, 75,972 people live in Downtown Denver. Attracted to vibrant walkable districts and diverse residential amenities, this number is expected to grow by 12.6 percent over the next five years, compared to 3.7 percent nationally.

Retail and Restaurants
First-to-market and new-to-downtown options create a diverse retail scene, including the second non-coastal location for Uniqlo, which will open a 23,000-square-foot flagship store later this year. 53 percent of businesses along the 16th Street Mall are local businesses or local chains contributing to the $45 million in retail sales tax collections generated in Downtown Denver in 2015.

Mobility
Multi-modal transportation options converge in Downtown Denver, where nearly 60 percent of Downtown Denver employees commute to work via transit, walk, bike or ride share. 21 percent of Downtown Denver residents don’t own a car.

Public Space and Activation
Downtown Denver’s parks and public spaces are an economic asset for the community and help transform an individual’s experience in the center city. In 2015, public spaces were activated for a collective total of 749 days. Events like Meet in the Street, produced by the Downtown Denver Partnership and funded by the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District, resulted in 30 percent more pedestrian traffic on the Mall, and 60 percent of people spending more time in the space.

Tourism and Attractions
A world-class destination for regional and international tourists, more than 15 million people, including one million conference attendees to the Colorado Convention Center, visit the city each year and spend a total of $4.6 billion. Downtown Denver’s 32 hotels also experience high occupancy rates, and with four new hotels planned.

“I applaud the Downtown Denver Partnership for leading the private sector’s commitment to help develop and implement the strategies that are responsible for the economically vibrant center city showcased in the 2016 State of Downtown Denver report,” said Joe Vostrejs, principal of City Street Investors and chairman of the Downtown Denver Partnership.

Following an overview of the report, a panel moderated by Rob Cohen, CEO of IMA Financial, and including Crissy Fanganello, director of transportation for Denver Public Works, Chris Frampton, managing partner of East West Partners, and Scott Heimes, chief marketing officer at SendGrid, discussed the opportunities and challenges facing Downtown Denver, including population growth, mobility, affordability and education, as well as the role the entrepreneurial community plays in the future of the center city.

“While Downtown Denver is certainly thriving, it’s important to continue collaboration between the public and private sector and engage in important dialogue to drive our center city forward,” said Rob Cohen, CEO of IMA Financial and chair of the Partnership’s Downtown Denver Inc. Board of Directors. “Let’s continue to invest in and capitalize on the opportunities we’ve worked so hard for and ensure Downtown Denver remains the best place in the entire country to live, work and visit.”

For more information and to view the complete 2016 State of Downtown Denver report, visit www.downtowndenver.com.

About the Downtown Denver Partnership
The Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc. partners with public, private and non-profit entities to implement high-impact strategies, outlined in the organization’s long-term strategy the 2007 Downtown Area Plan, to support its vision for an economically healthy, growing and vital Downtown Denver. For more information, visit www.downtowndenver.com.

About The Downtown Denver Business Improvement District
The Downtown Denver Business Improvement District (BID) is a public organization funded by private commercial property owners. It strives to provide a clean, safe and vibrant Downtown environment for workers, residents and visitors. Through their annual assessments to this quasi-governmental entity, BID property owners fund a series of district-wide programs that enhance Downtown Denver, including cleaning and maintenance efforts, safety initiatives and targeted visitor marketing. The BID is an independent organization that contracts with the Downtown Denver Partnership to manage its work program. For more information, visit www.downtowndenver.com/about-the-bid.


###

COBRT Supports and Celebrates Small Biz Week

Colorado Business Roundtable knows that small business has a significant impact on all businesses, including the large companies that comprise the national Business Roundtable. This week, we have celebrated and supported National Small Biz Week and invite our readers to continue to do so -- it's only Thursday, after all!

Join the conversation at @ColoradoBRT #DreamSmallBiz

Our capital city of Denver welcomed U.S. Small Business Administration's Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet on Wednesday, May 4 to kick-off day four of the National Small Business Week celebrations that are happening across the nation May 1-7. SBA Regional Administrator Betsy Markey joined Contreras-Sweet to officially welcome the national event to Denver and the Rocky Mountain Region. While in Denver, Contreras-Sweet participated in a Celebrating Women in Small Business forum with Colorado’s prominent women entrepreneurs and leaders followed by an awards luncheon and a Latina’s in Business discussion at Azucar Bakery in Denver. See original release and check out the livestream events as well as webinars here.

Learn more about Betsy Markey, the Former Colorado Congresswoman who was appointed as the Regional Administrator of the SBA's Region VIII in January 2016. The region is based in Denver and covers the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming, serving over 875,000 small businesses. 

Last week, we had Tim Gaudette as a guest on COBRT's Connect and Collaborate Radio. Gaudette is the Colorado Outreach Manager for Small Business Majority, a national small business advocacy organization, founded and run by small business owners to focus on solving the biggest problems facing small businesses today. On the show, Gaudette discussed next week's Small Business Summit in Washington D.C. as well as other topics for small business owners such as access to capital, predatory lending, nondiscrimination and benefits. Click the player below to stream the podcast, or click download to save and listen later.

Also from the Small Business Majority, we report that the organization released on May 4, 2016 a scientific opinion poll showing the vast majority of small business owners in Colorado oppose proposed legislation allowing lenders to increase the interest they can charge on a $3,000 consumer loan. See the report, "Colorado Small Businesses Strongly Oppose Raising Loan Interest Rates."

Tomorrow, May 6, 2016 the Denver Office of Economic Development invites you to "Meet Your Maker!" From 3-6 p.m., InkMonstr Graphic Design & Printing (at 2721 W. Holden Place) has invited local manufacturers of cool gear to showcase Denver’s active lifestyle industry. This is the final in a series of events for National Small Business Week. See all.

Keep the momentum of Small Biz Week going next month with the Colorado Rockies. Colorado Small Business Development Center Network (CSBDC) invites you to its 3rd Annual Small Business Night at Coors Field on June 23. CSBDC is dedicated to helping existing and new businesses grow and prosper in Colorado by providing free and confidential consulting and no- or low-cost training programs. CSBDC has locations around the state with a team of business experts ready to help you create and retain jobs, secure loans, increase sales, win government contracts, obtain certifications and more. 

As COBRT has reported in the past two weeks, CSBDC along with several statewide small businesses, community organizations and financial institutions, launched a new website in honor of this year's Small Business Week. The website, www.coloradosmallbizweek.com, serves as the one place where Coloradans can find all the events and celebrations in honor of small businesses in specific communities across the state. 

For more on the national perspectives and policies affecting small business, check out the website and resources for the U.S. House Small Business Committee. Get the latest news and learn more about its key priorities: tax simplification, regulatory reform, increasing trade, access to capital and small business contracting.

COBRT has a unique and continued commitment to small business in that our president, Jeff Wasden, is on the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association, the nation’s oldest small-business advocacy organization, and operates on a staunchly nonpartisan basis. As we reported in February 2016, this is Wasden’s second time serving in an executive role for NSBA. He originally served on their national leadership council representing Colorado’s sixth district through the family business he co-owns.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) encourages small-business owners and self-employed individuals to check out several products to help them understand and meet their tax obligations. See the list here. Topics and tools include Payments to Independent Contractors, Simplified Home Office Deduction and The Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center.

Colorado's Advanced Industries Road Tour Announced

DENVER - Monday, April 18, 2016 - The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) today announced that staff will be going on a road tour throughout Colorado to educate people about the Advanced Industries (AI) Accelerator Program and how they can apply for and secure grants.

"In just the past three years, Colorado's AI program has granted over $35 million to 227 organizations, helping them to scale and find great success," said Fiona Arnold, Executive Director of OEDIT. "We want to ensure that people in every part of the state are aware of the program and know how to successfully apply for a grant."

The AI grant team will answer questions at two-hour meetings, as well as discuss the program in detail and give helpful grant training advice.

Tour Stops:
La Junta 4/20
Grand Junction 4/25
Montrose 4/26
Durango 4/27
Alamosa 5/5

The Advanced Industries (AI) Accelerator Programs promote growth and sustainability in Colorado's seven advanced industries by helping drive innovation, accelerate commercialization, encourage public-private partnerships, increase access to early stage capital and create a strong ecosystem that increases the state's global competitiveness.

There are five different AI grants available for people to apply for:
* Proof of Concept: grant funding is used to identify and pull technologies from research institutions where they were discovered and connect them to private sector where they can scale.
* Early-Stage Capital and Retention: grant funding is used to fund companies using technologies developed in proof of concept grants and other early stage start-ups that have created viable products that meet a market need and that can be created or manufactured in Colorado and exported globally. 
* Infrastructure Funding: grant funding is used to accelerate commercialization and innovation of AI products and services by building capacity and workforce.
* AI Export Accelerator Program: grant funding is available for businesses to offset international business development and marketing costs.
* AI Colorado-Israel R&D grant: grant funding available to Colorado companies that have partnered with an Israeli company and are seeking grant funds to support their joint R&D project/technology.

For more information, please click here.

Small Biz Week Website Launched

The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) along with several statewide small businesses, community organizations and financial institutions, today launched a new website in honor of this year’s Small Business Week. The website, www.coloradosmallbizweek.com, will serve as the one place where Coloradans can find all the events and celebrations in honor of small businesses in specific communities across the state. 

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has declared a National Small Business Week to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners across the nation. This year the US Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week is May 1-7, 2016.

“Small Business Week highlights the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Colorado,” said Fiona Arnold, Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. “With over 560,000 small businesses in Colorado and half of our workforce employed by small businesses, this week will celebrate their critical contributions with workshops, events and festivities to celebrate Colorado's entrepreneurial spirit.”

The www.coloradosmallbizweek.com website features a calendar of the events, workshops, webinars and celebrations that will take place throughout Colorado during small business week. Additionally, Coloradans can submit their own small business training events to the website.

You can join the conversation with the hashtags #ColoradoCollaborates and #DreamSmallBiz.

2016 Colorado Companies to Watch Finalists Announced

 

Fifty Winners to be Announced at 8th Annual Gala Awards Ceremony

Denver, CO – Colorado Companies to Watch (CCTW) announced the 2016 Finalists of the 8th Annual Colorado Company to Watch Awards, a unique program that honors 50 high-performing 2nd stage companies from across the state for their performance in the marketplace, innovative products, unique processes and philanthropic actions.

“The 2016 Colorado Companies to Watch Finalists represent the state’s most innovative and impactful businesses,” said Sean Nohavec, CCTW Chairman of the Board and Senior Vice President, Platinum Sponsor UMB Bank.  “We are proud to recognize the contributions of 2nd stage companies in Colorado, which often work behind the scenes creating the bulk of economic growth in our state.”

Second-stage companies are those that have moved past the startup stage and into a period of growth. The 2016 Finalists selected significantly impact the state’s economy by collectively providing thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars in revenue while representing Colorado’s diverse economic landscape.

Candidates are selected from nominations within the local community.  This year had over 1,000 nominations, with 76 Finalists emerging, from which 50 Winners will ultimately be chosen by the esteemed CCTW volunteer judging panel. Winners will be announced at the 8th Annual Gala Awards Dinner on Friday, June 17, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Denver. Registration for the event will open soon at ColoradoCompaniestoWatch.org.

 

2016 Colorado Companies to Watch Finalists:

AdPro 360

Image Audiovisuals, Inc.

Qwinix

AFC Urgent Care Denver

Inada USA

Rachio

Agribotix

Insight Designs Web Solutions, LLC

Redefy Real Estate

All Phase Restoration

InstaKey Security Systems

Residential Systems, Inc.

Allison Medical, Inc.

J.A. Balistreri Vineyards

Sand Cherry Associates, Inc.

AllUrData, Inc.

JCR Capital

Schoolrunner

Anthem Branding

Kindara, Inc.

Serious Texas Bar BQ

App-X

Liqid, Inc.

Shinesty

ASTRA, LLC

Littleton Equine Medical Center

Silvergate Pharmaceuticals

Avid4 Adventure, Inc.

Mame's Burrito Company

SnapEngage

Barber-Nichols, Inc.

MKK Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Solera Salon

Buehler Companies

Neuro Assesment Systems

SpenDifference, LLC

Canyon Bakehouse

NFT

SSB

Choozle

Nusura, Inc.

Stoneside Blinds & Shades

Colorado Medical Waste, Inc.

Outrigger Energy, LLC

Sunshine Plumbing Heating Air, LLC

Colorado Professional Resources, LLC

Parkifi, Inc.

Sustainable Supply

Columbine Label Co.

Pinnacle Mountain Homes

Tailwind Nutrition

concept3D, Inc.

Pinyon Environmental, Inc.

The BCER Group (BCER Engineering, RimRock Technology and Rondinelli Life Safety)

CPP, Inc.

Platte River Networks

Think Network Technologies

Denver Beer Co.

Polidori Sausage

Thought Ensemble, Inc.

Digabit, Inc.

PorchLight Real Estate Group

Timberline Bank

Epicurean Butter Co.

Precision Sample, LLC

TRIO Environments

Faris Machinery Co.

Providigm, LLC

Vectors, Inc.

FORTRUST

Purely Elizabeth

Volume Nine

GO Alpine

Quinn Snacks

VOORMI

Good Day Pharmacy

 

 

About Colorado Companies to Watch

Colorado Companies to Watch, presented by CapitalValue Advisors, is an awards program honoring 2nd stage companies headquartered in the state of Colorado. The 350 companies that have been honored since the program’s inception demonstrate high performance in the marketplace or exhibit innovative products or processes. The program is designed to seek businesses from a wide range of industries throughout the state, not just the major metropolitan areas. The 50 companies selected each year make an astounding impact on Colorado's economy by collectively providing thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars in revenue. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) launched the program in 2009 in conjunction with the Edward Lowe Foundation and valuable community partners from across Colorado.

For more information on Colorado Companies to Watch, visit ColoradoCompaniestoWatch.org, facebook.com/ColoradoCompaniestoWatch and Twitter @coloradoCTW.

 

###

Media Contact
Tiffany Ramsdell, PR
720.325.2517 x603
[email protected]

 

Downtown Denver Partnership Honors Six Transformational Projects at 55th Annual Downtown Denver Awards

The Downtown Denver Partnership presented six awards today to transformational projects in Downtown Denver that contribute to an economically healthy, growing and vital center city at the 55th Annual Downtown Denver Awards Dinner, presented by Polsinelli.

The honorees, selected by a jury of key business leaders convened by the Downtown Denver Partnership, are businesses, projects and initiatives that had the most significant impact on the center city in 2015.

The 55th Annual Downtown Denver Awards winners are:

·        16M (Video)

·        Balfour at Riverfront Park (Video)

·        Co-Development Expansion Project at the Denver Art Museum │ the ART Hotel (Video)

·        Elan Union Station │ King Soopers (Video)

·        Lawrence Street Community Center (Video)

·        Regency Athletic Complex at MSU of Denver (Video)

“We are grateful for the opportunity to pause each year to celebrate the achievements that advance us toward our vision of a world-class center city,” said Tami Door, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “These projects support our place-based economic development strategy and have made significant contributions to bolster Downtown Denver as a powerful economic engine for the city, state and region.”

More than 1,000 people – a new attendance record – celebrated award winners at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.

More information about each winner is below. Click here for images available for media use, please credit the individual project for the photo. Additional information, as well as videos highlighting each project, are available at downtowndenver.com.

16M

16M is a thoughtfully designed mixed-use building in Denver’s historic Lower Downtown (LoDo) District that brings an authentic modern development to activate a previously overlooked intersection of 16th and Market Streets. The 10-story, 340,000-square-foot building creates space for residents, businesses, ground-level retail and increases pedestrian activity and vibrancy along the 16th Street Mall.

“16M supports the vibrancy of downtown Denver through its ‘live, work, play’ uses within the building’s modern yet contextual architectural design. Having our work honored for contributing to the transformation of downtown Denver makes this award very special to us!”

Brent Mather, AIA, LEED AP, Principal, Design Director, Gensler

Balfour at Riverfront Park

Balfour at Riverfront Park brings one of America’s only four-star senior living communities to Downtown Denver. Balfour expands opportunities for seniors to experience all that Downtown Denver has to offer, while also accessing an entire continuum of care to meet their long-term needs.

“On behalf of the entire Balfour at Riverfront Park team, it is our honor to receive a 2015 Downtown Denver Partnership Award. By presenting Balfour with this prestigious award, you have recognized that vibrant cities are places for everyone, not just young professionals and empty nesters. And that’s how Balfour at Riverfront Park became more than a vision. We’d like to believe our community has helped in its own special way to make Downtown Denver a more dynamic and exciting place.”

Michael Schonbrun, Founder

Co-Development Expansion Project at the Denver Art Museum │ the ART Hotel

The mixed use Co-Development Expansion Project at the Denver Art Museum, including the ART Hotel, has bolstered the Broadway corridor and Golden Triangle neighborhood and established the city block as the cultural core of Downtown Denver. This world-class transformation of a public parking lot brings a new tier of visitors to Downtown and includes private mixed-use space for 55 luxury residences, new retail, 50,000 square feet of office space and the ART Hotel. 

“Mile High Development and Corporex Colorado are truly thrilled to receive a prestigious Downtown Denver Partnership Award on behalf of the Co-Development Expansion Project which validates the strong commitment made over 15 years ago to enter into a public-private partnership with the City and County of Denver and the Denver Art Museum to help transform the Civic Center neighborhood.”

George Thorn, Mile High Development

Elan Union Station │ King Soopers

Elan Union Station solidified Lower Downtown’s transition from a business district to an urban neighborhood by fulfilling a long-standing commitment to bring a first-of-its-kind, full-service grocery store to Downtown Denver. The development also features a 314-unit apartment complex and additional ground-floor retail that broadly impacts Downtown’s residents, workers and visitors.

 “The Elan Union Station project is the “front door” to the Platte Valley and adds a critical urban component to downtown Denver – the first full-service grocery store.  The Nichols Partnership, along with Loftus Developments, worked with the Downtown Denver Partnership, the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, King Soopers and a variety of other constituents over a 10-year period to create this valuable amenity and advance Denver as a true 24/7 city. We are honored to be recognized by the Downtown Denver Partnership.”

Nichols Partnership

Lawrence Street Community Center

The Lawrence Street Community Center provides a safe, clean and dignified place – the first of its kind – where Denver’s homeless community can access basic services during the day, including bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, food, drinking fountains and power outlets. The facility includes a 325-seat dining center and outdoor courtyard, reducing neighborhood sidewalk congestion and helping the Denver Rescue Mission support homeless individuals on the path towards becoming self-sufficient citizens.

“This award means a tremendous amount to the Mission and all of our staff. We fought many uphill battles to see the Lawrence Street Community Center open its doors, and now we’re serving more meals and providing more services than ever before. It’s doing what it was supposed to do -- help people in dire need. And we’re so grateful Downtown Denver recognizes the value of this.”

Brad Meuli, CEO, Denver Rescue Mission

Regency Athletic Complex at MSU of Denver

The Regency Athletic Complex at MSU of Denver transformed a previously unused plot of land into a 13-acre field of dreams, enhancing health and wellness among student-athletes and the community, and creating an amenity that strengthens physical and economic connections to Downtown Denver.

“The Regency Athletic Complex allows us to engage with the neighboring community, provide premier facilities for our student-athletes and bring new people to the center city. We’ve created a place that is a vital part of the urban fabric of Downtown Denver and we are thankful for this recognition.”

Dr. Stephen Jordan, President, MSU of Denver

 

About the Downtown Denver Partnership
The Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc. partners with public, private and non-profit entities to implement high-impact strategies, outlined in the organization’s long-term strategy the 2007 Downtown Area Plan, to support its vision for an economically healthy, growing and vital Downtown Denver. For more information, visit www.downtowndenver.com.

###

Media Contact: 
Brea Olson
303.775.4712
[email protected]

Footers Catering Wins National Recognition for Community and Professional Development

Footers Catering was awarded the “ACE" award at the Catersource National Catering Conference in Las Vegas on March 15th, 2016.  The annual Catersource Achievement in Catering Excellence (ACE) Award recognizes companies that have shown noteworthy achievement in the catering industry through culinary, business, community and professional development.

Each year, winners are chosen to represent the best of the best in each of these three geographic regions: East, West and International. These regions are broken down into two revenue segments: Annual revenue up to $2 million and greater than $2 million.  Footers Catering won the award for best in the western region over $2 million.

Footers Catering was founded in 1981 by Jimmy Lambatos. In 2010, Jimmy’s son, Anthony, and Anthony’s wife, April, purchased the business and made the transition to a second-generation family business. Their passion for amazing events and an unprecedented company culture in their industry has elevated the Footers tradition to become a top business in Denver. Footers caters more than 700 events and feeds more than 100,000 guests each year in the Denver Metro Area and Mountain Regions.

COBRT recently hosted Anthony on its Connect and Collaborate Radio show to discuss strategic planning for success. Listen to the podcast here.

Footers Catering 

For more information about Footers Catering, visit their website or call 303-762-1410.

Colorado business confidence holds steady heading into second quarter of 2016, says CU-Boulder index

The optimism of Colorado business leaders remains unchanged entering the second quarter of 2016, but is projected to slightly dip ahead of the third quarter of the year, according to a University of Colorado Boulder report.

Released today, the Leeds Business Confidence Index shows the same level of optimism now as was recorded at the start of the first quarter with an overall reading of 55.4. This is down by 6.3 points from one year ago. A decrease in confidence to 54.4 is expected ahead of the third quarter of 2016.

Expectations measured positive – at 50 or higher – for all of the metrics in the index except the national outlook. The current standings represent 18 consecutive quarters of positive expectations, according to the index. Business leaders’ outlook remained positive for the state economy, industry sales, industry profits, capital expenditures and hiring plans.

“While expectations remain positive for the next two quarters, expectations will slip slightly heading into the third quarter,” said economist Richard Wobbekind, executive director of the Leeds School’s Business Research Division, which conducts the index. “Heading into the third quarter, our panelists noted concerns about the pending election, energy prices and the global economy.”

Additionally, more than half of respondents surveyed for the index indicated a talent shortage in Colorado, which can lead to higher salaries or wages, lower retention rates, slower business growth and higher project costs, as well as longer recruiting processes and the need to hire from out of state.

Sector-by-sector highlights from the second-quarter Leeds Business Confidence Index for 2016 are as follows:

  • State economy expectations fell to 57.3 from 59.3 in the first-quarter index;
  • National economy confidence decreased to 49.5 from 50.5 in the first-quarter index;
  • Profits expectations rose to 56.7 from 55.3 in the first-quarter index;
  • Sales expectations ticked up to 59.5 from 58.4 in the first-quarter index;
  • Capital expenditure expectations were relatively flat at 54.1 compared with 54 in the first-quarter index;
  • Hiring expectations increased to 55.6 from 54.9 in the first-quarter index.

Colorado’s unemployment level decreased from 3.5 percent in November 2015 to 3 percent in February 2016. The February rate compares with a national unemployment rate of 4.9 percent at that time.

Year-over-year employment growth was recorded in most of the Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) of the state with the Fort Collins-Loveland (+3.8 percent) and the Colorado Springs (+2.7 percent) MSAs seeing the fastest expansion. They are followed by the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield (+2.5 percent), Boulder (+1.8 percent), Pueblo (+1.5 percent) and Grand Junction (+.2 percent) MSAs. The Greeley MSA (-.6 percent) has now recorded six consecutive months of year-over-year declines.

Statewide, the biggest employment gains in February 2016 compared with the same month in 2015 were in the leisure and hospitality (+6.3 percent), construction (+4.3 percent) and education and health services (+4 percent) sectors.

Visit the Leeds School’s Business Research Division page for the second-quarter report and more information.

Editors: Audio clips of Richard Wobbekind discussing the current business confidence index are available at https://www.colorado.edu/news/news/multimedia/colorado-business-confidence-holds-steady-heading-second-quarter-2016-says-cu.

 

-CU-

Contact:
Richard Wobbekind, Leeds School of Business, 303-492-1147
[email protected]
Brian Lewandowski, Leeds School of Business, 303-492-3307
[email protected]
Elizabeth Lock, CU-Boulder media relations, 303-492-3117

Creative District Certification Guidelines and Application Now Available

Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) announced on March 23, 2016 that guidelines and applications are available for Colorado Creative District certification. This certification recognizes districts that are contributing to Colorado's economy through creativity, culture and the arts, and the program supports these districts in their endeavors to bolster investment, job growth and local revenue through supporting strategic investments in the development of creative places.

New this year, there will no longer be candidate status and all applicants will apply to become a certified district. Communities selected for certification will have access to enhanced program benefits.

Creative Districts receive access to marketing, data, funding and other support. Twenty districts have been accepted into the program since its inception. Click here to see a complete list.

Eligibility
Applicants for Colorado Creative District Certification must be:

  • A structured entity representative of a community located in Colorado (e.g. municipal or county government, a registered neighborhood organization, downtown or economic development authority, 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 or other)
  • An entity representing an area formally recognized as a creative or arts district
  • A creative district or organization with a mission reflecting a commitment to arts and culture and/or creative placemaking

Application

Districts must go through a rigorous application and certification process in order to become a Colorado Creative District. Certified Creative Districts must meet a number of important criteria:

  • Clearly define their unique place and niche, and identify what sets them apart
  • Comprise a geographically contiguous area
  • Be distinguished by physical, artistic or cultural resources that play a vital role in the quality of life of the community, including its economic and cultural development
  • Be the site of a concentration of artistic and cultural activity, a major arts or culture facility, arts and entertainment businesses, arts and cultural activities or artistic/cultural and creative sector production
  • Be engaged in promotion, preservation and educational aspects of arts and culture, provide interpretive, education or entertainment uses

The application to become a Certified Creative District can be accessed at coloradocreativeindustries.org. All applications must be submitted online. A free webinar to answer questions about the application will be held on April 1 at 12 p.m. Click here to register for the webinar.

 

Deadline

The deadline for receipt of applications is April 28, 2016 at 4 p.m.

 

Administrators

CCI administers the Colorado Creative District Program, and the Boettcher Foundation is a partner. 

 

About Colorado Creative Industries

Colorado Creative Industries, Colorado's state arts agency, is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Established to capitalize on the immense potential for our creative sector to enhance economic growth in Colorado, the mission of Colorado Creative Industries is to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado's economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life.

 

Granite Properties and Confluent Development Break Ground for Granite Place at Village Center Office Development

Granite Properties and Confluent Development broke ground on February 17, 2016 for a Granite Place at Village Center, a 300,000-square-foot office development in Greenwood Village.

Granite Properties, a Texas-based real estate developer with an office in Denver, and Denver-based developer Confluent Development are co-developing Granite Place at Village Center. Granite Properties also serves as the owner of the office development located within the Village Center area of Greenwood Village near I-25 and Arapahoe Road. Additional affiliated entities include Open Studio Architecture, GE Johnson, Koelbel and Company and Colliers International.

Greenwood Village Mayor Ron Rakowsky, Granite Properties Managing Director Stephanie Lawrence and Confluent Development President and CEO Marshall Burton provided remarks regarding this important development opportunity for southeast Denver. 

The transit-stop development is within walking distance of the Arapahoe at Village Center light rail station and will provide Class AA space that is in high demand for the southeast Denver market. Through well-planned development, phase one of the project will include a 10-story speculative office building with unique amenities as well as an adjacent parking garage accommodating approximately 1,000 cars. 

Granite Properties will own and manage the project, adding to its current portfolio of 950,000 square feet of commercial space in the Denver market and 9 million square feet nationwide.

Rendering of Granite Place at Village Center


Left to right: Blake Mourer (Open Studio Architecture), Marshall Burton (Confluent Development), Stephanie Lawrence (Granite Properties), Greenwood Village Mayor Ron Rakowsky, Buz Koelbel (Koelbel and Company), Justin Cooper (GE Johnson), Brad Harms (GE Johnson)

For more information, please contact Andy Boian at dovetail solutions, 303-868-0085 / [email protected].

Denver Releases JumpStart 2016 Strategic Plan for Economic Development

Denver's JumpStart 2016 sets ambitious goals

Annual “blueprint” also includes a three-year, strategic vision

Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) released on Feb 22 JumpStart 2016, the city’s strategic plan for economic development. Now in its fifth annual edition, JumpStart sets bold goals for continued momentum in the city’s vibrant economy, growing good jobs and creating opportunity for all Denver residents to succeed.

“This is Denver’s time. We are seeing record-breaking economic success on so many levels, and the challenge now is to maintain this growth in a manner that will positively impact all our people,” said Mayor Hancock. “Our JumpStart vision has always been founded on inclusivity, striking a balance between bold goal setting and ensuring that we are directly creating economic mobility for residents in every corner of the city.”

As in previous years, JumpStart 2016 outlines strategic pillars of economic development: business development, small business advocacy, housing, neighborhoods, and workforce development. Each pillar includes detailed initiatives, goals, and partners with which the OED will collaborate to convert plans to action.

Included in this year’s report is a broad, three-year framework for economic development strategies for the 2016-2018 window.

“I am proud that the vision and discipline of producing a JumpStart document each year since 2012 continues to reinforce a culture shift within the city’s economic development work, stretching ourselves to accomplish greater milestones and managing to a strict scorecard for accountability which I believe makes us far more effective,” said Paul Washington, OED Executive Director.

Among the specific initiatives in the 2016 plan:

Build outreach efforts to international companies looking to expand in the U.S., while also exploring international opportunities for local firms to tap new markets

In conjunction with institutional early-stage venture funds, support Denver-based startups through a new loan fund, which in turn will provide payment enhancements to the city following a firm’s successful growth and/or exit strategy

Identify up to 500 firms that contribute to Denver’s core economy, and assign them an OED business development representative to strengthen lines of communication for future expansion or retention conversations

Provide financing to the top ideas addressing food insecurity in the Globeville-Elyria/Swansea neighborhoods

Build upon the success of the JumpStart BizPlan Awards by organizing JumpStart Academy, a consortium of startup entrepreneurs who can formally share strategic planning, finance, marketing, and mentoring practices with their peers and future applicants

Support the creation of at least 600 additional affordable and workforce housing units, and also pilot new financing tools for affordable homeownership

Establish a retail incubator and storefront on E. Colfax for immigrant-entrepreneurs to manufacture, market and sell goods to their Denver community

JumpStart 2016 is available online here.

The Commons on Champa Launches Program Series to Support Women Entrepreneurs

The Commons on Champa, a public campus for entrepreneurship in Downtown Denver created by the Downtown Denver Partnership, Colorado Technology Association and the City and County of Denver, announced today the launch of a series of programs aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs and increasing diversity within Denver’s startup community.

Read more