Connect and Collaborate Honored by Colorado Broadcasters Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2016

Connect and Collaborate Honored by Colorado Broadcasters Association

Denver, CO --  Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) announced today that Connect and Collaborate radio show was a finalist for a Colorado Broadcasters Association award for Best Public Affairs Program/Radio in a metropolitan market and received a Certificate of Merit for the submission.

Through KNUS-AM, COBRT was awarded a Certificate of Merit for the Connect and Collaborate report, "Rape Response on Campus - Title IX Workgroups." Producer Tammy Schmidt hosted the show with Denver D.A. Mitchell R. "Mitch" Morrissey and Kathryne Grove, then-Title IX coordinator at University of Denver.

The Awards of Excellence Banquet was held on March 5, 2016 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. Morrissey, Grove and Schmidt accepted the award with current DU Title IX coordinator Jean McAllister. 

Click here for the podcasts of the award-nominated show about this significant issue. Sexual assault can be difficult to discuss, but any positive and well-informed conversation about sexual assault awareness can lead to improved response and decreased incidence. Connect and Collaborate radio is pleased to contribute to this awareness and congratulates our radio team and guests.

The show airs from 4-5 p.m. on weekdays, Monday through Friday at Denver’s Money Talk 1690 AM. The new station was acquired by Salem Broadcasting, which also controls the show’s previous station, KNUS 710 AM. Connect and Collaborate radio show is also available via podcast at www.cobrt.com/radio or a variety of hosts like Podbean, Podcast Addict, I Heart Radio and iTunes.

Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) is a prominent advocate for proactive, positive legislation that strengthens the economy and allows businesses to grow and thrive in Colorado and the region. Through strategic alliances with great groups of industry leaders, chambers of commerce, educational institutions and governmental bodies, our goal is to improve the business environment, increase effectiveness, and expand the networks of our partners. Engage online at www.cobrt.comFacebook and Twitter.

Contact:
Tara Alexander, PR Coordinator
Colorado Business Roundtable
303-394-6210
[email protected]

(L to R) Kathryne Grove, Jean McAllister, Tammy Schmidt, Mitch Morrissey

(L to R) Kathryne Grove, Jean McAllister, Tammy Schmidt, Mitch Morrissey

Local Business Owner Jeff Wasden Named to NSBA Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2016

Local Business Owner Jeff Wasden Named to NSBA Board

Denver, CO -- Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) announced today that its president Jeff Wasden was recently elected to serve on the Board of Trustees for the National Small Business Association (NSBA). NSBA is the nation’s oldest small-business advocacy organization, and operates on a staunchly nonpartisan basis.

Wasden, a recognized leader in the small-business community, joins other small-business advocates from across the country as they work to promote the interests of small business to policymakers in Washington, D.C.

“As small-business owners, we face many significant challenges,” stated Wasden, “But there is no other place I’d rather be. I look forward to working with NSBA as we urge Congress and the administration to ease the small-business burden and support pro-small-business policies.”

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.

Wasden attended his first NSBA Board of Trustees meeting this week in Washington, D.C. where he discussed critical issues facing small business, namely tax reform, regulatory restraint, health care costs and how the Affordable Care Act will impact small business, and much more. The NSBA Board of Trustees also met with the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy’s Director of the Office of Economic Research, Janemarie Mulvey, Ph.D. Mulvey to discuss small-business finance.

“I am proud to work with such an exemplary group of leaders who have made small-business advocacy a top priority,” stated NSBA President and CEO Todd McCracken. “Wasden came to us highly recommended and I look forward to his activism and leadership for years to come.

For more on NSBA, please visit www.nsba.biz  or follow us at @NSBAAdvocate.


Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) is a prominent advocate for proactive policy that strengthens the economy and allows businesses to grow and thrive in Colorado and beyond. Through strategic alliances with great groups of industry leaders, chambers of commerce, educational institutions and governmental bodies, our goal is to improve the business environment, increase effectiveness, and expand the networks of our partners. Engage online at www.cobrt.com and @ColoradoBRT.

Contact:
Tara Alexander, PR Coordinator
Colorado Business Roundtable
303-394-6210
[email protected]

Colorado’s Congressional Delegation Participates in Conference Calls with Business Leaders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2016

Colorado’s Congressional Delegation Participates in Conference Calls with Business Leaders

Denver, CO -- Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) held today the first in a monthly conference call series between Colorado’s congressional delegates and COBRT, along with Colorado’s leading business leaders, chambers and trade association partners. The intent of these Congressional Conference Calls is to ensure that each member of the Colorado delegation in the House and Senate gets the opportunity to not only share pressing issues and legislative priorities, but to also hear from a high level, controlled audience across the state’s important industry sectors.

Business leaders on the calls are from aerospace, manufacturing, bioscience, information technology, financial institutions, health services, tourism and outdoors, education, construction, farming and agriculture, as well as Chambers of Commerce. The calls are limited to COBRT Board members, senior staff and critical industry associates. The calls are off-record and designed to be open and candid. In addition to being off-record, the calls are not open to the general public.

There is one legislator on each call, and this first one was with U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. Next month it will be with U.S. Senator Cory Gardner. COBRT President Jeff Wasden said, “Each of our partners and Colorado’s business organizations will benefit greatly from getting direct, monthly updates from our talented congressional delegation. As excited as we are, our delegation is equally excited about the opportunity to share some of their priorities, legislation that may impact our business climate and then answer questions from Colorado’s top business leaders.”

All members of Colorado’s delegation have signed to participate in the monthly calls and are scheduled at least once throughout 2016. COBRT will observe the 90-day rule so as to not have a member of the delegation on the call less than 90 days before facing a contested primary or general election. This is not a forum for seeking support (financial or otherwise) for political races.

AT&T Colorado makes this opportunity possible by hosting the calls. AT&T’s CEO is the immediate past chair of the BRT and in Colorado, a member of the COBRT Leadership team.

 

Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) is a prominent advocate for proactive, positive legislation that strengthens the economy and allows businesses to grow and thrive in Colorado and the region. Through strategic alliances with great groups of industry leaders, chambers of commerce, educational institutions and governmental bodies, our goal is to improve the business environment, increase effectiveness, and expand the networks of our partners. Engage online at www.cobrt.com/radio, twitter.com/ColoradoBRT and www.facebook.com/coloradobusinessroundtable.

Contact:
Tara Alexander, PR Coordinator
Colorado Business Roundtable
303-394-6210
[email protected]

Connect and Collaborate Radio Expands To Five Days Per Week on New Business Station Denver’s Money Talk 1690

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2016

Denver, CO -- Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) announced today that its Connect and Collaborate Radio program is increasing its number of shows each week from one to five and going live during drive time from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Effective Monday, February 1, 2016, the expansion comes with a change in station as well, from KNUS 710 AM to the new KDMT 1690 AM Denver’s Money Talk. 

Connect and Collaborate, the Voice of the Colorado Business Roundtable, will continue to provide programming about business leadership, innovation and current events affecting the business community. The fresh format is a novel concept of multiple hosts, some of Denver’s most influential business leaders, inviting the audience into new networks. Listeners will hear interviews with experts, unique perspectives on business news and approachable case studies.

This new format grows upon the foundation of COBRT media which is built upon the concepts of “Brave Leaders and Best Practices.” The show is one of many ways in which COBRT reaches its constituents and members. COBRT also has a quarterly magazine, a weekly e-newsletter, a variety of social media and videos. Media Technology Management allows COBRT and its members to best connect and multiply the network effect.

Founder Gayle Dendinger explained, “We assemble brave leaders and great groups, visionary minds and best practices related to making a lasting difference. We tell their compelling stories in a variety of ways and help multiply their results by reaching more of the right people and organizations.”

The new home of Connect and Collaborate, Denver’s Money Talk 1690, was recently acquired by Salem Broadcasting, which also controls the show’s previous station, KNUS 710 AM. Connect and Collaborate radio show is also available via podcast at www.cobrt.com/radio.

Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) is a prominent advocate for proactive, positive legislation that strengthens the economy and allows businesses to grow and thrive in Colorado and the region. Through strategic alliances with great groups of industry leaders, chambers of commerce, educational institutions and governmental bodies, our goal is to improve the business environment, increase effectiveness, and expand the networks of our partners. Engage online at www.cobrt.com/radio, www.facebook.com/coloradobusinessroundtable and twitter.com/ColoradoBRT.

Contact:
Tara Alexander, PR Coordinator
Colorado Business Roundtable
303-394-6210
[email protected]

 

 

 

Colorado Employment Growth to Continue Despite Slight Drop in New Business Formation, Says CU-Boulder Report

Contact:
Richard Wobbekind, Leeds School, 303-492-1147
[email protected]
Brian Lewandowski, Leeds School, 303-492-3307
[email protected]
Elizabeth Lock, CU-Boulder media relations, 303-492-3117
[email protected]
Lynn Bartels, Colorado Dept. of State, 303-860-6903
[email protected]

Jan. 21, 2016

Colorado employment growth to continue despite slight drop in new business formation, says CU-Boulder report

Even with a slowdown in new business filings in Colorado during the fourth quarter of 2015, employment in the state is expected to expand over the first and second quarters of 2016, according to a University of Colorado Boulder report released today by Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams.

The quarterly indicators report, prepared by CU-Boulder’s Business Research Division at the Leeds School of Business, uses data from the secretary of state’s business registry to report correlations between the data and economic metrics.

At 23,306, the fourth-quarter new entity filings were down from 25,164 in the third quarter of 2015 and down from 23,360 at the same time in 2014.

A total of 102,670 new entities were recorded during the 12-month period ending in December 2015.

The number of entities in good standing ticked up 5.5 percent year-over-year to a new record of 601,588.

“Despite a slight decline in business registration, our office continues to help Coloradans achieve their dreams,” said Williams. “For the first time Colorado exceeded a major milestone having over 600,000 business entities in good standing.”

Existing entity renewals in the fourth quarter of 2015 totaled 113,849, which is down from 114,677 in the third quarter of 2015, but up 5.6 percent year-over-year. Total existing entity renewals for the year increased to 463,642 for the 12-month period ending in December.

“Based on economic growth in Colorado and the initial filings, we see continued, but slower, employment growth in the state in the first half of 2016,” said economist Richard Wobbekind, executive director of CU-Boulder’s Business Research Division.

Visit the secretary of state’s website to view current and past reports or to sign up to receive reports by email.

-CU-

Colorado Business Roundtable Supports Job Creators Network Major New Campaign to Bring Small Businesses Back

For Immediate Release

January 13, 2015

Contact: Tara Alexander, Public Relations
Colorado Business Roundtable
303-394-6210
[email protected]

Colorado Business Roundtable Supports Job Creators Network Major New Campaign to Bring Small Businesses Back
New national poll finds small businesses are still in recession mode; overtaxation, overregulation, and lack of access to capital to blame

DENVER – Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) is throwing its support behind a major new campaign launched today by The Job Creators Network (JCN) that draws attention to and identifies the major reasons for the ongoing struggles of American small businesses, with the ultimate goal of working with policymakers and stakeholders across the nation who are committed to creating an environment to help small businesses flourish and create jobs. The campaign, called Bring Small Businesses Back, consists of new polling information on small businesses, commercials on cable news networks, print ads in the Washington D.C. region, and a comprehensive white paper analyzing the state and challenges of small businesses. 

Jeff Wasden, President of COBRT, explains a long history of support for small business. "COBRT has supported small businesses since its inception in 2001. I serve on the national board for the Small Business Association as well as several Chamber of Commerce Boards, and I have experience as a small business owner as well. COBRT and our national affiliate Business Roundtable work closely with some of the largest companies in the country and world, and that means we work with some of the top small businesses as well. We all work together – big, mid, small, B2B, B2C, along the supply chain – toward successful enterprise. Through a 50/50 mix of efforts for public policy and best business practices, COBRT brings together companies of all sizes and supports our fellow small-businesses."

COBRT was founded among a family of companies -- small business companies, in fact. Founder Gayle Dendinger says, "No one starts a small business thinking that it will be easy. But many small business owners do anticipate and appreciate the support they receive from customers as well as regulators. Defending Main Street in a literal and metaphorical sense keeps the character of our country and economy intact."

In conjunction with the campaign’s launch, JCN commissioned a national poll* which shows overtaxation, overregulation, and a lack of access to capital among the leading reasons why small businesses are being threatened. It finds that only 1 in 5 small business owners plan to hire additional employees over the next year. Fewer than 1 in 3 responded that doing business over the next year would be easier than the previous one. By a large margin, respondents identified overtaxation and overregulation as the main hurdles they face. The campaign will promote solutions to these challenges that can finally Bring Small Businesses Back. 

The campaign is running commercials in the Washington D.C. region tomorrow on the cable news stations MSNBC, Fox News, CNBC, and CNN. The ad features Stephen Bienko, founder and president of 42 Holdings and franchisee of College Hunks Hauling Junk, explaining his concerns about how government overreach threatens small businesses like his.  

Watch the commercial here

The campaign is placing full page ads in the Washington D.C. edition of tomorrow’s Wall Street Journal and Roll Call featuring Carlos Gazitua, President of Sergio’s Family Restaurants, a growing restaurant chain in South Florida. The ad is titled, “It’s Time To Bring Small Businesses Back” and its copy highlights the importance of small businesses to the American economy and the threats that they face from government overreach. 

View the ad here

The campaign’s white paper, “Bring Small Businesses Back: An Overview of the State of American Small Business and the Hurdles They Face,” documents numerous indicators revealing the ongoing stagnation of American small businesses and highlights how overtaxation, overregulation, and a lack of access to capital are to blame. It provides an unvarnished look at the true state of American small businesses. 

Read the white paper here

“The engine of American growth and prosperity is small business, but it has been corroded by government overreach," said Alfredo Ortiz, president and CEO of the Job Creators Network. "The Job Creators Network is committed to promoting solutions that would reduce the tax and regulatory burden on small businesses to finally Bring Small Businesses Back.”

For more information, visit DefendMainStreet.com. To schedule an interview, contact Andrew Ransom at [email protected]

 

*National poll of 408 small businesses conducted by Connection Strategies on January 7th and 8th, 2016. 

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Denver Startup Week Announces 2016 Dates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Brea Olson, @DENStartupWeek, 303.775.4712
[email protected]


DENVER STARTUP WEEK ANNOUNCES 2016 DATES
Fifth annual event will take place throughout Downtown Denver Sept. 12 - 16

DENVER (Jan. 13, 2016) – Denver Startup Week, the largest free entrepreneurial event of its kind in North America, will return for a fifth year celebrating everything entrepreneurial in Denver Sept. 12 through 16, 2016. Following 2015’s record-breaking year for both attendance and number of sessions, organizers are focused on continuing to grow the event aimed at helping people succeed in starting and growing a business in Denver.

Organized by the Denver Startup Week Organizing Committee and co-led by Tami Door, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, Erik Mitisek, CEO of the Colorado Technology Association, and Ben Deda, COO of Galvanize, Denver Startup Week is focused on highlighting Denver as an entrepreneurial center on the local, regional and national stage, while enhancing community and providing resources for the startup community.

Denver Startup Week attendees can expect five days of curated programs including keynote speakers, panels, pitch-offs, social events and more aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in all stages of business and across all industries. Denver’s entrepreneurial and business community will once again have the opportunity to submit session topic ideas that will be voted by the community-at-large for inclusion in the final schedule of events. Additional information about topic submission will be made available in the spring at denverstartupweek.org.

Denver Startup Week is made possible by Title Sponsors the Downtown Denver Partnership, Colorado Technology Association, Chase, Comcast and Ping Identity, in addition to more than 40 community sponsors and Denver entrepreneurs.

*Photos from Denver Startup Week are available upon request.

About Denver Startup Week: 
Denver Startup Week, founded in 2012, is a celebration of everything entrepreneurial in Denver.  The weeklong event is intended to unite the entrepreneurial community in Denver and celebrate the great companies, innovation and ideas happening in the city and the people and inspiration behind them.  The core programming is centered on the entrepreneurial community with an emphasis in technology, design, social entrepreneurship, manufacturing and business.  Events throughout the week are organized by both the Denver Startup Week Organizing Committee and the community at-large and include sessions, presentations, panels, workshops, happy hours, social events, job fairs and more. Denver Startup Week is made possible by Title Sponsors the Downtown Denver Partnership, Colorado Technology Association, Chase, Comcast and Ping Identity, in addition to more than 40 community sponsors and Denver entrepreneurs.

For more information visit www.DenverStartupWeek.org

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University of Colorado Economic Study Shows the Oil and Gas Industry is Key to Colorado’s Economic Health and Stability

For Immediate Release
December 29, 2015

Contacts:
Doug Flanders
303-861-0362
[email protected]

Rachel George
[email protected]

 

New Study Shows Positive Impact of Oil and Gas to Every Coloradan

DENVER (December 29, 2015) – The oil and gas industry in 2014 pumped $31.7 billion into Colorado’s economy, according to a new economic study by the Business Research Division of the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado at Boulder. The study, released today by the Colorado Oil & Gas Association (COGA), demonstrates the vital role the industry plays in the state’s economy.

Overall, the report found, the industry recorded $15.8 billion in production value, accounting for 38,650 direct jobs with average annual wages in excess of $105,000 —twice the average wage of all industries in Colorado. The total economic impact of the industry was $31.7 billion in 2014, supporting 102,700 jobs and $7.6 billion in compensation.

The report, Oil and Gas Industry Economic and Fiscal Contributions in Colorado by County, 2014, conducted by University of Colorado Boulder researchers Brian Lewandowski and Richard Wobbekind, found that in 2014 the oil and gas industry supported over 100,000 high paying workers and their families.

“The capital investments and industry production create jobs, income, wealth, and taxes, notably concentrated where production exists; however, as tax dollars flow into the state general fund and cash fund, the outflow of these dollars impacts every citizen in the state through investments in education, transportation, and others, “ the report stated.

Dan Haley, President and CEO of COGA said, “The industry’s overall tax bill represents approximately $600 of tax revenue per household in the state, and this does not include the industry’s corporate tax bill. Every Coloradan is positively impacted by this industry, no matter where you live.”

The report also details the significant amount of tax revenue generated by the oil and gas industry for school districts, as well as state and local governments that is well “beyond what other industries contribute. … Ad valorem taxes, for instance, are 3 times higher for oil and gas production than for commercial property within the state and 11 times higher than residential property.”

“Clearly, even as we work through this period of lower commodity prices, the oil and gas industry’s impact on Colorado’s economy is significant,” said Haley. “The industry continues to provide, and support, thousands of good paying jobs in all corners of the state. Governments across Colorado also depend on the oil and gas industry to pay for much-need public services. Without revenue from this industry, we would not be able to provide the necessary funding, or would have to further raise taxes, for public schools, roads, parks, and many other government services that Coloradans depend on.”

The study also found:

·       The oil and gas industry paid over $434.7 million in property taxes in 2014 and accounted for $156 million from the Colorado State Land Board School Trust distribution or 88 percent of the overall distribution of $178 million.

·       Severance tax revenue increased 92.9 percent from 2013 to 2014, generating $330 million in 2014 compared to $171 million in 2013.

·       In total, the oil and gas industry contributed over $1.1 billion in revenues to state and local governments, school districts, and special districts.

·       34 counties had oil production and 38 produced natural gas; 37 of Colorado’s 64 counties recorded taxable oil and gas property.

·       90 percent of Colorado’s taxable oil and gas property is in five counties: Weld, Garfield, La Plata, Rio Blanco and Montezuma.

·       Weld County produces 86 percent of the state’s oil and 25 percent of its natural gas.

·       Weld and Garfield alone accounted for 80 percent of drilling permits in 2014, with Weld having more than 66 percent of all active rigs in the state.

While Weld and Garfield Counties are the leaders in production, Denver, Weld, Mesa, Garfield, and Adams counties are the “center of employment for the industry,” accounting for 79 percent of the total direct jobs. Interestingly, the City and County of Denver had the most direct industry jobs in the state with nearly 13,000 paying over $161,000 dollars a year.

“This study clearly shows that cities and counties that either don’t have or have limited oil and production are reliant on our positive contributions to their community. When any new rules or regulations are being considered that impact oil and gas production, Weld and Garfield Counties’ voices must be heard,” Haley said. “We must avoid the domino effect of production in these two counties being negatively impacted and then the rest of the state’s employment and revenue declining as well.” 

This study used publicly available industry data to quantify the economic impacts of the industry in Colorado by county. The study examined the economic indicators and impacts to the county level, looking at employment, wages, and well activity to economic and fiscal impacts.

Go to the COGA website to see the full report on the 2014 oil and gas industries economic and fiscal contributions in Colorado.

# # #

Colorado Oil & Gas Association Confident Supreme Court Will Rule in Favor of Current Law, Confirming Illegality of Local Oil and Gas Bans

For Immediate Release
 
Contacts:
Doug Flanders
303-861-0362
[email protected]
 
Rachel George
[email protected]
 

 
DENVER (December 9, 2015) – Today, the Colorado Supreme Court heard two appeals challenging the legality of Longmont's ban and Fort Collins' five-year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing. 
 
Dan Haley, President and CEO of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association (COGA), said “Our attorneys made a strong case based on long-standing legal precedence, and we are confident that the Supreme Court will agree that the ban implemented in Longmont and the Fort Collins' moratorium are illegal and preempted by current law.  We are confident that the Supreme Court will provide further clarity regarding the primacy of the state in oil and gas regulation.”
 
The first case, which was heard at 9 a.m., was the City of Longmont v. Colorado Oil and Gas Association (COGA) and the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). The case involved a challenge to the Longmont ban on the use of hydraulic fracturing within its borders as well as the storage of hydraulic fracturing waste. The appeal is from Judge Dolores Mallard’s decision in Boulder County court that Longmont’s ban was operationally preempted by state law because it conflicted with state law.
 
The second case, heard at 10 a.m., was the City of Fort Collins v. COGA. In this case, COGA challenged the validity of Fort Collins’ five-year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing and the storage of hydraulic fracturing waste within Fort Collins. Judge Gregory M. Lammons in the Larimer County District Court held that Fort Collins’ moratorium was operationally preempted because it conflicted with state law. He also held the city’s five-year ban was impliedly preempted by the 1992 Supreme Court decision in Voss v. Lundvall Brothers. 
 
Haley believes that the court will rule in COGA’s favor and added “While oil and gas was the catalyst for the action, these cases are much more than just about oil and gas.  These two cases truly get to the heart of where the state’s authority ends and local government’s begins. Depending on the outcome, the decisions could have tremendous impact across all businesses in Colorado and how and if they can operate in our communities if certain people just decide they don’t like someone’s business.”
 
The main issues in these cases are the extent to which home rule governments can ban an activity extensively regulated by the state. While local governments can regulate certain aspects of land uses pertaining to hydraulic fracturing operations, COGA argued today to the Supreme Court that they may not ban the activity altogether.
 
Specifically, COGA argued that allowing local governments to enact such bans would contradict the broad language in the Oil and Gas Conservation Act giving the State authority to foster the responsible, balanced development and production of oil and gas in a manner consistent with protection of public health and protective of the environment. 
 
COGA also argued that the bans undermine the extensive regulations of the COGCC, which regulates virtually every aspect of hydraulic fracturing in over two hundred pages of regulations. COGA argued that under well-established Colorado precedent, local governments may not ignore the plain language of the Oil and Gas Conservation Act or the COGCC’s extensive regulation by banning completely the use of hydraulic fracturing within their border.   
Finally, COGA argued that under the 2009 Colorado Supreme Court decision in Colorado Mining Association v. Summit County, Fort Collins and Longmont are impliedly preempted from attempting to ban the use of hydraulic fracturing because of the State’s strong interest in the regulation of oil and gas
 
Haley concludes said that none of this changes what the industry must continue to do, “These cases - and the ultimate outcome -- have not, and will not, change our commitment to Colorado and its communities. We will continue to do the difficult and important work of finding reasonable and workable solutions with our friends and neighbors throughout the state so we can responsibly develop our natural resources.
 
“The oil and gas industry is too critical to the well-being of our state, economically, and to our future, to do anything less. This industry will continue to provide an affordable and reliable domestic supply of energy for everyone - including those who oppose the industry and its employees and families”
 
# # #
 
 

Business Groups Underscore Importance of Fracking Ban Case

Supreme Court Will Decide Whether Local Governments Can Ban Access to Private Property

Contact:
Rich Coolidge
[email protected]
(720) 420-4255


DENVER (Dec. 8, 2015) – On Wednesday, the Colorado Supreme Court will hear oral arguments to decide whether local communities, specifically Fort Collins and Longmont, can ban oil and natural gas drilling activities, including fracking, from their borders. 

Vital for Colorado, a broad-based coalition of Colorado businesses, associations and individuals, underscored the significance of this landmark case. 

“We feel confident that the Colorado Supreme Court will find that state regulations must be applied uniformly across the state, creating a consistent business climate and protecting private property rights,” said Vital for Colorado Board Chair and local attorney Peter Moore. 

Lower courts overturned a 2012 fracking ban in Longmont and a five-year fracking moratorium in Fort Collins from 2013. The state appeals court declined to weigh in and instead, deferred the matter to the Colorado Supreme Court. 

Kelly Brough, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, said that permitting local rules to preempt state regulations would result in a patchwork of regulations across the state, making Colorado less attractive to current and prospective businesses.

“That would create an unpredictable business climate in our state, which has a ripple effect,” Brough said. “The oil and natural gas industry has a tremendous impact on our small and large businesses, nonprofits and labor organizations, all of which will be impacted by efforts to limit responsible energy development.” 

In Colorado, oil and natural gas operators work with both the surface owners and sub-surface owners to extract the resources. The operators financially compensate both for the minerals extracted from the subsurface owners and for the use of the surface land.

The Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO) represents many of the state’s 600,000 mineral owners. According to NARO’s Colorado president and Vital for Colorado board member Michelle Smith, these owners are watching the Supreme Court case closely. 

“Many Colorado families rely on these royalty payments for their livelihood or for their retirement and investment savings,” Smith said. “These kinds of local bans wipe out those savings and significantly increase the uncertainty for future financial planning.”

Similarly, surface owners also stand to lose financial opportunities if local governments ban fracking. Groups like the Colorado Farm Bureau recognize the opportunities available to their members, particularly in between growing seasons. 

“We’ve worked closely with Colorado’s oil and gas operators to strike the right balance between the impacts to our farmland and their right to responsible energy development,” said Colorado Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Chad Vorthmann. “These agreements benefit many of our family farms during the off-season and are the result of compromise versus unyieldingness.” 

The numerous stakeholder groups from state and local governments, to property rights owners, to contractors, to communities illustrate the breadth of the impact of Colorado’s oil and natural gas industry, which also permeates throughout the economy generating $25 billion in economic activity and supporting over 200,000 jobs. Upholding the hydraulic fracturing bans will have a negative impact on the industry that will be felt throughout the economy.

Since the original bans passed, Governor John Hickenlooper formed an oil and gas task force that travelled throughout the state collecting public and stakeholder input. This effort resulted in nine recommendations and new regulations aimed at striking a balance among the many stakeholders. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is expected to adopt and implement the final two recommendations early next year.

About Vital for Colorado
Vital for Colorado is a broad coalition of business and civic leaders formed to support responsible energy development.  More than 50,000 chambers, organizations, businesses and Coloradans have signed its pro-energy pledge. For more information, go to www.vitalforcolorado.com

Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman Named Chairman of Business Roundtable

Washington – Business Roundtable today announced that Doug Oberhelman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Caterpillar Inc., has been named Chairman. He will serve a two-year term from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017. 

Oberhelman joined Business Roundtable in 2010. He will succeed Randall Stephenson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Inc., after the completion of Stephenson’s two-year term.

“Doug is an outstanding global business leader and a leading advocate for promoting jobs, innovation and economic growth in the United States,” Stephenson said. “Doug’s leadership at Business Roundtable has helped secure congressional approval of trade agreements and has encouraged public investment in America’s infrastructure. He has a record of driving cooperation between government and industry, and the Roundtable is well-positioned moving forward with Doug at the helm. 

“I am grateful to have worked with America’s top business leaders, President Obama and members of the House and Senate leadership from both parties over these past two years to advance pro-growth policies in America,” Stephenson said. “I look forward to working with Doug and all the other member CEOs to foster a more competitive, productive and prosperous future for the United States.”

Oberhelman assumes leadership of Business Roundtable at a pivotal moment for the U.S. economy. Among the key priorities identified in the Business Roundtable economic growth agenda are expanding U.S. trade, adopting a smarter approach to regulation and enacting pro-growth tax reform.

“We need to get the U.S. economy firing on all cylinders,” Oberhelman said. “This is a crucial time for action on pro-growth policies. Success requires working together with the Administration, Congress and the business community on concrete steps to move our economy forward and reignite America as a job-creating machine. I look forward to working with my peers at Business Roundtable to advocate and get this done.

“Randall Stephenson has done a great job leading Business Roundtable,” Oberhelman added. “Following him is no small task. I will be honored to serve as Chairman and continue the extraordinary progress Randall helped achieve.”

Oberhelman became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Caterpillar Inc. in 2010. He has since led Caterpillar through accelerated business cycles, implementing multiple measures to improve global manufacturing and operations. He has also led Caterpillar to renew its focus on customers and reinforced its dedication to quality, sustainability and innovation. His full biography is available here and a high-resolution photo can be downloaded here.

Caterpillar Inc. was an early member of Business Roundtable, joining the organization in 1974.

Rural Jump-Start Program roll-out dates announced

Dear Economic Development Partners,

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has scheduled roll-out dates for the new Rural Jump-Start program. The program will start accepting applications from designated institutes of higher education for participation and zone creation on Dec. 15, 2015 at noon. Applications from new businesses will be accepted starting on Jan. 19, 2016 at noon. 

Given that the Rural Jump-Start program is limited by statute to only three zones in 2016, applicants are encouraged to apply early. After the three zones are created for 2016, applicants who are approved for participation will start receiving program benefits in 2017.

The Rural Jump-Start program will offer tax relief to approved businesses and employees of those businesses in Jump-Start Zones for up to four years. With the approval of the Colorado Economic Development Commission, counties and municipalities will be setting up these zones around the state, and working with local colleges in attracting new businesses.

Because we are still in the process of launching the program and finalizing some details, we would appreciate your help in ensuring accurate information is released. We are asking that any written correspondence about the program to potential beneficiaries (e-mail, website or printed material) include the following text:

Per C.R.S. 39-30.5-101, the Colorado Rural Jump-Start program will begin taking applications on Dec. 15, 2015 at noon. All applications for participation in Rural Jump-Start will be submitted via a formal online process, reviewed by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and will require approval by the Colorado Economic Development Commission. Rules for the program and the application processes for businesses, institutes of higher education, municipalities and counties are in the program manual, which can be downloaded at www.advancecolorado.com/jumpstart. Please note that, per statute, in the first year of the program (January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016) only three pilot Jump-Start Zones can be approved. Anyone wishing for information about the Rural Jump-Start program should contact Ken Jensen at OEDIT at 303.892.3743.

Please contact me if you have any questions, and thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Ken Jensen
303.892.3743
[email protected]
 

Space Foundation elects new officers & directors

Space Foundation Contact:
Carol Hively,Director Public Relations & Team Communications
[email protected]

COLORADO SPRINGS (Nov. 16, 2015) – The board of directors of the Space Foundation has elected new officers and directors, for terms to commence on January 1, 2016.  ADM James O. Ellis, Jr., USN (Ret.) was elected Chairman of the Board.  A former command of United States Strategic Command, Ellis is the Annenberg Distinguished Visiting Fellow as the Hoover Institution, Stanford University.

Lon Levin, Chairman through December 31, was elected to Director Emeritus.  A 12 year veteran of the Space Foundation board, Levin is a co-founder of XM Satellite Radio, and heads his own firm, SkySeven Ventures.

Kay Sears, President of Intelsat General, was elected to a two-year term as Secretary.  She replaces former NASA astronaut and educator Dr. Kathryn Thornton, who was elected to a special emphasis position as Special Director, Education, and will focus her attention on the Foundation’s STEM education programs and operations.

Hoyt Davidson, Managing Partner, Near Earth LLC, was elected as a member of the board, and elected to a two-year term as Treasurer.  He assumes the role of Treasurer from Anita Antenucci, Senior Managing Director, Houlihan Lokey, who was elected Life Director.

Patti Grace Smith, former Associate Administrator of the FAA and Principal in Patti Grace Smith Consulting, was re-elected to a one-year term as At Large Member of the Executive Committee.

In addition, the Space Foundation’s board elected several members to new, three-year terms:

Dr. Alice Bunn

Director of Policy, UK Space Agency

Jeffrey D. Grant

Sector Vice President and General Manager, Space Systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems

Blake E. Larson

Chief Operating Officer, Orbital ATK

Dr. Amy Mainzer

Senior Research Scientist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Dr. Robert D. Richards

Founder & CEO, Moon Express, Inc.

Gen. William L. Shelton, USAF (Ret.)

Former Commander, Air Force Space Command

Richard R. Yuse

Vice President, Raytheon Company, President, Space and Airborne Systems

 

Elected to a special two-year term, New Generation Space Leader:

Victoria Alonsoperez

Founder, Chipsafer

Chair, Space Generation Advisory Council

 

Other Space Foundation board members are:

            Elected to a second term:

Dr. Ronald M. Sega

Director, Systems Engineering Programs, Colorado State University

Former NASA astronaut

 

Board members continuing in office are:

Richard F. Ambrose

Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company

The Honorable Robert E. "Bud" Cramer

Managing Director, C2Group/FTI Consulting

John W. Elbon

Vice President and General Manager, The Boeing Company - Space Exploration

Tom Feeney

President and Chief Executive Officer, Associated Industries of Florida

Michael C. Gass

Former President and Chief Executive Officer, United Launch Alliance

Dr. Fritz Merkle

Member of the Executive Board, OHB System AG

P.J. O'Rourke

Author and Political Satirist

 

About the Space Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is the foremost advocate for all sectors of space, and is a global, nonprofit leader in space awareness activities, educational programs and major industry events, including the annual Space Symposium, in support of its mission "to advance space-related endeavors to inspire, enable and propel humanity." Space Foundation World Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA, has a public Discovery Center, including El Pomar Space Gallery, Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere® and the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center. The Space Foundation has a field office in Houston and conducts government affairs from its Washington, D.C., office. It publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity, and through its Space CertificationTM and Space Technology Hall of Fame® programs, recognizes space-based innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Visit www.SpaceFoundation.org, follow us on Facebook,InstagramLinkedInPinterestTwitterGoogle+, Flickr and YouTube, and read our e-newsletter Space Watch.

 

Gov. Hickenlooper announces new Director of the Colorado Tourism Office

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade today announced that Cathy Ritter will serve as director of the Colorado Tourism Office, effective Dec. 1, 2015. 

"Cathy's appointment comes at a time of record growth for our tourism industry, and she's just the person to take us to the next level," said Gov. John Hickenlooper. "We are thrilled to have her experience and knowledge on our team. She has been recognized nationwide for her exceptional tourism industry work, and we know she will be a great asset to the state."
In her role as the Colorado Tourism Director, Ritter will lead the state's marketing campaign to attract visitors, as well as develop new initiatives to further Colorado's tourism growth. The position manages all tourism marketing and promotional functions, promoting Colorado around the globe.

"Colorado is such a hot destination, with so many fascinating and fun experiences for all types of travelers," Ritter said. "I'm excited about the opportunities to bring fresh thinking and energy to sharing that message and creating new reasons for travelers to choose Colorado." 

Ritter is a prior director of the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, where she directed planning and implementation of the bureau's $60 million annual budget, increasing the state's market share by 7 percent. In this role, she also managed the state's tourism marketing message, as well as led statewide efforts to develop a blueprint to improve Illinois' competitive position and expand the economic impact of tourism. Under her tenure, the bureau was honored for having the best advertising campaign from the Travel Industry Association of America.

Most recently, Ritter turned her experience of tourism lifestyle marketing into a career as a top marketing executive for three nonprofit senior living systems: WesleyLife, Asbury Communities and Friendship Senior Options. Her accomplishments include creating award-winning marketing campaigns and communications initiatives, as well as managing sales teams. Prior to serving as tourism director, Ritter worked for the State of Illinois in various roles, including director of communications for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, deputy press secretary for the Illinois Office of Secretary of State, and as public information officer for the Illinois Commerce Commission. Ritter started her career as a newspaper reporter, working as a statehouse bureau reporter for Lee Enterprises' four Illinois newspapers.

"Our nationwide search for the right person to lead Colorado's tourism effort led us to Cathy Ritter, whose knowledge and expertise in tourism and marketing is incomparable," said Fiona Arnold, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. "Cathy understands innately the leading role tourism has in Colorado and its vital economic impact. She will be a wonderful leader for the Colorado Tourism Office as it continues to deliver the highest quality support for the tourism industry in our state."

Ritter holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in journalism from the University of Illinois. 

Tourism is a booming industry in Colorado, employing over 150,000 jobs with earnings of more than $5 billion. Last year, total direct travel spending in Colorado reached $18.6 billion, with 66 percent of that total coming from visitors who stayed overnight in paid accommodations. This record-spending figure represents an increase of 7.4 percent over 2013, significantly outpacing the national growth rate of 4.5 percent in visitor expenditures by 65 percent. 

The Colorado Tourism Office is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
 

Vital for Colorado joins Our Energy Moment coalition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2015
CONTACT: 202-331-1011 [email protected]
 
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Our Energy Moment (OEM), a diverse group of business, civic and economic development organizations dedicated to raising awareness of the many benefits of expanded markets for liquefied natural gas (LNG), is pleased to announce that Vital for Colorado has joined its growing coalition in the Rocky Mountain region. 

 “We are excited to welcome Vital for Colorado to the OEM coalition. LNG exports are critical to helping states like Colorado realize their economic potential by creating thousands of good paying jobs,” said Andrew Ware, an OEM spokesperson. “The support of organizations like Vital for Colorado helps ensure that we don’t miss this historic opportunity.”

Vital for Colorado is a bipartisan coalition of business and community leaders helping promote the benefits of responsible energy development to Colorado’s economy. To date, over 35,000 residents and organizations have signed Vital for Colorado’s seven-point pledge supporting sensible energy regulation in Colorado.  

“Vital for Colorado and Our Energy Moment share similar missions to promote the strong economic impacts realized by a thriving energy sector,” said Peter Moore, President and CEO of Vital for Colorado. “Colorado’s energy industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and expanding markets through LNG exports will bring additional opportunities to our state economy.”

Vital for Colorado joins a diverse coalition in the Rocky Mountain region that is helping raise awareness of the economic benefits that LNG exports will create for residents.  According to a report by ICF International, up to 11,000 new jobs and $1.8 billion in economic impacts will be created in Colorado by 2035 due to future LNG exports.

Other OEM Rocky Mountain members include the Colorado Oil & Gas Association, the Colorado Business Roundtable, Colorado Concern, the Colorado Competitive Council, the Colorado Petroleum Association, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver, the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, and the West Slope Colorado Oil & Gas Association. OEM launched the Rocky Mountain chapter of OEM in May 2015. 

To learn more about domestic and geopolitical benefits of U.S. LNG exports, click here.
   
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To learn more about Our Energy Moment visit: http://www.ourenergymoment.org/. You can also follow OEM on Twitter (@OurEnergyMoment) and Facebook by liking the Our Energy Moment page

U.S. Treasury launches myRA (my Retirement Account) to help bridge America's retirement savings gap

U.S. Treasury Department
Office of Public Affairs
CONTACT: Treasury Public Affairs, (202) 622-2960

With pilot concluded, program expands with new funding options to make myRA available to more people

WASHINGTON– With millions of Americans lacking adequate retirement savings, the U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced the national launch of myRA, a simple, safe and affordable new savings option for those who don’t have access to a retirement savings plan at work.  People can get information about myRA and sign up for an account at myRA.gov.

“myRA is designed to remove common barriers to saving and give people an easy way to get started,” said U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew. “myRA has no fees, no risk of losing money and no minimum balance or contribution requirements. To make saving easier than ever, you can now put savings into myRA directly from your bank account.”

With the initial pilot phase of the program concluded, myRA is now available nationwide with multiple ways for people to start saving:

  • Paycheck. Set up automatic direct deposit contributions to myRA through an employer.
  • NEW: Checking or savings account. Now savers can fund a myRA account directly by setting up recurring or one-time contributions from a checking or savings account.
  • NEW: Federal tax refund. At tax time, direct all or a portion of a federal tax refund to myRA.

“myRA can give people confidence that they’re taking steps in the right direction, and it can serve as a bridge to other savings options that will carry them the rest of the way,” said Lew. “myRA alone will not solve the nation’s retirement savings gap, but it will be an important stepping stone for encouraging and creating a nation of savers.”

According to a 2015 Federal Reserve Report, 31 percent of non-retired people said they have no retirement savings or pension whatsoever. Additionally, a 2013 report by the National Institute on Retirement Savings found that the average near-retirement household had only $12,000 in retirement savings. Among workers who do not participate in a 401(k) or other defined contribution plan, 42 percent say it’s because their employer does not offer one. Furthermore, among part-time workers, a 2015 BLS Economic Release found that 62 percent don’t have access to a retirement plan at work.

In his 2014 State of the Union address, President Obama announced that he would direct the Treasury Department to develop myRA. Throughout 2014, the Treasury Department developed the framework for the program, including creating a new Treasury savings bond to serve as the underlying investment for these accounts, as well as designating a financial agent to help Treasury administer the accounts and set up a simple way for savers to fund their accounts through their employers. This year, the Treasury Department worked with a small, diverse group of employers as part of the initial pilot phase of myRA to get feedback and ensure that the user experience is as simple and straightforward as possible.

myRA is designed as a starter retirement account to help bridge the savings gap for many of these workers. It is optimized to appeal to first-time savers, for whom a no-risk, principal-protected investment is more appealing than a higher-risk investment option. As myRA account holders grow their savings, they have the option to transfer to a private-sector Roth IRA with diverse investment options at any time, or transfer to a private-sector Roth IRA once they reach the maximum myRA balance of $15,000.

myRA is a Roth IRA and follows the same eligibility requirements. To participate in myRA, savers (or their spouses, if married filing jointly) must have taxable compensation to be eligible to contribute to a myRA account and be within the Roth IRA income guidelines. Savers can contribute to their myRA accounts as little as a few dollars up to $5,500 per year (or $6,500 per year for individuals who will be 50 years of age or older at the end of the year). Savers can also withdraw money they put into their myRA accounts tax-free and without penalty at any time.  Roth IRA requirements apply to the tax free withdrawal of any earnings.

For more information about myRA or to sign up for an account, visit myRA.gov.

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FAA approves unmanned aircraft testing in San Luis Valley

Reference Technologies Hummingbird, a 120-pound, vertical-lifting Unmanned Aircraft System that has been approved by the FAA for testing in the San Luis Valley. Photo courtesy Reference Technologies Inc. of Lafayette, Colorado.

Contact:
Brian Argrow, 303-492-5312
[email protected] 
Jim Scott, CU media relations, 303-492-3114
[email protected]

 

A collaborative effort involving six counties, the University of Colorado Boulder and the nonprofit aerospace advocacy group, UAS Colorado, has paved the way for the launch and testing of two unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the San Luis Valley. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded two Certificates of Authorization (COA) for the aircraft to fly in an 8,000-square-mile air space in the San Luis Valley to heights of 15,000 feet. San Luis Valley’s Leach Airport in Center, Colorado, will be the primary operations hub for UAS testing in the valley, with participation by number of other airports scattered across the valley, said Alamosa County Attorney Jason Kelly. 

The FAA has approved two types of UAS for flight there: a 120-pound vertical takeoff craft known as the Reference Technologies Hummingbird and a smaller, battery-powered UAS that is being developed jointly by Black Swift Technologies and Swift Engineering and which can be hand-launched with a payload of up to 8 pounds. Reference Technologies Inc. is headquartered in Lafayette, Colorado, while Black Swift Technologies, headquartered in Boulder, is a start-up company founded by CU-Boulder alumni Jack Elston, Maciej Stachura and Cory Dixon. 

According to CU-Boulder aerospace engineering sciences Professor Brian Argrow, the collaborative effort to obtain the San Luis Valley air space from the FAA involved working closely with air traffic controllers at the Denver Air Route Traffic Control Center in Longmont to enable the UAS flights to be cleared up to 15,000 feet. “We see this as a major accomplishment for UAS operations in Colorado,” said Argrow. 

“The decision by the FAA to allow for the testing of UAS aircraft in the San Luis Valley is a big step forward in keeping Colorado at the forefront in the development and testing of these aircraft,” said UAS Colorado CEO Constantin Diehl, who formally submitted the two COA applications requesting the San Luis Valley airspace. 

In 2012, Argrow led the CU portion of an effort for Colorado to acquire one of six FAA test sites for UAS. While Colorado was not selected, the proposal galvanized a statewide effort to acquire a test site that was heavily supported by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp., the Adams County Economic Development Corp. and several state-based companies and individuals, said Argrow. 

UAS Colorado represents a statewide business league of more than 100 industry, research and economic development stakeholders dedicated to preserving Colorado’s leading role in the UAS aerospace industry. Diehl also is the CEO of Rocky Mountain UAS, created in 2013 to partner with CU-Boulder on research efforts. 

In September, CU-Boulder announced university-wide “Grand Challenge” to build on strengths of the institution in aerospace-related science and technology. As part of the Grand Challenge, CU-Boulder is investing $2 million in a new initiative called the Integrated Remote and In Situ Sensing Initiative (IRISS) to use UAS, or drones, to enhance research data collection from the ground, in the atmosphere and in space. 

According to Argrow, UAS have the potential to be used for a wide variety of projects ranging from crop and drought monitoring and power line and pipeline inspection to search and rescue operations, firefighting support and airborne delivery activities. 

Black Swift Technologies and CU-Boulder, for example, recently completed the successful flight of a Tempest UAS carrying instruments to measure soil moisture, a project supported by a NASA Small Business Innovation Research Program. The technology could have far-reaching applications ranging from drought assessment and flood forecasting to water conservation. 

Operating one of the comprehensive UAS research programs in the nation, CU-Boulder has undertaken projects ranging from monitoring seal populations in the Arctic and charting sea ice changes near Greenland to intercepting storm cells associated with tornadoes in Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska and measuring gaping holes in Antarctic sea ice. 

-CU-

Former governor to discuss educating students for business

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ashley Andersen, Colorado Succeeds
[email protected]

 

FORMER GOVERNOR TO DISCUSS EDUCATING STUDENTS FOR BUSINESS

Colorado Succeeds and Colorado Business Roundtable are hosting a luncheon conversation about workforce education with former Governor of Michigan and current Business Roundtable President John Engler. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Embassy Suites Denver - Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.

Entitled, “Business, Education Reform, and America's Workforce,” this conversation will offer business leaders authentic insights about coming workforce needs and educational improvements to meet them. Colorado has particular opportunities and challenges unique to our state. From manufacturing to technology to infrastructure, every industry cluster of our state’s economy requires a ready workforce. Colorado Business Roundtable actively advocates for pro-business policies and partners with organizations to be a strong voice for all of these industry clusters.

Colorado Succeeds creates a climate for K-12 public education improvement in Colorado as the business voice for education, demanding effective educational system performance. Their business members believe that great schools are good business. Scott Laband, president of Colorado Succeeds, explains Engler’s role and involvement with Colorado’s academics and workforce:

“Governor Engler serves as president of the Business Roundtable where their sole purpose is to create the environment necessary for private-sector economic growth. At the core of their work is an underlying need for a talented workforce that can compete in today’s global economy. The business community has a powerful voice in ensuring Colorado’s kids are ready for Colorado’s jobs. To keep them up-to-speed on this critical work, Governor Engler and Governor Hickenlooper will outline the long-term vision of success and identify key opportunities for business leaders to help advance workforce readiness for students statewide.”

The lunch is provided at no cost to attendees thanks to sponsor Pairin, whose primary mission is to make education more relevant for students and their future employers.

If you are a business leader who is interested in attending this power lunch, please contact Ashley Andersen, Director of Partnerships & Engagement for Colorado Succeeds at [email protected].  

Cleantech Open celebrates ten years and regional finalists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alison Oyler-Mitsch, Cleantech Open Events Chair
888-989-OPEN

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION AWARDS GALA TO BE HELD OCTOBER 15

Five months of intensive work by 19 cleantech startups culminates into final presentations and award selections at the Cleantech Open Rocky Mountain Region gala on October 15, 2015 at Denver’s RedLine Gallery. The event is also a celebration A Decade of Impact, the Cleantech Open’s ten-year anniversary. Three companies will advance to the National Finals in San Francisco in November with a $1 million overall prize.

Distinguished guests include keynote speaker and thought-leader Ned Harvey, Managing Director of both the Rocky Mountain Institute and the Carbon War Room in their strategic alliance. Longtime Cleantech Open supporter and 9News anchor Cheryl Preheim will be the emcee.

Cleantech Open Chairman Richard (Dick) Franklin is enthusiastic for the event and the broader implications of the industry’s milestone. “Celebrating 10 years of cleantech innovation! Thanks to 2,000 volunteers and the courageous, innovative thinking of our entrepreneurs, we will drive game-changing solutions to encroaching ecological threats. We owe this to the next generation, and the Cleantech Open is making a difference on a global basis.”

Reception, exhibits and appetizers start at 5 pm with the Awards Ceremony and Keynote Address starting at 6 pm. Click here for details and to reserve your spot.

ABOUT THE CLEANTECH OPEN
The Cleantech Open is the world’s largest cleantech accelerator. Its mission is to find, fund and foster entrepreneurs with big ideas that address today’s most urgent energy, environmental and economic challenges. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the Cleantech Open provides the infrastructure, expertise and strategic relationships that turn clever ideas into successful global cleantech companies. For more information, visit www.cleantechopen.org, or follow us on Twitter @cleantechopen and Facebook.

 

STUDY SHOWS HUGE ECONOMIC BENEFIT IN WEST SLOPE COMMUNITIES FROM OIL & NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY

CONTACT:

Jeff Wasden – (720-628-4787)

[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STUDY SHOWS HUGE ECONOMIC BENEFIT IN WEST SLOPE COMMUNITIES

FROM OIL & NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY

Quality Jobs & Tax Revenues for Schools, Public Safety Part of $6 Billion Annual Impact

(RIFLE) -- A University of Colorado study shows that oil and natural gas development is a $3.7 billion economic engine for Garfield County – supporting 2,700 direct jobs, paying $213.2 million in wages, and generating $213 million in tax revenues, which supports public education, public safety and other critical services, according to the Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT).

The report was conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder’s, Leeds School of Business and commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute (API). It examines Colorado’s oil and natural gas sector on a county-by-county basis, including associated revenue streams for schools, roads, parks, healthcare, and more.

“The members of the Governor’s Oil and Natural Gas Task Force meeting in Rifle this week must focus on the deep, broad and irreplaceable economic benefits that the oil and gas industry provides for communities and families throughout the Western Slope,” said COBRT President, Jeff Wasden.  “From public schools, public safety and down to basic services, citizens in Garfield, Mesa and other Western Slope counties rely on the jobs and revenue that the industry provides today and into the future.”

The study illustrates that energy production in Garfield County accounts for nearly one-quarter of production statewide and provides nearly 40 percent of the county’s general fund revenues.  It also looked at property tax revenue for public education and found that the Garfield Re-2 district, for example, receives 82 percent of its property tax revenue – or $3,771 per student – from oil and natural gas production.

The study also examined all Colorado counties and noted that in Mesa County, oil and gas production has a $1.6 billion economic impact and supports 4,152 jobs that generate nearly $300 million in labor income.

The Western Slope economic impact data is just one part of the new statewide study that shows in 2012 alone, oil and natural gas development generated over $200 million for Colorado schools, supported nearly 94,000 Colorado jobs, and created over $23 billion in state economic activity. 

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Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT)

The Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) is an association of leaders, industry and organizations that promote sound public policy and a thriving economy for Colorado and its neighbors.  To learn more about the COBRT go to www.cobrt.com.