Reason for Reform Campaign Makes Non-Partisan Case for Immigration Reform

Denver, CO -- Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) will host an event for the Reason for Reform campaign’s National Day of Action with Partnership for a New American Economy (PNAE). COBRT will be joined by U.S. Representative Jared Polis and other leaders in business, non-profits, academia and government. The event will be held at CAP Logistics on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 from 11 AM-12 PM at 4140 Jackson Street; Denver, CO 80216. Located near I-70 and Colorado Boulevard, there is plenty of parking, or take the A Line to the 40th & Colorado Station. Light refreshments will be served.

This day of action is led by a coalition of business and community leaders who together hold 50 events in all 50 states to highlight the need for immigration reform. Each event will feature the release of a new, state-specific research report with the latest data on the economic contributions of immigrants to each state. This data will be featured in an interactive map, showing the case for immigration reform with statistics and stories in every single congressional district. The report for Colorado is embargoed until Wednesday, August 3 at 6:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time. Please email [email protected] if you are a member of media and would like an advance copy.

Later in the day, tune in for a live broadcast with PNAE and COBRT President Jeff Wasden on COBRT’s Connect & Collaborate Radio. Listen at KDMT 1690 AM Denver's Money Talk from 4-5 PM or stream online at www.cobrt.com/live. The podcast will be available at www.cobrt.com/radio on August 4.

PNAE brings together more than 500 Republican, Democratic and Independent mayors and business leaders united in making the economic case for streamlining, modernizing and rationalizing our immigration system. Co-Chairs are Bill Marriott, CEO, Marriott; Bob Iger, CEO, Disney; Jim McNerney, Chair, Boeing; Julian Castro, Former Mayor of San Antonio; Michael Bloomberg, Former Mayor of New York City; Michael Nutter, Former Mayor of Philadelphia; Rupert Murdoch, Chair, News Corp and 21st Century Fox. @renewoureconomy

COBRT is an 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. @ColoradoBRT

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

Business Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainability

Top U.S. CEOs Detail Environmental, Sustainability Achievements

Washington — Business Roundtable today released Create, Grow, Sustain: People and Technology at Work — testimonials from America’s leading CEOs detailing how their companies promote effective environmental stewardship, sustainable business practices and economic growth.

The report and accompanying videos highlight how America’s largest companies are leveraging people and technology to improve the quality of life for people around the world.

“Across the board, Business Roundtable companies deliver extraordinary innovations that make life better,” said Nicholas K. Akins, Chairman, President and CEO of American Electric Power, and Chair of the Business Roundtable Energy and Environment Committee. “This report tells the stories of companies putting people and technology to work to solve problems and make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Now in its ninth year, the annual Business Roundtable sustainability report documents how U.S. companies are doing well by doing good — harnessing the power of people and technology to solve the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. The 133 CEOs who participated this year share their stories about how their companies are creating solutions that improve the quality of life in communities around the world. Visit brt.org/sustainability to explore these remarkable achievements.

Earlier this year, Business Roundtable released a plan for stronger economic growth and job creation. For more information on our plan to create more momentum for America, see www.BRT.org/growth.

More Photos from Peter Yarrow's Recent Visit to Colorado

Last week, we reported on the Honorary Rotary Membership that folk music legend Peter Yarrow was awarded for his work in Colorado with Rotary's Peaceful Schools Program. Read more about that here. Yarrow then performed in Denver and Colorado Springs. Here are some photos from his show with Noel Paul Stookey at the Paramount Theatre on April 8, 2016. Photos by ICOSA Media.

Here are Peter Yarrow and friends with a specially-designed "Puff the Magic Dragon" guitar wrap produced by Denver-based Mammoth Graphix. He's with John Eckstein of Fairfield and Woods, P.C. and Kevin Hougen, President/CEO of Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

Join Us at 40th & Colorado Station Party for A Line Grand Opening

Join Us at 40th & Colorado Station Party for Grand Opening of University of Colorado A Line Commuter Rail on Saturday, April 23, 2016. Click here for an event flyer and come see us!

The offices of Colorado Business Roundtable, ICOSA Media and CAP Logistics happen to be just across the street from the 40th and Colorado station on the University of Colorado A Line, the new commuter rail linking downtown Denver's Union Station to Denver International Airport. We are joining with many community partners to celebrate this event with the neighborhood. Station parties last from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Rides are free all day, so you can make several festive stops. To see the list of all stations and parties, click here or see the graphic below.

COBRT Presenting World’s Largest One-Day Leadership Conference to be Simulcast in Denver

Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) is presenting Leadercast Denver for the second year in a row, hosted by KNUS-KRKS-KDMT. Leadercast is the world’s largest one-day leadership conference, broadcast LIVE from Atlanta and simulcast to hundreds of locations around the world on May 6, 2016. This year marks the sixteenth year of the annual leadership conference and the fourth that KNUS-KRKS-KDMT has been a host. The speakers and messaging of Leadercast complement COBRT’s Connect and Collaborate radio show, which airs on KDMT 1690 AM, Denver’s Money Talk Radio, from 4-5 PM Mondays through Fridays.

The theme of this year’s Leadercast conference is “Architects of Tomorrow,” focusing on visionary leaders who imagine and build a future that is rich in innovation, collaboration and full of hope. It is a future where problems are solved, questions are answered, and confusion gives way to clarity.

The conference will equip attendees to create their own visionary path. Key speakers – visionaries in their own fields – will inspire the more than 300 people who attend locally, and the more than 100,000 people who will attend the event live in Atlanta or at hundreds of other simulcast locations in more than 20 countries. Among the keynote speakers are:  

o   Kat Cole—Group President, FOCUS Brands, Inc. (including Cinnabon®, Moe’s Southwest Grill®, Auntie Anne’s®, and more)

o   Steve Wozniak—Co-founder of Apple, Inc.,

o   Henry Cloud—Acclaimed Leadership Expert, Clinical Psychologist, and Best-Selling Author

o   Nick Saban—Head Football Coach, The University of Alabama

o   Andy Stanley—Leadership Author and Communicator

o   James Brown—Network Broadcaster, CBS Sports and News

o   Rorke Denver—Navy SEAL Commander and Author

o   Chris Barez-Brown—Author and Creativity Guru

o   Tripp Crosby—Host of Leadercast, Comedian and Director

For years, Leadercast has brought people together and equipped them to become better leaders, managers, community members, and employees. Here is what people have to say about Leadercast:

“With a constantly impressive lineup of speakers and the on-target themes year-over-year (and at such a value), I consider Leadercast a ‘can’t miss’ event,” Kalpana OOmmen, Vice President Talent Acquisition, Cox Enterprises & 9-year Leadercast attendee.

“The whole day was interesting from start to finish.  It was valuable to hear from leaders from various fields, as each had different perspectives and experiences.  I was able to learn from leaders whom I otherwise would not have known of because I was unfamiliar with their work,” Katie Booth, Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

“For me, it’s a re-charge.  For one day I can plug-in, focus on me - my impact, obstacles, and growth opportunities.  I love that it is not only a lecture but it’s an immersive experience that keeps me engaged…by a multi-sensory approach,” Patrick Williams, Marketing Director, SunTrust Bank.

This live Denver event will be at the Denver PPA Event Center on 2105 Decatur St. and includes lunch. Colorado Business Roundtable partners and members, please click here to register. For more information and to purchase your ticket or group tickets to the Leadercast Denver event, visit www.LeadercastDenver.com. 

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Folk Legend Peter Yarrow Awarded Honorary Rotary Membership for Peaceful Schools Program

PRESS RELEASE FROM: Denver Southeast Rotary Club

Legendary folk singer Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul & Mary, was inducted today to the Denver Southeast Rotary Club as an honorary member in acknowledgement of his partnership with the Club and Rotary District 5450 for The Peaceful Schools Program through Operation Respect.

The Peaceful Schools Program was developed in Denver in the fall of 2013, under the leadership of Rotarian Carole Baumbusch and piloted in 3 classrooms in the spring of 2014. Not only did the classroom teachers and students love the program, but they wanted it back the following fall, as did other teachers. It expanded to 6 schools and multiple classrooms in the 2014/2015 school year and it continues to grow.

“As of February 2016, we are in 15 elementary schools in the area and 50 classrooms teaching important social and emotional skills to more than 750 elementary school children and hundreds of high school students who are trained and delivering the program in these schools. We also have 15-20 additional Rotary clubs currently evaluating the program for implementation in their clubs and local schools in the fall of 2016,” said Baumbusch.

Peter Yarrow had been a champion of the program and instrumental in connecting Rotary to this important cause. Teaching young children to get along peacefully and respect one another is one of the most important lessons they need and perfectly aligns with Rotary’s service mission: to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Club President, Mick Richardson said: “We are exceedingly proud of this effort. Our club is active all over Denver, but this effort is one of our most successful. Peter Yarrow has been at our District Conference promoting involvement and thanks to his ambassadorship, we have built a great team. We are proud to have him as an honorary member.”

In the photos above, Peter receives his honorary Rotarian membership and treats the members to a performance. The students in the background are from Cherry Creek High School's Interact Club, a Rotary high school program. They are some of the people trained to deliver the Peaceful School's message in the elementary schools.

For further information, please contact Kim DeCoste at 303-588-2733

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For more about COBRT's involvement with Peter Yarrow, see this story too.

Brave Leaders Award Ceremony and Panel

On March 17, 2016 COBRT and the University of Denver recognized Colorado's finest leaders who exemplify courage, risk-taking and commitment. These leaders have stepped up and made strong, courageous decisions to keep organizations, workers, and companies alive and vibrant. 

The event included a panel discussion facilitated by former Denver Mayor Federico Peña featuring: Chancellor Rebecca Chopp, PhD, University of Denver; Mayor Michael Hancock, City of Denver; and Colorado State Treasurer Walker Stapleton. Sponsored by FirstBank.

Gov. Hickenlooper Nominates Donna Lynne as Lieutenant Governor

DENVER — Wednesday, March 23, 2016 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today nominated Donna Lynne to serve as Lieutenant Governor effective upon formal confirmation by the General Assembly. Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia announced previously that he will leave the state to take on the role of president of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. His last day will be April 29, 2016.

Lynne will assume both the traditional duties of the lieutenant governor with additional responsibilities of a chief operating officer to direct state operations. The governor plans to discuss this new role with the General Assembly.  

Lynne is currently the executive vice president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, overseeing more than an $8 billion budget, 1.3 million members and 16,000 employees for Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.

“Donna Lynne is uniquely qualified to take on this role,” said Hickenlooper. “Her background in successfully running large complex organizations - in both the private and public sector - and her wisdom and experience in operations, will enhance the lieutenant governor’s role to make even more of an impact on programs across the state.”

Lynne spent 20 years in New York City government, followed by 20 years in the private sector. Her public sector background includes serving in the New York City Mayor’s Office as Director of the Office of Operations where she helped improve service delivery, facilitated interagency projects including technology initiatives and management oversight.

“It is an honor to be asked to serve Governor Hickenlooper and the residents of Colorado,“ said Lynne. “I look forward to working with the Governor and his cabinet, a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to improving the business and overall climate of Colorado.”

An active member in the community, Lynne is a member of Colorado Concern, Colorado Forum and the Colorado Women’s Forum. She is currently serving on several boards including the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Public Schools Foundation, National Partnership for Women and Families, Teach for America-Colorado, and the University of Denver. She was also the chair of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce from 2013-14 and served on the board for nine years.

Most recently, she was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the top 25 women in health care nationally, received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from the University of Denver, and named as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women by the Colorado Women’s Chamber.

Lynne holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Political Science), a Masters of Public Administration, and Doctor of Public Health from Columbia University.

She is married to Jim Brown and together they have five children. She enjoys the Colorado outdoors and has climbed all the fourteeners.

A search is underway in the governor’s office for the executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

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See more here.

Colorado Companies to Watch Selects 2016 Judging Panel

For Immediate Release
March 18, 2016 

Colorado Companies to Watch Selects 2016 Judging Panel
Annual awards held in Denver on June 17, 2016

Denver, CO – Colorado Companies to Watch (CCTW), now entering its eighth year, is excited to announce it has selected the 2016 judging panel. With over 1,000 companies nominated across the state, the judges now have the task of determining who will be among the CCTW winners, representing Colorado’s most innovative and impactful businesses. Winners will be announced June 17, 2016 at the CCTW Gala Awards Dinner.

This year’s esteemed judges represent a collaboration of executives from private sector and public agencies that have experience with second stage companies and are committed to the excellence of the program. The 2016 CCTW judges are:

• Sanjai Bhagat, University of Colorado at Boulder
• Heather Callender-Potters, PharmaJet
• Charles Fred, Reignite Group
• Travis Gentry, Encore Innovation Investments
• Jonita LeRoy, Governor’s Office of Information Technology
• Jill Terry, Judge Facilitator, Colorado State University
• Kate Waller, BEN Colorado
• Jeff Wasden, Colorado Business Roundtable

“The companies competing for the Colorado Companies to Watch designation represent those with the boldest, most innovative ideas driving Colorado’s economy,” said Jill Terry, Director of Executive Programs at Colorado State University and judge facilitator for the 2016 selection process. “I am honored to be working with a respected group of community leaders who have been chosen to evaluate the applications of such remarkable companies.”

CCTW is a unique awards program that recognizes and celebrates the contribution, innovation and energy of diverse 2nd stage companies in Colorado. These companies work behind the scenes generating the bulk of new, sustainable jobs and are powerful in fueling the economic fire in Colorado.

“The quality of the nominations this year is outstanding. They are a diverse and innovative group who are meaningfully contributing our local and state economies,” said Sean Nohavec, CCTW Chairman of the Board and Senior Vice President, Platinum Sponsor UMB Bank. “Our judges have an opportunity to unearth hidden gems in Colorado and award them due recognition.”

More information about the judges and the June 17th Gala Awards Dinner can be found at ColoradoCompaniestoWatch.org.

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.

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

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.com, Facebook 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

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.

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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.

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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”
 
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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.