New State Website Celebrates Companies That Have Chosen Colorado

Relies heavily on storytelling and encourages other businesses to share their history
 
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) launched on August 1, 2016 a new website that celebrates the companies that have chosen to do business in the state. At the same time, the site provides the needed tools and resources for executives who are considering moving to Colorado and local job creators who are growing and retaining businesses in their communities.

"The momentum of the state's competitiveness has been fueled by a vibrant small business ecosystem, highly skilled workforce, and the creation of a comprehensive economic development strategy fueled by the Colorado Blueprint," said Fiona Arnold, executive director of OEDIT. "I'm thrilled that we now have a platform that leverages our tools and resources and focuses on storytelling to feature the value proposition of Colorado as a place to do business."

Since 2013, more than 111 companies have announced expansions or relocations in the state bringing in more than 27,076 jobs. These projects have supported net new job creation in Colorado's urban and rural communities across diverse industries of small and large firms. 

While national rankings continue to list Colorado in the top for living and doing business, OEDIT wanted a channel where they could provide more in-depth insights than just a list to showcase why being in Colorado is good for business. 

"Before we began the process of developing a new website, we conducted a survey of business executives both in and out of state to learn about their impressions of Colorado and where there might be opportunities for our marketing efforts," said Liz Cahill, chief marketing officer for OEDIT. "We learned that more than half of the respondents had positive feelings associated with the state including confidence in the business climate, emboldened by a smart workforce, and inspired by our location. Our issue was that our website didn't communicate any of these optimistic outlooks."

At the heart and soul of the website are stories from executives of Colorado companies discussing why they choose to do business in the state; whether it's the ability to tap into an invigorated workforce, partner with innovative executives, collaborate with a business-friendly government, or take advantage of the Rocky Mountains. 

One of those executives was Becky Yoder, CFO at Surrey Satellite Technology US LLC. 

"It was important for me to share the story of how we found success in Colorado, because I wanted to help inspire others, especially international firms that are looking to have a U.S. presence, on the benefits of collaborating with related technology firms who are oftentimes right down the road," Yoder said. "Partnerships and collaboration in this expansive Colorado aerospace community are key to fulfilling our customers' missions. We would be hard pressed to find that anywhere else."

The website features an initial set of success stories, photos and videos from Colorado companies across various industries including Surrey Satellite, Panasonic, High Noon, Boa and Ball Aerospace. In total, more than 60 Colorado companies and organizations contributed to the new website.

"There's something special about the people who choose Colorado. These are the people who are tackling some of the nation's most critical issues, and they are doing it together because they want to better their industry and our economy," Cahill said. "The fact that these executives took time out of their busy schedules to share their story or source a photo is a testament to their passion and drive for ensuring Colorado's success."

Cahill hopes that more Colorado companies will be inspired to use this platform as a vehicle to tell their story and is currently seeking submissions indefinitely.

For more information on doing business in Colorado or to submit your company's story for consideration visit www.choosecolorado.com.

 
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www.advancecolorado.com

IFA Kicks Off 2016 @OurFranchise Campaign and Tour at PostNet in Denver, Colorado

Cresanti Highlights Franchising’s Agenda for Growth and Opportunity in Nationwide Tour

WASHINGTON, July 19 – International Franchise Association (IFA) President and CEO Robert Cresanti today kicked off the @OurFranchise Campaign by launching a nationwide tour starting in franchising hub Denver, CO. The event, hosted by PostNet International Franchise Corporation CEO Steve Greenbaum, captured the stories how local franchise business owners and their employees are supporting their local communities and creating jobs and business ownership opportunities at their franchise. 
 
“In neighborhoods across the country, franchising brings together brands, local owners, employees and the local community,” said IFA President & CEO Robert Cresanti, CFE. “Americans from all walks of life turn to franchising to find first jobs, start new businesses and learn skills that lead to successful careers. The @OurFranchise campaign captures the real, positive impact of the franchise model as told by local owners in their own voice and speaks to the level of economic contribution franchise owners continue to have to the American economy.”
 
Franchising contributes $994 billion to the United States economy and supports 9.1 million jobs, including 484,000 in Colorado.  Cresanti led a roundtable discussion focused on educating the public, policymakers and the media about the franchise business model and its impact in Colorado and every community across the country. Cresanti also called on elected officials to recognize the importance of franchising during the upcoming election season, and encouraged franchising supporters to make their voices heard when choosing candidates at the polls. 
 
According to a Morning Consult survey of 10,000 nationwide voters released today, Coloradans have a favorable view of franchise businesses across all demographics including party affiliation, age, gender and race.
 
“Franchise businesses are the cornerstone of our local economy. From healthcare and food to automotive and pet care, franchise businesses create jobs, support communities and provide people with a vehicle to pursue the ‘American Dream’ of owning their own business,” said PostNet CEO Steve Greenbaum.
 
As part of the 2016 @OurFranchise Tour, Cresanti will visit with local franchisees, franchisors, employees, business and community leaders, and elected officials across the country to discuss the impact of the franchise business model as a driver of economic growth, job creation and individual opportunity. For more information, visit www.AtOurFranchise.org.
 

### 

We'll have a full interview with Robert Cresanti on our Connect & Collaborate radio show. Cresanti will join us to discuss Colorado's franchise industry Friday at 4:00 on Denver's Money Talk 1690 AM. 

About the International Franchise Association: Celebrating 56 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 800,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 9.1 million direct jobs, $994 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development.

Contact:
Jenna Weisbord, 310-995-0839
[email protected]
@
franchising411

It was a full house for the @OurFranchise Campaign Kickoff at PostNet International Franchise Corporation in downtown Denver, Colorado.

Business Roundtable Chairman Doug Oberhelman Welcomes Young Presidents’ Organization

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Monday

Our kickoff, of course: LIVE WEBCAST!

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

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

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

And the Following Monday...

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

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

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

Copyright © 2016 Infrastructure Week, All rights reserved.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

-CU-

Contact:
Richard Wobbekind, Leeds School of Business, 303-492-1147

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

Denver Releases JumpStart 2016 Strategic Plan for Economic Development

Denver's JumpStart 2016 sets ambitious goals

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

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

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

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

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

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

Among the specific initiatives in the 2016 plan:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JumpStart 2016 is available online here.

Mayor Hancock Establishes New Office for Redevelopment of National Western Center

Kelly Leid named Executive Director

DENVER- Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced on January 26, 2016 the city has created the Mayor's Office of the National Western Center through Executive Order No. 141. The Office will focus on realizing the bold vision of a must-see tourism destination and regional asset, transforming the Denver Coliseum and National Western Complex area to become a creative year-round activity campus.

The creation of the new office is a critical next step following the Denver voter's overwhelming support of ballot measure 2C and the State's support through Regional Tourism Act funding. Under the leadership of Kelly Leid as the new Executive Director, the Office will implement the National Western Center master plan.

"The National Western Center is set to become a unique campus that honors our heritage and brings vibrancy to these historic neighborhoods," said Mayor Hancock. "The creation of the office ensures that we are being deliberate about our approach and responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars to deliver a vision we can all be proud of. We owe it to the Denver community, the state of Colorado and our critical partners to be accountable for this collective investment that will help Denver thrive for generations to come."

The Mayor's Office of the National Western Center will assist in the formation of a governance entity and moving the work plan forward with guidance from the existing Executive Oversight Committee.  The new office will work independent of other departments and agencies and will be responsible for the budget management, maintaining existing partnerships, recruiting additional public and private partners and developing strategic communications and community outreach efforts.

In early 2013, Mayor Hancock appointed Kelly as the Executive Director of the North Denver Cornerstone Collaborative, an initiative to strategically align six redevelopment projects in Globeville, Elyria and Swansea; the National Western Center is one of those six projects.  Leid will transition out of his current role as the Executive Director of the NDCC over the next 90 days. The Mayor will next move to identify a new Executive Director for the North Denver Cornerstone Collaboration.

"Kelly has been a champion for north Denver through his work at the North Denver Cornerstone Collaborative," Mayor Hancock said. "He has proven himself as a thoughtful leader and his experience with large and complicated projects is critical to realize the true potential of the National Western Center vision."

As a third generation Colorado native, Kelly's experience spans over 25 years in broad-based project and operations management including 19-plus years in senior leadership positions. Kelly has worked across a range of highly visible public, private and nonprofit organizations including stadium projects for the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos.

"The past couple of years have been an unbelievable honor to create a vision that will greatly impact the future of this great city and region. I am deeply honored to help lead this new office to chart a course that will celebrate our western heritage, secure the future for the National Western Stock Show and set the stage to position Denver and our State as a major player in solving major food production and food safety issues at the National Western Center," said Kelly.  

In his new role, Kelly will continue to chair the National Western Center Executive Oversight Committee. As Executive Director, he will remain a member of the Capital Funding Alignment Subcommittee, Event Programming Advisory Committee and the Citizens Advisory Committee; all committees established to advance the National Western Center vision.

Quotes from National Western Center Partners:

"For CSU, the National Western Center project is a unique opportunity to address global challenges around food, water, energy, the environment, and health in new and innovative ways. The creation of the Mayor's Office of the National Western Center showcases Mayor Hancock's commitment to fulfilling the bold vision of the National Western Center, and we look forward to working with the team to make the National Western Center a reality."

Tony Frank, President
Colorado State University

"We are excited about today's announcement which demonstrates the administration's commitment to the longevity of National Western Stock Show and creation of the National Western Center. Kelly Leid has provided great leadership on behalf of the city and we look forward to working with him to implement the vision as approved by the voters in November."

Ron Williams, Chairman of the Board
Western Stock Show Association

# # #

MEDIA CONTACTS: 
City and County of Denver
Mayor Michael B. Hancock
Amber Miller, Communications Director
[email protected]

North Denver Cornerstone Collaborative
Erika Reyes Martinez
[email protected]
O: 720.865.2906