Colorado Launches New Competitiveness Council to Drive Economic Success Across the State

DENVER – Today, Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and members of the business and innovation communities announced the formation of a new public-private partnership, the Governor's Competitiveness Council. Led by the business community in partnership with government leaders, the Council will develop a collaborative long-term vision to enhance our business competitiveness nationally and foster a top-ranking economy and leading innovation ecosystem across the state.

The Council will bring together the public and private sectors to analyze the current business landscape and develop a shared vision for the future. The Council will build on work underway to solicit input from Colorado's business community and economic development partners from across the state in partnership with the statewide Economic Development Council of Colorado. The Council will also develop a data-driven strategy to benchmark the state's competitive advantages and identify legislative, policy, and regulatory recommendations to strengthen the state's economy.

"Colorado is the best place to live, work, start a family, and grow a business. We are building one of the strongest innovation economies in the country, and by partnering more with the business community, we can build on our success. We have heard from founders, investors, and employers about challenges and opportunities, and this Council will help us work together better to strengthen our economy, attract more businesses, and create new jobs," said Governor Polis.

The Council's findings and recommendations will be outlined in a strategic roadmap intended to directly inform the State's economic priorities and policies so Colorado remains a top destination for business growth, investment, and talent. This report will be shared with all gubernatorial candidates as well as the state legislature.

"Colorado's long-term competitiveness depends on how effectively we connect education, workforce development, and economic opportunity into a seamless talent ecosystem. I am honored to serve alongside leaders from across the public and private sectors to help strengthen Colorado's future and expand opportunity for every learner, employer, and community," said Marielena DeSanctis, PhD, Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System.

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"Howdy is honored to be included in the Governor's Competitiveness Council," said Cory Finney, Managing Partner of Howdy Partners. "We speak loudly for rural Colorado, and look forward to helping set an agenda that will ensure all of Colorado is poised for success and prosperity over the next decades to come."

"Every day at Access Mode, we see what Colorado's entrepreneurial ecosystem can do: our own portfolio of companies has grown because of some of the best talent, mentorship, and networks this state has to offer. But access to capital, and attracting more of it to Colorado, is an imperative, so every founder has the opportunity to build and isn't restricted to a limited pool. Every invested dollar signals that Colorado is where entrepreneurial ambition and innovation get rewarded. Real competitiveness means taking what already makes Colorado great and pairing it with the resources every entrepreneur needs to start, scale, and stay," said Zaneta Kelsey, Co-founder and CEO of Access Mode.

"Colorado isn't as competitive as it used to be, and everyone building or backing companies here can feel it. The data backs that up, and pretending otherwise helps no one. This Council's job is to face that squarely, benchmark where we actually stand against the states we compete with, and make actionable recommendations on how Colorado can, once again, be the best state in the country in which to start and grow a business," said Seth Levine, Partner and Co-Founder at Foundry.

"Colorado is home to nationally and globally recognized technology sectors that continue to attract business growth, investment, and top talent. At the same time, competition is growing and Colorado businesses are facing new headwinds. This Council is an opportunity to understand and address these challenges so that, together, we can build on our resilient economic foundation and ensure Colorado companies can keep growing, innovating and creating good-paying jobs," said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.

An Executive Committee is currently guiding the formation of the Governor's Colorado Competitiveness Council, which will seek to engage business, economic and elected leaders from across the state. The Executive Committee, which is still in formation, includes:

• J. J. Ament, President & CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
• Debbie Brown, President of the Colorado Business Roundtable
• Dan Caruso, Managing Director, Caruso Ventures
• Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, PhD, Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System
• Binh Diep, General Manager at Slalom
• Raymond H. Gonzales, President of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation
• Cory Finney, Managing Partner at Howdy Partners
• Loren Furman, President and CEO of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce
• Zaneta Kelsey, Co-Founder and CEO of Access Mode
• Wendy Lea, Co-Founder Chair of Energize Colorado
• Seth Levine, Partner and Co-Founder at Foundry
• Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director
• Brittany Morris Saunders, President and CEO of the Colorado Technology Association
• Marc Nager, Managing Partner at Howdy Partners
• Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President and CEO, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
• George Sparks, Jr. President and CEO of Denver Museum of Nature and Science
• Walker Stapleton, Former Treasurer of Colorado and Commissioner of the Colorado Economic Development Commission
• Jason Wardrip, Business Manager at Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council

The Governor's Competitiveness Council will be working in alignment with business and government leaders to deliver a strategic roadmap this fall. Ongoing updates are available by registering to receive newsletter updates.

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About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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