Gov. Jared Polis, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and members of the business and innovation communities announced the formation of the Governor’s Competitiveness Council on July 22.
Led by the business community in partnership with government leaders, the Council will develop a collaborative long-term vision to enhance the state’s business competitiveness nationally and foster a top-ranking economy and leading innovation ecosystem across the state. Its findings will be outlined in a strategic roadmap intended to directly inform the state’s economic priorities and policies — and shared with all gubernatorial candidates as well as the state legislature.
“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 Gov. Polis.
“Colorado’s competitiveness challenges are no longer theoretical — they are showing up in boardrooms, hiring decisions, expansion plans, household budgets and state revenues. If we want Colorado to remain a destination for jobs, investment, innovation and talent, we must move with urgency.”
Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President and CEO, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
Kleymeyer, a member of the Executive Committee guiding the Council’s formation, said the work “must lead to action: fewer unnecessary barriers, faster decisions, a more predictable regulatory environment and policies that help businesses grow while improving affordability for the people who call Colorado home.”
Executive Committee Members
J.J. Ament, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce · Debbie Brown, Colorado Business Roundtable · Dan Caruso, Caruso Ventures · Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, Colorado Community College System · Binh Diep, Slalom · Cory Finney, Howdy Partners · Loren Furman, Colorado Chamber of Commerce · Raymond H. Gonzales, Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation · Zaneta Kelsey, Access Mode · Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC · Wendy Lea, Energize Colorado · Seth Levine, Foundry · Eve Lieberman, OEDIT · Brittany Morris Saunders, Colorado Technology Association · Marc Nager, Howdy Partners · George Sparks Jr., Denver Museum of Nature and Science · Walker Stapleton, Colorado Economic Development Commission · Jason Wardrip, Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council
“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,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT executive director. “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.”
The Governor’s Competitiveness Council will deliver a strategic roadmap this fall. Ongoing updates are available by registering to receive newsletter updates.