A CEO’s Insights

Nobody wants to pay “retail,” least of all a company that pays great wages and like “a gorilla in the room”–sits wherever it wants. That axiom hasn’t changed in all the years we’ve been recruiting or retaining companies here in Metro Denver. Today, thanks to the efforts of Governors Bill Owens,…

On July 14, a partnership of economic development organizations issued a report on the economic impact of 2,500-foot oil and gas drilling setbacks, an initiative likely headed to the November ballot. The partnership commissioned the study from the Business Research Division (BRD) of the Leeds…

For many companies seeking a new location, a right-to-work state is often in the top-criteria. This is increasingly common among foreign companies, who, saddled with often onerous work rules in their countries, are seeking a labor environment where the companies have greater flexibility in job…

Recently, Forbes magazine ranked Metro Denver No. 1 in its annual “Best Places for Businesses and Careers” list. Four other cities landed in the top 40. Fort Collins ranked 10th along with Boulder, Greeley, and Colorado Springs at 26, 33, and 37 respectively.  We often call Colorado “a place where…

Colorado’s renowned quality of life long has offered its residents almost limitless possibilities. Now, for many of us, one very important thing is missing — the American dream of owning a home. You’ve seen the disturbing headlines: A growing number of Coloradans are being priced out of…

Colorado hosts one of the most vibrant life-science sectors in America. Already, more than 600 pharmaceutical innovators call the Centennial State home. Combined, they add an estimated $11 billion to the state economy every year. International trade negotiators are now considering a major new deal…

When Governor Bill Owens left office at the end of 2005, I asked him, “What was the best time of your governorship?” His answer was quick - and short. “When Andrew Romanoff was Speaker of the House.”  Andrew Romanoff, for those who missed his television ads, is a Democrat. During a portion of…

As a country it seems we’re all mad at those above us. A respected commentator on the topic of metropolitan regions opined that the federal government has become nothing more “than an insurance company with an Army.” In response to the gridlock in D.C., state governments have taken issues into…

For many companies seeking a new location, a right-to-work state is often in the top ten criteria, while union shop states can be less attractive. This is increasingly common amongst foreign companies. Right-to-work laws do not require an employee to join a unionized company or to pay dues for…

When the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced Metro Denver’s selection as one of six satellite expansion offices, Senator Michael Bennet called me at home to offer his congratulations. I told the Senator that I feared that instead of touting our success, the local newspapers’ headline…

This week, we saw the death of a bill that increases the opportunity for young families and retirees to find attainable housing.  It was a sad day, especially because the bill was the result of over six months of exhaustive research on the part of a broad based coalition, comprised of Mayors,…