LATEST NEWS From the Colorado Springs Gazette

Founded in 1871, Colorado Springs - Colorado's second-largest city - has evolved from a quaint, Victorian spa resort to a sophisticated city, with a charming "small town" ambiance. The business community in Colorado Springs currently enjoys more than 1,000 large businesses (primarily in the information and technology industry), and is home to thriving, success-minded small businesses that comprise more than 80 percent of our membership.

In addition to a flourishing economy, the natural beauty of Colorado Springs is legendary. In fact, the view from the top of nearby Pikes Peak inspired Katharine Lee Bates to compose "America the Beautiful" over 100 years ago.

In short, when people gather at an altitude of 6,035 feet, remarkable things happen.
 
 

Gov. Bill Ritter addressing the Colorado legislature

In February 2007, Gov. Bill Ritter announced the formation of a Business Advisory Group to help the administration shape a 21st Century economic-development agenda that will benefit the entire state of Colorado.

"I'm pleased that such a talented and diverse group of business leaders has agreed to advise me and my economic-development team," Ritter said. "Much of what I hope to accomplish around renewable energy, transportation, education and health care must be part of a broader economic-development strategy. This team will help us lay out a comprehensive vision that places an emphasis on creating economic opportunity for all."

"The Business Advisory Group will be a bi-partisan effort to work on business issues that are in the best interests of Colorado," said Pat Vincent, president and CEO of Public Service Co. of Colorado, an Xcel Energy company. "We will look at economic development opportunities that benefit all residents in all parts of the state."

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IAMC future site, the Broadmoor Colorado Springs.

by Adam Bruns

Wondering whether NAFTA is helping or hurting the United States? Try examining the Colorado crossroads of the NAFTA corridor.

Among the early results of the 2005 Colorado-Alberta Energy Partnering Mission was the November 2005 announcement by Calgary-based Enerplus to open its U.S. headquarters in Denver, joining fellow Calgary companies PetroCanada, EnCana and Suncor as Alberta companies with a Denver headquarters presence. Canadian companies had invested an estimate US$3 billion in Colorado in the two years leading up to the announcement.

"If we want to meet our increasing energy demands, we need to form partnerships that will help us secure North America's energy future by effectively developing the resources right in our own backyard," said Canadian Consul General Michael Fine from the year-old Consulate General of Canada in Denver. "Enerplus' decision to come to Denver demonstrates the synergy between the two front-range cities of Denver and Calgary and the possible partnerships that can result from building on this important relationship."

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