Legislators Statewide at 2007 Annual Conference
Golden, CO, October 19, 2007 - Governor Bill Ritter stressed the
importance of renewable energy, bioscience, aerospace, work-related
secondary education, and a strong local workforce for developing
Colorado's economic competitiveness nationally and globally during
his keynote address at the Economic Development Council of Colorado's
(EDCC) Annual Fall Conference in Golden yesterday, Thursday, October 18.
"Colorado's overall economy is still in good shape," said Ritter.
"We have a 3.9% unemployment rate, slightly up from a historic low in
May of 3.1% but we are still below the national average, and the
housing slump is showing signs of reversal. We have many positive
indicators and are making an effort to market our state for economic
development."
"To continue to strengthen Colorado's competitiveness", continued
Ritter, "we need to provide a strong K-12 education for all students
statewide, and continue to support our research universities which
play a vital role in providing career opportunities for our students
and attracting businesses to Colorado."
Tourism is also a priority, said Ritter, adding that the World
Series, to be played in Denver, will infuse $2.6 million into the
local economy for each home game.
Ritter also mentioned that another key contributor to Colorado's
success is our ability to continue to get large national and
international companies to relocate here due to our state's renowned
culture, quality of life, arts, entertainment, recreation and healthy
climate.
Echoing many of his priorities were top legislators from Colorado's
Senate and House. Serving on a panel to discuss the state's most
pressing issues were:
· Senator Joan Fitz-Gerald (D), President of the Senate
· Representative Andrew Romanoff (D), Speaker of the House
· Representative Andy McElhany (R), Senate Minority Leader
· Senator Frank McNulty (R)
While all panelists didn't agree on how to overcome Colorado's
economic challenges, all were in consensus about prioritizing K-12
education in order to develop the kind of workforce that will
encourage businesses to relocate here and existing businesses to stay
here. Other issues of top priority include transportation,
renewable energy and health care. Panelists stressed the importance
of keeping funds allocated for transportation directed toward
transportation projects, finding ways to expand health care to all
Coloradoans, support rural communities, and diversify our economic
development programs.
Legislator of the Year Named
House Representative Cheri Jahn, Speaker Pro Tempre, of District 24,
was honored with the Legislator of the Year award for her outstanding
support of small business issues. Jahn, a single mom of three and
small business owner, accepted the award from EDCC and Governor Bill
Ritter.
Presiding at the conference was Bill Becker, Chair of Economic
Development Council of Colorado and president of Adams County
Economic Development.
"Never has such a powerful group of legislators convened together at
a private meeting to debate and discuss solutions for challenges
facing Colorado's growth," said Becker. "We are pleased with the
tremendous commitment of our elected officials at all levels, city,
county and state, to make Colorado the best place in the U.S. to live
and work and raise families. We thank them for supporting this event
and Colorado's residents."
Another purpose of the EDCC Annual conference is to help strengthen
and promote public/private partnerships in order to create
opportunities for jobs, and to encourage out-of-state businesses to
relocate their operational and administrative functions to Colorado.
"Through our efforts, we are witnessing real growth in public/private
partnerships, which are essential to our economic development,"
continued Becker. "With the quality of business leaders and elected
officials involved with the EDCC, we only see this going upward and
upward, benefiting Coloradoans statewide for years to come."
