DRIVE | LEAD | SUCCEED ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Welcome Reception | Brass Bear Bar

Welcome #EconDev’s to the luxurious Park Hyatt in picturesque Beaver Creek! We are hoping you’re taking advantage of the conference’s discounted weekend rate with your family! We’re hosting an evening of networking and camaraderie as we kick off our annual Drive|Lead|Succeed Conference. The Park Hyatt, renowned for its elegance and charm, is the perfect backdrop for forging new connections and meaningful conversations.

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EDCC Board Meeting | Crooked Hearth Dining Room

Breakfast | Sawatch Hall/Foyer

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PLENARY SESSION 1: The State of Colorado’s Economy |Sawatch Hall

Keynote Speakers:

• Elizabeth Garner, State Demographer, Department of Local Affairs
• Brian Lewandowski, Executive Director of the Business Research Division, Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder

PLENARY SESSION 2: Theory and Fundamentals of Industry Clusters Part 2 | Sawatch Hall

Back by popular demand and many requests, EDCC elaborates more on its Knowledge Network Series, “The Theory and Fundamentals of Industries Clusters.” This session will cover action steps communities can engage in as well as an update on Elevate Quantum Tech Hub and NSF Engines: Colo-Wyo Climate Resilience Engine announcements.

Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, economic development professional, or academic, this session offers invaluable insights into harnessing the power of industry clusters to drive regional prosperity and economic resilience.

Moderator: Clif Harald, Founder & Principal, First Flatiron Consulting
Panelists:

• Mike Freeman, CEO, PI, NSF Colo-Wyo Climate Resilience Engine
• Wendy Lea, Founder, TechHubNow!
• Hanna Scovill, Sr. Manager of Economic Competitiveness, Metro Denver EDC
• Eve Lieberman, Executive Director, OEDIT

Break | Heritage Hall
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PLENARY SESSION 3: Emerging Trends in Site Selection and Site Readiness Programs | Sawatch Hall

Site Selection is an ever-evolving process. In this session, you will hear experts discuss emerging trends in Site Selection and Site Readiness Programs. Hear about how certain industries and states are utilizing Site Certification programs as a mechanism to improve the marketability of sites and increase speed-to-market. Learn about the value of site certification along with some of the challenges municipalities may face when it comes to certifying sites.

Moderator: Ray Gonzales, President, Metro Denver EDC
Panelists:

• Lacy Kreger, General Director of Strategic Programs and Site Certification, BNSF Railway
• Corrie Ann Campbell, MBA, Certified Sites Program Manager, Kansas State Commerce
• Jeannette Goldsmith, Vice President, Strategic Development Group
• Ron Bertasi, CEO, GIS WebTech, LLC

LUNCH | Sawatch Hall
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Keynote Speakers:

• Eve Lieberman, Executive Director, OEDIT
• Kim Woodworth, CO|Align Chair, Executive Director, EDCC

PLENARY SESSION 4: Equipping Young Coloradans with Educational Opportunities to Jumpstart Careers and Empower Your Workforce Needs | Sawatch Hall

Moderator: Stephanie Mufic, Business Innovation and Strategy Unit Manager, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Panelists:

• Lee Wheeler-Berliner, Managing Director, Colorado Workforce Development Council
• Sara Butler, Colorado Director, Empower Schools
• Julie Beggs, Vice President of Economic Mobility & Workforce Innovation, Arapahoe Community College

BO Sessions: Equipping Young Coloradans with Educational Opportunities to Jumpstart Careers and Empower Your Workforce Needs

BO1: Enhancing Rural Student Postsecondary Success via Cross-Sector Collaboration| Sawatch Hall Join us for an engaging session where we explore the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in boosting postsecondary success for rural students. Participants will learn more about a rural collaborative model from the perspective of higher education, industry/workforce, and K12 districts. Designed to be highly interactive and to provide practical insights and actionable strategies, participants will leave with a plan to initiate or enhance cross-sector collaboration in your region.

Moderator: Sara Butler, Colorado Director, Empower Schools

• Panelists:
  • Karen Cheser, Superintendent, Durango 9R School District, Chair for the Durango Chamber of Commerce
  • Madison Knapp, Director of Implementation, Colorado Succeeds
  • Landon Mascareñaz, Chair, Colorado State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education, Colorado Community College System
  • Jessica Counts, Executive Director, Yampa Valley Partnership for Students, Stewardship, & Sustainability

BO2: Colorado Health Careers Collaborative | Heritage Hall

• Moderator: Julie Beggs, Vice President of Economic Mobility & Workforce Innovation, Arapahoe Community College
• Panelists:
  • Jaime Pearson, MHA, Senior Recruiter/Workforce Development, Common Spirit Health

BO3: Industry Sector Partnerships | McCoy’s

• Moderator: Erin Young, Sector Partnership Strategy, Colorado Workforce Development Council
• Panelists:
  • Diana Armstrong, Convener – South Central Tech Sector Partnerships, Fremont County EDC
  • Brock Predovich, Chief Executive Officer, 70nyx
  • Bryn Nelson, Access Manager, Apprenticeship Colorado

Break | Heritage Hall
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MARKETPLACE

BO 1: How to Leverage State Incentives and Respond to RFIs to Benefit Local Communities | Heritage Hall

This session offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand experiences from both a local community and a company that have successfully navigated the Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit and the Strategic Fund to drive economic growth and development.

Additionally, we will share best practices responding to Request for Information (RFI) from OEDIT, providing you with the tools and knowledge to attract companies and create lasting benefits for your community.

Presenters:

• Dana Bakshani, Global Business Development Manager, OEDIT

BO 2: Accelerate Business Attraction & Retention | Provide Businesses with Accurate Listings to Speed up the Site Selection Process | Sawatch Hall

Presenter: Matt Francis, Head of Sales, REsimplifi

BO 3: Strategies to Boost your Community’s Business Retention & Attraction Through CRM & Business Directory | McCoy’s

Presenter: Sophia Zheng, Founder & CEO, Bludot

EDCC Public Policy Committee Retreat

The EDCC Public Policy Committee will be gathering for their annual policy retreat to discuss session logistics and priorities.

Dusty Boots Saloon
Please RSVP: Jenn Cassell, jennifer.cassell@bcpublicaffairs.com
Note: Attendees will be responsible for their own tab

Mentor/Mentee Connect Dinner

This dinner provides a unique opportunity to meet potential mentors, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore the possibilities of mentoring relationships.

Dusty Boots Saloon
Please RSVP: Jill Mendoza, jillm@superiorcolorado.gov | 303.909.2478
Note: Attendees will be responsible for their own tab

NETWORKING BREAKFAST | EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE | Sawatch Hall/Foyer

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PLENARY SESSION 5: EDCC Annual Report to the Membership | Sawatch Hall

Presenters:

• John Bristol, EDCC’s Board Chair, Executive Director, Routt County EDP
• Kim Woodworth, Executive Director, EDCC

PLENARY SESSION 6: EDCC Public Policy Update | Sawatch Hall

Presenters:

• Jennifer Cassell, EDCC’s Lobbyist, Bowditch & Cassell
• Rich Werner, EDCC’s Public Policy Chair, President & CEO, Upstate Colorado

NETWORKING BREAK | EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE | Heritage Hall

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Retail Trends and the Science Behind Site Selection | Sawatch Hall

In Colorado, sales tax serves as the primary funding source for our communities. However, the retail decision-making process often remains a mystery for many economic developers. Join us as we delve into the science behind retail site selection, explore the tools used to make these crucial decisions, and discuss strategies for effectively marketing our communities to attract retail businesses. Additionally, we’ll highlight key retail trends to watch for, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic industry!

Moderator: Julie Jacoby, Deputy Director, City of Thornton Economic Development

Panelists:

• Aaron Farmer, President, Retail Coach
• Jon Weisiger, Senior Vice President, CBRE
• Carolyn Martinez, Owner/Manager, CM Commercial Partners
• Scott Crosbie, Founder/Partner, Crosbie Real Estate Group

Bridging the Gap for Workforce Needs with your Local Community Colleges | McCoy’s

In today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, the role of community colleges in addressing workforce needs is more crucial than ever. This panel discussion will explore innovative strategies and partnerships in Colorado that are bridging the gap between employers and local community colleges, ensuring a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the modern economy.

Join us as we delve into the collaborative efforts between businesses and community college leaders to identify, understand, and fulfill the workforce needs of local industries. Through case studies and real-world examples, attendees will gain insights into effective models for employee training development and industry partnerships.

Moderator: Amanda Corum, Executive Director, Pueblo Corporate College

Panelists:

• Jennifer Law, Chief Human Resources Officer, Vail Health
• Kent Wollert, CEO, Colorado Mills
• Mike Sneddon, President, SG Aerospace & Gas
• Will Hillen, CEO, Hillen Corporation

PLENARY SESSION 7: Five Tips for Building Place Economy | Sawatch Hall

Well-paying jobs and primary employers have long been the gold medal of economic development. As challenges with workforce and housing emerge, economic developers are finding themselves switching speeds. Join us for a few tips considering holistic place-based approach to economic development which centers on localized strategies to bridge siloes and establish sustainable efforts for a defined geographic area.

Session Sponsor: Downtown Colorado Inc.

NOT SO TYPICAL LUNCH – ACTIVITY | 

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PLENARY SESSION 7: Five Tips for Building Place Economy Outcomes | Sawatch Hall

PLENARY SESSION 8: The Changing Dynamics of Colorado’s Connectivity: Opportunities & Challenges for Small Airports | Sawatch Hall

Colorado is home to 13 airports that offer commercial air service, ranging in size from Denver International Airport (DEN) which served nearly 78 million passengers in 2023 to Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB) with fewer than 10,000 passengers during the year.  Connectivity via air is critical to support commercial growth and this session will examine the role airports across the Centennial State play in supporting economic activity and expansion including:

• Entrance of new carriers and resulting market stimulation
• Changes to regional aircraft and service patterns
• Connectivity to international markets
• Catchment area and leakage
• Sustainability

Keynote Panelists:

• Laura Jackson, Vice President – Air Service Development, Denver International Airport
• David Dague, Principle, Arthur D. Little

Helping our Entrepreneurs Succeed: A BRE Panel Discussion | Sawatch Hall

Helping small businesses start, stay, and grow in our communities. This panel will look at Business Retention and Expansion efforts taking place in the rural and urban regions along with two programs aimed at supporting entrepreneurial growth across the state of Colorado.

Moderator: Azarel Madrigal, Director, Minority Business Office, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

Panelists:

• Jenny Leon, Small Business Manager, Alliance Business Assistance Center, City of Thornton
• Chris Romer, Director, Vail Valley Partnership
• Patrick McGlew, Director, APEX Accelerator
• Meralis Hood, CEO, Entrepreneurship for All (EForAll)
• Hannah Krieger, State Director, Colorado SBDC Network

Community Responsive Incentive Programs | McCoy’s 

Join a panel of seasoned economic development experts as they share innovative incentives designed to attract and retain businesses in their communities and regions. Discover how you can leverage their experiences and insights to create your own effective programs, helping companies looking to locate or expand in your area.

Moderator: Stacy Brown, Town Manager, Town of Kersey

Panelists:

• Sam Arnold, Economic Development Analyst, City of Colorado Springs
• Julian Jacquin, Director of Economic Development and TOEURA, Town of Erie
• Laura Lewis Marchino, CEcD, Executive Director, Region 9 Economic Development District
• Adam Krueger, CEcD, Executive Director of Economic Development, City of Thornton

County Revitalization Authorities:  A New Tool in the Redevelopment Toolbox | Heritage Hall

Colorado HB24-1172 went into effect in August, and with that comes a new way for counties to utilize tax increment financing to address areas that are unincorporated but urbanized and in need of reinvestment.  Through the lens of “opportunity factors,” investments are designed to target public benefits such as critical infrastructure, mobility, affordable housing, job creation, and access to healthy food, community medical services, parks, and education.  This session will help you begin to unpack this gamechanger with others engaged in the process.

Moderator: Scott Shine, Community Development Director, City of Durango

Panelists:

• Jenni Hall, Director of Community and Economic Development, Adams County
• Bill Aiken, Deputy Director of Community and Economic Development, Adams County
• Ben Fulton, Development Policy Analyst, Adams County

EDCC Extravaganza! 80’s Ski Party + EDIE Awards | Sawatch Hall
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Don your best 80’s ski outfit, fanny pack, and neon and let’s celebrate the best of Economic Development in Colorado! We’re bringing out all the stops this year and hosting the biggest party west of the continental divide!

“Workforce Wednesday”

The Drive|Lead|Succeed Conference fosters collaboration and idea exchange among professionals in economic development, workforce business development, business, and government. The synergy between economic and workforce development is vital for economic growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity. By joining forces, EDCC and Rocky Mountain Workforce Development Association are providing a platform for essential knowledge sharing and networking to support Colorado’s vibrant and growing economy. Take advantage of this one-of-kind opportunity to learn from Colorado’s Workforce Development ecosystem!

NETWORKING BREAKFAST | EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE | Sawatch Hall/Foyer

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How Workforce Development Business Services Served the Economic Development Community and Area Businesses (an immersive session) | Sawatch Hall

In this immersive plenary session, explore the critical role that workforce development services have played in supporting economic growth and addressing the needs of local businesses. Discover real-world examples and success stories showcasing how these services have facilitated job creation, workforce readiness, and business expansion.

NETWORKING BREAK | EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE | Sawatch Hall/Foyer

Closing Keynote, Kelly Folks, Director of the Division of Employment and Training, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment | Sawatch Hall

This keynote will provide a forward-looking vision for the integration of workforce development with economic growth and will emphasize the critical role of continued innovation and collaboration across sectors to drive economic prosperity. Kelly will provide insights into future trends and strategies for overcoming emerging challenges, underscoring how workforce development can continuously foster positive change and support long-term economic success.

Conclusion of the Conference