REGISTRATION OPENS | EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE 

EDCC’S PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE RETREAT | Brues Alehouse, 120 Riverwalk Pl., Pueblo, CO 81003

Registration Required – Lunch will be provided | Comcast Breakout #2 (Bernstein Brothers)

PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOP: A QUALITY MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO PROJECT BUDGETING AND DUE DILIGENCE FOR REMEDIATION AND BROWNFIELD PROJECTS

This workshop is an overview of the DiNardo Management Groups’ quality management approach to project planning, from due diligence through project development and value engineering to project management.

The workshop covers strategies for creating activity-based project scopes and methodologies to develop a universal budget scoring matrix, project phasing, risk management strategies, and contingency planning techniques to create a more sustainable, attainable, and defendable budgets.

The workshop is designed to aid all the key stakeholders in communicating with their team members, financial institutions, city management, insurance companies, and investors to ensure clarity of communication on all subject matters. Karlene Thomas of Pinyon Environmental will join DMG to present various “Dos and Don’ts regarding environmental due diligence and how DMG and Pinyon have worked with clients to avoid them.

Presenters:

• Stephen Di Nardo, Principal, The Di Nardo Management Group
• Karlene Thomas, Principal – Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Pinyon Environmental

Registration Required – Lunch will be provided | Xcel Breakout #1 (Heroes Pavilion)
EDCC CONFERENCE ORIENTATION
If you are new to economic development and/or to EDCC, or just want to meet new people in a small setting, then this session is intended for you. Join other EDCC members to network and learn more about EDCC and its goal to help you lay a strong foundation for your own professional development growth and provide resources to support your needs along the way. You will be introduced to EDCC member representatives from throughout the state that can share helpful tips on training opportunities, getting the most out of your conference experience and general economic development best practices based on their own experiences. Join us and help strengthen your professional support system.

EDCC Member Representatives: Co-Chair Adam Krueger, CEcD, City of Thornton; Michelle Claymore, CEcD, City of Commerce City; Tyler Purvis, CEcD, City of Brush!; Jill Mendoza, CEcD, Town of Superior; Shannon Hein, City of Ft. Collins, Candace Payne, East Central Council of Governments

CHFA Ballroom (Fortino Grand Hall B & C) Opens to Attendees

OPENING REMARKS: WELCOME COMMENTS

DESCRIPTION: Stacy Miller, EDCC’s board chair, along with this year’s title sponsor, CHFA, will kick off the conference and give an overview of what attendees will expect in the coming days. Mayor Nick Gradisar will be welcoming attendees to Pueblo and give a glimpse into the Journey to Pueblo through the Future of the Past.

Presenters:

• Stacy Miller, Board Chair, Economic Development Director, Town of Windsor
• Steve Boice, Manager of Business Finance, Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)
• Mayor Nick Gradisar, City of Pueblo

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY

Hosted by:

DESCRIPTION: Headlines for months have been grappling with the idea that the current state of the economy may be at risk of a recession. EDCC’s Data Committee, comprised of our state’s leading economists, invited Nicholas Sly with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, to present an overview of the national and regional economy. Key specific economic indicators for Colorado and the United States will be touched upon as well as monetary policy, employment, housing, inflation, GDP, energy, agriculture and banking.

Presenter:

• Nicholas Sly, Assistant Vice President & Denver Branch Executive, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

EDCC PUBLIC POLICY PRESENTATION

DESCRIPTION: Hear from the state’s top public policy leaders as they discuss issues facing our state, and how we can embrace for what’s to come.

Moderator: Rich Werner, Public Policy Chair/Past Board Chair; President & CEO, Upstate Colorado

Panelists:

• James Eklund, Water and Natural Resources Attorney, Sherman & Howard
• Chris Brown, Vice President of Policy & Research, Common Sense Institute
• Meghan MacKillop, Legislative and Policy Advocate, Colorado Municipal League

REGIONAL CONVOCATIONS

DESCRIPTION: If there is one thing we learned since the onset of the pandemic, is that we can move “mountains” when we join forces, by understanding where challenges lie, and working together to solve for them. We don’t want to go back to the way things were. The success of our great economic comeback will be measured by how well we continue to collaborate, share our strategies, and best practices.

In our pursuit of EDCC’s mission, to be the statewide convener of economic development stakeholders, EDCC’s Regional Board of Directors will convene five regional convocations, with the direct intent to learn from one another, forge meaningful connections, and power Colorado’s great economic comeback.

Convocation Leaders:

Metro Convocation: | Xcel Breakout #1 (Heroes Pavilion)

• Adam Krueger, City of Thornton
• Christine Shapard, Denver South

Northeast Convocation: | Comcast Breakout #2 (Bernstein Brothers)

• Shannon Hein, City of Ft. Collins
• Candace Payne, East Central Council of Governments

Northwest Convocation: | CHFA Ballroom (Fortino Grand Hall B & C)

• Steve Jozefczyk, Grand Junction Economic Partnership
• Bonnie Petersen, (formerly) Associated Governments of NW Colorado

Southeast Convocation: | Black Hills Energy Breakout #3 (Meeting room #2/3)

• Kimberly Bailey, City of Fountain
• Danelle Berg, Otero County

Southwest Convocation: | Manufacturer’s Edge/Sustainment Breakout #4 (Meeting room #4/5)

• Deana Sheriff, West End Economic Development Corporation
• Emily Lashbrooke, Pagosa Springs Community Development

OPENING RECEPTION – Conference Terrace

DESCRIPTION: Join us for our opening reception out on the conference terrace, where attendees will get to enjoy the nearby riverwalk. We will be conducting the first tours of the Fuel & Iron Food Hall, an economic developers dream project! In typical Pueblo form, a legacy building gets a chance of a lifetime re-birth. The redevelopment of the Holmes Hardware Block will consist of the Fuel & Iron Food Hall on the ground floor with 28 affordable housing units on the second and third floors. The larger Phase II project site will have roughly a half-acre devoted to an urban farm, ample parking for both the food hall customers and apartment residents, and land dedicated to multi-family housing.
Hosted by:

Presenter:

• Robert Smith, Economic Development Director, City of Lakewood

Tour Guides:

• Nathan Stern, Fuel & Iron Project Founder
• Zach Cytryn, Fuel & Iron Project Founder

REGIONAL DINNER GATHERINGS (Dinner not provided by EDCC – Sponsor Opportunity!)

Every year we let our attendees lose on the town to explore, experience the culture, and connect with other attendees. Continuing a new tradition, our Regional Board of Directors will coordinate Regional Dinners to continue the discussions and networking started in the convocations. Regional Board Directors will be in contact with you in coordinating the restaurant selection and transportation logistics. Be on the lookout for correspondence in September.

EDCC BOARD DINNER – The Senate Bar & Grill, 219 S Grand Ave., Pueblo, CO 81003

Location: CHFA Ballroom (Fortino Grand Hall B & C)

NETWORKING BREAKFAST | EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE

Hosted by:

Presenter:

• Russ Drury, Business Development Manager, Black Hills Energy

KEYNOTE: SETTING THE STAGE

Presenter:

• Elizabeth Garner, State Demographer, Colorado Department of Local Affairs

PLENARY SESSION 1: BUILDING AN ECONOMY FOR ALL

DESCRIPTION: Have you heard of “quiet quitting?” Have you also heard companies say they are struggling to hire any new staff, let alone qualified employees? These two questions meet at the convergence of job quality and equity. Businesses and organizations that promote and engage in quality jobs and equitable communities can conquer this challenge in a way that provides employers with a skilled, engaged workforce and Coloradans with meaningful employment. Combined, these result in individual, corporate, and statewide economic prosperity. Join this session to learn more and hear from a panel of Coloradans who will discuss what job quality and equity look like in their businesses and communities.

Moderator: Erin Young, Employer Coach, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Founder/CEO Red Buffalo Coffee & Tea

Panelists:

• Nancy Zimmer, Business Service Specialist at the Pueblo Workforce Center
• Adam Crowe, Economic Development Manager, Larimer County Workforce Center
• David Lewis, Founder/CFO, On-in-2, Inc., and Director of Golf at Walking Stick Golf Course
• Ron Francis, Chief Executive Officer, indieDwell Colorado
• Shelby Hayes, Human Resources Director, Solvista Health

PLENARY SESSION 2: FOOD SYSTEMS REIMAGINED

DESCRIPTION: If you’re seeing a theme here, you are correct. We’re focusing on people-based economic development strategies. It comes down to the basic needs of our talent. A quality life begins with a good job, food and water, and roof over your head. Our food systems were dramatically impacted by the pandemic and climate change. We are redefining what sustainable food systems look like in 2022. Join experts on innovative crop technologies, sustainable supply chain models, access to food programs, and entrepreneurship.

Co-Moderators:

• Dr. Dawn Thilmany, Professor and Co-Director, REDI@CSU
• Libby Christensen, Statewide Food & Agriculture Specialist, REDI@CSU

Panelists:

• Nanna Meyer, Associate Professor in Health Sciences, UCCS and Colorado Grain Chain
• Rachel Landis, Director, The Good Food Collective
• Megan Moore, Program Manager, Pueblo Food Project
• Monique Marez, Founder, Eptimizo
• Jorge De La Torre, Director of Culinary Arts, Kitchen Network/BUCU West
• Gregor McGregor, Faculty Fellow, University of Colorado Law School

NETWORKING BREAK | EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE – Main Hallway
Hosted by:

DISCOVERY WORKSHOPS:

Xcel Breakout #1 (Heroes Pavilion)
WORKSHOP #1: Workforce and Entrepreneurship – Kitchen Network/BUCU West

• Jorge De La Torre, Director of Culinary Arts, Kitchen Network/BUCU West

Comcast Breakout #2 (Bernstein Brothers)
WORKSHOP #2:  Colorado Grown Grains, Climate Resilience, and Health

• Nanna Meyer, Associate Professor in Health Sciences, UCCS and Colorado Grain Chain

Black Hills Energy Breakout #3 (Meeting room #2/3)
WORKSHOP #3: Strengthening equitable, regional food systems through Public Private Partnerships

• Rachel Landis, Director, The Good Food Collective

Manufacturer’s Edge/Sustainment Breakout #4 (Meeting room #4/5)
WORKSHOP #4: Si Se Puede: Empowering and Activating your Food Community- Pueblo Food Project

• Megan Moore, Program Manager, Pueblo Food Project
• Monique Marez, Founder, Eptimizo

CHFA Ballroom (Fortino Grand Hall B & C)
WORKSHOP #5: San Luis Valley Water Project

• Gregor MacGregor, Faculty Fellow, University of Colorado Law School

Location: CHFA Ballroom (Fortino Grand Hall B & C)

NETWORKING LUNCH:

Throughout the conference, EDCC is incorporating Pueblo talent, culture, and images that depict the history and culture of our hosting town. We are also building in time for connecting and collaboration. Enjoy our immersive lunch on us!

Hosted by:

PLENARY SESSION 3: HOUSING: HOW FAR WE’VE COME. WHAT’S FORTHCOMING.

DESCRIPTION: The housing crisis dawned the headlines in recent years. Economic Development stakeholders saw the critical need as they worked to retain, expand, and attract talent in their communities, directly supporting their growing businesses. Over the course of this past year, several communities leaped into action, governments activated properties and capital, all to fill this crucial need. In this session, we’re going to hear from industry experts and communities on how they worked to find a solution, what were some of the pitfalls from the programs and projects to avoid and lay the path towards diversified housing across the state.

Moderator: Terry Barnard, Multifamily Production and Outreach Manager, CHFA
Panelists:

• Paul Major, Rural Homes, Paradox Community Trust (ruralhomes.co)
• Eric Schaefer, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Fading West Development
• Stephanie Gonzales, Executive Director, Southeast Colorado Enterprise Development, Inc.
• Michael Yerman, Founder, MY Rural Planner
• Ashleigh Winans, Chief Executive Officer, NeighborWorks Southern Colorado
• Jerry Pacheco, Executive Director, Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority

DISCOVERY WORKSHOPS:

WORKSHOP #1: Telluride Foundation Regional Housing Initiative
Xcel Breakout #1 (Heroes Pavilion)

• Paul Major, Rural Homes, Paradox Community Trust
• Eric Schaefer, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Fading West Development

WORKSHOP #2:  Southeast Colorado Rural Housing Initiative
Comcast Breakout #2 (Bernstein Brothers)

• Stephanie Gonzales, Executive Director, Southeast Colorado Enterprise Development, Inc.
• Michael Yerman, Founder, MY Rural Planner

WORKSHOP #3: State Housing Programs
Black Hills Energy Breakout #3 (Meeting room #2/3)

• Terry Barnard, Multifamily Production and Outreach Manager

WORKSHOP #4: Local Housing Programs
Manufacturer’s Edge/Sustainment Breakout #4 (Meeting room #4/5)

• Ashleigh Winans, Chief Executive Officer, NeighborWorks Southern Colorado
• Jerry Pacheco, Executive Director, Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority

NETWORKING BREAK | EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE – Main Hallwa
Hosted by:

Location: CHFA Ballroom (Fortino Grand Hall B & C)

PLENARY SESSION 4: INNOVATIONS IN SUPPLY CHAIN BUILD OUT 2.0

DESCRIPTION: Manufacturer’s Edge, NIST-MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership), and Sustainment came together this past August during EDCC’s Drive|Lead|Succeed Virtual Series: Mapping Supply Chains and introduced a new, interactive way the Economic Development community can help buildout Colorado’s supply chain network and give the state a strategic advantage for retaining, expanding, and attracting manufacturing in Colorado. This tool will be used to transform the Colorado manufacturing base into a hyperconnected, secure, and resilient ecosystem of local and regional suppliers who can more easily connect and interact with the government and industry organizations that rely on them.

In its Colorado debut, Manufacturer’s Edge and Sustainment will provide a framework for discussing supply chain resources and strategies while introducing participants to some of the key components and players that make up the new ecosystem of the Colorado Manufacturing Network.

Presenters:

• Glenn Plagens, CEO, Manufacturer’s Edge
• Jennifer Hagan-Dier, Vice President and COO, Manufacturer’s Edge
• Steve Carroll, COO, Sustainment
• Tim Heaton, President, Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA)
• Jessica Cowden, Director of Marketing & Communications, Manufacturer’s Edge

PLENARY SESSION 5: INDUSTRY FINANCING REVERSE PITCH SERIES

DESCRIPTION: We’ve all been to pitch series where the business pitches to the investors. EDCC is turning this model on top of its head and inviting our investors to pitch to us! Join our various investors for this fun, innovative, and interactive session to learn about different types of funding programs designed to infuse capital into your unique and innovative local companies.

Moderator: Brian Rose, Deputy Director, Region 9 Economic Development District

Panelists:

• Colorado Housing & Finance Authority (CHFA): Justin Vause, Commercial Loan Officer, CHFA
• Wood Products Program: Marc Bellantoni, Business Loan Fund/San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone, San Luis Valley Development Resources Group
• Colorado Start Up Loan Fund: Brian Rose, Deputy Director, Region 9 Economic Development District
• Colorado Enterprise Fund: Becky Fuller, Program Manager, Colorado Enterprise Fund
• Energize Colorado: Scott Romano, COO, Energize Colorado
• B:Side Capital: Briana Rickertsen, Production Manager, B:Side Capital

SPECIAL EVENT: EDIE AWARDS RECEPTION, DINNER, & AWARDS CEREMONY

This year, we’re turning this event on its head and reimagining the typical awards ceremony. Dinner and drinks on us! Come celebrate with us… Each year, EDCC recognizes outstanding achievement by our members, volunteers of local organizations, large and small communities, companies, and legislators, for economic development excellence.
Title sponsor:

Sponsor Representative: Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon

Reception Sponsor:

Sponsor Representative: Lindsay Van Meter, Regional Economic Development Manager, BNSF

Master of Ceremonies:

• Laura Lewis Marchino, CEcD, Immediate Past Board Chair, Executive Director, Region 9 Economic Development District

Chairman’s Choice Award:

• Stacy Miller, Board Chair, Economic Development Director, Town of Windsor

** The EDIE Awards Reception, Dinner & Ceremony are included in the full conference registration. Day passes excluded. Families, colleagues, and friends are invited to join us! We have individual tickets and tables available for purchase.

Location: CHFA Ballroom (Fortino Grand Hall B & C)

NETWORKING BREAKFAST | EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE
Hosted by:

Presenter:

• Ashley Valdez, Area Manager, Community & Local Affairs, Xcel Energy

PLENARY SESSION 6: INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION

DESCRIPTION: EDCC attendees will be updated on the historic bipartisan infrastructure law created to rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, access to high-speed internet, and much more. Our state leaders will provide information on when and where the money will go as well as what our communities need to do now to prepare.

Moderator: Meredith Marshall, Infrastructure Coordinator, OEDIT
Panelists:

• Rich Werner, Public Policy Chair/Past Board Chair; President & CEO, Upstate Colorado
• Trish Thibido, Deputy Director, Region 10 Economic Development District
• Sabina Genesio, County Manager, Pueblo County
• Aikta Marcoulier, Regional Administrator, Region VIII – Rocky Mountain Region

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MARKET PLACE – ROUND #1
Hosted by:

As stakeholders in the industry, we rely heavily on the expertise of our strategic partners, industry insiders, and specialized services. We get asked daily where and how to access these coveted industry partners. Look no further… we brought them to you! The Events and Programming committee has hand selected four industry partners to present their knowledge with us. Attendees will get to select two out of the four breakout sessions to attend. I know… this will be tough to decide on. Select wisely!

BO 1:  DOWNTOWN COLORADO INC.: The Alchemy of Place Activation
Xcel Breakout #1 (Heroes Pavilion)

DESCRIPTION: When we think of great community places, a number one ingredient is positive activity. Whether we are diving into historic downtowns, new infill mixed use projects, or places that might be under-utilized, vandalized, or blighted, the essential ingredient is positive activity and use. Join our friends from Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) as we explore levels and tactics for activating the places we hope to see economic activity.

Presenters:

• Katherine Correll, Executive Director, Downtown Colorado Inc.
• Brian Corrigan, Co-owner, Farm to Spaceship

BO 2: BLUDOT: Practical Tips for BR&E and Supporting your Local Businesses
Comcast Breakout #2 (Bernstein Brothers)

DESCRIPTION: Since 2020, we have been building a platform that is now used by 100+ communities’ economic development teams to better track, manage, and support their local businesses. In this session, we’ll share some practical tips that we have learned along the way for small-but-mighty teams like yours to boost your impact and tell your story.

Presenter:

• Sophia Zheng, Founder/CEO, Bludot

BO 3: THE RETAIL COACH: The Future of Retail and What goes Into New Location Decisions
Black Hills Energy Breakout #3 (Meeting room #2/3)

DESCRIPTION: Join The Retail Coach as they look at what’s on tap for the retail industry in 2022-2023. From store format changes, to new, emerging brands entering the market, this presentation will examine what municipal leaders need to know to be successful in developing a strong retail recruitment strategy. This session will also look at what retail site selectors look for in a community/site when making location decisions and what you can be doing to help build a stronger retail base in your community.

Presenters:

• Kelly Cofer, CCIM, Founder & CEO, Retail Coach
• Aaron Farmer, President, Retail Coach

BO 4: LOCAL INTEL: How to Attract Big Talent to Small Communities by Promoting Quality of Life
Manufacturer’s Edge/Sustainment Breakout #4 (Meeting room #4/5)

DESCRIPTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people re-examine their home and its surroundings. At the same time, businesses have learned to embrace and encourage work-from-home policies. This shift has initiated a post-pandemic labor movement and created a huge opportunity for communities and manufacturers to attract talent and drive growth. However, it will only be those communities and manufacturers that employ targeted strategies to market their communities or that work together that will gain the competitive advantage and truly capitalize on this opportunity.

Presenter:

• Steve Kirby, Vice President of Partnership & Sales, Local Intel

BO 5:  LIGHTCAST (formerly Emsi/Burning Glass): Using Data to Help Understand your Region Amid the Workforce Shortage
CHFA Ballroom (Fortino Grand Hall B & C)

DESCRIPTION: Forthcoming

Presenters:

• Adriana Druffel, Account Manager, Lightcast
• Nathan Foss, Account Executive, Lightcast

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MARKET PLACE – ROUND #2
Hosted by:

BO 1:  DOWNTOWN COLORADO INC.: The Alchemy of Place Activation
Xcel Breakout #1 (Heroes Pavilion)

BO 2: BLUDOT: Practical Tips for BR&E and Supporting your Local Businesses
Comcast Breakout #2 (Bernstein Brothers)

BO 3: THE RETAIL COACH: The Future of Retail and What goes Into New Location Decisions
Black Hills Energy Breakout #3 (Meeting room #2/3)

BO 4: LOCAL INTEL: How to Attract Big Talent to Small Communities by Promoting Quality of Life
Manufacturer’s Edge/Sustainment Breakout #4 (Meeting room #4/5)

BO 5:  LIGHTCAST (formerly Emsi/Burning Glass): Using Data to Help Understand your Region Amid the Workforce Shortage
CHFA Ballroom (Fortino Grand Hall B & C

NETWORKING BREAK | EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE – Main Hallway
Hosted by:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MARKET PLACE – ROUND #3

BO 1:  DOWNTOWN COLORADO INC.: The Alchemy of Place Activation
Xcel Breakout #1 (Heroes Pavilion)

BO 2: BLUDOT: Practical Tips for BR&E and Supporting your Local Businesses
Comcast Breakout #2 (Bernstein Brothers)

BO 3: THE RETAIL COACH: The Future of Retail and What goes Into New Location Decisions
Black Hills Energy Breakout #3 (Meeting room #2/3)

BO 4: LOCAL INTEL: How to Attract Big Talent to Small Communities by Promoting Quality of Life
Manufacturer’s Edge/Sustainment Breakout #4 (Meeting room #4/5)

BO 5:  LIGHTCAST (formerly Emsi/Burning Glass): Using Data to Help Understand your Region Amid the Workforce Shortage
CHFA Ballroom (Fortino Grand Hall B & C)

Location: CHFA Ballroom (Fortino Grand Hall B & C)

EDCC A YEAR-IN-REVIEW, ELECTED BOARD APPOINTMENTS & MORE

Presenter:

• Stacy Miller, 2022 Board Chair, Economic Development Director, Town of Windsor

PUBLIC POLICY EFFORTS, 2022 RECAP, 2023 OUTLOOK

Presenters:

• Rich Werner, Public Policy Chair/Past Board Chair; President & CEO, Upstate Colorado
• Jennifer Cassell, EDCC Lobbyist and Committee Administrator, Bowditch & Cassell

COMMUNITY BASKET GIVEAWAY AND CLOSING COMMENTS BY INCOMING EDCC BOARD CHAIR

Every year we celebrate all the amazing businesses in our communities by giving away community baskets of goodies. Over 20 different baskets will be on display throughout the conference, raffled off during the conference. The remaining three best baskets will be given away at the end. You must be in attendance to be a recipient of these highly coveted baskets!

Presenter:

• Drew Kramer, In-coming Board Chair, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association

ADJOURN CONFERENCE

Colorado Association of Regional Organizations (CARO) Luncheon
Xcel Breakout #1 (Heroes Pavilion)

Action 22’s Annual Meeting is being held October 21 – 22, 2022 at the Watertower Place. EDCC is collaborating with Action 22 by offering a 10% discount for whomever is also attending Action 22’s Annual Meeting. Reach out to Bobbi Vanden Heuvel to receive your discount.

 Are you staying to enjoy all the beauty and splendor that Pueblo has to offer??

The hotel is offering the same group rate for EDCC attendees two days prior to arrive and two days post conference to enjoy more of Pueblo. Bring your family – or have them join you!

Visit Pueblo for the top 20 things to do this fall!