Grand Junction, CO – October 2, 2023 – On October 18th, economic development stakeholders from across the state, elected officials, and local business leaders, will gather at the Grand Junction Convention Center for the Economic Development Council of Colorado’s (EDCC) 2023 Drive|Lead|Succeed Conference (https://edcconline.org/2023-dls-conference) (click for more information and to register).
The annual gathering will be the premier statewide economic development event of the year, thanks in part to EDCC’s title sponsor, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), and a wide array of other public and private sector sponsors. Drive|Lead|Succeed aims to provide the knowledge, tools, and connections necessary to foster a growing and vital Colorado economy, according to EDCC’s Executive Director, Kim Woodworth.
The conference will feature a diverse range of speakers, including industry experts, thought leaders, and successful entrepreneurs. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in interactive panels, workshops, and networking sessions that aim to equip them with the latest trends, insights, and best practices in economic development. With the Colorado economy rapidly evolving, this conference offers a unique opportunity for economic development stakeholders to stay ahead of the curve and be at the forefront of driving responsible growth and innovation.
“Drive|Lead|Succeed will represent an intersection of economic development leaders with dissimilar perspectives from communities and industries with wildly different characteristics. Nowhere else will you find a better opportunity to collaborate and connect with a greater diversity of peers, business professionals, policy experts and others with a stake in an economically healthy Colorado,” said Drew Kramer, EDCC’s 2023 Board Chair and Economic Development Program Manager for Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association.
A snapshot of what attendees will engage in:
- TOURS OF THE GRAND VALLEY, five interactive tours showcasing industry, manufacturing, new developments, and agritourism. A special thank you to our Economic Development and Chamber partners, who curated the tours and span the valley from Palisade, Grand Junction, to Fruita.
- OUTDOOR RECREATION MANUFACTURING AND RETAIL EXPO, free and open to the public, Oct. 18th, from 3:15 – 6:15 p.m. Over 20 manufacturers and retailers from across the western slope will showcase their contributions to Colorado’s economy. A full listing can be found below.
- CONFERENCE SESSIONS covering Colorado’s most perplexing issues impacting Colorado’s economic competitiveness and challenges that many communities are grappling with – housing and workforce, to the changing economic climate, creating the catalyst for positive change to unleashing entrepreneurial ecosystems.
- EDIE AWARDS DINNER & CEREMONY (https://edcconline.org/edie-awards), Celebrating the great achievements of our economic development stakeholders and elected officials. EDCC contracted with Confluence Woodcraft, a local artisan, to create a one-of-a-kind award featuring the best materials of the Grand Valley. The awards ceremony will be held at Grand Junction’s magnificently renovated Avalon Theatre, thanks in part to the support of Visit Grand Junction, City of Grand Junction, Downtown Grand Junction, and BNSF Railway.
Whether you are a seasoned economic development professional or interested in how you can become more involved in how your community economically evolves, the Drive|Lead|Succeed Conference promises to be an informative and engaging event that you won’t want to miss. So, mark your calendars for October 18-20th and join us at the Grand Junction Convention Center for three days of learning, networking, and inspiration.
For more information and to see our exciting lineup of speakers, panelists, and key topics, https://edcconline.org/2023-dls-conference/. We do have a “Locals Day Rate.” Join our conversation on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @EDCofCO | #EDCCevents | #DLS2023.
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ABOUT THE EDCC:
Established in 1976, the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) promotes effective, responsible economic development practices across Colorado. Today we are the state’s premier economic development resource, representing the economic development interests of both the private and public sectors throughout the state. We connect our communities, our members and our partners to high-quality educational opportunities and trusted resources, and advocate for sound policies and programs that support a vibrant economy and enhance quality of life for all Coloradans.
EDCC members come from a variety of settings. We are rural and urban, public and private sector, for profit and not-for-profit, and include individual communities, counties and regional organizations, local and state government, chambers of commerce, universities, and private industry. We are economic development professionals, community volunteers, and business and political leaders.
Gratitude to our fine sponsors who support economic vitality and quality of life for Colorado:
CHFA, Xcel Energy, Comcast, Colorado Workforce Development Council, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Colorado Secretary of State – Business Intelligence Center, Adams County, Site Selection Magazine, Climax Molybdenum, First Southwest Bank, City of Lakewood, Visit Grand Junction, City of Grand Junction, Downtown Grand Junction, BNSF Railway, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, REDI@CSU, City of Westminster, Manufacturers Edge, Town of Windsor, Metro Denver EDC, Upstate Colorado, City of Fort Collins, GIS WebTech, bludot, CRM Growth Strategies, The Retail Coach, Colorado Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) at Mt. Carmel, Pueblo Community College, Grand Junction Economic Partnership, Region 9, City of Centennial, Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, Palisade Chamber of Commerce, Fruita Chamber of Commerce, City of Loveland, Denver South, City of Thornton, SBREA/SECED, City of Durango, Lightcast, Jeffco EDC, Arvada Economic Development Association, CORE Electric, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, Pueblo EDC, CU Leeds School of Business, Castle Rock EDC, El Paso County, Longmont EDC, Pueblo Plex, Aurora EDC, Black Hills Energy, Downtown Colorado Inc., Colorado Municipal League.
Outdoor recreation manufacturing and retail expo exhibitors:
- Bar U Eat, Routt County
- Colorado Outdoors, Montrose County
- CU Boulder OREC Master’s Program, Boulder County
- Farm to Summit, La Plata County
- Geyser Systems, Montrose County
- GJ Adventures, Mesa County
- GJ Sports Commission, Mesa County
- Loki, Mesa County
- Mayfly Outdoors, Montrose County
- MRP, Mesa County
- PACT Outdoors, Gunnison County
- QuickrStuff, Mesa County
- Roam Events/Collective, Mesa County
- Sasquatch Campers, San Juan County
- Secret Creek, Montrose County
- Talos Outdoors, Montezuma County
- Town Hall, Routt County
- Trip Outside, Archuleta County
- Wanderful Wheels, La Plata County
- Wet Dreams River Supply, Mesa County