EXECUTIVE UPDATE / January 10, 2005

The Business Retention, Expansion and Visitation Program (BREV), which has conducted over 160 visits to local companies since its inception in 2003, is launching its next phase, targeting 150 companies for visits in 2005. The goal of the program is to sustain and grow employment opportunities in Colorado Springs through business growth and expansion. The BREV program recently received a big boost when funding for an EDC-based full-time executive was approved. The community is now positioned to serve local employers more consistently. The program is supported financially through a partnership among EDC, the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Utilities and El Paso County.
John Lorber, Vice President of the Colorado Region for The Boeing Company, has been appointed to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDC in 2005. New board members include Bob Burdick, Publisher and President of The Gazette, and Pam Keller, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Keller Homes, Inc. Former State Representative Bill Sinclair will serve as an ex-officio member of the board. 2005 Board Announcement.
Colorado Springs is the 18th Hottest City for business expansion in the country, according to more than 80 of the site selection industry's most prominent site location consultants who were surveyed by Expansion Management Magazine. www.expansionmanagement.com
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) board, which will oversee the spending of the $600 million in transportation funding approved by voters in November, has been formed. Individuals interested in serving on the Advisory Board should send a letter of interest to the PPACG, Attention Rob MacDonald, 15 S. 7th Street, Colorado Springs 80905 prior to January 28 or call (719) 471-7080.
The US needs to increase its investments in preschool-aged children, according to economists James Heckman and Dimitriy Masterov of the University of Chicago. They project a grim economic future as the U.S. workforce loses the educational skills necessary to compete in the global market, the groundwork for which is laid at young ages. Research shows that preschool benefits not only participants but families and society at large. www.ced.org
Corporate expansion looking more positive in ’05. According to a survey of 600 manufacturing company CFO’s by Bank of America Business Capital, one-quarter of CFO’s surveyed accelerated their growth plans as a result of economic conditions, nearly double the number of a year ago (13%). A low of 16% of companies in the Southern U.S. accelerated growth plans, compared to a high of 38% of companies in the West. www.bofa.com
A shortage of workers will challenge many businesses four years from now as the baby boom generation – the 78 million born between 1946 and 1964 – begin to retire. The health care industry, aerospace (NASA has three times as many technicians over the age of 60 as under the age of 30), pharmaceuticals, utilities, many old-line manufacturers, as well as sectors employing computer software engineers, schoolteachers, supervisors in management, sales and financial services will be affected. www.kiplingerforecasts.com
EDC is seeking to fill a position for a dynamic executive who will support the retention and growth of locally-based primary employers. A systems-thinker is desired with strong local networks, broad business and leadership experience, a proven proactive team-oriented style and an advanced degree. Compensation: $60-65K, with excellent benefits. Please ask strong candidates to contact Mike Kazmierski. For a detailed job description, click here.
EDC President Rocky Scott will review the 2004 economy and outline an economic blue print for Colorado Springs at the January 26 EDC luncheon, Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Call (719) 475-6461 for reservations.
Colorado Springs Day at the Legislature, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Quality Community Group, will be held Wednesday, February 9. This annual outing to the State Capitol by local leaders provides an opportunity to understand the legislative process and meet those who drive it. Registration Form.
Implementing an Environmental Management System will be the topic of a presentation by Greg Marchand, Great Bay Consulting, at a luncheon on Thursday, January 20, hosted by the Pikes Peak Sustainable Business Network. Register at www.catamountinstitute.org.