EXECUTIVE UPDATE /January 25, 2005

Colorado Springs School District 20 has been recognized as a Gold Medal district by Expansion Management Magazine’s yearly Education Quotient ranking. For 2,800 school districts nationwide, the magazine measures three major components: the average college board score — ACT or SAT — as well as graduation rate, the financial commitment to public education of the community, and the educational and income levels of the adult population in the district. School districts ranking in the upper 16 percent were awarded Gold Medals. Colorado Springs School District 11 received a Green Light designation, placing it within the 42% of districts considered average. Only Districts 11 and 20 were evaluated for the ranking. www.expansionmanagement.com
Marketing Report: EDC is pleased to announce that with the support of it’s hundreds its partners and investors the goal for 2000 new primary jobs for Colorado Springs in 2004 was exceeded. EDC also announces the highest number of located companies (14) in 5 years (since 1999); the highest number of active projects in 5 years (since 1999); and the highest overall average wage for located companies in EDC history - $52,400.
The unemployment rate in Colorado Springs is on par with the National unemployment rate for the month of November 2004. at 5.4 %, Colorado Springs is slightly higher than the state average of 5.0%, but is lower than Portland, OR (6.4%) and Dallas TX (5.6%), both of which Colorado Springs competes for jobs.
Western cities are expected to lead the country in 2005 job gains, according to the Kiplinger editors. Western states are predicted to experience the swiftest, if not the biggest, gains. A concentration of fast-expanding industries and rapid population growth fuel the pace. A jobs growth rate of 2.9% is predicted for Colorado, with growth in other western states ranging from 2.5 % in Utah, to 3.1% in Nevada. Kiplinger editors predict 2.4 million net job gain and 5% joblessness across the country, with Florida (3.5%) as the leading state based on post-hurricane rebuilding
ECONOMY EXPANDS: HOME SALES STRONG, HIRING UP Economic activity expanded in most parts of the nation from late November through early January, while inflation remained largely in check, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday. USA Today
A forward-looking measure of the U.S. economy rose for a second straight month in December, lifted by gains in stock prices and consumer confidence. The index of leading economic indicators increased 0.2% after rising a revised 0.3% in November, the Conference Board said. The Conference Board
Report on the Economy 2004 will be available from The Greater Colorado Springs Economic Development Corp., after Wednesday, January 26. This report provides an overview of economic activity in the Colorado Springs area for the previous year, and provides an idea of what the next year may hold for the region. The Report will be handed out at the EDC’s Annual Economic Update luncheon, where EDC President Rocky Scott will review the state of the economy and will present a suggested blueprint for the growth of the Colorado Springs Economy. For more information, email csedc@csedc.org
The 2005 State Games of America will be combined with Colorado’s Rocky Mountain State Games, July 28-31 in Colorado Springs. Medal winners from 49 State Games nationwide earn the right to compete against other winners and match their skills and competitive desire in a national arena. Organized and managed by the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, the primary venue for the State Games of America will be the United States Air Force Academy with competition also taking place at Fort Carson, Phil Long Expo Center, Cheyenne Mountain Resort and other venues in Colorado Springs, Monument and Pueblo. www.stategames.org