EXECUTIVE UPDATE / September 13, 2004

Colorado Springs Airport slated for $15 million of improvements at the terminal building and rental car and public parking facilities. New retail and food and beverage concession contracts have been awarded. Terminal improvements will enhance the screening process and convenience for passengers by summer of 2005. www.flycos.com.
The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments has released a draft 2030 Regional Transportation Plan and 2005-2010 Transportation Improvement Program for public comment. The plan addresses mobility needs of the over 800,000 people who will live in the metropolitan area by 2030. The final public hearing will be held at PPACG, 15 South 7th Street, Wednesday, October 13, 9:00 a.m. Transportation was ranked as the number one issue of concern for local residents in the most recent United Way community survey. www.ppacg.org.
Colorado moved to 2nd in the nation in 2004 for those aged 25 and above holding a bachelor’s or higher degree, up from 4th on the 2002 index. Colorado was 2nd in recent degrees in science or engineering as a percent of the civilian workforce. (Source: Milken Institute, State Technology and Science Index, March 2004.)
August’s solid job gains ushering in a period of steadier hiring, according to the Kiplinger Washington Editors. Managers in big and small firms are bullish heading into fall, and slowing productivity gains mean they’re squeezing as much as they can from current staff. Raising output now means having to add workers. GDP growth is still on track for 4% this year.
The future economic impact of aging populations was the topic of the 2004 annual symposium of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Papers focused the effects of the aging population on future economic growth rates, return on capital, interest rates and exchange rates. www.kansascityfed.org.
“Colorado – a Red or Blue State in 2004?” will be the subject of a luncheon presentation by Robert M. Loevy, Professor of Political Science at Colorado College on September 23 at the Antlers Hilton. The event will be co-hosted by EDC and the Colorado College Business and Community Alliance. Call (719) 475-6461 for reservations.
The Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Symposium will be held September 24 at the Penrose House Conference Center. Internationally known speakers, industry and academic presentations will be part of the event. Contact the Colorado Institute of Technology Transfer and Implementation (CITTI) - (719) 262-3686; citti.uccs.edu.
The 2004-2005 Southern Colorado Economic Forum will be held October 20 at the Antlers Hilton. Jeff Thredgold, Economist for Vectra Bank Colorado, will provide the keynote speech at the forum luncheon co-hosted by the Quality Community Group (The Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, EDC, Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Association of Realtors). Forum panelists will include Dr. Tom Zwirlein, CU-Colorado Springs; Mike Anderson, City of Colorado Springs; Mike Coffmann, State Treasurer; Dr. Fred Crowley, CU-Colorado Springs; Rocky Scott, EDC. Registration: web.uccs.edu/scef/2004Forum.