EXECUTIVE UPDATE / October 19, 2004

Voters will decide the future economic competitiveness and quality of life of the community through their decisions at the ballot box. For information, pro and con, on each issue appearing on the election ballot visit qualitycommunity.info. Your vote matters.
Ballot Issue 1A, forming and funding a Rural (Regional) Transportation Authority (RTA), would have a significant positive economic impact on the region. Transportation project construction and maintenance would create 400 new jobs at a wage level above the current regional average in addition to reducing growing traffic congestion, improving access to the airport, improving east-west mobility, and improving emergency response times of fire fighters, police and ambulances. The issue was placed on the ballot in response to a community wide survey asking citizens what key projects they wanted community leadership to address. Their highest priority response was transportation infrastructure. For more information call Mike Kazmierski at 471-8183 or go to www.gowith1A.com.
Economic growth appears to be firmly underway in Colorado and will continue through 2005 unless the national recovery is derailed, according to U.S. Bank’s Rocky Mountain Chief Economist, Dr. Tucker Hart Adams. For more data on the Colorado economy as well as updated forecasts, visit Dr. Adams’ website at www.coloradoeconomy.com.
Colorado’s August unemployment rate was 5.1% compared to the national average of 5.4% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . Colorado ranked 5th for largest payroll job gains during July. jec.senate.gov
Intel Corporation was ranked first on the Top-20 list of Best Workplaces for Commuters among Fortune 500 Companies recently recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency. Intel earned its place on the list by offering high caliber commuter benefits to 92 percent of the company’s workforce. With more than 400,000 employees from companies participating in the program, there was a reduction of approximately 186,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, the equivalent of taking 41,000 cars per year off the road.
U.S. Department of Energy procurement opportunities. Currently, there are 39 possible Colorado RFP’s for engineering, administrative, information technology, commodities, construction, architect, and other services. To discuss contract opportunities call a small business specialist at the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (202) 586-7377. Register on DOE’s Industry Interactive Procurement System at doe-iips.pr.doe.gov
The 2004 Colorado Springs Business Symposium sponsored by Holland & Hart and The Colorado Springs Business Journal will be held October 28, at the Antlers Hilton. More information is available at www.coloradosprings.org.
The Colorado Institute for Technology Transfer and Implementation at UCCS is conducting two workshops: Angel Funding, October 22; Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer, October 23. More information is available at www.coloradosprings.org
Dr. Harvey S. Rosen, member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers, will be the keynote speaker at EDC’s breakfast on Friday, November 5, at the Antlers Hilton. Fiscal policy during the last four years, the economic outlook, tax issues and the role of the deficit will be addressed in Dr. Rosen’s speech. Call (719) 475-6461 for reservations or information.