There’s a story in this morning’s BizWest News Morning Report titled “Manufacturing leaders launch national tour from Northern Colorado, Boulder Valley.” It’s about the National Association of Manufacturers kicking off a two-week, 25-city national tour here in Colorado.
That includes a stop this afternoon at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Fort Collins where I’ve been asked to share a few thoughts on the ‘state of manufacturing’ in our area. Following are my remarks:
At a couple of economic update events recently, the widening of I-25 came up several times. The Chamber was recognized as a leader of this effort.
It is true that the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce has been a leader in the lobbying effort to secure money to get the interstate widened. We are quick to say, however, that we are a cog in a very big machine. There is an alliance of organizations and individuals that have invested substantial financial resources, time, and leadership to get...
Economic development is a process of deliberate intervention in the dynamics of the local economy by making business investment easier and more attractive. This process of influencing private sector investment is the engine for community economic growth.
For most communities, primary companies are the prize that drives the economy. Primary companies are those that sell at least half of their products or services outside the local market. These companies generally pay better than others so the...
According to a just released study, the idea of the City of Fort Collins or Platte River Power Authority converting to 100% renewable electricity anytime soon is unrealistic.
The study was conducted on behalf of major electricity users in Northern Colorado by Energy Ventures Analysis, a DC-area energy consulting firm. In the report titled Review of Platte River Power Authority’s Zero Net Carbon Energy, EVA states “Attempting to replace Rawhide with a 100% renewable electricity supply woul...
Yesterday was a red letter day for Northern Colorado with the groundbreaking ceremony for an additional lane each way on Interstate 25 between Highway 14 (Mulberry) in Fort Collins and Highway 402 on the south edge of Loveland.
The ceremony was at the south end of park and ride at the southwest corner of I-25 and Highway 402. It was in the shadow of the growing mountain of gravel being moved from the Big Thompson Canyon that is being staged for the work on the interstate.
The Fort Collins-Loveland regional economy ranks well in a report just released by Area Development. Out of 394 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the United States, our area has an overall ranking of 19. The annual report is titled “Leading Metro Locations.” It looks at ‘a wide variety of data’ which culminates in an overall ranking and several others including Midterm Growth (ranked 16th), Economic Strength (28th), and Prime Workforce Rank (38th).
Today feels like ‘health care day’ based on my calendar and the information coming across my desk.
First, I got to tour the new Columbine Patio Homes. They are off Torino Circle located behind New Mercer Commons and beside The Worthington. Of the 34 units, 20 have already been leased, and I can see why: they’re beautiful. (Full disclosure: I’m on the Columbine Community Advisory Board. There’s nothing in this for me, but some of you or a family member might have an interest in somet...
GOVERNING “is the nation's leading media platform covering politics, policy and management for state and local government leaders.” On GOVERNING’s website there is a tool that shows population migration between various parts of the country. You can find it here.
A look at Larimer County information shows some interesting things for the 2014-15 period (the latest data available). In that period
14,824 people moved into Larimer County, 11,576 moved out, net 3,248
$477,180,000 of g...
Following is the full copy of a January 10 press release from Milken Institute listing its Index of Best-Performing Cities. The Fort Collins-Loveland MSA is #5.
Milken Institute Releases Index of Best-Performing Cities
Top-20 includes Provo, Raleigh, Dallas, San Francisco, Nashville, Atlanta
Six cities in Florida and four in California rank in top-tier
Milken Institute analysis demonstrates impact of policymaking
on jobs, wages, technology development, and other measures
There was a lot of press coverage last week about the Colorado Department of Transportation and a contractor reaching agreement on a contract to widen I-25 between Highway 14 (Mulberry) in Fort Collins and Highway 402 just south of Loveland.
In some ways this is old news, while at the same time it’s an important milestone.
It’s old news in the sense this has been in the works since last spring and summer. A contractor bid process was supposed to lead to a contractor being named at the ...
