Fort Collins, Colo., March 3, 2017 — The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce is launching a $3.35 million campaign to address Northern Colorado’s main business challenges: transportation, labor force, business environment and retaining key employers. Northern Colorado Prospers is a five-year strategic initiative designed to address these challenges and drive the continued success of the region with four actionable goals:
- Fix I-25: Help secure the $1.7 billion necessary to widen North I-25 between Fort Collins and Longmont
- Align, Attract and Retain Talent: Advance a competitive advantage for both area employers and workers
- Bold Voice of Business: Advocate for business and ensure a high quality of life for all residents
- Expand and Retain Existing Business: Increase business in Northern Colorado and create jobs
Community members joined Chamber and local business leaders at the initiative’s kickoff breakfast on Friday, March 3. The 120 attendees learned how Northern Colorado Prospers will drive the future of our region and met many of the investors funding the initiative.
“This is an exciting time for Northern Colorado,” said Yvonne Myers, Columbine Health Systems. “We are moving the dial on really big issues that impact business and this campaign will create additional resources to make a difference,” she said.
Local business leaders have pledged more than $2 million toward the initiative’s goals thus far. Northern Colorado Prospers campaign leadership, in partnership with the Chamber Board of Directors, will seek investors and oversee implementation of the initiative through 2021.
“The Fort Collins area is fortunate to have a strong economic base, with advanced technology, higher education, health care, manufacturing, and state and federal government forming a diverse and resilient economy. At the same time, Fort Collins and the greater region of Northern Colorado face significant challenges that, left unaddressed, will adversely impact future prosperity,” explains campaign chair Kevin Unger from UCHealth, Northern Colorado. “Northern Colorado Prospers will address the key roadblocks that threaten the ability of our community to remain the great place it is today to work, live and thrive.”
Northern Colorado Prospers Investors to Date
Angel Investor
OtterBox and Blue Ocean Enterprises
Founder Investors
UCHealth
Woodward
Partner Investors
Anheuser-Busch
Bank of Colorado
Elevations Credit Union
Advisor Investors
Advance Tank & Construction
BizWest
Columbine Health Systems
Dellenbach Motors
Dohn Construction
Ed Carroll Motors
EKS&H
First National Bank
Flood and Peterson
Fort Collins Auto Association
Fort Collins Coloradoan
The Group, Inc.
Harmony Club
Hensel-Phelps
High Country Beverage
iHeart Media
Liley Law Office
Markley Motors
MGS, Inc.
Odell Brewing
Town Square Media
Booster Investors
Cushman & Wakefield
FirstBank of Northern Colorado
Northern Engineering
Toolbox Creative
Walker Manufacturing
About the Fort Collins Area Chamber
The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce is a business and community advocacy organization made up of more than 1,220 member businesses. The only 5-star accredited Chamber of Commerce in Colorado, the Chamber acts as a front door to the community and a resource for people looking to relocate, in addition to acting as an advocate for business and overall quality of life in Northern Colorado.
For more information, contact: Audrey Fraijo, Chamber Programming Coordinator; 970.482.3746; [email protected];
Click Here to learn more about Northern Colorado Prospers.