For many of us, Labor Day is the signal that summer is ending and school is beginning. But Labor Day was established at a time in our country (way back in 1894) when industrialization required that more managers begin to see workers less as an input into the business and more as the critical element that makes organizations more competitive and successful.
In Colorado, we know and appreciate the value of our workforce, and the reality is we have the best workers in nation. We are healthy, productive and smart.
We were reminded again last week at the Colorado Innovation Network Summit that we are home to five of the top 20 cities to launch a startup (that’s Boulder, Fort Collins-Loveland, Denver, Colorado Springs and Grand Junction for those keeping track). Colorado is graduating more students with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) majors and our economy is growing, with employment increasing 7.1 percent since the recession, dropping our unemployment rate to 5.3 percent.
And, our workforce continues to ensure the good news keeps coming. Business Insider named us THE best economy in the country because of our diverse economy and steady job growth. Just before the holiday weekend, we were named as the fifth hardest working city in the country. And, Bizwomen ranked us fifth among best cities for women in business.
Indeed summer is over, school has begun and we still have the strongest competitive advantage in the country—our workers. Thanks to all of you for making Colorado’s economy the one to watch.
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.