As Colorado continues to grow, we’re approaching a crossroads. From water to housing to our highways, there are real challenges that must be addressed. And there are no easy answers. In April the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation took 110 business and civic leaders to visit the Vail-Summit County region for Colorado Experience (CE) to learn how those same issues impact residents on the Western Slope—and where there are opportunities to find solutions. We asked four CE guests what needs to be addressed now to ensure Colorado continues to be a great place to do business.
Robert Simmons
Assistant General Counsel for Molson Coors Brewing Company
A common theme of CE was that of continuing steady growth of jobs in Colorado, providing affordable housing for workers and families and ensuring an abundant supply of water to support growing residential and commercial needs. Of added importance are the challenges of maintaining a business-supportive environment for start-up companies and young people looking to establish their own businesses in the state.
GG Johnston
Principal at Be Intentional, LLC
The greatest opportunity for Colorado is to continue our work to develop and learn as leaders. (Former Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director) Russ George’s advice that, “the biggest risk in leadership is not taking risks” resonated with me. How can we use adaptive leadership to explore what everyone at the table truly needs? Taking the time to convene, listen and have the right conversations is the only thing that changes these complex leadership challenges.
Peter Binney
Vice President of Merrick & Company
Colorado is made up of many communities that have a unique and personal identity. When we consider major transportation and water projects that can both benefit and adversely impact communities other than our own, we need to be sure we involve, collaborate and jointly develop approaches. Win–lose will not work. We rise together and we sink together.
Tracey Adams-Peters
Director of Inclusive Excellence, Student Success and Leadership Development for the University of Denver
Making the business case for Colorado, we need to address the issues surrounding water in the state. Given the current plight of California, we can’t afford not to make water a priority for our community and businesses. More citizens of Colorado need to know the limitations and long-term plan for water in the state.
Danielle Mellema is the communications and marketing specialist for the Leadership Foundation.