I love this state. Our landscape isn’t just beautiful; it’s diverse, and that adds to the beauty. Just like the people of Colorado. And, we are being reminded how many perspectives there are because we are spending time with businesses in other communities throughout the state at our Business Base Camps. These “tours” are organized by the Chamber’s statewide affiliate—the Colorado Competitive Council.
The Business Base Camp includes a group of freshmen legislators from both houses and both sides of the aisle. The legislators set up tours of their districts so we can all better understand each other’s challenges and sources of pride. Business leaders learn about other regions, develop relationships and better appreciate the perspectives each public official brings to the Capitol. Business Base Camp also creates an opportunity for legislators to spend quality time together, get to know each other outside of the high-stress environment of the Capitol and see the districts of their peers. This year, we’ve been honored to travel with Rep. Jeni Arndt (D-Fort Collins), Sen. John Cooke (R-Greeley), Sen. Kerry Donovan (D-Vail), Rep. Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo), Rep. Alec Garnett (D-Denver), Rep. Jon Keyser (R-Morrison), Rep. Paul Lundeen (R-Monument) and Rep. Yeulin Willett (R-Grand Junction). Our sincere thanks to you all for your service to Colorado.
And, these tours are just like going to camp. You may not know everyone, but by the time you’re done, you’re all great friends. And, you can’t wait to see each other on the next trip. Each of us learned something. And, I suspect we began listening more than we were talking, allowing us to find areas in common more easily. When people give their time to this effort, it truly shows a commitment to building long-term relationships and finding solutions that work for all of Colorado. Our thanks to all who have been part of the Business Base Camps.
This week we visited Pueblo and Monument as part of our third trip this year. And, while the issues are pretty consistent—transportation, economic development, education and water—the nuance for each region really comes through. It’s the old and tired reminder that we are truly much more similar than we might have first thought. This last trip was particularly special because we announced the new director of the Colorado Competitive Council: Nick Colglazier.
Nick previously served as director of public policy for state affairs at the Colorado Farm Bureau, and he currently serves on the board of directors for Colorado Foundation for Water Education. We think he’s a great fit for our team because he knows this state—and as a former farmer, he understands business in Colorado. He’ll bring another perspective to our work, and we can’t wait to have him join us officially starting Nov. 2.
Welcome to the team Nick!
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.