They say time flies when you’re having fun. I must have had fun in 2015, because time has flown by. Okay, maybe fun isn’t the perfect word, but I think time flies here because we really love what we do at the Chamber – working for all of you and putting more Coloradans to work. So maybe the saying should be “time really flies when your work has purpose.”
This past year we’ve been hard at work building relationships, forging smart partnerships and finding common ground to reach our policy goals. We hosted dozens of events to help you connect with the right people; saw voters approve some of our top priorities like investment in the National Western Stock Show and development around Denver International Airport; weighed in on critical education, transportation and workforce legislation at the Capitol; and put together education and programming to help you advance your career and business.
Those who know me well know that I don’t spend much time celebrating successes, but instead am always looking for the next challenge. And 2016 is presenting plenty of them.
No matter how you look at it, this next year will be critical for Colorado’s business community. The fall 2016 ballot is crowded with issues important to the future of our state: We’ve already mounted a campaign to defeat Amendment 69 – ColoradoCare; have expressed support for reauthorizing the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District on the 2016 ballot; and are hopeful that we’ll all have the chance to vote on opening primaries to unaffiliated voters, slowing down amendments to our Constitution and authorizing the state to keep revenue collected to invest in roads and education.
We’re busy gearing up for the 2016 legislative session, which kicks off in about two weeks. You can learn more about our priorities in this year’s session at our Business Legislative Preview Breakfast on Jan. 5. (There’s still time to register here.)
And, we’re looking back on lessons from this year. When we traveled to Chicago this fall on our Leadership Foundation’s annual Leadership Exchange trip, I took away an important lesson in leading that I know I’ll apply in the coming year: sometimes the best leadership isn’t conventional. Kevin Coval, who is transforming youth lives through slam poetry, taught us that it’s all about approach. To face a challenge you’ve got to bring an open mind, respect, trust, passion and even a little fun. Kevin opened all our eyes to the value, talent and creativity that many of us are overlooking in our youth in Colorado. And, we all left with a clear understanding that we need that talent to drive the success of our organizations.
I don’t do resolutions—I choose words each year that I want to invite into my life. I change my passwords to reflect those words so I am reminded daily of my commitment. This year’s word was Grace—and trust me, I’m sure we all can think of moments when we each could have exhibited more if it. I am working on my personal word for next year—and will disclose it at the end of next year (because of the password issue, of course).
But, for the Chamber, my word for 2016 is PARTNERSHIP. So, whether you do make your resolutions or choose a word, I hope you’ll see the Chamber as your PARTNER in all we do in 2016!
Here’s to happy, successful and fun PARTNERSHIPS in 2016.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.