Whether or not you set a resolution for yourself each new year, it is common for all of us to reflect on our past year — what went well, what we should have done differently and what we need to focus on both for work and personally. (We know that some years this reflection is more painful than others ?)
As you know, our mission is to put Coloradans to work in really good jobs, because a great job changes lives and futures. It’s our members who deliver these jobs, and we had another good year in 2017.
As we kick off the new year, we want you to be even more successful in 2018.
Helping people connect is paying off. Our doors are almost always open – and more than 40,000 people come through them each year. When you have the opportunity to meet so many business leaders, it makes your business – and Colorado’s economy – even stronger. Our members closed $89 million in business leads just last year. Let’s do even more in 2018.
Amplifying your voice is working. We advocate on behalf of you to ensure Colorado is a great place to do business. That means we look at policies from the local to the federal level that impact how you run your company, from regulations that impact you to immigration, tax policy and the cost of health care. In 2017, we had two big wins at the state legislature: reforming construction defects and creating an enterprise fund for the hospital provider fee. Those are critical steps in addressing affordable workforce housing and finding solutions to funding areas critical to our quality of life – transportation and schools. We’re not slowing down for the 2018 legislative session, which starts next week, but we’ll preview it on Thursday.
Growing Colorado’s talent for tomorrow. We know that we’re home to one of the smartest, healthiest workforces in the nation. Our workforce is amazing and critical to our success. We want to help ensure you can fill your openings with talented Coloradans. It’s why the work of our Denver Opportunity Youth Initiative to reengage youth in work or their education is critical. We will continue to support our Colorado Investment Services Coalition to attract the talent they need through a shared industry website, workatyourpeakco.com. And, we’ve launched a new job board, where you can post all your positions at no charge.
Saving your hard-earned dough adds up. Our members have each saved thousands of dollars through discounts on office supplies, business travel and health care costs. In fact, members who use our Colorado Prescription Drug Card have collectively saved $7.68 million. Members who use our Office Depot discount program last year saved, on average, more than $3,800. And, you can now save when you travel (for work or play) with our newest partner, Hotel Engine. Best of all – these are all free for our members and their employees.
We know Colorado’s success is because you have chosen to do business here and we are committed to ensuring every one of you is successful. We are excited to make 2018 one of our best years yet.
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber.