The Colorado Space Coalition of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce urges Congress to rapidly pass a FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that retains the key aerospace and defense industry support included in the conferenced bill text released on December 7, 2025. The Coalition highlights the bill’s critical support for America’s aerospace and defense workforce, commercial industry, and next-generation national security technologies.
“The NDAA’s reforms arrive at a pivotal moment for both the nation and Colorado’s rapidly growing space and defense industries, where demand for innovation is increasing as global threats become more complex,” said Leslie Oliver, VP of External Affairs for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
The Coalition applauds the bill’s strong focus in the following areas:
“Colorado is home to some of the most forward-leaning aerospace innovators in the country,” said Lee Rosen, CEO and Co-Founder of ThinkOrbital, a Boulder based aerospace and defense company. “The NDAA is a chance to reinforce that momentum by ensuring small companies have the access, contracting tools, and transition pathways needed to bring breakthrough technologies directly to our warfighters.”
“These improvements ensure breakthroughs in autonomy, space systems, hypersonics, cyber defense, and advanced manufacturing will move into the field much faster than before,” said Morgan Alu, Director of the Colorado Space Coalition. “This speed will serve to strengthen American readiness and the competitiveness of the U.S. industrial base, which will continue to drive growth in Colorado's fast-growing aerospace and defense sector.”
Despite the many great things in the NDAA for Colorado’s aerospace and defense industry, it does not include a renewal for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The Coalition calls on Congress to rapidly pass a renewal of SBIR/STTR, which remains an indispensable engine of innovation for aerospace and defense firms across Colorado. SBIR-backed companies play a central role in advancing U.S. space capabilities, cybersecurity technologies, dual-use systems, and emerging defense applications. Renewal is essential to protecting the health and competitiveness of Colorado’s innovation ecosystem.
We recognize that several provisions debated throughout the total NDAA process have drawn significant attention and discussion, with some discussed elements not ultimately appearing in the conferenced text. From an industry perspective, we encourage continued dialogue to ensure that future legislative efforts support the overall resilience and effectiveness of the national security enterprise and the communities that sustain it.
The Colorado Space Coalition looks forward to working with Colorado’s Congressional Delegation to ensure swift passage of an FY26 NDAA that includes these key acquisition reforms. The Coalition will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen the aerospace and defense industry across the state, as Colorado remains an indispensable part of the nation's defense innovation ecosystem.
The Space Coalition is committed to ensuring Colorado continues to power the nation’s space mission, drive cutting-edge research, and support the industrial capacity required to maintain U.S. leadership in a rapidly evolving global environment.
About the Colorado Space Coalition
The Colorado Space Coalition is a statewide initiative powered by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. The Coalition brings together industry, academia, military innovation partners, and economic development leaders to strengthen Colorado’s position as a global center for aerospace. For more than twenty years, the Coalition has coordinated business attraction, federal policy engagement, supply chain development, and workforce initiatives that advance the state’s aerospace economy. With more than two hundred members across Colorado’s Front Range, the Coalition serves as a unified voice promoting collaboration, industry growth, and the continued leadership of Colorado in the national space ecosystem.
About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC) is the architect of tomorrow, igniting change and driving progress to build dynamic economies and communities. We champion innovation, forge powerful partnerships, and relentlessly advocate for our members and all Coloradans. With more than 150 years of trust and impact, we help business flourish.
The DMCC’s vision is Economic Empowerment for Every Coloradan and is achieved by advocating for effective public policy, developing civic leaders, and driving a sustainable economy. We promote a vibrant economy by fostering a business-friendly environment, supporting a skilled workforce and facilitating connections. Dedicated to boosting business and employee opportunities, the Chamber drives sustainable growth and prosperity across Colorado.
DENVER, CO — Today, the Colorado Space Coalition, part of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation and Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with organizations across the state, responded the President’s announcement to relocate U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama.
We believe this move was unnecessary and risks disrupting a mission-critical command at a time when national security demands stability, speed, and excellence. Furthermore, Colorado’s aerospace ecosystem is unmatched in talent, infrastructure, and innovation and has proven time and again it is the optimal home for Space Command.
This move does not diminish Colorado’s central role in advancing our nation’s space and defense missions. Colorado has a thriving aerospace economy in which 2,000+ aerospace companies directly employ more than 55,000 employees and indirectly employ over 184,000. In 2024, the Colorado aerospace and defense ecosystem brought in $38 billion in federal contracts, with Colorado industry supporting a broad range of missions — from US Space Force to NASA’s Artemis program. The Colorado Space Coalition remains fully committed to ensuring our state continues to lead in aerospace research, development, and operations.
The Colorado Space Coalition will continue to work with our industry partners across the state, counterparts in Colorado Springs, and our congressional delegation to ensure Colorado's military and civilian space families continue to provide key contributions to our nation's national defense.
Colorado’s space community is resilient, collaborative, and forward-looking. We will continue to expand our leadership in aerospace, defend our state’s vital interests, and advance the technologies that keep our nation secure.
Statement supported by:
About the Colorado Space Coalition
The Colorado Space Coalition (CSC) is the statewide aerospace initiative of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. CSC is a membership organization that unites leaders from the public and private sectors including aerospace companies, military partners, academic institutions, research centers, and economic development organizations to advocate for business-friendly initiatives that strengthen Colorado’s aerospace economy. By promoting Colorado’s unmatched space assets and advancing policies vital to industry growth and success, CSC ensures the state remains a global leader in aerospace innovation and national defense. Learn more at metrodenver.org.
This op-ed, featured in the Denver Gazette, is written by Raymond H. Gonzales and
Wendy Mitchell.
Colorado’s economic future and quality of life depend on energy. Meeting future energy
needs is not simply a matter of engineering, but a matter of planning with clarity and
conviction.
In the metro Denver region, we need Xcel Energy to deliver what’s needed right now
and prepare for energy needs just around the corner. They’ve done that with their Just
Transition Solicitation and the Updated Base Load Forecast within, which is before the
governor’s regulatory body called the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC
should approve it without additional delay.
When economic development professionals compete to have projects select Colorado
over other states, ensuring access to reliable, affordable, and innovative energy
solutions is essential.
Our leadership in advanced industries, ambition to solve tomorrow’s challenges, and
commitment to attracting the best ideas and talent all depend on the strength and
readiness of our energy system. If we want a future that lifts communities, grows
opportunity, and secures prosperity for the next generation, we have to power it.
System capacity cannot be expanded overnight, and the infrastructure decisions made
today will define the limits and the possibilities of the Colorado we leave to those who
come next. If forecasts are artificially constrained by the PUC, they do not produce
savings or stability, but rather, delay development, drive up costs, and erode confidence
among those seeking to invest, grow, create, invent and revolutionize.
Airports know how much electricity it takes to run the operations of today and the
expansions of tomorrow. Manufacturing facilities know how much electricity their
production requires right now and how much more is required to expand to create more
products and more good jobs. Data centers know how much electricity is needed so
Coloradans can digitally access the rest of the world without delay.
These current and future customers work with Xcel to carefully plan for how much
electricity production is needed now, and how much we need to add to ensure future
reliability at reasonable prices. When we need electricity, the switch has to work every
single time. Nobody wants rolling blackouts or brownouts on hot or cold days, but that
can happen when regulators artificially limit electricity supply.
If the PUC has somehow concluded that it knows better than the economic
development experts, Xcel Energy, and the operators of airports, manufacturing
facilities, and data centers about how much electricity it takes to run each. Ironically,
after insisting for years that everything be electrified, the PUC is delaying the approval
of the load expansion required to actually do it. Being authorized to plan for the Updated
Base Load Forecast allows costs to be spread over a larger population creating cost
efficiencies benefiting consumer rate payers.
We can’t wait. We cannot tell a bottling plant, data center, or home builder to choose
Colorado if it will take another 18-24 months or more before we can tell them if the PUC
will approve the needed electricity.
Colorado stands at a crossroads, and the decisions before the commission will echo far
beyond utility dockets or regulatory calendars. They will shape whether this state
remains a magnet for talent, a launchpad for innovation, and a home for those who
believe in the possibility of building something better.
But vision alone is not enough, we must match it with the infrastructure that makes
growth possible. The future is coming, and Colorado should be ready to power it.
Raymond Gonzales is President of the Metro Denver Economic Development
Corporation (EDC). Wendy Mitchell is President and CEO at Aurora Economic
Development Council.
Denver Metro Chamber President & CEO J. J. Ament highlights why our city is a magnet for global investors and businesses. With thriving industries like aerospace, IT, and financial services, unparalleled connectivity through Denver International Airport, and exciting downtown redevelopment projects, Denver is proving it’s a city where opportunity meets an unmatched quality of life.
Read on to see why Denver stands out among the nation’s secondary cities and how we’re building a future that attracts talent, investment, and innovation.
DENVER – Today, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and National Western Stock Show (NWSS) reunited to kick off the return of the Stock Show at the 28th Boots ‘n Business Presented by U.S. Bank. The Denver Metro Chamber announced at the event its pledge of $250,000 to the Honoring the Legacy Campaign to support the creation of the National Western Center. This gift is part of the Chamber’s longtime support for the National Western Stock Show, which dates back to the Stock Show’s start in 1906.
“Now that the National Western Stock Show has entered its next ambitious chapter to raise $100 million for the National Western Center, we’re here to support this iconic Colorado institution once again,” said Chamber President and CEO J. J. Ament. “The Chamber has pledged to donate $250,000 to the Honoring the Legacy campaign to make sure the National Western Center is home to the National Western Stock Show for at least another 100 years, and also to expand and enhance this regional asset into a world-class hub for agriculture, education and innovation.”
Ament and Chamber Board Chair Mark Spiecker joined National Western Stock Show President and CEO Paul Andrews, Western Stock Show Association Board Chair Doug Jones and Capital Campaign Chair Pete Coors to unveil a replica plaque on stage. The actual plaque will be on the National Western Center grounds under the United States, Colorado and Denver Metro Chamber flags.
Boots ‘n Business also featured remarks from Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, who joined by video, and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.
“The Stock Show is back and back in full force,” Gov. Polis told the 800 attendees.
Entertainment included performances by the Westernaires Freedom Riders, long horn parade steers, trick-roper Ketch Weaver and equestrian entertainer Nicolas Diaz.
Both Ament and Andrews talked about the importance of the agriculture industry to Colorado. Colorado’s food and agriculture industry generates more than $40 billion in economic output annually with local companies exporting their products to over 100 countries, according to the annual industry cluster reports from the Chamber’s Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. The 3,200 companies that make up the food and agriculture industry directly employ nearly 48,000 Coloradans.
While this event recognizes the importance of agriculture in Colorado, it also provides a pathway for Colorado youth to pursue their education in agriculture, rural medicine and veterinary science. A portion of the proceeds from this event benefit the National Western Scholarship Trust. Since its inception in 1983, the Trust has awarded thousands of scholarships, funding the future of Colorado’s agriculture industry.
The 2022 Boots ‘n Business event was presented by U.S. Bank, alongside Entertainment Sponsor Hensel Phelps, Innovations in Agriculture Sponsor Molson Coors and Networking Reception Sponsor Sherman & Howard.
About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
For nearly 154 years, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce has been a leading voice for Colorado’s business community. With a membership that spans the state, the Chamber is an effective advocate for small and large businesses. The Chamber’s family of organizations includes the Metro Denver EDC, the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center, the Colorado Competitive Council, B:CIVIC, Prosper Colorado and the Denver Opportunity Youth Initiative. For more information, go to denverchamber.org.
About National Western Stock Show
Established in 1906, the National Western Stock Show is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides college and graduate level scholarships in agricultural science, business and rural medicine. It is our mission to serve producers and consumers throughout the world by being the premier annual livestock show and center for year-round events. The 16-day show in January also serves as an entertainment arena, hosting one of the world’s richest regular season professional rodeos, world-class horse shows, family, educational events and Colorado’s largest western trade show. For more information, visit nationalwestern.com.
DENVER – The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce today announced the appointment of
Raymond H. Gonzales as executive vice president of the Chamber and president of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (EDC). He will begin Dec. 1.
Gonzales, who currently serves as county manager of Adams County, brings more than 24 years of senior level experience encompassing nearly every level of government administration. He is known as a progressive and innovative economic development professional with a successful track record for attracting new industry, business and investments. Adams County ranked #1 in the nation in job growth out of 355 of the largest U.S. counties from June 2018 to June 2019.
"Emerging from a pandemic, we need forward-thinking and visionary leadership to continue driving economic growth in every corner of Metro Denver," said April Giles, Metro Denver EDC Executive Board co-chair and Fitzsimmons Innovation Community vice president of business development. "Raymond has proven that he understands the complexities of creating local partnerships, crafting international economic development agreements, and building an inclusive culture of success at the highest levels."
Gonzales will oversee the Metro Denver EDC in its work to unite more than 70 cities, counties and economic development agencies in the nine-county Metro Denver region to promote economic prosperity, lead business attraction and retention efforts and advance the region's business brand, The Elevation Effect.
"Raymond is an outstanding leader who brings the perfect portfolio of experience and accomplishments to these critical roles in our organization," said J. J. Ament, president and CEO of Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, who oversaw the Metro Denver EDC before assuming his role leading the Chamber in September. "From our smallest startups to our enterprise companies, Raymond’s commitment to community will ensure that everyone benefits from the great jobs and opportunities a strong economy creates.”
In September after two years of intensive research, the Metro Denver EDC unveiled “The Elevation Effect.” The brand will help the region retain its current workforce and businesses and communicate why people and companies located elsewhere should choose Metro Denver as the place where they want to move and grow. It will be used by many industries in the Metro Denver region including economic development offices, higher education partners and human resources executives.
"I am honored to accept this position with an organization that I have worked collaboratively with and admired for decades," Gonzales said. "Whether recruiting international aerospace companies or working to streamline development review processes, I have worked throughout my career to increase opportunities in our communities while creating a business-friendly environment that benefits our job creators and this region that we are proud to call home."
In 2019, Gonzales was named "County Manager of the Year" by the Colorado City/County Management Association. He also led successful international economic development missions where he helped secure agreements with aerospace companies from Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He established the Adams County People & Culture Services Department, which empowers the county’s 2,500 employees to have a personal impact, influence and inspiration regardless of title of designation.
“While we are sad to see Ray leave Adams County, we certainly understand why the Metro Denver EDC would be interested in having him lead their organization,” said Adams County Board Chair Eva Henry. “Ray is a dynamic leader who has accelerated the level of professionalism in every department of the county. We wish him continued success on his professional journey.”
Before serving as county manager in Adams County, Gonzales was the president and CEO of the Brighton Economic Development Corporation, vice president of business and economic development for SOS Employment Group and deputy cabinet secretary of labor under New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson. He also served on New Mexico’s Economic Development Commission.
He is vice president of the Mountain Plains region of the International City/County Management Association’s Executive Board, president of the Local Government Hispanic Network Board of Directors, co-chair of the Rocky Mountain Partnership’s Community Leaders Council and vice chair of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.
Gonzales is a third-generation Coloradan from Brighton. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Regis University College of Business and Economics.
Since I was named president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce last month, I have been getting to work ensuring the Chamber and our entire family of organizations will continue to promote and defend free enterprise, convey the power of business as a force of good in the community and renew our promise of quality of life and meaningful careers for all Coloradans.
I’ve enjoyed working with our teams within the Chamber as we begin to tackle these big goals, in addition to our core mission: putting more Coloradans to work in great jobs. In order to do that, we need to ensure those jobs remain here and tell employers everywhere just how unique our Colorado workforce is.
Last week, the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (EDC) provided us all with a tool to do just that -- to share the way this place elevates our community, our careers and one another: The Elevation Effect.
The Elevation Effect communicates the spirit of doing business and living life to the fullest here in Colorado. It provides a strategic vision brand to both rally the metro Denver community at a time when common ground and partnership are needed to support our economy and workforce needs. And for marketers, the initiative offers a set of shared data, messages and materials as we collectively work to promote our region to businesses and talent. Further, because much of the work that economic developers do is retention-based, it reminds local business and talent what makes this region different than others they might choose.
For businesses, The Elevation Effect is about tapping into metro Denver’s culture of collaboration, creativity and reinvention. Here we foster trust, embrace competition and find ways to elevate our lives, our careers and one another.
For individuals seeking new opportunities and new frontiers, The Elevation Effect means being welcomed by a diverse and dynamic culture. It means finding inspiration – in the landscape and in the people – to dream bigger and rise higher at work and at play.
I hope you’ll join me in sharing The Elevation Effect. This isn’t a brand for the Metro Denver EDC or the Denver Metro Chamber. It’s a brand created for the entire region, as together we build something that’s bigger than business – a brighter future for our region.
Learn more about The Elevation Effect and contact us for more information on the brand, it’s shared messaging and materials and learn how you can get involved.
