Photo provided by Dave Anderson at InSync Photography + Design. View all event photos.
DENVER, CO – Colorado’s growth, competitiveness and future took center stage as more than 700 business and community leaders gathered for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Annual Meeting at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
The annual gathering brought together leaders from across Metro Denver to celebrate the region’s progress and confront the challenges that will determine how Colorado can keep moving forward.
A centerpiece of the program was a fireside conversation between Chamber President and CEO J. J. Ament and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, which explored Kirby’s leadership philosophy, United’s deep roots and continued growth in Denver, and the critical role aviation plays in driving economic growth.
"If you invest in an airport, it pays back tenfold in economic growth," said Kirby. "It's a symbiotic relationship – whatever is good for Denver is good for United."
Kirby highlighted the unique strength of United’s Denver hub and the airline’s partnership with the region, while also sharing lessons from his tenure. The discussion touched on everything from customer experience and innovation to artificial intelligence, leadership and the future of the aviation industry, all of which underscored the importance of investing in people, thinking boldly and continually pushing what’s possible.
When asked for one piece of advice for continued economic growth in Denver, Kirby stated, "Avoid the temptation to regulate the economy and strangle it."
The conversation comes at a pivotal time for Colorado’s business community. The state continues to compete for talent, investment, and jobs in an increasingly competitive national economy, making strong business leadership and a clear focus on growth more important than ever.
The Chamber also released its full 2026 Impact Report, detailing the organization’s work to strengthen Colorado’s economy, advance business priorities and create greater opportunity for Coloradans.
The Chamber also honored Patty Calhoun, former Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of Westword, with the prestigious Del Hock Lifetime Achievement Award for her lasting contributions to Colorado’s business and civic community.
The Annual Meeting also marked a transition in Chamber leadership. The organization recognized outgoing Board Chair Mowa Haile, CEO of Sky Blue Builders, for his dedicated year of service and welcomed Mark Cordova, President of Centennial Bolt, as the Chamber’s new Board Chair.
Cordova outlined three priorities for his year of leadership: developing stronger business leaders, bringing large and small businesses together around shared challenges and opportunities, and making Colorado more business friendly.
"As we look to the year ahead, we’ve outlined three priorities for the Chamber," said Cordova. "We want to use our leadership better. We’ll do this by bringing new leaders through the processes of the business community by really learning how Metro Denver works. We want to get big business AND small businesses—aligned on shared goals and challenges... And we want to make Colorado business friendly... Colorado has slipped in national competitiveness rankings, and regulations and red tape are the single biggest concern for the employers we represent. These are the major challenges and goals for my year as Board Chair, and with the help and participation of our members, I think we can make progress."
As the meeting closed, Ament challenged the business community to move from conversation to action and underscored the importance of our choices at the ballot, "Much of what you'll see on the ballot this fall, Proposition NN, a Graduated Income Tax, a fantastically expensive train... These are not new choices—they're more of the same direction—and they'll simply accelerate the decline in Colorado's competitiveness we're already witnessing and feeling. You cannot make Colorado more affordable by making everything more expensive."
Ament also stressed the importance of business participation, "We fiercely believe that the future of Colorado is bright, but it doesn't happen by accident or if businesses of all sizes aren't actively participating in our communities. The Chamber will relentlessly and tirelessly, unapologetically bring the business voice forward."
The 2026 Annual Meeting reinforced a clear message: Colorado’s future is not predetermined. The business community has a role to play in shaping what comes next—and the Denver Metro Chamber is committed to bringing businesses together to drive growth, strengthen competitiveness and advance its vision of Economic Empowerment for Every Coloradan.
The event was presented by Chamber Trustees AdventHealth, AngloGold Ashanti, Boettcher Foundation, Chevron, Daniels Fund, DaVita, Denver International Airport, Denver Water, Empower, HCA HealthONE, Innosphere Ventures, Intermountain Health, Pinnacol Assurance, PNC Bank, Taft, Tallgrass, UCHealth, United Airlines, University of Colorado System, U.S. Bank, VF Corporation, and Xcel Energy. Keynote sponsor for the event was Colorado State University Global, Platinum sponsor was University of Colorado Denver, and Gold sponsors included BRPH and Cherry Creek North.
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.
