Premier Colorado: Weld and Larimer Partner for Economic Development
Individually, Weld and Larimer counties offer prospective employers great opportunities: a talented workforce, diverse cultural events, a favorable business climate, leading edge higher education, exceptional quality of life and much more.
Combine the amenities of both counties, and employers find themselves looking at a true powerhouse, with affordable living conditions, extensive university research capabilities, agriculture, information technology, good transportation access, a growing health care system and a highly educated workforce.
For these reasons, the Boards of Directors of Upstate Colorado Economic Development and the Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC) have joined in support of a new marketing effort--Premier Colorado.
A cooperative effort of the two organizations, Premier Colorado has already engaged in a few joint marketing efforts, including a joint booth at the recent BIXPO business fair, and joint sponsorship of an October conference of Colorado's economic developers. From October 22 through the 24th, the two organizations will participate in their most significant opportunity to date--a site selector conference in Atlanta named "Live Xchange." This conference will bring together approximately forty companies and consultants with expansion or relocation projects with thirty economic development organizations from around the country. Premier Colorado will serve as Colorado's only presence at the conference, a fact that should enhance the odds of meaningful discussion with potential clients open to exploring a Colorado location.
With regionalism gaining momentum in the economic development field, Premier Colorado appears to be at the beginning of what could be a long, productive endeavor.
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Revolving Loan Fund Supports New Job Creation Throughout Weld County
The Weld/Larimer Revolving Loan Fund, administered by Upstate Colorado Economic Development, recently approved two loans, and will soon close on a third--all with job creation components.
• Medical Systems of Denver, located in Frederick, was approved for a $500,000 loan which will assist in the purchase of a building and equipment to enable the company to sterilize medical waste prior to disposal in landfills.
• Destiny Dairy is a 350-head goat operation that manufactures ice cream and yogurt. The family company's $200,000 loan will enable the owners to address needed facility improvements, and add 10 jobs.
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Upstate Colorado has Renewable Energy in its Sights
With more than 12,000 active oil and gas wells, Weld County is clearly a national leader in the extraction of fossil fuels. With increasing emphasis being placed on energy independence, and with new technologies being developed and refined, the opportunity may exist for Weld County to also emerge as a leader in the renewables field.
The resources of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are close by; and Colorado has proven wind and solar resources that can be exploited.
Led by Greeley City Councilman Don Feldhaus, Upstate Colorado has recently brought together a cross-disciplinary group to serve as a task force on renewable energy. The members' first task will be to assess the feasibility of the Weld County area to develop a leadership position in the industry. Recognizing the existence of similar groups operating throughout the state, and the fact that energy is one of Colorado's targeted industries, it is likely that the task force will approach others to leverage greater impact.
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Marketing Committee at Work Assessing Competitive Stance
A recently-formed group of Upstate Colorado Investors is working with staff to examine Weld County’s competitiveness; with an eye toward refining its industry targets.
The first order of business is to design and conduct a survey of area employers to look at the qualitative characteristics of Weld County’s workforce. Information gathered in the survey should hold strong indicators as to the types of industries best-suited for our area. The Committee is looking forward to structuring a partnership with the University of Northern Colorado for the completion of this project.
The Marketing Committee currently consists of the following members:
David Anglin—Atmos Energy
Jeff Bedingfield—Witwer et al
Eric Biberstine—Chase
Bernie Blach—Realtec Commercial
Perry Buck—Cache Bank & Trust
Wayne Kohl—RE/MAX Optimum
Greg Ludlow—Bank of Colorado
Lucille Mantelli—Kodak
Sarah MacQuiddy—Greeley Chamber of Commerce
Lorri McGregor—First American Heritage Title Company
Roy Otto—City of Greeley
John Rarick—Reusch & Co.
Sally Warde—Northern Colorado Paper Company
Larry Wood—Union Colony Bank
If you are an Upstate Investor, you are eligible to serve on this and other Upstate Committees. If you are not currently an Upstate Investor, we can correct that situation with a call to the Upstate office at (970) 356-4565.
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Clients Looking at Possible Weld Location
Upstate Colorado Economic Development has been pleased to recently host visits from three firms looking at establishing expansion facilities--with Weld County being one of the areas under consideration:
• Manufacturer of adhesive for the application of ceramic tile. The company plans to build a 75,000 square foot building, with expansion potential to 150,000 square feet, and employ 15-30. Our competition includes Cheyenne and other Colorado locations.
• Manufacturer of polyethylene pipe--supplier to the oil industry. The company is looking to construct a facility on 10-15 acres, and would employ approximately 40. The company is currently looking at sites in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.
• Manufacturer of blades for wind turbines. The company is an international industry leader, looking to establish a North American presence. The project would involve the construction of approximately 160,000 square feet, with the potential of between 500 to 1,000 new jobs. We are unsure of our competition, but have been told by the company that they are examining four or five other potential locations.
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