In Metro Denver, we've found that, in business development as in business itself, collaboration and teamwork pays off.

The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC), an affiliate of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, is the nation’s first and only truly regional economic development entity in which many area economic development groups have joined together to represent, and further, the interests of an entire region. Our partners include 70 cities, counties, and economic development organizations in the seven-county Metro Denver and two-county Northern Colorado region.

Our work to create a competitive environment that attracts companies and jobs is backed by the region's business community, with primary funding coming from private-sector investors, as well as participating cities and counties. Strategic initiatives are developed among our partners, with final decision-making authority by an investor board of directors.

Our philosophy toward bringing business here is unique. Each of the Metro Denver EDC’s economic development partner organizations is committed to the economic vitality of the entire region. As an ambassador for the area, each is ready and able to communicate the benefits of Metro Denver first and individual communities second.

When our clients – site selectors or companies – come to visit, we focus on their needs. Without pressure, we provide all the information needed to make an informed decision. If you’re considering relocating or expanding your company, you won’t find a better resource than the Metro Denver EDC.

Metro Denver EDC 2008–2009 Highlights:

• Provided $250,000 to support the Democratic National Convention and sponsored the Metro Denver Media Spa to reach international/national media and corporate sponsors during the historic event.
   
• Helped craft and advocate for key business legislation during the 2009 General Assembly including HB 1001, which provides tax credits for companies creating 20 or more new jobs.
   
• Successfully completed a five-year capital campaign to broaden our business leadership base and raise an additional $5 million over five years for programs to grow the economy.
   
• Created a coalition to capitalize on opportunities through the national American Recovery and Reinvestment Act including launching the www.stimuluscolorado.org Web site.
   
• Continued to utilize a proactive national prospect qualification system along with prospect visits to California and Chicago to attract new jobs in aerospace, energy, bioscience, and IT.
   
• Assisted Charles Schwab in its selection of Douglas County as the location of a 500-job expansion.
   
• Continued to work with Vestas Wind Systems on its $700 million expansion in the state, including two new plants in Brighton.
   
• Hosted the Fifth Annual Report to Investors and Awards Luncheon in June highlighting our investors support and work to make Metro Denver a competitive place for business.
   
• As a result of proactive public relations efforts, worked with The New York Times on the article “Denver Aims to Ride out the Recession,” which highlighted the region’s positive economic climate in light of the national recession.
   
• Launched the highly successful multi-faceted COlovesCalifornia marketing initiative to promote the state’s business advantages to C-level executives in California and national site selectors. 
   
• Implemented several cutting-edge social media strategies including the "Clark’s Cone of Silence" Blog, LinkedIn Economic Development in Metro Denver Group, Twitter, and Flickr.
   
• Hosted the first annual State of DIA event to highlight growth at Denver International Airport, future expansion plans, and the overall health of Metro Denver’s aviation industry.
   
• Partnered with the state of Colorado and Denver International Airport to promote a new nonstop flight during the 2008 Asia Trade Mission to Japan and China.
   
• Continued to grow an industry-ready workforce in Metro Denver through the Metro Denver WIRED Initiative, which released the first-ever Workforce Study in 2008.
   
• Released the fourth edition of the Toward a More Competitive Colorado report, an extensive study of Colorado's competitive position nationally for economic growth and job creation.
   
• Published an annual Industry Cluster Study detailing seven top industries for job growth in Metro Denver and Northern Colorado.
   
• Led marketing and industry promotional efforts at the 25th Annual National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs.
   
• Attended and/or exhibited at several national trade shows, including the American Wind Energy Conference, MD&M (Medical Device and Manufacturing), the National Space Symposium, BIO, and CoreNet Global.

For additional information, visit the Metro Denver EDC's Web site at www.metrodenver.org.