Colorado's new legislative session began this week, on January 7th, after November elections brought on board a number of first-time legislators. To celebrate the efforts these leaders contribute to create and pass legislation that are good for local businesses, growing businesses - ICOSA teamed with the Colorado Business Roundtable to host a Legislative Reception at ICOSA studios. By bringing our state representatives together with business owners and entrepreneurs, they can work together to build relationships for advocacy through regulations and legislation that impact business.

Jeff Wasden and Emily Haggstrom, both of the COBRT join us for this episode. We'll talk with Beth McCann, representative from District 8 in Denver who focuses on tax credits to encourage development of renewable energy, as well as FDA recognition of bio-pharmaceuticals and development issues regarding the I-70 corridor, Globeville, and Swansea.

Then we have a pairing with Chris Holbert (R) District 44 Douglas county representing Parker, and newly-elected representative Terri Carver (R) District 20 from El Paso County. They plan to work on pro-business legislation, construction defects and more.

Finally we have a roundtable discussion with Yeulin Willet (R) District 54 representing Mesa and Delta counties, Kim Ransom (R) District 44 from Douglas county, and Kit Roupe (R) from Colorado Springs -- together, their interests focus on energy, economic issues, relieving burdens on business, and creating non-traditional education opportunities.

We at ICOSA along with the Colorado Business Roundtable believe in building relationships with our legislators, so we can all work together for the change we need.

Tune in for the full conversations this Saturday at 1:00 PM on 710 KNUS – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.