For Immediate Release:
May 2, 2019
Contact: Kim Woodworth, Operations Director
[email protected] | 720.371.8997
May 6, 2019 -- The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) are partnering once again to highlight the significant impact our economic development stakeholders have in communities across the state by celebrating National Economic Development Week, May 6-11, 2019.
National Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2016 with several goals; increase awareness of local programs and services that create jobs, advance career development opportunities and increase quality of life among our communities. IEDC is the largest professional membership organization for economic development.
Economic development is defined as the intentional practice of improving a community’s economic well-being and quality of life. It includes a broad-range of activities to attract, create, and retain jobs, and to foster a resilient, pro-growth tax base and an inclusive economy. The practice of economic development is a collaborative effort involving industry, community organizations, government and myriad community stakeholders.
In 2016 the New York Times wrote, “[Colorado’s] transformation into one of the most dynamic economies in the country was led by local business leaders and government officials, who took advantage of existing assets while also raising taxes at times to invest in critical transportation links, development-friendly policies and a network of colleges and universities.”
Due in part to the visionary steps taken by economic development stakeholders, Colorado has been named #1 Best Economy by U.S. News, ranked among the top 10 best states for millennials by WalletHub and #4 best state to live in ranked by USAToday.
Programs such as OEDIT’s Advanced Industries Accelerator and Rural Jump Start programs; Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Main Street and Broadband programs; and, Colorado Workforce Development Council’s TalentFOUND among others have maintained and supported the growth of our Colorado businesses. These offices have also played a major role in attracting businesses and workforce to communities around the state.
While there is movement across the state, we continue to work to ensure our rural communities experience the same economic vitality as other communities have seen. For this to happen, we need to invest in and support the extraordinary work our economic development professionals are doing.
All week, economic development organizations across the state in coordination with OEDIT and EDCC, will be highlighting the economic impact of our professionals and programs on our websites and social media channels. Be sure to check out Facebook and Twitter daily, as we share our positive contributions.
Help us celebrate by taking part in Colorado’s campaign for National Economic Development Week. The theme for the week is "What is Economic Development and Why Should We Invest?" Highlight the economic impact your organization has made on your community by highlighting the great work your organization has done throughout this past year. Write a letter to your elected officials, using our template, and get them involved! We have also created a social media strategy for the week. Use the daily examples to tell your organization's impact on your community.
Follow and be a part of the conversation, use #EconDevWeek, #investincolorado, #EDW2018.
Twitter: @EDCofCO; @ColoradoEcoDevo; @iedctweets
Facebook: @EDCofCO; @ColoradoEcoDev; @iedcONLINE
Websites: www.edcconline.org; www.choosecolorado.com; www.iedconline.org
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About Economic Development Council of Colorado:
Established in 1976, the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) promotes effective, responsible economic development across Colorado. Today we are the state’s premier economic development resource, representing the economic development interests of both the private and public sectors throughout the state. We connect our communities, our members and our partners to high-quality educational opportunities and trusted resources, and advocate for sound policies and programs that support a vibrant economy and enhance quality of life for all of Colorado.
EDCC members come from a variety of settings. We are rural and urban, public and private-sector, for profit and not-for-profit, and include individual communities, counties and regional organizations, local and state government, chambers of commerce, universities and private industry. We are economic development professionals, community volunteers, and business and political leaders. For more information on EDCC, follow us on Twitter and Facebook. To become involved with EDCC visit us at www.edcconline.org, or email us at [email protected].
About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade:
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; and the Colorado Innovation Network. Learn more at www.choosecolorado.com.