Last week Ann Hutchison, President, and CEO of the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, spoke on the State of the Business Community in Ft Collins, 2022.  The Chamber is the third largest in CO with 1,100 members, a $2 million budget, 11 fulltime and parttime staff and continues to be a “5-Star Accredited Chamber” for the 4th year. Funding is solely from members (no city or county funds).
The Chamber promotes economic development by deliberate intervention, driving private sector investment as the engine for community economic growth.  Attracting and retaining “primary players” is essential to prevent economic and community decline.  An example of a community in decline is Brush CO (where Ann grew up) which has experienced a population loss from 5000 to 2000 in recent years. Such a decline predictably is accompanied by loss of jobs, a diminished tax base, and lower quality of life.  
 
“Primary employers” are defined as those who export more than 50% of their products and services beyond Larimer and Weld counties. They are the primary drivers of both community and personal wealth. In NOCO, Woodward is an example, but so is CSU, who takes 18-year old’s and prepares (exports) them for their future (wherever that may be).  Small (1-2 “man”) shops also are important when they meet this definition. “Primary jobs” not only raise the average annual pay of their employees but also create support jobs, leading to increased sales and property taxes.
 
Data points were provided for Weld and Larimer counties together because they so economically connected. The 2-county population in 2021 was 711,620, the total regional employment was 315,435 and average earnings were $65.8 ($10k below national average).
 
The next slide compared “Talent” in 2019 and 2021 (think COVID effect). Although the labor force and employed numbers are similar, the unemployed figure has risen from 9,112 to 14,583. Notably, 50% of the unemployed are in the 25-40 age group! Overall labor participation has fallen from 69 % to 66.7% (national average).
 
The Gross Regional Product (2 counties) is a whopping $35.67 billion! Our 4 colleges and universities contribute $4 billion. College degrees are not essential for future local employment as 80% of the anticipated job creation will not require a bachelor’s degree.
 
Reignite the Economy is the Chambers’ two-county recovery plan which will require innovation, small business support, talent, and economic marketing. Current challenges are labor shortages, supply chain interruption, inflation, and housing (including water issues).
 
A robust Q & A followed-some examples-
 
What is being done to promote education for the trades?
 
What are our breweries doing to decrease their water use?
 
What % of GRP comes from oil and gas?
 
Great info regarding what Ann and the local Chamber of Commerce contributes to our community.