February 21, 2025

Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and Military Affairs Council Forge New Path for Expanded Impact

Reorganization Allows Both Entities to Thrive

After thoughtful and strategic evaluation, the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corporation (CSCEDC) Board of Directors has authorized the Military Affairs Council (MAC) to reorganize as a separate and autonomous organization, effective May 31, 2025. This decision, made in collaboration with the MAC Executive Committee, will allow both organizations to focus on their respective missions while continuing to support the military community and economic development efforts in the Pikes Peak region.

To ensure a seamless transition, the CSCEDC will serve as the MAC’s fiscal agent and assist with marketing and event registration through May while the MAC will independently manage their activities and events to support veterans, military families and the installations as of the end of this month. This will allow time for the MAC to register and establish their own non-profit, independent organization. All files associated with the MAC will be given to the new organization by the CSCEDC to ensure partnership and collaboration.

“This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring both the Chamber & EDC and MAC can best serve our community,” said Ryan Klein, Chair, Board of Directors for the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. “The MAC’s longstanding dedication to the military and its families will be strengthened as an independent entity, while the CSCEDC remains committed to our mission to support and expand the aerospace and defense industry.”

For nearly 85 years, the MAC has been a leading advocate for military-community relations. As an independent entity, the MAC will expand its support for service members and families, while CSCEDC will continue driving economic development, business retention, and advocacy. To reinforce this commitment, CSCEDC will launch an Aerospace and Defense Council (working title), with an industry-led taskforce, led by Seth Harvey, CEO of Bluestaq and Vice-Chairman of the CSCEDC, determining priorities and strategic initiatives. This Council will align closely with the state and regional partners to advance economic development, advocacy to grow and maintain the region’s five military installations, and retention efforts for the aerospace and defense industry.

“Independence provides the MAC with the flexibility to adapt and grow in ways that best serve the military community, enhance the quality of life for veterans and their families, and strengthen our ability to fulfill our mission,” said Lisanne McNew, Chair, Military Affairs Council. “We appreciate our strong partnership with CSCEDC and look forward to continued collaboration in areas where our missions align, ensuring a resilient and thriving defense community.”

Over the years, CSCEDC has played a pivotal role in supporting the military, their families, and the defense ecosystem through advocacy, economic development, and strategic partnerships:

  • Organized the coalition to respond to the original Request For Proposal and later to retain Space Command Headquarters in coordination with the city, county, state and federal delegations
  • Led the effort to pass SB22-077 concerning the interstate license professional counselor compact for military spouse license transfer
  • Led the effort to pass HB-22-1372 concerning exemption from air emissions limits for the use of emergency generators to support critical infrastructure in emergencies
  • Organized the ‘How to testify’ training for military spouses and veterans
  • The Small Business Development Center, a CSCEDC-hosted organization, produces an annual Veterans Conference
  • The CSCEDC partnered on the 2024 Veterans Day Parade fundraising and produced the VIP reception. This was sponsored by both the CSCEDC and MAC.
  • Lobby officials in Washington, D.C. on the annual D.C. Fly-In for funding and support of our five installations and the aerospace/defense industry
  • Elevated the presence of Colorado Springs at the annual Space Symposium to public and private sector decision makers for aerospace and defense business attraction and expansion in our region

The two organizations will continue collaboration on advocacy efforts to support the retention and expansion of the region’s five military installations at state and federal levels. Both organizations will continue to keep their members and stakeholders informed and engaged on the reorganization.