Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Launches Colorado Aerospace & Defense Economic Council to Drive Industry Growth
(Colorado Springs, CO) – The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is pleased to announce the launch of the Colorado Aerospace & Defense Economic Council (CAD-EC) – a new initiative designed to strengthen Colorado’s position as a national leader in aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity.
CAD-EC brings together voices from industry, government, and academia to strategically grow the region’s aerospace and defense economy, support national security priorities, and foster a high-performance workforce for the future.
Launching this September in tandem with the D.C. Fly-In, presented by Central Bank, CAD-EC will offer a curated track of meetings and events for aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity companies, led by industry leaders. Membership in CAD-EC will be open to Chamber & EDC members affiliated with the aerospace, defense or cybersecurity industries at the Business Advocate level or above.
CAD-EC Membership Interest Form
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CAD-EC will serve as a catalyst for policy engagement, sector connectivity, strategic intelligence, and innovation. The council will advocate for pro-industry legislation, connect members with resources to strengthen their competitiveness, and amplify the visibility and economic impact of Colorado’s aerospace and defense industries.
The effort is being led by Chamber & EDC Board of Directors Vice-Chairman Seth Harvey, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Bluestaq, who brings deep industry expertise, a strong track record of innovation, and a commitment to strengthening Colorado’s defense and aerospace ecosystem.
“We’re creating a home for aerospace and defense stakeholders to unite with purpose and impact. By working together across industries and disciplines, we can align on strategy, advocate more effectively, and build a more resilient and competitive defense industrial base,” Harvey said. “This is an opportunity to provide a unified voice for our community. Whether you’re a prime contractor, a startup innovator, or part of the public sector, this is an opportunity to be part of something larger than your individual mission.”
The council will be staffed by Dale Anderson, currently a special advisor to Congressman Jeff Crank. Beginning in September, Anderson will join the Chamber & EDC as the Senior Vice President of Economic & Defense Development and Government Affairs.
CAD-EC is structured around seven core pillars:
- Strategic Advocacy: Champion policies and funding that grow and protect the industry.
- Member Services & Defense Industry Base (DIB) Support: Deliver tools and resources for operational resilience, contracting success, and compliance.
- Industry Connectivity: Convene the ecosystem to promote collaboration and alignment.
- Public Engagement: Elevate the visibility and economic value of aerospace and defense.
- Operational Excellence: Drive continuous improvement and workforce retention through shared standards.
- Intelligence Sharing: Deliver timely insights on budget trends, technology, and global threats.
- Forward-Looking Leadership: Shape the sector’s future through foresight, innovation, and planning.
In addition to regular council meetings, members will engage in working groups, strategic planning sessions, advocacy trips, and industry forums.
Those interested in joining CAD-EC are asked to click here to complete the interest form. For more information on eligibility or to inquire about joining CAD-EC, contact Craig Carle, Vice President of Membership at CCarle@cscedc.com.