Government Affairs Council
Establishing Priorities
The Government Affairs Council helps identify and influence Chamber & EDC legislative priorities. Members represent a cross-section of sectors, including construction, real estate, and restaurants, to name three. During the state legislative session, members meet weekly to discuss initiatives and gain perspectives from stakeholders.
- Government Affairs Council
- Legislative Agenda
- Events
- Advocacy Partners
Voting Members:
- Ryan Klein (Chair) | Sherman and Howard
- Michelle Talarico (Vice-Chair) | Picnic Basket Catering Collective
- Gary Amella | Comcast
- Clarissa Arrellano-Thomas | Pikes Peak Association of Realtors
- Kyle Blakely |Blakely + Company
- Sarah Brittain Jack |Sarah B. Jack and Associates
- Justin Burns | Strategic Insurance Agency
- Ann Cesare | UCHealth
- Susan Edmondson | Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs
- Phill Emmert | Colorado Springs Auto Dealers Association
- Kent Fortune | Spark and Soar
- Jen Furda |University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Seth Harvey | Bluestaq
- Dan Hodges | Colorado Springs Utilities
- Guillermo Lambarri |AT&T
- April Lynch | Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care
- Lane Meidinger | Microchip
- Marla Novak | Housing and Building Association
- Ray Nunn | Nunn Construction Inc.
- Doug Price | Visit Colorado Springs
- Nick Ragain | The Switchbacks
- Tim Seibert | Norwood Development Group
- Forrest Senti | National Cybersecurity Center
- Shane Sherman | 18 Sierra Financial
- Creed Spillane | Quantum Residential Group, LLC
- Adrienne Tuck | W.E. O’Neil Construction
- Kevin Walker | Walker School District
Ex-Officio
- Mike Sullivan | City of Colorado Springs
- Brandon Wilson | El Paso County
Supporting Programs and Policies for Strong Business
The Chamber & EDC evaluates policies based on the following guiding principles:
- Free markets and competition ensure high service levels, innovation, and competitive pricing. To ensure that taxes, fees, and regulations do not stifle a thriving economy or pose undue burden on businesses, they should be narrowly focused on strategic and necessary goals, undergo a cost/benefit analysis resulting in a positive ratio, and be easy for businesses to understand and comply with.
- Proactive economic development programs help our community attract, retain, and expand businesses that provide high-quality jobs for our residents. These jobs, in turn, improve the quality of life for residents.
- Responsive, efficient, effective government provides the infrastructure upon which businesses grow and thrive.
Join the Conversation Keeping Colorado Springs Businesses Strong
Chamber & EDC legislative events provide opportunities for local business professionals to learn about policy and regulatory work, as well as share your voice and business expertise. Local, state, and federal elected officials are invited and participate.
Chamber & EDC Annual Legislative Events
- January — State of the State with the Governor of Colorado
- September — D.C. Fly-In
- September — State of the City with the Mayor of Colorado Springs
- December — State of the Region with the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners
- December — Legislative Roundtable
- Throughout the year — Ballot Review, Input Sessions, Town Halls
Statewide Proponents of a Favorable Business Community
Many of the issues influencing local business are shared with our regional and state peers. The Chamber & EDC partners with organizations, governments, and coalitions across the state to identify and champion pro-business solutions. Some include:
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