New Regional Alliance Formed to Strengthen Southern Colorado’s Business Voice
Colorado Springs, CO — The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is pleased to announce the launch of the Southern Colorado Business Alliance (SCBA), a new Political Action Committee and coalition of Chambers of Commerce and businesses working together to elevate the business community’s voice and strengthen the region’s influence in state-level policy.
The SCBA brings together Chambers and businesses from across Southern Colorado to identify, train, endorse and support pro-business candidates and elected leaders at the state level; engage candidates through informed, community-driven dialogue; and coordinate political action that advances economic growth, workforce development, housing, and competitiveness. The SCBA will not support local candidates or issues and will only work at the state level.
In addition to the PAC, the SCBA is supported by an affiliated Independent Expenditure Committee, Southern Colorado Action (SoCo Action), which provides a clear pathway for individual businesses to engage in independent advocacy and voter outreach. Chambers of Commerce participate through the PAC, while businesses participate through the IEC, creating a compliant structure that pairs local leadership with scalable, business-led engagement in state-level races.
Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, emphasized the importance of building a durable, long-term strategy for the region.
“Southern Colorado needs a strong, coordinated approach to tackle the challenges facing our businesses and communities,” Reeder Kleymeyer said. “In just the past two years, Colorado has enacted more than 1,000 new laws, many of which added significant costs and unnecessary regulations for businesses. By cultivating and supporting leaders who understand business realities, we’re preparing our state to seize economic development opportunities, add new tax base and address job and population declines over the last decade.”
Jeff Thormodsgaard, Vice President of Government Affairs, highlighted the SCBA’s investment in leadership development.
“The Southern Colorado Business Alliance is an investment in our future leadership,” Thormodsgaard said. “We’re developing a strong pipeline of pro-business voices who will shape Colorado’s economy for years to come.”
Five Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Corporations have signed on at launch, with additional organizations expected to join as the SCBA continues to grow.
Initial partner organizations include the Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, Colexico Alliance, Douglas County Economic Development Corporation, Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance.
Leaders from partner Chambers echoed that sentiment.
Ellie Reynolds, President and CEO, Douglas County Economic Development Corporation
“The challenges facing employers don’t stop at county lines, and neither should our advocacy. The Southern Colorado Business Alliance creates a stronger, more unified voice at the state level—one that reflects the real-world needs of businesses and supports policies that help our region compete and grow.”
Duane Nava, President & Chief Executive Officer, Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce
“A regional political effort is critical for Southern Colorado because it unites communities with shared challenges and opportunities, giving the region a stronger, more coordinated voice on issues that directly impact its economy, workforce, and quality of life. By working together, Southern Colorado can secure greater influence, investment, and long-term prosperity.”
Pat Howlett, Founder/Director, Colexico Alliance
“The Colexico Alliance believes deeply in regional collaboration, and the Southern Colorado Business Alliance is a critical step toward ensuring our shared needs are heard. When Southern Colorado speaks with one voice, our businesses and our communities gain real power.”
Rich Millard, President & CEO, Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance
“For communities across Southern Colorado, collaboration is essential to being heard at the state Capitol. The Southern Colorado Business Alliance ensures that rural and urban business priorities alike are part of the conversation, strengthening our collective influence on policies that shape economic opportunity.”
Through the SCBA, each participating Chamber receives a voting seat and plays an active role in candidate interviews, issue forums, and endorsement discussions. This locally grounded approach ensures that regional business priorities guide the process—and that candidates for state offices understand the challenges facing employers in Southern Colorado.
Participating Chambers contribute annual funding and commit to engaging their members in supporting pro-business candidates through the SCBA. Beginning in January 2026, all Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC members will have the opportunity to participate in the PAC through an optional $50 annual contribution, allowing more members to directly support pro-business leadership and policy efforts at the state level.
“Southern Colorado is building its own political infrastructure – one driven by the people who know their communities best,” Thormodsgaard added. “This alliance is about creating lasting influence and ensuring our region is seen, heard, and respected at the state Capitol.”
Chambers and businesses interested in joining the Southern Colorado Business Alliance or learning more about its work can contact Jeff Thormodsgaard at JThormodsgaard@cscedc.com or 303-653-5563.
Learn more about the Southern Colorado Business Alliance at www.socobusinessalliance.com.
Learn more about SoCo action at www.socoaction.com.