Thriving in Colorado Springs and El Paso County

Chamber & EDC’s economic development strategy gets a refresh

The Chamber & EDC’s mission is to achieve economic prosperity for the Pikes Peak region and act as a catalyst for business innovation and growth with a vision of being recognized as the best city in America for business by 2025.

We pursue our mission through four pillars of work: economic development, defense development, government affairs, and membership services. Growing local businesses, attracting high-paying jobs to our region, and supporting workforce development and infrastructure are key elements of our economic development work.

In 2017, we worked with Garner Economics to produce a strategic plan to help guide our economic development work. As you well know, business is constantly innovating and evolving and our region is rapidly growing. With support from our Board of Directors and community leaders, we determined it was time to gather current insight from business and community members and refresh the plan to remain competitive as a region.

A steering committee made up of community and business stakeholders helped guide our refresh process; identify trends within the findings; and update our region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Our staff, the steering committee, and our Board of Directors reviewed and endorse the final document.

The report, designed to guide the next five years, is a road map for our region. It is yours to use to help make informed, data-driven decisions as you pursue your organization’s mission and visions. Read and download your copy of the report here.

Thank you to everyone who provided input to make this refresh a comprehensive reflection of our current and future business climate, including survey and focus group participants, steering committee members, and our Board of Directors. Your time and insights will help us in our mission to achieve economic prosperity for our region, allowing you and your business to thrive here.

Finally, a special acknowledgment to the Chamber & EDC staff who have invested time, analytics, and creativity in this process and product.

Sincerely,

Dirk D. Draper
President & CEO
Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC