Metro Denver EDC

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation were proud to partner with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, and the Australian Consul General’s office in the US to host a conversation for 100+ local business leaders at yesterday’s Innovation and Excellence: High Performance Sport and Technology Breakfast, with DMCC President & CEO J. J. Ament, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd. Then we got to cheer on the US Men’s National Soccer Team in last night’s friendly against the Australian Socceroos! Special thanks to the event sponsors Commerce City, Plug and Play Tech Center, PCL Construction, and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP! Photo credit: Maxim Hussey

Ahead of tonight’s U.S. vs. Australia Men’s National Team friendly at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, Football Australia, the Australian Consulate-General in Los Angeles, and AUSDenver convened government leaders, athletes, businesses, and technology innovators to spotlight the U.S.-Australia excellence in sport and innovation. Governor Jared Polis and Ambassador Kevin Rudd joined DMCC President & CEO J. J. Ament for a fireside chat, along with a panel on high-performance sport and technology with American and Australian founders and innovators.

Congrats to our wonderful partner Southwest Airlines and Lexi Muller on their newest aircraft--a MAX 8 complete with new seats, extra legroom and enhanced onboard experience! We were happy to represent-- COLORADO IN THE HOUSE -- on its inaugural flight from Phoenix to Dallas! As champions for the Denver Metro and Colorado business community on a national stage, it was a privilege to be in the air for the #SouthwestReveal!

⭐️We had an excellent day at the Metro Denver EDC Site Selection Regional Pitch Day! ⭐ It was an honor to partner with our local leaders to pitch the unparalleled value of Douglas County to site selectors. A huge thank you to Frank Gray from Castle Rock EDC and Jeff Holwell with City of Lone Tree, CO for their collaboration. Our pitch highlighted a clear fact: Douglas County is open for business and ready for investment. We continue to offer an incredible quality of life, consistently recognized as the healthiest, wealthiest, and wisest county in Colorado. When you're looking for an educated workforce and a thriving community, think Douglas County!

This past week, site selectors had a front-row seat to everything Metro Denver brings to the table at our Site Selection Conference, presented by Broe Real Estate Group! From talent pipelines to infrastructure to strategic regional collaboration, our region continues to stand out nationally. We’re proud to showcase Metro Denver’s unique ability to work together across 12 counties and nearly 130 communities, and we can’t wait to keep promoting the growth and prosperity of our region. The capstone to the conference was last night's Site Selector Feedback Dinner, which offered invaluable insights into where we excel and where we can improve, ensuring our policies and partnerships continue to strengthen Colorado’s business competitiveness. A huge thank you to our site selectors and panelists for sharing their insights following this amazing week, as well as to all the sponsors and partners who made this week possible! Together, we’re building a region that’s not just strong—but stronger together. Check out the week in review below. You can also learn more about what was covered last night: https://lnkd.in/gasa4xej

Last month, the Metro Denver EDC team hit the road for an exciting trip to Long Beach, California! Led by our Economic Development Manager, Zoë Allender, with support from NSF ASCEND Engine in Colorado and Wyoming Business Development Manager, Evan Prechodko, we were proud to be joined by Sherry Hoffman, Director of Business Retention & Expansion at the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, and Tyler Menzales, Senior Manager in the City of Fort Collins’ Economic Sustainability office. Together, we connected with innovative companies across aerospace, life sciences, biotechnology, climate tech & sustainability, energy, and more—all sectors driving the future of Colorado’s economy. A highlight of the trip was an incredible tour of 🚀Rocket Lab, a global leader in launch services, spacecraft, and rocket systems with more than 1,700 successful missions under their belt. The visit was not only highly productive, but also a great opportunity to strengthen ties with our regional economic development partners. We left Long Beach energized and optimistic about the opportunities ahead for Colorado and our growing innovation ecosystem.

🌟 Welcome Kat Swearingen and Evan Prechodko to the ASCEND Engine team! We’re excited to expand our business development capacity at the NSF ASCEND Engine through our partnership with the Metro Denver EDC   👉 Kat Swearingen joins as a Business Development Intern, supporting initiatives that drive innovation, attract businesses, and strengthen our regional technology ecosystem. A Colorado State University student pursuing her B.A. in Psychology, Kat’s passion for economic development is fueled by her desire to shape thriving communities. She brings fresh perspective, curiosity, and enthusiasm for building relationships across industries and markets.   👉 Evan Prechodko joins as a Business Development Manager. With a background in international business, supply chain strategy, and cross-cultural collaboration, Evan will support the attraction and expansion of ASCEND-related companies and talent. An Eagle Scout and graduate of the University of Denver with Mandarin language training from Beijing University, Evan’s global perspective and experience with the World Trade Center Denver’s Global Trade Accelerator Program position him to help grow our innovation ecosystem.   Together, Kat and Evan will advance the Engine’s mission to attract companies and talent building climate, sensing, and computing technologies that protect landscapes, strengthen communities, and fuel economic growth across Colorado and Wyoming.   Please join us in welcoming Kat and Evan to the ASCEND Engine team! 

Today’s decision to relocate U.S. Space Command is deeply disappointing. Colorado is home to more than 2,000 aerospace companies and 55,000 employees who support missions from the U.S. Space Force to NASA’s Artemis program. Our unmatched ecosystem of talent, innovation, and infrastructure makes Colorado the nation’s premier hub for aerospace and defense. The Colorado Space Coalition, an initiative of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, remains committed to protecting Colorado’s aerospace economy and ensuring our state plays a vital role in national security. Thank you to our partners who continue to advocate for Colorado’s aerospace and defense economy. Buckley Regional Military Affairs Council Colorado Competitive Council Colorado Space Business Roundtable Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Metro Denver EDC Read our full statement here: https://bit.ly/47phaAt #Aerospace #Colorado #SpaceCommand