Speakout: Fostering Colorado's economic power

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Stefanie Dalgar / 303-892-3893, sdalgar@state.co.us

Advance Colorado Center Opens for Business

Office of Economic Development Integrates Industry Associations to Create New National Model

DENVER, (Dec. 8, 2004) – The Advance Colorado Center (ACC) opened its doors Dec. 2, ushering in a new era in Colorado economic development as emerging industry associations joined forces to share space within the same building of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT).

Housed in the World Trade Center in downtown Denver (1625 Broadway), initial tenants of this unique coalition of non-profit industry support groups include CTEK Venture Centers, the Colorado Software & Internet Association, the Colorado BioScience Association, the Colorado Environmental Business Association, Colorado Alliance for Microenterprise Initiatives (CAMI) and the Colorado Film Commission.

“Colorado is poised to become a top-tier global technology hub,” said Governor Bill Owens. “As emerging industries converge in Colorado, the Advance Colorado Center will directly support key business associations to facilitate the next generation of Colorado’s economic growth.”

“The Advance Colorado Center provides a common headquarters for non-profit industry associations that support innovation and help entrepreneurs grow profitable, sustainable businesses,” said Brian Vogt, OEDIT director. “The synergies and dynamic partnerships created among the groups within the ACC will enable them to grow and position Colorado as a leader in each of their industries.”

The ACC is a partnership between the Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC), OEDIT and The University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center (UCDHSC). Tenants will pay no rent for three years and receive basic office services and training from UCDHSC in areas such as association organization, marketing and fundraising. The ACC will be financed for three years, at $216,000 per year, with federal discretionary funds made available by the EDC. UCD will hire a director to manage the center and coordinate its support services.

OEDIT’s core mission is to support a robust state economy and maximize the Colorado brand using the integration and communication of services, building an effective economic culture, investigating and proposing pro-business policies and crafting long-term strategies.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level.  They include business retention and relocations services, a bioscience and emerging industries program, business finance programs like the Venture Capital Authority and CAPCO, the Colorado Tourism Office, the Colorado Office of International Trade, the Colorado Small Business Development Centers, minority- and women-owned business services and economic research. For more information or to sign up for OEDIT’s free eNewsletter, visit www.AdvanceColorado.com.                             # # #