Nearly 700 business leaders and elected officials gathered at the annual Site Selector Feedback dinner in Denver, hosted by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (EDC), which operates under the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. The event provided an opportunity for site selectors—consultants who advise companies on where to relocate or expand—to share their views on Colorado’s strengths and challenges as a business destination.
Panelists at the event noted that Colorado maintains a strong national reputation, particularly for its educated workforce, quality of life, and tax structure. However, they cautioned that Colorado faces stiff competition from other states offering more attractive incentive packages and faster permitting processes. According to the panel, delays in permitting can cost companies millions each month, making speed a critical factor in site selection.
The experts highlighted regulatory uncertainty as a concern for businesses considering expansion in Colorado. They also pointed out that while talent remains a major draw for companies considering the region, housing affordability and availability pose long-term risks to retaining that workforce.
The panel praised Colorado’s Labor Peace Act, describing it as a compromise between right-to-work and union shop laws. They said this legal framework allows Colorado communities to compete for projects that would not consider fully unionized states.
Another topic discussed was Colorado’s position as the first state to pass artificial intelligence regulation. Panelists suggested caution, recommending that policymakers observe how AI regulations develop elsewhere before implementing further changes.
Site selectors also expressed concerns about the availability and reliability of electrical power in Colorado. As technology needs grow, especially with advances in AI, companies want assurances that their power requirements will be met. Panelists warned that current and proposed regulations could hinder growth in base-load electricity compared to competitor states.
J. J. Ament, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, said: “Hearing directly from site selectors about why companies choose or don’t choose to invest here is invaluable. The work of our Metro Denver EDC gives policymakers and business leaders alike a clear view of where Metro Denver excels, and where we have work to do. That kind of honest, data-driven feedback from the very people who help make the actual decisions helps us sharpen our competitiveness.”
Raymond H. Gonzales, President of the Metro Denver EDC and Executive Vice President of The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, added: “Regionalism is one of Metro Denver’s greatest strengths, and it’s truly what sets us apart. Our collaborative approach brings our private sector investors together with nearly 130 communities across 12 counties under a shared commitment to put Colorado first. That kind of coordination and trust doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country, and it’s what allows us to compete as one region, amplify our strengths, and create opportunities that benefit all of Colorado.”
Site selectors participating on the panel included Steve Brunson (DMA), Mike Falleroni (Ryan LLC), Larry Gigerich (Ginovus), Jane Haines (EBP), Savannah Jermance (Ryan LLC), and Jim Renzas (BCI Global). In addition to speaking at the dinner event, these experts visited local sites during a weeklong conference covering sectors such as financial services, life sciences, and aerospace.
The Metro Denver EDC is funded by private businesses with a mission to attract companies, talent, and investment across 12 counties in Colorado’s Front Range region through collaboration with over 100 communities.
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce describes itself as an advocate for public policy supporting economic growth in Colorado for more than 150 years.
