Chamber policy briefing accents jobs, economic stability

Job creation and economic stability will be at the forefront of all decisions made during the 2012 legislative session, business and civic leaders agreed during a policy briefing hosted by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce at the Colorado State Capitol on Monday.

The event, attended by more than 100 people, was organized to inform members of the General Assembly and others about issues of importance to the business community. Also during Monday's event, the Chamber released its annual Business Policy Briefing document, which details the organization's plan of action for the session and beyond.

"The Chamber will support efforts that ultimately lead to job creation, critical capital infrastructure investment, promote efforts that support our ability to compete globally and those that protect or enhance the business climate," said Bob Moody, vice president of public affairs and communications for the Denver Metro Chamber. "We will oppose measures that slow, derail or otherwise impede our economic recovery."

Moody noted that the Chamber would again be tracking votes cast in committees and final third-reading floor votes to determine the Colorado General Assembly's level of alignment with the business policy agenda.

Chamber President and CEO Kelly Brough said Monday that the Chamber will be focusing on its pillars of economic development - transportation, health care and education - with specific focus on education reform issues.

"We know we must, because our entire future and our economy depends on it," Brough said, noting that few jobs in the future will be available for people who do not have some college coursework - and likely none will be available for those without a high school diploma.

On the heels of a Monday morning press conference in which he detailed efforts to cut red tape, increase access to capital and make Colorado more appealing and open for business, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper spoke to the group gathered for the Chamber's briefing. He said he and his team would "be as pro-business as we can while being as ethical as we can."

The governor said it is important for the business community to encourage the collaboration that has brought with it many good things in Colorado. He noted that our state is recognized all over the country as being different because of our ability to work together.

"You all have a voice in the legislature. Push people toward compromise," he said.