Colorado Real Estate Journal - April 20, 2016
Upstate Colorado Economic Development recently released its 2015 annual report to a group of approximately 80 investors and community representatives at its annual meeting. Upstate’s report summarized its activity, recapping 15 announcements in the previous year resulting in 1,156 new jobs with a collective investment of over $250 million. Some of the companies recognized for their growth at the event included PDC Energy in LaSalle, Rocky Mountain Waterjet in Greeley and Mountain States Lamb Co-Op in Greeley. Upstate also provided communities with a variety of resources on both new and expansion projects that supported these investments. One of the key resources is the marketing and administration of the Greeley/Weld Enterprise Zone, according to Upstate. In 2015, Upstate certified 157 Weld EZ-located companies that collectively created 420 new jobs, retained 12,017 jobs, invested $486.7 million and earned $17.5 million in state income tax credits. Upstate also certified 1,938 contributions to 13 approved EZ contribution organizations/projects with a collective value of $1.77 million and contributors earned a total of $440,196 in state income tax credits. Along with its economic development prospect services, Upstate Colorado provides regional support to Weld and Larimer County small businesses. In 2015, Upstate provided $1 million in loans from the program, creating 95 new jobs. Also announced at the meeting were the cumulative efforts of the CDBG-Disaster Recovery grant program, which to date has awarded $3.9 million to 135 business collectively. In addition, 14 tourism agencies were supported by this program. Upstate officials also announced a new initiative with Weld County workforce services and Aims Community College and continued activities with the Leadership Advisory Council to provide support for municipalities with industrial site identification initiatives. “As we look to not just next year but five and 10 years down the line, we will continue our efforts in facilitating site selection and the economic development process as we collectively address the needs of our Upstate communities and the region as a whole,” said Richard Werner, Upstate president.