Colorado Real Estate Journal - December 7, 2016
The Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance will change its name to the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and EDC Dec. 19. “After the merger of the Chamber and EDC, the Business Alliance needed a new and neutral corporate identity. Our current name served that purpose well, but it didn’t explain who we were or what we did,” said Dirk Draper, president and CEO of the Business Alliance. “We are excited to embrace the history and purpose of our organization with our new name.” The board of directors unanimously approved the decision Oct. 27. Matt Coleman, chairman of the board for 2016-2017 said, “The further you get from downtown Colorado Springs, the less people know what the Business Alliance is or does. When I do business in Denver and across the nation, I always end up explaining that we are the Chamber and EDC for the region. This name change clears up confusion and explains succinctly and directly the purpose and scope of our organization.” “The Regional Business Alliance plays a critical role in economic development and job creation in the Pikes Peak Region,” Mayor John Suthers said in support. “I'm confident the name change for the organization will serve to enhance its identity locally and nationally as the organization who plays that role in our community.” “This isn’t a decision we made lightly,” Draper stated. “We have consulted marketing and branding professionals, stakeholders and members. The unifying message they’ve told us is that ‘this is the right move, and now is the right time.’” The change will take place in conjunction with the launch of the Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance’s new website www.coloradospringschamberedc.com, which has been developed in consultation with Development Counsellors International. Updates… The annual Business and Industry Gala recently recognized companies and individuals making “Colorado Springs a great place to live and do business.” The 2016 award winners were: Pamela Shockley-Zalabak, Ph.D., Business Citizen of the Year; Altia Inc., Company of the Year; Lee Spirits Co., New Business of the Year; Blue Dot Place, Community Investment of the Year; and Hal Littrell, Military Affairs Award of Excellence.