The Chamber Bookends ”Boulder Green Streets” Event
Boulder Business Insider
Your source for insight to policy and politics
affecting Boulder’s business community
End of Summer 2010 Issue
Chamber Website Video Magazine Advocacy News & Events Podcast Twitter
Save the Date: Esprit Entrepreneur Awards Dinner Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Front Burner
Chamber Hosts Forum
on Health Insurance Reform
It has been five months since Congress passed and the president signed national health insurance reform. For the first time, those with employer-sponsored health insurance through large companies will be able to keep their adult children on their plans until age 26 regardless of their kids’ educational status, and workers generally won’t have to worry about lifetime or annual limits on coverage when enrollment opens for 2011 benefits. Smaller companies have tax credits and other options but they may face higher out-of-pocket costs as medical inflation continues to climb and as the healthcare-overhaul law’s provisions start to take effect.
The Chamber is hosting a forum to discuss the impacts on businesses with Lorez Meinhold, Director of Health Reform Implementation and Senior Health Policy Analyst for the State of Colorado & Joel Rosenblum, Legislative Chair of the Colorado Association of Health Underwriters.
WHY DO WE CARE?
Health care costs have been consistently ranked by Chamber members as an issue of concern in our annual surveys; the complexity and scope of changes that have occurred and are yet to be implemented has led to confusion and uncertainty. Our goal is to provide Chamber members with the latest information from the officials and experts dealing with the reform issue every day.
VIPs in the AM forum
sponsored by the experts at
Health Insurance Reform Update
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
7:30 – 9:00 AM
Boulder Chamber Center
2440 Pearl Street, Boulder
Cost: Included in membership; $25 for future members
The Chamber Bookends ”Boulder Green Streets” Event
Boulder Business Insider
Your source for insight to policy and politics
affecting Boulder’s business community
End of Summer 2010 Issue
Chamber Website Video Magazine Advocacy News & Events Podcast Twitter
Save the Date: Esprit Entrepreneur Awards Dinner Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Front Burner
Chamber Hosts Forum
on Health Insurance Reform
It has been five months since Congress passed and the president signed national health insurance reform. For the first time, those with employer-sponsored health insurance through large companies will be able to keep their adult children on their plans until age 26 regardless of their kids’ educational status, and workers generally won’t have to worry about lifetime or annual limits on coverage when enrollment opens for 2011 benefits. Smaller companies have tax credits and other options but they may face higher out-of-pocket costs as medical inflation continues to climb and as the healthcare-overhaul law’s provisions start to take effect.
The Chamber is hosting a forum to discuss the impacts on businesses with Lorez Meinhold, Director of Health Reform Implementation and Senior Health Policy Analyst for the State of Colorado & Joel Rosenblum, Legislative Chair of the Colorado Association of Health Underwriters.
WHY DO WE CARE?
Health care costs have been consistently ranked by Chamber members as an issue of concern in our annual surveys; the complexity and scope of changes that have occurred and are yet to be implemented has led to confusion and uncertainty. Our goal is to provide Chamber members with the latest information from the officials and experts dealing with the reform issue every day.
VIPs in the AM forum
sponsored by the experts at
Health Insurance Reform Update
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
7:30 – 9:00 AM
Boulder Chamber Center
2440 Pearl Street, Boulder
Cost: Included in membership; $25 for future members
Seating is limited, RSVP today to Dan Powers
303-442-1044 xt 122
The Chamber Bookends “Boulder Green Streets” Event
The Chamber’s location at 2440 Pearl will be the east end of Boulder’s first “Ciclovia” event. On Sunday, September 19, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM join fellow Green Streets enthusiasts as shops open up, activity zones provide games and events and live music shares the space with vendors and food booths from 15th Street all the way to Folsom.
Boulder Green Streets is modeled on international bike-and outdoor activity-oriented events that promote active, healthy, sustainable communities. The free event is targeted at all ages and no bicycle is required – it is a great opportunity to gather and find great deals exploring the businesses along a stretch of downtown Boulder without vehicles – a nearly 20-block pedestrian and bike mall!
Click here to learn more.
Listen to our Insider podcast interview about Boulder Green Streets with Hillary Griffith.
The Big Picture
Chamber Leading
Collaborative Local Effort to
Oppose Measures 60, 61, 101
In June the Boulder Chamber Board voted to formally oppose Amendments 60 & 61 and Proposition 101 on the November statewide ballot. Since then we have been contacting dozens of Boulder County civic, social and business organizations to share concerns and spread the word to our various constituencies and members about the harsh potential impacts if these measures are passed. In short, the measures would limit and/or change government financing mechanisms in a way we cannot support as being healthy or responsible for Colorado’s and Boulder’s economy. Please contact Dan Powers at 303-442-1044 xt 122 to participate and share your organization’s concerns.
We can understand the sentiment behind these measures and the easy allure of “lower taxes” however the manner in which these measures would decimate programs across Colorado’s communities is too harsh to support. Read the Chamber Board’s press release re: our opposition.
What This Means To Chamber Members:
From school budgets and infrastructure projects to program cuts and increased fees to make up for lost tax revenue, the scope of potential impacts to Chamber members is immense. Save the Date! We will be holding a joint press conference on Tuesday, October 5, 12:00 PM with numerous partner organizations to highlight the wide spectrum of impacts to the community if these pass. (Location TBD) Read more in the Denver Business Journal.
More Boulder City and County Tax Measures Approved for Ballot
Boulder voters will have five tax-related measures to decide this November:
two within the City, two County-wide and one regarding the Boulder Valley School District.
Boulder City Ballot Issue 2A would increase Boulder’s accommodations tax on nightly hotel stays from 5.5% to 7.5%. This additional $2 per $100 would provide an estimated additional $1 million to the city’s general fund, with a non-binding yet stated intention that a portion of the revenues would be directed each year to the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau. Issue 2B taxes utility providers $4.1 million/yr for 5 years; designed as a replacement tax for the lost Franchise Fee. Read more.
Boulder County Issue 1A would raise property taxes .9 mills for 5 years to help replace lost state funds that provide for human services programs. Issue 1B would create a 20-year 0.15% sales and use tax to fund the County Open Space program. Read more.
The Boulder Valley School District is asking for a variable mil levy increase to cover 25% of operations over the next five years. Read more.
What This Means To Chamber Members:
Depending on your business activities these ballot measures may affect you or your clients’ cost of doing business in Boulder. The Chamber Board will be analyzing these issues and will consider taking formal positions on each in September. Please share your concerns with Dan Powers at 303-442-1044 xt 122.
Building A Strong Local Economy
Innovative Technology Tax Credits Available
In 2009 the Colorado State Legislature created the Colorado Innovation Investment Tax Credit (CIITC) for entities that make investments during calendar year 2010 in small, innovative Colorado companies that are involved in research and development or manufacturing of new technologies, processes, and/or products. The tax credit is equal to 15% of the investment up to a maximum tax credit of $20,000 for investments in any one business.
Approximately $450,000 remains available for this tax credit program.The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is responsible for implementing and managing this new program and requests for tax credits are processed on a first come, first serve basis. Investors and Boulder’s start-up community are encouraged to learn more here.
BEC Releases Valuable Local Economic Overview
Chamber members are encouraged to review the detail in the Boulder Economic Council’s important 2010 Boulder Economic Profile Report which includes comprehensive information on local population, employment and job growth, top industries and employers, employment by industry, employer size, average wages by industry and occupation, commuting patterns, GDP, cost of living, retail sales, commercial and residential real estate trends, venture capital investment and tourism.
Also available is the August Economic Indicators report including employment, commercial and residential real estate, retail sales tax collections, venture capital investment, consumer prices and business confidence metrics.
Comp Plan Focus Groups Convene
The 5-Year Major Update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan is now in Phase 2 which includes focus group meetings with various stakeholders including business owners and economic development experts. The Chamber staff, business owners, the Boulder Economic Council and several other business leaders have been part of detailed conversations regarding the Plan’s scope and themes.
The Comp Plan is jointly approved by the city and county and is primarily a guide to physical development and preservation of the Boulder Valley, however it also incorporates the economic, environmental and social values that help make Boulder a special place.
The next public hearing on the latest potential edits and updates will be on October 12, 2010 at a joint Boulder City Council/Boulder Planning Board meeting. More details.
DID YOU KNOW?
Boulder City Council is set to consider a proposed 2011 budget that holds expenditures at 2010 levels. The $230 million budget projects nearly flat revenues and only a 0.05 percent change in city spending. Council reviewed the city manager’s 2011 recommended budget at its Tuesday, Aug. 24, study session. According to City Manager Jane Brautigam, the city is proposing to restructure several programs and to reduce expenses based on a year-long analysis of programs and services, recommendations of citizen advisory boards, and direction from City Council. The combination of budget reductions and the reorganization will result in a net decrease of 19.74 full-time equivalent positions for 2011. Read more.
More You Should Know
Xcel Energy Franchise Update
On August 3 the Boulder City Council decided not to put a 20-year franchise renewal agreement with Xcel Energy on the November ballot. Xcel is required by state law to continue providing gas and electricity to all residents and businesses in Boulder, with or without a franchise. Your service, reliability and costs will not change.
However, the city will lose $4 million in annual franchise fees. A tax has been placed on the November ballot, Issue 2B. This tax, in essence, is designed to replace the franchise fee Xcel passed onto customers before. The Chamber Board will decide in September whether to formally take a position on this ballot measure. Read more.
Downtown Boulder Design Changes Discussed
Boulder City Council is considering first drafts of proposed changes in the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines and to the land use code. City staff has been analyzing potential changes based on 2008 City Council directives, particularly as it affects the “South of Downtown Area”.
The Chamber has sent a letter of concerns to City Council about the narrow scope and possible limiting and “downzoning” changes that could be approved for the SoDA. SoDA re
resents a significant redevelopment zone in Boulder; Council will revisit this topic on October 5. Read the Chamber’s letter.
Suggested Reading
The Regional Transportation District has released details to their projects, budget, route changes and much more in the RTD Report to the Region 2009 – 2010.
Boulder is rated the “brainiest city” by the Daily Beast, based on the percentage of local adults with degrees in science and computer math as well as the share of those with graduate and professional degrees. Read the article by Richard Florida.
The Camera newspaper, the longest operating business in downtown Boulder, will move from its home of 119 years following a sale of its building at 9th and Pearl to a Los Angeles-based development and investment firm. Details.
More Companies Explore Doing Business In China
The Chamber’s popular 501 Club Boulder forum for companies interested in expanding their options in global commerce is hosting visiting officials from China on Thursday, September 23, 4:30 – 7:00 PM.
In cooperation with the World Trade Center Denver, TradeRoots and sponsor Caplan & Earnest, this free social hour and panel discussion will cover Chinese market fundamentals and basics for doing business with officials from the PRC Embassy and several experts. Free; RSVP to Dan Powers at 303-442-1044 xt 122 for details.
We Are Your Voice
Thank you for supporting the Boulder Chamber!
Your membership supports our advocacy efforts to create a strong local economy.
Please contact us with your concerns and ideas and know we are working behind
the scenes on behalf of the entire business community every day.
Not a member yet?
Join today>>>
Sincerely,
Dan Powers
Community Affairs Manager
Boulder Chamber
303-442-1044 xt 122
dan.powers@boulderchamber.com
Boulder Business Insider podcast
Seating is limited, RSVP today to Dan Powers
303-442-1044 xt 122
The Chamber Bookends “Boulder Green Streets” Event
The Chamber’s location at 2440 Pearl will be the east end of Boulder’s first “Ciclovia” event. On Sunday, September 19, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM join fellow Green Streets enthusiasts as shops open up, activity zones provide games and events and live music shares the space with vendors and food booths from 15th Street all the way to Folsom.
Boulder Green Streets is modeled on international bike-and outdoor activity-oriented events that promote active, healthy, sustainable communities. The free event is targeted at all ages and no bicycle is required – it is a great opportunity to gather and find great deals exploring the businesses along a stretch of downtown Boulder without vehicles – a nearly 20-block pedestrian and bike mall!
Click here to learn more.
Listen to our Insider podcast interview about Boulder Green Streets with Hillary Griffith.
The Big Picture
Chamber Leading
Collaborative Local Effort to
Oppose Measures 60, 61, 101
In June the Boulder Chamber Board voted to formally oppose Amendments 60 & 61 and Proposition 101 on the November statewide ballot. Since then we have been contacting dozens of Boulder County civic, social and business organizations to share concerns and spread the word to our various constituencies and members about the harsh potential impacts if these measures are passed. In short, the measures would limit and/or change government financing mechanisms in a way we cannot support as being healthy or responsible for Colorado’s and Boulder’s economy. Please contact Dan Powers at 303-442-1044 xt 122 to participate and share your organization’s concerns.
We can understand the sentiment behind these measures and the easy allure of “lower taxes” however the manner in which these measures would decimate programs across Colorado’s communities is too harsh to support. Read the Chamber Board’s press release re: our opposition.
What This Means To Chamber Members:
From school budgets and infrastructure projects to program cuts and increased fees to make up for lost tax revenue, the scope of potential impacts to Chamber members is immense. Save the Date! We will be holding a joint press conference on Tuesday, October 5, 12:00 PM with numerous partner organizations to highlight the wide spectrum of impacts to the community if these pass. (Location TBD) Read more in the Denver Business Journal.
More Boulder City and County Tax Measures Approved for Ballot
Boulder voters will have five tax-related measures to decide this November:
two within the City, two County-wide and one regarding the Boulder Valley School District.
Boulder City Ballot Issue 2A would increase Boulder’s accommodations tax on nightly hotel stays from 5.5% to 7.5%. This additional $2 per $100 would provide an estimated additional $1 million to the city’s general fund, with a non-binding yet stated intention that a portion of the revenues would be directed each year to the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau. Issue 2B taxes utility providers $4.1 million/yr for 5 years; designed as a replacement tax for the lost Franchise Fee. Read more.
Boulder County Issue 1A would raise property taxes .9 mills for 5 years to help replace lost state funds that provide for human services programs. Issue 1B would create a 20-year 0.15% sales and use tax to fund the County Open Space program. Read more.
The Boulder Valley School District is asking for a variable mil levy increase to cover 25% of operations over the next five years. Read more.
What This Means To Chamber Members:
Depending on your business activities these ballot measures may affect you or your clients’ cost of doing business in Boulder. The Chamber Board will be analyzing these issues and will consider taking formal positions on each in September. Please share your concerns with Dan Powers at 303-442-1044 xt 122.
Building A Strong Local Economy
Innovative Technology Tax Credits Available
In 2009 the Colorado State Legislature created the Colorado Innovation Investment Tax Credit (CIITC) for entities that make investments during calendar year 2010 in small, innovative Colorado companies that are involved in research and development or manufacturing of new technologies, processes, and/or products. The tax credit is equal to 15% of the investment up to a maximum tax credit of $20,000 for investments in any one business.
Approximately $450,000 remains available for this tax credit program.The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is responsible for implementing and managing this new program and requests for tax credits are processed on a first come, first serve basis. Investors and Boulder’s start-up community are encouraged to learn more here.
BEC Releases Valuable Local Economic Overview
Chamber members are encouraged to review the detail in the Boulder Economic Council’s important 2010 Boulder Economic Profile Report which includes comprehensive information on local population, employment and job growth, top industries and employers, employment by industry, employer size, average wages by industry and occupation, commuting patterns, GDP, cost of living, retail sales, commercial and residential real estate trends, venture capital investment and tourism.
Also available is the August Economic Indicators report including employment, commercial and residential real estate, retail sales tax collections, venture capital investment, consumer prices and business confidence metrics.
Comp Plan Focus Groups Convene
The 5-Year Major Update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan is now in Phase 2 which includes focus group meetings with various stakeholders including business owners and economic development experts. The Chamber staff, business owners, the Boulder Economic Council and several other business leaders have been part of detailed conversations regarding the Plan’s scope and themes.
The Comp Plan is jointly approved by the city and county and is primarily a guide to physical development and preservation of the Boulder Valley, however it also incorporates the economic, environmental and social values that help make Boulder a special place.
The next public hearing on the latest potential edits and updates will be on October 12, 2010 at a joint Boulder City Council/Boulder Planning Board meeting. More details.
DID YOU KNOW?
Boulder City Council is set to consider a proposed 2011 budget that holds expenditures at 2010 levels. The $230 million budget projects nearly flat revenues and only a 0.05 percent change in city spending. Council reviewed the city manager’s 2011 recommended budget at its Tuesday, Aug. 24, study session. According to City Manager Jane Brautigam, the city is proposing to restructure several programs and to reduce expenses based on a year-long analysis of programs and services, recommendations of citizen advisory boards, and direction from City Council. The combination of budget reductions and the reorganization will result in a net decrease of 19.74 full-time equivalent positions for 2011. Read more.
More You Should Know
Xcel Energy Franchise Update
On August 3 the Boulder City Council decided not to put a 20-year franchise renewal agreement with Xcel Energy on the November ballot. Xcel is required by state law to continue providing gas and electricity to all residents and businesses in Boulder, with or without a franchise. Your service, reliability and costs will not change.
However, the city will lose $4 million in annual franchise fees. A tax has been placed on the November ballot, Issue 2B. This tax, in essence, is designed to replace the franchise fee Xcel passed onto customers before. The Chamber Board will decide in September whether to formally take a position on this ballot measure. Read more.
Downtown Boulder Design Changes Discussed
Boulder City Council is considering first drafts of proposed changes in the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines and to the land use code. City staff has been analyzing potential changes based on 2008 City Council directives, particularly as it affects the “South of Downtown Area”.
The Chamber has sent a letter of concerns to City Council about the narrow scope and possible limiting and “downzoning” changes that could be approved for the SoDA. SoDA re
resents a significant redevelopment zone in Boulder; Council will revisit this topic on October 5. Read the Chamber’s letter.
Suggested Reading
The Regional Transportation District has released details to their projects, budget, route changes and much more in the RTD Report to the Region 2009 – 2010.
Boulder is rated the “brainiest city” by the Daily Beast, based on the percentage of local adults with degrees in science and computer math as well as the share of those with graduate and professional degrees. Read the article by Richard Florida.
The Camera newspaper, the longest operating business in downtown Boulder, will move from its home of 119 years following a sale of its building at 9th and Pearl to a Los Angeles-based development and investment firm. Details.
More Companies Explore Doing Business In China
The Chamber’s popular 501 Club Boulder forum for companies interested in expanding their options in global commerce is hosting visiting officials from China on Thursday, September 23, 4:30 – 7:00 PM.
In cooperation with the World Trade Center Denver, TradeRoots and sponsor Caplan & Earnest, this free social hour and panel discussion will cover Chinese market fundamentals and basics for doing business with officials from the PRC Embassy and several experts. Free; RSVP to Dan Powers at 303-442-1044 xt 122 for details.
We Are Your Voice
Thank you for supporting the Boulder Chamber!
Your membership supports our advocacy efforts to create a strong local economy.
Please contact us with your concerns and ideas and know we are working behind
the scenes on behalf of the entire business community every day.
Not a member yet?
Join today>>>
Sincerely,
Dan Powers
Community Affairs Manager
Boulder Chamber
303-442-1044 xt 122
dan.powers@boulderchamber.com
Boulder Business Insider podcast
The city manager Jane Brautigan is excellent and communicates well as does the city communications head Patrick Vonkeiserling. Previous managers had a long standing war going on with us. Those combative actions have long ago ceased so we see no point in our reporters spinning their personal attacks as news. End.
