Colorado Chamber Office Hours

This week on Colorado Chamber Office Hours, host Ed Sealover responds to Colorado’s recent decline in national business rankings by examining both the challenges facing employers and the advantages driving growth along the Front Range for economic development.David Worley, president and CEO of Denver South, discusses "Yes. And… Colorado," a new report that presents a more complete picture of state of Denver’s South Metro area economy. Worley highlights competitive strengths, including a deep pool of STEM talent, the ability to retain skilled workers and the benefits of approaching the Front Range as a connected economy.Kami Welch, president and CEO of the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, offers a local perspective on current economic conditions, how community attitudes are shaping development and the importance of demonstrating how business growth benefits residents.Tune in for a closer look at what business rankings may overlook, the challenges Colorado must address and the strengths the state can build on to remain competitive.Read the Denver South report here: https://yesandcolorado.com/

This week on Colorado Chamber Office Hours, we conclude our 2026 election series with candid interviews focused on how three candidates for governor would approach the issues affecting Colorado businesses.Host Ed Sealover speaks with Democratic candidate and Attorney General Phil Weiser, Republican candidate Victor Marx and unaffiliated candidate Greg Lopez. They share their perspectives on energy costs, transportation, regulations, labor laws and health care, as well as how their leadership would differ from the current administration.Tune in for a closer look at the challenges facing Colorado employers and how each candidate would work to improve the state’s business environment if elected.

This week on Colorado Chamber Office Hours, host Ed Sealover breaks down two competing measures on Colorado’s November ballot. Amendment 87 would replace the state’s flat income tax with a graduated structure, while Proposition 136 would cap the income tax rate at 4.4% for individuals and corporations.Chris deGruy Kennedy, president and CEO of the Bell Policy Center, explains why he believes a graduated income tax is necessary to address Colorado’s revenue needs and fund state services. Kristi Burton Brown, executive vice president of the Advance Colorado Institute, discusses why limiting future income tax increases would give employers greater certainty and help Colorado remain competitive.Tune in for a closer look at the competing proposals and what each could mean for Colorado businesses, taxpayers and the state’s economy.

This week on Colorado Chamber Office Hours, host Ed Sealover is joined by Kat Saunders, partner and head of strategy and leadership at Economic Leadership, to discuss a new Colorado Chamber Foundation report examining the future of Colorado’s aerospace and defense industry.Their conversation explores the industry’s importance to Colorado’s economy, Colorado’s competitive strengths, the importance of an end-to-end ecosystem and how other states are competing for new investment. Saunders also offers guidance on how companies can advocate effectively for the industry.Read the Chamber’s industry report here: https://cochamber.com/2026/09/10/new-report-highlights-colorado-aerospace-and-defense-strengths-calls-for-action-to-sustain-competitiveness/ 

This week on Colorado Chamber Office Hours, host Ed Sealover explores Colorado’s unique place in the national political landscape with veteran political strategist Donna Brazile. Sealover and Brazile discuss partisan politics, Colorado’s elections and economic policy. The conversation also dives into recent shifts within the Democratic and Republican parties, the 2028 presidential election and whether a Colorado politician could emerge on the national stage.Interested in hearing more from Brazile? Join us at the Colorado Chamber’s Annual Meeting, where she is this year’s keynote speaker: https://cochamber.com/event/2026-annual-meeting/