‐1‐  

Board Minutes June 9, 2017 

10‐11:30 a.m. 

 Board Retreat Location: Colorado Office of Economic Development & Intl. Trade 1625 Broadway, Ste. 2700, Denver, CO 80202  Present: Jacob Castillo, Michelle Claymore, Katelin Cook, Tammy Fields, Kelly Flenniken, John Hall, Sandy Head, Kittie Hook, Johanna Jamison, SeonAh Kendall, Laura Lewis Marchino, Rachel Lunney, Meridith Marshall, Kristi Pollard, Scott Prestidge, Jeremy Rietmann, Kirk Scheitler, Ryan Stevens, Greg Thomason, Allison Trembly, Carolynne White, Kim Woodworth, Ryan Stachelski (Public Policy Chair)  Guests Present: N/A 

  

I. Call to Order 

Meeting was called to order by board chair, John Hall  

II. Approval of the May 12, 2017 Meeting Minutes 

VOTE: **Did not meet quorum, unable to vote at June 9 board meeting. Vote will be made at July 14 board meeting. 

 III. Approval of April Financials 

April 2017 Monthly Financial Report: (Accrual Reporting) 

Balance Sheet: - Total assets and liabilities ‐ $173,681 

Income Statement: - Total income – $11,161 - Total expenses – $8,178 - Net income from operations – $2,983 

YTD 2017 Financial Report: 

Balance Sheet: - Total assets and liabilities – $173,681 

Income Statement: - Total income – $122,650 - Total expenses – $31,047 - Net income from operations – $91,603 

 IV. Approval of May Financials 

May 2017 Monthly Financial Report: (Accrual Reporting) 

Balance Sheet: - Total assets and liabilities ‐ $198,131 

Income Statement: - Total income – $30,917 - Total expenses – $7,521 - Net income from operations – $23,450 

‐2‐  

YTD 2017 Financial Report: 

Balance Sheet: - Total assets and liabilities – $198,131 

Income Statement: - Total income – $154,121 - Total expenses – $38,568 - Net income from operations – $115,554 

 

NO VOTE: **Did not meet quorum, unable to vote at June 9 board meeting. Vote will be made at July 14 board meeting. 

 V. Operations Director Report: 

Website: 

1. Working on design elements 

2. There will be an interactive tour once members login. This will help guide them through what’s 

new on the site and hopefully be able to market the “interest groups.” 

Project Report Attached 

 

Economic Development Week Report: 

1. Applied for IEDC’s Innovation in Economic Development Week Award.  

Award Application Attached 

 

Events Attended (business retention/strategic partners): 

1. CDFA Roundtable, moderated JumpStart panel 

‐ I want to thank those that participated; Kristi, Tammy, and John 

‐ We have an incredible relationship with CDFA which is bringing a lot of value to our 

members. Hopefully next year we can more to attend. 

2. Downtown Colorado Inc. (DCI) Downtown Institute in Parachute, CO 

‐ Attended to gain knowledge of these events and see how we can use our strategic 

relationship in our regionals. We learned about: 

‐ Tools for Downtown Revitalization 

‐ Moving Beyond Boom and Bust 

‐ Building Collaborative Regional Partnerships 

‐ World Café: Interactive Activity 

‐ Economic Development on the Scale of Small Business 

3. Western Slope Economic Summit 

 

Administrative: 

‐ Accountant filed 2016’s 990 

‐ IEDC Accreditation for both the regional forum’s and DLS Conf. into perpetuity 

‐ 5/2: Sent Preliminary Agenda/Press Release re: Regional Forum 

‐ 5/2: Sent Public Policy Update: Bill Positions 

‐ 5/4: Sent EDCC Insights 

‐ 5/10: Economic Development Week Announcement 

‐ 5/16: Forum Evite registration push 

‐ 5/18: DLS Speaker Announcement – Chris Knight, FDI and CDFA pre‐conference workshop 

‐ 5/31: DLS Early‐bird last chance to save! Registration push 

‐3‐  

Regional Forum Update: 

1. Presenting Sponsorship – Upstate Colorado, Ft. Collins, Windsor, OEDIT 

2. Gold Sponsorship – Colorado Office of Film, Television & Media, Northern Colorado 

Economic Alliance 

3. Platinum Sponsorship –  Poudre Valley REA, Metro Denver EDC, Colorado Workforce 

Development Council – Sector Partnerships 

4. Media Trade – Loveland Reporter Herald 

Registrations (as of 6/3): 163 Attendees 

DLS Conference: 

Sponsorship Update: 

Title Sponsor: Xcel Energy Platinum Sponsor: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Gold Sponsor: Colorado Workforce Development Council/Colorado Companies to Watch, Metro Denver EDC, City of Trinidad Tuesday Evening Sponsor: Tri‐State Generation and Transmission Association Silver Sponsors: OEDIT – Minority Business Office and City of Westminster, Vital  for Colorado, Black Hills Energy  Session Break Sponsor #1: CU Boulder Session Break Sponsor #2: CHFA Economic  Development  Partners:  Town  of  Vail,  Lakewood  Economic  Development,  Arvada Economic Development, Town of Gypsum, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, Town of Parker, City of Centennial Economic Development Supporters: Development Research Partners, Colorado State University – Office of Engagement, Castle Rock EDC, Northern Colorado EDA, Sewald & Hanfling, Morgan County, Beck Building Company, NMPP Energy  **Ones highlighted in red are new 

 Registration and Hotel Reservations are live 

‐ Early‐bird rate is good through June 1st, save $50 on registration ‐ Reserve your hotel room 

 Speakers secured: 

‐ Mayor Chapin, Town of Vail  ‐ Stephanie Copeland, Executive Director, OEDIT  ‐ Jeff Kraft, Director, Business Funding and Incentives, OEDIT ‐ Chris Knight, FDI Intelligence ‐ Luis Benitez, Director – Outdoor Recreation Industry, OEDIT ‐ David Dragoo, President, MayFly Outdoors ‐ Sarah Shrader, Chief Administrative Officer/Owner, Bonsai Design  ‐ David Leinweber, Anglers Covey, Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance,  ‐ Clif Harald Boulder Economic Council ‐ Nels Wroe, Enablement Director, SHL Talent Measurement Solutions ‐ Curtis Englehart, Mesa County Workforce Center ‐ DCI Representative ‐ Becky Safarik, Assistant City Manager, City of Greeley  

‐ Maureen Phair, Executive Director Arvada Urban Renewal Authority  

‐ Josh Birks, Economic Health Director, City of Fort Collins  

‐ Andrew Walvood, Vice President, Greenline Ventures  

‐ Andy Miller, Co‐Founder and Partner Copley Equity Partners  

‐4‐  

‐ Frank Lancaster, Estes Park Town Administrator  

‐ David Spector, Director Colorado High Performance Transportation Enterprise ‐ Morgan Cullen, Legislative and Policy Advocate, Colorado Municipal League ‐ Jesse Silverstein, Vice President & Senior Economist, Development Research Partners ‐ Tom Clark to MC EDIE Awards 

 VI. Committees Update and Follow‐up on Board Retreat Action Items: 

Data Committee: Meridith Marshall  ‐ First data committee was held this month. Those in attendance was Elizabeth Garner, 

DOLA; Laura Blomquist, OEDIT; Meridith Marshall, OEDIT ‐ Discussing funding mechanism and procedural process for the data committee 

Membership Value Committee: Sandy Head(not in attendance) No Report 

Communications Committee: Allison Trembly (not in attendance) No Report 

Professional Development Committee: Michelle Claymore ‐ BEDC Registration: 26 students and a few new speakers which made for a great class ‐ Stephanie Troller and Stewart Meek are working on the mentorship breakfast at the DLS 

conference, more to come on this 

Public Policy Committee: Ryan Stachelski (not in attendance, Kim reported) Next meeting scheduled for June 23, meeting agenda: 1. Any 2017 legislative follow up 2. Discuss next steps on Airport passenger fee 3. Broadband easements in lieu of payment (think of them like conservation easements‐ 

people could get a tax credit for a commercial broadband easement instead of getting paid) 

4. Changing cottage food law to allow for sales to local retailers and restaurants 5. Agricultural development grant similar to Virginia’s AFID program: 

http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/agriculture‐afid‐facility‐grants.shtml 6. 6.Discuss summer work plan 7. Discuss summer schedule  

VII. Other items Board discussed and agreed to have a short meeting in July to meet the needs of everyone’s busy schedules. The board urged everyone to be in attendance in order to approve minutes and financials from the past few months.  

VIII. Adjourn ‐ John Hall adjourned the meeting at 11:30 a.m. ‐ The next meeting – July 14, 2017, from 10‐11:30 a.m., at the Colorado Office of Economic 

Development & Intl. Trade, 1625 Broadway, Ste. 2700, Denver CO 80202  

PROJECT DETAILRECAP AND REVIEW - POST SPRINT

Created June 2017

Prepared for E.D.C.C.

Represent Interactive specializes in non-profit and organizational websites, marketing, and digital services. We provide website design for award-winning EDO sites such as Denver South Economic Development Partnership and the Denver South Transportation Management Authority. We provide online advertisments, search engine optimization, flyer and banner design, social media management & marketing, along with a host of other advertising and agency relevant services. We provide these services for a lower cost that conforms to the budgets of non-profit 501(c)3, 501(c)4, NGO, and other proffe-sional groups and organizations.

Additional services on staff include grant-writing and research specialists, copy writers and editing, online public relations, event services, and video streaming and production.

INTROMAINTENANCE PROJECTAbout Represent Interactive

Google DesignerGoogle HTML5DoubleClick AdvertiserAmerican Grant Writing AssociationGoogle VPAIDDoubleClick Dynamic CreativeGoogle AnalyticsGoogle Tag ManagerGoogle AdWords

Certificationshttp://royalgorgebridge.comhttp://denversouthedp.orghttp://denversouthtma.orghttp://standwithnativestudents.orghttp://glendeveron.comhttp://sevenfalls.comhttp://bluemodus.comhttp://albertvein.comhttp://fertilityresearch.orghttp://learntoskateusa.comhttp://naturagetsitdone.comhttp://visionstreetwear.comhttps://www3.bacardi.com/us/en/heritage/http://simsnow.comhttp://radiofreeamerica.comhttp://representinteractive.comhttp://airwalk.comhttp://nomas.orghttp://sbdawg.org http://nationaldogrescuenetwork.org

Recent Projects

MAINTENANCE PROJECT

The EDCC website at EDCCOnline.com suffered a Malware / Hacking attempt late last year. While initial malware was cleaned, there were significant issues remaining in the corrupted database of the WordPress site. These information issues were escalating and manifesting as dramatic slowdowns on both the front-end and administrative back-end of the website, as well as sporadic data loss and the dropping of tables from the MySQL database.

Additionally, the systems in place were chained together in a way that made the website more vulnerable to attacks. Unregistered plugins such as Wordfence for security and backup utility programs were using free versions that were not recieving crucial security updates.

This document will detail the phase 1 efforts that have already occured, and phase 2 efforts that are suggested.

In phase 1 we moved the server to a new host, one not susceptible to hacks and malware. This had the benefit of cleaning the rest of the malware from the site, however corrupted database tables had to be restored in order to maintain normal operation, speed up the malware-cause lag, and fix the data tables for future use.

phase 1 planAdditionally, it is suggested that the current mem-bership plugin, users+, is removed and the functions switched to a more automated and functional utility (such as buddypress or similar). The current utility is ineligant in terms of automation and compromised by malware. It is also price prohibitive, requiring a yearly user licensing fee of $239 per year.

phase 2 plan

RECAPMAINTENANCE PROJECTWhy was this neccessary?

project step 1MigrationThe migration of server was neccessary in order to remove plugins that were subscription based, but cost prohib-itive as long term solutions. The plugins were not recieving full security patches as they were the free versions of subscriptions that alltogether would cost around $360 (approx) per year. While the free versions are functional, they do not provide full support and as such make the server even more vulnerable to attack. WPEngine provides a WordPress-only environment with managed security to prevent all hacks and malware attempts in perpetuity. While the monthly hosting is more expensive ($25 per month as opposed to $14), the security, backup, and stag-ing capabilities save much more than this, with savings quickly realized.

project step 2Database FixesThe corrupted databases were preventing form data to be sent and stored in the system. This is a critical fault that needed to be immediately addressed. Specifically, the cause of the data lapses was not just the previous malware infestation, but the use of multiple redirect plugins and Users Ultra (the membership plugin) having made changes to the MySQL database. Specifically, the Auto Increment option in primary keys were unchecked as a result of a plugin request. Restoring this option to key tables restored function to the database and now forms are, by appearances, working again.

*Represent Interactive is not a software engineering firm, so our modifications fixed the issue, but should further issues redevelop, a WordPress SQL specialist may be required.

Server TransferMove the site to a new, more secure serverRemove malware and insecure pluginsRepair form databaseMove Domain Name and restore ownership of domain to EDCC (from previous agency)Automate email systems by implementing cloud storageEstablish a staging server for site updates that wiuld not affect live and implement backup functions

PROJECT DETAILSPHASE 1 (complete)Platform Fixes

Hours Produced: 9 hours

project step 1Membership DatabaseImplementing a new membership database portal will require exporting all current forms, members and docu-ments to a new, more streamlined function. BuddyPress is a platform compatible woth WordPress which allows for a more intuitive directory and eliminates the need for redirects and other systems that slow down the overall workflow and remove scalable cabailities from future updates. The addition of a staging server means this new platform can be established and tested outside of the site while developed, but integrated into all functions of the current site when complete.

project step 2CRM and AutomationAutomation services will identify key elements of current manual workflow and develop automated responses and functions to complete these tasks. Things like Membership updates, event calendar functions, reciepts, RSVP capability and newsletters will all combine into a singular format using a CRM service (Presumably Mailchimp as it is generally free).

Membership Directory ReplacementReplace Users Ultra with a more relevant members database (Complete)Establish CRM automation in the system (Complete)Develop auto-response templates (Complete)Upgrade key site functions to integrate CRM (Complete)Remove PayPal and implement single payment system (Authorize.net) (Complete)Develop additional automations to reduce the workload of administrator

PROJECT DETAILSPHASE 2 (complete)Upgrades and Automation

Hours Estimated: 18 hours

New WebsitePurposeThe new website, while not part of the original plan, became neccessary as a result of continued issues with Mal-ware stemming from an intrusion in Q4 2016. While database elements have been cleaned from Malware and moved to a more secure setting, there are lingering issues of database corruption stemming from the issue. Due to this, the age of the site, and some of the limitations relevant to the old structure and new membership data-base, a new website was developed. Based on some of the identified digital goals of the EDCC, a new website suited to promoting enganced membership resources and new functions was identified as the best way to meet those goals. Because of the focus on Economic Development by Represent, we offered the website at an 80% discount to use as profile piece for our 5th Economic Development website.

Website BenefitsNew Sliders and imagery offering a visual “tour of Colorado” with a diverse set of imageryParalax image treatment to add depth to the websiteCourseware allowing for EDCC and potentially members to create online courses A new job board engine for members to post jobs relevant to their organizationA new events engine offering new features like custom event pages, enhanced online ticket sales, auto-map-ping, follow up emails to attendees, follow-up emails to no-shows, and many more. Visual builder that allows EDCC staff to change, update, and add to the website visually from the front-end26 automated emails to manage things such as subscription reminders, payment confirmations, automated reciepts, new message alerts, new group alerts, event confirmations and etc. New features such as Groups, Committees, Forums, Activity Walls, and other social features to encourage dis-course and collaboration between members, committees and etc.

PROJECT DETAILSPHASE 3 (80% Complete)New Website / Upgrade

StatusWhere we areThe website base has been completed and is currently being optimized for a ‘soft-launch’ where communications committee members will have access to review new site features, functions, and workflows, and make sug-gestions / requests for any changes necessary in creating the perfect website for the EDCC. Soft-launch / beta program will go into effect next week.

720.278.0797303.842.8746

Denver, Colorado

bryon@representinteractive

www.RepresentInteractive.com

4

2017 IEDC EXCELLENCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS ENTRY FORM CHECKLIST

PLEASE COMPLETE AND INCLUDE ONE COPY WITH YOUR ENTRY PACKET:

This entry contains a multimedia component to be viewed by judges. Audio Quantity: Description: Video Quantity: Description:

This entry falls into one of the following categories (#11-13): o General Purpose Website o Special Purpose Website o New Media

Website URL, if required:

Please note: only categories 11, 12, and 13  are judged online. All other categories are judged without internet access and should not include active URLs in applications.

I included 5 copies of the entry form (pages 6-9) and supplemental information. Please note: only one copy of the payment form - page 5 - is required.

I included an electronic copy of my entry and supplemental material on a USB flash drive. Please note: electronic copies will not be accepted on CD. I reviewed the judging criteria including the 3 year requirement for most Program categories.

*INCLUDE ONE COPY OF THIS PAGE WITH YOUR APPLICATION(S).

5

2017 IEDC EXCELLENCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS PAYMENT FORM

NAME: TITLE: ORGANIZATION ADDRESS 1: TELEPHONE: ADDRESS 2: FAX: CITY/STATE/ZIP: EMAIL:

Category Quantity Category Quantity 1. General Purpose Print Brochure 13. New Media

2. Special Purpose Print Brochure 14 Multi-Year ED 3. General Purpose Print Promotion

15. Business Retention & Expansion – Single Event

4. Video/Multimedia Promotion 16.Business Retention & Expansion – Program 3 Years or more 5. Annual Report 17. Entrepreneurship 6. Paid Ad Campaign 18. Neighborhood Development 7. Newsletter/Newspaper 19. Human Capital Program 8. Magazine 20.Sustainable & Green Development 9. Special Event 21. Real Estate Redevelopment & Reuse 10. Innovation in EDW 22. Public-Private Partnerships 11. General Purpose Website 23. Partnerships with Educational Institutions 12.Special Purpose Website 24. Regionalism & Cross-Border Collaboration

Community Population Size* < 25K 25-200K 200-500K > 500K Total:

* If projects from different population groups are submitted, please check all and explain on the back of this form.

Total Entries Submitted: @ $ ea. Total Fees Enclosed: $

PAYMENT METHOD Payment must be received with applications. Nominations will not be considered until payment is rendered. Fee is in U.S. dollars. Please note that Entry Fees are non-refundable.

Check/Money Order # payable to IEDC is enclosed. Charge Credit Card:

VISA MASTERCARD AMEX

Credit Card Number: Name on Card: Exp. Date: Signature: Date: *INCLUDE ONE COPY OF THIS PAGE WITH YOUR APPLICATION(S).

Entrants Dates Entry Fees Early IEDC Members Feb 13 – April 7 $110.00Early Non Members Feb 13 – April 7 $190.00 Regular Members April 8 – May 12 $165.00 Regular Non Members April 8 – May 12 $210.00 Entrants in Population Size < 25,000 Feb 13 – May 12 $110.00

6

2017 IEDC EXCELLENCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS ENTRY FORM

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM FOR EACH ENTRY. Include 5 hard copies and supplemental information with your submission.

ORGANIZATION/CITY/STATE:CONTACT NAME: EMAIL: PROJECT/PROGRAM NAME: ENTRY CATEGORY:

POPULATION CATEGORY: < 25K 25K-200K 200K-500K > 500K DATE PROJECT BEGAN: DATE OF COMPLETION (if applicable): PROJECT BUDGET (Excluding Personnel): Enter website URL for categories 11 & 12:

ENTRY CATEGORY:

Promotional Award Categories 1-10 – See Sheet A (page 10) Internet and New Media Categories 11-13 – See Sheet B (page 11) Program Award Categories 14-21 – See Sheet C (page 12-13) Partnership Award Categories 22-24 – See Sheet D (page 14)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This section is intended to provide an overview of the project. Please keep answers to each question under 1,200 characters (including spaces). 1. Please provide a brief description of the project. If it is part of a larger project or campaign, please briefly

give an overview of the larger campaign as well. *INCLUDE PAGES 6-9 WITH YOUR APPLICATION (5 COPIES).

1. Please provide a brief description of the project. If it is part of a larger project or campaign, please briefly give

an overview of the larger campaign as well.

Economic Development Week (EDW) is a campaign designed to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs,

advance career development opportunities and increase the quality of life. EDW is a nationwide campaign that consists of

online activities designed to highlight the importance of economic development taking place in the United States.

The mission for both Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Economic

Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) is to increase awareness and economic prosperity for Colorado. OEDIT and

EDCC teamed up this year to promote EDW. OEDIT created an Economic Development Toolkit that was specific to

Colorado to help economic development organizations with their campaign promotions.

Campaign elements also included a press release from Colorado’s Governor pronouncing Economic Development Week

in both a video and Proclamation, a blog from the director of OEDIT on LinkedIn, and a social media campaign populated

by economic development organizations from around the state.

2. What is the goal or purpose of this project or promotion?

The goal of this promotion is to market and educate the importance of economic development organizations in our

communities around our state. We used this opportunity to bring together our economic development community, give

them a platform to share their economic development success stories and best practices, and elevate their work within

their communities. We have found that through this type of collaboration that communities find new solutions, resources,

and tools that will help their communities thrive.

3. What is the impact of the project? How effective has it been in furthering economic development in your

community? Identify any tangible and/or intangible results and value added.

During the EDW, we earned top engagement on Twitter reaching over 224 followers and increased our engagement on

Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Total combined impressions (FB, Twitter, LinkedIn): 202,285

Total combined reach (FB, Twitter, LinkedIn): 8,447

Campaign examples below

Media pick up:

Pueblo Chieftain

http://www.chieftain.com/business/local/economic-development-week/article_4f7a67ee-36ca-11e7-95a4-

278b349f9732.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

Barn Onair & Online

https://brianallmerradionetwork.wordpress.com/2017/05/04/05-04-17-co-oedit-economic-development-week-may-8-13-

governors-message-and-proclamation/

Blog on ChooseColorado.com

http://choosecolorado.com/colorado-pulse/category/blog/

Email blasts about Economic Development Week had an average open rate of 34% and a click rate of 14%. We sent three

email blasts to lists of 3,000 people.

4. Is this project replicable or transferable? Can it be adapted for use in other communities? What lessons have

been learned?

Our project can be adapted for other communities by engaging their state and regional organizations as well as their state-

wide industry associations.

Lessons learned from our first campaign, would be to start the promotion earlier, engaging them by using the proper

hashtags and tags (@ColoradoEcoDevo and @EDCofCO).

5. Who are the participants in this project? What roles did they take in planning/implementation? Who is

affected?

Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT), Economic Development Council of

Colorado (EDCC), and Economic Development Organizations around the state were involved in this promotion.

OEDIT implemented and designed the Colorado-specific Toolkit, created the base line for engagement, engaged the

Governor by writing and signing the Proclamation and created a YouTube video in which the Governor was highlighted,

and wrote and sent the press release kicking off the activities for the week.

EDCC sent campaign communications to its membership, strategic partners, elected officials, and marketing channels.

EDCC helped keep the spirit alive during the week.

6. In what ways is this project innovative or creative?

The campaign focused on OEDIT’s recent study on resiliency in rural communities in Colorado. The purpose of this

comprehensive study was to analyze factors that affect a community’s resiliency to economic challenges. There were five

factors that were concluded that foster a healthy economic climate despite an economic downturn. Those factors are 1)

community vision, 2) community leadership to foster and champion the vision, 3) industry diversity, 4) public/private

partnerships, and 5) access to education, healthcare, and transportation. Each day of the campaign, we asked EDO’s to

share their story on social media that encompassed one or all of these factors.

Link to the Resiliency Study: http://choosecolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Resiliency-Study.pdf

7. Are there any other relevant details not covered above or specific to your category?

N/A

Supplemental material below:

First Press Release:

Celebrate National Economic Development Week May 8-13

Download the Colorado Planning Toolkit Today

April 7, 2017

Dear Esteemed Colleagues:

This year the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is

partnering with the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) to celebrate the work of

local economic developers like you during National Economic Development Week, May 8-13.

National Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development

Council with the goal of increasing awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career

development opportunities and improve quality of life.

Economic Development Week is an ideal time to bring supporters in your community together to

learn about programs your economic development office offers. It is also a great time to share

successes your EDO has seen in the prior year. Here are a few reasons why you may want to

create a special Economic Development Week campaign for your community:

Recognition by your community of achievements with economic development

Exposure of the economic development industry as a driving force behind local economies

Highlight interaction between economic development organizations and community members

To assist with your planning, OEDIT has created a Colorado-specific Economic Development Week

Toolkit, which includes:

Links to sample proclamations which can be passed by your local leadership to help recognize your work

Links to sample press release which you may download, modify and distribute

Sample blog you can customize and post on your website

Sample social media posts and contest information There are additional resources available on the International Economic Development Council

website at iedconline.org.

We encourage you to connect and celebrate with your peers through social media. Use the

hashtag #econdevweek or #edw2017 and tag @ColoradoEcoDevo whenever posting on your

channels and make sure to participate in OEDIT's Facebook contest to win some great prizes.

We also want to take a moment to thank you for the tireless work you do to make Colorado

vibrant. We know that economic developers like yourself promote economic well-being and

quality of life for your communities by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate

growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. We thank you for your continued

collaboration and partnership with the State and we look forward to our continued success.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Copeland, Executive Director

Download the Colorado Economic Development Week Toolkit here.

NatioNal EcoNomic dEvElopmENt wEEk toolkit may 8-13, 2017

2017 NatioNal ecoNomic developmeNt

week

toolkitCOLORADO

#ecoNdevweek #edw2017may 8-13, 2017

Brought to you By the iNterNatioNal ecoNomic developmeNt couNcil

NatioNal EcoNomic dEvElopmENt wEEk toolkit may 8-13, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About National Economic Development Week........................................2

Sample Advertisements....................................................................3

Keep your EDW Campaign in the News................................................4

Colorado Strategy...........................................................................5

Campaign Elements........................................................................5

Colorado Themes for EDW................................................................5

Letter from OEDIT Executive Director...................................................6

Social Media Content and Example Posts.............................................8

Example Blog Post..........................................................................7

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2

Created by the International Economic Development Council, the goal of Economic Development Week (EDW) is to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities and increase the quality of life. The 2017 event dates are May 8-13. The following is a guide to help you plan and share information about events your community will host.

Economic Development Week is an ideal time to bring supporters in your community together to learn about programs your EDO offers. It is also a great time to share successes your EDO has seen in the prior year.

• organize: Invite local lawmakers, fellow economic developers and industry supporters, such asyour partners and sponsors.

• Show and tell: Heighten awareness and emphasize the importance and impacts of economicdevelopment in your community. Be creative. See some ideas your peers included in theiractivities.

• amplify: Invite local press to attend your gatherings to help increase exposure through storiesand interviews of your elected officials and your EDO’s CEO.

• Sample resolution: A document which can be passed by cities, counties, states and the federalgovernment to help recognize Economic Development Week. Sample resolutions are availablehere.

• Sample press release: A document that each business, community, etc. can distribute to localand regional press outlets. You can find this document here [available February 3].Here’s an example of how the Alaska Department of Commerce Community and EconomicDevelopment shared their Economic Development Week activities with the press.

• Sample advertisements: Official artwork for EDW, offered in several dimensions. Sample art isavailable here.

aBout NatioNal ecoNomic developmeNt week

rally for ecoNomic developmeNt

here are resources that will help you create visibility for your campaign:

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Sample advertisements (Download them here.)

MAY 8-132017

NATIONALECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENTWEEK

#EconDevWeekiedconline.org/edw

IEDC Presents:

Creating awareness for community programs

that increase the quality of life.

NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEKMAY 8-13, 2017#EconDevWeek

NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEKMAY 8-13

2017

International Economic Development Council Presents:

#EconDevWeekiedconline.org/edw

Creating awareness for community programs that increase the quality of life.

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Inviting local media to your economic development week event is only the beginning. You can highlight the importance of economic development through a variety of media outlets.

write a guest column for your community’s newspaper. here’s how:

• who should write: Elected and appointed officials or recognized local authorities. Examplesof relevant titles include governor, mayor, business leader, executive economic developer,board chairperson or other civic leader. If you don’t currently hold one of these titles, think ofsomeone who does and encourage them to write it. You might even ghost write it for them toensure the message is authentic to your EDOs brand.

• what to write: Messages should be current, easy to read and concise. They should alsoprovide compelling arguments on the benefits and necessities of economic development andwhat it has done for your business, community or state. Include case studies and other reallife examples to increase interest. IEDC’s strategic priorities for 2017 focus on creating andstrengthening regional economic development strategies and partnerships, and increasingeconomic opportunity for all.

keep your edw campaign in the News

more than 75 communities participated in 2016 - celebrate 2017 National economic development week!

want to do more? here are other ideas to increase communication about your campaign:

• Blog post: Ask to serve as a guest blogger during Economic Development Week and authora blog post. Topic examples include new project installations, awards and recognitions yourEDO received, program updates and new features and upcoming events you’ll offer after EDW,such as webinars and workshops. See blog examples from 2016. Virginia Economic DevelopersAssociation, Greater Portland, International Trade Administration and Metro Denver EconomicDevelopment Corporation.

• Blogger outreach: Reach out to local bloggers in your community who cover economicdevelopment and alert them to Economic Development Week and activities you have planned.Bloggers may be considered press. Consider offering them complimentary access to an eventin exchange for a followup story.

• Newsletter: Convey the importance of Economic Development Week and what it representswithin your organization’s regular communications or newsletter. Create an editorial calendarand include a series of articles to feature in your newsletter to build up anticipation.

• create a special video: Go all out – Create a special video with your elected official andeconomic development team. See this example created by St. Charles, Missouri.The City of Arvada, Colorado created this special video showcasing their Top 10 EconomicDevelopment Projects.

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Colorado has the number one economy in the nation,

let's show everyone why!

Goal: Promote the positive impact of economic development across Colorado by partnering with local EDCs to show how our collective effort is making Colorado's economy strong.

Campaign Elements Include:

• Governor Proclamation

• Letter from OEDIT Executive Director

• Example Blog Post

• Social Media Campaign

During Economic Development Week – Each day will have a “theme” based on the resiliency study:

• Monday – Public / Private Partnerships• Tuesday – Community Leadership• Wednesday – Industry Diversity• Thursday – Community Vision• Friday – Access to Education / Healthcare &

Transportation

COLORADO STRATEGY

1625 Broadway, Suite 2700, Denver, CO 80202 USA | P 303.892.3840 | F 303.892.3848 | www.choosecolorado.com

April7,2017

DearEsteemedColleagues:

ThisyeartheColoradoOfficeofEconomicDevelopmentandInternationalTrade(OEDIT)ispartneringwiththeEconomicDevelopmentCouncilofColorado(EDCC)tocelebratetheworkoflocaleconomicdeveloperslikeyouduringNationalEconomicDevelopmentWeek,May8-13.

NationalEconomicDevelopmentWeekwascreatedbytheInternationalEconomicDevelopmentCouncilwiththegoalofincreasingawarenessforlocalprogramsthatcreatejobs,advancecareerdevelopmentopportunitiesandimprovequalityoflife.

EconomicDevelopmentWeekisanidealtimetobringsupportersinyourcommunitytogethertolearnaboutprogramsyourEDOoffers.ItisalsoagreattimetosharesuccessesyourEDOhasseenintheprioryear.HereareafewreasonswhyyoumaywanttocreateaspecialEconomicDevelopmentWeekcampaignforyourcommunity:

• Recognitionbyyourcommunityofachievementswitheconomicdevelopment• Exposureoftheeconomicdevelopmentindustryasadrivingforcebehindlocaleconomies• Highlightinteractionbetweeneconomicdevelopmentorganizationsandcommunitymembers

Toassistwithyourplanning,wehavecreatedanEconomicDevelopmentWeekToolkit,whichincludes:

• Linkstosampleproclamationswhichcanbepassedbyyourlocalleadershiptohelprecognizeyourwork• Linkstosamplepressreleasewhichyoumaydownload,modifyanddistribute• Sampleblogyoucancustomizeandpostonyourwebsite• Samplesocialmediapostsandcontestinformation

ThereareadditionalresourcesavailableontheInternationalEconomicDevelopmentCouncilwebsiteatiedconline.org.Weencourageyoutoconnectandcelebratewithyourpeersthroughsocialmedia.Usethehashtag#econdevweekor#edw2017andtag@ColoradoEcoDevoand@EDofCOwheneverpostingonyourchannelsandmakesuretoparticipateinOEDITFacebookcontesttowinsomegreatprizes.

WealsowanttotakeamomenttothankyouforthetirelessworkyoudotomakeColoradovibrant.Weknowthateconomicdeveloperslikeyourselfpromoteeconomicwell-beingandqualityoflifeforyourcommunitiesbycreating,retainingandexpandingjobsthatfacilitategrowth,enhancewealthandprovideastabletaxbase.WethankyouforyourcontinuedcollaborationandpartnershipwiththeStateandwelookforwardtoourcontinuedsuccess.

Sincerely,

StephanieCopeland,ExecutiveDirector

1625 Broadway, Suite 2700 Denver, CO 80202 USA

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{EnterCity} RecognizesImportanceofEconomicDevelopmentduringNationalCelebrationWeek

Nextweek,{EnterCity}alongwiththeColoradoEconomicDevelopmentCouncilofColorado(EDCC)andtheStateofColoradowillcelebrateEconomicDevelopmentWeek,withsevendaysofnationalrecognitionforeconomicdeveloperswhogenerategrowth,createbetterjobsforresidentsandfacilitateanimprovedqualityoflife.

EconomicDevelopmentWeekisaneventcreatedbytheInternationalEconomicDevelopmentCouncil(IEDC)in2016tocelebrateachievementswithintheeconomicdevelopmentprofession.TheInternationalEconomicDevelopmentCouncil(IEDC)councilisthelargestprofessionalmembershiporganizationforeconomicdevelopment.

Watchavideo{LinkprovidedbyApril21}fromGovernorJohnHickenlooperintroducingEconomicDevelopmentWeekandreadtheGovernor’sproclamationdeclaringMay8-13,2017ColoradoEconomicDevelopmentWeek.

Allweek,{EnterCity}willbehighlightingEconomicDevelopmentWeekonourwebsiteandsocialmedia.Besuretocheckoutourblog,FacebookandTwitterdailytoseehowwearecommemoratingEconomicDevelopmentWeekandcelebratingallthegreatworkeconomicdevelopersdoinColorado.

{InsertQuoteaboutimportanceofeconomicdevelopmentfromleadership}

{EnterCity}providesseveraleconomicdevelopmentservicesandprograms.{Inserteconomicdevelopmentservices,programsandsuccessstories}

FollowtheEconomicDevelopmentWeekconversationat#econdevweekor#edw2017.LearnmoreabouttheIEDCandEconomicDevelopmentWeekorvisitchoosecolorado.comforupdatesabouteconomicdevelopmentactivitiesatthestate.

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for posting on linkedin & facebook:

• post 1: Economic Development Week is from May 8 - 13. See what’s planned and prepare toparticipate. [__URL__]

• post 2: We are thrilled to announce the 2017 dates for Economic Development Week; May8 - 13. We’re planning a set of activities that will showcase programs in our community thatyour business can take advantage of this year. Communities across the entire nation areparticipating. See what’s planned in our city, and prepare to join us. [__URL__]

twitter:

• tweet 1: Celebrate Economic Development Week with [__your city’s name__].

• tweet 2: Join in on the fun. It’s Economic Development Week around the country. Here’swhat [__your city’s name__] is doing. URL

Social media Strategy – Share, Share, Share!#EconDevWeek & #EDW2017 - The O icial Campaign Hashtags Chances are most people in your community are avid social media users. Quickly and effectively connect and celebrate with one another during Economic Development Week events with photos and videos on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin. Be sure to use the official hashtags and tag IEDC to ensure your peers across the country see your postings. Using the official hashtag also allows us to share, repost and retweet your messages. IEDC’s official social media accounts include:

twitter: Tag @ColoradoEcoDevo and @EDCofCOfacebook: Tag @ColoradoEcoDevo and @EDCofCOinstagram: @ColoradoEcoDevolinkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/colorado-office-of-economic-development-and-international-trade

here are some sample social media postings to get you started.

COLORADO CONTEST -“Tell Us Your Economic Development Impact Story”

Participation: Share an economic success story related to each day's theme, tag @ColoradoEcoDevo and @EDofCO, and use the hashtag #EconDevWeek. One winner will be selected each day to win a Choose Colorado t-shirt.

GET CREATIVE! Create a short video or post some fun photos to help tell your story!

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2017 NatioNal ecoNomic developmeNt week

#ecoNdevweek #edw2017may 8-13, 2017

preSeNted By:

Campaign Kickoff – Governor’s Message:

Colorado Celebrates National Economic Development Week

May 8 - 13, 2017

A Message from Governor John Hickenlooper

Governor John Hickenlooper

Read how Colorado is celebrating National Economic Development Week here.

Download the Colorado Economic Development Week Toolkit today!

Share your economic development success stories using the hashtags:

#econdevweek or #edw2017

and remember to tag @ColoradoEcoDevo for a chance to win prizes from OEDIT.

SUPPORTING MATERIAL

CITY OF EVANS CAMPAIGN:

COLORADO BUSINESS ROUNTABLE CALENDAR SUBMISSION:

DENVER SOUTH EDP CAMPAIGN:

Campaign Continued:

GRAND JUNCTION ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP/GRAND JUNCTION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

COMBINED CAMPAIGN:

METRO DENVER EDC CAMPAIGN:

METRO DENVER EDC’S PRESS RELEASE:

PUEBLO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRESS RELEASE:

PUEBLOPLEX LINKEDIN CAMPAIGN:

PROJECT X-ITE CAMPAIGN: