COBRT

COBRT President @debbiebrownco was honored to testify at the Colorado State Capitol this week in support of HB26-1317: Unified Postsecondary Development System. Building a seamless, employer-connected talent pipeline is critical to Colorado’s future. When education, training, and business work together, we create clearer pathways for learners—and a stronger workforce for our state. Appreciate the leadership of Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Rick Taggart in advancing this work.

Last week, COBRT was proud to co-host Aerospace Day at the Capitol — bringing together leaders from across Colorado to celebrate one of our state’s most dynamic industries. Aerospace is a powerful example of Colorado’s ABCG ecosystem — Academia, Business, Community, and Government — working together to drive innovation, strengthen our economy, and build the workforce of the future. With Artemis II on the horizon, Colorado’s impact reaches all the way to the Moon. Thank you to Citizens for Space Exploration for organizing the day and to our fellow co-hosts for their partnership in elevating this industry. Let’s go fly. 🚀🌕

Join us in welcoming Lily Jones to COBRT as our Events Coordinator! With a background in hospitality and event management, Lily has planned everything from marketing events to weddings, bringing a passion for creating meaningful, memorable experiences. She’s a Texas Tech graduate with a degree in Hospitality Management and a growing love for Colorado. We’re thrilled to have her on the team!

Did you hear? COBRT’s Future of Work is BACK on May 19. And this year, we’re focused on turning data into action. From shifting hiring demands to evolving skill needs, employers are navigating a constant stream of workforce data. But insight alone isn’t enough. At this year’s convening, leaders from across Colorado’s ABCG (academia, business, community and government) ecosystem will come together to make sense of the signals—and translate them into strategies that strengthen talent pipelines and drive business growth. If you’re a business leader, HR professional, or workforce partner, this is the room you want to be in. 📅 May 19 | 1–4 PM + reception to follow 📍 Empower Field at Mile High 👉 Save your spot: futureofworkco.com

Today is the day! COBRT is proud to co-host Aerospace Day at the Colorado Capitol alongside @Citizens4Space, celebrating the companies, innovators, and partners that make Colorado one of the nation’s leading aerospace hubs. From commercial spaceflight to national security and NASA missions like Artemis II, Colorado’s aerospace ecosystem continues to push the boundaries of innovation while creating high-quality jobs across our state. If you’re at the Capitol today, come find the COBRT team in the West Rotunda next to the @LMSpace and @ulalaunch booths. We’d love to connect and celebrate all things aerospace with you. #COAerospaceDay #ColoradoAerospace #ArtemisII #BusinessIsAForceForGood #copolitics #coleg

🚀 Final Reminder: Aerospace Day at the Colorado Capitol is MONDAY! There’s still time to join us in celebrating Colorado’s thriving aerospace industry at Aerospace Day at the Capitol this Monday. Hear directly from leaders and innovators helping power NASA’s Artemis II mission—the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon in more than 50 years—and learn why Colorado continues to be a hub for aerospace innovation. The Colorado Business Roundtable is proud to serve as a co-host, and we hope to see many of our partners and broader network there. Be sure to look for the COBRT team while you’re at the Capitol! 🎥 Get a preview: youtu.be/oT85QOv37Ec 📝 Register here: coaerospaceday.com/#/ This is one Aerospace Day you won’t want to miss.

Last week, COBRT President Debbie Brown had the opportunity to moderate a thoughtful conversation during Women in Construction Week centered on this year’s theme: COURAGE — Influence, Impact, Insight: Leadership Lessons from Women Who Lead. The discussion featured Heidi Williams of Civic Results and Lacey Golonka of Molson Coors, who shared perspectives on leading with confidence, navigating difficult conversations, and building influence. Hosted alongside leaders from across the construction, engineering, and business communities, the conversation highlighted the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting women in leadership. Thank you to Karla Nugent of Loenbro for the invitation and for bringing together such an engaged group of leaders. #WomenInConstructionWeek #Leadership #BusinessIsAForceForGood

COBRT is excited to welcome Stephanie Piko as our new Director of Business Engagement. Stephanie brings extensive leadership experience to the role, most recently serving as the third Mayor of Centennial, Colorado, after six years on the Centennial City Council. During her time as mayor, Centennial was recognized as the #1 Best Place to Live in Colorado, reflecting her commitment to strong communities, economic vitality, and thoughtful growth. Stephanie has long been engaged in advancing Colorado’s economic and civic leadership. She previously served on the Colorado Business Roundtable Board of Directors and helped lead COBRT’s Community policy pillar. With deep relationships across business, government, and community organizations, she is well positioned to help expand COBRT’s network and partnerships across the state. If you’re interested in learning more about partnering with the Colorado Business Roundtable, feel free to reach out to Stephanie at stephanie@cobrt.com. CC: @stephpiko @debbiebrownco

🚀 Did you know Colorado is powering the next giant leap in space exploration? Catch Paul Anderson of @LMSpace on @9NEWS Business Buzz with @RyanLFrazier to learn how Colorado’s aerospace employers, engineers, and innovators are helping make NASA’s Artemis II mission possible — from spacecraft systems and mission support to cutting-edge engineering talent. We’re also excited for Aerospace Day at the Capitol (@Citizens4Space) on March 16 — a statewide celebration bringing aerospace leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders together to spotlight the industry that lifts off right here from Colorado. Watch the full segment here 👉 9news.com/video/money/bu…

Please join us in welcoming the @RMPartnership_ to COBRT — and congratulating Debbie Brown on joining their Community Leadership Council. Together, we’re aligning education, workforce, and employer needs to ensure Colorado’s talent pipeline remains strong and future ready.

This week, the Colorado Business Roundtable convened business and community leaders for our Gubernatorial Candidate Series featuring State Senator @KirkmeyerforGov. Following remarks from @Jreneewaller (@COBankersAssn) and Lynn Granger (@ColoradoOilGas), Senator Kirkmeyer shared her vision for Colorado’s economic future, including priorities around growth, regulation reduction, energy, and affordability. While COBRT does not endorse candidates, we are committed to fostering thoughtful dialogue between employers and those seeking to lead our state. Thank you to all who joined us for a meaningful morning of conversation and collaboration.

We love spotlighting the innovative and impactful work of our partners—and this spring, we’re excited to cheer on @CrossPurposeCO and their signature Pitch Night on May 6! 🌟 This “Shark Tank–style” event showcases graduates from CrossPurpose’s 9-month Change Agency program as they pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts and more than 900 potential investors. Even better? 100% of the funds raised go directly to the entrepreneurs. Change Agency is part of CrossPurpose’s Fellowship program, equipping graduates with tools, training, and coaching to build sustainable businesses and nonprofits that strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support leaders who are turning ideas into opportunity and purpose into impact. 💼✨ More info on getting involved can be found here: ow.ly/Gp2t50Ym8cA

Colorado employers need certainty to invest, hire, and build. Unpredictable federal permitting adds costs and delays critical infrastructure. COBRT encourages Congress to advance bipartisan permitting reforms that streamline reviews and strengthen permit certainty. Read more: uschamber.com/economy/permit… @USChamber

Colorado’s health care and state budget pressures are growing—and the numbers matter. Our partners at @CSInstituteCO recently released new research on increased Medicaid spending and its impact on Colorado’s overall state budget. To build on the findings, CSI is hosting a timely panel discussion moderated by Luige Del Puerto, Editor at Colorado Politics, featuring experts from across Colorado’s health care ecosystem. 📅 Tuesday, February 25 | 4:30–6:00 PM 📍 The Dome at AMG | 6295 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village Panelists include: • Greg D’Argonne, CSI Healthcare Fellow • Alec Garnett, UCHealth • Josh Hannes, Colorado Hospital Association • Maureen Tarrant, HCA HealthONE We encourage COBRT partners and stakeholders to join the conversation—and dig into the report ahead of time. Register via CSI’s event page: ow.ly/kF1550YiYc1

Huge thanks to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science for hosting Colorado Business Roundtable partners for a behind-the-scenes tour last week. We loved getting a closer look at the collections—and the incredible research, preservation, and expertise that power DMNS’s work. It was energizing to see how DMNS advances science, education, and community engagement across Colorado and beyond. And if you’re looking for a simple way to support this essential Colorado institution, consider becoming a DMNS Member: dmns.org/membership/ #Colorado #STEM #Education #Community #Partnership

Save the date. The Colorado Business Roundtable is proud to partner with the @CUDenBusiness on the 2026 Economic Forecast: National & Regional Insights event each year—a timely conversation for leaders tracking what’s next for Colorado’s economy. Join us April 30, 2026 (11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.) at the CU Denver Business School – Jake Jabs Event Center for lunch, networking, and insights from Ellen Zentner (Morgan Stanley) and Kate M. Watkins. Register here: ow.ly/WxZF50Y9CNj

Colorado Business Roundtable was proud to convene business, civic, and government leaders for our 2026 State of the State this week with @GovofCO. We joined together to discussed Colorado’s next 150 years, and had a timely, candid conversation with Governor Polis about Colorado’s competitiveness and future. Thanks to Governor Polis, our presenting sponsor, @verizon, and all who joined.

@talomapartners Thanks so much for joining us yesterday, @talomapartners!

Congrats to our client and friend Debbie Brown for producing another highly successful State of the State event for the @ColoradoBRT. The informative and thoughtful conversation between  Governor Polis and business and community leaders shows how business can be #aforceforgood.