The merger of Northwest Douglas County Chamber and EDC and the Douglas County Economic Development Collaborative birthed the new Douglas County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC), paired with a revitalized, countywide DCEDC brand and strategic restructure
Posted on April 23, 2024 2024Economic FoundationsNews and Events
What happens when two Douglas County economic development organizations merge with a collaborative focus on attracting primary employers in aerospace, healthcare, finance, transportation, and clean technology?
The entire Denver Metro Region benefits economically from the collaborative power of Douglas County’s private sector working with local government elected officials, and economic development professionals to leverage Douglas County’s energy and reputation as a business-friendly market and one that tops the rankings in education, health, wealth, and government investment in public safety.
After 24 years representing the northwest area of Douglas County, the Northwest Douglas County Chamber and EDC (NWDCCEDC) Board, on March 25, 2024, unanimously approved the merger with the Douglas County Economic Development Collaborative (DCEDC) and the name change to the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation. With this merger and name change the Board affirmed its commitment to broaden its reach and serve the entirety of the County fostering a unified and elevated approach to economic development.
The Douglas County Economic Collaborative, established by intergovernmental agreement in 2022, was composed of elected officials from all Douglas County municipalities and their economic development professionals. Supported by dedicated funding by the county, the Collaborative was focused on fostering growth through site selector engagement and the creation of an economic development marketing campaign.
With this merger, the Corporation’s economic development partners will have access to ongoing programming including a robust incentive package, site selection conferences, an annual aerospace event, as well as marketing domestically and internally.
“Our name change, and strategic restructuring isn’t just about us,” said Ellie Reynolds, President/CEO of the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC). “It’s about propelling Douglas County to become the preferred site selection location for industries such as aerospace, healthcare, finance, transportation, and clean technology,” she said. “We’re focused on building a brand that is reflective of our top county rankings in health, wealth, education, and safety. Economic development is done best with public and private partners sitting at the table. Now let’s feast!”
“Economic Foundations is one of the Board of Douglas County Commissioner’s Core Priorities reflecting our desire to foster a vibrant, business friendly climate and thus the ease of doing business in Douglas County. This merger adds to Douglas County’s reputation for intentional and strategic commitments to effective partnerships with the business community, said Douglas County Commissioner and Board Chairman George Teal. “As a member of the DCEDC Board I am energized by the combined power of the public private partnership represented by this merger and the value we will contribute to economic development in the region.”
“This strategic move will significantly heighten our visibility and expand our reach to encompass a regional presence,” said Douglas County Commissioner and Board Vice Chairman Abe Laydon. Even more so it will allow us to compete as a relevant, regional economic powerhouse in the Denver Metro Region and the Front Range Urban Corridor.”
“We are thrilled to witness this ongoing commitment to regionalism,” said Raymond H. Gonzales, President of Metro Denver EDC. “The establishment of the Douglas County EDC fortifies our economic development ecosystem. This development is a significant stride ahead and should enhance all business attraction and expansion efforts while increasing opportunities in the amazing communities that make up Douglas County.”
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