Podcasts What makes Denver such a wonderful place to do business? We have assembled a diverse group of business and civic leaders to share their perspectives on Denver and what makes it so promising. Through our series of podcasts, we’ll bring to you new perspectives from the various voices of Denver.
Ivar Zeile, Plus gallery Creative Enterprises Revolving Loan Fund The Creative Enterprises Revolving Loan Fund (CERLF) offers creative enterprises in the City and County of Denver access to affordable and flexible business capital to increase income and build assets. Ivar Zeile, owner of + gallery, discusses how the CERLF has helped to boost his national marketing presence and its value to contributing to Denver’s creative vitality. Listen Now (MP3 file | 9 MB)
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Michelle Weingarden Greenprint Denver Going green is nothing new for the City and County of Denver. In 2006, the City launched Greenprint Denver, a long-term, citywide initiative to promote the importance of sustainable development and ecologically-friendly practices throughout the community. Greenprint Denver Director Michelle Weingarden details how Denver is leading the way in helping residents and businesses to reduce the carbon footprint of the Mile High City. Listen Now (MP3 file | 9.2 MB)
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Dave Walstrom Post-News Colorado Colfax Marathon The Post-News Colorado Colfax Marathon celebrates the revitalization of America’s longest continuous street, Colfax Avenue. Dave Walstrom, president and CEO of the marathon, shares what’s in store for the third annual event, May 18, 2008. Listen Now (MP3 file | 9.1 MB)
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Elbra Wedgeworth 2008 Democratic National Convention Host Committee With 35,000 projected visitors and an estimated economic impact of more than $160 million, the Democratic National Convention presents huge opportunities for metro Denver and the mountain west. Elbra Wedgeworth, president and chair of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee, highlights how the DNC will impact Denver’s long-term economic health and benefit citizens of the region. Listen Now (MP3 file | 3.99 MB)
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Jon Schmieder Metro Denver Sports Commission Since its inception in 2001, the Metro Denver Sports Commission (MDSC) has brought a number of major sporting events to Denver. MDSC Executive Director Jon Schmieder shares why Denver ranks as one of the top sports cities in the U.S. Listen Now (MP3 file | 6.0 MB)
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Deborah Jordy Colorado Business Committee for the Arts With an annual economic impact of $1.4 billion, arts and culture is a major contributor to the metro Denver economy. Deborah Jordy, executive director of the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, discusses the thriving nature of Denver’s arts and culture scene. Listen Now (MP3 file | 2.1 MB)
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Tamela Lee Denver Office of Economic Development When it comes to City construction contracting opportunities, the time is ripe in Denver. From the Denver Justice Center, to Union Station, the upcoming DIA terminal hotel and many other projects, there has never been a better time to become certified under one of Denver's business certifications. OED Division of Small Business Opportunity Director Tamela Lee discusses the many certifications available through the City. Listen Now (MP3 file | 2.99 MB)
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Tom Clark Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation Metro Denver’s regional approach to economic development is recognized around the country as a best practice. Tom Clark, executive vice president of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, shares how the region has worked cooperatively together over the past 20 years. Listen Now (MP3 file | 3.83 MB)
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Mary Rose Loney DIA Partnership Having recently landed a new daily nonstop international flight to Munich, Germany, Denver International Airport is soaring to new heights. President and CEO Mary Rose Loney shares how the DIA Partnership advocates for the ongoing growth and development of DIA. Listen Now (MP3 file | 4.40 MB)
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2008 Strategic Planning Session: DNC and Beyond The national spotlight will be on Denver in 2008 as we host several major events. In August of 2008, the Democratic National Convention will bring an unprecedented amount of national and international press to the Mile High City and the entire Rocky Mountain Region. To prepare for this historic year, the City of Denver convened a half-day 2008 Strategic Planning Session (April 13, 2007) to examine all the opportunities presented by the upcoming events and to help create a strategic plan that will allow Denver, Colorado and the entire Rocky Mountain region to take full advantage of this unique year.
The planning session began with a panel discussion on “Past Experiences, Lessons Learned and Present Planning,” and featured Mike Dino, CEO, Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee; Richard Scharf, President and CEO, Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau; Katherine Archuleta, Senior Advisor on Policy and Initiatives, Office of Mayor John Hickenlooper; and Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth, President, Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee. Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and Mayor John Hickenlooper also made introductory remarks. Listen Now (MP3 file | 26.7 MB)
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Tom Gleason Forest City Stapleton What once was the site of the nation's fifth-busiest airport is now a shining example of urban development at its best. Tom Gleason, vice president of public relations for Forest City Stapleton, tells the transformation story of Stapleton and how it today is an extension of Denver's traditional urban neighborhoods. Listen Now (MP3 file | 7.67 MB)
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Sandy Bracken Bard Center for Entrepreneurship Sandy Bracken, executive director of CU-Denver's Bard Center for Entrepreneurship, discusses the factors that make Denver a great entrepreneurial city. Listen Now (MP3 file | 3.25 MB)
Michael Hancock Denver City Council President Councilman Hancock shares how Stapleton, DIA, Fitzsimons and Lowry are driving economic development within the City and County of Denver. Listen Now (MP3 file | 3.49 MB)
Monica Pleiman Optimum Management Systems “This city is just perfect to start a small business,” says Monica Pleiman, who owns an IT consulting firm. “It’s exciting, it’s multicultural and highly educated.” While in Denver, Optimum Management Systems has grown from $40,000 to approximately $7 million in annual revenue. Listen Now (MP3 file | 2.82 MB)
Steve Ballas Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs The Denver Enterprise Zone provided incentives and a perfect location for Steve Ballas to open a new specialty hot dog restaurant in Denver. Learn how he “reinvented” hot dogs in the Mile High City. Listen Now (MP3 file | 2.26 MB)
Walt Rakowich ProLogis ProLogis — the world’s largest owner of distribution facilities — is headquartered in Denver. President and Chief Operating Officer Walt Rakowich describes how the City has helped ProLogis achieve its growth plans. Listen Now (MP3 file | 3.29 MB)
State of the City During his third annual State of the City Address, Mayor John Hickenlooper focused on issues of sustainability while unveiling the ambitious agenda of the City’s Greenprint Denver initiative. Listen Now to the 7/12/06 Address (MP3 file | 18.73 MB)
Mayor John Hickenlooper For the City’s first podcast, Mayor John Hickenlooper describes the attributes that make Denver such a great location for doing business. Listen Now (MP3 file | 3.48 MB)
