2019 10 Interview with the Governor Colorado Gov. Jared Polis got right to work in his rst few months on the job, bolstering education and transportation and cutting the cost of health care. 14 Interview with OEDIT Director Betsy Markey built successful businesses of her own before taking on the role of chief business builder for the state of Colorado. 18 Statistical Pro le 24 Metro Denver The Denver area has been racking up a bevy of No. 1 national rankings. Expanding businesses in the region know why. 26 City Pro les Colorado Springs, Boulder, Carbondale and Durango each bring unique assets to the table. Investors are cashing in. 34 Rural Development Few states can match Colorado when it comes to providing the resources that are available to help companies thrive in rural locations. 38 FDI, Exports & Trade Being able to reach ports on multiple coasts quickly and many international destinations by air are part of Colorado’s global appeal. 40 Universities Colorado University, Colorado State University and the Colorado School of Mines lead the country in producing STEM graduates. 42 Research & Development From the National Renewable Energy Research Lab to Fitzsimons, Colorado offers a plethora of locations for cutting-edge R&D. 44 Community Colleges & Workforce Development Don’t need four-year degree talent to grow your company? Colorado has just the right people for in-demand trades and technical jobs. Photo courtesy of VISIT DENVER/Greg Thow Photo by John Abramson 38 and many international destinations by air are part of Colorado’s global appeal. 40 Universities Colorado University, Colorado State University and the Colorado School of Mines lead the country in producing STEM graduates. 42 Research & Development From the National Renewable Energy Research Lab to Fitzsimons, Colorado offers a plethora of locations for cutting-edge R&D. 44 Community Colleges & Workforce Development 44 Workforce Development 44 Don’t need four-year degree talent to grow your company? Colorado has just the right people for in-demand trades and technical jobs. Photo by John Abramson 4 C O LO R A D O : B U S I N E S S C O M E S T O L I F ENext >