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Governor Polis's Update on COVID-19, and Support for Local Restaurants
“Coloradans are very alarmed by the increased number of very sick people coming into hospitals and know that we must do better with the basics like reducing the number of people we are with, washing our hands, avoiding crowds, and wearing a mask,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Colorado last week recorded more than 1,000 cases of COVID-19 in one 24-hour period, the most since March. The state saw another day with more than 1,000 cases and alarmingly the positivity rate is above 5%. On September 4, there were
Governor Polis Takes Action on Housing Stability
DENVER - Governor Jared Polis today signed an Executive Order implementing a number of recommendations from the Special Eviction Prevention Task Force. The Governor convened the Task Force in August to examine housing instability challenges due to COVID-19. “My top priority is protecting the health and safety of Coloradans, which includes secure housing. Implementing these thoughtful recommendations is another important step toward creating housing stability for more Coloradans during this
COVID 19 State Economic Development Update
Governor Polis Takes Action to Address COVID-19 Pandemic DENVER - Governor Jared Polis took action today to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor amended and extended an Executive Order requiring mask-wearing indoors to help stop the spread of the virus. The Executive Order reads: “CDPHE, in consultation with the appropriate Local Public Health Administration, may grant waivers for certain indoor activities that take place for a limited time period if such activities cannot practically
Douglas County small businesses encouraged to apply for COVID-19 impacts grant
Watch and share this video invitation from your County Commissioners and apply by Oct. 30. Eligible nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organizations that serve Douglas County residents are invited to apply for COVID-19 impacts reimbursement grants, funded through the County’s share of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Watch a message from your County Commissioners to learn more about this program. Community-based charitable organizations are invited to review eligibility
Booth Registration Is Now Open for the 2020 Virtual 8th Grade Career Expo
Each year, the Foundation for Douglas County Schools hosts a Career Expo where over 5,000 8th grade students from the Douglas County School District (DCSD) explore and learn about career opportunities so they can choose which high school classes will best prepare them for future career path success. It is a wonderful opportunity for your business and organization to share with our students what your company does, what your products or services are, and to also share with them what it takes to succeed in
Congratulations, Douglas County, Colorado – You are second healthiest community in America
Published on September 21, 2020 in 2020, Breaking News, Economic Foundations, Health and Human Services, Historic and Natural Resources, Land Management & Development, Multimodal Transportation & Personal and Public Safety Smile big if you live in Douglas County, Colorado! Your community has been ranked second nationwide as the healthiest community in America, according to the 2020 Healthiest Communities rankings by U.S. News and World Report, released in collaboration with the Aetna Foundation. Los
Town Council approves new small business grant program
Now in its sixth month of local impacts, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause interruptions to our area’s small businesses.Accordingly, Town Council has approved a second round of small business grants, to help the many outlets that contribute to our community’s economy and character continue to succeed.The application for the second-round COVID-19 Small Business Support Grant Program opens today, Sept. 8, and will be available through 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. Non-home-based businesses that have been
Chamber members and community supporters lend a helping hand
Castle Rock Chamber rallies members and community supporters to stand up and show up for struggling businesses in our community. Our purpose at the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce is to create economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership. In order to be successful in our mission, we need our members and our community supporters who share our same altruistic spirit and desire to support, advocate, and lead. Together we can help many, will you make the pledge to stand with us to support
Douglas County CARES: Your Small Business Grant Program
County launches $2.5 million Small Business Grant Program to ease COVID-19 Impacts Small businesses countywide with physical locations and 100 or fewer employees may be eligible for COVID-19 impacts reimbursement grants of up to $10,000, funded through the County’s share of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, distributed through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). The aim of this program is to reimburse local small businesses a portion of the expenses
Are you prepared for a community disaster?
Are you prepared for a community disaster? Nationwide poll reveals 41% of Americans are not. Published on September 1, 2020 in 2020, Breaking News & Personal and Public Safety A 2018 nationwide poll by YouGov Omnibus, revealed that while three-quarters of Americans say they are worried about natural disasters or serious incidents affecting their communities, forty-one percent also say they are not prepared. National Preparedness Month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) annual disaster
County launches $2.5 million Small Business Grant Program to ease COVID-19 impacts
CARES Act funds reimburse eligible applicants for up to $10K in costs for PPE or structural changes. Published on August 27, 2020 in 2020, Breaking News & Economic Foundations Small businesses countywide with physical locations in the County and 100 or fewer employees may be eligible for COVID-19 impacts reimbursement grants of up to $10,000, funded through the County’s share of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, distributed through the Colorado Department of Local
FirsTier Castle Rock CommUNITY Business Loan Program
Castle Rock Business Leaders, As you know in late June Castle Rock EDC in partnership with FirsTier Bank, the Town of Castle Rock and Colorado Lending Source launched the FirsTier Bank CommUNITY Loan program that lends up to $25,000 at 0% interest to help Castle Rock businesses pivot, adjust and reinvest in their businesses. This program expires for application on August 31st 2020. Below is the FirsTier Bank CommUNITY loan program information sheet for your review. Please feel free to pass this on to
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The 2020 issue of Livability Castle Rock, CO is out and now available online!
Livability Castle Rock, Colorado, an annual print magazine and digital content marketing program, encourages business investment, talent recruitment and relocation by reaching entrepreneurs, site selectors, corporate executives and other talented individuals and families attracted to our quality of life. This is the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce’s primary quality-of-life marketing program for talent attraction. We hope you’ll join us in spreading the word about what a great place this is to live and do
Outlets at Castle Rock Hosts Colorado’s Favorite Shop-for-a-Cause Event with Social Distancing Measu
Outlets at Castle Rock’s 15th Annual Shopping Extravaganza, with the reigning mantra “You Shop, Everyone Wins,” will take place this year with COVID-19 precautionary and safety measures from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4. This year’s charitable shopping event will benefit more than 15 local organizations, including the Crisis Center, Humane Society of the South Platte Valley and Susan G. Komen Colorado. This year, the signature event has been adapted to ensure effective
November 2020 Ballot Initiatives Update
Monday Deadline for Signature Gathering for 2020 Ballot Measures Coloradans will consider as many as 11 initiatives on the November 2020 ballot—1 referendum petition, 3 measures referred by the state legislature, and up to 7 citizen led initiatives. Over 300 citizen led ballot measures were introduced for the 2020 ballot, but so far only 3 citizen led measures have been approved and 4 are awaiting signature verification by the Secretary of State. Today at 3:00pm was the deadline for submitting
COVID Encouraging Work From Home Policies Update
Below are notes from a webinar hosted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade re: work from home policies on Friday. The meeting was led by Betsy Markey, Executive Director, OEDIT; Jill Ryan, Executive Director, CDPHE; and Kacey Wulff, Governor’s Advisor on COVID-19. The presenters in the meeting asked Colorado’s businesses to maximize teleworking and remote work as well as to assist in enforcing the statewide mask order. They
White Construction Group Completes Two Projects in Castle Rock
White Construction Group, a development and commercial construction company that manages and builds some of the Rocky Mountain region’s most notable projects, recently completed two projects in Castle Rock: a new, ground-up Meadows Town Center III mixed-use project and a remodel for Independent Financial. Meadows Town Center III is a 21,400-square-foot, $4.5 million retail and office development, the third built in the Meadows, located just west of the Castle Rock Outlets and across from the Castle Rock
Governor Polis Final Action on Bills from the 2020 Session and New Mask Order
COVID-19 Questions & answers about the statewide mandatory mask order flyer STATEWIDE MASK ORDER one pagerDemocrat/Republican split in House of Representatives: 41/24Democrat/Republican split in the Senate: 19/16Number of days met: 84Number of days left under 120 limit: 36Number of days in recess: 72 daysNumber of bills, resolutions, and memorials introduced during the 2020 Legislative Session: 710Number of bills signed by the Governor: 326Number of bills vetoed as of June 16, 2020: 3Last day for the
MILLER’S LANDING UNVEILS PLANS FOR INNOVATIVE NEW OFFICE BUILDING
Miller’s Landing has unveiled plans for a new 150,000 square-foot multi-tenant office building that will offer healthy, safe and smart offices that meet the higher standards of today’s new normal working environments. It will provide office users with versatile office space that meets modern health and safety demands in the era of COVID-19. Miller’s Landing in Castle Rock, CO, is one of Southeast Denver’s newest and most innovative mixed-use commercial developments. It will feature a dynamic town center
Castle Rock CommUNITY Business Loan Program
The Castle Rock CommUNITY Business Loan Program is available to businesses located within the Town of Castle Rock who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The intent of these $25,000 loans is to help small businesses survive and retain employees during these challenging times. Financing is available over twenty-four months (two years) at an interest rate of 0.00%. No repayments of principal are due during the first SIX months of the loan. Monthly payments over the remaining EIGHTEEN months will be
Town of Castle Rock Announces 0% Interest $2M CommUNITY loans in Partnership with FirsTier Bank
We are hosting a zoom call on Wednesday, June 24th at 8:00am to share information and answer questions. Zoom link below! Castle Rock Businesses! We are excited to announce the Castle Rock FirsTier 0% interest $2M CommUNITY loan program (*No service charges for 24 months. ) powered by the Town of Castle Rock and supported by Colorado Lending Source and Castle Rock EDC. As many of you know Castle Rock’s short term response to the COVID-19 economic crisis was a multi-pronged approach of PPP/SBA
Colorado General Assembly Adjourns Sine Die, Monday, June 15, 2020
Today the General Assembly completed their final day of session. Rumors circulated in the final week that the legislature would recess, instead of adjourning Sine Die, which would have left the option open to return at a later date. Today, however, the House and Senate passed resolutions to adjourn Sine Die. In order to return in 2020, the Governor could call a special session or the legislature, with two thirds approval, could call a special session. Below, you find the update from the final day of
Castle Rock Named the Best Up-and-Coming Small City Near a Major Metro
Don't Want to Give Up Big-City Life? Check Out These 8 Up-and-Coming Small Cities Close to Major MetrosReady for a slower pace and more space but still want to enjoy the perks of a big city? These small cities offer the best of both worlds.By: Brittany Anas, On Tuesday, June 16, 2020 - 11:15 Over the past few months, the coronavirus pandemic has prompted many people to re-examine their living situations. Amid shutdowns, for instance, having easy access to open space — or a backyard at the very
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 21, Week 1 post recess
Under the Dome, Week 21 This week the General Assembly reconvened to complete the 2020 legislative session. The legislature worked Tuesday through Thursday, but after protests turned into riots near the state capitol late Thursday night, leadership decided to cancel work on Friday and Saturday. Protests have erupted in major cities across the United States in response to the death of George Floyd, a black man who died while pinned to the ground by a police officer in Minneapolis earlier this week.
General Assembly Resumes the 2020 Legislative Session
Today the General Assembly reconvened to finish up the 2020 legislative session. Legislators returned to a different atmosphere with many new safety protocols in place, fewer lobbyists and members of the public in the building and temperature checks at the entrances. During the morning floor work in the House of Representatives, some legislators sat in the gallery above the chamber in order to allow legislators on the floor to sit socially distanced from one another. Some legislators chose not to wear
Governor Polis Issues Guidance for Restaurants, Summer Camps and Private Camping
DENVER - Gov, Jared Polis today announced updates to Safer at Home and changes to restaurants, summer camps and private camping. “We are still a long way from returning to normal, but these updates are a step in the right direction because Coloradans are doing a good job so far limiting our social interactions. If we can continue staying at home as much as possible, wearing face coverings and washing our hands when leaving the house, then we will be able to slow the spread of the virus while reigniting
TREASURY & SBA RELEASE PPP FORGIVENESS APPLICATION
Urgent Alert: SBA and Treasury Release Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application On May 15, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application. The form and instructions include several measures to reduce compliance burdens and simplify the process for borrowers, including: · Options for borrowers to
Restaurant Guidance
In case you missed it, here is some of the information that the Governor shared today regarding when restaurants can open to dine in customers. Guidance is expected to be released on Friday. https://kdvr.com/news/coronavirus/some-restaurants-could-open-to-dine-in-customers-next-week-colorado-restaurant-association-says/ Working with the Town, County, School District, Library and several private property owners we have received permission to market the locations shown with red stars below as
DCBA, Day 62 of the Legislative Recess
In a piece of good news, it was announced on Friday that the Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs would be the home to US Space Command for at least the next 6 years. Governor Polis welcomed this news, saying that the state is a natural fit for US Space Command with a strong military community and aerospace community. This week Joint Budget Committee members continued to wrestle with setting the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. On Tuesday, economists from Legislative Council Staff (LCS)
DCBA, Day 55 of the Legislative Recess
The Joint Budget Committee met this week to balance the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020-21. It has been an emotional week for members and staff as they discuss potential cuts to programs. Each day was filled with tough decisions and more bad news. Members have had to defund many programs that they helped create through legislation passed in prior sessions. Throughout the meetings, other legislators hopped on the webinar line and advocated for not defunding items that they cared about. In many
Colorado Employment Declines in March
VIEW SUMMARY OF MARCH INFO AND THE BEGINNING OF THE UNEMPLOYMENT SPIKESThe Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its Colorado employment data for March. The data shows that seasonally adjusted employment declined by 3,900. As expected, U.S. retail and auto sales and most leading indicators have declined. The Conference Board has provided four scenarios for the economy - pick your poison. Unfortunately, they all indicate that Q2 is going to be tough. Until the volatility subsides, the weekly
Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
Please find attached and at this link the U.S. Chamber’s Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist. This is the first of a number of resources we are developing to help you connect your members with the resources recently approved by Congress to respond to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. As many of you are aware, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic
Gov. Polis: Colorado is Leading by Example and Taking Action to Address COVID-19
CENTENNIAL - Gov. Polis provided an update on the state’s response to COVID-19. Today he signed an executive order directing all of Colorado’s non-critical employers to reduce their in-person workforce by 50 percent. In accordance with the executive order, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is also issuing a public health order. “As long as I am in a position to lead Colorado’s response, I will continue to take bold steps and do everything in my power to protect our medical
New Funding Options through KIVA Partnership with Colorado Lending Source!
Supporting Small Business with KIVA Hub Partnership Colorado Lending Source cares about small business and being a resource to the community. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, we are already seeing the negative economic impacts on small businesses. To continue supporting our community we have partnered with Kiva to become their newest hub and offer an innovative new micro-loan product! We want to make access to affordable capital as simple and impactful as possible during these challenging
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 9
Highlights of the Week On Thursday this week, a bill to implement a public option for health insurance was introduced. The bill was long expected after a final report on the public option was released in late 2019 by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and the Division of Insurance (DOI). As expected, HB 20-1349 contains much of the proposal from the executive branch agencies with a few differences. The bill requires health insurance companies to offer a plan, the details of
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 8
Under the Dome, Week 8 Highlights of the Week It was a week of long nights at the capitol, including one night that stretched into morning. The House of Representative debated the Death Penalty Repeal, SB20-100, from Monday midafternoon until 4:00am on Tuesday. The House ultimately passed the bill by a vote of 38-27. The bill heads to Governor Polis, who has indicated that he will sign the bill. The House Energy and Environment Committee previously heard testimony on HB20-1025, Sales Tax
Update to the Population & Development Report 2020
The Douglas County Demographic Summary has been updated and is available online. This summary highlights the demographic changes in 2019. https://www.douglas.co.us/documents/douglas-county-demographics-summary.pdf The link to the entire Population & Development Report is: http://www.douglas.co.us/about-us/demographics/population-and-development-report/
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 7
Highlights of the Week This week Representative Cathy Kipp, a Democrat from Fort Collins, was appointed to House Education Committee, replacing Representative Julie McCluskie who now sits on the Joint Budget Committee. Representative Kipp served on the Poudre School District Board of Education from 2011-2017 and was appointed to the state legislature in 2018. SB20-093, Consumer And Employee Dispute Resolution Fairness, which proposes changes to arbitration procedures, was laid over daily this
Schomp Automotive Group provides $250K gift and sponsorship to ACC's Sturm Collaboration Campus
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (Feb. 20, 2020) – Schomp Automotive Group is providing a $250,000 gift and sponsorship to Arapahoe Community College’s (ACC) Sturm Collaboration Campus in Castle Rock. This gift will be matched dollar for dollar by the Sturm Family Foundation, which will provide $500,000 for future program innovation initiatives at the campus and student scholarships. The state of the art boardroom at the campus will be named the ‘Schomp Automotive Innovation Center’. This investment supports the ACC
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 6
Highlights of the Week This week Representative Richard Champion was sworn in to represent HD 38, a southern metro district that includes Littleton. Former Representative Susan Beckman resigned in January. Representative Champion previously served as Mayor of Columbine Valley and is the founder of a small oil and gas company. He will sit on the House Finance Committee as well as the House Health & Insurance Committee. SB20-093, Consumer and Employee Resolution Dispute Fairness, was laid over
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 5
DCBA Bill Tracker: https://statebillinfo.com/SBI/index.cfm?fuseaction=Public.Dossier&id=27133&pk=619&style=pinstripe Under the Dome, Week 5 Highlights of the Week The vacancy for House District 6, a Denver district seat left vacant after now-Senator Chris Hansen moved from the House to the Senate, was filled this week when new member Steven Woodrow was chosen for the position by a vacancy committee. Representative Woodrow is a consumer rights attorney. In another change this week,
DCBA, Under The Dome, Week 4
Highlights of the Week On Monday, a bill to repeal the death penalty in Colorado was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill passed Committee and on Thursday an emotional debate by the full Senate lasted well into the afternoon. Democrat Senator Rhonda Fields and Republican Senator Bob Gardner led much of the opposition. They argued that Colorado’s death penalty law differs from other states and how little the punishment is used, citing that there are only 3 people currently on death row
Encore groundbreaking
Confluence Companies held a ground breaking ceremony last week to kick off the Encore project. Encore, formerly known as Festival Park Commons, is a proposed redevelopment of three lots Downtown, just south of Town Hall. The proposed project is a result of a request for proposals the Town distributed in 2017, specifically for a new parking structure. Construction began in fall 2019 and will likely continue through 2021. The seven-story building that includes 124 condominiums, 17,881 sq. ft. for retail,
Chamber's DCBA takes position on 7 bills
The Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Douglas County Business Alliance have taken a position on the following 7 bills. HB 1002 College Credit for Work Experience SupportHB 1025 Sales Tax Exemption Industrial and Manufacturing Energy Use OpposeHB 1089 Employee Protection Lawful Off-duty Activities OpposeHB 1093 County Authority License and Regulate
Under the Dome, Week 3 (2020)
Under The Dome, Week 3 Highlights of the Week On Tuesday this week, advocates from Colorado Families First filed two ballot proposals that would create a paid family and medical leave program. This is the first step in the citizen-initiated ballot measure process and these proposals will still need to go through the State Title Board and gather enough signatures to be placed on the November 2020 ballot. This move both puts pressure on lawmakers to pass their own version of a paid family leave program
Innovative educational delivery draws panel to Sturm Collaboration Campus
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (Jan. 21, 2020) – Sturm Collaboration Campus hosted a panel discussion and facility tour with education, industry, government and community leaders on Tuesday morning, Jan. 21, to showcase Arapahoe Community College’s dynamic work-based learning programs and postsecondary certificates connecting industry and education. Apprenticeships in the fields of healthcare, manufacturing and automotive service technology were highlighted, and several current and former ACC students were on
Colorado Business Review -- 2020 Outlook Forum Highlights
This issue highlights the 55th annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum held on December 9, 2019 in Denver. Colorado’s employment growth is expected to slow this year compared to 2019, although the state will still be among the top 10 for job growth nationally. Read/Download the Colorado Business Review, Issue 1, 2020
Opening Day of the 2020 Legislative Session
Legislator Changes Under The Golden Dome House Committee Schedule: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/houseschedule2020.pdf Senate Committee Schedule: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/senateschedule2020.pdf House Committee Assignments: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2020_house_committee_membership.pdf Senate Committee Assignments: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2020_senate_committee_membership.pdf Leading up to the first day of the
Pre-Apprenticeship Offers Students View into Careers in Healthcare
CASTLE ROCK – In December 2019, 16 Douglas County School District (DCSD) students completed the inaugural pre-apprenticeship course offered at the newly-opened Arapahoe Community College (ACC) Sturm Collaboration Campus.Officially titled “HPR 123: Allied Health Pre-Apprenticeship,” the course is a collaboration between ACC, DCSD, and Centura Health to help students learn about opportunities in the healthcare field through a combination of academic lectures and hands-on experience. Students shadow
