| Retail Conference Recap  |
Retail development within Commerce City continues to be
 redefined, adapting to an ever-changing market. Over the years, city officials have taken an aggressive approach to attracting retail businesses in an effort to keep up with the needs of a growing residential population.
Attending the annual International Council of Shopping Centers Global Retail Real Estate Convention has been one of the tools used to help achieve this objective. Mayor Ford led the economic development group, joining 35,000 retail brokers and developers at the event May 17-20. Team Commerce City met with a variety of individuals representing hotels, name-brand retailers and restaurant companies to talk about the benefits of locating within our community. The convention saw roughly 5,500 more attendees than last year, indicating a healthier retail industry and stronger economy.
While this is good news, there are still concerns. Shopping Centers Today reports that while the luxury and value retail sectors are thriving, retailers lying in between are seeing less growth. According to Jones Lang LaSalle's Retail President and CEO Greg Maloney, "Retail sales' annualized growth is still less than three percent across the U.S. The trouble continues to be with the middle-market retailers and consumers. Higher taxes are cutting into this segment's disposable income, thus affecting retail sales."
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| Q1 Economic Indicators Show Promise |
According to the first quarter economic indicators,  Commerce City has seen a 6.8 percent increase in job growth, and has steadily improved in key areas such as the number of businesses, wages, and building permits. More than 80 single family home permits have been issued and the U.S. Census has officially notched the city's population above 51,000. Read more city-specific economic data online.
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| Attend Adams County Manufacturer's Roundtable |
The Adams County Workforce & Business Center invites  businesses and educational leaders to attend the Manufacturing Sector Roundtable 9-10:30 a.m. June 17, 2015. This one-time event will feature an open discussion of manufacturing issues with the goal of improving the manufacturing talent pipeline. Learn more about the roundtable event. Please RSVP to [email protected] by June 10 to confirm your space.
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| Workforce Training Grants Available |
Commerce City companies that meet certain criteria are eligible  to apply for Colorado First and Existing Industry training funds in a competitive grant process. The training grant program provides up to $800 per employee and is a partnership between the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). It is managed through the local community colleges. Corporate Solutions at Front Range Community College (FRCC) can assist employers in Commerce City with applying for these grant funds and planning and implementing training activities once awarded. Colorado FIRST grants are for companies that are relocating to or expanding in Colorado and provide funds only to net new hires. Existing Industry grants focus on providing assistance to established Colorado companies in order to remain competitive within their industry, adapt to new technology and prevent layoffs. The deadline to apply with FRCC is July 15:
FRCC Training Grants Website For more information, contact Claudia Ossola by email or at 303-404-5461.
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| Retail Corner |
- Construction is underway for a new Taco Bell in Belle Creek
- We encourage you to eat local. A few restaurants in the northern range to consider are:
Click
here to view the Commerce City Business Directory.
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| Farewell to Laura |
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Economic Development Coordinator Laura Sanders is leaving the city at the end of May, relocating to Atlanta with her family. In her absence, the economic development division will continue to work diligently on retail and marketing efforts. Please contact the division at 303.289.3620 if you have any questions. We wish Laura the best in her new endeavors!
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| Sincerely,
Commerce City Economic Development Division
City of Commerce City
7887 E. 60th Ave
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Upcoming Events
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SBDC Midsummer Marketing Madness
Westminster SBDC
Through Aug. 12
Click here for more information
Connected Solutions with Verizon: Meet the Verizon Internet of Things (IoT) Engineering Team
CSU Denver Center
and Event Atrium
June 16, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
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Look Who's Moved In
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Cheryl Lynn Sanchez Home Childcare
High Country Meats
North of the Border
Pierce Elliot Law
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