MAINTAINING ECONOMIC VITALITY Challenges and triumphs amid a pandemic As a recent report from the nonprofit economic group Heartland Forward notes, Boulder enjoys one of the most dynamic economies in the country. The diversity of industries that operate in Boulder, along with its highly educated populace and active startup community, have provided the basis for a strong economy through the years. Strengths aside, however, Boulder was not immune to severe headwinds caused by the pandemic.
change in economic vitality efforts and to maximize its impact, the Boulder Chamber rallied together with several of the county’s top business support organizations. Among the earliest and most valuable of these partnerships was the Boulder Business Response and Recovery Alliance, a coalition including the Boulder Chamber, Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau, Boulder County, Boulder Small Business Development Center, Community Foundation Boulder County, City of Boulder, “Prior to the pandemic, our efforts Downtown Boulder Partnership focused primarily on the retention and the Latino Chamber of and recruitment of businesses and Commerce of Boulder County. on reporting on the economic conditions within our region,” “I continue to be impressed by said Scott Sternberg, executive the level of collaboration and director of the Boulder Economic commitment exhibited by local Council. “After March 2020, our leaders,” said Corine Waldau, activities pivoted towards directly senior director of economic supporting those businesses vitality. “Countless hours have significantly impacted by public been spent in direct contact with health restrictions and changes in local businesses and stakeholders customer behavior.” to both act on, and react to, changing conditions.”
Collaboration is key
To achieve the heavy lifting that This broad partnership manifested came with such a significant itself in powerful ways throughout 26
BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY
