The right industry mix for an expanding economy.
From energy to aerospace, to bioscience, information technology - software, and financial services, Metro Denver offers a diversified economy of viable industries and the nation's second-most highly educated workforce.
CNBC ranked Colorado No. 3 in America's Top States for Business in 2009, up from No. 5 in 2008. The state ranked especially high for business friendliness, economy, access to capital, and quality of life. In addition, Forbes ranked Colorado No. 1 for labor prospects and No. 2 for growth prospects.
Aerospace - Metro Denver is first among the 50 largest metros for total private aerospace workers with 19,870 people employed at aerospace companies. Colorado has the nation's third-largest aerospace economy and is home to four military commands, eight major space contractors, and more than 300 aerospace companies and suppliers.
Aviation - Denver International Airport, three reliever airports, and top aircraft manufacturing companies create a solid foundation for 15,690 workers directly employed by aviation companies.
Bioscience - Ten local higher education institutions with bioscience programs and numerous bioscience research assets support the region's bioscience industry. The industry is also enhanced by the opportunities to bring together academic, research, and corporate biotechnology institutions at the $4.3 billion Fitzsimons Life Science District and the adjacent Anschutz Medical Campus.
Broadcasting & Telecommunications - Metro Denver's Mountain Time Zone location makes it the largest U.S. region with one-bounce satellite uplinks, providing companies real-time connects to six of seven continents. With a broad mix of broadcasting and telecommunications firms, the region ranks fourth out of the 50 largest metros for employment concentration.
Energy - The integration of cleantech and the state’s rich energy resource base place the region at the forefront of energy development. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden is the Department of Energy's laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency R&D.
Financial Services - The region is one of the few areas outside of the Northeast with a substantial financial services industry in three key market segments. A variety of trade associations and service firms supports the diverse financial services industry base of over 11,930 companies and 93,950 employees in the region.
Information Technology - Software - Colorado has the third-highest concentration of high-tech workers per capita in the nation according to TechAmerica's Cyberstates 2009 report. A strong entrepreneurial spirit fuels this industry, employing nearly 42,300 workers.
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