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 fifth in "America's Top States for Business" in 2011. The state ranked especially high for business friendliness, economy, and access to capital. In addition, Forbes ranked Colorado first for labor prospects and fifth overall in its 2011 "Best States for Business" report.
Aerospace - Metro Denver is second among the 50 largest metros for total private aerospace workers with 19,500 people employed at aerospace companies. Colorado has the nation's second-largest aerospace economy and is home to four military commands, eight major space contractors, and more than 400 aerospace companies and suppliers.
Aviation - Denver International Airport and three reliever airports create a solid foundation for 14,650 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 578-acre, $5 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 connections 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 places the region at the forefront of energy development. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden is the U.S. 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 more than 13,320 companies and 86,070 employees in the region.
Healthcare & Wellness - Employment in the healthcare and wellness cluster has grown consistently since 2006, increasing 23 percent in the last five years. With 169,150 employed in nearly 18,000 companies, the nine-county region ranks fourteenth in total employment.
Information Technology-Software - Metro Denver has the ninth-highest concentration of high-tech workers among the 50 largest metro areas. A strong entrepreneurial spirit fuels this industry, employing approximately 41,640 workers.
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Industry Associations