The Arvada Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an insightful Candidate Bootcamp for 2024 political candidates for county commissioner and the state legislature, designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local business landscape and the challenges businesses and non-profit organizations face in today’s regulatory environment. The event was divided into two parts, each offering valuable insights that will help candidates better address the concerns of the business community.
The BootCamp began with tours of two prominent local businesses: Talnua Distillery and SAS Flight Factory. At Talnua Distillery, candidates explored America’s first Single Pot Still whiskey distillery, gaining firsthand knowledge about the unique distillation process and the challenges associated with operating a craft distillery in Colorado. The tour of SAS Flight Factory provided insights into the advanced manufacturing industry, highlighting its specific needs and hurdles.
The second part of the bootcamp focused on economic insights and featured panels that brought together business owners from both small and large enterprises. The Common Sense Institute presented an economic overview that covered trends and forecasts relevant to the local and state economy including housing, public safety, homelessness, taxes/fees and the regulatory environment. During the business panels, owners shared their experiences and challenges, particularly emphasizing how state legislation has impacted their operations and increased the resources needed to effectively operate their businesses.
A key takeaway from these discussions was the significant impact that state legislation has on businesses, along with the complexities involved in navigating the current regulatory landscape. Candidates heard firsthand accounts of the real-world consequences of legislative decisions on local businesses, underscoring the importance of understanding these dynamics.
In addition to discussing problems, the bootcamp also explored potential proactive solutions. Candidates engaged in conversations about necessary policy changes that could alleviate burdens on businesses. They also examined ways to streamline and simplify regulations to create a more business-friendly environment.
The event saw participation from a diverse group of candidates running for various positions. In State Senate District 19, Lindsey Daugherty and Sam Bandimere participated. In State House District 24, Lisa Feret was present, while District 27 featured Brianna Titone and Ed Cox. Additionally, candidates for Commissioner included Rachel Zenzinger and Natalie Menten. This bipartisan representation demonstrated a collective commitment to understanding the needs of the business community, regardless of political affiliation.
Overall, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Candidate Bootcamp served as a vital platform for fostering dialogue between potential policymakers and local businesses. By providing candidates with direct exposure to business operations and facilitating open discussions about regulatory challenges, the event aimed to equip future leaders with the knowledge necessary to create a more supportive environment for businesses while balancing other community needs.
Ensuring our elected leaders effectively represent business interests in legislative and policy matters at the local, regional, state, and national levels is a priority of the Arvada Chamber through the B.O.L.D. 2026 initiative. Throughout the year, the Arvada Chamber facilitates local and state elected official engagement with our business community through programs like the Candidate Bootcamp, Advocacy After Hours, and elected official spotlights in our Advocacy Action newsletters.
The Arvada Chamber of Commerce does not endorse candidates at any level but is grateful for the participation of all the candidates and local officials to further develop a critical dialogue within the region to help ensure success for all involved. Learn more about the Arvada Chamber’s advocacy efforts at arvadachamber.org/advocacy.
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