B.O.L.D. 2026 is a five-year regional economic strength and resiliency initiative of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber developed BOLD 2026 in consultation with private and public sector leaders and partners in Arvada, Jefferson / Adams Counties, Metro Denver and the state of Colorado. Below is a monthly update on initiative outcomes for investors, members, Champions, and the community.
Click here to view all B.O.L.D. 2026 Key Accomplishments to date.
August 2024 Highlights
Chamber Hosts Housing Tour of AVi at Olde Town
On August 29, the Arvada Chamber hosted an exclusive tour of AVi at Olde Town, where Foothills Regional Housing is implementing local workforce housing solutions. The tour offered local business and community leaders a firsthand look at solutions to help transform the Arvada community. Foothills Regional Housing seeks to create vibrant, stable communities in areas of opportunity via bold and strategic initiatives, and to provide families and individuals with housing options driven by compassion and respect throughout Jefferson County.
The Chamber’s Business Resource Center Continues Diverse Support Offerings
In August, the Arvada Chamber hosted five unique business education events at the Business Resource Center, including a Delegation Deep Dive Series, Business Minds Book Club, and Social Media Study Hall. In total, 57 unique businesses and 77 attendees visited the Chamber for these programs. The Business Resource Center website was also updated with business planning and funding resources, a speaker application, and information about renting meeting space.
3 “Learn About Work” Opportunities with Jeffco Public Schools
School is back in session! Your business is invited to join upcoming events with Jefferson County Public Schools to help students learn about careers in our community.
- September 17: Golden High Schools (GHS) 12th Grade English Work-Based Learning Day
- October 9: Jeffco Public Schools 10th Grade Career Expo
- October 25: LGBTQ+ Career Connections Day
Barber-Nichols Honored with Family-Friendly Workplace Award
Barber-Nichols received the 2024 Family-Friendly Workplace Award at the Health Links annual event on August 22. This award highlights their dedication to supporting employees as caregivers through all stages of life. Barber-Nichols has been implementing innovative strategies to address childcare challenges faced by their employees. A big congratulations to the team at Barber-Nichols!
Barber-Nichols is part of the Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program through the Arvada Chamber. This program assesses businesses on their family-friendly policies and practices, and participants meet quarterly to delve into topics like family-friendly benefits, flexibility, and support. If your business is interested in learning more about this program, please visit arvadachamber.org/FFWP.
Chamber Hosts Meet-and-Greet with New Red Rocks Community College President
On August 20th, the Arvada Chamber hosted a successful meet and greet with Dr. Landon Pirius, the new President of Red Rocks Community College.
This event brought together business and community leaders, as well as elected officials, to discuss the critical importance of viable post-secondary training solutions right in our own backyard. The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss innovative ideas to foster partnerships across the region and commit to supporting local students in achieving their career goals.
Report: Where Does the Workforce Live?
According to a 2021 report by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, only 17.6% of Arvada’s workforce both lives and works in the city, while a significant 82.4% of the workforce resides outside of Arvada. So where does the workforce live?
By exploring the residential patterns of Arvada’s workers, we can gain valuable insights into commuting habits, housing affordability, and the overall economic landscape of the region. More and more employers are noticing their employees are living farther away, commuting greater distances, or leaving job opportunities due to the rising housing costs in the region. As these concerns have continued to grow, the Arvada Chamber’s B.O.L.D. 2026 housing initiative seeks to engage regional business leaders and collaborative partners to support access to housing for the region’s workforce.
Metro-West Construction Alliance Hosts Planning and Development Panel
On August 27, the Metro-West Construction Alliance (MWACA) hosted an all-partner meeting to hear from a panel of municipal planning and development leaders to understand what happens behind the scenes, and why the processes differ from city to city. Jansen Tidmore, President and CEO, Jefferson County EDC, facilitated the panel, which featured: Jessica Garner (Director of Community and Economic Development, City of Arvada) Justin Clark (Building Official, City of Arvada), Keith Hensel (City Engineer, City of Lakewood), Mike Jones (Head Building Official, City of Lakewood), and Steve Art (Economic Development Manager & Executive Director, URA Wheat Ridge).
The Metro-West Construction Alliance (MWACA) provides an opportunity for the industry to network, discuss trends and opportunities, and collectively resolve ongoing challenges. Metro-West partners include Arvada Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson County Business and Workforce Center, Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, and Arvada Economic Development Association.
Hope House Opens 11,000 Square Foot Early Learning Center
On August 15, Hope House Colorado opened its 11,000 square foot Early Learning Center, which will provide childcare to 104 kids of Hope House moms and staff members when it reaches full capacity. In its first year, the Early Learning Center will have spots for 50 children aged six weeks to Pre-K. After that, it will grow to its full capacity. Hope House mothers — most of whom are teenage or young mothers — and Hope House staff members will be eligible to have their children enrolled in the daycare.
“In the state of Colorado, we’re actually short 90,000 spots, according to EPIC (Executives Partnering in Childcare),” Lisa Steven, Hope House Colorado’s founder and executive director, told The Arvada Press. “The center will have spots for both our staff and the children of our teen moms. We’re really excited about being able to have spots for our staff because that’s so critical for hiring and retention.
Hope House joins the School of Mines and The Bridge Arvada as Jefferson County employers with an on-site childcare facility.
Upcoming Events
- September 19: Women’s Leadership Luncheon
- September 19: Employer Info Session – Talent Strategy
- September 19: Arvada Chamber Member Appreciation Event
- September 20: 2024 County & State Candidate Forum
- September 20: G.R.O.W. Network Work-Based Learning Workshop
- September 24: Social Media Study Hall: Google Listing/SEO
- September 26: Sip & Support: Unveiling the Arvada Chamber’s Employer Childcare Toolkit
0 Comments