B.O.L.D. 2026 is a five-year regional economic strength and resiliency initiative of the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce. B.O.L.D. 2026 includes four mutually supporting goals that tackle challenges impacting businesses and employees around talent development, housing, childcare capacity, and the business environment. Each quarter, the Chamber will provide this update on initiative outcomes for investors, members, and the community.
Q1 Initiative Accomplishments
- On March 12, the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce hosted the State of Talent as part of its B.O.L.D. 2026 All-Partner Briefing. The event at Social Capitol brought together business leaders, educators, and workforce development professionals to discuss the future of talent in Colorado. With a rapidly changing labor market, high attrition rates, and evolving workforce demands, the event provided valuable insights into how the state can navigate these challenges. Read the key takeaways from this event.
- Read the B.O.L.D. 2026 Mid-Inititative Report and B.O.L.D. 2026 Outcomes to Date, presented at the All-Partner Briefing.
- In January, the Greater Arvada Chamber welcomed to the team Jess Fuller, Senior Director of Policy & Economic Impact. In this role, Jess oversees partnerships and programming for our housing and childcare initiatives, supports advocacy and policy efforts, and helps our team increase business engagement. Learn more.
- In January, the Greater Arvada Chamber hosted the 2025 Employment Law Overview with Arvada Economic Development Association. This presentation from Employment Law Solutions, Inc. was designed to guide businesses through critical legal updates impacting Colorado employers and the latest compliance requirements. Watch the presentation and download the slides here.
- Quantum technology is rapidly transforming industries, and Colorado is at the forefront of this revolution. At the January 17 Community Impact Forum: What is Quantum?, hosted by the Greater Arvada Chamber, industry experts gathered to discuss the implications of quantum mechanics, its real-world applications, and how Colorado is shaping the future of this groundbreaking field. Read the teakeaways from this event.
- On the Advocacy front, the Greater Arvada Chamber announced its 2025 Colorado Legislative Session Preview and Lobbyist Overview in February. In addition to taking a position on 19 Colorado bills thus far, the Chamber also provided an overview of construction defects legislation and detailed five bills that we are closely tracking.
- In February, the Greater Arvada Chamber announced it had completed the distribution of $400,000 to 50 different employers through the Work-Based Learning Incentive Program. This state-funded program enabled businesses and non-profits across 19 industries (including hairstyling, financial advising, and manufacturing) to offer employees and interns the opportunity to gain industry-specific skills. Read more about the outcomes of this program and how you can get involved with work-based learning.
- In March, the Greater Arvada Chamber hosted the Deep Dive Series: Unlocking Potential in Overlooked Talent Pools, a three-part event aimed at exploring innovative hiring practices to engage underutilized talent sources. Held at the Business Resource Center, the series provided valuable insights for businesses seeking to address talent shortages and foster more inclusive workplaces. Read takeaways from this program.
- In March, the Greater Arvada Chamber hosted the Denver Regional Talent Summit in partnership with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The summit focused on addressing workforce challenges in key industries, including aerospace & defense, advanced manufacturing, and renewables & clean energy. Governor Jared Polis joined the summit, underscoring the importance of workforce development in Colorado’s growing economy. Read more.
- The Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce was honored with two prestigious awards at the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) Annual Conference, held in early February in Las Vegas. The Chamber received the Outstanding Chamber Program (Large Chamber) Award for its Advocacy Network, a dynamic initiative designed to empower business leaders to influence local policy and stay informed on critical legislative issues. With a growing network of over 120 business and community leaders, the Advocacy Network provides opportunities for engagement through quarterly briefings, legislative updates, direct interactions with elected officials, and public testimony on key business issues. Learn more.
What is Ahead
- The Chamber recently announced the Arvada Ascent Mentor Cohort, a new six-month mentorship program for entrepreneurs with monthly sessions, exclusive networking events, Cloverleaf emotional intelligence training, and a peer support network. Sessions will begin on May 7, 2025. Learn more here.
- In Q2, the Chamber will be announcing updates, new programs, resources, and opportunities tied to the Work-Based Learning Toolkit, HR Cohort, and the Family Friendly Workplace Program.
- Upcoming events and programs:
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