In this Capitol Report:
Colorado Chamber Annual Report Details Business Victories & Challenges Ahead
The Colorado Chamber this week released its 2021 Annual Report, providing an overview of the biggest victories and policy issues facing the business community.
The Colorado Chamber’s work is more important than ever during these difficult times, and Chamber members know that a healthy business climate starts with good policy at the state level. Despite a challenging year for Colorado employers, from legislative session to the enduring economic effects of COVID-19, the Chamber secured many victories for its members – from corporate tax bills to labor and employment policies.
Click here to view the Chamber’s 2021 Annual Report
We remain committed to strongly advocating for Colorado’s businesses again in the 2022 legislative session and for years to come.
Join Us In Welcoming Our New Board Members!
The Colorado Chamber this week elected six new board members to serve on the Board of Directors! We look forward to working with them to guide our mission and improve Colorado’s business climate. Please join us in welcoming the following board members:
Ellie Booth, Amazon
Senior Manager, Public Policy
Ellie Booth serves as Senior Manager, Public Policy for Amazon where she leads government relations and policy in the West, including Colorado. During her time at Amazon she has built expertise in small business engagement and workforce policy to ensure that business teams understand the effects of state policies on current and future operations. Additionally, she has built relationships for Amazon in 11 states and several major metropolitan areas, including Denver.
Brian Kelso, Wells Fargo Bank
Senior Vice President
With over 15 years of banking experience Brian Kelso leads a Colorado Commercial Banking team as the Market Executive. Brian over sees a team of Commercial Banking Leaders who manage and deliver Wells Fargo’s localized approach to, commercial companies with revenues $10 million and above. The Commercial Banking team provides more than 80 wholesale banking services to customers in industries such as agriculture, real estate, forest products, manufacturing, beverage, wholesale, retail, distribution, and technology.
Jason Weston, PNC Financial Services Group
Senior Vice President
Jason, a former Colorado Chamber Board Member, is a 21-year banking veteran serving retail, commercial, and corporate customers throughout Colorado. Jason joined PNC Bank in March 2021 to assist in the Bank’s Denver expansion efforts. As an SVP in PNC’s Corporate and Institutional Banking group, Jason brings PNC’s full breadth of services to Corporate customers throughout Colorado in addition to acting as a mentor and resource to newer bankers throughout the expansion market.
Varaprasad Manne, Terumo BCT
Director of Factory Operations
Varaprasad “Manne” Manne joined Terumo BCT in July 2019 as the Director of Factory Operations for Colorado. Manne brings over 20 years of experience in quality, engineering, production, program planning, business transformation, and marketing with 10 years at Baxter International and 7 years at Plexus Corporation.
Melissa Osse, HealthONE
Vice President, Government Relations
Melissa Osse is an experienced government relations executive with a proved track record of working across various business industry sectors. In her current role as VP, Government Relations for HCA Healthcare she oversees the development of all state and local legislative priorities and strategies for the Continental Division. Prior to joining HCA, Melissa served as Legislative Director with Axiom Politics.
Jacob Wager, Cigna HealthCare
Senior Director, State Government Affairs
Jacob Wager is the Senior Director of State Government Affairs for Cigna, a global health services company. Based out of Denver, Jacob leads the West Region government affairs team and has direct responsibility for Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. In his role, he serves as a liaison to state officials and oversees state legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts in his five states to advance Cigna’s mission of improving the health, well-being, and peace of mind of those we serve.
2022 Elections Quickly Approaching with Legislative Candidate Interviews in Mind
It’s that time of year again! Contributions for the 2022 election cycle will be essential to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to select and support pro-business candidates for the Colorado General Assembly. Our ability to influence business-friendly legislation is directly related to these efforts.
Contributing to the Colorado Chamber Political Action Committee (CCPAC) gives Chamber members insider access to our extensive candidate interview process, allowing you to have direct impact on who leads our state. Both the CCPAC & Small Donor Committee support pro-business candidates for the State Legislature. PACs are limited to a maximum $625 contribution per election cycle for state legislative races, making fundraising efforts even more difficult for elected officials and candidates. A $50 individual contribution may be donated to the Colorado Chamber Small Donor Committee each year. The Colorado Chamber 527 Political Organization (527 Fund) can directly influence the selection or election of candidates. A $1,000 or more (no limit per state law) contribution is recommended to support strategic endorsements.
Historically the candidate interview process is held in the summer after the legislative session concludes. The candidate vetting and endorsement process includes detailed analyses of candidates’ campaigns, fundraising, legislative districts, and voter performance and history. This valuable analysis handbook is a benefit to our members that contribute to the CCPAC. In the candidate interview process, you will have the opportunity to ask tough questions of the candidates on critical business issues to help determine who the Chamber’s valuable endorsements will go to.
Please direct any questions regarding our campaign finance entities to SVP, Events & Political Fundraising to Tricia Smith at [email protected].
Click here to contribute.