Aurora Chamber reports enterprise‑zone role, military affairs recognition and expanded programs for young professionals and women

Representatives of the Aurora Chamber briefed Arapahoe County commissioners on chamber activities, membership programs and new responsibilities including administering an enterprise‑zone program in the South Metro area.

Chamber staff said the organization will serve as the administrator for the expanded Southeast enterprise zone, a role that will include outreach and program administration for businesses seeking enterprise‑zone credits. Commissioners expressed support for the chamber taking on that administrative role and for coordinating outreach to local businesses.

The chamber also highlighted military‑affairs work. Staff announced recognition from the Association of Defense Communities and said the chamber’s regional military affairs program received an award for community support; the chamber said the recognition underscores the region’s ties to Buckley, other installations and veteran populations.

Program updates included arts‑business connections (that highlight culinary, fashion and arts entrepreneurs such as Mango House on Colfax), young professional and leadership programs (including Emerging Leaders and a 40‑year Leadership Aurora program), and a Women in Business day conference on Oct. 15 that will replace an annual “unsung heroes” luncheon. The chamber reaffirmed its membership‑driven model, said it supports lead‑generation groups that report more than $2 million in business transactions across leads participants, and noted an active ambassador and events program.

Chamber staff asked commissioners to help coordinate on regional priorities and said they will work with the county on enterprise‑zone and other economic development outreach. No county action was required at the meeting.