Jeff Keener, president and CEO of the South Metro Denver Chamber, briefed the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners on the chamber’s recent work and upcoming programs, highlighting workforce initiatives, destination marketing and community events.

Keener outlined the chamber’s three pillars — economic development, legislative action and business networking — and said the organization has shifted emphasis toward the “three C’s”: catalyst, convener and champion. He listed recent business success stories and small business support efforts, including new programs that connect trades, construction and engineering firms with education and apprenticeship pathways.

The chamber said it is expanding destination‑marketing efforts for Arapahoe County and the South Metro region and secured two drone shows through the Colorado Tourism Office: one at the Littleton Criterium and one planned for Centennial Under the Stars or possibly linked to the opening of the new NWSL stadium. Keener noted logistical constraints such as airport proximity and safety that will determine final show locations.

Workforce programming was a repeated theme. The chamber presented collaboration examples with Arapahoe Douglas Works, Community College of Aurora and other education partners, including site visits for university students to regional employers and pilots testing transit passes bundled with rent for an affordable housing project north of Arapahoe County line. Keener also described a handheld series and a planned South Metro education program to orient employers and employees to regional resources and training pathways.

Keener told commissioners that in 2026 the chamber plans to launch a 501(c)(3) foundation to expand fundraising for workforce development, business education and destination marketing, and highlighted ongoing events such as the October workforce conference and an annual “A List” fundraising event that provides much of the chamber’s program revenue.

Commissioners asked about legislative issues and business concerns. Keener said the chamber hears a mix of concerns from members — for example, employer reaction to state pay‑transparency proposals — and offered to convene conversations with legislators when the county or commissioners want local business input.

This was an informational briefing; no formal county action was requested.