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Adams County Regional Economic Partnership outlines regional programs, offers Thornton membership benefits
Summary
AC Rep CEO described the organization's rebrand, governance changes, programs (Lead Metro North, Civic and Business Alliance), benefits for top-level members and opportunities for Thornton to appoint representatives.
The Adams County Regional Economic Partnership (AC Rep) briefed Thornton City Council on Thursday about the organization's mission, new governance structure and programs designed to support regional business growth and local government engagement.
Adam Krueger, Thornton's economic-development director, introduced Lisa (last name in transcript: Hub) as AC Rep's chief executive. Lisa described AC Rep's 2020 merger origins, its mission to 'champion the businesses of the region' and the organization's four strategic pillars: economic vitality, regional profile, leadership development and policy engagement.
Why it matters: AC Rep positions itself as a regional convener of major employers rather than a traditional retail or networking chamber. Thornton is a member and the mayor serves on AC Rep's board; staff said the city pays a top-level annual dues amount of $15,000.
Key points from the presentation
- Governance and membership: AC Rep will formalize a board of directors capped at 21 seats that includes one Adams County representative and a rotating mayoral seat; Thornton's mayor currently holds a seat, and Thornton staff and elected officials can be appointed to several AC Rep committees.
- Programs: AC Rep highlighted the Lead Metro North leadership cohort, now moving under a newly formed Lead Metro North Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) to expand scholarships and grant eligibility; the program runs nine months and tuition ranges roughly $1,800 to $2,200. AC Rep also described a Civic and Business Alliance that invites two elected officials to convene with C-suite leaders on cross-cutting topics such as housing, workforce and transportation.
- Events and outreach: AC Rep promotes a State of the Region summit (next session June 12), a legislative preview, a development council that regularly features Thornton businesses, and the annual Game Changer awards honoring inclusive and innovative regional projects.
- Benefits to Thornton: AC Rep offered Thornton one free Lead Metro North seat for the coming year, an invitation for two council appointees to the Civic and Business Alliance, a potential appointment to the new foundation board and a voting seat on the business-advocacy committee. Krueger and AC Rep committed to additional coordination on appointments.
Council members asked about timing for board appointments and coordination with local chambers and the Denver-region Aerotropolis stakeholders. AC Rep said the new board slate will be presented to members at the State of the Region meeting and that their Civic and Business Alliance has already convened an initial meeting focused on housing innovation.
The city's economic-development director and AC Rep agreed to follow up on appointments and to coordinate meeting representation.
Ending: AC Rep will return later in the year with other partner organizations; staff will coordinate the mayoral and council appointments and follow up on member benefits.
