Barber-Nichols, an Arvada-based manufacturer, has received the Arvada Economic Development Association’s 2026 Outstanding Large Employer Award, a recognition that signals business strength, local job support and continued employer investment in Jefferson County. The company said the award reflects the contributions of its workforce and its commitment to growing in Arvada, making the announcement relevant to…more
Jefferson County’s business community is being invited to help identify standout companies, projects and leaders as the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation opens nominations for the 2026 Gateways Awards. The program is directly tied to business growth in Jeffco, recognizing job creation, investment, entrepreneurship, sustainability, public-private partnerships and policy leadership across the county. Why this…more
The Board of Directors has announced that Kami Welch will become the next President and CEO of the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, starting August 15, 2026. Welch has served as the Interim CEO and has extensive experience leading the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce for the past 14 years. Welch’s compensation for the role…more
The Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation is undergoing a significant transition in its executive leadership. Carrie Kelly, who served as the organization’s President and CEO since August 2025, has stepped down from her role to return to the private sector. In a prepared statement related to the staffing change, the EDC said: “Jeffco EDC has…more
Iza Petrykowska, a long-time leader at the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA), will be departing for new opportunities on the East Coast. After a decade in Arvada and six years with AEDA, Petrykowska will relocate to Pennsylvania to continue fostering business development in her home state. Colleagues and partners expressed their appreciation for Petrykowska’s contributions.…more
In the competitive and often turbulent world of payment processing, Brendon Speas saw a significant void. After spending 14 years within the vast operations of U.S. Bank—working in merchant services market management, commercial lending, and business banking—Speas launched 5280 Payments in January 2020. Based in Lakewood, the company’s mission is to provide efficient, reliable payment…more
The Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC) has announced the winners of the 2025 Gateways Awards, recognizing the individuals, initiatives, and collaborations shaping the area’s economic landscape. The awards ceremony took place at the Social Capitol Events Center in Arvada, bringing together over 300 leaders from business, civic, and community sectors. “The Gateways shine…more
The Colorado Economic Development Commission has approved new boundaries for the Jefferson County Enterprise Zone Program, which provides tax credits for businesses within designated areas based on activities like job creation and training. These revisions, which occur every ten years, will take effect on January 1, 2026. Key tax credits available include a 3% investment…more
On Wednesday, November 5, the Golden Chamber of Commerce hosted its 3rd annual business summit, attracting 100 participants from the local business community. This year’s attendance exceeded last year’s 80 attendees and the inaugural year’s 40 attendees in 2023. The summit featured sessions on artificial intelligence, marketing, and finance strategy development. Notable speakers included U.S.…more
Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC) has announced the finalists for the 4th annual Gateways Awards, honoring individuals and initiatives that contribute to economic vitality and community impact across Jefferson County. The awards will be presented on Wednesday, November 5, at the Social Capitol Event Venue in Arvada. Presented by JE Dunn Construction, the…more
Jeffco BdB, ADP Release Updated Employment/Hiring Reports While national employment figures indicate a cautious hiring landscape, a new report from Jeffco BdB reveals a tale of two economies within Jefferson County, with robust growth in some areas masking stagnation elsewhere. The Jeffco 500 Hiring Index, tracking the county’s top businesses, showed a stable, slightly positive…more
A review of the Jeffco 500 Hiring Index, updated today, for the six-month period ending in September 2025 reveals a stable, slightly positive hiring climate for the county’s top businesses, yet this top-line stability masks significant divergence among local municipalities. While the overall county index hovered consistently around 30%, hiring activity was far from uniform…more
