The Northwest Douglas County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation (NWDC & EDC), is a mouthful. It accurately describes, however, the complex and varied work performed by the woman at the NWDCC & EDC.
So what does a chamber & EDC do? Their mission statement sums it up well. "A Catalyst for Business Growth. A Convener of Leaders and Influencers. A Champion for the Community."
The NWDCC & EDC is a membership driven non-profit organization that serves the business interests and broader communities of Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Roxborough, Sterling Ranch, and the Santa Fe corridor.
In addition to networking, referral and leads groups, and the very popular Women's Business Alliance, the NWDCC& EDC hosts educational events such as Trends in Commercial Real Estate & How To: Healthcare Enrollment. They hold an annual membership breakfast and a business awards luncheon honoring those members who've made an impact in their sector or on the community. They partner with local governmental and quasi-governmental agencies advocating locally, state wide and on the federal level for for business-friendly policy and regulatory issues. Over the past few years, they became sourcing experts for their members on where to buy essential safety gear.
On the economic development side, they participate in attracting and retaining businesses of all sizes to our area. They view their role to support the health of the broader community and economy by building a strong and supportive business culture and environment in our community. Finally, they seek to buildup new business leaders, entrepreneurs and next generation leadership.
As part of the economic development efforts, the Board of Directors led an economic and demographic study prior to the pandemic. A five-year economic development strategic plan followed with initiatives for business attraction, expansion and retention, marketing the region, working with the aerospace industry, and development of a real estate committee. Highlights over the last year include Terumo BCT and Lockheed Martin expanding into Highlands Ranch, and a recent announcement of Blue Origin coming. Central Park and Sterling Ranch are thriving with new residential and retail. Northwest Douglas County has several large infrastructure projects under construction and more planned in the near future.
And they throw some pretty fun Business After Hours happy hours around town.
Amy Sherman is the President & CEO, and has over 25 years of experience in the chamber of commerce, trade association and economic development industries. She was one of Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 winners in 2012, Economic Development Rookie of the Year in 2013, and Denver Business Journal’s Top Women in Energy in 2015. Additionally, Amy was awarded the Colorado Chamber President of the Year 2008, and top women of Jefferson County in 2011.
Trista Borrego currently serves at the Director of Events & Programs, with the well deserved informal title Director of Fun. She has previous experience managing both small and large teams in telecommunications, human resources, relationship development, and employee engagement. She is passionate about serving the members of the Chamber & EDC, helping connect business leaders and providing opportunity for the community to thrive.
Kristy Howell is the Director of Membership and Communication. She began her career in sports and entertainment working for the minor league baseball team the New Orleans Zephyrs. She came to Colorado form native Louisiana to work for the Colorado Rockies and then at the Pepsi Center. Throughout her time in the sports industry, Kristy developed strong partnerships with Chambers and EDCs. When she decided to leave sports and entertainment behind, working for a Chamber and EDC was a natural fit.
Together, these women work to build a place where business thrives, employment is plentiful and our community prospers. visit them at tnwdouglascounty.org
