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Pueblo Economic Develpment Corporation

By Dena Stevens

Real Estate Agent with Rocky Mountain Realty #EA40039680

November 17, 2006 11:18 AM

I've written about lots of reasons people love Southern Colorado in my blogs. Pueblo has a diverse culture, a strong bond within the community and is located in a beautiful part of the country. Drive to the mountains in an hour, visit the worlds highest suspention bridge, white water raft on the Arkansas River, explore the top of Pikes Peak, enjoy concerts, art galleries, antiques and Pueblo is known for it's great food. The Pueblo Economic Development Corportion is the driving force behind the growth of the area. Below is more detailed information on why you should come visit or consider moving to the Arkansas Valley.

About PEDCO

We're PEDCO, the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation. PEDCO is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the Pueblo area to businesses and industries considering a new location or expansion.

We were born out of the economic downturn of the early 1980's. That recession had a particularly devastating effect on this steel-dependent community. Pueblo experienced double-digit unemployment and watched the out-migration of talented individuals who couldn't fulfill their future aspirations here.

Pueblo Helps Itself
With feelings of frustration and desperation, the people of Pueblo came together in 1981 and formed PEDCO as a private/public partnership. They charged the agency with expanding and diversifying Pueblo's economic base.

Business people, large and small, and individuals dug into their pockets to find money to support PEDCO and its economic development efforts. They also gave of their time, available at a moment's notice to talk to interested companies. Elected officials gave job creation their highest priority and allocated public dollars to the effort.

Pueblo citizens took it even further. In 1984, they voted to tax themselves to support economic development. On four different occasions they have voted to keep that half-cent sales tax in place. PEDCO uses the money for economic development incentives, funding certain capital projects and equipment purchases for new corporate neighbors.

The Results: Incredible
Today, thanks to the team effort, PEDCO has created over 16,414 new jobs for Pueblo citizens, and saved nearly as many. Since 1981, 60 companies have located or expanded to this southern Colorado city.

Why the success? Says PEDCO President Jim Spaccamonti, "We've worked hard to make this America's number one pro-business community. We provide Colorado's most profitable environment and we're one of the most desirable places to live and work in the United States."

Pueblo continues to actively seek new growth and development, resulting in more and better jobs for its citizens. Today, over 375 area businesses and individuals are counted as members and supporters of PEDCO. These are citizens who realize that a secure economic future depends on the opening of doors to new employers. PEDCO also works closely with city, county and state elected officials who stand ready to ease the way for the relocation of new businesses and industries into the community.

PEDCO Explains Why
Selling points are bottom line. The reasons most often cited for Pueblo's attractiveness include a business climate that offers low costs of living, housing and doing business, educational offerings and a minimum of red tape. A quality work force and cooperation between government and the private sector also get mentioned. PEDCO provides new and expanding companies with a variety of incentives including enterprise zone tax credits, low cost land, customized employee training and cash grants to those who qualify.

If you're considering a new location, PEDCO is enthusiastic about using the considerable resources at its disposal to help you become part of the most pro-business community in America. Contact PEDCO today!

WHY?

Low-Cost Operation:

A cost-of-doing-business that is among the lowest in America

A cost-of-construction that is the lowest in America

Fully-serviced industrial sites at the lowest cost in Colorado

Innovative customized financing

Incentives that include Enterprise Zone tax credits

Cash grants to qualified companies

Low-cost energy and utility services

An abundant supply of clean water

A favorable tax structure

Superior Work Force:

Stable, productive workers with a strong work ethic, low absenteeism and turnover rates

Flexible and competitive wage scale

Excellent educational network

Free customized employee training that is industry-specific

Good labor relations

Quality of Life:

One of the lowest costs of living and housing in America

Sunshine at least 300 days annually

Cleanest air anywhere

Highest percentage of home ownership in America

Reputation for warmth and friendliness

Health care center for Southern Colorado

Abundant recreational and cultural activities

Near some of America's most sought-after tourist attractions

Pueblo is America's most pro-business community...

with a reputation earned through an effective public/private partnership and an aggressive CAN-DO attitude.

with people proud of their accomplishments and possessing a strong work ethic that has endured over time.

with a business climate that has allowed the major companies locating in Pueblo over the last ten years - yes, all of them - to expand at least once, some as many as five times.

Pueblo...The Place To Be In Business!