Denver October 2, 2008-Leaders from Colorado's business and labor communities announced today that they have launched a new joint campaign in opposition to three of this years most highly contested ballot issues.

The business community has joined with labor to oppose three proposals targeting unions: Right to Work (Amendment 47), Paycheck Protection (Amendment 49), and Sole Sourcing (Amendment 54). They have pledged to raise $3 million for the campaigns against those measures. That Funding will be collected by a pro-business issues committee, which will approve the way the money  is spent.

In response, labor has removed from the ballot the four counterproposals that they initiated: Criminal Accountability of Business Executives (Amendments 53), Just Cause Termination (Amendment 55), Mandated Health Insurance (Amendment 56) and Remedies for Injured Employees (Amendments 57). October 2nd is the deadline to ensure that votes on those ballot initiatives  will not be counted, and the paperwork was filed with Secretary of State that morning.

Governor Bill Ritter (pictured above) was one of the speakers at the press conference. "I'm pleased to be a part of this strong coalition of business leaders and labor leaders that have come together in the true spirit of Colorado to oppose these ballot initiatives. Now voters must join us and say no to 47, 49, and 54." To read the complete press release click here 

SEBP Honors Mike Matthews for years of Dedication, Support for South Denver  

Englewood, September 11, 2008-Mike Matthews was honored today at the Southeast Business Partnership (SEBP) Board of Governors Meeting for his support of SEBP.  Mike served as Chair of the SEBP Board of Trustees from July 2006 to June 2008. During this time he assisted in the creation of Transit Rider Incentive Program (TRIP). This program provides discounted Light Rail, Bus, and Call-N-Ride passes to people who work in the Southeast Urban Corridor and has been an enormous success.

Mike has always been a strong advocate and supporter of SEBP and has also been deeply involved with the South I-25 Transportation Management Authority (TMA). He is an informed and influential spokesman for the business community and public policy in the Rocky Mountain Region and has served for six years on the State of Colorado’s Economic Development Commission.

Mike (pictured with SEBP Vice President Mary Bowers and President John Lay) is leaving SEBP for a significantly expanded assignment with Wells Fargo as the Regional President of Northern Colorado. Mike remains a treasured friend of SEBP and we wish him well in his new position.

PARKER, Colo. – Construction on the expansion of the Rueter-Hess Reservoir located southwest of Parker began with a dedication ceremony at the reservoir site on September 5.  The unprecedented enlargement project was made possible through a partnership of the Parker Water and Sanitation District and the Douglas County communities of Castle Rock, Castle Pines North, and Stonegate.  These four organizations all committed substantial time and funds to the project and representatives from each were present at the dedication event.

The dam at the site of the expansion is officially named Frank Jaeger Dam at Rueter Hess Reservoir. The District Manager of Parker Water and Sanitation worked tirelessly to bring the four principals together for the benefit of all Colorado.  Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO, above, fourth from left, with Frank Jaeger) attended the ceremony and spoke on the importance of water issues to Coloradans and of the lasting impact this reservoir will have on the residents of Douglas County.  For more information click here.