From Bioscience To Breweries, Innovative Firms Are At Home In Northern Colorado

The economy remains strong in Northern Colorado. In fact, the Fort Collins-Loveland area was ranked 3rd in the United States on Forbes' list of Best Places for Business and Careers.

During the first quarter of 2000, every major industry sector represented in Northern Colorado experienced growth. Those in the service, manufacturing, government, retail trade and construction sectors saw the greatest expansion.

Northern Colorado commands the second largest labor market in Colorado, just behind that of the Denver Metropolitan Area to the south. At the end of 1997, labor market studies showed a workforce about half a million strong. Projections number the region's workforce at 715,000 by 2010.

Studies of the regional labor market describe a diverse workforce, powered by a strong work ethic. The region has been proactive in workforce development, with leaders in employment, education, economic development and industry working together to ensure that a quality labor force exists well into the future.

In 2005 Expansion Management Magazine ranked Fort Collins/Loveland one of the

• Five Star Knowledge Worker Metros
• Top Ten Metros for Scientists & Engineers Per Capita
• Top 15 Best Educated Workforce in the nation