The Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC) released their findings from their small primary employer’s research project.

    The report which took place in the Fall of 2006, is a result of 25 one-on-one interviews with Larimer County based primary employers with 10-50 employees. 
    The 2006 survey results reveal that Northern Colorado (Larimer County for the survey purposes) can expect regional growth to occur over the next 1-3 years.  Of the 25 small primary employers interviewed, 67% of businesses plan to expand over the next three years.  Of the 67% of the businesses planning expansion, 42% are in manufacturing, 29% are in professional, scientific and technical services.  Other industry sectors that are predicting growth are wholesale trade, information and finance and insurance. 
There are over 155 jobs projected to be created in the next three years from these expanding businesses.  Small primary employers interviewed, indicated the estimated dollar amount to be invested in their expansion efforts totaling over $9,930,000. 
    Including the increased capital expenditures and new job opportunities, there is an estimated 43,500 sq ft in new facility space that is expected to be occupied (built or leased) over the next three years. 
    In addition to the positive business growth projections of the small primary employers, 56% projected the economy will be better in two years, 36% feel the economy will be the same in two years and only 8% feel in two years, the economy will be worse.
     Maury Dobbie, NCEDC President and CEO stated, “We are extremely excited and look forward to working very closely with the Loveland and Fort Collins Chambers of Commerce and the City’s Economic Development staff to continue the annual survey of our primary employers. It is imperative that we recognize the importance of primary employers in Northern Colorado and their continued economic contributions to the county. ”

For the full report download the pdf file on the right side of the page