Index: Economy
Economy - Business
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What's New (updated 12/15/09)
According to the 2010 Colorado Business Economic Outlook [pdf], prepared by the University of Colorado, Leeds School of Business, Colorado employers are expected to shed 6,600 non-farm jobs in 2010. The sectors expected to show gains in 2010 are education, professional and business services, and health care providers. (December 2009)
According to the 2010 Colorado Business Economic Outlook [pdf], prepared by the University of Colorado, Leeds School of Business, Colorado employers are expected to shed 6,600 non-farm jobs in 2010. The sectors expected to show gains in 2010 are education, professional and business services, and health care providers. (December 2009)
What We Measured:
- Agriculture in Larimer County
- Employment & Wages by Industry
- Larimer County Employers
- Minority Business Ownership
- Per Capita Income
- Unemployment Rate
Outside Compass:
Highlights:
- In 2007, farms in Larimer County are more numerous, but smaller in acreage. As farms decrease in size, more women are becoming farmers. (Agriculture in Larimer County)
- From 2004 to 2008, employment in the Manufacturing sector, one of the highest paying sectors, decreased by 18%, resulting in a loss of 2,670 jobs. (Employment & Wages by Industry)
- Businesses with fewer than ten employees accounted for almost 77% of all establishments in Larimer County in 2007. The majority (98.5%) of Larimer County business establishments had fewer than 100 employees, which was similar to Colorado (98.1%) and the nation (97.7%) during the same period. (Larimer County Employers)
- In 2002, 95.9% of Larimer County firms were owned by White residents. The majority of minority firm owners, 60.4%, were Hispanic. (Minority Business Ownership)
- In 2007, per capita personal income in Larimer County ($36,766) was lower than the national average ($38,611). (Per Capita Income)
- In general, the Fort Collins/Loveland MSA had lower unemployment rates than both Colorado and the United States from July 2007 to December 2008. (Unemployment Rate)
Related Studies:
- Toward a More Competitive Colorado [pdf] (November 2009) is an annual report produced by Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. This fourth edition compares Colorado's competitive position against the other 49 states. Colorado ranks first in students scoring at the highest levels of ACT and SAT college-entrance exams.
- Renewing America: A Blueprint for Economic Recovery [pdf] (November 2008) details how the United States can revive the stalling economy by focusing on energy independence by developing clean energy sources. This report was prepared by the Environment Colorado Research and Policy Center.
- The June 2007 study, The Role of Health Care and Social Assistance in Larimer County's Economy [pdf], highlights the growing impact of this industrial sector, which currently employs over 10% of the County's workforce.
- Losing Ground: Colorado's Vanishing Agricultural Landscape [pdf] documents Colorado's loss of 1.26 million acres of agricultural lands since 1997. The report highlights the importance of productive agriculture to the rural economy, the environment, and to tourism. (Environment Colorado Research and Policy Center - April 2006)
- How Robust Was The 2001-2007 Economic Expansion? (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities - August 2008), states there is no evidence to support the claim that the tax cuts during this period generated especially robust economic growth.
- A Profile of Older Workers in Colorado [pdf] - (January 2005) - this United States Census Bureau report contains details on what industries are most affected by the aging workforce, and demand and job stability for older workers.
- The 2009 Colorado Business Economic Outlook [pdf] - In its 44th year of publication, provides observations and assessments for various regions and Colorado counties, including Larimer, for the coming year. (Released by the Business Research Division of the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado at Boulder)
- Kaufman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity 1996-2008 [pdf] - This report measures the rate of business creationat the individual owner level. (April 2009)
- FDIC State Profile - Colorado [pdf] - This quarterly report provides information on banking trends and a variety of economic indicators for the state of Colorado.
- 2008 Citizen Survey Results (Fort Collins) [pdf] - this report gives the results of a citizen survey conducted by the City of Fort Collins during September of 2008. Residents were asked to rate Fort Collins as a community, and the City's performance in various areas of service, long-term budget priorities and more.
- Downtown Strategic Plan Draft [pdf] (Amended December 2006) - This report, sponsored by the City of Fort Collins, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and the Downtown Business Association (DBA), explores and responds to a selected number of crucial issues facing downtown Ft. Collins.
- City of Fort Collins Trends 2000 - a report which assesses social and economic conditions within Fort Collins. [pdf]
Related issues within Compass:
Additional Resources:
- Colorado Business Resource Guide - provides general information to assist in the starting up and operation of small businesses.
- Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)
- Colorado Enterprise Zones - information on local contacts, tax credits and maps of all Colorado enterprise zones.
- Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
- Colorado Secretary of State - the business section contains downloadable forms for business and non-profit use, and additional information to help Colorado businesses.
- Colorado Tax Information
- Internal Revenue Service - forms and publications.
- Larimer County Workforce Center
- United States Census Bureau Economic Programs - contains economic and business survey data.
Chambers of Commerce: