TOWN HALL: Springs, stop racing for second place
Up in Denver, Councilman Albus Brooks has an obsession: persuade executives of the high-end fast food chain In-N-Out to establish a distribution center in town so the chain can open stores up and down the Front Range, first and foremost in Denver. It’s a brilliant move politically, given all of the California transplants in Colorado who resent their moves only because they can’t visit In-N-Out without a trip to Arizona or Utah. The chain has a cultlike following. Though it seems like a small effort, from a standpoint of economic development, Brooks has made a name for himself by pursuing this business because he is addressing an issue that’s important to average constituents.
Meanwhile, Boulder residents are beginning to think their ship may come it after a long and agonizing wait. The Boulder Daily Camera, using unnamed sources, has convinced readers in the town — a place that is nicely saturated with high-end grocers — that Trader Joe’s may open a gourmet market sometime this spring or summer. In Boulder, Whole Foods, Alfalfa’s, Sunflower Farmer’s Market and an array of mom-and-pop organic food stores just aren’t enough. So, politicians and the laity have begged Trader Joe’s to open a Boulder store for years. Pity the hardships of limousine liberals.
Colorado Springs, get motivated. No way should either of these brands choose Denver or Boulder until they have first landed here. Let’s try to take both of these crown jewels of retail. Make phone calls. Cash in favors with well-connected friends, if you have them. Think outside of the proverbial box. Do something to help ensure that these two trophy brands choose our city first, and then spread to Boulder and Denver. Let’s make certain that all cool businesses come here first, by paving the way and making our city easier and more inviting.
If you are on the City Council, make phone contact with these companies and tell them why Colorado Springs would be the best place to open up shop first. Our taxes are lower, wages are reasonable, the cost of living is lower for employees and our quality of life cannot be matched by Denver or Boulder.
Think of other great businesses that should come to the Pikes Peak region. Make a list and do what Councilman Brooks does: Recruit them. No company, big or small, is too good for our city.
While we’re at it, let’s find a way to make Colorado Springs relevant to the 2022 Winter Olympics, in the event Denver succeeds at proposing a bid.
Let’s stop with all the penny ante bickering over tennis court renovations, one more code enforcement officer and hard feelings between members of the City Council and Mayor Steve Bach. These matters, no matter how they get resolved, do not represent prosperity.
New businesses — even burger joints and gourmet food stores that consumers crave — are what can improve our community and take it from good to great. Let’s get busy, and never accept that companies should try on Denver and Boulder before venturing into the Springs. Our city, not Denver or Boulder, is the crown jewel of the Front Range. Great companies, such as Trader Joe’s and In-N-Out, will choose us first if they only know the facts.
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