November 14, 2025
The Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) was proud to sponsor the Economic Development Council of Colorado’s (EDCC) annual Drive | Lead | Succeed Conference, held October 27–29 in Pueblo. The event brought together economic and workforce development professionals, business and nonprofit leaders, and government partners from across the state. Each year, the conference serves as a hub for collaboration, shared learning, and the exchange of new ideas that strengthen Colorado’s communities.
Elevating Conversations on Workforce Alignment
CWDC Senior Consultant Bobbie Wolfe led a session titled Responding to Employer Needs: Aligning to Co-Create a Skilled Workforce for Colorado. The session focused on strategies to ensure Colorado’s talent development ecosystem remains responsive as employer needs evolve.
Wolfe was joined by a panel of regional and statewide leaders:
- Erica Romero, Pikes Peak Workforce Center
- Patrick Garrett, Workforce Colorado Rural Alliance
- PJ Chenoweth, Baca County Economic Development
Panelists discussed collaborative approaches to workforce alignment and employer engagement across both rural and urban communities.
Workforce Wednesday: A Strategic Partnership
The Rocky Mountain Workforce Development Association (RMWDA) served as a Strategic Partner for Workforce Wednesday, the conference’s closing day dedicated to workforce development. CWDC Assistant Director Britta Blodgett moderated a panel titled The Workforce System: Your Strategic Super-Map, featuring:
- Erica Romero, Pikes Peak Workforce Center
- Matthew Broker, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
- Nancy Zimmer, Workforce Colorado Rural Alliance
The discussion highlighted opportunities to strengthen alignment across agencies, regions, and sectors within Colorado’s workforce system.
Showcasing Innovation in Workforce Tools and Programs
Workforce Wednesday also included presentations on several key initiatives shaping workforce development statewide, including:
- The new Connecting Colorado system
- The teacher externship program
- The Workforce Intelligence Data Expert Team
These sessions highlighted ongoing innovation aimed at improving experiences for jobseekers, employers, and partners.
Closing with a Vision for the Future
The conference concluded with a keynote from RMWDA President Tami Grant, joined by CWDC Managing Director Lee Wheeler-Berliner and Denver Chief Workforce Development Officer Tony Anderson. They emphasized the importance of partnership and shared leadership in building Colorado’s future workforce.