Connect & Collaborate - Heidi Ganahl and Colleen Stanley

May 22, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

Connect & Collaborate continues our Brave Leaders series with Heidi Ganahl, Founder and CEO of Camp Bow Wow. Heidi built her business from a single doggie day care location in 2000, to a $80 million with more than 200 franchises in 40 states and Canada. Her success is impressive, and her business ideas keep coming. Nominated via #BraveLeadersCO by Debbie Brown, director of the Colorado Women's Alliance who said of Heidi, "Bravery is how you face adversity.", Heidi's path wasn't easy, as she overcame the loss of her husband, and subsequent bad investment decisions before launching Camp Bow Wow. Now she's a great example of pulling it together and teaching others to find their own success.

Tune in for our Brave Leaders feature right after our interview with Colleen Stanley, founder and president of Sales Leadership Incorporated.

Vistage Chair Pat Maley gives us access to the brilliant speakers in the Vistage network, including Colleen, speaker and author of the book Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success.

Colleen Stanley shares how emotional intelligence impacts sales, and the neuroscience behind emotion management. She believes Emotional Intelligence can be learned and applied to further improve sales success in any business.

Listen Saturday at 1:00 PM on 710 KNUS – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Connect & Collaborate - Leading Boldly

May 15, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

Inspired by our partnership with KNUS for Leadercast 2015, the Colorado Business Roundtable is proud to identify brave Colorado leaders by launching our own Brave Leaders series. Each week, we will talk with one of our nominated #BraveLeadersCO about their perception of bravery, and who exemplifies those qualities to them. Listen for the Brave Leaders series every Saturday on 710KNUS in the final half hour of Connect & Collaborate. Our Brave Leader this week is former Governor Bill Ritter, now director of the Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) at Colorado State University. Governor Ritter will share his thoughts on leadership and risk, and tell us about the man who inspires him. Ritter found inspiration in his years as Denver District Attorney, from fellow D.A., Philip Van Cise who fought corruption among the corrupt, in Denver at the start of the roaring 20s.

We also have guests; Steve House, Chairman of the Colorado Republican Party and Bill Schilling, president of the Wyoming Business Alliance.

Steve House tells us about his journey from business and healthcare, to a gubernatorial campaign, and ultimately, his current position with the Colorado Republican Party.

Bill Schilling shares the Wyoming Business Alliance's efforts to bring about real conversation about business and economic development to business leaders in each county in Wyoming as a part of Tour 23; a series of four hour meetings throughout the state.

Connect & Collaborate - Business and Brave Leaders

May 7, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

It takes an act of bravery just to start a business, to take a risk to grow that business, or putting everything on the line to do the right thing, no matter what your career ambition. That's precisely what we at Connect & Collaborate seek to celebrate with every business leader we introduce you to each week. In our Pro-Business Colorado Edition, Dave Tabor of the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry (CACI) introduces us to Susan Cirocki, President and Owner of Arrow Sheet Metal Products Company, and Chris Cumpton, President and Owner of Integrity Electrical Solutions.

Besides owning and operating their businesses, Susan and Chris are married - to each other- giving them a unique perspective on running small businesses and managing their own relationship. One advantage is having a built-in business consultant who really understands your business, though they admit they limit their work talk after 7:00PM for the sake of their marriage. In our interview, they share more insight on business and beyond.

Speaking of bravery, we proudly bring you the first in our Brave Leader series, inspired by Leadercast and this year's theme, The Brave Ones. The Colorado Business Roundtable wanted to take it a step further, and honor Colorado's brave leader through our #BraveLeadersCO campaign.

Kicking things off for us is University of Denver Chancellor, Rebecca Chopp. A brave leader herself, she cites Daniel Ritchie as her inspiration. We know you'll love her story.

Tell us about your brave leader!

Connect & Collaborate - Tom Clark Grows Denver

May 1, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

It wasn't too long ago that Denver was still considered a cow town. That's all changed now, thanks to those who saw the city's potential. But it took more than vision, it required brave leadership to guide Denver into it's place as a world class city. As President and CEO of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, Tom Clark would never accept any credit, but his leadership inspired the spirit of cooperation that transformed Denver's economy and overall growth.

"For us it's always been an issue of diversification of the economy. If you think about the economy thirty years ago here it was Coors, Carbon, and the Coldwar. That was it. If one of them went down, things got really bad here. So the goal in economic development is try to get the economy as diverse as you can." says Tom Clark.

Combined with attracting cutting edge industries, such diversification provides a strong, long-term economy that provides good jobs.

In order to build that economy, Clark focused on collaboration, and avoiding political turmoil by establishing a code of ethics shared by surrounding communities. Denver and neighboring towns worked together to attract businesses, build DIA, creating FasTracks, sports stadiums and more. For all of these advancement, Clark credits the remarkable "Grace, humility and teamwork" displayed by all of the leaders in Denver's metropolitan community.

Learn more about his remarkable collaboration efforts Saturday at 1:00 on 710 KNUS. We also encourage you to have a laugh by watching this video honoring Tom Clarke as the Most Interesting Man in Metro Denver.

Connect & Collaborate - Social Media and More

April 23, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

Helping businesses to do business better. That's the goal of almost any chamber of commerce. The Parker Area Chamber of Commerce does this better than most, by scheduling great events and speakers to inspire and encourage their members. Dennis Houston, President and CEO of the Parker Area Chamber joins us to discuss their efforts to serve northern Douglas county, by monitoring and influencing relevant legislation, while also building a calendar of fun events.

One such event is slated for May 5th, as PACC invites Marketing Strategist, Kyle Sexton to speak talk about Social Media for Business. Kyle is an expert on incorporating social media with business market, and is the author of soon to be three books. The latest title will release this summer, Social Media Mullet. Kyle joins us for a preview of the event, his thoughts on strategy and a sense of humor about the whole thing.

You can still register for the event on May 5th, 8:00 to 11:00 at the PACE Center. Click here for registration details.

Later in the program, we continue our series of interviews with our state legislators, featuring Representative Rhonda Fields of District 42 in Aurora.

Rhonda tells us what led her to her work at the capitol, and which bills she working to pass, including: Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriptive Authority (SB 197) which would allow nurses in under-served areas to write prescriptions, Interactive Electronic Harassment - Cyberbullying (HB 1072) which would help eliminate loopholes to ensure that anyone harassed through social media or electronic means has recourse, and No Detention for Truancy (SB185) which would remove the juvenile court's jurisdiction over truancy, and several other bills.

Connect & Collaborate - Title IX Working Group

April 17, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

There seems to be a constant focus from the media, on campus sexual assault. They bombard us with salacious headlines, and graphic details while placing blame anywhere they can, whether that's on the university, the investigative process or a multitude of other factors. Often times emphasizing the conflicts between the administrative reporting process, and a police investigation. In an effort to combat such obstacles the Denver District Attorney's office has established a collaborative effort between all of Denver's university campuses, law enforcement, investigators, hospitals and other organizations. That collaboration is known as the Title IX Working Group, made up of agency stakeholders in sexual assault response, forming increased coordination regarding cooccurring Title IX and criminal investigations.

We will talk with Denver District Attorney, Mitch Morrissey and University of Denver Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator, Kathryne Grove about specific ways these agencies work together, and how best to serve students who are impacted by sexual assault on campus.

Title IX Working Group Participating Agencies include:

Denver Police Department
Denver District Attorney’s Office
The Blue Bench
Community College of Denver
Johnson & Wales University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Regis University
University of ColoradoDenver/Anschutz Medical Campus
University of Denver

Connect & Collaborate - Development Progress

April 10, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

A vibrant community doesn't just happen. In Aurora, there are people working to recruit businesses, attract growth industries like aerospace and defense, and other efforts, all to ensure a healthy economy, and employment opportunities. Wendy Mitchell is the President of the Aurora Economic Development Council, with a focus on leading the city of Aurora to a prosperous future. The job is not without obstacles. One of Aurora's most promising development projects, the Gaylord Rockies hotel, conference center and water park, faced a tough battle over the implementation of tax incentives under the Regional Tourism Act. A group of competing hotels brought a lawsuit against the Gaylord project, in attempts to slow it down and ultimately shut it down.

The battle was hard won, and Wendy joins us with details about the project moving forward, to break ground later this year.

Then, later in the show, we talk with Representative Beth McCann, House District 8. We will discuss her latest legislative efforts, including health care and bio-medical/ pharmaceuticals, criminal justice reform concerning juvenile offenders, and advocacy for human trafficking victims.

There is much more to talk about, not the least of which, her intentions to seek election to the Denver District Attorney's Office, which will become available when current D.A. Mitch Morrissey reaches term limit restrictions in 2016, the same time McCann's legislative career reaches term limits.

Connect & Collaborate - Space Innovation

April 3, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

Colorado is home to some of the most innovative research in space exploration. The state ranks highest in the nation for private sector employment in the space industry. Even so, much of the work can go unnoticed by many of our residents. We at the Colorado Business Roundtable work to keep you informed of the many great companies and organizations making advancements in aerospace. This week we bring you an inside look at Sierra Nevada Corporation, and the latest on the upcoming Space Symposium.

Mark Sirangelo, Corporate Vice President of Sierra Nevada Corporation's Space Systems, joins us for a Pro-Business Colorado segment with Dave Tabor, from the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry. Mark shares inspiring stories about their work on space vehicles and other important components. SNC boasts 26 years in space, and has been a part of 425 missions, as the largest builder of small satellites. They make possible weather reporting systems which allow farmers to determine which areas of their land require watering, or helping firefighters determine the driest areas where forest fires might flare up, as well as asset tracking for companies like FedEx.

Another current project is a solar probe spacecraft to be launched close to the sun to monitor its' storms. Radiation from those storms have the potential to destroy the GPS satellites and other systems that we rely upon here on earth. Sierra Nevada also anticipates in coming weeks, the arrival of New Horizions on Pluto, after 10 years of travel, at a speed of 20 thousand miles per hour.

Later in the show, we also check in with Edgar Johansson, President of the Colorado Space Business Roundtable about the upcoming Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, April 13-18th. The Space Symposium is a gathering of top aerospace scientists and engineers from around the world, discussing classified projects so it is not open to the public. But, if you want to indulge your or your child's interest in aerospace, get them registered for Yuri's night, leading up to the symposium on April 12th. Yuri's night is a celebration of the first human in space, Yuri Gagarin, who circled the earth on April Meet astronauts, and enjoy fun interactive activities. 12, 1961. Find more information and registration information here. Meet astronauts, and enjoy fun interactive activities.

Connect & Collaborate - Water Summit

March 27, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

Water is our most precious resource, however limited it may be. Particularly so in Colorado, where water is most abundant where people are scarce, and scarce where people are more abundant. Thus begins the battle over water rights, where to accumulate it, which communities get it, and how to distribute water between agriculture and utilities. Fortunately, both the people and the pundits of this state, do their best to work together to solve water issues. James Eklund considers these issues every day, as the Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board. This week, he shares the state's concerns and proposed solutions. He acknowledges that eighteen down-water states depend on Colorado for their share of water, and we have a responsibility to supply them while also providing sufficient water for our own state's needs.

We will also talk with Representative J. Paul Brown of District 59, about his agenda for this legislative session, including water rights issues for the Western Slope.

If you're interested in contributing to the larger conversation about water rights, join the Colorado Business Roundtable along with additional, important sponsors for the South Metro Denver: Water Summit, Thursday April 9th at the Lone Tree Arts Center:

We also have guest, Laura Frigo, Executive Director of the Chamber of the Americas Foundation on Denver's international impact. Laura is newly appointed to create new micro-development programming and build relationships between U.S. companies and institutions, and their partners abroad. Laura has an impressive international background, and experience living, working and researching in both Mexico and Brazil. We are excited to learn more from Laura about the connections to be formed from Denver, internationally.

Connect & Collaborate - Denver is the Big Time

March 20, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

When you think of a city that has the best of both coasts, Denver really has it all. With the exception of a shoreline. It's no wonder people want to live here, and businesses see Colorado as an ideal place to start up or relocate. We tend to think of New York or Los Angeles when we consider big names in television. However, Denver-based, High Noon Entertainment has made a name for themselves, producing some of the highest rated shows on Food Network, HGTV, Discovery Channel, Travel Channel and Animal Planet, among others.

Jim Berger, CEO of High Noon Entertainment started the company in 1997 with three partners he had worked with in his television news days at KUSA. Together they launched wildly popular shows, Emergency Vets and Unwrapped and continued to produce winning programs leading to current hits like Cake Boss, Fixer Upper and Dude, You're Screwed.

With main offices in Denver and a presence in both New York City and L.A., High Noon and their staff manage to work in the top of the industry while maintaining a more tolerable, Colorado lifestyle.

In this Pro-Business Colorado edition of Connect & Collaborate, Jim Berger shares some business strategy, and highs and lows with Dave Tabor of CACI.

Also with a keen eye on Colorado businesses, is Frederic de Loizaga, Senior Associate with CBRE in Denver. Frederic focuses on commercial properties in the South Metro Denver market, for companies considering relocating to Colorado. CBRE is fine tuned on real estate by analyzing the potential labor force, the political landscape, and where an industry's competition lies, just to name a few.

"The Denver market is as hot as it can be. So many groups want to break in. There are a lot of first time buyers to Colorado." ~ Frederic de Loizaga

It's the evident success of businesses in Denver that draw more companies, and more job-seekers to our fine city. Opportunity abounds.

Connect & Collaborate - Colorado Leads

March 13, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

Colorado is home to many innovators, and great thinkers. It's one way we lead the nation. From meeting the needs of future business leaders, by instilling in them an ethical compass, to having our fingers on the launch button of modern day space craft, we in Colorado continue to stay ahead of the curve.

We're talking with Dr. Mark Meaney, Executive Director of the CU Leeds School of Business Center for Education on Social Responsibility. CESR incorporates business ethics into the curriculum, so that as students learn about running a business, they also understand how more delicate matters should be handled. The need for a focus on ethics and social responsibility stemmed from a change in federal regulations in 1992 which changed sentencing guidelines for organizations that violated the law. Now prosecutors could investigate an organization and determine who was responsible for the crime, where previously, an organization would get a "slap on a wrist" with no one person being held accountable.

Tune in to learn more about how ethics apply to business, and how it fits into the curriculum.

Then, stay with us for a conversation with Edgar Johansson, President of the Colorado Space Business Roundtable. We'll discuss the latest projects currently in space, and the upcoming Aerospace Day at the Capitol, March 23rd.

Extended Interview with Mark Meaney:

Segment four: Edgar Johansson, Colorado Space Business Roundtable:

Connect & Collaborate - Company Week

March 6, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

As manufacturing makes a resurgence in the United States, it helps to draw focus on growth and challenges of the industry. That's the advantage of Company Week, The Voice of the Rocky Mountain Manufacturing Economy. Company Week is a digital media platform dedicated to sharing the latest news, technology, and other advances.

Bart Taylor, Founder of Company Week, joins us in a Pro-Business Colorado Edition of Connect and Collaborate, where he shares that he identified the need for a information on the regional manufacturing economy, here and in the Rocky Mountain West.

Taylor saw the surge surge of maker and manufacturing businesses in Colorado, including craft beer and organic and natural foods. By offering a platform for manufacturers, Taylor hopes he's contributing to the growth of America's industrial capability.

Also in this week's show, we talk with John Buck, a self-described writer and student of the subjects of Leadership, Legacy and Relationships. Buck describes one's professional as divided into thirds, the final third being retirement. He admits that everything changes then, from the frequency of interactions with others, to being challenged throughout the day. John Buck encourages everyone to consider their legacy, and to start now!

Connect & Collaborate - Export Trade

February 27, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

The doors to international business are open to you, just take a step through. Many businesses overlook their ability to do business overseas because they think it's too complicated, they're not sure how to get paid, or that there is simply too much red tape.

The Colorado Business Roundtable works to bring people together to make business endeavors easier. That's why we're introducing you to people who can guide you and your business through the process.

Our guests this week are Robina Peanh, Regional Manager at Meridian Finance Group; Paul Bergman Director of U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center, and John Boner, Vice President of Sales at CAP Logistics. These three organizations have found that their combined efforts help other businesses navigate overseas exports with ease.

The U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center provides guidance for small businesses as they look to launch their services and products overseas. A common concern businesses tend to voice is the ability to get paid, but Paul Bergman is encouraging, "If you do it properly, you will probably have less bad debts than you do domestically. Ninety-eight percent of the time you will get paid if you follow the proper steps."

Robina Peanh, at Meridian Finance Group also serves as a guide through the financial sectors, through relationships with numerous lenders who have the expertise in international trade and can offer finance programs for clients looking to export.

CAP Logistics handles freight forwarding, both domestically and internationally. With more than 30 years experience, CAP is familiar with the strategies to move cargo between international ports, while negotiating the documentation required.

Together, this trio is able to tap into the resources needed for successful international trade, each with strengths in particular areas. Learn more by listening to the full conversation, Saturday at 1:00 PM on 710 KNUS.

Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Connect & Collaborate - Production Devices to Desserts

February 20, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

Manufacturing is making a return to the United States. Colorado companies not only embrace the change, but lead the way. This week we talk with the leaders of two companies that handle production, of two very different products.

Randy Schrader, President of Applied Control and Steve Fabos, CEO of Steven Roberts Original Desserts join us for a Pro-Business Colorado Edition of Connect & Collaborate with guest host Dave Tabor of CACI.

Applied Control produces process automation and controls for various industries, including oil and gas, refineries and power plants in several surrounding states. With just 17 employees in 1996, Applied Control has grown to 140 employees today. Schrader tells us about what he's learned working in a high demand service industry.

Steven Roberts Original Desserts creates bakery items and specialty desserts for a number of restaurants and other chains, while making each treat look like a custom order. With a production facility in Aurora, and another newly acquired facility designated to handle gluten free and organic foods, SROriginals continues to grow.

Steven Fabos shares about the concept development process, and what goes into creating beautiful and delicious desserts for the masses.

Podcast links will be available the Monday after our air date. Check back for updates if you missed the broadcast.

Connect & Collaborate - Hope House

February 13, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

Teen mothers face tough odds, which make raising their children and getting ahead increasingly difficult. Sixty-seven percent will live in poverty, often homeless or in abusive situations. With focused assistance, teen moms can beat those odds with focused assistance from Hope House of Colorado.

Hope House of Colorado started as a residential program for teen moms who would otherwise be homeless, and has expanded to provide self-sufficiency programs including GED and mentoring programs, and early childhood education. Hope House also helps the young moms to find internships and job training, so they can find jobs that provide for a young family.

Lisa Steven, Founder and CEO of Hope House Colorado joins us to share how the program started, and evolved to have the capacity to meet the many needs of young mothers and their children. By empowering these young women with the skills and knowledge to help them break the cycle of poverty, Hope House is changing lives for the better.

Danielle Trujillo is a teen mom currently in the Hope House program, and will share her experience in the internship program, as well as her plans to complete her paralegal education and raise her daughter.

Also joining the conversation is Hope House Career Partner, Rebecca Kersting of CAP Logistics. Career Partners help by offering internships and work experience to Hope House moms, which get them started on a successful career path.

Please listen Saturday at 1:00 PM on 710 KNUS and learn about this important organization, and consider if your business can help as a Career Partner.

For more information on the Career Partner program, contact Hope House of Colorado.

Connect & Collaborate - Mining Interests

February 6, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

The mining industry is essential to the Colorado economy, and economies all around the world. In our state alone, mining contributes more than $8 billion each year, and 73,000 related jobs. In Africa, it is estimated the Democratic Republic of Congo holds $24 trillion in untapped mineral deposits, including ores, cobalt, diamonds, gold and copper. That figure is equal to the combined GDP of the United States and Europe.

These resources and the jobs associated with them, are critical to the world economy, and that's why it matters to the Colorado Business Roundtable. The COBRT is committed to supporting business and organizations that foster the growth of those businesses.

The Colorado Mining Association is one such group. Stuart Sanderson, president of CMA, joins us to talk about the upcoming National Mining Conference, held jointly with the SME Annual Conference and Expo, February 15-18th at the Colorado Convention Center.

Sanderson also shares that the mining industry is in a period of transition and consolidation, where some sectors are not as robust as others. The National Mining Conference is essential, to provide forums to build relationships within the mining community.

Later, Emmanuel Weyi, president of Groupe Weyi International joins us to discuss his work in Africa. Groupe Weyi supports mining in the Congo, working to ensure fair wages and safe conditions in an area plagued with corruption.

As mentioned above, the Congo is so rich with resources, everyone wants their piece of it, and many resort to unethical practices to get a share. Weyi feels strongly that the best way he can make a difference, is to return to his home land as president. He is currently running unopposed in the 2016 election for the Presidency of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Listen in as we discuss his experience in Africa, in business, and his platform for improving lives in the Congo.

Connect & Collaborate - Business Perspectives

January 30, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

We started off the new year by introducing you to our partners with the Colorado Business Roundtable. Our goal is to introduce you to great business leaders, and groups that advocate for sound public policy and a thriving Colorado economy.

If you've been listening each week, you know Jeff Wasden, President of the COBRT and his goals for businesses in Colorado. You've also heard from Dave Tabor, co-host of our Pro-Business Colorado feature. This week, tune in to hear more about Dave's background in business, and his work with the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry.

We have one more special guest, Mark Crowley, KNUS Digital Director who is instrumental in helping us bring you Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA. Mark shares the story of how his first career lead to his second career at KNUS. It gives him great perspective for his work, and the businesses he serves.

Together we discuss different approaches to business, how unique career paths lead to fulfilling careers, and the importance of sharing our experiences and learning from others. It will be a fun, and interesting conversation.

Join us Saturday at 1:00 PM on 710 KNUS – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Connect & Collaborate - Reforming Immigration & Workplace Culture

January 23, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

The Colorado Business Roundtable is instrumental in bringing businesses and individuals together to work on issues that matter for our city, our state and the world. This week, we have two great guests.

First, is Michelle Warren, Mountain West Consultant for Bibles Badges Business Network for the National Immigration Forum. Together we discuss the aspects of community that come together to promote effective immigration reform. Bibles, represents the church communities, who know some immigrant struggles first-hand. Badges, refers to law enforcement, who have a special perspective, seeing the impact of families separated by immigration laws. Business weighs in with views from employment law and workforce issues.

For more information on immigration reform, join the COBRT for a special roundtable event Monday, January 26^th for two events with Ali Noorani, National Director of the Immigration Forum

10:00AM at the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce on University and Arapahoe.

2:00 PM at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce

ICOSA Media will provide a live stream presentation of our press conference at 1:30 on Monday afternoon. Just go to www.ICOSAMedia.com to access the live stream window.

Stay for the final segment for our second guest, as Vistage Chair, Pat Maley introduces us to Gustavo Grodnitzky, speaker and author of "Climate Trumps Everything". Gustavo is an expert on integrating different generations in the workforce, what motivates them and how to best facilitate four generations working together.

Listen as Gustavo explains the generational differences, and how to understand the factors to recruit and retrain Generation Y employees, and create one culture for every generation. Listen Saturday at 1:00 PM on 710 KNUS – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.

Connect & Collaborate - DNA Crime Lab

January 16, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

One of the greatest examples of collaboration is evident in the cooperation between Denver's police investigators and the District Attorney's office, in the form of the DNA Crime Lab and Cold Case Project. The success of the Cold Case project has formed over a number of years. DNA evidence first came about in the late 1980s and the admission of DNA evidence became widely accepted in the 90s. By the year 2000, a boost to technology brought about exponential demands on the the DNA lab due to their great success solving crimes.

When the DNA database was first introduced, after compiling and entering forensic evidence from years of cold case investigations, the first 100 hits they put in showed that 70 of the suspects who were tied to the old DNA were in prison for other crimes. This lead to the realization that cross-referencing the DNA from unsolved cases, to other felony crimes would be useful in solving cold cases. As Denver District Attorney, Mitch Morrissey emphasizes, "These criminals don't stop until we stop them."

Denver Crime Lab Director, Greggory LaBerge developed a unique DNA training program for police investigators and district attorneys. As a result, he and Mitch Morrissey have taught the program to other jurisdictions, in the United States and abroad.

Join us for a conversation about how recent legislation requires those criminals, charged in felony cases, to register their DNA in the database to assist investigators in solving crimes. This is the most effective, and least expensive way to get rapists and murderers off the streets.

Connect & Collaborate - Legislative Preview

January 9, 2015 Tammy Schaffer

Colorado's new legislative session began this week, on January 7th, after November elections brought on board a number of first-time legislators. To celebrate the efforts these leaders contribute to create and pass legislation that are good for local businesses, growing businesses - ICOSA teamed with the Colorado Business Roundtable to host a Legislative Reception at ICOSA studios. By bringing our state representatives together with business owners and entrepreneurs, they can work together to build relationships for advocacy through regulations and legislation that impact business.

Jeff Wasden and Emily Haggstrom, both of the COBRT join us for this episode. We'll talk with Beth McCann, representative from District 8 in Denver who focuses on tax credits to encourage development of renewable energy, as well as FDA recognition of bio-pharmaceuticals and development issues regarding the I-70 corridor, Globeville, and Swansea.

Then we have a pairing with Chris Holbert (R) District 44 Douglas county representing Parker, and newly-elected representative Terri Carver (R) District 20 from El Paso County. They plan to work on pro-business legislation, construction defects and more.

Finally we have a roundtable discussion with Yeulin Willet (R) District 54 representing Mesa and Delta counties, Kim Ransom (R) District 44 from Douglas county, and Kit Roupe (R) from Colorado Springs -- together, their interests focus on energy, economic issues, relieving burdens on business, and creating non-traditional education opportunities.

We at ICOSA along with the Colorado Business Roundtable believe in building relationships with our legislators, so we can all work together for the change we need.

Tune in for the full conversations this Saturday at 1:00 PM on 710 KNUS – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.