Colorado Springs, December 14, 2011 – Board of County Commissioners Chair Amy Lathen today delivered the annual State of the Region address to a luncheon meeting of the Greater Colorado Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Lathen touched briefly on events highlighting the El Paso County’s Sesquicentennial year, including the ceremonial arrival and presentation of the U.S. Honor Flag as part of the official celebration marking 150 years since the establishment of El Paso County in the Colorado Territory some 15 years before Colorado statehood. “As we observed our historic past in 2011 we also noted some historic firsts. This was a year of consolidation and big moves for El Paso County government,” Lathen noted as she highlighted the County’s consolidation of many of its customer service functions into the new Citizens Service Center. “The Citizens Service Center will give the residents of El Paso County a one-stop shop for a variety of services and functions for many years to come and, by the way, it was bought and built out with no increase in taxes and no reduction in programs or services, Lathen concluded, “in fact El Paso County’s bond rating was actually upgraded by the major ratings agencies when they reviewed our overall Strategic Moves Initiative.”

Commissioner Lathen also reminded her audience of the successful public private partnerships strengthening the local economy in 2011. “Let’s remember how well we all worked together to secure the new Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Carson. Lathen recounted, “Delegations led by the Chamber with EDC, El Paso County, Colorado Springs Utilities and many of the businesses represented in this room today met with military leaders at the Pentagon and congressional leaders on Capitol Hill more than once to make sure that those decision makers understood all that our region has to offer and our unique community commitment to Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, The Air Force Academy, Cheyenne Mountain Air Station and Schriever.”

Looking ahead the Commissioner called on the business and civic leaders in the audience to work with elected leaders in developing regional approaches to challenges like stormwater management, animal control, and strengthening our local economy by attracting and retaining private businesses that offer good jobs to residents in our region. “It’s not important that we agree on everything, Lathen said, “but what is important is that we all agree on one thing, this is a very special place to live, work and play.”

Complete copy of the State of the Region remarks

Colorado Springs, December 14, 2011 – Board of County Commissioners Chair Amy Lathen today delivered the annual State of the Region address to a luncheon meeting of the Greater Colorado Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Lathen touched briefly on events highlighting the El Paso County’s Sesquicentennial year, including the ceremonial arrival and presentation of the U.S. Honor Flag as part of the official celebration marking 150 years since the establishment of El Paso County in the Colorado Territory some 15 years before Colorado statehood. “As we observed our historic past in 2011 we also noted some historic firsts. This was a year of consolidation and big moves for El Paso County government,” Lathen noted as she highlighted the County’s consolidation of many of its customer service functions into the new Citizens Service Center. “The Citizens Service Center will give the residents of El Paso County a one-stop shop for a variety of services and functions for many years to come and, by the way, it was bought and built out with no increase in taxes and no reduction in programs or services, Lathen concluded, “in fact El Paso County’s bond rating was actually upgraded by the major ratings agencies when they reviewed our overall Strategic Moves Initiative.”

Commissioner Lathen also reminded her audience of the successful public private partnerships strengthening the local economy in 2011. “Let’s remember how well we all worked together to secure the new Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Carson. Lathen recounted, “Delegations led by the Chamber with EDC, El Paso County, Colorado Springs Utilities and many of the businesses represented in this room today met with military leaders at the Pentagon and congressional leaders on Capitol Hill more than once to make sure that those decision makers understood all that our region has to offer and our unique community commitment to Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, The Air Force Academy, Cheyenne Mountain Air Station and Schriever.”

Looking ahead the Commissioner called on the business and civic leaders in the audience to work with elected leaders in developing regional approaches to challenges like stormwater management, animal control, and strengthening our local economy by attracting and retaining private businesses that offer good jobs to residents in our region. “It’s not important that we agree on everything, Lathen said, “but what is important is that we all agree on one thing, this is a very special place to live, work and play.”

Complete copy of the State of the Region remarks