Vote Yes on Small Business with the 4A Bond

As business owners in Summit County, we all feel it. 

The struggle to find qualified employees. 

The endless cycle of training new staff only to lose them to housing costs. 

The growing gap between the skills we need and the talent we can find locally. 

These aren’t just minor inconveniences – they’re existential threats to our business community’s future.

That’s why the Summit County Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the 4A Bond measure. This isn’t just another school funding initiative; it’s a strategic investment in our business community’s future workforce and economic stability.

Why Should Businesses Care About a School Bond?

Let’s be honest: when most of us hear “school bond,” we think about classroom upgrades and building maintenance. But 4A is different. This bond directly addresses our community’s most pressing business challenges through two game-changing initiatives: the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Innovation Center and the development of 60 new workforce housing units.

A Smart Investment for Smart Business

Here’s what makes 4A a solid business decision: Summit School District holds a AAA bond rating – a distinction shared by only one other district in Colorado. This rating ensures we’re getting the best possible terms for our investment, maximizing every dollar spent.

For a business owner with a commercial property valued at $1 million, the monthly cost comes to approximately $13. That’s less than what most of us spend on office coffee each week. But unlike that coffee, this investment promises significant returns:

✓ A skilled local workforce pipeline 

✓ Reduced training costs through career-ready graduates 

✓ Stable housing for key employees 

✓ Increased employee retention 

✓ Stronger local economy

The Housing Connection

You can’t solve a workforce crisis without addressing housing. 

The 60 new affordable rental units planned for Silverthorne aren’t just for teachers – they’re a critical piece of workforce infrastructure that benefits every business in Summit County. When employees can live where they work, businesses save on training costs, see better retention rates, and maintain more consistent service levels.

Building The Workforce Pipeline We Need

The 4A Bond isn’t just about addressing today’s challenges – it’s about building a sustainable talent pipeline for Summit County’s future. Through extensive research with local businesses, the School District has identified seven key career pathways that align perfectly with our community’s needs.

What Are These Pathways?

• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Computer Science & Engineering
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Health Sciences
• Natural Resources & Outdoor Leadership
• Skilled Trades
• Human Services & Education

These aren’t theoretical programs dreamed up in an office. They’re based on real data from over 200 local careers and ten industry sectors right here in Summit County. Bill Gilmore, the District’s Director of Post-Secondary Readiness, worked directly with local businesses to ensure these pathways match our actual workforce needs.

Success You Can Count On

Best of all, we don’t have to guess at whether or not this approach works. Similar programs in Durango, Littleton, and St. Vrain have already proven successful. These communities have seen:

• Increased business start-up rates from graduates
• Higher employee retention in technical fields
• Stronger local business growth
• Reduced recruitment costs for specialized positions

The Innovation Center: Where Education Meets Opportunity

The centerpiece of this initiative is the new Career and Technical Education Innovation Center. Think of it as a launch pad for Summit County’s future workforce. This isn’t just another school building – it’s a state-of-the-art facility where:

• Students get hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment
• Local businesses can host training programs
• Apprenticeships and internships connect directly with employers
• Real-world projects solve actual business challenges

The beauty of this investment is that it creates a self-sustaining cycle. Students who participate in career-connected learning programs are more likely to stay in their communities after graduation. They develop relationships with local employers, understand local business needs, and build connections that keep them here.

Making It Work for Your Business

The Innovation Center isn’t just an educational facility – it’s a dynamic business resource designed to serve Summit County employers. Here’s exactly how your business can leverage this investment:

Direct Input Into Training Programs

As a local business owner or manager, you’ll have unprecedented input into curriculum development. Imagine having training programs specifically designed around your industry’s needs. 

Whether you need employees skilled in the latest hospitality software or certified in specific trade skills, your voice helps shape the programs. This means graduates will have the exact skills your business needs, not just general knowledge that requires extensive additional training.

First Access to Talented Graduates

The Innovation Center creates a direct pipeline between education and employment. Through internship programs and business partnerships, you’ll have the opportunity to work with students before they graduate. 

Think of it as a long-term interview process – you can identify and nurture talent early, ensuring they’re ready to step into roles at your business upon graduation. This “grow your own” approach to workforce development gives your business a competitive advantage in our tight labor market.

Reduced Training Costs Through Standardized Certifications 

One of the biggest expenses for Summit County businesses is employee training. The Innovation Center will offer industry-standard certifications and credentials that typically cost businesses thousands of dollars per employee. 

When students graduate with these certifications already in hand, your business saves both time and money. From food safety certifications to technical credentials, these programs will be aligned with real-world business needs.

Partnership Opportunities for Specialized Training

Beyond the standard programs, the Innovation Center offers flexible space for specialized training needs. Your business can partner with the facility to:

• Host industry-specific workshops
• Conduct employee training sessions
• Use state-of-the-art equipment for skills development
• Collaborate with other businesses on shared training needs
• Develop customized certification programs

A Call to Action for Summit’s Business Community

The math is simple: A ‘yes’ vote on 4A is a vote for your business’s future. For about $13 per month on a million-dollar property value, you’re investing in:

• A skilled local workforce
• Stable employee housing
• Reduced training costs
• Stronger local economy
• Higher employee retention

The Chamber strongly endorses this measure because we’ve done the math, studied the impact, and seen the success stories from similar communities. This isn’t just another tax – it’s an investment in solving our community’s most pressing business challenges.

Vote yes on 4A. Your business’s future workforce depends on it. To learn more and see how you can get involved with local businesses in Summit County, connect with the Chamber online.