Business in the Pines guest speakers Meme Martin (left) and Bart Sayyah (right) shared economic development information with members.

Story and photo by Terri Wiebold

Business in the Pines formed last December to help promote and enhance future growth of Castle Pines North (CPN) area businesses, and what better way to accomplish that than to utilize available resources in the arena of economic development in both Douglas County and the state of Colorado

Economic Development Manager for Douglas County, Meme Martin, and South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Group Director, Bart Sayyah, each spoke to the Business in the Pines board of directors and executive members in August about the abundance of resources available to CPN businesses.

“Seeking out appropriate resources and partnerships to clarify a community’s future is perhaps the most fundamental building block in creating a successful community,” said Sayyah. “In Colorado we are fortunate to have many talented people and supportive organizations that can be invaluable in this process.”

Economic development provides the leadership, strategic advice, and customer service to create an economically vibrant and globally competitive community. It provides benefits and opportunities to help local businesses prosper.

Economic development teams work with businesses, as well as public and private organizations to match resources with those who can use them in such areas as information on demographics, business listings, legislative efforts, relocation assistance, local governments, tourism opportunities, and general community profiles.

“A well designed, organized business district functions as the heart of a community - in addition to meeting the community’s commerce needs,” said Martin. “It’s a place where residents can connect with one another to build a sense of community.”

The Business in the Pines Board intends to work with Douglas County Economic Development, the State of Colorado Office of Economic Developmentand International Trade, and the South Metro Chamber Economic Development Group in fashioning an economic development strategy for the CPN area. Work on the project has commenced and will continue over the next several months, following a model used successfully for other communities.

To learn more about Business in the Pines and to read bios for Martin and Sayyah, go to www.businessinthepines.com.