Kurt Madic

The 'One Pueblo' plan, developed by the Pueblo Business Economic Recovery Team, aims to achieve economic prosperity for Pueblo County. The plan focuses on five key goals: Vision Alignment, Talent Pipeline Optimization, Foundational Community Elements, Targeted Industry Development, and Community Positioning. These goals are supported by three pillars: Alignment/Regionalism, Readiness (encompassing product, talent, community, and innovation), and Marketing/Differentiation. The overarching vision is to establish Pueblo County as a dynamic community offering unparalleled opportunities for its residents.

The discussion focused on the quality and dedication of the High Hazard operations workforce, noting that employees must meet specific requirements and report 24/7 regardless of weather. It was mentioned that approximately 65% or more of the workforce prefers to remain local to the Pueblo area, based on three surveys and focus groups. A key requirement for employees is passing a rigorous background check, similar in scrutiny to a Secret or Q clearance, though clearances are not formally issued. Additionally, there was a segment discussing a site search conducted 12 years prior for a major Transportation Company, which targeted a downsizing military facility, resulting in a highly competitive location due to the derived skill sets, longevity, and loyalty of the labor force.