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DENVER -- Colorado is growing and Amazon's interest in Denver for its second headquarters has spurred other companies to take a closer look at the city.
“Validation is incredibly important," said Sam Bailey of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation.
Bailey said a giant like Amazon grabs the attention of media, peers and competitors.
“If Amazon has qualified this market to be successful for a long-term transformational project, this community may be good for us as well," he said.
Since September 1, 2017, 40 companies — from Fortune 500 companies to small firms, in industries ranging from financial services to bio-sciences — have expressed interest in either setting up shop or expanding operations in metro Denver.
Half of those companies specifically mentioned Amazon in conversations with the chamber.
The potential: 12,000 new jobs.
"More than anything, our strong talent that we have here in the metro Denver area and in Colorado has been the biggest driver for our economic development projects," Bailey said.
Amazon's interest has helped change CEOs' perceptions of the Mile High City from a place to play into a serious business center.
"We've used this opportunity really to tell the story of our region, not sell any particular company, but showcase, here's who we are, here's how we've invested ourselves and here are the industries that have continued to thrive over generations," Bailey said.
As for the status of the HQ2 search, there is no indication as to when a possible decision will made or where Denver ranks in the standings.
