This event is presented in partnership with Colorado Contractors Association.

SMPS Colorado and Colorado Contractors Association are pleased to present 2023’s Economic Forecast Update!

This event is designed to help you determine the direction for your annual marketing plan by providing an analysis of the current economic outlook. This will enable you to understand where the economy is heading so you can make informed decisions as you take action to build business in 2023 and beyond. Experts will discuss the economic, labor, real estate, and global trends shaping our economy and specifically the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry. Attend this virtual event to gain insight that you can share with clients and apply to your business to plan effectively for the year ahead.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insight into 2023 economic, social, and technical factors affecting the design and construction industries
• Meet economic and demographic professionals, network with colleagues and industry professionals
• Plan for the year ahead by gaining insight into the current economic trends, share this information with clients

Moderator:

Julie Witecki
Senior Consultant
FMI Corporation

With 20 years in the construction industry, Julie serves as a strategy consultant to inspire FMI’s clients to reshape market and business development practices for increased efficiency and effectiveness. She focuses on turning visionary ideas into actionable plans with measurable objectives and realistic budgets. Julie comes to FMI after a 15-year career with one of ENR’s Top 20 general contractors as Regional Marketing Director. She has experience launching two new offices in Texas and incorporating acquisitions in Atlanta and Charlotte. Julie was also instrumental in developing the market entry strategy for a national aviation operation. Based in Denver, Julie has a coast-to-coast view of the construction industry. She is active in the Colorado chapter of SMPS, and a Certified Professional Services Marketer. Julie has an MBA from Regis University and a BA from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Panelists:

Chris Romer
President and CEO
Vail Valley Partnership

Chris Romer serves as President & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership (VVP). Vail Valley Partnership is the regional chamber of commerce, destination sales organization, and economic development organization representing Eagle County, Colorado and was named “Chamber of the Year” in 2016 and 2020 by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).

Romer is a macro-scopic thinker who believes in tackling big issues through localized solutions. Romer is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM) program, is a Western Association of Chamber Executives Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE), has been named a “Top 25 Mind in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management” by Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, “Chamber Executive of the Year” by the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry/Colorado Chamber Executives, and was named a “Pettit Award Winner” by the Western Association of Chamber Executives.

David Skuodas
Design, Construction, and Maintenance Director
Mile High Flood District

Dave Skuodas works as the Director of Design, Construction, and Maintenance at the Mile High Flood District (District). The District encompasses 1,600 square miles in and around the greater metro Denver area. Dave oversees an internal group of around two dozen staff that work to deliver over $75 million worth of infrastructure and maintenance along the region’s urban waterways on an annual basis. He has worked at the District since 2010; prior to that, he was an engineering consultant for nine years in Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado.

Dave received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida in December of 2000, and he is a registered Professional Engineer, a Certified Floodplain Manager, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a Toastmasters Competent Communicator. He’s the author of the recently published book The Effective Client: Why Being a Good Client is Smart Business in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industries.

Tony Milo
Executive Director
Colorado Contractors Association

Tony Milo was named Executive Director of the Colorado Contractors Association in April 2005. He is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Association and particularly enjoys working on legislation to advance and protect Colorado’s infrastructure industry. Prior to joining CCA, Tony was Executive Director of the Michigan Road Builders Association and has accumulated more than 20 years of experience representing the infrastructure construction industry through work for major trade Associations including the Highway Users Federation, Michigan Manufacturers Association, and Michigan Asphalt Paving Association. Tony earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from James Madison College of Michigan State University and a Master of Management degree from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Tony enjoys playing golf, a great glass of wine, traveling, and hiking, and he is a diehard Michigan State Spartans fan. Of all his accomplishments, Tony is most proud of his two wonderful kids, Alex and Tommy.

Jay Bowman
Partner
FMI Corp.

Jay Bowman assists a broad range of stakeholders in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. As the leader of FMI's Research and Analytics Practice, he develops data-driven, fact-based market intelligence to bring insights that catalyze exceptional company performance and competitive advantage. The research services he oversees include market sizing, forecasting, buying practices, preferences, competitive behaviors and response. 

Jay is a well-known speaker, offering insights on the construction industry and market outlooks based on his research. He helps clients understand where the industry is heading and design corporate and strategic responses to make business decisions to solve challenges.

Since joining the firm in 1998, Jay has held various research and consulting roles at FMI helping clients solve problems and improve profitability. He previously worked with Aon Risk Services in Atlanta.

Sponsor:

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CEUs Available: 1, Client and Business Development #3

Note: Only SMPS Colorado Members may register at member pricing. All ticket prices increase $5 on December 10.
Finding it difficult to allocate funds for SMPS programming and/or membership? The Colorado Believes page program is rooted in our core values of learning, commitment, and community through charitable giving, membership sponsorships, scholarships, and industry engagement. This program is also part of our efforts to help diversify membership and help provide opportunities for BIPOC individuals and DBE, WBE, MBE, VBR, and LGBTBE firms to elevate their marketing efforts while helping your company save. Please email SMPS Colorado’s admin for reduced pricing and scholarship opportunities.

If you are a member of another SMPS Chapter and would like a member rate, please email the admin. Job seekers, students, and other new professionals, please visit our Colorado Believes page for details on our student membership programs and professional development scholarship opportunities. Refunds are available if submitted to the admin one week prior to the event.