FORT COLLINS — The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce received the Outstanding Program Award at the 2018 annual conference of the western association Feb. 7-9.
The award was issued by the Western Association of Chamber Executives 
(W.A.C.E). The organization is designed to promote education and professional development for chamber executives and staff. W.A.C.E. represents over 825 chamber professionals in 19 Western states and Canada.
Northern Colorado Prospers received the award for the chamber’s $3.8 million, five-year initiative. The four goals of the initiative are:
• To fix Interstate 25 between Fort Collins and Longmont – Congestion along the I-25 corridor and the need for safe and efficient travel will require multi-year lobbying and a communication campaign to secure the funding necessary to widen I-25 between Fort Collins and Longmont.
• To align, attract and retain talent in the region – Fort Collins ranks seventh in the nation in under-employment. With older workers aging out of the workforce, talent shortages are a growing problem. Northern Colorado Prospers will assist the Fort Collins Area Chamber to implement strategies to ensure a competitive advantage for area employers.
• To be a bold voice for business and advocate for a high quality of life – Unpredictable, costly government kills jobs and investment – the Fort Collins Area Chamber will aggressively advocate the perspective of business and ensure public officials and residents understand the connection between business vitality, jobs and having the means to afford public services that enhance the quality of community life, such as schools, parks and bike paths.
• To expand and retain existing businesses – The Fort Collins Area Chamber will consistently meet with Fort Collins-Loveland area employers to express community support for them and determine what can be done to help.Dave Kilby, president of WACE, said in a prepared statement, “Northern Colorado Prospers is a shining example of what all chambers should do.”
“This award signifies the instrumental work that is being done through Northern Colorado Prospers,” said David May, president and chief executive of the Fort Collins chamber. “It’s a tribute to the chamber board and the Northern Colorado Prospers investors. They are focusing on big issues that matter to our area. They deserve this recognition.”