June 23, 2003

Colorado's Republican Governor Bill Owens greeted mayors and attendees at the opening plenary session Friday, June 6, at the 71st Annual Meeting of the Conference of Mayors.

Governor Owens said he was proud of the many partnerships and accomplishments that his administration has achieved working closely with the administration of host mayor Wellington E. Webb.

In the state of Colorado, Owens said that education is the reason Colorado attracts technology and "both the mayor and I want technology to drive the local economy." Colorado has the highest percentage of college graduates per thousand in the country, Owens said.

The Governor also stated that the Federal Reserve Banks ranked Colorado as the third most diversified state economy in the country and the Tax Foundation said Colorado has the best business climate in terms of tax policy in the United States.

"The most effective mover in the economy is the private sector working hand in hand with those of us in the public sector," the Governor concluded.