The document summarizes a presentation given by Commissioner Stan VanderWerf on foreign direct investment (FDI) and international trade opportunities in El Paso County, Colorado. VanderWerf has extensive military and international experience. He discussed El Paso County's growing and diverse economy, supported by its large military presence. VanderWerf highlighted partnerships with other countries and organizations that foster FDI and trade. While opportunities exist, risks include national security issues, geopolitical instability, and global market disruptions.

1. 2023 Economic Development Conference
for the EDA Denver Region
Going Global: FDI & International
Trade
Commissioner Stan VanderWerf, District 3
El Paso County Board of Commissioners

2. Commissioner Stan VanderWerf
• Represents Board of County Commissioner District 3. The district encompasses central
and western- portions of El Paso County.
• 28 years in the Air Force, with assignments in the United States, Korea, Iraq, and
Germany. Has visited 60 countries and lived in Korea, Iraq, and Germany.
• Master’s Degree in International Relations (University of Dayton), Master’s Degree in
National Resourcing Strategies (Industrial College of the Armed Forces).
• Founding CEO of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Colorado, Advanced Capitol LLC
(aerospace defense consulting), and CEM-TEK USA (computer aided design and 3-D
printing).

3. El Paso County, Colorado
El Paso County, Colorado Economic Footprint
• Population – 738.7K (2021)
• Total Regional Employment – 368.7K (2022)
• Median Household Income - $68.8K (2019)
• Top three largest employers are military installations (comprising
62,000+ jobs), UCHealth Memorial Health System, and Amazon.
El Paso County, Colorado Military Footprint
• Home to five military installations and roughly 93,000 veterans, which
accounts for 25% of the veteran population statewide.
• More than 250 companies support Colorado Springs and the military
with locally developed intelligence, technology, software, equipment, and
resources.
• Aerospace and defense industry accounts for over 40% of the local
economy with an economic impact of more than $7 billion.

4. Rapidly Growing &
Diverse Economy
Top International
Tourist Destination
Multinational Military
Presence
Fostering FDI & International Trade in El
Paso County
Worldwide Partnerships
(Sister Cities International)
Benefits of El Paso County include…

5. American Council of Young
Political Leaders
Space Symposium
ACE Colorado 2021
FDI & International Trade in El Paso County
OEDIT/Taiwan Delegation
Visit
FDI Development Opportunities Direct Example of FDI
Trisco Foods

6. National Security
Considerations
Geopolitical Instability
(China)
Risks to FDI & International Trade
Global Market
Disruption

7. Questions?