Tyler Rauert, Corporate and Intellectual Property Attorney at Messner Reeves and Manuel Aguilar join us to discuss the impacts that would result in the loss of the North American Free Trade Agreement, better known as NAFTA. Tyler shares why a renegotiation of the agreement is crucial because of our advancements in technology.

Mayor Michael Hancock discusses why the tariffs on aluminum and steel is bad for businesses and the economy. The industry affected by the rise in tariffs is one of Colorado’s largest, the aerospace and defense field.

Stephane Lessard, Canadian Consulate General and Berenice Rendon Talavera, Mexican Consulate General join us to discuss the importance of keeping NAFTA, as well as the unique trading relationship Canada and Mexico have with Colorado and the nation as a whole. Later in the show, they’ll be joined by Tracee Bentley, Executive Director of the Colorado Petroleum Council to touch base on how the energy industry would be impacted by the loss of NAFTA.

Morgan Smith, Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, Jim Reis, former President & Chief Executive of the World Trade Center Denver, worked with the business community and our politicians to generate support for when NAFTA was originally proposed. Morgan and Jim plan to delve into the history of NAFTA within the Colorado business and political climates. Jim Nelson, in his role as General Counsel with Gates Rubber Company, was a key business community advocate in promoting NAFTA and is still actively involved with a NAFTA advisory committee consisting of representatives from all three countries dealing with dispute resolution.

Karen Gerwitz, President of World Trade Center Denver and Carlyle Currier, Vice President of the Colorado Farm Bureau join us for an in-depth discussion on how agriculture is impacted by the North American Free Trade Agreement. Karen and Carlyle dissect just how much of your hamburger is built between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.

Jeff Wasden, Colorado Business Roundtable President, and Karen Gerwitz, World Trade Center Denver President have created Colorado Business Leaders for NAFTA. Jeff and Karen dig into the importance of the North American Free Trade Agreement, as well as how different industries such as manufacturing, energy, and agriculture are impacted by NAFTA.

Kristen Muzzy is a champion and advocate for manufacturing in Colorado and nationally. Kristen leads the manufacturing vertical for the Colorado Business Roundtable. Kristen’s guest is Chris Koehn, Senior Partner at ASG Energy, LLC. We’ll discuss this LED lighting manufacturer, and the story behind implementing a full production line at Colorado’s Canon City Correctional Facility.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado joins us to discuss water rights and the development of a water project. Our guests include John Sikora, Vice President, AECOM, Jon George, Principal - Bishop Brogden Associates, Inc., Cheryl Signs, President - Cheryl Signs Engineering, Marilen Reimer, Executive Director of ACEC of Colorado.

Wendy Brors, Assistant Director of the Colorado Workforce Development Council. Wendy’s guest is Cori Gerlitz, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Training Council. Wendy and Cori will dig deep on training and apprenticeships in the field of construction.

Jill Sarmo from Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies will join us to discuss DORA’s Take 5 to Get Wise initiative - encouraging businesses and consumers to take just five minutes to verify a license, or file a complaint to help prevent fraud or illegal practices. We will also talk with Alissa Gardenschwartz from the Colorado Attorney General’s office about the Stop Fraud Colorado initiative - teaching people to recognize fraudulent phone calls and scams.