Bell staffers to speak on economy, the budget and opportunity

Staff members of the Bell will make four speaking appearances in the next few weeks, and we wanted you to be aware of them.

9-11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11
Looking Forward: The State and Federal Budgets and Their Implications for Colorado Children along with Overview of the State Budget and Pending Cuts

Featuring speakers from the Bell, Colorado Children's Campaign and the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute; there also will be a panel discussion led by Sen. Moe Keller and a question-and-answer session.

Sponsors include Colorado Association of Family and Children's Agencies, Great Education Colorado, Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center, Mile High Montessori, Colorado Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, Prevent Child Abuse Colorado, University of Denver Marsico Institute for Early Learning and Literacy, Griffith Centers for Children, Mount St. Vincent Home, Mile High United Way and Colorado Council of Churches.

Location: Carriage House at the Governor's Residence, 400 E. Eighth Ave.
There is no cost and the event is open to all, but space is limited. RSVP by Thursday, Sept. 10, by calling 720-855-3455.

5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16
The Forum for Civic Advancement, sponsored by the El Pomar Foundation

Panel discussion: Economic Recovery in Colorado: Where Are We Going?

On the panel are Wade Buchanan and Rich Jones of the Bell and Amy Oliver Cooke and Jon Caldara of the Independence Institute. The moderator will be Dr. Joshua Dunn of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Location: Penrose House, 1661 Mesa Ave., Colorado Springs

Space is limited. RSVP by Friday, Sept. 11, by calling 719-577-7064 or emailing Jason Lippert at jlippert@elpomar.org

7:15-9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17
Budget Dilemma – Have We Hit the Bottom Yet? Projections for the 2010 Legislative Session, sponsored by the Democratic Business Coalition

Speakers: Rich Jones of the Bell and Todd Saliman, director of the Office of State Planning and Budgeting

Location: The Denver Press Club, 1330 Glenarm Place

Buffet breakfast ($15) is from 7:15-7:45 a.m. Program and discussion follow.

RSVP by Monday, Sept. 14 at www.blacktie-colorado.com (Event code: CDBC9/17). Questions: Call Cheri Jahn at 303-667-1186

10 a.m. - noon, Friday, Oct. 2
Promoting Opportunity in Colorado: How are we doing?, sponsored by the Women's Foundation of Colorado, the Durango Steering Committee and the Women's Resource Center

Community discussion will begin with a talk by Rich Jones of the Bell.

Improving opportunity for all Coloradans is the fundamental goal of the Bell, and Jones will use the Cycle of Opportunity to illustrate the benefits that can be gained by residents and the state overall.

The Bell introduced the Cycle of Opportunity concept in 2002 to illustrate how we believe opportunity is created and sustained in the 21st Century. The cycle describes experiences and events that build on one another over the course of a lifetime of effort. It makes it possible for families and individuals to realize their full economic, social and personal potential.

Location: Durango Recreation Center, 2700 Main Avenue, Durango

A light brunch will be served. The discussion is open to all. RSVP at www.blacktie-colorado.com (Event code: WFC10/2).