August 15, 2016

Representative Coffman, General Renuart, 150+ Colorado Leaders Urge U.S. Engagement Overseas

AURORA— Representative Mike Coffman (CO-6), General Gene Renuart, Aurora Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Hougen, Lockheed Martin Government Relations Director Joe Rice, and CEO of Water for People Eleanor Allen, joined the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition to discuss how America’s engagement abroad spurs economic growth here in Colorado and promotes our national security.

“The United States must continue to exercise global leadership in an increasingly dangerous world in order to protect our vital national and security interests,” said Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-06).

“I know from my military service that we cannot afford to turn inward as a nation – we must continue to build strategic partnerships, fully engage with our allies, and strengthen our efforts to counter extremism around the world,” said General Gene Renuart (USAF Ret.). “Today’s global threats have no single solution and require all our tools of national security and influence. Alongside defense, our nation’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts are more critical than ever to keep us safe.”

Colorado is home to some of the largest global brands and organizations with rapidly growing international operations in emerging markets. Last year, Colorado exported $8 billion in goods and services overseas, and trade supported more than one in five local jobs, making U.S. international engagement a strategic issue for the state.

“The global economy is growing more integrated every day and growth for Colorado businesses will increasingly depend on finding markets across the world. America’s strategic investments in diplomacy and development help to open new markets for U.S.-produced goods and services and are critical to advancing our nation’s broader economic interests,” said Kevin Hougen, President and CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

“Coloradans understand how interconnected our world has become” said USGLC’s Director of Government Relations Lindsay Lee Plack. “The crowd of business, veteran, and community leaders joining Congressman Coffman here today demonstrates the importance of America’s strategic investment in development and diplomacy — to keep us safe and create opportunity here in Colorado.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.orgis a broad-based influential network of 500 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic, military, and community leaders in all 50 states who support strategic investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.