The Denver economy sprung up from the mineral-rich Rocky Mountains where it's located. Gold and silver was the basis of the economy and in the 1970s and ‘80s, the American energy crisis created an energy boom in Denver because of the plentiful oil reserves around the area, which was captured in the popular soap “Dynasty.” While mining and energy are not the backbone of Denver business anymore, they're still important to the city with companies such as EnCana, Haliburton, Smith International, Rio Tinto Group, Noble Energy, Newmont Mining, and Anadarko still calling Denver home.
Denver's economy has always been based on its geography and its proximity to the major transport systems in the country. Its size has made it a site for loading and delivery of products and maintenance to the Mountain States. And since it's halfway between the West Coast and the Midwest, it's another advantage for distribution services, making it a major trading post for the US.
There are many companies that started out in Denver and still continue to call it home, making those good sources of Denver CO jobs. AIMCO, the owner and operator of apartment neighborhood in the country, has its headquarters in Denver. So too does the Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company, now part of Qwest which is a telecommunications company. The Gates Corp., makers of automotive belts and hoses has its headquarters here since 1919. Add to those the Wright & McGill fishing gear manufacturers (1925), low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines (1950), CH2M HILL Inc engineering and construction firm relocated from Oregon in 1980, the Shane Company jewelers (1971), the Ball Corp. glass jar manufacturers also relocated in the 1990s, Molson Coors Brewing Company has had both its US headquarters and their regional wholesale distributors there since 2005.
The government is another major employer of Denver. They actually have the most federal employees outside of Washington, DC because its location has attracted federal offices and agencies and other companies that supply the national government space and defense projects. The city is where the Denver Federal Center, and the National Renewable Energy laboratory is located, making Denver CO jobs available for those willing to work in public office or those who like scientific research jobs.
Telecommunications is another industry that has benefited from Denver's geographical location because of its mile high elevation that can provide a ‘one-bounce' real-time satellite worldwide uplink at the same time. The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce works hand in hand with the government to attract companies and jobs to the metro. In a very laid-back way, each new investor is partnered with a chamber member, who then acts as ambassador for the area. That way, each company gets individualized attention that focuses on what they need, not usual in other cities that give cookie-cutter answers to businesses looking to relocate. That's the kind of attention that gets companies and people to stay for a long time.
However, unlike other large metropolis areas, geography limits the amount of land that is usable for residences. Living in the suburbs may mean a long commute, something that one looking for Denver CO jobs needs to remember. Housing tends to be rather small in order to keep it affordable if you do decide to live within the busy urban area. The payoff, however, is that the downtown area is within walking distance, there are thriving art and cultural scenes within reach, and the Rockies keep you company all throughout the day. The diverse citizenry makes sure that there is something available for everybody. The laid-back attitude is evident in the many residential neighborhoods with hip restaurants and nightclubs, historical mansions, art galleries, and hot music clubs scattered throughout.
Denver definitely still has that “Rocky Mountain High.”
