Governor has positive outlook on state economy; Business owners weigh in

Despite challenges, the state of the state is strong, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper said.

The governor gave his annual address Thursday. He had a hopeful outlook on the economy, saying Colorado is one of the top states for business climate and job growth.

“Colorado’s economic success is the result of the risk-taking and investment of Colorado’s private sector, the creativity of our innovators, and the hard work of the people throughout this state,” he said.

The owner of a gallery in Colorado Springs said she is seeing the economic success.

“It feels like it’s improving to me. It feels better. More people are contacting me, and specifically coming in to buy works of art, and also people coming in and spontaneously making an impulse buy,” Laura Reilly said. “When I look at my numbers, the pieces of art that are selling, that kind of thing, I do see an increase, so it feels great.”

A few doors down the street, at a cupcake shop, employees said they see steady sales but are hopeful they’ll see more this year. They hope a better economy will attract more customers.

“Of course when they have a steady job, when they’re not worried about money, they’re more likely to have money, they’re more likely to splurge on things like cupcakes and things like that,” April Guffey said. “So I think if the economy as a whole were to improve, people would be a little less tight on their wallet.

Other business owners, who declined on camera interviews, said based on their sales numbers, they’re not seeing an economic boost.