BEDC hires new Executive Director

The Breckenridge Economic Development Corporation has hired a new Executive Director, David Miller, in a called meeting, Tuesday, Dec. 20. Miller will begin his official duties after the start of the New Year.

The position oversees coordination and management of activities of the BEDC to aide in stimulating economic growth within Breckenridge, promotes “quality of life” improvements in conjunction with other entities, and coordinates the exchange of information related to economic development with the Breckenridge Industrial Foundation, city and county officials as well as other local organizations.

Miller says he believes the key to being a successful director is strategizing and communicating with the team of directors, City Commissioners, County Commissioners, the school district, and community members on the best comprehensive plan.

“Getting all the players involved and working together. The best of opportunities can spoil without a plan and support, and the ones you get across the finish line usually have the greatest impact if they had a lot of support,” Miller said. “Those are the ones that check a lot of boxes off the “needs” column and maybe some “wants” too.”

When asked about the path he has taken to lead him to this position, and why he is a good fit for the role, Miller discussed his ability to assist people in finding the best site for their particular business.

“For the last four years, I’ve worked exclusively in commercial real estate and before that, was the Assistant Director for Graham’s EDC and Industrial Foundation. A good bit of the job is helping businesses with site selection. Four years ago, I fielded a call from Braum’s who was having a hard time finding a site. I was able to direct them to an off-market option they purchased and developed in Graham, and recently signed deals with an apartment developer and Starbucks in similar scenarios,” Miller explained. “I’ve sold buildings to new businesses all the way up to 123,000 square feet. Those are the flashy deals that people notice, but most of EDC work happens with the people you know. Neighbors and businesses you already deal with. I’ve helped dozens of local businesses lease or purchase office, retail and warehouse spaces. The dreamer that always wanted to open a restaurant or retail store or the professional that needs to expand their offi ce to add a few more em- ployees. That’s the everyday work and that’s where I thrive. I especially love helping to fill those vacant buildings so someone can pump a little bit of life through their doors. (...) Service is just part of who I’ve been remade to be. I’m really looking forward to serving this community’s best interests. To help the rest of the servants here make it the best town it can be.”

Miller spoke about meeting Virgil Moore prior to his retirement and seeing the potential Breckenridge had at the time.

“I met Virgil Moore before he retired. Breckenridge showed a lot of potential then, and I had taken on a unique listing here,” Miller said. “I came by the EDC office recently to pitch a partnership with my brokerage to fill empty commercial spaces or find a developer. I stepped into the office to find Virgil back behind the desk and that the position was open again. It was perfect timing.”

Miller has been married to his wife, Lyndsey, for 12 years, and they are parents of three children. Miller says he wants to build a better community and mentions that while economic development is technically about growing the wealth of a community.

“I fall more on the obsessive side when researching opportunities. I wish I had a data port to learn everything. I rely a lot of the expertise of others around me,” Miller said. “I love to hear ideas and perspectives and welcome the chance to share a cup of coffee with anyone that wants to bounce around some ideas. (...) I have feeling we may take a good look at community development. The entire region is virtually at capacity with available housing. I’m working with a group right now that is looking to add more apartments to Breckenridge. People are moving out of the cities in droves. Remote work has a natural flow toward rural growth, and typically with families higher wage earners. They naturally spend/invest more and create more jobs.”

Miller continued by mentioning the family oriented values amongst rural communities.

“Rural America generally has the same family oriented values, more community focused. The kind of place where you know your servers. You remember Little League players. I look forward to learning Breckenridge’s take. Also, I’ve called friends “Bud” or “Buckaroo” for ages now. Curious to see if that’s too on the nose now,” he said.