Aug 29, 2004 by Denver Business Journal

Would you like to know what's on the minds of some of Colorado's top business executives?

Just ask William Mutch, the new executive director of Colorado Concern, a lobbying organization whose membership includes about 80 of the biggest names in Colorado's business world.

Mutch cited these as the issues of most concern:

• Tourism.

• Property rights.

• Tort reform -- Colorado Concern opposes Amendment 34, which seeks to undo the House bill that gives builders "a chance to make things right before you go to court," Mutch said.

• Colorado's budget situation.

• Phasing out the business personal property tax. "[But] municipalities are counting on this money, so how do you get rid of it and not shut down local governments?" Mutch said in explaining the dilemma facing those trying to resolve this issue. "We think it's a job-killing tax."

Colorado Concern's executive committee has some heavy hitters, including:

• Chairman Richard Sapkin, Edgemark Development LLC.

• G.G. "Buck Hutchison of Hutchison-Western.

• Joe Blake, president and CEO, Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce.

• Steve Farber, the well-connected president and managing partner of Brownstein Hyatt & Farber PC.

• Patrick Hamill, Oakwood Homes.

• Barry Hirschfeld, A.B. Hirschfeld Press Inc.

• Bill Hybl, El Pomar Foundation.

• Walt Imhoff of Hanifen, Imhoff.

• Walt Isenberg, Sage Hospitality Resources.

• Don Kortz, Fuller and Company.

• Larry Mizel, M.D.C. Holdings Inc.

• Daniel Ritchie, chancellor, University of Denver.

• Dick Robinson, Robinson Dairy Inc.

Whew! Oh, to be a fly on the wall during those meetings!

"They're high-profile people, but the goal is to stay low-profile as an organization," said Mutch. "The reason is that they believe if we're not out to take the credit, then we can be more effective."

Mutch comes from a solid conservative background, having served on the staffs of state Sen. John Andrews, R-Centennial, Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., and former Congressman and senatorial candidate Bob Schaffer.

Mizel started the group in the 1980s when the state economy was suffering. "He said, 'There's not really anything that's just [for] CEOs,'" Mutch said. "I've got a wonderful board and they're really used to working together over a number of years."