In recent years, conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become politicized in ways that threaten to overshadow their practical, economic importance. If the mere mention of DEI raises your hackles, please bear with me as this isn’t a political discussion, it’s a discussion about economic vitality. Despite popular narratives, for businesses and communities, embracing DEI is not about checking boxes or chasing trends—it’s about ensuring economic stability and growth.

Vail Valley Partnership is committed to fostering a thriving community, and that starts with recognizing the undeniable link between inclusivity and economic success. A diverse and inclusive business environment isn’t just morally right; it’s a strategic imperative. Here’s why.

When business leaders reflect on the communities they serve, the result is innovation, resilience, and adaptability. Diverse leadership teams bring varied perspectives to the table, allowing businesses to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and connect authentically with broader audiences.

At a time when workforce attraction and retention are critical, inclusive leadership signals to employees—especially younger generations—that they are valued, heard, and respected. This sense of belonging fosters loyalty and enhances productivity, benefiting both employees and employers.

Millennials and Gen Z—the backbone of our current and future workforce—prioritize values-driven workplaces. They want to see their employers champion inclusivity and contribute to positive societal change. Businesses that engage younger generations not only attract top talent but also position themselves as forward-thinking leaders in their industries.

Engaging younger demographics isn’t limited to recruitment. It’s about creating pathways for the next generation of entrepreneurs, leaders, and decision-makers. By investing in mentorship programs, apprenticeships, and education initiatives, we can cultivate a pipeline of talent that will sustain our economy for decades to come.

Minority-owned businesses are vital to our economy. They contribute to innovation, create jobs, and enrich our communities with unique products and services. Supporting these businesses isn’t charity and its politics; it is smart economics. When minority-owned businesses succeed, the entire community benefits through job creation, increased tax revenue, and a more vibrant local economy.

Inclusive economic growth is the foundation of a prosperous community. It’s not about dividing the pie differently - it’s about growing the pie, so everyone has a shot at success. To achieve this, we must embrace policies and practices that remove barriers, promote equity, and empower underrepresented groups.

At Vail Valley Partnership, we believe in the strength of collaboration. By bringing together businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders, we can help create an environment where diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritized, and inclusion is the norm. This work is not easy, but it’s necessary—and it’s worth it. Again, this isn’t political; it is a pragmatic effort to leverage the strengths of our community to ensure our continued and ongoing success.

The national narrative may try to cast DEI as a divisive issue, but we know better. Diversity and inclusion are not threats to our values. Instead, they are reflections of the values we hold close. They are the keys to unlocking our full potential and ensuring our community remains vibrant, competitive, and welcoming for generations to come.

As we navigate the future, let’s keep our focus on what matters: creating opportunities, fostering growth, and ensuring that everyone in our valley can contribute to and benefit from our collective success. Together, we can champion economic growth—and in doing so, secure a brighter future for all. After all, community success is not a zero-sum game; we are better when all members of our community are allowed to shine.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, 3-time national chamber of the year. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com