Denver Officials Seek Diversity From Intrawest Contract

DENVER— Denvers pending contract with Intrawest for the operation and development of Winter Park ski area is a chance to bring some diversity into the mix. And some Denver City Council members are ready to help that along, according to a recent report in The Denver Post. “Diversity has been a part of every major project we have done,” Denver City Councilwoman Deborah Ortega told the newspaper. “There is no reason this project should not have diversity. We really feel this needs to be contractually addressed. Without us going through this process, the deal doesnt exist.” Suggestions include hiring requirements for minorities at the ski area, minority ownership opportunities at the base area and training opportunities for minority employees. Theres also council interest in seeing minorities fill front-office positions and mounting ad campaigns targeting minority skiers. In the past five years resort leaders have recognized the potential business opportunities in the growing minority population, but little progress has been made luring minorities up the ski hills. In 2000-2001, only 9% of skiers in the Rocky Mountains were minorities. Nationwide, 11% were minorities. But the nations population is more than 25% Hispanic, African American and Asian. So far, Intrawest seems amenable to at least talking with council members and minority group leaders about installing some sort of diversity-awareness program at Winter Park. As of now the existing contract does not include any language promoting diversity at the ski area, Liz Orr, Denver Mayor Wellington Webbs head of special projects, told the City Council recently, and thats disconcerting for several council members. SOURCE: The Denver Post