Policy Council Spotlight: Eric Elkins

Policy Council Member: Eric Elkins, CEO of Wide Focus

Our Policy Council—a group of values-driven entrepreneurs from diverse industries—plays a critical role in representing GBCA member voices as we take a stance on policies that support an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Colorado. In this Q&A series, we’ll introduce you to the dedicated members of the GBCA Policy Council by asking them all the same three questions which highlight some of their expertise, insights, and the pressing policy issues on their mind.

This series will introduce you to the dedicated members of the GBCA Policy Council by asking them all the same three questions which highlight some of their expertise, insights, and the pressing policy issues on their mind. Meet Eric Elkins, CEO of Wide Focus.

Eric Elkins, GBC Policy Council Member

In your opinion, what has been the most interesting bill of this legislative session so far?

Although I'm keeping an eye on the junk fees bill, YIGBY (Housing Developments on Faith and Educational Land) — aka HB 25-1169 — is quietly making waves and seems like a common sense way to increase affordable housing in Denver. I know we need creative responses to a tough problem, and this one feels unique and clever.

Which bill do you think will have the greatest impact on your business?

As a business that accepts credit cards for our work, the Swipe Fee Fairness and Consumer Safeguards Act would likely save us money when clients use their cards vs ACH payments. Anything that brings down expenses helps us grow and thrive.

If you had a magic wand, how would you use it to make Colorado an even better place?

I'd create an insurance benefits coop for hospitality workers in Colorado, so they had a safety net if things went sideways. So many of my friends have given so much to Denver's food and cocktails scene over the years — they're true professionals, providing guidance and happiness to customers days, nights, and weekends. I wish their jobs provided benefits like PTO, health insurance, and 401ks, but we know how tight the margins are already. So I would wave a magic wand and create some safety and support to help them keep the jobs they love and still be secure if they needed medical help.