The DIA Partnership is launching a branding concept by the name “Aeropolitan,” intending to market the northeast metro area as an economic powerhouse anchored by Denver International Airport.
The Aeropolitan area – including Aurora, Brighton, Commerce City and northeast Denver – is 300 square miles with an economic impact of $15 billion.
“We’re trying to change the way people think about this area,” said Julie Bender, president of the DIA Partnership.
Terri O’Brien, president of O’Brien Advertising in Denver, came up with the trademarked Aeropolitan moniker. The Denver-based Schenkein agency is involved in the public relations efforts.
“Aeropolitan” owes a nod to University of North Carolina professor John Kasarda, who is credited with the term “aerotropolis” to denote an area where an airport is an economic hub.
The Aeropolitan concept, as well as an illustration by Denver native Clark Tate, was introduced at a luncheon Wednesday to celebrate the 10th anniversaries of DIA and the DIA Partnership.
More than 500 officials and business people who attended heard remarks by author and New York Times columnist David Brooks, who often writes about culture and growth in metro areas.
