TOM BINNINGS
Senior Partner: Summit Economics, LLC
Flagstaff, AZ
(719) 471-0000 | tbinnings@live.com
A strategist, educator, change agent, entrepreneur, special project manager, and leader who analyzes social and business environments and organizations from multiple perspectives to improve effectiveness and efficiency through enhanced customer service, stakeholder commitment, process improvement, product and program development, and implementation of critical initiatives.
Strategic & Marketing Research, Planning and Implementation
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Facilitator & Educator for Adult Learning
Structured Problem Solving
Organizational Design
Project & Financial Management
Public Policy
Economic, Market, Financial, & Systems Analyses
Litigation Support
Real Estate, Business, Community and Organizational Development
CORE COMPETENCIES
Career focused on promoting solutions for community and commercial development. An applied economist, strategist, researcher, change agent, entrepreneur, special project manager, and leader who analyzes policy, projects, programs, products, and processes from multiple perspectives to improve effectiveness and efficiency, pursue opportunities, and manage risk.
• Strategic & Tactical Research, Planning and Implementation
• Economic, Market, Financial, & Systems Analyses
• Structured Problem Solving and Deliberation
• Economic, Community, Business & Real Estate Development
• Project & Financial Management
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Public Speaking & Columnist
EDUCATION
Dartmouth College, Amos Tuck School of Business Administration. MBA, 1983.
The Colorado College. BA Economics, 1979. Emphasis – Regional, Urban and Community Economics
APPLIED RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
Socio-economic impacts of casino gambling in Colorado and decision making process development to fund the mitigation of impacts (2020 for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs)
Return on public investment analysis of $120 million in tax increment financing (2021 for the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and the Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority)
Local area climate forecasts, surveys and international interviews to develop tourism sector adaptation strategy for climate change (2021 for Steamboat Springs and Routt County)
Economic impact of outdoor recreation on Grand County (2021 for Grand County)
Total regional economic impact of the Yampa River (2019 for The Nature Conservancy)
Economic and strategic analysis of the U.S. Military impact on the State of Colorado (2016 and 2018 for the Colorado Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and several chambers of commerce)
Retrospective and prospective review and forecasts of the economic and social returns on investment from greenway development (2017 for the Greenway Foundation and the Colorado Springs Greenway Fund)
Public sector regulatory and land entitlement process costs associated with new private housing development (2017 for the Colorado Springs Homebuilders Association)
Fiscal impact of leap-frog urban development on the City of Colorado Springs (2016 for private real estate developer)
Permanent statewide funding mechanism alternatives for forest and water conservation in Colorado (2018 for The Nature Conservancy)
Survey and focus group analysis of workforce challenges and opportunities (2015 for Pikes Peak Community College and Workforce Development Center)
Surveys of business climate (2009 to 2015 for Cheyenne Mountain Civic Solutions)
Willingness to pay, public education strategy, risk assessment, and alternative funding mechanisms for regulatory compliance related to stormwater drainage (2015 for Fountain Creek Watershed, Flood Control and Greenway District)
Industry impact and recommended legislative education and negotiation initiatives related to restructuring the regulated liquor store industry (2009-2016 for Licensed Beverage Association)
Neighborhood level property value impacts from proposed urban renewal, parks and greenways, roads, tourist related assets, and power plant closure (2008 to 2021numerous studies)
Economic and fiscal impact analysis for public-private partnerships related to private project development, tourism, water pipelines, regulatory compliance, sports and recreation, and urban renewal. (2008 to 2021 numerous studies)
Economic productivity of surface water withdrawal in different regions and sectors of Colorado (2009 for the Front Range Water Council)
Economic and fiscal impacts of prospective water sales to surrounding jurisdictions (2007 for Pikes Peak Regional Water Authority)
Recreation versus municipal water valuation and impacts (2006 for Colorado Springs Utilities)
Product Life Cycle Analysis of behavioral health treatment modalities (1997 for Pikes Mental Health Center)
White Paper on Reforming the Juvenile Justice System (1995 for Pikes Peak Mental Health Center and Colorado District Court)
Organization board governance structuring for more effective decision making (1994 for creation of Rocky Mountain Housing Trust and 1995 for Colorado Springs Utilities)
Early market assessment of the organic agricultural sector (1990 for an agricultural investor)
Rapid real estate loan portfolio valuation model to assess liquidation value during 1980s Savings and Loan Crisis (1987 for Federal Home Loan Bank)
Market-feasibility analysis for transitioning Medicaid expenditures from skilled nursing to assisted living modality (1985 for Sunnyrest Sanitorium)
Metropolitan sub-area job and population forecasts for New Cities development in Dallas and Ft. Worth Texas, (1980 for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)
Market feasibility studies and business plans of private projects for public and private funding (1978 to 2021 for real estate developers, downtown associations, museums, sports venues, water systems).
WORK EXPERIENCE
2008-Present: Senior Partner. Summit Economics, LLC Colorado Springs, CO
Formed company with two long-term associates to formalize working relationships spanning more than 20 years.
Provide project leadership and research oversight on a wide range of applied economics research projects geared towards markets, public policy, real estate, strategic and marketing planning, and process improvement.
Present findings and positions frequently to executives, community groups, boards, commissions, councils, and legislators.
1998-Present: Adjunct Professor. Webster University and Regis University, Colorado, Sichuan, China, Online
Teach graduate and undergraduate students in the areas of economics, decision support systems, and strategic planning.
Develop graduate level online course in applied economics.
2011-Present: Op/Ed Columnist. COBiz Magazine and Colorado Springs Business Journal, Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Write for statewide and local business journals.
1987-2017: Owner. Pan-Com Incorporated, Colorado Springs, CO
Focused on commercial real estate, affordable housing, facilities, construction, development, asset management, due diligence, and brokerage.
1993-1997: Marketing Director, Assets & Projects Director, Executive Director of Subsidiary. Aspen Pointe, (Formerly Pikes Peak Mental Health Center Systems, Inc.), Colorado Springs, CO
Developed critical strategic initiatives in the areas of housing, vocational development, and planning.
Vocational program considered leading edge in mental health field.
1983-1985: VP of Finance. Binnings Enterprises (family-owned commercial construction company).
1980-1981: Associate. Hammer, Siler, George Associates (national economics consulting firm).
1977-1980: Staff Economist. Community Development Associates
CIVIC & BOARD ENDEAVORS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2014: Co-Founder and Member of Steering Committee to assess public sentiment for community and economic development issues. Springs Insight Exchange - www.springsinsightexchange.com
2010: Member. Public Policy Council of the Colorado Springs Homebuilders Association
2016-2017: Board Member. Kissing Camels Homeowners Association
2011-2016: Advisor to the Board; Past Member representing Comstock Homeowners Association. Council of Neighborhood Organizations
2010-2012: Chair and Member of Independent Ethics Commission. City of Colorado Springs
2010: Sponsor of Citizens for an Accountable Mayor – a referendum initiative to change the structure of City governance in Colorado Springs. The referendum passed.
1989-2011: Board Member. Coldcrete, Inc., a small business providing value added engineering to the concrete industry worldwide.
1999-2007: Board Chairman, Prior Acting Executive Director (8/02-7/03) and Board Member. Shivers Academy of Art, Science, & Technology, a charter high school serving primarily disadvantaged youth.
2006: Recipient of Excellence in Teaching Award from Regis University
1991-2003: Former Chair. Utility Policy Advisory Committee to the City Council for the City of Colorado Springs (Formerly the Financial Advisory Committee). As Chair, played key leadership role in changing the governance model for Colorado Springs Utilities.
1993-2001: Supervisor and Coach. Altamira Apartments – an affordable housing development. Team consistently achieved above average regulatory ratings and won the Better Business Bureau
2001: Recipient in Excellence in Customer Service Award
2000: Citizen of the Year by Pikes Peak Mental Health Center for being “an exemplary advocate for affordable housing, civil rights, and client rights”.
2000: Finalist for City Council vacancy, Colorado Springs
1997-1999: Sponsor & Organizing Committee. The Consortium for High Performance
1996-1997: Founding Committee. Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust
1996-1997: Board Member. Affirmative Business Alliance of North America
1987-1992: Chairman of the Board. First American Financial Cooperative
1984-1990: Co-founder and Board Member. Brooks Builders
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL ENTERPRISES
2015: Springs Insight Exchange Cofounded team to provide broader citizen input and education on community issues, deliberations, and explorations. The group adheres to non-partisan, independent principles and utilizes online means for communications.
2002-2007: Shivers Academy charter high school Volunteered for one year to become Acting Executive Director to turnaround high school for “high risk”, minority students.
1991-2001: Altamira Apartments Leveraged $45,000 from a non-profit organization into a $2.8 million acquisition from the Resolution Trust Corporation. Redeveloped the property utilizing a “disabled” workforce.
1990-1991: Hamilton Farms Under contract with an angel capitalist, created marketing venture to test the potential of the organic farming industry.
1989-1991: Gaia Specialties To promote agricultural marketing efforts for clients, formed a specialty produce marketing organization.
1985-1990: Brooks Builders Created start-up commercial construction company.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
2014: Harwood Public Innovators Lab
2011 - 2014: Denver Association of Business Economists
2006: American Economic Association
2004: John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University 2004 (Strategic Management & Governance for Charter School Leaders)
1996: Certified Mediator
1985: Colorado Real Estate Broker (Inactive)
1987: NASD Series 7 (Inactive)
