The Centennial State of Colorado, home to 4.3 million people, is diverse in both its economic base and its population.  Colorado’s central mountains rank as one of the major ski playgrounds of the world, and the state is best known for its towering 14,000-foot peaks, lush forests of pine and aspen, crystal clear mountain streams – nature at its finest.  Agricultural production from the eastern plains helps make Colorado one of the leading agricultural states in the US.  In addition to crops such as wheat, barley, corn, dry bean, alfalfa, oats and cantaloupe, products such as beef, sugar, condensed milk, sunflower seeds and mozzarella cheese are among the many processed foods from the region that find their way all across the world.  The western slope of Colorado has developed a unique economic base which includes a mix of industries such as tourism, high tech manufacturing, ranching, agriculture and a rapidly growing number of wineries.  Colorado’s dynamic front range boasts a diverse economy that includes not only agriculture, ranching and oil and gas production but also a wide variety of industries including aerospace, electronics manufacturing, specialty photographic products and optical equipment.