The Northwest economy is being driven by service industries, including medical providers and other business and professional services. In the past decade, Denver’s population has grown by more than 600,000, becoming the major economic heart of the northwest. Defense and intelligence companies contribute in excess of $3 billion to the Colorado economy alone, making it a major center for this type of business, as well as an epicenter for the telecom industry in the United States. The region has also grown as a center for biomedical and biotech. Over 350 biotech companies now call Colorado home, employing more than 18,000 people, and adding $3 billion to the economy of the state.