Get Leadership Fit!

This year’s Women’s Success Forum: Get Leadership Fit! delivered something for everyone, from insightful speakers to amazing auction items to awe-inspiring awards. It was an energizing, engaging day for the more than 1,100 women and men who attended.

Johns Manville CEO Mary Rhinehart opened the event with the story of how her company began: a tale of ingenuity and partnership. Next, award-winning author, speaker and executive coach Debra Benton boiled down the attitude all effective leaders possess into two words: expect acceptance.

“They always expect to be accepted,” explained Debra Benton. She emphasized the need to always expect to be accepted and, in turn, accept everyone. “Children learn what they live, so live like you expect acceptance,” she explained.

New York Times best-selling author Curt Coffman started his talk with a joke and then went on to share brilliant insights about culture and its crucial role in strategy and performance. Next door, career-fulfillment expert and success coach Tama Kieves began her presentation with guided meditation, which proved a popular way for guests to prepare to sink into becoming inspired and unstoppable. One room down from soothing music Jan Rutherford, former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, coach and author, shared concrete solutions to getting past over-managing and under-leading to become courageous, humble and disciplined leaders. Gaye Woods, Group Director Community Health Improvement at Centura Health, busy in another room, spoke about how quality leadership calls for emotional intelligence, adaptability, body wisdom and compassion.

“We’ve had it all wrong: It’s not your bank accounts, titles or lack of access that’s holding you back. It’s your health,” shared Gaye Woods. She went on to explain how each person could increase his or her body wisdom and improve their health.

The event’s “Auction it Forward” section included oodles of items. Guests could bid on anything and everything from spa treatments to a day on the lake to Broncos games to team building retreats.

The afternoon session included an executive panel discussion. 9News Anchor and Business Reporter Gregg Moss facilitated the talk. Panelists included Executive Vice President, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and President, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado Donna Lynne, CoBank President Mary McBride and Johns Manville CEO Mary Rhinehart.

This year, The Leadership Investment presented an award not given every year. It is one bestowed upon a woman who has distinguished herself as an exceptional leader in her workplace and community, an activist for change, a role-model for tomorrow’s leaders, and a person committed to the advancement of women. Merrill-Lynch Wealth Management Market Executive Jodi Rolland proudly accepted the 2014 Stephanie Allen Woman of Vision Award. The loudest cheers came from her husband and two sons who proudly came to the event.

The Leadership Investment also honored nine outstanding individuals as finalists for its 2014 Success Awards for Woman, Man and Rising Leader of the Year. The finalists included Brocade Senior Engineering Manager Renata Colitti O’Day; President, ANB Bank, Investment Management & Trust Carolyn Paul; Cummins Rocky Mountain Chief Financial Officer Caroline Slider Asimakopoulos; IQNavigator President and CEO Joe Juliano; enVision Vice President & Client Partner Alain Paolini; Comcast West Division President Steve White and Cisco Systems Strategic Account Manager Jennifer Chang; Covidien Director, Quality Assurance, Todd Hansell; and Johns Manville Manager, Produce Engineering Zeb Sukle. Finalists for company of the year included Charles Schwab, IMA and New Belgium Brewing.

Colorado artists Michelle Manquen and Board Emeritus member of The Leadership Investment Linda Bedinger each created lovely, unique art awards and thank you gifts for the winners and panelists.

The mission of The Leadership Investment is to focus on supporting and advancing women in their careers by developing leaders, connecting people and inspiring action. The Leadership Investment recognizes the vital contribution of men and acknowledges that engaging men is critical to the success of its mission.

25th Anniversary of the Colorado Business Hall of Fame

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Congratulations to Colorado’s Hall of Fame recipients.

The Colorado Business Hall of Fame celebrated its 25th anniversary on January 30, at the Hyatt Regency at the Convention Center downtown Denver. As guests entered the lobby it was aflutter with the final day of the SIA Snow Show.

Upstairs, 130 Colorado Hall of Fame laureates were being hailed for their contributions to Colorado business. Laureates with names such as Coors, Boettcher, Bonfils, Magness, Phipps, Tabor, Hirschfeld, Imhoff, Jabs, Monfort, Gates, Robinson and Love were being recognized as the top business leaders in the state for the last twenty five years.

Taming the wild west through risk and determination is characteristic of the CBHOF laureates. They conquered new frontiers and forged the state into a remarkable place to live and do business, the successes we all benefit from today.

Denver strongly supports and encourages its youth. With the support of The Junior Achievement and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, our next generation has a leg up in preparation for becoming leaders. By following the laureates’ example, the young people in the JA program will be well equipped to take on the challenges of an ever changing global economy where Colorado plays a major role.

Governor John Hickenlooper spoke with enthusiasm about the continuing economic growth of the state as well as the overwhelming pride Colorado has in its football team. He said, “There are 53 peaks in our mountain range and 53 players on the Broncos. This week each team member has a peak named in his honor.”

It was a true celebration for those who have led the way. The list of laureates combined second and third generations as well as first generation business owners. Colorado is a young state that historically beckoned a unique breed of men to set down roots and build a state around hard work, ingenuity, fearless pride and integrity. Whether from a long line of Coloradans or recent leader, the night celebrated the 130 Colorado Hall of Fame honorees. The state of Colorado says thank you for your generosity and endless western drive and determination.

For a list of all laureates for this 25th year anniversary year, log on to:http://www.coloradobusinesshalloffame.org/

 

ABCRMC Honors Excellence in Construction with Vintage 1960s Celebration

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The guys were “Mad Men” cool, while the women exuded Jackie Kennedy style. But no matter what they wore, this group loves parties, so it was a given that everyone had a great time at the 12th annual Excellence in Construction Awards. Host organization Rocky Mountain Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABCRMC), was “Mad for EIC” with a 1960s theme that was carried out through the entire evening at the Four Seasons Hotel Denver on Friday, Oct. 18.

Mark Lindsey Brier tickled the ivories during the reception.

Mark Lindsey Brier tickled the ivories during the reception.

Around 200 began the evening with smooth piano music at the martini-focused cocktail reception, before guests adjourned to the ballroom for a sumptuous sit-down dinner. Award judges in attendance were recognized on stage, with Brad Tonkin, Bruce Mauner, Kelly Hedlund and Michael Wisneski accepting tokens of appreciation for their hard work. President and CEO Mark Latimer spoke to the group, Director of Member Services Brett McCann announced new members and honorees, while board president Jeff Erker presented each award. The 1960s fun continued as a Marilyn Monroe lookalike made an appearance on stage inviting everyone to the after party at EDGE Restaurant’s bar.

The ABCRMC awards competition is patterned after ABC National’s EIC program, and is the first step to compete at the national level. This year’s honorees:

Excellence Winners

Douglass Colony Group, Castle Rock Adventist Hospital, Other Specialty Construction: Less than $10 million;

Douglass Colony Group, DaVita World Headquarters, Exteriors;

Greiner Electric,LLC, Colorado Academy Upper School, Electrical: Commercial: Less than $2 million;

LEI Companies, Inc., FasTracks West Corridor Stations and Parking, Electrical: Industrial: $2-$10 million;

Milender White Construction Co., Tapiz at Mariposa, Residential: Multi-family and condominium projects up to $100 million;

Mortenson Construction, Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center, Mega Projects: More than $100 million;

MTech Mechanical Technologies Group, Inc., National Renewable Energy Laboratory Energy Systems Integration Facility, Mechanical: More than $10 million;

Shaw Construction, LLC., The Matthew & Carolyn Bucksbaum Campus, Institutional: $10-$25 million;

Spacecon Specialty Contractors, LLC,  Castle Rock Adventist Health Campus, Interiors;

TIC – The Industrial Company, LaSalle Gas Processing Facility, Industrial: $25-$100 million.

Merit Winners

Adolfson & Peterson Construction, Suncor Energy USA Headquarters, Commercial: $10-$25 million;

AMI Mechanical, Inc., Wyoming Military Department C-5/159th Readiness Center, Mechanical: Commercial: Less than $2 million;

Greiner Electric, LLC., University of Wyoming Energy Resource Center, Electrical: Commercial: More than $2 million;

Hensel Phelps, High Altitude Army Aviation Training Site (HAATS), Federal Government / Military: $10-$100 million;

Hensel Phelps, Wyoming Military Department C-5/159th Readiness Center, Federal Government / Military: $10-$100 million;

Northern Electric, Inc., Savage Railport, Electrical: Industrial: $2-$10 million;

RK Mechanical, Inc., Castle Rock Adventist Hospital Phase II Campus Expansion, Mechanical: More than $10 million.

ABC also gave out four special recognition awards:

Excellence in Marketing Award:

Keo Frazier of Shaw Construction, The Matthew and Carolyn Bucksbaum Campus; Special Recognition for a LEED Project:

Greiner Electric, LLC, University of Wyoming Energy Resource Center; Special Recognition for a Design Build Project:

Hensel Phelps, Wyoming Military Department C-5/159th Readiness Center; Free Enterprise Award:

Milender White Construction Co.,Tapiz at Mariposa.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national trade association representing 22,000 members from more than 19,000 construction and industry-related firms. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.

ABC–Rocky Mountain Chapter, Colorado’s premiere construction association, is dedicated to protecting and promoting merit shop philosophy. The organization provides leadership for the front range of Colorado’s construction industry through business development, safety training, craft training and legislative advocacy, plus a number of other member services. It truly is a member’s “every association,” dedicated to protecting employees, business and the construction industry. For more information, please visit: www.abcrmc.org.

Blacktie Colorado
Blacktie Colorado