From the moment that “Moment’s Notice” lead singer Alton Williams rendered a resounding version of “America the Beautiful” to the photo op with one-ton steer “Larimer,” the Colorado Business Hall of Fame was one stellar event.
With impeccable timing and integral participation by Junior Achievement student ambassadors, the program paid tribute to some very well-deserving Denver business heavy hitters on Thursday evening at the Hyatt Regency Denver. Some were posthumous, represented by family members, and others were center stage in person. One of the Laureates, the incomparable Ellie Caulkins, quipped, “sometimes people ask me who the Opera House is named for. I have to tell them it’s me…I’m still alive.”
Past Laureates in gold sashes mingled with colleagues and congratulated this year’s honorees. Presented by Junior Achievement and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the program highlighted these business legends as well as future business leaders–the ambassadors of the Junior Achievement program.
Colorado Business Hall of Fame Laureates are part of a league of outstanding individuals who have made legendary contributions to the free enterprise system. Through their actions and accomplishments, the Colorado Business Hall of Fame Laureates provide inspiration for the next generation as they take the reins of leadership in the years to come. Not shy, the JA ambassadors took the “bull by the horns,” as steer Larimer would say, and took the stage to introduce honorees.
For more information about the Colorado Business Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.coloradobusinesshalloffame.org.
2016 Laureate Ellie Caulkins, left, with Mary Caulkins, Karl Kister and grandson Oscar
2016 Laureate Ron Williams and his wife Cille
Cille and Ron Williams, center, with family Elizabeth and Don Baker, left, and Andrew and Melinda Robinson
Some of the Junior Achievement student ambassadors helped to greet guests at the VIP reception
The Fulenwider family, 2016 Laureates
Junior Achievement President and CEO Robin Wise, center, with her husband Steve and son Adam
Dick and Cathey Finlon
Denver Metro Chamber President and CEO Kelly Brough with David Kenney
Anthony and Karri Nicosia
Lanny Martin, left, emcee Gregg Moss and Eddie Robinson
Louann and Micky Miller
Greg Anton, left, Brent Chrite, Hassan Salem and Andy Boian
Jonathan Smith, left, Pablo Sanders and John Asbury
Anne McGonagle, left, Sharon Martin, Nancy Parker and Barbara Ferguson
Sharon and Lanny Martin
2016 Laureate Larry Mizel, left, chats with Eddie Robinson
Chris and Brooke Altomari
Courtney, Larry and Carol Mizel
Kim Bimestefer of Cigna, left, with Robin Wise and Sara Wahls
Bradley Jacobs chats with Kelly Brough
From past Laureate Daniels Fund: Gladys Juarez, left, and Stephanie Sabga
Bruce and Marcy Benson, left, with Dick and Marcia Robinson
Joy and Malcolm Evans of UMB Bank, left, with Brook Kramer
Steve Robbins, left, Rene Green and Jake Jabs
Christina Caulkins, left, Libby Anschutz, Jeff Allen and George Caulkins
Cille Williams, left, with Don and Mary Lou Kortz
Arlene and Herb Buchwald
Martha Burns, left, Susan and Ron Tilton, Sarah Holder
Lucy Hahn, left, John Freyer, Sharla and Bob Hottman
Bob Hottman, board chair for the Denver Metro Chamber, and President and CEO Kelly Brough
Luis Colon, left, with Sheila and Hassan Salem
Barbara Ferguson and Scott Finlay
Larry Mizel, left, and Barry Hirschfeld
Kristi Shaffer and Rob Clinton
Joe Blake and Jean Anne Hatler
Bruce and Tiffany Arrant, left, Amy Dixon, Anne Cashman
Chuck Morris, left, Charlie Brown and Mike Stratton
Carylyn Bell, left, David McReynolds, Ellen Robinson
Arlene Hirschfeld chats with Andy Levy
Lindsay and Bob Deibel, left, with Katherine Ott and Steven Wright
Don Elliman, left, with Laura and Trey Rogers
Jeff and Nancy Thompson
Bruce James, left, Ferd Belz and Cole Finnegan
Paul Jacobs, left, Norm Brownstein and Jimmy Lustig
Kathi and Ted Schlegel
Doug and Sue Seserman
Dan Ritchie, left, Joy Burns and Buz Koelbel
Wendy Miller, left, and Sunny Brownstein
Norm Brownstein, left, Wendy Miller, Jimmy Miller, Sunny Brownstein
Kyle and Sally Hybl
Jon and Cathy Robinson–he’s CEO of the Colorado region of major sponsor UMB Bank
Angela DellaSalle, left, Dr. Jim Todd, Ellie Caulkins, Barbara Todd and Max Caulkins
Victoria Venade, left, with Leslie and Bill Vollbracht
Moment’s Notice band did a wonderful job with the music portions of the evening
Paul Heitzenrater and John Farnam
Emcee Gregg Moss and Pablo kick off the program
The Abraham Lincoln Jr ROTC presented the colors
The Laureate procession
Liam and Maile, junior ambassadors, get ready to introduce one of the honorees
Laureate Ellie Caulkins accepts her award on stage
Ellie Caulkins knows how to charm an audience, anywhere and any time.
Ellie Caulkins is escorted off the stage by the JA student ambassadors
Barbara Moore Rumsey on stage with JA ambassadors
Barbara Moore Rumsey, great grandniece of Anne Evans, receives the Laureate honor on behalf of Anne Evans
Denver Metro Chamber CEO Kelly Brough and Board Chair Bob Hottman thank everyone for their support
JA student ambassadors thank sponsors, as UMB Bank local CEO Jon Robinson smiles from the audience
Local UMB Bank CEO Jon Robinson talks about why UMB Bank consistently underwrites the Hall of Fame
Jon Robinson with remarks
Cal Fulenwider III takes the stage to accept the Laureate award on behalf of his family
2016 Laureate Cal Fulenwider III
Larry MIzel takes the stage to accept his Laureate award
Larry Mizel reminisces about his business and family
Larry Mizel and his Laureate award
Ron Williams quoted Winston Churchhill, who said “never, ever, ever give up.”
Ron Williams proudly takes his Laureate award from the stage
Junior Achievement President and CEO Robin Wise and Board Chair Steve Kinsley with appreciative remarks
Junior Achievement students on stage, including Oliver, who gave a wonderful speech about how JA has changed his life
Oliver proposes a toast to all guests
Since Laureate Ron Williams is board chair of the National Western Stock Show, organizers thought a visit from a one-ton steer named Larimer was in order
Ellie and George Caulkins, Anne Evans, the Fulenwider Family, Enos Mills and F.O. Stanley, Larry Mizel, Ron Williams
Committee Members:
Selection Committee: John Freyer, chair; Ray Baker, Joe Blake, Dana Crawford, Bob Deibel, Cathey Finlon, Barry Hirschfeld, Bob Hottman, Buz Koelbel, Lanny Martin, Mary Ann Padilla, Daniel Ritchie, Edward Robinson, Jon Robinson, Richard Robinson, Tim Schultz, Ron Tilton
President/CEO:
Junior Achievement: Robin Wise; Denver Metro Chamber: Kelly Brough
Welcome:
Gregg Moss
Entertainment:
Moment's Notice band
Sponsors:
Presenting: UMB Bank; Laureate Sponsors: Great-West Financial and Empower Retirement; Video Vignette Event Sponsor: Fidelity Investments; General Reception: IMA Financial; Dessert Reception: Lockton Companies LLC; Entertainment Sponsor: Comcast; Event Sponsors: ColoradoBiz Magazine, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
Attendance:
1,100
Attire:
Black tie
Special Thanks:
Junior Achievement Ambassadors: Elvis Ahn, Allie Barwind, Sam Benenati, George Bowdouris, Saylor Bowdouris, Gianni Butler, Maile Diaz, Taylor Eubanks, Madison Farreny, Janeth Garcia, Arden Gehl, Janeth Mancha, Oliver Martinez-Reyes, Pablo Mendez, Trey Sieradski, Liam Sloan, Liam Tilton, Eliott Totman, Taylor Wortham
Ticket Prices:
$300 or corporate tables for $3,000-$20,000
Board of Directors:
For Junior Achievement, follow this link: http://www.jacolorado.org/the-ja-story/leadership/board-of-directors/; for Denver Metro Chamber: http://www.denverchamber.org/About_Us/Board_of_Directors.aspx