Igniting the Future: 2026 Colorado Business Hall of Fame

With its mix of up-and-coming student ambassadors and longtime business luminaries, plus a spectrum of host staff and supporters, the Colorado Business Hall of Fame annually continues to be a bright light on a February night in downtown Denver. This year was no exception, amped by an energy-inducing “Igniting the Future” theme.

Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain board chair Darrin Foster, with President and CEO Robin Wise

On Thursday, Feb. 5, around 1,000 guests descended on the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center for the festivities. Co-hosted by Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the evening began with a VIP reception for this year’s laureates, past Hall of Fame inductees, and family and friends. It was followed by an open, mix-and-mingle gathering before dinner with dance-inducing music by Groove Machine as guests found their tables in the Centennial Ballroom. The colorful, energetic dinner program, emceed by former 9News business reporter Gregg Moss, featured uplifting success stories from around the region. The evening ended with a “Toast to Success” dessert buffet.

2026 LAUREATES

Dad and daughters (l to r): Isabel Morris, Chuck Morris, Brittany Morris Saunders, Kolby Morris Dahary

Elaine Appel (center), matriarch of 2026 laureate Appel family, with daughter Amy and son-in-law Daniel Feldman

Representatives from Cherokee Ranch & Castle accept the historic Pioneer Laureate award on behalf of founder Tweet Kimball

Family of 2026 in memoriam laureate Buz Koelbel (l to r): daughers Fallon and Laura, son Walt and wife Sherry Koelbel

2026 laureate Blair and Kristin Richardson

(l to r): J. J. Ament, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO; 2026 laureate George Solich, past inductee Jim Johnson

The Appel Family – Founders, Orange Glo International
Buz Koelbel – Former President, Koelbel and Company
Chuck Morris – Former President/CEO, AEG Presents Rocky Mountains
Blair Richardson – Founder and CEO, Bow River Capital
George Solich – Chairman and CEO, FourPoint Resources LLC
Tweet Kimball (Pioneer Laureate) – Founder, Cherokee Ranch

From the Hall of Fame website: “Since 1990, Junior Achievement and the Denver Metro Chamber of commerce have paid tribute to Colorado’s most distinguished business leaders of yesterday and today for their commitment to and investment in the community. The Colorado Business Hall of Fame laureates are part of a league of outstanding individuals who have made legendary contributions to the free enterprise system. They have experience a lifetime of business success and have set powerful examples for others to follow.”

To learn more about Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, go to: https://www.jarockymountain.org/ . Get details about Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce at: https://denverchamber.org/ .