Colorado Hispanic Chamber Celebrates Sabor 2025

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The Colorado Hispanic Chamber’s SABOR never disappoints. This year’s event on August 1 drew a large crowd at the beautiful and blooming Denver Botanic Gardens, a host for several years now.

As one of the most anticipated Denver summer festivals, it’s a celebration of Hispanic heritage and sharing of beer, wine, food, music among some of the chamber’s small and large businesses throughout Denver and Colorado.

This year’s fiesta was sponsored by Pepsi, Blue Moon, and Chevron. Each year the event’s carnival-like atmosphere attracts more than 1,500 guests and features musicians, restaurants, artists, and costumed dancers representing the nations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s also an excuse to party with friends, family, partners and business supporters.

Established in 1978, the Hispanic Chamber is the state’s largest minority Chamber with more than 2,500 members and among the largest statewide of all chambers. Sabor shines a spotlight on the restaurant industry, providing crucial support to local Hispanic businesses that play an integral role in bolstering the Colorado economy.  Proceeds from Sabor directly benefit COHCC initiatives, including:

  • Economic Development: Funds raised help support the Chamber’s efforts to foster the growth of Hispanic-owned businesses through various programs and resources.

  • Educational Programs: The event aids in funding scholarships, leadership programs, and other educational initiatives aimed at empowering the Hispanic community.

  • Community Engagement: Sabor provides a platform for local businesses to showcase their offerings, facilitating networking and collaboration within the community​.

Sabor: “A Sensory Experience of the Americas”

As in year’s past Chamber President/CEO Mike Ferrufino was busy engaging with guests, politicos, businesspeople and some of Denver’s most generous corporate & local business sponsors.

Past Denver mayors, current city, state and federal lawmakers and other politicos were also on hand to meet constituents and support the event.

The best of Denver’s diverse Latino culture is represented including the foods, music and even some consulate reps from Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Peru, to name a few.

According to organizers, Sabor was established to celebrate and promote Hispanic culture while supporting the COHCC’s mission of economic development and community empowerment. Every year this special event successfully brings together a diverse group of attendees, including business owners, community leaders, and the general public. For more information be sure to visit the Chamber’s web site at hispanicchamberdenver.com

Colorado Business HOF Honors 2025 Icons of Innovation

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Colorado Business Hall of Fame event planners annually put together all the right ingredients for a posh, fun and memorable evening, as evidenced by its latest event to induct six accomplished individuals into the fold. Area business stars were out in force Thursday night, all shining brightly, some with addition of a little extra sparkle in the form of the golden stole worn by previous CBHOF inductees.

(l to r): Kenneth Floyd, committee member Rose Andom, Leslie Spencer

On Thursday, Feb. 6, the evening began with a special reception for this year’s laureates, followed up by a larger pre-dinner gathering outside the Centennial Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. A live performance by dynamic Groove Machine had everyone bouncing as guests made their way to their dinner seats. The dinner program was emceed by Lisa Hidalgo, Denver7’s weekday morning meteorologist, and began with the energetic Laureate Procession. Speaking to the crowd: Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s President & CEO J.J. Ament and board chair Maureen Tarrant; Jeffrey Lenches, from sponsor UMB Bank; and Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain’s President & CEO Robin Wise and board chair Darrin Foster. Post-program, guests caught up with friends at the dessert reception.

2025 laureate Charlie and Judy McNeil

2025 Laureates:
Walter Isenberg, CEO of Sage Hospitality
Kim Jordan, Co-Founder of Belgium Brewing Company
Charles (Charlie) S. McNeil, CEO of NexGen Resources
Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald, Founder/CEO of MegaStar Financial Corp
Earl Wright, CEO/Board Chairman of AMG (Asset Management Group)
Winfield Scott Stratton, (Pioneer Laureate), first millionaire of the Cripple Creek Gold Rush in 1891

Junior Ambassadors helped greet guests.

Since 1990, Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain 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 experienced a lifetime of business success and have set powerful examples for others to follow. To learn more, go to: https://www.coloradobusinesshalloffame.org/ .

African Leadership Group Presents 9th Annual Afrik Impact Gala 2024

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Members of Colorado’s diverse African immigrant community gathered August 17 to celebrate the work of the African Leadership Group (ALG) at its 9th Annual Afrik Impact Gala at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

ALG was established to help the African diaspora integrate and prosper by connecting cultures, developing strong community leaders, and to advocate for economic, social and educational impact.

The evening’s Emcee Brandon Zeigler was supported by ALG Staff Member Jason Gaulden in keeping the program running smoothly. Special Thanks went to premier sponsors: Walton Family Foundation; Daniels Fund; The Anschutz Foundation; The Denver Foundation; Rose Community Foundation; Margulf Foundation; RootED; NewProfit; Gary Community Ventures; Banc of California; BMO; Denver Botanic Gardens; AJL Foundation; and KeyBank.

Keynote Speaker Kent Thiry, past CEO of DaVita and Colorado philanthropist, thanked guests for their contributions and shared his views on improving principals of U.S. democracy with ALG support. The Thiry O’Leary Foundation is also the Breaking Barriers Level Sponsor.

This event celebrates and honors the many contributions and impact of Colorado’s diverse African diaspora. The theme for 2024 is: Connecting Communities, Cultures, and Continents. Eric Goodman of Mile High Sports radio served as live auctioneer for the evening.

ALG Founder and President Papa Dia thanked the many VIPs and dignitaries from the Denver metro region and representatives from Senegal. Colorado Governor Jared Polis provided a video announcement with the official proclamation declaring August 2022 “African Immigrant Month” in Colorado. Also in attendance were local Colorado and Denver metro leadership including: Colorado Attorney General Phillip Weiser; past Aurora First Lady Becky Hogan;  Community College of Aurora President Mordecai Brownlee; Deborah Walker of KUVO radio;  Bianka Emerson and Jamie Jackson;  President and VP, respectfully from the Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA); and Miss Colorado USA – Jessi Kalambayi.

This year’s award winners are:

Brian Vogt  – Afrik Impact Award
Philip Sneed – Breaking Barriers Award
Khady Diene Gay  – Building Bridges Award
Chef David Diop – Economic Impact Award
Dr. Anne Keke – Education Impact Award
Nourou Tall –  Immigration & Integration Achievement Award
Daphne Stephens  –  Migrant Impact Award
Susan Levine – Migrant Impact Award
Daniel Okwena – Social impact Award

Additional top-tier sponsors for the event are:
Building Bridges Sponsors: Amazon, BMO, Cherry Creek Schools
Silver Sponsors: Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado Succeeds, Community College of Aurora, Denver DIA, CHFA, Compassion & Choices, University of Colorado, ReadyCO, Uber.

The African Leadership Group (ALG) was established in 2006 to serve and improve quality of life for Colorado’s African immigrant community through social activities, education and economic programs, public speaking, and various other events.

For questions and more information please visit the ALG web site at https://usalg.org or email info@usalg.org

Colorado Business Hall of Fame Inducts Five Leaders

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Colorado consistently remains in the Top 15 among business-friendly states and among the best for starting a small business. This is not news or a surprise at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce or Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, organizations with a mission to support Colorado business expansion and to teach young students how to be entrepreneurs.

This 2024 Colorado Business Hall of Fame was held on Thursday, Feb 15 at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center with 800 guests in attendance.

Hosted by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, the event is an annual gathering of Colorado’s most prominent and accomplished business movers and shakers.

Junior Achievement’s proven lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship are shown to positively impact students’ lives. JA lessons align with national and state educational standards and are delivered to millions of students nationwide with the help of education partners and volunteers.

This year’s Hall of Fame induction featured the theme – “Vision Illuminated.” Each year the Denver Metro Chamber and Junior Achievement honor and showcase the state’s past and current business pioneers and innovators. This year’s event showcased some of Colorado’s top business leaders and philanthropists representing home building and ski industries, and entrepreneurs in the franchise and banking sectors. Presenting Sponsor was UMB Bank.

Allison Kinsley, Toti Cadavid, Luella Chavez D’Angelo, Nancy Baca Watters

One of the highlights of the annual event is hearing from young Junior Achievement student ambassadors who announce the inductees with cleverly scripted biographies, special themes, and sometimes even some on-stage props. This year Denver7 Anchor Brian Sanders served as dinner program emcee with live music provided by Groove Machine.

The Hall of Fame Inductees of 2024 are Rose Andom, entrepreneur and McDonald’s franchisee; Pat Hamill, founder of Oakwood Homes; John A. Ikard, retired CEO of FirstBank Holding Co.; Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts; Steve Schuck, founder of Schuck Communities (now Schuck Chapman Companies); and Pioneer Laureate, Elizabeth Hickok Robbins Stone who in 1862 arrived in Colorado and helped found what became the City of Fort Collins. For more information on the 2024 inductees please visit the Colorado Business Hall of Fame web site: ColoradoBusinessHallofFame.org

Junior Achievement Ambassadors

For more information on these business-oriented organizations please visit JARockyMountain.org and denverchamber.org

2023 Colorado Business Hall of Fame Inducts Five Laureates

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From the youngest Junior Achievement ambassadors to seasoned inductees, the Colorado Business Hall of Fame induction celebration annually represents a spectrum of extraordinary people, expertise and ideas. If we could somehow bottle the energy generated from this annual celebration of business enterprise, it would be priceless.

(l to r): Charles O’Donnell, 2023 laureate Mary Pat Link, and sisters Hadley and Reese Gentry

Hosted by Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, on Monday, Feb. 6, honorees and supporters gathered at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center to celebrate five respected business icons inducted into this year’s Hall of Fame. Laureates are part of a league of outstanding individuals who have made legendary contributions to the free enterprise system.

The 2023 laureates are: Mary Pat Link, founder of Interlink Group and noted nonprofits supporter; Jay Anthony Precourt, oil-and-gas guru and philanthropist; Mark Smith, real estate developer and founder of area youth foundations. Additionally mutual funds manager Bill Berger, founder of Berger Associates and arts supporter, and Frederick Ross, of real estate’s Frederick Ross & Company, were both honored posthumously. Berger’s daughter Katherine was on hand to accept her father’s award. To read complete biographies about this year’s class, as well as past inductees, click here.

The evening began with a VIP reception at Former Saint, tucked away next to the Hyatt’s expansive lobby area, where friends old and new had a chance to chat. Guests then made their way upstairs for the general reception held outside the Centennial Ballroom.

2023 HOF inductee Jay Precourt (center), with son Anthony and daughter Amanda

Denver 7 anchor Brian Sanders served as emcee for the dinner program that included a procession of former inductees and Groove Machine provided musical entertainment. The Denver North Junior ROTC Color Guard. conducted the flag presentation. With Junior Achievement ambassadors in attendance, this year’s inductees took the time to not only express gratitude for the recognition, but also to offer their personal advice for success in business and in life.

Gail Klapper with 2023 HOF inductee Mark Smith and his son Josh Smith

Also speaking onstage: J.J. Ament, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce president; Caleb Hester, senior vice president from presenting sponsor UMB; Junior Achievement President & CEO Robin Wise; and Lori Davis, JA board president. The evening ended with a dessert reception created by Hyatt catering.

Junior Achievement prepares young people to thrive in the 21st century workplace and global economy by inspiring a passion in free enterprise and entrepreneurship, and instilling an understanding of personal financial literacy. On average, Junior Achievement serves 100,000 each year in Colorado and Wyoming. These programs are always free to schools, thanks to thousands of volunteers and the generous support of donors. For more information visit: www.JAColorado.org

This JA ambassador recognizes event sponsors.

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce is Colorado’s largest business organization and has been a leading voice for the Metro Denver business community for nearly 150 years—bringing a history of finding pragmatic solutions, using data and facts to establish goals and aligning Colorado’s most diverse views to map a path forward. For more information please visit: www.denverchamber.org.

Colorado Business Hall of Fame Celebrates 2019 Laureates

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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. A joint venture of Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the CBHF is always a must-attend event for business and community leaders. This year marks the event’s 30th anniversary.

This year’s laureates are:

Thomas E Congdon: In 1966, Tom joined St. Mary Land and Exploration Company (SM Energy), serving as president for nearly 25 years. Under his leadership, SM Energy was transformed from a small private company with one employee to a publicly listed, multibillion-dollar company of 600 employees. Tom and his wife Noel have paid it forward through involvement with numerous community organizations.

Charles L and Charles R Cousins: Charles L Cousins moved to Denver in 1909 and worked on the Union Pacific Railroad. Through hard work and great work ethic, he and his wife Alta were able to compile resources to build numerous homes and buy existing buildings. His son Charlie inherited a disciplined work ethic rich with integrity. He carved out a career in the juke box industry, and when white-owned businesses tried to take over places where his juke boxes were, he bought the buildings. He soon became a successful real estate entrepreneur. He and his “ideal partner” Dorothy invested heavily in the Five Points area and owned more than 30 buildings there. He provided low-cost apartments to many people who didn’t have the resources. He also wrote off the rent for many others who couldn’t afford to pay. He also became known as the “Godfather of Jazz” in the Five Points neighborhood, giving opportunities to musicians who otherwise would not have had them due to discrimination.

John E Freyer: John Freyer serves as co-chairman of the Land Title Guarantee Company (Land Title) in Denver. He was the company’s president from 1985 to 2017. During that time, he grew the company to more than 750 employees with 50 offices across Colorado, establishing Land Title as a nationally known brand, with all operations locally in Colorado. He is a generous philanthropist, investing in numerous Colorado institutions.

Evan Makovsky: Evan Makovsky first co-founded the Shames Makovsky Realty Company in 1971 with his partner and uncle, Motty Shames. They later founded the Shames Makovsky Mortgage Company, catapulting the company into the full service commercial realty industry. Evan saved the Colorado Business Bank building from the wrecking ball in the 1990s and in the 2000’s, Evan became an urban hero of downtown Denver when he announced that he had achieved what others had failed to do: purchase the array of vacant and decrepit properties on the block from California to Welton streets and 15th to 16th streets in order to revitalize the area that bordered the new convention center. He transformed this important gateway to downtown Denver into a modern and vibrant conglomeration of properties. He and his wife Evi are involved in numerous community projects and boards.

Walter P Paepcke: Walter formed the very successful Container Corporation of America in 1926, producing packaging for Procter & Gamble, Sears Roebuck, and General Electric. CCA emphasized quality products and artistry, making their boxes stand out. Aspen, Colorado was a place Walter and his wife Elizabeth loved to visit in the 1940s. As part of a larger effort to establish Aspen as a skiing and cultural destination, Walter founded the Aspen Ski Company, Aspen Institute, Aspen Music Festival, and the International Design Conference. The company went on to open three more ski areas in Aspen and Snowmass. Walter sought a forum “where the human spirit can flourish,” and created the Aspen Institute as a gathering place for writers, musicians, thinkers, and artists.

John J Sie: John Sie is the founder and former chairman of Starz Entertainment Group. Founded in 1991, the Colorado-based company is owned by Liberty Media Corporation and is the parent of 13 premium movie networks, including Starz and Encore. Many consider John to be the father of digital television. In 1989, he submitted the first white paper on digital high definition television to Congress and the Federal Communications Commission, which would dramatically change the landscape of television across the globe. With a strong belief in giving back to the community, John and his wife established the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation in 2005. The foundation became the founding donor of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down syndrome, the first global institute to encompass research and clinical care specifically for people with Down syndrome. John is also committed to bridging the U.S.-China relationship through mutual understanding, dialogue and respect, working with many prominent committees and projects to promote such values.

For more detailed information on the honorees and the CBHF, log on to www.coloradobusinesshalloffame.org.

Colorado Business Hall of Fame 2018

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Each year, Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce collaborate to present the Colorado Business Hall of Fame. This year, the laureates were from the development/real estate/construction fields, and it was quickly evident that these forward thinkers built not just buildings, but communities and beyond.

Colorado Business Hall of Fame laureates are part of a league of outstanding individuals who have made legendary contributions to the free enterprise system. This year’s laureates are:

Barbara Barnes Grogan took Western Industrial Contractors from working on an unpaved street in 1982 with a 1969 truck to a nationally recognized construction company. Western was an integral part of the opening of Denver International Airport and still thrives today. Barbara has been on numerous boards, advisory committees and is the recipient of numerous awards for her business leadership.

Gil E and James Johnson–As chief executive officer of G.E. Johnson, Jim Johnson is building on his late father’s legacy, not just following it. The company is Colorado Springs’ largest locally owned and operated commercial builder, and one of the biggest in the state and the Rocky Mountain region. Through the years, G.E. Johnson has either built, expanded or renovated all or portions of some of the highest profile structures in Colorado Springs. Among them are The Broadmoor, World Arena, Pikes Peak Center, Pikes Peak Community College, Fountain Valley School, Air Force Academy, Penrose Hospital and El Paso County Justice Center. Jim’s passion for community service and client satisfaction drives him as he continues to lead the company in its 50th year of operation.

William Pauls merged his accounting practice that he founded in 1971 with Deloitte Haskins and Sells in 1976 and became a national partner in the firm. In 1979, Pauls led an investment group that acquired the Denver Technological Center (DTC) from First National City Corp. or its own account and through various joint ventures, Pauls’ team developed millions of square feet of office space and hundreds of acres of land in south Denver. In addition, the company expanded its development business to Atlanta, Georgia and Houston, Texas. Pauls serves on numerous boards throughout the Denver community.

Richard “Dick” Saunders followed his entrepreneurial spirit and in 1972, with 13 years of experience in the industry, founded Saunders Construction, Inc. His foundation for the business was honesty, performance and accountability – defining characteristics of the company to this day. Saunders lends much of his time and money to better the communities in which we live and work. He has served on as many as 14 boards at a time for most of the past 40 years, generally promoting children, education and civic causes, and has received countless awards and honors.

Joseph Kernan Weckbaugh, a Colorado native, was a tireless promoter for the state of Colorado and the city of Englewood. Weckbaugh was involved with many ventures, including forming the USO for Colorado; he is honored on the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. He notably brought Braniff Airlines to the Western Mountain District, but Weckbaugh is best known for his lifelong commitment to the Colorado banking industry, purchasing and overseeing mergers of numerous well-known banks. He was instrumental in founding Junior Achievement in Colorado and served as a member of the organization’s first board of directors. He was active in many community charities and has received numerous awards. He was President of the J.K. Mullen Foundation and founded the Weckbaugh Foundation. His award was accepted by his son Wally.

Philip and Adolph Zang were members of a family that is steeped in development history and building successful breweries in Denver. The Philip Zang & Co brewery became the largest brewery west of St Louis by 1880. Adolph Zang followed in his father’s footsteps as an astute businessman. His business prospects included Vindicator Consolidated Gold Mining Co., Zang Realty and Investment Co. and Adolph J. Zang Investment Co. As a banker, Adolph developed one of the largest financial institutions in the American west: the Schirmer Insurance & Investment Co., later renamed the German American Trust Company of Denver. Adolph owned a 4,000-acre ranch outside of Denver, where he pursued his passion of breeding purebred horses. Adolph’s breeds won various awards at shows nationwide. Adolph also intensely loved literature and maintained one of the most extensive libraries in Colorado. In 1916, Adolph fell victim to diabetes, aggravated by two hemorrhages he suffered while inspecting one of his mines in Cripple Creek.

The program included introductions by some of Junior Achievement’s brightest stars, and remarks by Kelly Brough, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber, Denise Burgess, DMC board chair, Robin Wise, president and CEO of JA, and Steve Kinsley, board member of JA.

For more information on the laureates and the programs of JA and the DMC, log on to their websites: www.jacolorado.org and www.denverchamber.org.

2016 Colorado Business Hall of Fame

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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.

The 2016 laureates inducted at this year’s event were
Ellie and George Caulkins
Anne Evans
The Fulenwider Family
Enos Mills and F.O. Stanley
Larry A. Mizel
Ron Williams

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.

 

2015 MPMSDC Bus Tour Builds Minority Business Relationships

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Talk about good fortune from the weather gods. Representatives and prospective members of this year’s Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council annual bus tour were able to enjoy a rare, 67-degree November day—just before a major snowstorm—to visit a spectrum of certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) around the Denver metro area.

A pull-up fitness bar in the office? You bet!

A pull-up fitness bar in the office? You bet!

The genial business gurus boarded the bus at 8:30 a.m. and traveled to locations where member businesses were able to show off their success as well as their personality. At Campos EPC in LoDo, owner Marco Campos even added an impromptu demonstration of pull-up bar and Swagway skills to his site tour.

Participants were rewarded with mementos at each stop, enjoyed a hearty lunch, and the day ended at Society Sports and Spirits, where they were able to kick back and talk about their experience. The common thread of post-event comments? Building relationships…as well as planning on attending next year’s tour.

The group relaxes with food, beverages and good conversation.

The group relaxes with food, beverages and good conversation.

The mission of the Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council is to provide Corporate America and government entities with greater access to the goods and services of minority-owned business in order to develop lasting and mutually beneficial business relationships. As an affiliate regional council of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) serving Colorado, Kansas, Western Missouri, and Nebraska, the organization provides a direct link between Corporate America and Asian-, Black-, Hispanic- and Native American-owned businesses.

Today there are over 130 local corporations and government entities involved with the council, and over 500 minority-owned businesses certified with the Mountain Plains MSDC. Several of these certified MBEs have grown to the level of Fortune 500 companies and achieved Corporate Plus status with the NMSDC. Through the extensive certification process, corporate member support, free networking events, educational programs and supplier diversity initiatives MPMSDC strives to develop minority-owned businesses to their full potential. For more information, please visit: www.mpmsdc.org

Colorado Business Hall of Fame 2015

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This 26th Annual Colorado Business Award winners this year represented two Colorado farm families, a NFL football team owner, a corporate investor, and a ski industry pioneer.  Held at the Hyatt Hotel Colorado Convention Center Thursday, January 29, the event’s theme–“Sketching the Future of Colorado”–was represented at each dinner table and in marketing materials by the familiar red Etch-A-Sketch tablet, a kid’s drawing toy popular in the 1960s.

Underwritten by UMB, proceeds benefited Junior Achievement and the Denver Metro Chamber. More than 1,000 guests heard stories of inductees who pioneered various thriving Colorado businesses through persistence, leadership and a firm belief in the free enterprise system.

9News Anchor Gregg Moss welcomed guests and acknowledged a procession of past inductees representing various Colorado industries.
Throughout the evening Moss–with help from Junior Achievement student ambassadors/co-emcees—introduced honorees and acknowledged top sponsors.

Each year event organizers honor Colorado Business Hall of Fame laureates, a group of stellar business leaders who have made legendary contributions to Colorado’s economy and civic life through their innovation and pioneering spirit.

This year’s laureates are:

  • Pat Bowlen,who was the longtime owner of the Denver Broncos and is the chairman of the board of Denver Broncos Charities, which has donated $25 million to Denver area organizations;
  • H. Brown Cannon, Brown W. Cannon and George R. Cannon–a family whose business acumen is legendary, only surpassed by their civic leadership. H Brown Cannon was founder of Windsor Farm Dairy and Presbyterian Hospital, and his two sons Brown W Cannon and George R Cannon returned to Denver after WWII to become community leaders and successful businessmen.
  • Klaus Obermeyer is a 94-year-old ski legend and industry icon who has turned his passion for skiing to an international conglomerate. He founded Sport Obermeyer in 1947 and designed and produced a successful down parka, then parlaying his innovations into many other ski accessories and skiwear.
  • Thomas A Petrie, chairman of Petrie Partners, has been an active advisor on more than $200 billion of energy-related mergers and acquisitions. He is an active member of several industry associations, as well as a trustee for the Denver Art Museum and a board member of the Colorado School of Mines Foundation.
  • Bob and Joanna Sakata began Sakata Farms with the purchase of 40 acres in Brighton after WWII. Today, Sakata Farms owns and farms more than 3,200 acres of vegetables, including its renowned sweet corn.  The Sakata family was instrumental in founding the Brighton Community Hospital.

For more information visit the Denver Metro Chamber and Junior Achievement web sites at www.denverchamber.org and www.jacolorado.org 

Mountain States Employers Council Celebrates 75th Anniversary

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Mountain States Employers Council began in 1939 with 100 member companies. Today, they are celebrating their 75h anniversary with more than 3,000 members in 77 industries representing nearly 1 million employees.

MSEC has a rich history mirroring the changing face of employment law and resource management since the 1930s. The National Labor Relations Act, Fair Labor Standards Act were passed in the late 1930s, which was a catalyst to form the Colorado Employer’s Council. In 1945, the council was renamed the Mountain States Employers Council. Their biggest fields of service include health services, business services and educational services. They have expanded since the year 2000 into Southern Colorado and Northern Colorado regional offices and also an office in Scottsdale, AZ.

Today, MSEC employs 187 staff members who bring a cumulative 280 years of experience to the table. MSEC also employs 45 licensed labor and employment law attorneys. In 2012, 23,569 individuals participated in MSEC training.

The 75th anniversary milestone was celebrated Friday at the Seawell Ballroom with members, supporters and staff members in attendance. President and CEO Mike Severns was presented a “Mountain States Employers Council Day” plaque by board chair Chetter Latcham, both of whom spoke about how valued the members are to the Council and the ever-important mission.

Guest speaker Steve Gilliland, author of best selling books Enjoy the Ride, Making a Difference and Hide Your Goat had the audience rolling in the aisles with his recollections about personal work ethic, pride and passion for what you do.

Happy anniversary, MSEC, and here’s to the next 75 years!

Denver Business Journal Legacy Awards 2014

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If there was a common denominator between the recipients of the 2014 Denver Business Journal Legacy Awards, it was that all of the highly respected and entrenched business leaders started from humble and modest beginnings and built their own successes. They all have incredible drive, persistence, creativity and the knack for not only being at the right place at the right time, but making the “right time” happen.

Honorees were given Legacy Awards during a dinner at the Grand Hyatt Capital Peaks Ballroom on Thursday evening. Those receiving honors included:

Dana Crawford, whose name is synonymous with preservation efforts in Denver including the redevelopment of Larimer Square; She is CEO of Urban Neighborhoods Inc.;

The late Walt Imhoff, whose firm Hanifen, Imhoff & Samford was responsible for countless business endeavors and well known projects in Colorado;

Dave and Gail Liniger, who built RE/MAX from a small office to an internationally recognized and respected real estate empire with nearly 100,000 sales associates;

Chuck Morris, entertainment and music guru who is now President and CEO of AEG Live Rocky Mountains;

LaRae Orullian, who helped to break the glass ceiling for women in business and was a pioneer for supporting women’s efforts in the banking industry as the first president and CEO of Women’s Bank in Denver;

Linda Alvarado, president and CEO of Alvarado Construction Inc., president of Palo Alto Inc., which owns and operates YUM! restaurants, and co-owner of the Colorado Rockies, who, in her words, not only broke the glass ceiling, but the “concrete ceiling.”

New DBJ President and Publisher Pete Casillas and Gretchen Miller Busch of platinum sponsor Faegre Baker Daniels were on stage to introduce Legacy Award inductees.

It was a moving testimony to those who “do” instead of “dream” and an inspiration to all in the room, which included past honorees, many fellow business leaders, families and friends.

For more information on the honorees, go to this link:

http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2014/06/20/dbj-showcases-7-at-legacy-awards-dinner.html

 

BBB of Northern Colorado and Wyoming hosts 2014 Torch Awards

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Eaton Senior Wins BBB/Rotary Scholarship

Reece Kothe, a senior at Eaton High School, is the 2014 recipient of the $5,000 BBB/Rotary Ethics Scholarship, presented April 30 at the Better Business Bureau® Torch Awards for Ethics in Fort Collins.

Kothe plans to major in pre-medicine at Montana State University in the fall. He is president of Key Club, vice president of National Honor Society and an editor for the Eaton Red Ink school newspaper. He also sits on the Rocky Mountain District Board for Key Club and is on the Breckenridge Ski Team.

The scholarship, funded by contributions from BBB Accredited Businesses, is a joint effort of the BBB Center for Character Ethics and Rotary Clubs in BBB’s service area that fall within Rotary Districts 5440, 5450 and 5470.

The BBB/Rotary Ethics Scholarship is intended for a college-bound high school student in his/her junior or senior year. The goal of the $5,000 scholarship is to reward a student who applies Rotary’s guiding principles of the Four-Way Test to his or her life and illustrates this effectively through a written essay.

To read Reece’s winning essay, visit go.bbb.org/Ofna3c

BBB Names 2014 Ethics Award Winners

Two businesses from Wyoming and two companies from Northern Colorado Colorado were named recipients of the 2014 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics at the 16th annual event presented April 30 at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center by the Better Business Bureau® Center for Character Ethics.

This year’s BBB Torch Awards for Ethics winners are:

  • Businesses with 1-10 employees – Microbial Research Inc., Fort Collins, Colo.

  • Businesses with 11-25 employees – SteamMaster Restoration and Cleaning, Minturn, Colo.

  • Businesses with 26-50 employees – Capitol Roofing and Exteriors, Cheyenne, Wyo.

  • Businesses with 51-plus employees – Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., Laramie, Wyo.

BBB Torch Awards for Ethics promote the six TRUST! principles of EthicalEnterprising: Transformation at the Top, Reinforce and Build, Unite the Team, Steer Performance, Treasure People and !Enthusiastically Reinvest!

Peers, colleagues and customers nominate businesses for the award and business students at the University of Northern Colorado, Colorado State University and the University of Wyoming prepare entries. An independent panel of judges select winners.

Nominations are now open for the 2015 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics. Details are available at go.bbb.org/1nB9vnA

About Better Business Bureau Institute for Marketplace Trust

Better Business Bureau Institute for Marketplace Trust provides ethics-based assessment, training and recognition for businesses, consumers, nonprofits and students in Northern Colorado and Wyoming through three centers of excellence: BBB Center for Character Ethics, BBB Center for Fraud Prevention and BBB Center for Nonprofit Excellence. In 2013, the BBB Institute reached more than 4,900 people via outreach and educational programs.

Blacktie Colorado
Blacktie Colorado