2017 is a big year for us: The Chamber has been around for 150 years. But the truth is we’re not simply celebrating that we have survived that long—it’s the work that this organization has accomplished along the way that is so impressive.
And, that work shows our unwavering commitment to making our community the best place to live and do business for a VERY long time.
We will use this entire year to celebrate our contributions to this state, and you will learn a lot about Colorado’s history and the Chamber’s role in it. (This year will really advance our goal to make you the coolest person at every party.)
To start the year off, 1,100 of our members at Boots ‘n Business played trivia with us—and yes, it’s true that the first public library was hosted at the Chamber—but our members also helped us pick our commemorative 150th celebration logo designed by Chamber member NORDEN41.
We love it! Check it out for yourselves.
One thing is clear: You don’t make it 150 years without some incredible leadership, and we have had our share.
Tom Clark is one of those leaders who forever shaped our organization and our region. As many of you recently saw, Tom is going to retire. Tom is not only CEO of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation but he also serves as the Chamber’s executive vice president. As you all know, he has built one of the strongest economic development teams in the country; produced and protected our commitment to regionalism, which is now integral to our brand; and has been a dear friend and colleague. These are big shoes to fill, but he leaves an incredibly strong foundation for how we do business. You can read more in The Denver Post, and we’ll tell you about more ways you’ll be able to celebrate the godfather of regionalism before he retires.
We have been showing up at the legislature for 140 of those 150 years and this year we will show up for the 141st time. The session started last week; party leaders told us they’re optimistic about attacking big issues like workforce housing and funding for transportation and education. Sign up to keep up-to-date about the latest business policy news from the capitol.
Finally, as we prepare to host the 2017 Business Awards presented by Colorado Business Bank, the applications are open. This is one of my favorite Chamber events because we highlight our extraordinary members and all their hard work to make their business—and the community—great. We give awards for best start-up, small business, minority or woman-owned business, green business and small and large nonprofit. Don’t wait; applications close on Feb. 10.
We are starting our 150th year as we have probably started the past 149 years—focusing on critical issues that impact our state and delivering the tools to ensure our companies are successful.
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber.