Photo courtesy of Dave Anderson at InSync Photography + Design
DENVER, CO – The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce welcomed more than 700 business and community leaders to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts for its 2025 Annual Meeting, a celebration of the region’s accomplishments and a look ahead at the challenges and opportunities shaping Metro Denver’s economy.
This year’s gathering highlighted the Chamber’s impact across advocacy, economic development, and leadership programming. In the past year alone, the Chamber took positions on 94 bills affecting Colorado’s business climate, helped generate more than $1.95 billion in new capital expenditures, and awarded more than $109,000 in scholarships for leadership development programs. The Chamber also released its full 2025 Impact Report, showcasing how it continues to fuel Colorado’s competitiveness.
The Chamber honored Katie Kramer, President and CEO of the Boettcher Foundation, with the prestigious Del Hock Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to Colorado’s business and civic community.
The event also marked a transition in leadership. The Chamber expressed gratitude to outgoing board chair Maureen Tarrant, Vice President of External Affairs for HCA HealthONE, for her dedicated year of service. Stepping into the role of board chair is Mowa Haile, President of Sky Blue Builders, who shared his vision for the Chamber’s future.
“My commitment as a board chair is simple: we are going to lean in,” Haile said. “Lean into policy conversations, not just reacting to what comes out of the legislature but proactively shaping the solutions Metro Denver needs. Lean into collaboration – bringing together business, government, and community leaders to ensure Metro Denver stays competitive and resilient. And lean in to supporting every member of this Chamber, from our largest employers to our smallest startups, because they all play a role in fueling our region’s economy.”
A highlight of the program featured a fireside conversation between J. J. Ament, Chamber President and CEO, Damani Leech, Denver Broncos President, just one day after the team’s major announcement to look at Burnham Yard as a site for new stadium development. Leech spoke about the extensive fan feedback that informed the decision and the long-term vision for the Broncos’ future.
“A new stadium gives you this blank canvas to really cater to your fans,” Leech said. He also stressed that the Broncos as a business, and the best way to ensure growth is to have the team succeed and draw in a fan base, “If we win, the business will flourish.”
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston also joined the discussion, underscoring the Broncos’ role in uniting and shaping the city. “What I’m most proud of is that the Denver Broncos have one shared vision [with Denver],” said Johnston, stressing that the Denver Broncos are dedicated to remaining in the Denver community.
In closing, Ament celebrated the Chamber’s continued growth, noting its membership has expanded by more than 30% in the past three years. “That growth tells us that you, our business community, see the value of the Chamber’s work—whether it’s through advocacy, economic development, leadership training, or the relationships we foster,” Ament said.
The Chamber’s Annual Meeting underscored the strength of Metro Denver’s business community and its commitment to building a competitive, resilient economy for the future.
The event was presented by Chamber Trustees AngloGold Ashanti, Boettcher Foundation, Chevron, Comcast, Daniels Fund, DaVita, Denver International Airport, Denver Water, Empower, FirstBank, HCE HealthONE, Innosphere Ventures, Intermountain Health, Pinnacol Assurance, Tallgrass, U.S. Bank, UCHealth, United Airlines, University of Colorado System, VF Corporation, and Xcel Energy. Keynote sponsor for the event was Colorado State University Global, and Platinum sponsor was Taft/Sherman & Howard.
About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC) is the architect of tomorrow, igniting change and driving progress to build dynamic economies and communities. We champion innovation, forge powerful partnerships, and relentlessly advocate for our members and all Coloradans. With more than 150 years of trust and impact, we help business flourish.
The DMCC’s vision is Economic Empowerment for Every Coloradan and is achieved by advocating for effective public policy, developing civic leaders, and driving a sustainable economy. We promote a vibrant economy by fostering a business-friendly environment, supporting a skilled workforce and facilitating connections. Dedicated to boosting business and employee opportunities, the Chamber drives sustainable growth and prosperity across Colorado.
