We work in one of the greatest places in the world. When I travel, it’s easy to sing our praises and tell people about our diverse and vibrant economy; our smart, healthy workforce; the natural beauty of our state; and the incredible quality of life those strengths create for us.
Colorado’s business community underlies much of that success. Your commitment to running great companies, to being great employers and to giving back civically makes a huge difference. As a matter of fact, we have a distinct culture. It’s one that is welcoming, values hard work, cares about philanthropy and considers what’s best for the region and state by being pragmatic and committed to finding the best solution for all of Colorado. It’s these values that make us so competitive.
Each year we recognize six organizations that are standouts in their field at our Business Awards. The winners are great role models of these values. We’re now accepting applications for our awards in the categories of start-up, green, nonprofit, small, and minority- and women-owned organizations.
Business Awards is the place we can honor some of those great leaders who are shaping our culture, driving our economy and making Colorado a great place to work. We also hope that by highlighting their work, we help their businesses be even more successful. Here’s what last year’s awardees said about how Business Awards impacted them:
It fuels growth. For Emerging Business of the Year winner Oakman Aerospace, Inc. (OAI), “The recognition helped OAI to effectively market our products and services locally, nationally and internationally,” President and Chief Systems Engineer Stan Kennedy told us. “OAI recently expanded into additional facilities and we continue to work closely with the Colorado Space Coalition and the Chamber on space-related initiatives for the state.” (This year, the Chamber is renaming this award our Start-up of the Year, but we expect the impact for the winner will be just as powerful.)
It renews pride. Goodwill Industries of Denver calls itself the original recycler, so “we could not be more proud of the distinction of Green Business of the Year,” CEO Stuart Davie said. In fact, Goodwill resold or recycled more than 70 percent of the goods donated across our region, making it one of the greenest businesses in our state.
It brings visibility. For Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1, it’s a challenge to overcome the long held view of VFWs as anything besides a bar, says Executive Director Michael Mitchel. But their interactive and engaging programs for vets are getting attention, starting with being recognized as our Small Nonprofit of the Year. Now they’re adding more programs—like yoga each Tuesday and a peer-to-peer mentoring program. They’ve also put down stakes, purchasing a building at 841 Santa Fe Drive, where they now also have a veterans’ art gallery. As they begin to fundraise to renovate the building, they’re finding more folks know what Post 1 is all about.
It rallies support. “As the recipient of the Large Nonprofit of the Year award through the Denver Metro Chamber, A Precious Child has been blown away by the positive impact that this partnership has had on our organization,” said Executive Director Britta Robinson. And, we see it as a partnership, too. Chamber staff and members have shown their support for A Precious Child through clothing and gift drives, a silent auction at our Net90 holiday party and other events in support of their work. These efforts have helped ensure hundreds more children in Colorado were served when they needed it most.
It builds connections. After being named Minority or Woman-owned Business of the Year, Comedy Works received more accolades and CEO Wende Curtis built stronger ties among other minority and women-owned businesses, broadening their reach.
It helps us pay it forward. Our Small Business of the Year, Weifield Group, supports a number of local nonprofits and ensures the next generation of electricians is ready to work through its apprenticeship program. What attracts employees to the company? Culture. “We have worked hard at building a culture around our people and this award reinforces we are on the correct path,” says CEO Seth Anderson.
Join us on April 24 to celebrate the successes of organizations that are making a difference in Colorado—we promise it will provide you a great reminder of why we do business here. And, we would love to recognize your work, so nominate your business or nonprofit by Friday, Feb. 13.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
[Photo by: Dave Anderson of InSync Photography + Design]
