DENVER – Nov. 13, the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation and B:CIVIC celebrated Colorado’s most socially responsible companies at the 2025 Lead with Impact Summit, presented by United Airlines. The annual event recognized organizations that are redefining what it means to lead with purpose, drive positive change, and have an impact in their communities.
The event featured the inaugural Lead with Impact Awards, which highlighted the Metro Denver businesses that are leading the way in implementing positive business practices.
This year’s Lead with Impact Award winners are:
- Small Business: 9NEWS Kyle Clark’s Word of Thanks
- Midsize Business: Alpine Bank
- Large Business: CoBank
These honorees exemplify what it means to turn values into action, fostering cultures of impact and building partnerships that create lasting community benefit.
The summit featured a panel of representatives from the winning businesses, who discussed how companies can align their business strategies with community engagement to amplify their positive impact. Moderating the conversation was Kristen Blessman, Executive Vice President of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and President of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation. The panelists included Denver Market President of Alpine Bank, Karrie Fletcher; Journalist for 9NEWS, Kyle Clark; and Chief Operating Officer of CoBank, Andrew Jacob.
Takeaways from the panel include:
- Lead with an open mind. Panelists emphasized that companies should approach community engagement with flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn—especially when partnering with organizations whose needs or timelines differ from their own.
- Impact takes time. Speakers agreed that the most meaningful community projects often require long-term commitment. Businesses should be prepared to invest in relationships and initiatives that may take years to show measurable results.
- Community investment helps businesses grow. Giving back is not only the right thing to do—it strengthens a business’s reputation, deepens customer and employee loyalty, and increases its presence and influence in the community.
- Partnerships amplify impact. Collaborative efforts between businesses, nonprofits, and community groups can create broader, more sustainable change than any one entity can achieve alone.
- Culture drives action. Internally, companies that create cultures rooted in purpose, empathy, and responsiveness are better equipped to champion meaningful community engagement and empower employees to participate.
“Through initiatives like the Lead with Impact Summit, we shine a light on businesses that not only drive our economy but also strengthen our communities,” said Kristen Blessman. “This year’s award winners demonstrate the power of purpose-driven leadership in creating meaningful, measurable impact across Colorado.”
The 2025 Lead with Impact Summit was made possible thanks to generous sponsors: Presenting Sponsor United Airlines, Champion Sponsor DaVita, and Lead with Impact Award Sponsor Suncor.
About the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation
An affiliate organization of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation educates and inspires people who want to make a difference as leaders in the community. Building strong, diverse leaders for more than 45 years, the Leadership Foundation provides the knowledge, skills, networks and experience to inspire leaders to engage in issues critical to the region’s success through a continuum of programs, including Leadership Denver, Impact Denver, Colorado’s Civic DNA Fellows, Leadership Exchange, Access Denver, the Colorado Leadership Alliance and the Leadership Foundation Alumni Network. For more information, please visit denverleadership.org.
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.
