T H E C H A M B E R

NEWSLETTERMAR/APR 2015

Serving the east-metroarea including:

AuroraBennett

CentennialCommerce City

Denver

UpcomingEventsMeetings are held at the Chamberoffice, 14305 E. Alameda Ave., Suite300 – unless otherwise noted(see calendar for details andadditional meetings)

Aurora Chamber working to save jobs;joins forces supporting Fort Carson

More than 300 people packedCentennial Hall in Colorado Springson Feb 3, 2015 to show their supportfor Fort Carson, and to ask Armyleaders to spare the post from futurecuts.

Kevin Hougen, President/CEO ofthe Aurora Chamber of Commerce,joined the Governor, AdjutantGeneral, Congressional delegation,and regional leaders in providingsupport for Ft. Carson by statingclearly that the entire State ofColorado stands united in support ofFort Carson.

The Army is in the process ofreducing end strength to 490,000 by2017, but if sequestration is notrepealed, the service will lose about$95 billion over 10 years and will likelybe forced to drop to 420,000 soldiersby 2019 – which could include cuttingup to 16,000 soldiers from FortCarson. n

Kevin Hougen, President and CEO of The Aurora Chamber of Commercespeaks about statewide support for Ft. Carson.

MARCH

Business for the ArtsMarch 3 | 8 am

TransportationMarch 4 | 7:30 am

Government AffairsMarch 5 | 7:30 am

Annual Awards DinnerMarch 6 | 5-9 pm

ChamberMaster TrainingMarch 11 | 12 pm

Health SeriesMarch 12 | 8 am

Young ProfessionalsMarch 13 | 3:30 pm

Business Before HoursMarch 17 | 7:30 am

Government AffairsMarch 19 | 7:30 am

Women in BusinessMarch 24 | 12 pm

Member OrientationMarch 25 | 12 pm

Defense CouncilMarch 26 | 7:15 am

Business After HoursMarch 26 | 5-7 pm

continued on page 5

One of the benefits of Chambermembership is the powerfulpotential of networking. DaleNicholls from Quality FirstPlumbing asked Chamber staff foroutreach opportunity

recommendations to help the lessfortunate during the holidays. Itwas suggested that Dale contactPastor Gene Roncone at HighpointChurch. (And although bothChamber members, they had never

met.) After hearing aboutRoncone’s weekly program formore than 150 at-risk and homelesselementary kids in urban Aurora,Dale invited his local chapter of theNational Association of Residential

Property Managers tocollaborate on the project.Their partnership providedmore than 450 hot breakfastmeals for an entire month.

Good things happen whenorganizations are connectedthrough The Chamber! n

Chamber Networking provides 450 hot meals

Highpoint@Colfax kids posefor a picture thanking theDenver Chapter of the NationalAssociation of ResidentialProperty Managers.

Each spring, anominating committeemade up of AuroraChamber members andthe President, suggestsfuture Board members to

fill the slots of retiring members. As you’ll note,several of our Board members’ three-year termsexpire on May 31, 2015. A member can serve asecond three-year term under the Chamber’sbylaws. The following board members havebeen asked to serve additional three-year terms.

- Lisa Buckley, American Automation BuildingServices

- Reneé Gullickson, Wells Fargo Business Bank- Suzanne Pitrusu, Community Banks of

Colorado

- Cheri Prochazka, Fitzsimons Federal CreditUnionWe also want to thank our four retiring Aurora

Chamber board members for their outstandingservice to our business community. Thefollowing four gentlemen served as boardmembers for the last six years.• Dave Gruber, Cloud Worldwide, LLC• Todd Landgrave, Northrop Grumman• Jeff Thompson, University of Colorado

Health• Craig Ward, Padgett Business Services

The nominating committee has alsosuggested the following nominees for the AuroraChamber of Commerce Board 2015, to serve forthe next three years, starting June 1, 2015.

1. Ryan Evans, Advantage Security, Inc.2. Chris Fasching, Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig3. Gian Gandolfo, Hilton Garden Inn/Denver

Airport4. Kristi Kleinholz, Outback Steakhouse5. Rachel Stetz, Colorado Technical University

As an Aurora Chamber of Commerce member,you also have the opportunity to suggestnominees for the Board, per the bylaws.Candidates should be Chamber members whohave been involved with Chamber programs insome way. Please send your nomination inwriting to the Chamber office by May 1, 2015.Once selected, new Board members will beformally inducted at the July State of theSchools Luncheon. n

President’sLetter

Joe Barela | Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce CenterRandy Berner | Adolfson & Peterson ConstructionLarry Borland | CenturyLinkLisa Buckley | American Automation Building ServicesMatt Devereaux | King Soopers - S. Yosemite StChristy Dobson | Children’s Hospital Colorado Tom Henley | Xcel EnergyMichael “Mickey” Hunt | Colo. Dept. of Military & Veteran’s AffairsShannon Jones | FirstBank – Aurora HavanaCindy Kreutz | Healthcare ConsultantTodd Landgrave | Northrop GrummanPeter Lee | Aurora Asian/Pacific Community PartnershipDale Mingilton | Adams 14 Education FoundationAlfonso Nuñez | La Cueva RestaurantDr. Betsy Oudenhoven | Community College of AuroraSuzanne Pitrusu | Community Banks of ColoradoCheri Prochazka | Fitzsimons Federal Credit UnionLouis Salazar | ConocoPhillipsCraig Ward | Padgett Business ServicesMatt Weber | Kaiser Permanente

Col. Floyd Dunston | 140th Wing Colorado Air National GuardBarry Gore | Adams County Economic DevelopmentThe Honorable Steve Hogan | City of AuroraNancy Jackson | Arapahoe County Board of CommissionersWendy Mitchell | Aurora Economic Development CouncilPaul Suss | Suss Buick GMCGary Wheat | Visit AuroraCharles ''CJ'' Whelan | City of Centennial

CHAIR OF THE BOARDDavid Patterson | Falck USA

CHAIR-ELECT & TREASURERJason Altshuler | Westerra Credit Union

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRJeff Thompson | University of Colorado Health

SECRETARYReneé Gullickson | Wells Fargo Business Bank

VICE CHAIR-BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTRyan Simpson | The Medical Center of Aurora,

HealthONE

VICE CHAIR-COMMUNITY SERVICESDavid Gruber | Cloud Worldwide, LLC

VICE CHAIR-MEMBER SERVICESBob Jamieson | Mutual of Omaha

VICE CHAIR-PUBLIC ISSUESDwight Taylor | Rocky Mountain Law Group, LLC

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

HONORARY DIRECTORS

ASSOCIATES

STAFFChamberBoard

Kevin Hougen | President and CEO

Naomi Colwell | Marketing Director

Chance Horiuchi | Business Development Director

Linda Lillyblad | Finance Director

Tamara Mohamed | Executive Assistant

Paul Rosenberg | Vice President, Membership Development

Mitzi Schindler | Communications Director

Mary Beth Sharp | Member Services Director

Rene J. Simard | Executive Vice President

Kathryn Lobdell | Procurement Technical Assistance Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mario Waller | Six & Six, inc. | Newsletter Design

THE CHAMBER’S MISSIONThe mission of the Aurora Chamber ofCommerce is to give a voice to thebusiness community and serve as anadvocate for its members, creating apositive business environment thatencourages their growth and long-term economic vitality.

DON’T FORGET: “Every employee of a Chamber member is a member of The Chamber”Please route this issue to your sales reps, account managers, marketing directors, HR and PR departments. You can also accesseach month’s newsletter online at our website, www.aurorachamber.org, so you can forward it to every employee in your company!

Kevin HougenPresident & CEO

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DIRECTORS

“The Aurora Chamber is really for the businesses and the community and I have never felt in anyway, shape or form that your motives were anything other than pure to serve us and the

community; and for me as a businessman that is probably one of the most important things!”

— Jim Cavoto, Fairmount Mortuary, Cemetery & Crematory

This year’s Women Making aDifference Unsung Hero luncheonwas a Zoo.

Actually, the keynote speakerwas the enthusiastic, professional,and committed CEO of the DenverZoo, Shannon Block. It has to takea lot of enthusiasm,

professionalism, and commitmentto oversee 360 staff, 600volunteers, and 4,200 wildanimals – so 270 attendees at aluncheon honoring women whohave made a difference inbusiness and in their communitywas ‘duck soup’ for Block.

Her presentation aboutStrategic Framework and 101Change Management gave theaudience much to think about.Her words of wisdom for theassembled crowd: Listen, Learn,Help, and then Lead; Fail fast andoften; and rocks in the road arejust strategic imperatives.

The nine nominees and threefinalists were honored as UnsungHeroes at the DoubleTree Denver-Aurora on Friday, Feb. 13. n

Nominees:Antoinette Dow, Executive Director of Aurora Mental Health Center’sProviders Resource Clearinghouse

Earnestine Woodberry, Director of International Learning andCultural Resource Center

Deborah Quintana, CEO of World Wide Money Exchange at DIA

Barbara Peck, Retired Professional Photographer, CommunityVolunteer

Beverly Hanstrom, President of Colorado Medical Waste, Inc.

Paula Sarlls, President of the Women Marines Association,Colorado Columbine Chapter

Lynne Evans, Retired Aurora Public Schools English Teacher,Community Volunteer

Chaplain Debbie Winans, Founder of Community Re-Entry PlaceInside/Out

Mary Wright, Pathways Coordinator for Aurora Public Schools’Aurora Lights Program

Finalists:Nita Mosby Henry, Vice President of Human Resources atChildren’s Hospital ColoradoJane McGrath, Retired Cherry Creek Schools Social Studies Teacher,Community Advocate

Winner:Judy Paukovich, Employment Specialist with the Cherry CreekSchool District Transition Program

The Women Making a Difference Luncheon is hosted by Womenin Business Executive Committee: Debbie Gilliard, Chair,Metropolitan State University of Denver; Jacquie Healy, TrilogyBenefits, Inc.; Jan Gordon, Special Olympics Colorado; Kathy Larter,Kaiser Permanente Colorado; Kristi Kleinholz, Outback Steakhouse;Joyce Rocha, Southlands; Ksenia Shishkovskaja, FirstBank – Aurora,Hampden; Terry Spencer, Colin Spencer Productions, LLC; andNaomi Colwell, Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsors for the luncheon were Aurora Credit Union Alliance,Citywide Banks – Mississippi, Forest City Stapleton, Inc., andWesterra Credit Union.

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Left to right: Program Master of Ceremonies Lois Melkonian with Fox 31. On the podium is Dr. Debbie Gilliard, Chair of the Women in Business ExecutiveCommittee, and standing with their awards are the Unsung Hero nominees (left to right): Antoinette Dow, Earnestine Woodberry, Deborah Quintana,Beverly Hanstrom, Paula Sarlls, Lynne Evans, Debbie Winans, and Mary Wright. Seated in front is Rene Simard, Aurora Chamber of Commerce ExecutiveVice President.

Shannon Block, CEO of the Denver Zoo

Left to right: Unsung Hero 2015 winner, Judy Paukovich; FinalistsJane McGrath and Nita Mosby Henry.

Women Making a Difference luncheon gives heartfelt thanks to Unsung Heroes in the community

Arapahoe/Douglas WIB leads theway in workforce development

The Arapahoe/Douglas Works! WorkforceInvestmentBoard (WIB)has beenselected asthe NationalAssociationof Workforce Boards (NAWB) 2015 WIBExcellence Award Winner. The award will bepresented at the upcoming NAWB Forum 2015in Washington, D.C.

“The Arapahoe/Douglas WIB not only fulfillsand exceeds its Workforce Investment Act(WIA) responsibilities, but also developspartnerships, services, and initiatives that gobeyond WIA and serve the entire community,”said NAWB President and CEO Ron Painter. InProgram Year 2013, each public dollar spent bythe Arapahoe/Douglas WIB returned $24.66 tothe community in value-add earnings. Peers inthe region are replicating a number ofsuccessful initiatives launched byArapahoe/Douglas WIB.

It is because of the Arapahoe/DouglasWorkforce Investment Board’s dedication andvisionary leadership as a driver in promotingworkforce development strategies, that theyhave received this outstanding recognition.

NAWB is a membership organization andadvocate for more than 550 workforceinvestment boards (WIBs) nationwide and theirnetwork of America’s Job Centers. The WIBExcellence Award honors a WIB that hasdemonstrated an ongoing ability to developcomprehensive workforce solutions andinnovations for its community by creatingproactive program initiatives, engagingbusinesses, diversifying funding, and ensuringaccountability.

Diamond Agency AmericanNational Insurance team continues to grow

Natalie Allen and Maria Hoffman recentlyjoined the Doug Robinson/Diamond AgencyAmerican National Insurance team.

Allen completed theTraining programrequirements, and is nowfully engaged, helpingfamilies and businesses withall their insurance needs. Sheis a true professional andtakes pride in helping others.

Hoffman also completedthe requirements andstarted the industry leadingtraining program in Februaryof 2015. She is a positiveand outgoing person, alwayswilling to work hard - andsmart - for her future clients.

“I am thrilled to berepresenting AmericanNational and appreciate theagents and clients I workwith,” said Doug Robinson, Multi Line GeneralAgent and owner of the Diamond Agency.

The agency is growing, and careeropportunities are available for positive mindedindividuals with a solid work ethic and anaptitude for business and sales. For moreinformation contact Robinson at 720-330-0799or Doug.robinson@american-national.com.

Fitzsimons Credit Union gets an A+For its financial standing through the end of

Q3 2014, Fitzsimons Credit Union has earnedan A+healthrating, thehighestpossiblerating from DepositAccounts.com. FitzsimonsCredit Union has earned this highest rating for11 consecutive quarters, signifying consistentperformance in achieving exceptional fiduciary

standing.Every fiscal quarter,

DepositAccounts.comevaluates the financial healthof each of the more than6,400 federally insured creditunions in the United States.Institutions are graded on a

number of factors, including capitalization,deposit growth, and loan to reserve ratios, inorder to determine a comprehensive healthrating.

There’s a new Fire Chief at South Metro Fire Rescue Authority

Bob Baker has beeninstalled as the new FireChief for the South MetroFire Rescue Authority. Bakerbegan his career in the FireService at the Parker FireProtection District in 1984.He has been a Chief Officersince 1990, and wasinstrumental in ensuring thesuccessful consolidation ofthe Parker Fire District andSouth Metro Fire rescue intoan Authority in 2008.

Shortly after becomingFire Chief, Baker promotedAssistant Chief Mike Dell-Orfano to Deputy Chief.Dell-Orfano has 22 years infire service, serving in anumber of positionsincluding fire protectionengineer and fire marshal.

Nick Metz selected as new Chief of Police for the City of Aurora

Following a national search, Nick Metz hasbeen appointed as the new Chief of Police forthe City of Aurora. Metzwas previously AssistantChief with the City of SeattlePolice Department.

“To say this opportunityis a dream come true wouldbe an understatement,” saidMetz. “I am excited to workalong-side the women andmen of this nationallyrecognized agency as wework together to enhance public safety andcontinue to build upon the already strong

MemberNews

Fire Chief Bob Baker

Deputy Fire ChiefMike Dell-Orfano

Aurora Chief ofPolice Nick Metz

Natalie Allen

Maria Hoffman

Cops form the Long Blue Line to fight cancerEach year, Aurora Police Officer Jim Seneca,founder of Cops Fighting Cancer, recruitsofficers from all over the front range to be apart of the Long Blue Line. In December of2014, more than 200 law enforcementofficers from 30 jurisdictions acrossColorado made a line of more than 100vehicles; arriving at Children’s HospitalColorado to deliver toys to every patient atthe hospital. 2014 marked the 12th year forthe ceremony. Seneca, a cancer survivorhimself, started Cops Fighting Cancer toprovide individualized financial, practical, andemotional support to Colorado cancerpatients and their families. (Photo: Larimer County Sheriff's Office)

[continued on page 5]

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partnerships with Aurora’s diversecommunities.”

“I believe that Nick Metz is the right personwith the right skills to lead the Aurora Police,”said City Manager Skip Noe. “His extensiveexperience leading a large organization,serving a complex and diverse community,makes him a unique fit for the Aurora of todayand the future.”

Aurora is the safest large city in Colorado,with more than 650 sworn officers in theAurora Police.

Lynn Myers named among North America’s best economic developers

Lynn Myers, Vice President of Economic

Development for the Denver South EconomicDevelopment Partnership (Denver SouthEDP) has been named toa prestigious list of thetop economicdevelopmentpractitioners in NorthAmerica.

Consultant Connect, aconsulting agency thatworks with economicdevelopers and siteconsultants, announced“North America’s Top 50 EconomicDevelopers” in January, 2015. Economicdevelopers are nominated by their colleaguesin both the economic development industryand the site selection community to honorexcellent practices, innovation, and success inbuilding the communities they serve.

Myers has worked on behalf of the DenverSouth EDP, an organization of governmentand business leaders committed to theeconomic vitality and sustainability of theDenver South region, to expand several majorcompanies to the area. She also served as anArapahoe County Commissioner for sevenyears.

“Lynn has built one of the leading economicdevelopment programs in the country throughher visionary work and by providing first-rateservice to site selectors and our communitypartners,” said Mike Fitzgerald, President andCEO of the Denver South EDP. “Her effortshave resulted in thousands of jobs and animmeasurable economic impact on ourcommunity. She is truly an asset to the DenverSouth EDP.” n

• What is your professional background – and how did you arrive at your current line of work?I began my professional career as a 7th gradescience teacher in 2000. During my 11 years ineducation I also served as an Athletic Directorand 6 years as a High School Principal, which Ibelieve gave me the experience necessary formy current role as Rockies StakeholderRelations Director with ConocoPhillips. Manypeople refer to this as being a huge differencein occupations, but it is really very similar. Themain aspects of my job are to listen, buildrelationships, help educate, and positivelyimpact the communities we operate in. Thesecore features are the same in education.

• Do you have any favorite stories about your work?I don’t have a favorite story, but I have afavorite part of my job. This is being able togive back to communities, not only throughmonetary contributions as a member of ourphilanthropic team and broader sponsorshipopportunities, but also by being able tovolunteer with organizations and still play arole in helping our youth.

• What do you believe to be the mostimportant thing your company does?Our company delivers essential products thathelp provide stability to our way of life.However, what we do is just as important tohow we do things and/ or what defines us as acompany. I am proud that our company hasstrong core values referred to as our SPIRITValues (Safety, People, Integrity, Responsibility,Innovation and Teamwork).

• Why did you join the Aurora Chamber of Commerce?Joining The Chamber is a conduit to quicklybecome embedded into a community where

we have operations in and around. Beingactively involved in The Chamber gives usopportunities to meet extraordinaryindividuals who are also working to make apositive impact in the community.

• What other boards do you sit on? - Regional Economic Advancement

Partnership - Private Sector Directors- Adams County Youth Initiative - Community

Leader Board member- Leadership New Mexico – Connect New

Mexico

• Awards received?Who’s Who in Energy 2014 – Denver BusinessJournal

Louis Salazar is the Rockies StakeholderRelations Director for ConocoPhillips.ConocoPhillips joined the Aurora Chamber ofCommerce June 2013. n

BoardProfile

Louis Salazar, ConocoPhillips

MEMBER NEWS (con’t)

Lynn Myers

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Upcoming Events (con’t.)

April

TransportationApril 1 | 7:30 am

Government AffairsApril 2 | 7:30 am

Young ProfessionalsApril 3 | 2 pm

Mid-Term Legislative BreakfastApril 6 | 7:15 am

Business for the ArtsApril | 8 am

ChamberMaster TrainingApril 8 | 2 pm

Health SeriesApril 9 | 8 am

Government AffairsApril 16 | 7:30 am

Defense CouncilApril 23 | 7:15 am

Business After HoursApril 23 | 5-7 pm

Women in BusinessApril 28 | 12 pm

(see calendar for details and additional meetings)

UpcomingEvents

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RibbonCuttingsCamping fun and frolic for our furry

friends — Teresa Pelagio, Assistant Managerof Camp Bow Wow’s Aurora location,

anticipates the ribbon cutting with the help oftheir mascot, Scout. Camp Bow Wow is locatedat 1620 S. Abilene St. Unit A., Aurora, CO 80012,

and welcomes all furry friends to enjoy playingindoors and outdoors with well-trained Certified

Camp Counselors. Doggy campers can evenstay the night in their own cabin including a

comfy bed with a fleece blanket to curl up on, ina climate controlled atmosphere. Learn more at

http://www.campbowwow.com/us/co/aurora/ orcall 303-353-9913 for reservations. 2.6.2015

Two22 Brew: Beer for a cause — Owner and Brew Masterof Two22 Paige Schuster accompanied by the Brew Crew Justinand Andrew, welcomes everyone to their new neighborhood publocated at 4550 S. Reservoir Rd. Centennial, CO 80015. Two22offers 10 beers on tap; including a delicious homemade root beerfor kids, and gives $2.22 of every $10 of profit back to the SchusterFamily Foundation. Paige and husband Marcus partnered with thefoundation to help carry out their philanthropic mission. Learn moreat www.two22brew.com or call (720) 328-9038.

Expanding the culture of Cannabis to AuroraElan Nelson, head of Business Development and Strategy for

Medicine Man, proudly cuts the ribbon for the newest locationat 1901 S. Havana St., Aurora, CO 80014. Medicine Man is afamily business committed to extensive product knowledge

and exceptional customer service. Learn more athttp://medicinemandenver.com. 1.10.2015

Regus offers office space and services useful to businesses — GeneralManager, April Ayers and Area Director, John Carey celebrates the opening of their newestRegus location at 3190 S. Vaughn Way, Ste. 550, Aurora, CO 80014. Regus provides full-time private or shared workspaces, and in-business lounges or day offices. Regus also offersprofessional administrative support, for any number of people, and has free Internet andrefreshments, printers, scanners, and photocopiers. Start-ups and home workers can utilizethe virtual office with phone answering and mail handling services. Learn more athttp://www.regus.com or call (720) 400-0639. 1.15.2015

“You have a wonderful staff thathas helped me so much. You guys

are all so pleasant to work with.Thank you again for everything!”

— Becky Hamm, Camp Bow Wow Aurora, Colorado

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Tips and Leads BusinessCatalyst seeks new members

The dynamic and energized Tips and LeadsBusiness Catalyst has openings for new members. Thisgroup actively shares their expertise, successes, leads,events, and help each other’s businesses grow.

In March, you can visit one of their “social”breakfasts at Aurora Chamber member restaurants. It’sa great way to see the group is a fit for your business,by getting to know each other and buildingrelationships.

Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdaysat 7:45 AM. Contact Chance Horiuchi at The Chamberfor more information.chance.horiuchi@aurorachamber.org /303-344-1500. n

Have you ever taken on a client andsomething tells you that you shouldn’t,but you still do? Have you hired anemployee, had some doubts, and then itdoesn’t work out? How can you trustyour intuition?

I’ve done all the wrong thingsincluding working with clients that arenot the best fit. And although they’vetaught me some of the most valuablelessons, sometimes I wish I’d quitlearning, don’t you?

Here’s how you can listen to your gutin business, trust your intuition, and avoidmistakes:

1. If you normally make quick decisions,stop. Give yourself time to see howyou feel – even a few minutes.

2. If it sounds too good to be true, itprobably is. Be cautious if asalesperson promises quick

phenomenal results or a potentialemployee sounds like they have theperfect answers in an interview.

3. Take a deep breath when making adecision. Do you feel any fear or havean uneasy feeling?

4. Speak to a friend or a trusted businesscontact when making a decision.

5. Don’t be a “nice” person just becauseyou think you should be. This will keepyou from being n

Be sure to listen to your gut for business decisions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jo Guerra is the owner ofKick A Marketing Group,providing Website design,social media marketingand strategies, and emailmarketing.www.kickamarketing.com

MemberContributions

Buckley touted as “one of the most dynamic militaryinstallations in the country” at annual State of the Base

The audience at the annual State of the Base event represents a cross section of business, military, professional andpolitical leaders from across the Eastern Metro area. (USAF Photo courtesy 46oth Space Wing Public Affairs)

Colonel Wagner told anoverflow crowd that Buckley

continues to be one of themost dynamic military

installations in the countrywith a critical space mission

vital to the country’s defense. (USAF Photo courtesy 460th

Space Wing Public Affairs)

The Aurora Chamber’s DefenseCouncil and the Rotary Club of Aurorahosted the State of the Base Luncheonon Jan. 21, 2015, at the DoubleTree byHilton in Aurora, Colo. Colonel JohnWagner, 460th Space Wing andInstallation Commander gave thecrowd an unusually vivid overview ofBuckley and its mission. He alsoformally released his annual economicimpact statement for 2014 which

includes that Buckley has 13,000employees, creates 4,000 indirect jobs,and contributes more than $900 millionto the local economy.

The annual luncheon was supportedby sponsors Colorado TechnicalUniversity, the Aurora PoliceDepartment, the City of Centennial,First Bank of Aurora, the EmbassySuites Hotel Denver Aurora, WebsterUniversity, and aLoft Hotel Denver. n

In December of 2014, The Leadership AuroraClass experienced "Media Day.” And since“Media” covers a lot of topics, so did thepresentations and experiences of the day.

Dan Price from Adrenalin provided a walk-through of the branding plan for the City ofAurora. He explained how focus groups hadidentified key audiences to target, and whatwas found to be most important to each ofthose audiences. He talked about how ourperceptions tend to overrule facts, and howmodifying those perceptions to match realitycan take years of precise messaging.

The class then boarded a school bus to9News in Downtown Denver, where they got abehind the scenes tour of the station and in-depth presentations on the challenges facingnews organizations.

The afternoon session involved the class withtaping a newscast at the City of Aurora Channel8 Studio on the subject of retail marijuana salesin Aurora. Class members were given roles asinterviewers, interviewees and camera

operators, and thediscussions were lively.

In January 2015,“Education Day” wasan eye opener to someof the manyeducationalopportunities inAurora.

The day began atGrandview HighSchool, with adiscussion aboutScience, Technology,Engineering, and Math(STEM) Education forthe Cherry CreekSchool District. Dr.Richard Charles,Director of STEMspoke of theimportance of criticalthinking, and that youth

need to beprepared to askthe right questions about the almostlimitless information they are able toaccess.

Cherry Creek School DistrictSuperintendent Dr. Harry Bull shared thehistory of Grandview, and principals fromeach of the high schools offeredinformation about their schools.Additionally, several students presentedtheir projects — including robots they hadconstructed!

In the Health Sciences Wing of AuroraCentral High School, the class learnedabout Aurora LIGHTS and The ASCENT(Accelerating Students ThroughConcurrent Enrollment) programs, bothsupporting students’ plans for post-secondary education.

At the Community College of Aurora (CCA)on the Lowry Campus, CCA President Dr. BetsyOudenhoven provided some history, as well asthe goal of the college: to prepare students togo right into the workforce, as well as prepareto transfer to four year institutions.

The afternoon was filled with a tour of CCA’sColorado Film School, a global economic andcultural-based Monopoly game, and a tour ofthe Center for Simulation, which houses theEMS program, Fire Science, Bioscience Labs,Disaster Management Facility, LawEnforcement, CRJ Criminal Justice, andParalegal programs. The final “lesson” for theday was in the Disaster Management Facilityand included how to use an AED Defibrillator onSmart Dummies and crime scene simulation.

The adventure continues for the LeadershipAurora Class of 2015. n

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The “Best Class Ever” 2015 takes on the media, education

Leadership Class members interact on set with 9News anchors TaRhondaThomas and Kyle Dyer. Left to right, James Kirst, Aurora Veterans Affairs;JoAnne Dodson, Spalding Rehabilitation Center; Thomas; Zachariah Abdelbaki,Juvenile Assessment Center; Dyer; Brenda Eisenhauer, Parkside Animal HealthCenter; Gionni Thompson, Adams 14 School District; and Biaze Houston, AuroraPublic Schools.

Class members enter the Community College of AuroraLowry Campus West Quad building for the afternoon sessionof Education Day in January 2015.

Leadership Aurora boasts many communityleaders as graduates – you could be one of them

Do you want to learn more about our greatcity and become more engaged communityleaders? If so, Leadership Aurora is theprogram for you.

For 30 years, Leadership Aurora haspromoted and fostered the development ofleadership in our community. The programhas more than 1,000 graduates including aUS Congressman; city and state electedofficials; police and fire chiefs; college,hospital and bank presidents; senior militaryleaders; and many other leaders from thenon-profit, private and public sectors.

The many benefits of the LeadershipAurora program are best described by a

couple of our recent class members. Here’swhat they had to say:

“With every session, not only am I amazed atthe things we are able to learn and do, butam humbled by the access we have beengranted to community leaders…truly anexhilarating and humbling experience!”

— Brenda Eisenhauer, Parkside Animal Health Center

“Leadership Aurora is most informative andinteractive way to learn about the peopleand organizations that make Aurora a greatplace to live and work. You will leave this

program with experiential knowable,rewarding relationships and a newfound lovefor your city.”

— Gene Roncone, Highpoint Church

So, what are you waiting for? Applicationsare now being accepted for the 2015-16 class.To apply and for more information about theprogram, please visit our web page at:www.aurorachamber.org/leadership-auroraor contact the Program Director, ReneSimard at 303-365-4923. n

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Lewis Brown-InnovAgeMatt Cassell-Community Banks of ColoradoManny Gonzalez-Adams 14Sarah Hamilton-Aurora Warms the NightJon Haubert-Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development (CRED)Chance Horiuchi-Aurora Chamber of CommerceBrett Jackson-Department of Military and Veterans AffairsBrian Jensen – FirstBank Holding Co.Lauren Karsh-Oakwood HomesGenia Larson Herndon-University of Colorado Denver

and Anschutz Medical CampusJon Lehmann-Comcast CableKara Lentz-Parsons BrinckerhoffKynnie Martin-Xcel EnergyJason McMillan-Flood and PetersonBrandon Mencini-HealthONEMark Miller-Kaiser Permanente ColoradoJohn Neidenbach-Medical Center of Aurora - HealthONESteve O’Dorisio-Adams County Board of CommissionersErica Porter-Arc Thrift StoresBeverly Razon-COPICMeaghan Sullivan-Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc.Zachary Umetani-InnovAgeKim Weiss-Environmental Learning for KidsTania Zeigler-Kaiser Permanente Colorado

The winners will be honored at a luncheon March 16 and include Brian Jensen,FirstBank Holding Co.; Lauren Karsh, Oakwood Homes; Genia Larson Herndon,University of Colorado Denver and Anschutz Medical Campus; Kara Lentz,Parsons Brinckerhoff; Kynnie Martin, Xcel Energy; Brandon Mencini,HealthONE; and Tania Zeigler, Kaiser Permanente Colorado. n

Chamber member representatives nominated – and win - 40 under 40The Denver Business Journal’s 40 under 40 awards honor outstanding local professionals under age 40, for their business success and community

contributions. For 2015, there were 550 nominations, including many Chamber member representatives:

Sarah Young, Planning Services Manager at the City of Aurora WaterDepartment, and the current Leadership Aurora Class President gathered$114.00 and a very large box of canned food. With the money collected, Sarahand fellow class member Angela Sims-Ceja, Senior IT Project Manager with theCity of Aurora, met Gayle Jetchick of the Havana Business ImprovementDistrict at Costco on Havana. Paul Suss of Suss Buick GMC, and Chair of theAurora Chamber Foundation, met the group and generously offered to helpfund the shopping trip. The group loaded up two shopping carts with more than$500 worth of food for Comitis.

Additional donations came in throughout the day, including:

- Denise Denton, Aurora Health Access - Ryan Simpson, Medical Center of Aurora- Pastor Gene Roncone, Highpoint Church- Melissa Toering, City of Aurora- Tyrone Adams, Colorado Association of Realtors- Havana Auto Parts- Aurora Chamber of Commerce- All Season Rentals- Big Daddy’s at Southlands- Spicy Taco - Phil Long Ford- Maliki Motors

Community rallies to help Comitis with holiday food crisis

Citizens, employees, and businesses in the community camethrough in a big way for the Comitis Crisis Center when a plea forfood went out via email on December 30.

What a greatcommunity!

Brian Jensen Lauren Karsh

Genia LarsonHerndon

Kynnie MartinKara Lentz

Brandon Mencini Tania Zeigler

Your electronics can be dangerous just ‘hanging around’Lana Rozendorf, Genesis Electronics Recycling of Colorado

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Do you care about your family’shealth and your children’s future? Doyou care about where you live andwhere your children play? Do youknow what type of air you breathe?Everything you do affects you, yourfamily, your neighborhood, your city,the state, and the world.

Many people don’t realize theamount of contaminates thatelectronics may present to our

environment, if not recycledresponsibly. For example,computers and laptops containcadmium, lead, mercury, andbrominated flame retardants. AndCRT monitors are extremelydangerous because they containlead contaminated glass. It’simportant to take the time andmake the effort to recycle yourelectronics — for the good of all. n

. . . . . . . . . . . .

The mission and passion of Genesis ElectronicsRecycling of Colorado is to enlighten as manyindividuals as possible about the “hows” and “whys” ofrecycling… specifically, electronics recycling.My name is Lana Rozendorf and as the owner of GenesisElectronics Recycling of Colorado I can assure allmembers of the Aurora Chamber that we follow healthand environmental regulations required by R2 Standard. For additional information about how you can make adifference in your home, community and the world, call720-881-7238 or go to www.genesisrecyclingco.com.

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Adams County Board of CommissionersAdvanced CircuitsAll American Windows & SidingAmerican Cancer SocietyAnadarko Petroleum CorpArapahoe County Security Center, Inc.Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce CenterAssociates Insurance GroupAurora Federal Credit UnionAurora Law FirmAurora Public SchoolsAutaLubeBalancing Books, Inc.Bennett, Town ofBest Western Plus Gateway Inn & SuitesBooz Allen HamiltonBoys Hope Girls HopeBradley M. Pierce Legal Services, Inc.Centennial Airport/A.C. Public Airport AuCentennial Leasing and SalesCentennial, City ofCity of Aurora - Manager's OfficeCold Stone CreameryCollegeAmericaColorado Academy of Family PhysiciansCommonGround Golf CourseCommunity College of AuroraCrossFit BansheeDenver International AirportDK Promotions ColoradoDon's Mailing Service--vendDoubleTree by Hilton Denver-AuroraEdward Jones - Ev SequeiraEnternet DesignEpoch Concepts LLCEquity Holdings Group Inc.Excelsior Youth CenterFairfield Inn & Suites - Denver Aurora/ Medical CenterFelsburg Holt & UllevigFinish Line Car Wash

Food Bank of the RockiesFraternal Order of Eagles - Aurora AerieGOAL AcademyGreat Western Printing, Inc.Green Light SolutionsGruber, DavidHaynie & CompanyHigh Country CoatingsHilton Garden Inn - Denver AirportHoliday Inn Express Denver/ Aurora – Medical CenterHomewood Suites by Hilton DIAIron Mike Construction LLCITT Technical InstituteKeyBank - S. Buckley Rd.Kirchhof Group, Inc.La Cueva RestaurantLegends of Aurora Sports GrillMajestic Realty Co.Meineke Car Care Center-847Mile High Military Officers Assn., Inc.MITH Enterprises LLCMutual of Omaha - Bob JamiesonNorthrop GrummanOffice Depot - Ironton St #03272Omnitech Industries, Inc.Padgett Business ServicesParsons BrinckerhoffRE/MAX Unlimited - David J. BarberRIDA Development/ Gaylord HotelRyden & AssociatesSalvation Army, TheSams, ClifSix & Six, Inc.SouthlandsSpringfield Construction, LLCSpringhill Suites Denver @ Anschutz Medical CampusSunny Homes & Associates, Inc.Terrapin Care StationTownePlace Suites - DIA at Gateway ParkTransamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.

Wagner Equipment Co.Walker-Dilworth LLCWindsor Gardens AssociationWJ Business SpecialistsWynn Win IT SolutionsYMCA

Alzheimer's Association Colorado ChapterAsian Pacific DevelopmentArmstrong Relocation CompaniesBickford Law LLCBig O Tires – IliffBoot BarnCAK Enterprises LLC. DBA Big O TiresCatalyst Solutions Partners, LLCCentennial P&TCity Light @ Power Inc.Community Housing PartnersCommunity Re-Entry Place Inside/OutCorporex Colorado, LLCDeferred Tax Benefits, Inc.E Travel UnlimitedECPI UniversityEquity Colorado-The Wallace TeamEufloraEvolution Insurance Brokers,LLCFairway Independent MCFirst Choice Emergency Room - Aurora – Smoky HillHighpoint ChurchICOSA MediaJami Siegfried Insurance Agency, LLCLowe's Home ImprovementPowder Coating SpecialtiesProtection OneRealty Professionals, LLCRon Cole-Civic MembershipStorage MastersTalent Care ServicesTelesphereWestwood CollegeWorld Class Boxing & Martial Arts

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