The Aurora Chamber of Commerce‘s Annual AwardsDinner on March 25, 2016 will celebrate and honorleaders in the community who have made significantcontributions during 2015:Business of the Year:

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Denver-AuroraBusiness Person of the Year:

Dick Hinson - Aurora Economic Development Council

Chamber Leadership: Steve Sundberg - Legends of Aurora Sports Grill

Woman of the Year:Representative Su Ryden

Man of the Year: Chief Jerry Rhodes - Cunningham Fire Protection District

Humanitarian of the Year: Peter Lee - Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership

Community Leadership: Louis Salazar - ConocoPhillips

Business for the Arts: Colin Spencer Productions, LLC

Small Business Person of the Year: Brenda Eisenhauer, DVM - Parkside Animal Health Center

The Ken Melcher Ambassador of the Year:Cheryl Rotkovich - Balancing Books, Inc.

The event will be held at the DoubleTree by HiltonHotel Denver-Stapleton North, 4040 Quebec St.,Denver, CO 80216.

This year’s theme is Elvis Presley’s Taking Care ofBusiness, so Don’t Be Cruel and make yourreservations now for the One Night at The Chambers’Can’t Help Falling in Love Awards Dinner at theHeartbreak Hotel - aka The DoubleTree by Hilton HotelDenver-Stapleton North. There will be an Elvis andPriscilla fashionshow – featuringeveryone whocomes incostume, so puton your BlueSuede Shoes,because It’s Nowor Never to getready for Such aNight.

And, Elvis will be in the building! n

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Aurora Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented membership organization that serves as theleading business voice in the Eastern Metro area. Forour members, we seek to provide access, advocacy,and influence.

T H E C H A M B E R

NEWSLETTERMAR/APR 2016

Serving the east-metroarea including:

AuroraBennett

CentennialCommerce City

Denver

On Feb. 18, Aurora ChamberPresident and CEO Kevin Hougen gavean update about economicdevelopment - also known as Eco/Devo- happening in Aurora and the EasternMetro Area. The overview includedinformation about economicdevelopment clusters in Colorado,including:

A survey was sent to attendeesfollowing the presentation, from which100 percent of the responses reflectedthat attendees found the informationhelpful, and would recommend forothers to attend an Eco/Devopresentation.

“Kevin’s presentation gave me greatinsight into the extent of what’shappening in Aurora and the easternmetro area, which will help ourcompany with annual planning,” saidone of the attendees.

“Before hearing this presentation, Ididn’t realize the extent of all thepositive development that is going onin the area,” said another attendee.

Attendees were treated to a healthylunch from Kneaders Bakery, that wasgenerously sponsored by Wells FargoBank.

The next Eco/Devo presentation byHougen will be Wed., May 18, 11am –1pm, at The Chamber. RSVP required. n

Celebrating 2015 winners March 25

8,000 views/month! The Chamber website gets more

than 8,000 views a month, and that’sa lot of eyes “on the page!”

Chamber members can takeadvantage of that exposure to markettheir businesses by advertising on theChamber website. For informationand pricing, contactNaomi.Colwell@aurorachamber.org.

Another opportunity to be seen –and heard - on The Chamber Websiteis The Chamber Blog, which providesinformation, and news andeducational articles that could be ofinterest to other Chamber members.Submit your blogs and anyaccompanying photos/graphics toMitzi.Schindler@aurorachamber.org. n

• Agriculture• Tourism• Aerospace• Biotechnology• Healthcare• Energy• Financial Service• Air Transport• Transportation• Education

Eco/Devo presentationprovides insight forbusinesses

Each spring, a nominating committee madeup of Aurora Chamber members, along withthe President, suggests future Board membersto fill the slots of the retiring members. Asyou’ll note, several of our Board members’three-year terms expire on May 31, 2016. Amember can serve a second three-year termunder the Chamber’s bylaws.

We want to thank the following board members that havecompleted their terms:

Mickey Hunt, Colorado Department of Militaryand Veteran Affairs

Bob Jamieson, Mutual of OmahaCindy Kreutz, Healthcare ConsultantAlfonso Nuñez, La Cueva RestaurantJeff Thompson, University of Colorado Health

The following Aurora Chamber Board members have been askedto serve a second three-year term:

Shannon Jones, FirstBank of AuroraPeter Lee, Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership

We are also very proud to announce that the new boardmembers will be leading us into what promises to be an excitingyear of growth and prosperity. The following board memberswill be formally announced at the 61st Annual Awards Banquetand Silent Auction on Friday, March 25th 2016.

Rich Kolberg, Boeing CorporationCourtney Morehouse, Your Castle Real EstateKeith Peterson, University of Colorado HealthMichael Sheldon, Aurora Highlands

Chamber Leadership 2016-2017:

Chairman 2016-17 Ryan Simpson, The Medical Center of Aurora

Past Chair 2015-16 Jason Altshuler, Westerra Credit Union

Chair Elect 2017-18 Suzanne Pitrusu, Community Banks of Colorado

Secretary Matt Weber, Kaiser Permanente

Treasurer Reneé Gullickson, Wells Fargo Bank

Please help me in welcoming our 2016-2017Chamber Board Leadership Team!

President’sLetter

Kevin HougenPresident & CEO

John Adams | Colorado Technical UniversityJoe Barela | Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce CenterRandy Berner | Adolfson & Peterson ConstructionLisa Buckley | American Automation Building ServicesChristy Dobson | Children’s Hospital Colorado Ryan Evans | Advantage SecurityChris Fasching | Felsberg, Holt & UllevigGian Gandalfo | Hilton Garden Inn – Denver AirportTom Henley | Xcel EnergyMichael “Mickey” Hunt | Colo. Dept. of Military & Veteran’s AffairsShannon Jones | FirstBank – Aurora HavanaKristi Kleinholz | Outback Steakhouse – AbileneCindy Kreutz | Healthcare ConsultantPeter Lee | Aurora Asian/Pacific Community PartnershipAlfonso Nuñez | La Cueva RestaurantDr. Betsy Oudenhoven | Community College of AuroraSuzanne Pitrusu | Community Banks of ColoradoCheri Prochazka | Fitzsimons Federal Credit UnionBrittany Rodgers | Colorado AccessLouis Salazar | ConocoPhillipsJeff Thompson | University of Colorado HealthTodd Trace | Century Link

Barry Gore | Adams County Economic DevelopmentThe Honorable Steve Hogan | City of AuroraNancy Jackson | Arapahoe County Board of CommissionersPaul Suss | Suss Buick GMCGary Wheat | Visit AuroraCharles ''CJ'' Whelan | City of Centennial

CHAIR OF THE BOARDJason Altshuler | Westerra Credit Union

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

HealthONE

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRDavid Patterson | Falck USA

TREASURERReneé Gullickson | Wells Fargo Bank

SECRETARYMatt Weber | Kaiser Permanente

VICE CHAIR-COMMUNITY SERVICESDale Mingilton | Adams 14 Education Foundation

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 Rene J. Simard | Executive Vice PresidentNaomi Colwell | Marketing DirectorChance Horiuchi | Business Development DirectorLinda Lillyblad | Finance DirectorTamara Mohamed | Director of Community RelationsPaul Rosenberg | Vice President, Membership DevelopmentMitzi Schindler | Communications DirectorMary Beth Sharp | Member Services Director

Kathryn Lobdell | Procurement Technical Assistance CentersJeana Capel-Jones | Greater Metro Denver

Healthcare Partnership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

THE CHAMBER’SMISSIONThe mission of the AuroraChamber of Commerce isto give a voice to thebusiness community andserve as an advocate forits members, creating apositive businessenvironment thatencourages their growthand long-term economicvitality.

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. Youcan also access each month’s newsletter online at our website, www.aurorachamber.org, so you can forwardit to every employee in your company!

DIRECTORS

2

Ribbon cuttings mean business: Nine businesses; 100 new jobs.

3

RibbonCuttings

Welcoming a new primary care clinic to theneighborhood — Adrienne Wolf, operations manager ofCU Healthcare Partners @ Belleview Point cuts the ribbon tocelebrate the grand opening of the clinic at 5001 S. Parker Rd.,Suite 215, Aurora, CO 80015. CU Healthcare Partners @Belleview Point is a new primary care clinic dedicated towhole-person care. The clinic is staffed with advanced practiceFamily Nurse Practitioners – with the vision of improving thehealthcare experience in an integrated model of care, in orderto decrease associated healthcare costs and deliver improvedhealth outcomes in the community. (303) 724-1487www.nursing.ucdenver.edu/hcpbelleviewpoint (1/21/16)

Tax season is here! — Block Advisors Area ManagerMarty Jimenez is ready to cut the ribbon and welcome clientsto Southland’s Block Advisors office, at 24107 E. CommonsAve., Unit 103, Aurora, CO 80016. This is the first location tochange their name from H&R Block, to Block Advisors. Block Advisors has solutions to fit all tax needs, and providetax prep and planning, as well as business services. (303)690-8131 www.hrblock.com (1/29/16)

CenturyLink has moved, but not far! — Congratulations to CenturyLink for the grandopening of their new location at 14222 E. Cedar Ave., Unit B, Aurora, CO 80012. It was a big day,and many gathered to help celebrate, including (left to right): Director of Regional Field SalesScott Davis; VP Consumer Marketing Adrian Kesler; VP Operations Colorado Penny Larson; VPNational Field Sales Chris Denzin; Mile High United Way President and CEO Christine Benero; CityCouncil, Ward III Marsha Berzins; Aurora Chamber President and CEO Kevin Hougen; Broncos’mascot Miles and a Denver Broncos’ cheerleader. CenturyLink home services include internet, TV,home phone, home security, and bundled packages. They also provide services for smallbusinesses, medium businesses, enterprises, and wholesale. (303) 343-0861www.centurylink.com (2/18/16)

Celebrating Youth, Arts Education, andCommunity – DAVA student Boris Cochajil, is assisted byfellow students Mariana Leon and Hiram Saucedo, in cuttingthe ribbon for the newly-renovated Downtown Aurora VisualArts (DAVA) at 1405 Florence St., Aurora, CO 80010. The$1.8 million renovation and expansion doubled DAVA’sfootprint, creating 8,636 sq. ft. of safe and unified spacededicated to arts education.

DAVA’s Job Training program for middle school youth now occupies an entire wing of thebuilding, with art and technology combined. In addition, a dedicated clay studio was built onto tothe OASIS Open Studio, adding much-needed capacity to DAVA’s elementary program.

Founded in 1993, DAVA has been building community throughthe arts for more than two decades with programs thatreinforce 21st century life skills, build self-esteem, and connectyouth to the community. DAVA represents a uniquecombination of arts education and youth development,demonstrating how quality arts programming during after-school hours form a critical framework for long-term youthsuccess. Each year, DAVA programs impact approximately1,400 young people, and support the programming of partnerorganizations. (303) 367-5886 www.davarts.org (1/14/16) (Photo courtesy Brian Molitoris Photographer)

4

CCC keeps growing – to help the community

Creative Counseling Center is expanding, inorder to meet the needs ofthe community. Along withtheir additional space – whichwas celebrated with a ribboncutting and open house at theend of February, BrittanyGreen has joined the CreativeCounseling Center team.Green has worked with a wide

range of clients focusing on trauma, eatingdisorders, depression/anxiety, couples andfamily relational issues.

Do you know a Hoarder?On Feb. 9 — the same day as the Broncos

Super Bowl victory parade — ServiceMaster DSIhosted Matt Paxton from A&E’s TV ShowHoarders at the Denver Aquarium, who gave aninformational course on Hoarding.

Even though there were an estimated650,000 people attending the Broncos paradethat day (Matt joked that the crowd was thereto see him), there were nearly 100 people inattendance at the Aquarium. The crowdincluded insurance professionals, case workers,senior service providers, legal advisors,professional organizers, realtors, social serviceproviders, and city advocates.

Paxton educated the audience aboutHoarding; who it impacts, how it affects our

society, and how we can help. The session wentinto depth regarding why people Hoard, thetypes of Hoarding, and communicationtechniques to use when dealing with someoneafflicted by Hoarding. He made the audiencelaugh, cringe, and cry, by educating them aboutthe severity of the disorder which affects morethan 16 million people nationwide; nearly 5percent of our country’s population.

Paxton emphasized that because Hoarding isa legally protected medical disorder, it’simportant for those who interact with Hoardersto understand the impact of the illness, and howcompassion is key in helping.

Paxton’s stories were meant to empower andinspire the audience to help those affected byHoarding, and for them to see the disorder in anew light.

ServiceMaster DSI is committed to educatinganyone affected by Hoarding. If you knowanyone affected by Hoarding or have questions,contact ServiceMaster DSI at (303) 288-2900.

Centennial’s assistant city attorney honored

The City of Centennial and the CityAttorney’s Office of Widner Michow & Coxrecently announced that the Metro CityAttorney’s Association named Jill Hassman asthe 2015 Outstanding Assistant City Attorney.

As lead attorney for the City's fiber optic andbroadband efforts, Hassman is a trusted advisorto the City's Fiber Infrastructure Committee,which includes members of Council, City staffand consultants. This past year, Hassman wasinstrumental in implementing major revisions tothe City's ethics code and conducted a trainingprogram for City Council, Planning & ZoningCommission, and all City departments andvolunteers, educating them on the revisions. n

MemberNews

The City of Aurora celebrated its new Public Safety Training Center with an open house and ribboncutting on Feb 12. The new $29 million center at 25950 Quincy Avenue replaces separate trainingfacilities, and allows the Aurora Police Department and Aurora Fire Rescue to consolidate their training,and to focus on teamwork in their emergency response. Left to right, Police Chief Nick Metz, Fire ChiefMike Garcia, City Council members Bob Roth, Barb Cleland, Brad Pierce, Marsha Berzins, AngelaLawson, and Bob LeGare, City Manager Skip Noe, and Deputy Fire Chiefs Tony Cito and Scott Sare.(Photo courtesy City of Aurora)

Police and Fire celebrate new facility

Brittany Green

Left to right, the 2016 Women InBusiness Unsung Hero Award LuncheonKeynote Speaker Lois Melkonian; AwardWinner Kim Robards, Kim RobardsDance; and Finalists Sarah Ellis, LutheranMedical Center, and Jennifer Evans,Advantage Security, Inc.

Left to right, the 2016 Women InBusiness Unsung Hero Award

Nominees: Nandy Talent, TalentCare Services; Cris Haas, Creative

Counseling Center; Denise Denton,Aurora Health Access; Brian

Bernard (accepting for JeannieBernard), Bernard Financial

Services; Shannon Jones,FirstBank; and Myrna Smith,Smitty’s Sprinkler Systems.

16th Annual Women Making A Difference “Unsung Here” LuncheonOn Feb. 12, the 16th Annual Women in

Business, Women Making a Difference “UnsungHero” Luncheon brought 200 attendees to theDoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver - Aurora, tohonor six nominees, two finalists and a winner.

Keynote Speaker, Lois Melkonian delivered apowerful message about life transformation andlearning how to ‘pivot’. Lois was a radio andtelevision broadcaster for most of herprofessional career, but made a ‘pivot’ that ledher to write her book Hybrid –The transformationof a cross-cultural people pleaser.

Generous corporate sponsors for the eventwere Aurora Credit Union Alliance, ColoradoTechnical University, and Westerra Credit Union.Table sponsors included American Associationof University Women (AAUW), AdvantageSecurity, Inc., Citywide Banks, CommunityBanks of Colorado, Creative Counseling Center,FirstBank, Regis University, Smitty’s SprinklerSystems, and Wells Fargo Bank.

5

On December 17, 2015, the 2015-2016Leadership Aurora class embarked on their third session: Media Day.

After a hearty breakfast at the City of Aurora,the class headed to 9NEWS, where a panel ofmedia professionals talked about what goes intodaily news programs. They also explained whatqualifies as ‘newsworthy,’ which is simply toreach a lot of people by reporting on subjectsthat engage them. And to no one’s surprise, oneof the most newsworthy and trending topics isthe Denver Broncos!

After the panel, the class viewed a live newsand weather broadcast. They also had anopportunity to take some selfies, acting asweather reporters in front of the green screen inthe 9NEWS Backyard.

The afternoon adventure at Aurora TVincluded posing as directors, producers, cameraoperators, and on camera interviewees – aboutthe Aurora Public Schools graduation rates,interspersed with ‘Media Relations 101,’ abouthow the media works, why we need the media,and why the media needs us — the audience.

The day was filled with action and excitement,and wrapped up with a fun social at The RoyalHilltop!

A hearty thank you goes to Leadership AuroraBoard members Erika Matich with University ofColorado Health for breakfast and RandyBerner with Adolfson & Peterson for lunch.Also, thanks to Brad Mikel for taking photos forthe yearbook — and making everyone lookgood!

(Excerpted from the Media Day article by TamaraMohamed, Aurora Chamber of Commerce)

Education Day on Jan. 21 provided asampling of some of the great — and unique —learning opportunities in Aurora.

The day began at Smoky Hill High School withan overview of the evolution of secondaryeducation in the Cherry Creek School District.

The Leadership group then visited four of themany Career and Technical Education (CTE)classes offered, including; Automotive, Design,Culinary, and DECA (a Business Marketingprogram) witnessing first-hand how studentsapply what they’re learning to real worldproblems.

The next stop was Aurora Central HighSchool, in the Aurora PublicSchool District, where theclass was introduced to theAurora Lights Program,which provides uniquelearning opportunities inhealth sciences. Studentsfrom the program inspiredthe class with their stories ofhow Aurora Lights has madesuch a positive impact ontheir education — and ontheir lives.

During a presentationabout Equity in Education,the class was challenged toreflect on their own

prejudices; to not make assumptions based ontheir own values; and to not pass judgment onpeople without knowing their whole story.

The last “classes” of the day, were at theLowry Campus of the Community College ofAurora (CCA), including an overview of thediverse student population at CCA, a quickgame of world economy Monopoly, a tour of the

Colorado Film School, and apresentation at the DisasterManagement Institute in CCA’sCenter for Simulation.

All in all, the day was a greatlearning experience, which isapropos for Education Day!

And a big thank you toLeadership Aurora Board MemberMaureen Barker with CitywideBanks, for generously providingbreakfast and lunch — to keep theclass well-nourished as they werelearning! n

(Excerpted from the Education Dayarticle, by Catherine Trouth,Community College of Aurora)

Following the Leadership Aurora Class of 2015-16:

Media and Education Days

Members of the LA class at 9NEWS, posing as a large ‘anchor group’ on Media Day.

LA Class members walk to the Colorado Film School on the CCA LowryCampus during Education Day.

Just a little something created bystudents in a CTE class!

6

140th Wing (Colorado Air National Guard)Accent Cleaning Service, Inc.Adams County Board of CommissionersAdigoAdvanced Circuits, Inc.Air Force AssociationAll American Windows & SidingAlzheimer's Association Colorado ChapterAmerican Automation Building SolutionsAmerican Cancer SocietyAnadarko Petroleum Corp.Arapahoe County Board of CommissionersArapahoe County Security Center, Inc.Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce CenterAsian Pacific Development CenterAssociates Insurance GroupAssociation of the United States Army DenverCentennialAurora Cultural Arts DistrictAurora Family Y.M.C.A.Aurora Housing AuthorityAurora Interchurch TaskforceAurora Law FirmBalancing Books, Inc.Beck, Payne, Frank & Piper, P.C.Best Western Plus Gateway Inn & SuitesBooz Allen HamiltonBoys Hope Girls HopeBradley M. Pierce Legal Services, Inc.Cambria Suites Denver AirportCity of Aurora - Manager's OfficeCity of CentennialColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage- Laura NoeCollegeAmericaColorado Academy of Family PhysiciansCommonGround Golf CourseCommunity Re-Entry Place Inside/OutCOPIC InsuranceCops Fighting Cancer

Country Inn & Suites by CarlsonDenver International AirportDon's Mailing ServiceE Travel UnlimitedEd Bozarth Company, Inc.Enternet DesignFelsburg Holt & UllevigFinish Line Car WashFirst Command Financial PlanningFoxridge FarmGoodwill Industries of DenverGreat Western Printing, Inc.Hand & Stone Massage and Facial SpaHandyman Matters of Central Denver & AuroraHarvard Square Retirement CommunityHaynie & CompanyHillcrest VillageHilton Garden Inn - Denver AirportIntermountain StaffingITT Technical InstituteJack Schroeder and AssociatesKeyBank - S. Buckley Rd.Kirchhof Group, Inc.La Cueva RestaurantLeisure Tech IndustriesMajestic Realty Co.Marriott InternationalMartha J. Karnopp, Attorney at LawMetro Community Provider Network, Inc.Metropolitan State University of DenverMile High Harley-DavidsonMile High Military Officers Assn., Inc.Oakwood Homes, LLCOffice Depot - Ironton St #03272Outback Steakhouse - Denver GatewayPinnacol AssuranceRIDA Development/ Gaylord HotelRoper Insurance & Financial ServicesSafe Splash Swim School

Six & Six, Inc. South Metro Fire Rescue AuthoritySpringhill Suites Denver at Anschutz Medical CampusSubway on IliffSunny Homes & Associates, Inc.The Wallace TeamTilden Car Care AuroraTownePlace Suites - DIA at Gateway ParkUnited Hebrew Cemetery AssociationWagner Equipment Co.Wal-Mart Stores #1492Wells Fargo Bank - Business BankingWSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff

Alice Lee MainAnswers for Senior CareAurora Highlands, TheColorado Junk CarsColumbia College- DenverDel Arte Lofts and FlatsDenver Business JournalDominique Jackson for Colorado HD 42Doug AnthonyEvanston EnterprisesGrade Power LearningHR GreenHumana MarketpointIII D ElectricLocal Eyes Video ProductionsQuantum Change Consulting LLCRichard Ahrenkiel Agency-American FamilyTrivida, LLC

NewMembers

MemberRenewals

14305 E. Alameda Ave Ste. #300 Aurora, CO 80012303-344-1500 • Fax 303-344-1564website: www.aurorachamber.org

The IMPACT is published for the members of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Subscription rate to nonmembers: $50|year. Advertisers: The Chamber members—use the IMPACT to advertise your products and services to over 1700 Aurora Chamber members.Advertising space only available to members. The IMPACT also accepts preprinted inserts. Contact The Chamber for details. Deadlines: the 10th of the month prior to publication.

Colonel John Wagner, Commander of the 460thSpace Wing and Buckley AFB, addressed communityleaders at the annual State of the Base on Jan. 27 atthe Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Denver-Aurora.

Col. Wagner spoke of the great strides being madeat Buckley to improve the lives of military membersand their families, including a new on-base dentalclinic, on-base college courses, and plans to bringmany medical services back onto the installation. Hepraised the community for its’ tremendous support inensuring that Buckley remains viable for decades tocome, and also announced that in 2015, Buckley’sfiscal impact on the local economy was more than$923 million.

The annual luncheon is organized jointly by theAurora Chamber Defense Council and the Rotary Clubof Aurora, and sponsored by Colorado TechnicalUniversity, the Aurora Police Department, the City ofAurora, First Command Financial Services, CitywideBanks, and RTL Networks. n

State of the Base highlights Buckley’s impactAurora Chamber President/CEOKevin Hougen (left) presents Col.John Wagner with the very firstAurora Chamber Defense Councilcoin, in appreciation for hisoutstanding leadership andcommunity partnership. As 460thSpace Wing and BuckleyInstallation Commander, Col.Wagner is responsible forsupporting 90 tenant organizationsand maximizing missile warningthrough overhead persistentinfrared (satellite) operations.(Photo courtesy Brian MolitorisPhotographer)