T H E C H A M B E R

NEWSLETTERMAY/JUN 2017

Serving the east-metroarea including:

AuroraBennett

CentennialCommerce City

Denver

Congrats to the “Jazzy” Award Winners of The Chamber’s 62nd Annual Awards Dinner!Get Your

Swing Ready…

Award winners of The Chamber’s 62nd Annual Awards Dinner, ‘All That Jazz,’ left to right: Business of the Year: Mark Shaker,Stanley Marketplace; Chamber Leadership: Jason Altshuler, Westerra Credit Union; Community Leadership: Guy Bellville, CherryCreek School District; Woman of the Year: Nita Mosby Tyler, Children’s Hospital Colorado; Business for the Arts: James Laguana,Aurora Singers; Business Person of the Year: Barry Gore, Adams County Economic Development; Small Business of the Year:Kristi Kleinholz, Outback Steakhouse – Abilene; Man of the Year: Tom Tobiassen, RTD; and Humanitarian of the Year: JamesGillespie, Comitis Crisis Center. Unable to attend and not pictured: The Ken Melcher Ambassador of the Year: Gina Kaelin-Westcott, Insperity.

(Photo by Elimental Photography)

For the 19th Annual

Leadership AuroraGolf Tournament

Caddyshack Style

Thurs., June 15, 20177 am Registration

8 am Shotgun Start

Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course

23155 E. Heritage Pkwy.Aurora, CO 80016

Go to: www.aurorachamber.org/leadership-aurora/golf-tournamentfor more information and to register

Up to 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused byprolonged or intense exposure to the sun. Outdoorworkers are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation andat greater risk of sun damage and skin cancers. TheFive S’s of Sun Safety can guide you in safeguardingyourself:

1. Slip on sun-protective clothing

2. Slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen

3. Slap on a sun hat

4.Slide on quality sunglasses

5. Shade from the sun whenever possible

UV radiation from the sun reflects off water, sand,concrete, light-colored surfaces and snow, which canharm the eyes, so employees who work in these areasshould take extra precaution.

Important to Know

• Sunlight exposure is highest during the summer andbetween 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Workers are exposed to UV radiation even oncloudy days.

• Many drugs and medications increase sensitivity tosunlight and the risk of sunburn. These includethiazides, diuretics, tetracycline, doxycycline, sulfaantibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs, such as ibuprofen.

More than 80 percent of skin cancer cases arecaused by overexposure to UV. Education about theprevention and early detection of this disease shouldbe a priority for everyone. n

Summer’s around the corner: Get your Sun Safety On!

Submitted by

The important steps we must take to be aneffective voice of business often starts at theState Capitol, and this year is no exception.

The Chamber of Commerce is a provenbusiness advocate at the local, regional andstate level. We pride ourselves in

demonstrating the ability to build partnerships and alliancesstatewide, with a broad range of constituents. We have experience incollaborating with government, legislative, public policy and businessleaders. We proved this in 2004 when the multibillion dollarFasTracks program was passed, transforming our publictransportation services with metro-wide light rail, bus rapid transitand commuter rail. On February 24 of this year we opened the RLine from Lone Tree through Aurora, connecting with the commuterrail from Union Station to Denver International Airport.

So what has happened in the last 13 years? A bipartisan bill thatshowed promise in the beginning of this year’s legislative session insolving our state’s transportation challenges (House Bill 1242) hasbeen killed. How “absolutely disappointing” is the conversation that Ihear every day regarding this innovative investment in our economicfuture. How can our elected representatives turn a deaf ear on whatcitizens, elected officials and business leaders want?

We all feel the transportation congestion, and how it impactsquality of life, and is one of the major economic development factors

that companies look at when trying to attract new business andtalent to the area.

After four years, we have finally gotten some relief with“Construction Defects,” legislation that will hopefully stir morecondominium construction, instead of just rental properties. Ingeneral, 25 percent of local residential construction should be forsale condominiums; however only 2 percent is currentlycondominiums. House Bill 1279 represents the culmination of manyyears of work on this issue. The bill strikes the right balance betweena homeowner’s right to sue a builder who sold a poorly built productand the builders’ right to not deal with frivolous litigation.

With the passage of this bill, you can look for vertical constructionof new, high end, for sale residential units along the R Line in early2018.

Our State’s economic prospects continue to improve each month,while business investments and construction continue to grow.Stock prices and profits are strong, consumers are spending atreasonable levels, interest rates remain low, and inflation is undercontrol. Of course our work to build a better and more inclusivecommunity is far from easy and far from over.

We are so thankful for the investments that our Board of Directors,staff and volunteers have chosen to make this spring. Let’s continueto keep moving in the right direction, this summer. n

President’sLetterKevin 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 Chris Fasching | Felsberg, Holt & UllevigGian Gandalfo | Hilton Garden Inn – Denver AirportTom Henley | Xcel EnergyKristi Kleinholz | Outback Steakhouse – AbileneBeth Klein | FirstBank - Aurora HavanaRich Kolberg | Boeing CorporationPeter Lee | Aurora Asian/Pacific Community PartnershipCourtney Morehouse | Your Castle Real EstateDr. Betsy Oudenhoven | Community College of AuroraDavid Patterson | Falck Rocky MountainKeith Peterson | University of Colorado HealthCheri Prochazka | Fitzsimons Federal Credit UnionBrittany Rodgers | Colorado AccessLouis Salazar | ConocoPhillipsMichael Sheldon | Aurora HighlandsTodd Trace | Century Link

Col. Floyd Dunston / 140th Wing Colorado Air National GuardBarry Gore | Adams County Economic DevelopmentThe Honorable Steve Hogan | Mayor, City of AuroraBill Holen | Arapahoe County Board of CommissionersPaul Suss | Suss Buick GMCCharles ''CJ'' Whelan | City of Centennial

CHAIR OF THE BOARDRyan Simpson | The Medical Center of Aurora,

HealthONE

CHAIR-ELECT& VICE CHAIR-BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTSuzanne Pitrusu | Community Banks of Colorado

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR& VICE CHAIR-MEMBER SERVICESJason Altshuler | Westerra Credit Union

TREASURERReneé Gullickson | Wells Fargo Bank

SECRETARYMatt Weber | Kaiser Permanente

VICE CHAIR-COMMUNITY SERVICESDale Mingilton | Adams 14 Education Foundation

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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

HONORARY DIRECTORS

ASSOCIATES

STAFF

ChamberBoardKevin Hougen | President and CEO Rene J. Simard | Executive Vice PresidentRachel Gruber | Director of Member ServicesChance Horiuchi | Business Development DirectorLinda Lillyblad | Finance DirectorTamara Mohamed | Director of Community RelationsPaul Rosenberg | Vice President, Membership DevelopmentMitzi Schindler | Communications 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

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Ribbon cuttings mean business: 75 new jobs

RibbonCuttings

Peregrine Landing at Aurora7475 S. Shawnee St. Aurora, CO 80016

Peregrine Landing at Aurora celebrated their Grand Opening withStephanie Keller, regional VP of operations, Sarah Stuewe, program

manager, Jonathan Carson, executive director, Danie Monahan, regionaldirector of marketing, and Chamber members. Peregrine Landing is a

new senior community focusing on memory care while utilizing the“Peregrine Way” of revolutionizing the expectations of aging towards

intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth. Peregrine Landing iscurrently accepting residents. (3.23.17)

www.peregrineseniorliving.com/peregrine-landing-aurora-assisted-living/(720) 262-9720.

The Summit Conference &Event Center

411 Sable Blvd. Aurora, CO 80011The Summit Event Center’s new

owner Michael Schaefer celebrateswith Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan,

Chamber President Kevin Hougen,members of the community,

Chamber Ambassadors and staff.The Summit Event Center sends

thanks to previous customers, andwelcomes new customers to their

event space that works for alloccasions. (2.22.17)

www.summiteventcenter.com / (720)465-8972.

SEVA Beauty3301 Tower Rd. Aurora, CO 80011 (Inside Walmart) SEVA Beauty’s owner, Kate Speights, celebrated the grandopening with the Chamber Ambassador Team, and Chamber staff.SEVA Beauty focuses on waxing, threading, facials, and spatreatments. You can go in for a one stop convenient andaffordable experience with no appointment necessary. (3.29.17)www.sevabeauty.com/location/co/aurora-tower-road/ (720) 465-2907.

The V Spot, Vape Store – April 132832 S. Havana St. Aurora, CO 80014The V Spot, Vape Store Owners Tanya and Kim Berner celebratetheir grand opening with Chamber Executive VP, Rene Simard andChamber staff Chance Horiuchi and Rachel Gruber. The V Spot isAurora’s only premium-only vape shop. (4.13.17)www.atthevspot.com / (720) 202-9272.

BustOut ColoradoBustOut Colorado, owned and operated by RussellJenson, is a unique mobile escape room that creates acorporate team building experience, complete with

follow-up professional review of the results of the simulator. The Chamber, inconjunction with Westerra Credit Union hosted BustOut Colorado’s ribboncutting with Aurora Mayor Hogan, Chamber President Kevin Hougen, LeadershipAurora class members, Chamber Ambassadors and staff. BustOutColoradowelcomes new teams to go through the course. (3.16.17) bustoutcolorado.com/(720) 217-9679.

Centennial Named Great WorkplaceThe City of Centennial is one of 37 recipients

of the 2017 Gallup Great Workplace Award,which recognizesorganizations fortheir extraordinaryability to createengaged workplace cultures that drive businessoutcomes.

Centennial joins a prestigious group oforganizations that average 14 engagedemployees for every one actively disengagedemployee, which is nearly seven times the rate inthe U.S. and more than 15 times the rate forworkforces globally.

Acting City Manager Elisha Thomas said, “I’mproud and honored to work with such a talentedgroup of employees. This award represents theirhard work and ongoing contributions to the Cityof Centennial by delivering superior, first of classservice.”

To see the complete story, go towww.gallup.com, and click on 37 Workplaces thatStand Out from the Rest.

Citywide Still a Community BankMore than 50 years ago, Vince Schmitz started

Aurora National Bank, a community bank thatmerged withCitywide Banks inthe 1990s.

Fast forward to2017, and the Schmitz family has sold the bank toIowa-based Heartland Financial USA, Inc. — butwill keep the Citywide Banks name and status asa community bank.

“It was important to align with a bank that metour values as a community bank,” said KevinQuinn, who will be president and CEO of thecombined organization. It was also important tothe Schmitz family that Citywide Banks couldkeep its identity. “We will be in the uniqueposition of retaining our local identity, butbenefitting from a larger institution,” said Quinn.

Citywide Banks will join Centennial Bank andTrust, with assets of $900 million, creatingHeartland’s largest bank subsidiary with assets of$2.3 billion. Heartland is a consortium ofcommunity banks in 12 states. “Our wholemission is to preserve community banks,” saidLynn Fuller, president and CEO of HeartlandFinancial USA.

Pending final regulatory and shareholderapprovals, the newly combined organization willhave 29 Colorado banking centers and operateunder the Citywide Banks brand name.

Infiniti of Denver Awarded Top Workplace

Infiniti of Denver, located at 2990 S. HavanaSt, Aurora, CO 80014 has been awarded a 2017Top Workplaces honor by The Denver Post.Infiniti is the only car dealership in the state toreceive this award in2017.

“We are extremelyhonored to receive thisaward, and I am luckyto work with such acommitted group ofpeople on a daily basis,” says Chris Smith,principal/owner. “Our commitment to ourcustomers as well as each other has allowedInfiniti of Denver to prosper and thrive.”

“To be a Top Workplace, organizations mustmeet our strict standards for organizationalhealth, including alignment, execution, andconnection. And who better to ask about worklife than the people who live the culture everyday—the employees,” says Doug Claffey, CEO ofWorkplaceDynamics, LLC, the research firm thatadministered the employee survey.

There’s a New Chief in TownAurora City Manager Skip Noe appointed

Fernando Gray as Aurora’s new Fire Chief, onApril 24. Gray will join the department in June,2017.

Noe made the selectionfollowing an extensivenational search andinterview process from aninitial pool of 70candidates. He stated, “Ibelieve that FernandoGray is the right personwith the right skills to leadAurora Fire Rescue. Hisextensive experienceleading a largeorganization and serving acomplex community makes him a good fit forthis dynamic city.”

Gray has more than 20 years of fire serviceexperience, most recently as Executive AssistantFire Chief for Dallas, TX. He has completed boththe International Association of Fire Chiefs FireService Executive Development Institute and theNational Fire Academy Executive Fire OfficerProgram.

Gray said, “I am truly humbled by theopportunity that has been afforded to me by Mr.Noe and the City of Aurora Executive Team.Excitement doesn't adequately describe mythoughts about the future of this community andAurora Fire Rescue. I look forward to working asan integral component with our citizens and staffin ensuring that Aurora remains one of the safestcities in the country."

Aurora Receives Diversity AwardThe National League of Cities recently

recognized Aurora as one of six cities in the U.S.to receive a City Cultural Diversity Award. Theaward honors municipal programs thatencourage citizen involvement and cities thatdevelop creative and effective programs toimprove and promote cultural diversity through acollaborative process with city officials,community leaders and residents.

Aurora’s Office of International and ImmigrantAffairs was recognized with second place in thelarge-city category (200,001 to 500,000residents). “Aurora is a diverse and internationalcity, with 1 in 5 of our residents having been bornoutside the United States,” said RicardoGambetta, manager of the Office of Internationaland Immigrant Affairs. “We are honored to berecognized for the efforts we’ve already madeand the plans we have for the future to recognizethe strength of that diversity and create awelcoming and productive community for all ourresidents.”

The City of Aurora’s Office of International andImmigrant Affairs was created to facilitate thesuccessful integration of immigrants andrefugees into Aurora's civic, economic andcultural life.

Another Award for Colin Spencer Productions

The Business and Professional Women ofAurora recently recognized Colin SpencerProductions with their Business of the YearAward. Chapter President Cheryl Rotkovichnoted “Every year we honor women and

MemberNews

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City of Aurora’s newFire Chief, FernandoGray

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On April 12 Carpe Diem Westheld their Healthy HeadwatersLeadership Convening in Aurora,Colorado. Each convening is anopportunity to highlight some ofthe great watershed investmentwork going on around theAmerican West. This year CarpeDiem West awarded the annualHealthy Headwaters InnovationAward to Mike McHugh,Environmental PermittingCoordinator with Aurora Waterfor outstanding leadership andinnovation in watershedinvestment and source waterprotection.

City of Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan (R) and Marshall Brown ofAurora Water (L) accept the award for OutstandingInnovation in Watershed Investment and Source WaterProtection.

Aurora Water Receives Innovation Award

businesses fortheir contributionto thecommunity atour Celebrationof Women event,and I am pleasedto recognizeColin SpencerProductions forall of theircontributions tothe community.”

Colin SpencerProductionsExecutive Vice President Terry Spencer said “Weare certainly humbled and honored with thisaward from the Business and ProfessionalWomen. We truly enjoy working with our clientsand translating their stories and ideas intocompelling videos that get results!”

Bruce Dalton Takes Helm at Visit Aurora

After a nationwide search, Bruce Dalton hasbeen named President and Chief Executive

Officer of Visit Aurora. “Bruce’s experience in

hospitality will help uscontinue to attract bothlarge and small businessevent groups to theregion. We look forwardto seeing his leadership inaction as the Visit Aurorateam continues topromote Aurora as thethriving and sought afterdestination that it is,” said

Visit Aurora Chairman, Gian Gandolfo.Dalton is a second-generation leader in the

hospitality industry. He comes to Visit Aurorawith 29 years of industry experience, mostrecently serving as Vice President of Groups360,a Nashville-based hospitality company. In hisprevious role, he served as Managing Director ofSales for the Grapevine (Texas) Convention &Visitors Bureau.

"We have seen exponential growth in ourtourism industry since Visit Aurora's inception in2010," Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan said. "Becauseof Visit Aurora's tremendous efforts, the city'sreputation as a leading Colorado destinationcontinues to grow.”

Dalton succeeds Visit Aurora’s formerPresident and CEO, Gary Wheat, whoestablished the organization in 2010.

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer moves to Aurora

The Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club hasleased 40,000 sf of the 111 N. Havana building fortheir soccer club offices, training facility, and twoindoor soccer fields.

The Havana Business Improvement District’sbusiness friendly push, along with the City ofAurora over the past few years are credited withbringing the organization to Aurora. Seth Stuartwith Zurich Investments in Los Angeles, CA said

that never before in his career has he had somuch cooperation from a city with getting adevelopment plan approved. He mentioned thatScott Berg, chief building official for Aurora, andYuri Gorlov from the Aurora EconomicDevelopment Council were fantastic to workwith — and got the plans approved in just twoweeks.

Grocery Cart Races Benefit Comitis and CCN

The 7th annual Grocery Cart Raceswere held March 14 at the Safewaylocated at 1677 S. Havana St. The annualevent benefits Comitis Crisis Center andColfax Community Network (CCN),stocking their non-perishable foodpantries and providing funding forperishable food. Five members of TheLeadership Aurora Class of 2017participated in the event, with theirHakuna Matata Hawaiian themed grocerycart. The team was led by Josh Kuschand included Danielle Lammon, GregCazzell, Natalie Artibee, and TerrySpencer.

The team achieved Platinum levelfundraising, generating $760 in donations,making them eligible for the nine minute,$350 shopping trip along with four otherteams in their division. The objective tobeating the other teams was to shop formuch needed non- perishables, while

staying closest to $350. Although they had agood strategy, the LA Team came in second tothe National Association of Realtors (led by LAclass of 2013 member and LA Board memberLaura Noe), and missed beating them by just $9;but they are proud of helping to raise $50,000for Comitis and CCN.

To see the video made by team member TerrySpencer, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptGUTYtP0VM. n

Bruce Dalton

Mary Ellen Lewis of theBusiness and ProfessionalWoman of Aurora (left) withTerry and Colin Spencer

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MEMBER NEWS (con’t)

Brotherhood for theFallen Aurora,established in July of2015, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, andis the third of fivechapters nationwide.Membership iscomprised of sworn andretired officers as wellas civilians from aroundour metro-area andbeyond. Theorganization wasfounded by the ChicagoPolice Department in 2010, and since 2015, theNew York Police Department, Fort WorthPolice Department, and Suffolk CountySheriff’s Office New York have also organizedchapters.

The purpose and commitment is toemotionally and financially support widows,children, friends and agencies impacted bythe loss of a police officer in the line of dutydue to a violent offender - and to never forgettheir service and sacrifice.

Two sworn uniformed Aurora Policeofficers are sent to the memorial services to

meet with and present apersonally engravedand encased foldedthin blue line flag aswell as a monetarydonation to the family.It sends a message ofremembrance, family,respect and strength in brotherhood.

The program is funded by generousdonations, local business partnerships andlocal fundraising. Learn more atwww.BrotherhoodAurora.com. n

Brotherhood for the Fallen Aurora supports families during time of need

Left to right, Leadership Aurora class of 2017 members NatalieArtibee, Terry Spencer, Josh Kusch, Todd Sigler (teamsupporter), Danielle Lammon, and Greg Cazzell, with theirHakuna Matata grocery cart at the March 14 Grocery Cart Racesto benefit Comitis Crisis Center and Colfax Community Network.

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An Inside Look at Chamber CommitteesTRANSPORTATION

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane…

April 5, 2017It’s definitely a plane — and there’s going to be

more of them in the area, according torepresentatives from three local airports and theColorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT)Aeronautics Division.

Stacey Stegman, SVP over GlobalCommunications and Marketing with DenverInternational Airport (DEN); David Ruppel,Airport Director for Front Range Airport; RobertOlislagers, Executive Director of CentennialAirport; and Dave Ulane, Director of Aeronauticswith the Colorado Department of Transportation(CDOT), all shared the stage at The Chamber’sannual Air Transportation in the Eastern MetroArea meeting on April 5. The meeting was held atthe Arapahoe County Centrepoint Plaza buildingin Aurora, CO.

“2016 was a record year for passengers, withmore than 58 million served,” said Stegman. And,although those statistics are staggering, DEN isstill growing. Planning for the future of theInternational Airport includes investments in itsterminal and concourse expansion, airfield safety,land development and roadways.

Front Range and Centennial Airports are alsoseeing growth. Ruppel shared that they areworking towards a Spaceport License, andOlislagers talked about the plan to redesignDenver airspace, as well as innovative projectsbased at the airport, including an electric airplaneby Bye Aerospace.

Ulane talked about how they all work togetherto “chart a clear course forward” for aviation inColorado. He summed it up with his final slide,which read “A mile of highway will take you amile, but a mile of runway will take you anywherein the world.”

The presentations are available by contactingMitzi.Schindler@aurorachamber.org.

A Roadmap for Empowering Citizens

March 9, 2017Looking back 20 years, November 1997 was a

tough time for transportation in Colorado. Guidethe Ride was defeated, and the future oftransportation funding looked bleak. A strongercoalition for transportation wasneeded to enhance regionalconsensus, coalition, education,and community support — andThe Transit Alliance wasfounded.

In 2007, The Transit Allianceintroduced its first Citizens’Academy, which now has morethan 800 alumni. Designed toeducate, engage and empower, the Academycreates a roadmap for the community’s future byexamining transportation, infrastructure,

economicdevelopment, andpreservation ofneighborhoods

with the introduction of investments in transit,biking, and walking.

“The primary mission of the Transit Alliance isto empower citizens to lead the transformation ofColorado’s mobility future; and the Academyfulfills that mission by educating residents aboutregional transportation choices and how thosechoices affect health, equity, and sustainability,”said Transit Alliance Executive Director KathleenOsher, in her Feb. 1 presentation.

The program has expanded to includeunincorporated Adams County and LittletonAcademies, as well as a rural Academy inpartnership with the Colorado Department ofTransportation. On a broader scale, Maryland isusing the Colorado Citizens’ Academy as a modelfor their Transportation 101.

BUSINESS FOR THE ARTS

Making a Business Video

April 4, 2017In the next three years, 76 percent of all online

traffic will be video, according toAmyPorterfield.com. “So, are you prepared tohave most of your businesses messaging donethrough video?” asks Beth Klepper, owner of

Mainstream Video Production.“You most likely know you needto create a video, or you havebeen thinking about creating avideo, but you don’t know whereto start.”

At the April 4 Business for theArts meeting, Klepper walkedattendees through the process of

making a business video, strategies for whatvideos will help your business, planning,storyboarding all the way to finished product;including suggestions about access to music,graphics, and ways to save money if using aprofessional.

Klepper has created a free presentation titled

How to Make a Professional Video with $250 andYour iPhone, with the goal of empowering peopleto confidently use video in their business;whether doing it yourself or hiring a professional.

The presentation covers:1. Strategies for what videos you should be

making2. What it takes to create a professional

script/story board3. Affordable professional resources and hacks

(aka shortcuts)For more information, contact

bethklepper@mainstreamvideoproduction.com

Field Trip to CCA’s Arts andCommunication

March 7, 2017The March 7 Business for the Arts field trip to

the Community College of Aurora to get anupdate about the department of Arts andCommunications was a well-orchestrated andentertaining event.

Faculty talkedabout theirprograms,including

collaborations in the community — like the onewith DAVA focusing on pinhole photography, thenew Music and Entertainment Entrepreneurshipprogram, and their music and theater programs.Students showcased their music and presentationskills — keeping the audience engaged andentertained. The early morning group was alsotreated to a pre-production scene from ParadisePark Zoo — which played the weekend of March24-25 at the Larry D. Carter Theater on theCentreTech Campus of CCA.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS,EDUCATION, AND ENERGY

So much going on in the Legislature

April 20, 2017At the April 20 Government Affairs meeting,

the conversation ran the gamut fromconstruction defect bills to a discussion abouttransportation infrastructure dollars from theFederal Government.

Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan gave an update onopen City Council seats; including Ward 1, 2, 3and both At-Large seats.

Superintendent of Aurora Public Schools, RicoMunn talked about the upcoming school boardelections, with three open seats, in which onlyone board member is currently term-limited.

Presenting at the April 5 Air Transportation in theEastern Metro Area meeting, left to right: DavidRuppel, Front Range Airport; Robert Olislagers,Centennial Airport; Stacey Stegman, DenverInternational Airport, Dave Ulane, ColoradoDepartment of Transportation Aeronautics Division,and Mike Martin, Merrick and Co., and chair of theTransportation Committee.

Kathleen Osher

Beth Klepper

COMMITTEES (con’t)

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Jennifer Churchill with PhRMA was a guest andspoke briefly on HB1318 — which mandates healthinsurers to report on pharmaceutical costs.

Tom Henley with Xcel Energy talked about anenergy bill that will offer competitive energy ratesto help attract private sector businesses to locateor expand operations in Colorado.

Chamber lobbyists Micki Hackenberger andMichael Steppat talked about SB267 —Sustainability of Rural Colorado and creating anenterprise for the Hospital Provider Fee; andHB1279 – Construction Defect Actions NoticeVote Approval. Both bills have been introduced,and are under construction.

Refer to The Colorado General Assembly(http://leg.colorado.gov/) for detailedinformation.

The Government Affairs committee issponsored by Pinnacol Assurance.

Legislative Breakfast

April 3, 2017On April 3, the

Government Affairscommittee and The MedicalCenter of Aurora held theAnnual Mid-TermLegislators’ Breakfast. SuRyden, Chair of theGovernment Affairscommittee, welcomed thenearly 80 attendees andintroduced attending legislators, which includedRepresentative Dafna Michaelson-Jenet, HD 30;Representative Mike Weissman, HD 36;Representative Janet Buckner, HD 40;Representative Dominique Jackson, HD 42;Senator Kevin Priola, SD 25; Senator Jack Tate,SD 27; Senator Nancy Todd, SD 28; and SenatorRhonda Fields, SD 29.

Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan was also inattendance,along with AnnieLarson, office ofSenator Gardner,

Aurora Ogg, office of Congressman Coffman;Bob LeGare, Aurora City Council At-Large; NancyJackson, Arapahoe County Commissioner; CJWhelan, Candidate for Mayor of Centennial; andDave Gruber, Candidate for Aurora City CouncilAt-Large.

President and CEO of The Medical Center ofAurora, Dan Miller hosted a first-class breakfast,and took the opportunity to give the crowd anupdate on their new Pediatric Emergency Rooms.The new ER unit is part of the Pediatric Carenetwork of Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children(RMHC) through HealthONE.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COUNCIL

How to be a Top Diverse Company

April 14, 2017Kaiser Permanente has won many awards over

the years, but the subject of the April 14 Diversityand InclusionCouncil meetingwas how Kaiser

was honored with the DiversityAward of the Year fromDiversityInc’s Top 50 DiverseCompanies. Bobby King, Directorand Chief Diversity, Equity andInclusion Officer explained howKaiser rose to the top to win thisprestigious award.

King shared that Kaiserregularly does employee

assessments, and that the organization is keenlyattentive to diversity, equity and inclusion in theworkplace.

He shared that statistically, 80 percent ofKaiser employees are female, 50 percent ofexecutive positions are held by women, and 30percent of those executive positions areminorities. “Kaiser has a strong focus on equalopportunity in the workplace, as well as acommitment to investing in the communities inwhich they serve,” said King.

“Our investment in communities isn’t based onthe size of the community; it’s based on the needof the community,” said King. “Meaning, that itdoesn’t matter if there are only two people whoidentify one way, and 60 people who identifyanother way, needs should be met for all. This isequity,” he added.

The Council also allows for a five minutebusiness introduction speaker at each meeting.Christopher LaFleur with Out Front Magazinespoke about Aurora’s first Pride Fest, to be heldSaturday, August 5, on the great lawn at theAurora Municipal Center.

WORK WELL 2.0 HEALTH SERIES

Gaining Strength - Worksite Wellness

April 13, 2017Worksite wellness is gaining strength as part of

a good business plan. This is great news foremployers and employees — according to theColorado Culture of Health Conference, held April12 at the Colorado Convention Center.

The Chamber’s partnership with Tri-CountyHealth Department for the Work Well 2.0 project,afforded members of the coalition to attend theconference, and even participate in a paneldiscussion about some of the details of theproject, for one of the conference’s break-outsessions. Panel members Cheri Prochazka withFitzsimons Credit Union, Deborah Hoefler with

Community College of Aurora, and MitziSchindler with The Chamber, along with their Tri-County Health Department Worksite WellnessSpecialist Jennifer Tellis, shared successes andstruggles about their worksite wellness programs.A couple of fun — and very inexpensive activitiesencouraging wellness included turning thestairwell into an art gallery for proud parents totake the stairs, and stand up and stretch breaksduring long meetings.

The Conference turned out to be a great segueand subject for the April 13 Work Well 2.0 HealthSeries meeting. Those who attended theconference, shared their takeaways, and therewas a lively discussion about how worksitewellness can be fun, doesn’t have to cost bigbucks, and how it can positively affect thebottom line for businesses.

For more information about the Work Well 2.0Health Series, contactMitzi.schindler@aurorachamber.org.

The Work Well 2.0 Health Series is sponsoredin part by Pinnacol Assurance.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Bring Your Boss to Work Day –Generations in the Workplace

April 19, 2017In April, The Young Professionals hosted Evan

Abbott, Director of Organizational Developmentand Learning Department withMountain State EmployerCouncil. Abbott talked aboutthe different generations in theworkplace and the stereotypesthat are associated with eachof them.

It was incredibly helpful forattendees to learn how toimprove their business by firstlearning about each other.

There are at least three generations coexisting inmost workplaces, each with different work ethics,perceptions, communication styles, and values,that dictate how they perform and handlesituations.

“Understanding and accepting thesedifferences can help the generations to betterwork together,” said Abbott.

Which Personality-type are You?March 15, 2017

Thanks to ColoradoTechnical University (CTU),The Chamber’s YoungProfessionals had a rare,private opportunity to takethe Myers-Briggs test. TheMyers-Briggs indicatorassessment test is designed tohelp individuals explore theirpsychological preferences andlearn how those preferencescan affect their perceptions and interactions.

“There are 16 personality types within theMyers-Briggs assessment, and everyone fits intoone of them,” said Nathan Hays, Career ServicesAdvisor for CTU, who reviewed all of the

Dan Miller(Photo by BrianMolitorisPhotographer)

Nathan Hays

Evan Abbott

Work Well 2.0 Coalition members presented abreakout session at the Colorado Culture of HealthConference about “How Local Business Networks areConnecting the Dots on Wellness.” Left to right,Deborah Hoefler, Community College of Aurora; CheriProchazka, Fitzsimons Credit Union; Mitzi Schindler,The Chamber; and Jennifer Tellis, Tri-County HealthDepartment.

[continued on page 8]

Bobby King

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participants’ assessments. “By answering the fourquestions, each with two different answers, thetest determines how individuals perceive theworld around them and how they makedecisions.”

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Need a Loan?

March 28, 2017On March 28, the Women in Business

committee heard a dynamic presentation abouthow to access loans from the Small BusinessAdministration (SBA). David Benavides and BobMartin, Lender Relation Specialists; Bob Martin,Lender Relations Specialist; and Eric PhillipsEconomic Development Specialist all providedinformation about how vital small businesses arefor Colorado’s economy.

The SBA offers counseling, online and in-person training, government contracting, accessto capital, and disaster assistance. There are alsoother business outlets that the SBA partners withthat can be utilized such as the SCORE businessCounselors to America, Small BusinessDevelopment Center (SBDC), and the Women’sBusiness Center.

The presenters went into depth about howthey are able to offer financial assistance tocompanies, by providing 14 loan programs forstartup and existing businesses up to $5 million,including a SBA Guarantee Loan Program. Bycontacting the SBA, companies have access toresources that they might never have thoughtimaginable - to make their business grow. Theseloans can be used for infrastructure, appliances,equipment, inventory, and all capital needs. TheSBA works with each individual business todetermine exactly what loan works best for thatbusiness.

One topic that was especially interesting tothe committee is the percentage of womenowned businesses. Women only receive about 30percent of the loans, and own about 31 percentof the businesses in the area. The speakers alsoprovided hand-out information about Women

Owned Federal Contracts and how womenentrepreneurs are driving growth and innovation.

The SBA has a sub-branch called the Women’sBusiness Center (WBC) that offers womenentrepreneurs, especially those who areeconomically or socially disadvantaged, trainingand counseling on an array of topics to help theirbusinesses succeed

The Small Business Administration can bereached at (303) 362 8690. There is a local officeat 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012

DEFENSE COUNCILVisiting Aerospace Leaders,

Ratheon and Lockheed Martin

February 23 and March 23, 2017Members of The Aurora Chamber’s Defense

Council visited twoof Colorado’sAerospace Leaders,Raytheon and

Lockheed Martin in February and March.At Raytheon in Aurora, the Site Executive and

Engineering Vice President, Ross Niebergalldescribed the various businesses and key missionareas for Raytheon. Raytheon employs about2,800 people throughout the state, with themajority of employees located in Aurora.Raytheon Company manages spacecraftmissions and analyzes post-launch data througha variety of technologies including radiofrequency, GPS, communications andintelligence, and electro-optical/infrared. The

DoubleTree byHilton Hotel,Denver-Aurorasponsored

breakfast for the morning meeting.In March, Defense Council members traveled

to Lockheed Martin in Littleton, CO, where theyreceived a company overview from Christine Lee,Government Relations. Lt. General (retired) MikeHamel, Vice President Strategic Solutions, talkedabout how we are currently in the next greatspace age and how critical space is to all of us.He also thanked the Defense Council and Aurora

Chamber for supporting our military personnel,“they could not do what they do, without yoursupport,” said Hamel.

Lockheed Martin employs more than 9,000people in Colorado. Of these workers, about6,200 are employed at the Space SystemsCompany in Littleton, which designs, develops,tests, and manufactures advanced technologysystems for its government, international, andcommercial customers. The company alsodevelops products ranging from human spaceflight systems and navigation, meteorological,and communications satellites to ground stationand missile defense systems. The breakfastsponsor for the meeting was the Hyatt Regency,Aurora-Denver Conference Center. n

COMMITTEES (con’t)

Col. Scott Romberger, Vice Commander, 460th SpaceWing, gives an update to Defense Council members atLockheed Martin in March, 2017.

In attendance at the annual United VeteransCommittee (UVC) Banquet on April 9, 2017 were(left to right) George Peck, Su Ryden, Rene Simard,and Major General (retired) Mike Edwards. The UVCis a non-profit coalition of 50 chartered andfederally recognized veterans service organizationsand affiliates established in 1972. UVC’s vision is aproductive advocate for Colorado veterans andtheir families.

Ross Niebergall, Aurora Site Executive & EngineeringVP for Raytheon speaks to members of The Chamber’sDefense Council.

Naomi Colwell named President and CEO of Brighton Chamber

On March 13, 2017, after 18 years as theMarketing Director with the Aurora Chamberof Commerce, Naomi Colwell became the

President and CEO of the Brighton Chamberof Commerce.

During her tenure at The Chamber, Colwellwas the “idea” behind many successfulevents, and was well-respected for herknowledge and understanding of thebusiness community. She also contributedmany hours volunteering in the communityand assisting with Military events.

On March 18, David Garon and CelesteDelehanty with the DoubleTree by HiltonAurora, hosted an ‘after the fact’ farewellparty for Colwell, which was filled with wellwishes, fun memories, and some tears.

Colwell has certainly made a positiveimpact in the Aurora community, and she iswished well in her new position at the helmof the Brighton Chamber of Commerce. n(Photo by Brian Molitoris Photographer)

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Action Appliance Inc.Adams County Workforce & Business CenterAdigoAdolfson & Peterson ConstructionAmerican Medical Response of Colorado - DenverAmerican National Insurance - Doug RobinsonArapahoe County Board of CommissionersArtistic Apparel Graphics & SignsAurora Education AssociationAurora Interfaith Community ServicesAurora Rotary ClubAurora SingersBeck, Payne, Frank & Piper, P.C.Belef, Ellen P.Centennial Airport/A.C. Public Airport AuthorityCherry Creek Nursing CenterCloud World Wide, LLCColin Spencer Productions, LLCComcastCommunity College of Aurora FoundationCourtyard by Marriott - DIACruise Planners-Live 2 TravelCunningham Fire Protection DistrictDenver International Airport- DENDominique Jackson for Colorado HD 42Don's Mailing ServiceDrury Inn & Suites Hotel - StapletonE-470 Public Highway AuthorityEmbassy Suites by Hilton Denver SoutheastEscape to Serenity MassageFairfield Inn & Suites - Denver Aurora/

Medical CenterFalck Rocky MountainFASTSIGNS of Aurora, Inc.Fine Airport ParkingFinish Line Car WashForest City Stapleton, Inc.Garden Plaza of AuroraGoodwill Industries of Denver

Green Acres Adult CommunityHarvard Square Retirement CommunityHeritage Eagle Bend Golf ClubHillcrest VillageJH Basement FinishJohn D Reeves III, LLCKing Soopers - Corporate OfficeLand Home Financial - Peter ElsbyLexington Inn & Suites

Denver Airport Gateway ParkM & M Auto Reconditioning, Inc.Medicine Man AuroraMerrick & CompanyMosaic in DenverMountain Region Business Economic SummitMurray, BillMutual of Omaha - Bob JamiesonNextCare Urgent Care - Piney CreekNothing Bundt Cakes - SouthlandsOffice Depot - Orchard Rd. Southlands #26Outback Steakhouse - Abilene St.Pradia Collaborative SolutionsProviders Resource ClearinghouseRE/MAX Unlimited - David J. BarberRegis UniversitySessions Group - Real Estate ServicesSeven Hills Veterinary HospitalSKM ResourcesSmitty's Sprinkler SystemsSpringfield Construction, LLCStaybridge Suites - DIAStifel & NicolausThe GEO GroupThe Medical Center of Aurora, HealthONEThe Meadows at Dunkirk, by Pedcor ManagementThe Parking SpotTown Center at AuroraUnivair Aircraft CorporationUS Storage, Inc.

Wagner Equipment Co.Westin Denver International AirportWizard Universal Inc.

225 Self StorageAvitus GroupBest Choice Real EstateCentennial State Financial | A member of

MassMutual Financial Group – David M. SearsChristian Overbey Architect LLCColorado Department of Labor & EmploymentColorado Early Colleges AuroraCoraFaye's CafeEdward Jones Investments -

Victoria WildhaberHampton Inn - DIAHomes for HeroesInsight Health CenterKarnopp, MarthaKeller Williams Commercial Real Estate –

M. Ryan/J. CorriereLife Care Center of AuroraLowry Conference CenterMortgage Solutions FinancialMS International, INCNations Roof of ColoradoRoyal Bengal Mechanic -

Complete HVAC ContractorSalud Family Health CenterThe Cycle of HopeThe Green SolutionThe Suites at FitzsimonsTucker, Celeste

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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.

I have heard this question many times.Obviously, email campaigns and emailmarketing are a huge part of modern daymarketing, no matter the business or industry.

For a quick backgrounder: Email campaignsare part of the digital strategy for a business,which is part of the overall promotional andmarketing strategy within a business plan. Astrong digital strategy will include socialmedia, videos, Search Engine Marketing(SEM), and website content. Email marketingis meant to compliment other digital effortsand should focus on clear, consistent,

communication of the brand and anymessages or promotions to be conveyed.

So back to the question: how often shouldyou send out email campaigns?

A good rule of thumb is to send only oneform of communication per month for eachstrategy. For example, one time each permonth, send a (1) sales or promotionmessages, a (2) newsletter, and a (3) non-sales related message, such as “coming soon”or to announce an event.

By sending 1-3 emails per month, especiallyas a busy small business owner, you’re

communicating enough to make peopleremember you, but not so frequently thatthey are overwhelmed. n

Email Campaigns: How Often?

Submitted by Kristin Peregoy at Boxing Frog Marketing LLC.

303-495-8714 or krperegoy@gmail.com.www.BoxingFrogMarketingLLC.com

MemberContribution