Grand Views: Arvada Chamber of Commerce e-newsletter

Congratulations to our Winners!

The Arvada Chamber of Commerce is pleased to pay tribute to Sooper Credit Union as our 2009 Business of the Year. Sooper Credit Union is the 10th largest credit union in the State of Colorado founded in 1951 with 8 employees of King Soopers who contributed $157 in original capital. As a side note, you all probably know that Lloyd King opened the first King Soopers right here in Olde Town Arvada in 1947. Anyway, in 2006 Sooper Credit Union merged with Colorado Central Credit Union adding approximately 18,000 members and $71 million in assets. The credit union operated in Arvada for 36 years. Sooper Credit Union is being recognized tonight for their commitment to this community. The Credit Union participates with the Community Involvement Activists Committee. This committee combines the efforts of other credit unions working to make a difference. Through this committee and matching funds, over $50,000 was contributed to community-based organizations for Arvada in 2008. Sooper Credit Union was instrumental in the expansion of the Arvada Food Bank. Not only did the business contribute $15,000, but also encouraged other credit unions to join them. Because of their combined generosity, the Arvada Food Bank now has the "Credit Union Room" available for community training and meetings. Other organizations the Credit Union support include: Children's Hospital Courage Classic, Homes for our Troops, Arvada Harvest Festival, Developmental Disabilities Resource Center, AND has been a major supporter of your Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations Sooper Credit Union!

The Arvada Chamber of Commerce gave out a Pioneer Award at the Annual Dinner. This award has only been given out three times prior to this year. The Pioneer Award goes to Hazel Hartbarger, Executive Director of Arvada Economic Development Association. Some of Hazel's accomplishments include: In 2005, Hazel was presented with the Economic Developers Council of Colorado "Economic Development Achievement Award." This is the highest economic development professional's award in the State of Colorado. Also in 2005, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce awarded Hazel with a special award in "Recognition and Thanks For Being A Friend To All Who Aspire To A Health Community." STL Denver, an international company located in Arvada, presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation as a "Valued Business Partner" during a corporately-sponsored awards ceremony for the company. In 2008, Adams County Economic Development Corporation presented Hazel with the Public Servant of the Year award for 2007. This is only the third time the award has been presented in the organization's 26 years history. Since joining AEDA in 1993, Hazel was instrumental in implementing many successful programs, Arvada PropertyLINK, an interactive online industrial, office and retail real estate property database; various business forums, and the City of Arvada's annual business appreciation event including recognition awards. Of particular note was AEDA's nationally recognized business retention program. Hazel participates on State of Colorado community assessment teams, and often counsels other communities, both within the State of Colorado, nationally and most recently internationally, about the program. Hazel also sits on more boards that we have room to list in this article. Congratulations Hazel!

Our 2009 Ambassador of the Year is Gary Browning of ReMax Alliance. The Ambassadors of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce are the liaisons between the Chamber and its membership. Ambassadors personally assist new and renewing members to better utilize their membership in the Chamber. We also attend all the Chamber Events, ribbon cuttings, luncheons, breakfasts and business after hours. Each Month the Ambassadors go and visit new and renewing members and attend events earning points. The Ambassador with the most points throughout the year earns our Ambassador of the Year. Gary is a native Coloradoan and enjoys hiking in the mountains and going for a daily run around his neighborhood. He and his wife Donna enjoy their Real Estate business with Re/Max Alliance and helping people through the process of buying and selling a home, plot of land or investment property. He first worked in Commercial Construction but made a natural transition to Real Estate following in his father's footsteps whom he says "set a great example for me". Congratulations Gary!

Dot and Ereka

Now you can view ALL the Annual Dinner pictures online at www.LeBaronPhoto.com. Click on View and Order, then on the Arvada Chamber of Commerce event.

It is now time to start thinking about Man of the Year and Woman of the Year. The nomination form was sent out on Friday. If you have someone that you would like to nominate, give the Chamber a call today at 303-424-0313 or email Dot@ArvadaChamber.org for a nomination form. Deadline for Nominations is April 15, 2010.