The Arvada Chamber of Commerce celebrated businesses, organizations and community leaders at the 97th Annual Dinner at Social Capitol on February 18, 2022. Find information on all the award winners, plus photos and videos of the event below.
2021 Business of the Year | Barber-Nichols
Founded in 1966, Barber-Nichols engineers and manufactures innovative turbomachinery systems used to explore the universe, enable sustainable energy, and protect our country. Barber-Nichols experienced substantial growth from 2017 to 2021 and expanded its workforce from 100 to over 160 employees. Barber-Nichols is 100% committed to developing a next-generation skilled manufacturing workforce in Colorado by sponsoring young talent directly out of trade schools. Barber-Nichols also established a Volunteer Committee that has contributed significantly to the local community
Learn more about Barber-Nichols in the video below.
2021 Nonprofit of the Year | Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado (AATPC)
Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado is one of the first counseling centers in the nation that specifically integrates teams of professional therapists and their therapy animals to facilitate the counseling process. The program aims to serve economically, physically, or mentally disadvantaged individuals and families.
Learn more about AATPC in the video below.
2021 Entrepreneur of the Year | Mike Huggins and Lenka Juchelkova
Owners of The Arvada Tavern and Glo Car Wash, Mike Huggins and Lenka Juchelkova have contributed mightily to the culture, innovation, and resilient spirit of Olde Town Arvada and the community at large. Since 2012, the team has crafted The Arvada Tavern into an award-winning Arvada staple for Prohibition-style cocktails and fine dining. During the pandemic, the Tavern shifted to offer to-go cocktails and virtual mixology classes, while its patio served as a model for the now permanent Olde Town street closures. Huggins and Juchelkova have long been contributors to causes around Arvada, most recently raising money for the families of the Olde Town shooting victims.
Learn more about Mike and Lenka in the video below.
2021 Chamber Leader of the Year | Rita Lawrence, All-Secure Lock and Security
Rita Lawrence is a true Champion for the Chamber as she serves roles including the board of directors and executive committee, the Networking KAPS Council, Annual Dinner Action Team and much more. She is always the first to jump in and volunteer, is an amazing leader, and impacts the Chamber and the business community in such an impressive way
2021 Behind the Scenes Award | Arvada Economic Development Association
AEDA’s staff and board offer their time, treasure and talent to ensure that resources are allocated throughout Arvada in ways that have the optimal impact on the business community. They have supported the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, critical shifts to our local workforce system and the advancement of business education programs.
Annual Dinner Photos
Find all the photos from the event at this link. Photos provided by LeBaron Photography. View the photo booth photos here!
Watch all the videos from the event, including Olympics-themed interviews with Chamber members, here!
Thank You Sponsors!
Annual Investors: The City of Arvada, Arvada Economic Development, PBS Wealth Management, APEX Park and Recreation District, Footers Catering and Social Capitol Events and Sooper Credit Union
Event sponsors: Equalized Productions, The Square at 5 Parks and Crown Trophy.
Cookie sponsor: La Patisserie Francaise
Florist: Olde Town Flower Shoppe
Printing: Digital Frontier
Videos: Mountain Media Productions
