On May 7th, the Greater Arvada Chamber hosted the 74th Annual Awards Luncheon, a long-standing tradition in Arvada recognizing outstanding community involvement, generosity, and overall impact. This year’s luncheon was hosted at Arvada Center Event Spaces. Read about the award winners below and watch a video of the Pioneer Award and Man and Woman of the Year.
2024 Man of the Year: Keith Cowling
Keith’s decades-long leadership and service have significantly impacted his community and the lives of countless individuals. Over a 37-year career, including 22 years as CEO, he oversaw remarkable growth, expanding membership and assets while fostering economic development. Beyond his professional achievements, Keith has dedicated himself to personal ministry and volunteerism, mentoring vulnerable children and supporting individuals facing homelessness or recovery challenges. His commitment to service is deeply personal, shaped by his family’s journey through adoption and resilience in the face of loss.
Learn more about Keith in the below video.
Image Award: Kathy Kuehn
Kathy Kuehn embodies selfless service and dedication, enriching her community through nearly two decades of volunteer work. She has devoted thousands of hours to supporting patients and staff in healthcare settings, playing a vital role in major transitions, including facility relocations. Her longstanding commitment to community service is evident through her efforts in education and welfare programs, helping provide essential resources and opportunities for those in need. Kathy’s warmth, leadership, and tireless contributions make her an inspiring force for good, truly deserving of recognition.
Image Award: Jack Emery
Jack Emery is a humble yet powerful force for good, dedicating decades to humanitarian efforts both locally and internationally. His leadership has brought essential services, medical aid, and resources to underserved communities, including initiatives to provide eyeglasses, fire trucks, food, and supplies to those in need. Beyond his international work, Jack has devoted himself to local service, supporting faith-based outreach, mentoring young pilots, and volunteering at community events. His quiet generosity and unwavering commitment to helping others have enriched countless lives.
Image Award: Chris Duncan
Chris Duncan is an exceptional leader and advocate for inclusivity in her community. As a dedicated fitness instructor, she goes beyond her role, volunteering countless hours to organize an annual holiday show for individuals with disabilities. What began as a small gathering has grown into a major event, drawing hundreds of attendees and providing performers with a platform to shine. Chris’s unwavering dedication, creativity, and compassion empower participants to build confidence while bringing joy to the entire community.
Young Professional Leadership Award: Kiera Schwartz
Kiera exemplifies outstanding professional leadership through her rapid advancement at RBS Law, where she has taken on the responsibility of onboarding, training, supervising, and managing a team of attorneys, legal interns, and administrative staff. Her selection for the prestigious Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training Program further highlights her commitment to leadership and the legal profession. Her involvement extends to organizations such as the Chamber’s Inspiring Women, Business Mastery Group, the Colorado Bar Association, Denver Bar Association, and Denver Young Lawyers Division, where she consistently connects with and supports the Arvada community, making her a valuable resource and leader within the local business landscape.
Young Professional Leadership Award: Shannen Porter
Shannen exemplifies tenacious professional leadership through her rapid progression at Barber-Nichols, where she advanced from inventory control in the Supply Chain department to Project Manager while simultaneously earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Project Management. Shannen’s leadership is evident in her successful management of critical programs at BN, her selection for the company’s Leadership Development Series, and her role in the 14-week Accountability Project to improve organizational efficiency. Beyond her professional achievements, Shannen is deeply committed to the Arvada community, volunteering with organizations such as Community Table Arvada, Colorado Feeding Kids, CASA/Jeffco Human Services Giving Tree, Special Olympics Colorado, and Colorado State DECA, where she now judges competitions to give back to the program that shaped her as a student. As a leader of the BN Culture Committee and a member of Women in Manufacturing, Shannen organizes impactful employee and community initiatives, consistently inspiring others through her relentless pursuit of growth and her dedication to both professional excellence and community service.
Rising Star Award: Aaron “Junior” Aragon
Junior stands out as a core leader in his school community, serving as football captain and earning recognition as the top receiver of the year. Beyond his athletic achievements, Junior demonstrates a deep commitment to service by volunteering for the Future Leaders Community Service initiative, where he coaches and mentors middle school students at weekly training camps, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes. His leadership extends into the school’s main office, where he assists administrators and welcomes new students, ensuring they feel at home through personalized tours and support. Embodying an entrepreneurial spirit, Junior has successfully launched his own clothing brand, managing everything from design to vendor relations, and leveraging social media to market and sell his products—skills he showcased in his senior capstone project. His innovative use of digital platforms to grow his business has inspired peers to explore fashion design and entrepreneurship.
View all photos from the 74th Annual Luncheon here.
Thank you to our event sponsors, PBS Wealth Management and Summit Cleaning!
We want to also thank Mwountain Media Productions Co. for the videos, Olde Town Flower Shoppe for the flowers, La Patisserie Francaise for the cookies, Equalized Productions for our audio/visual, Alphagraphics for printing the programs, and LeBaron Photo for capturing the event photos!
0 Comments