This update will detail the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce programs, resources, events, and engagement efforts that have made an impact for members, investors, and the community over the last quarter.
Organization
- In January, the Chamber released its 2026 Programmatic Overview, which highlights new and expanded programs supporting business visibility, talent development, leadership pipelines, housing and childcare solutions, and pro-business advocacy.
- In March, the Chamber announced that President & CEO Kami Welch will serve as part-time Interim CEO of the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, strengthening regional collaboration and continuity during the leadership transition.
- On March 18, the Chamber welcomed Greg Thomas as the new Director of Member Experience.
Business Services
- In January, the Chamber announced its new Marketing & Advertising Store featuring cost-effective marketing opportunities for members.
- On February 20, the Chamber kicked off its Non-Profit Network with 39 members.
- On February 27, over 340 business and community leaders attended the Chamber’s 101st Annual Dinner.
- On March 11, the Chamber hosted a Leadership Luncheon on maximizing business growth by investing in people.
- In March, the Chamber recognized 31 women for the sixth year as part of its WOW Women of Arvada program. The Chamber received over 80 nominations for the recognition program.
- In Q1, the Chamber introduced the Arvada Young Professionals Network and hosted two networking events with over 80 total attendees.
- In Q1, the Chamber celebrated 10 business and community grand openings with ribbon cuttings.
- In Q1, the Chamber hosted over 50 members at two intimate Member Connection Events.
Economic Impact
- On January 7, the Chamber hosted a business roundtable with gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet to discuss issues from regulation and affordability to healthcare and housing.
- In January, the Chamber released its 2026 Colorado Housing Resources for Employees, which includes information and assistance programs to help employees with rent, homebuying, homeowning, and more.
- In January, the Chamber released the AI for Business Implementation Toolkit, which helps business leaders assess readiness, identify use cases, and implement AI to improve efficiency.
- On January 16, the Chamber convened business leaders, policymakers, and insurance experts for the State of Property & Casualty Insurance, highlighting rising premiums, tightening availability, and collaborative strategies to reduce risk and improve long-term market stability in Colorado.
- In February, the Chamber led a federal advocacy effort urging Colorado’s congressional delegation to protect and restore critical federal childcare funding.
- On February 9, the Chamber celebrated several new additions to the Business Resource Center, including a media studio for podcast and video recording.
- On February 12, the Chamber hosted an Advocacy Network Quarterly Briefing with Arvada City Council which included a presentation on strategic priorities from City Manager Don Wick.
- On February 26, the Chamber hosted its 2026 Employment Law Overview, equipping employers with updates on new state and federal workplace regulations for the year ahead.
- In March, the Metro-West Construction Alliance Sector Partnership, co-facilitated by the Greater Arvada Chamber and Workforce Colorado, released the Selecting and Building Out Commercial Space 2026 Guide, which helps businesses navigate site selection, leasing, permitting, and build-out considerations.
- In March, the Chamber partnered with Colorado Inclusive Economy to release its Workforce Playbook for Small and Mid-Size Employers, which provides practical strategies to strengthen teams, improve culture, and identify opportunities to drive business growth through better workforce practices.
- On March 25, the Chamber and regional partners released a new report on Building the Talent Pipeline for High‑Wage, In‑Demand Aerospace Careers.
- In March, the Board of Directors voted to support the proposed Welby Gardens Development in west Arvada and assisted businesses in preparing public comments for the April City Council hearing.
- In March, the Chamber hosted a ribbon-cutting for Arvada West High School’s Career Hub, now featuring a dedicated physical space to support career exploration and work-based learning opportunities for students across multiple industries.
- In March, President and CEO Kami Welch delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Colorado Work-Based Learning Symposium, a statewide event focused on building a strong network of practitioners who drive local economic impact by expanding high-quality WBL experiences.
- In Q1, the Chamber took a position on 26 Colorado bills across the policy pillars of business regulation, talent, childcare, and housing.
- In Q1, eight businesses joined the Family-Friendly Workplace Program, reflecting strong community commitment to supporting employees with caregiving responsibilities.
- In Q1, the Chamber entered a partnership with Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) to bring at least one child care solution to feasibility in the Arvada area by Spring 2027, with the Chamber serving as the local anchor partner.
Member of the Month
JANUARY: Platinum Creations
FEBRUARY: The Bluegrass Lounge
MARCH: Kratos Industries
About the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce is a community of businesses, organizations, and local leaders working together to solve challenges, foster meaningful connections, and develop the next generation of talent and leadership. Our work – driving action on conversations, resources, and large-scale initiatives that businesses can’t tackle on their own – is central to the long-term success of our community as a whole. When you play a part, we all thrive.
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