Mayor John Hickenlooper addressed a crowd of nearly 200 at the historic Hotel Boulderado during Downtown Boulder’s Annual Luncheon honoring five outstanding individuals & businesses.
[Boulder, CO] January 23, 2009 – Yesterday, Downtown Boulder’s Annual Luncheon recognized individuals and businesses in the Downtown Boulder community who help make it a premiere shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Beverly Silva, director of sales and marketing for the Hotel Boulderado was recognized with the Outstanding Downtown Community Service award. George Emmons, owner of Into the Wind received the Outstanding Retailer- Shining Star award. Stephanie McKay, co-owner of besos accepted the award for Outstanding Downtown Partner and the Outstanding Property Owner award went to J Nold Midyette. Larry Minks (Lolitas), was honored in memoriam.
With an audience of close to 200 distinguished guests, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper brought the audience to their feet (twice) with his sincerity, wit, humor and all around good nature. He shared some of his personal experiences from the Presidential Inauguration and touched on the success of last year’s Democratic National Convention. He reminded the audience how proud they should be to live and work in Boulder and the need to work together through these tough economic times. With subtlety, he stated how important it is, now more than ever, to support locally owned and operated businesses. His approachability and warmth resonated with the attendees as the luncheon drew to a close.
Hickenlooper was introduced by Boulder’s Mayor Shaun McGrath. Prior to his address, Chuck Hunker, past chair of Downtown Boulder, Inc. formally welcomed new board members, Donovan Martin (Studio One Dental), Micah McKee (local realtor), and Amy Moynihan (GroundFloor Media) and spoke briefly about the renewal of the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District (BID) noting, “The BID is the most effective tool we have to keep our downtown clean, safe and the center of our community.” Hunker encouraged attendees to remain vigilant in efforts to keep Downtown Boulder vibrant and sustainable during these difficult economic times. “We will have to make our voices heard by working with all the stakeholders of our city to build stronger bridges, and communicate and better educate our progressive vision for Boulder, which includes a balance of economic, social and environmental sustainability.”
About Downtown Boulder, Inc. (DBI)
Downtown Boulder, Incorporated (DBI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to continued preservation and enhancement of Downtown Boulder as the heart of the greater Boulder community. We work to maintain downtown as the center of commerce, government, culture, and leisure. DBI members support the overall vitality of downtown through public advocacy, political involvement, and community events that enhance the Boulder experience for residents and visitors. Membership in Downtown Boulder, Incorporated (DBI) is voluntary and open to any interested person or organization.