Boulder Chamber
The nonprofit Boulder Chamber is the region’s flagship business support and advocacy organization. For more than 100 years, they’ve been leading innovative programs to build a smart, thriving economy in Boulder and support business success, influence policy, and connect business leadership. Together with more than 1,700 member organizations, the Boulder Chamber represents the wide diversity of local businesses and promotes the balance of environmental, social and economic values that make Boulder such a great place to live and work. From established organizations to emerging enterprises, from high tech start-ups to natural foods companies, from intrepid outdoor companies to dynamic creative firms, the Boulder Chamber represents the breadth of entrepreneurial energy that characterizes Boulder’s economy.
Women Who Light the Community 2017
Sep 7th
The Night of Light
by Kim Copeland Ambassador and reporter
by Kim Copeland Ambassador and reporter
Boulder, the town known for its well-educated residents capable of innovation and high incomes paused for an evening to celebrate 6 women dedicated to giving back. Boulder Chamber sponsored event, Women Who Light the Community, was held at Boulder JCC with a sold-out crowd. The awards honor women who have contributed to the community (both locally, nationally and internationally) through innovation in a business, non-profit, arts or community need.
The crowd was brought to tears as the first honoree, Naomi Graff, Emerging Youth Leader, and a student at New Vista High School, read a letter to her middle school self. It was an emotional and sometimes humorous prompting for self-acceptance and caring.
Allison Barto, an astrophysicist with Ball Aerospace and the Program Manager for the James Webb Space Telescope, shared how a camp counselor ignited her passion for space. That passion has expanded to a love for STEM education and the belief that “education is the great equalizer.”
Kathy Valentine, Executive Director of Colie’s Closet and volunteer at HOPE Coalition of Boulder County, Parent Engagement Network and the Second Wind Fund shared her passion for helping to prevent suicide. As a retiree, her time has been dedicated to helping others and to making the choice to “dance” through life as opposed to sitting out.
Janet Martin, Chair of the Boulder Community Health Board, has served on the board as a trustee for 10 years and is in her 2nd year at the leadership position. She shared that she became involved with the Board as the result of her experience spending many, many hours in a hospital supporting both her husband and daughter as they went through numerous surgeries.
Pam Malzbender, Co-chair of Zonta EducateZ is dedicated to education for women and girls. “Her goal is to inspire women to hold on to their inner strength and dreams.” It was inspirational to see the numerous women from Zonta in attendance to support Pam as she was honored for her work.
Elvira (Elvita) Ramos, Vice President of Programs and Inclusive Leadership at the Community Foundation of Boulder County, is dedicated to bringing people together. Elvita has been a board member for an impressive number of organizations and is currently involved with the Boulder County Commissioner’s Inclusivity Task Force, the City of Longmont’s Multicultural Action Council, and other groups. She also passionately loves animals.
Boulder Chamber New Membership Orientation Packed House
Sep 1st
The Room Runneth Over
by Kim Copeland, Boulder Channel 1 ambassador and Reporter
by Kim Copeland, Boulder Channel 1 ambassador and Reporter
It was standing room only at the recent Boulder Chamber’s membership orientation. With a crowd that looked to be 40-50 strong, there was opportunity to both network and learn more about the Chamber. The description of the numerous membership benefits was noteworthy but of particular interest was the explanation of the work being done by the Economic Council and the welcoming of not-for-profit organizations. The Chamber truly demonstrated that they “sustain Boulder’s economic vitality” through activities that are not only helpful to the individual business but to the community as a whole. 
The best part of the orientation is saved for the end, when each person introduces themselves and their business in 30 seconds or less (usually more). What was so intriguing about the introductions was the immense diversity of businesses. The following is a small sample of those who attended: Marta of Marta Rey European and Clinical Skin Care, Pamela Outlaw of Caldwell Bankers, Eric Lee of Element Bistro, Asa and Tamar McKee of Khala Cloths, Peggy Altschuler of Legal Shield, Amy Dixon of Center for People with Disabilities, Byron Goggin of The Invisible Lens, Yvonne Yancy of EideBailly CPA & Business Advisors, Joan Goering of The Hiltons on Canyon, Damiana Corca of Corca Sleep Center and Joanna of Joanna and the Agitators (dance). Of course I was there for Boulder Channel 1
The next Boulder Chamber membership orientation is October 26th. The event is well-worth it both for member newcomers, established members who’ve never attended and non-members interested in finding out more information. The event is free and the coffee is good; you should go.
Kim Copeland is the business reporter and ambassador for Boulder channel 1 TV news.
Element host Boulder Chamber after hours
Aug 18th
story by Kim CopelandBoulder Chamber’s August 16th Business After Hours at Element Bistro was a summer success! With 70 people representing a variety of Chamber member organizations, it was easy to grow a network of contacts. The host, Element Bistro, provide a delicious variety of flatbreads and other intriguing small plate specialties as well as treating one lucky business to a holiday office party for 10.Boulder Channel 1 enjoyed the night and met with many business owners. Boulder newcomer, Jaco Jordaan of Sanitas Wealth Management summed up the evening best by saying, “It’s a great way to meet people.” Cheers.
