The Arvada Report
December 2010/January 2011 These two pages of The Arvada Report are for and about Arvada businesses.
business link 2010 Business Appreciation Event Honors Top Arvada Businesses The Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) hosted its 16th annual business appreciation awards breakfast on September 30, presenting 13 awards to Arvada-based business leaders. “Our organization honors Arvada business leaders each year to showcase the hard work and commitment they bring to the Arvada community. This awards program recognizes those that make Arvada a great place to live and do business," said AEDA president Frank Barone. Hazel Hartbarger, AEDA director added, “Our City’s business environment is unique in that City representatives, from City Council to management to all staff levels in the organization, partner with us to ensure a supportive business climate." At this year’s ceremony AEDA presented three awards of distinction, an Outstanding Business Partner of the Year award, and nine Outstanding Business of the Year awards to companies in their respective industry. They are showcased below. The Lloyd J. King Entrepreneurial Spirit Award The prestigious Lloyd J. King Entrepreneurial Spirit Award was established in 1998 in honor of King Sooper’s founder to annually recognize an individual whose traits and character typified an exemplary entrepreneur. This year the award was presented to Luke Heesacker of Arvada Rent-Alls. In 1971, Luke began working for Art and Georgianna Tidwell who first opened Arvada Rent-Alls in 1963. Fifteen years later, Luke, and two junior partners, Dave Erickson and Randy Engstrom, purchased the business from the Tidwells. Today, Arvada RentAlls has grown to 17 employees, and more than half of the business is now devoted to sales and servicing equipment. Luke believes his most challenging times as an entrepreneur have been making the changes necessary to survive the ups and downs of the business world. Selected as one of the “100 People Who Most Influenced Arvada” in its first 100 years, Luke credits his success to the support of his wife, Karen, and his children Andrew and Rachel, who have accommodated the many hours and demands it has taken to grow the business. Arvada Rent-Alls’ customer-friendly atmosphere and Luke’s community spirit have also been key ingredients in the company’s longevity. Luke’s personal interaction with his customers, schools, service groups, etc. has kept the “small town” feel in a business surrounded by a growing community. Arvada RentAlls was named the Arvada Business of the Year twice in its history. Distinguished Service Award Mike Litzau of Sooper Credit Union has worked in credit unions for almost 35 years and became a part of Sooper Credit Union in 2006 when Colorado Central and Sooper Credit Union merged. A committed and involved member of the
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Arvada community, Mike has served in a number of professional and volunteer positions. During his tenure as President of the Arvada Community Food Bank, a long-term lease was negotiated for the former library building and a successful capital campaign completed to make the changes needed to convert the building to a food bank. In 2002, while at Colorado Central Credit Union, Mike spearheaded a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for low to moderate income taxpayers, and has served as a site coordinator and tax preparer since it began nine years ago. In addition, Mike serves as an officer with the Sooper Credit Union’s Community Foundation, an educational and charitable foundation; volunteers with Growing Home which provides homeless prevention services; and is a commissioner on the Westminster Planning Commission. AEDA is fortunate to have Mike as a board member since 1998, serving as past president and vice president of the Association, and remains on the executive board. Community Spirit Award Roy Jackson and his company, Roy Jackson Electric, have been doing business in Arvada for 26 years. Since 1984, this private electrical contracting firm has specialized in commercial and light industrial installations, concentrating on design and build projects. Pride in its staff and top quality workmanship have made Roy Jackson Electric a very successful Arvada business with increasing annual revenues. Roy Jackson has set the example for his company, quietly contributing his personal time and funds to sponsor the Arvada schools backpack program, assist Ralston House, and participate in other positions and charities. Like its namesake, the business also generously contributes to the community by supporting the Arvada Food Bank, the Denver Zoo Walk, and Ronald McDonald House, among others. Outstanding Business Partner of the Year Award The Arvada Chamber of Commerce and AEDA have become close partners working to support business growth in Arvada. The Chamber and AEDA have collaborated on business assistance programs, training opportunities like the successful Leadership Arvada Program, City initiatives, and so much more. The cooperative relationship between the City, AEDA, and the Chamber has been valuable to our business community in attracting new businesses and serving our existing ones.