Golden Chamber Directory 2026 by Colorado Community Media

A SPRINGBOARD FOR GROWTH: HONORING LEADERSHIP

In a community built on connection, growth doesn’t happen by chance—it’s cultivated through steady leadership, shared vision, and a deep commitment to serving others.

For more than six years, Dean Valdez has helped shape that growth as Chair of the Golden Chamber Board. Now in his seventh year of leadership, Dean has been a consistent and guiding presence—helping lead the Chamber through both challenge and transformation, while always keeping its focus on serving the Golden business community.

Under Dean’s leadership, the Chamber has grown stronger and more resilient—enhancing programming, expanding its impact, and building a solid foundation for the future. As one board member shared, “Dean is a connector and convener, and his long-term vision and strategic mindset has helped our Chamber thrive.”

As a business owner of several local restaurants and ventures, Dean brings a practical, rsthand understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a business. But what truly sets his leadership apart is his commitment to people. Whether o ering support during di cult moments or showing up behind the scenes, his care for this community is both genuine and deeply felt. As one board member re ected, “His profound commitment to this city is exactly what de nes his leadership.”

Dean leads with humility, integrity, and a long-term perspective—focused not just on immediate results, but on building something lasting. His impact extends far beyond the Chamber through his involvement in multiple boards and organizations, all rooted in a shared goal: strengthening the Golden community.

His leadership has helped create the conditions for connection, resilience, and growth—serving as a true springboard for businesses and for Golden as a whole.

On behalf of the Golden Chamber and the entire business community, we extend our sincere gratitude for his years of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment. ank you, Dean!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tremendous thanks to our hard-working Golden Chamber Board of Directors for their leadership during our 106th Year!

Michael Curry Supervisor Market Development, Mountain Region, CommonSpirit Health

John Graham Principal, Golden High School

Michael Nuss President, Coors Distributing Company

Jason Slowinski Associate VP of Infrastructure & Operations, Colorado School of Mines

Tracie Wilcox President & CEO, On Tap Credit Union

Andy Yates Principal, Stone Strategy & Design

Joe DelNero Videographer, National Laboratory of the Rockies SECRETARY

Dean Valdez Owner of Old Capitol Grill, Miners Saloon, Bella Colibri, The Brick Room, and Ace Liquors

CHAIRMAN

Heather Schneider Community Relations Manager, The Golden Hotel

Gerald Devitt Golden Welcome Center Representative

Mike Herman President, Golden Wealth Solutions

Your Springboard for Growth

Success in Golden is measured by more than the bottom line; it’s about the legacy we build between the mesas Being a member of the Golden Chamber of Commerce allows you to be an integral part in contributing to this thriving community. Join a network of business leaders and neighbors dedicated to keeping Golden vibrant, resilient, and connected

Success in Golden is measured by more than the bottom line; it’s about the legacy we build between the mesas. Being a member of the Golden Chamber of Commerce allows you to be an integral part in contributing to this thriving community Join a network of business leaders and neighbors dedicated to keeping Golden vibrant, resilient, and connected.

Network

experts.

workshops

Monthly workshops provide education presented by local experts. Our annual Business Summit is a curated opportunity for deeper learning.

The VIBE@Five is Golden's business happy hour and a great way to build relationships. Our industry groups provide space for enhanced connection.

When communities are strong, we all win. We provide events to strengthen Golden and connect our members to the town they call home.

Belong

From our website to our printed directory, from social media to sponsorships, we work to make sure Golden knows who our members are.

Be a part of a something bigger. Businesses in the Chamber support a mission that allow all businesses in Golden to thrive.

Credibility

Voice

Chamber members are recognized as community builders. Consumers are more likely to do business with chamber members. We listen to the issues, advocating for businesses at the local and state level to remove barriers so you can focus on your business.

Chamber members are recognized as community builders. Consumers are more likely to do business with chamber members.

We want to see our member businesses succeed. We provide connections and resources for growth and opportunity.

We listen to the issues, advocating for businesses at the local and state level to remove barriers so you can focus on your business.

We want to see our member businesses succeed. We provide connections and resources for growth and opportunity.

I n 2 0 2 5 , w e h o s t e d 3 0 r i b b o n c u t t i n g e v e n t s i n c l u d i n g

g r a n d o p e n i n g s , n e w l o c a t i o n s a n d

a n n i v e r s a r y m i l e s t o n e s , s h o w c a s i n g b u s i n e s s g r o w t h

a n d i n v e s t m e n t i n t h e G o l d e n c o m m u n i t y

FROM THE SEED OF AN IDEA –GROWING YOUR BUSINESS IN GOLDEN

Golden is made up of thousands of businesses and organizations that contribute to our healthy ecosystem of commerce. From retail and hospitality to manufacturing and education—from solopreneurs to multinational headquarters... every business in Golden has a place in the community because every business has a stake in helping Golden thrive. There are so many resources in and around Golden to help your business grow:

STARTING A BUSINESS?

• In Golden: From licensing to taxes, all the information and resources you need on the city level can be found at b2b.cityofgolden.net

• Jefferson County: The Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (JeffcoEDC) has an online resource hub for businesses located in Jefferson County. Visit their Biz Hub website at: https://bizhub.jeffcoedc.org/

• Greater Metro Area: The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Colorado has a wide range of programs, trainings and business advisory services, all at low-or-no cost. The Denver Metro SBDC hosts a satellite oﬃce in Denver West. Appointments are recommended: sbdc. colorado.gov/locations/denver

• State of Colorado: The Secretary of State is the oﬃcial resource page for the State of Colorado. Their tool, MyBizColorado – mybiz.colorado.gov – is the fastest way to register and manage a business.

READY TO HIRE?

Workforce Colorado provides resources to create successful connections between job seekers and employers. Learn more at jeﬀco.us/4858/Workforce-Colorado.

SEEKING B2B CONNECTIONAND SUPPORT?

The Golden Chamber of Commerce strives to connect businesses in our community with resources that drive success. From monthly networking opportunities and educational seminars, our annual Business Summit, and behind the scenes support, we invite you to connect with us at an event. Find our calendar at www.GoldenChamber.org

• The Jefferson County Public Library offers a service that is open to businesses called “Book a Librarian”. With this service you can request personalized assistance from a librarian for research, data access, etc. Learn more at: jeffcolibrary.org

• Jeﬀco BdB has a wealth of local business data to help you make educated decisions about your path forward. Head to jeﬀcobdb.com

GOLDEN CHAMBER AMBASSADORS: CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

The Golden Chamber Ambassadors are highly engaged volunteers who are the face of our Chamber. By dedicating their time and expertise, they help turn a membership into a partnership. Ambassadors are the ﬁrst to welcome new people and connect members to resources and opportunities to engage with the community.

Joining the Ambassadors means positioning yourself at the center of Golden’s business activity. Ambassadors act as champions for our mission and a catalyst for others’ growth. They represent the Chamber at our most high-proﬁle events, including ribbon cuttings and the

V.I.B.E.@Five, our signature monthly networking event. Our Ambassador team also spearheads initiatives, like starting our ﬁrst industry-exclusive lead group and other enhanced networking opportunities.

Being an Ambassador isn’t just about service; it’s about access. It is a premier opportunity to strengthen your own professional relationships, gain early insights into Chamber happenings, and tap into a wealth of resources. We invite all Chamber members to join this elite group of advocates.

Come help us make a meaningful impact and have fun building the connections that drive Golden forward!

2026 AMBASSADOR TEAM:

• Wendy ArmstrongGolden Bodyworker (Chair)

• Mike CaturaGolden & Foothills Living

• Michael DenisonMaestro Associates

• Leah DenzelRocky Mountain Beneﬁts

• Brent Duncan360 Painting

• Valerie GomezAlphaGraphics

• Marcus HarrisArnold Insurance

• Michael HermanGolden Wealth Solutions

• Sara Jehn7272 Architecture

• Judd RobertsonMighty Pine Heating & Air

• Shane SmithFoothills Accountants

• Jonathan ThomasRealtor + Broker, eXp Realty

• Mike Treiser - Team Logic IT Denver West

• Bob Varnum - SMART Property Management

is nurtured over time through investment in people, knowledge, and opportunity. Educational experiences like the Golden Business Summit create space for exactly that kind of growth:

“The overarching takeaway [from the Business Summit] was to consider how I might progress my current business systems to ﬁt where my business is today. It is easy to fall into a routine of sticking to the things that have been working and to avoid implementing new tools that could help advance your business, even if those tools are currently outside of your comfort zone.”

– Tara Loveland, Revitalize Athletics.

Remove the weeds.

Farmers remove weeds so that their crops can thrive. In the same way, the Golden Chamber works behind the scenes through advocacy eﬀorts to help clear the path for our business community.

Obstacles are inevitable, but they don’t have to deﬁne the outcome. Strong communities work together to identify barriers, advocate for solutions, and create pathways for businesses to succeed. Sometimes growth is less about adding more, and more about clearing the way.

Remember that there will be good seasons and bad seasons.

Just as farmers must be agile and adaptable to the changes they can’t control, so too must a business. There

106 YEARS

"Growth

is being willing to step into the unknown with courage and curiosity—even before you feel ready. It’s taking risks, trusting you’ll ﬁgure things out along the way, and having the humility to ask for help. My most signiﬁcant growth has been slightly uncomfortable, incredibly exciting, and very collaborative."

– Marina Buswell Golden Counseling Center

will be times of abundance and times of uncertainty. What matters most is being prepared, staying adaptable, and knowing there is a community around you ready to support you through it all.

Opportunities like our virtual Wednesday Workshops provide timely insights and tools to help businesses continue evolving—no matter the season they’re in.

Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s cultivated— through relationships, shared experiences, and a community that shows up for one another in every season.

That’s what makes Golden so special. Here, businesses don’t just operate side by side—they support one another, collaborate, and grow together.

One connection can spark an idea. One conversation can open a door. One opportunity can change the trajectory of a business. And when that happens, the impact extends far beyond any single organization. It strengthens our workforce, enriches our local economy, and contributes to the vibrancy that makes Golden such an exceptional place to live, work, and do business.

At the Golden Chamber, we are proud to play a role in cultivating those connections—to create conditions where businesses can take root, grow, and thrive. Because when businesses grow, our entire community ﬂourishes with them.

Together, we continue to complete that Golden circle— creating a foundation for success, a platform for support, and a true springboard for growth.

www.gbs-golden.com

303-279-5541 x237 lynettea@milehighnews.com

Growth to me means becoming a better version of myself while helping others and my community grow alongside me. – Charlie Gruber, Charlie Gruber Realty

COLORADANS TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER

We loved Colorado before Colorado was even a state. Our water, our employees and our beer are all born in the Rockies. But the thing we love most about Colorado is the community, which is why we’ll always take care of you.

ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS PRESENTED BY THE GOLDEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Golden Chamber of Commerce coordinates and supports many cherished community events in Golden. Please join us in 2026 for the following community events hosted by the Golden Chamber:

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Every Saturday, May 30 – October 3, 8am – 1pm 10th and Illinois Streets, near the Golden Library and the tennis courts NEW! Wednesday afternoon market, June 10 - July 29, 3pm - 6pm Golden High School Parking Lot, 701 24th Street, Golden

Presented by the Golden Chamber of Commerce

Golden Farmers Market

May 31 - October 4

Saturdays, 8am - 1pm

The Golden Farmers Market is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Our market provides an opportunity for start ups and microbusinesses to grow while also providing a community space, healthy produce and food products, crafts and artisanal products, and is the perfect backdrop to a summer day in Golden. The market is also dedicated to supporting all individuals and families, regardless of income, by welcoming SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks.

Join us all summer long at the Golden Farmers Market! To stay up to date, follow the Golden Farmers Market on Facebook and Instagram. Find parking information, volunteer opportunities and more on our website: goldenfarmersmarket.org

decades, Golden Fine Arts Festival is a prestigious juried art show located in the heart of historic downtown Golden. The festival features artists in the categories of 2D art, ceramics, photography, sculpture, mixed media, www.GoldenFineArtsFestival.org

36th Annual Golden Fine Arts Festival

Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th , 10am – 5pm each day

Held in Parfet Park: 719 10th Street, Golden

A Golden icon for over three decades, Golden Fine Arts Festival is a prestigious juried art show located in the heart of historic downtown Golden. The festival features just over 100 artists in the categories of 2D art, ceramics, ﬁber arts, glass, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and jewelry. The Golden Fine Arts Festival brings thousands of people to Golden to experience high quality art and to tour the area. It is a destination event that highlights the businesses and beauty of Golden. Learn more by visiting the website or following the Golden Fine Arts Festival on Facebook. goldenﬁneartsfestival.org

Olde Golden Holidays

Presented alongside the City of Golden and Visit Golden Signature activities throughout the month of December

Olde Golden Holidays oﬀers some of the area’s favorite traditions, both new and old, such as the Candlelight Walk, Olde Golden Holiday Parade, and Jingle on the Avenue. Each event is designed to bring our community together and to partner with businesses for shopping, dining, and showcasing how they support Golden all year round. visitgolden.com/ olde-golden-christmas

PERSONAL GROWTH THROUGH VOLUNTEERING!

The Golden community relies on hundreds of dedicated volunteers for support in so many facets, including recycling, the library, public safety, and beautiﬁcation. The Golden Chamber of Commerce is deeply appreciative for its large team of volunteers who tirelessly help run our events and connect our businesses to the community throughout the year. We are always seeking community members to support our events, which include the Golden Farmers Market, Golden Fine Arts Festival, and Olde Golden Holidays. Please reach out to our Events Specialist jodi@goldenchamber.org with questions or to sign up to volunteer with us!

Why Volunteer?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Volunteering Fact:

—Margaret Mead

Thank you to our Volunteer Support Sponsor, Coors, for the bright volunteer shirts!

Growth means providing affordable, amazing fine art to the Golden community and our visitors, it means providing income for talented, awardwinning artists, and supporting emerging artists through scholarships, a place to practice, and community sponsorship.

– Phil Skrzekut Western Art Gallery

GUIDING GROWTH FOR YOUTH THROUGH OUR SCHOOLS!

The entire Golden community is invested in the success of our schools, from pre-K through our graduate levels of study. Golden businesses rely on schools in a variety of ways, including volunteering, ﬁnancial support, workforce liaisons, and hometown spirit. Each school has a unique personality and special programs to fulﬁll needs across the city.

HIGHLIGHTING GROWTH OF RRCC

“Red Rocks Community College adopted a new vision: Transforming lives and strengthening communities. Our work is accomplished by providing experiences and career-relevant education that empowers all learners to thrive.

Career-relevant education means we must work with employers, including those right here in Golden, to ensure that our programs and curriculum lead to in-demand career options. For example, in our work with CoorsTek, we are co-developing programs in advanced manufacturing that benefit their employees and our students. We educate first responders throughout Jefferson County and the region with our fire science program, police academy and paramedics program. In the cybersecurity field, we are helping software engineers displaced by AI to retool in cyber and data security with one of our new bachelor’s degree programs. As your business needs change and the skills you’re looking for in employees do too, Red Rocks Community College is here to help train your employees today and tomorrow. Education is how we grow and strengthen Golden’s community.”

HERE IS A LIST OF GOLDEN AREA SCHOOLS:

Elementary Schools:

Fairmount Elementary

Kyﬃn Elementary

Maple Grove Elementary

Mitchell Elementary

Ralston Elementary

Shelton Elementary

Welchester Elementary

Middle School:

Bell Middle School

High School:

Golden High School

Charter Schools:

Compass Montessori

Golden

Free Horizon Montessori

Golden View

Classical Academy

Jeﬀerson Academy

Coal Creek Canyon

The Manning School

Technical Education:

Warren Tech

Colleges and Universities:

Colorado School of Mines

Red Rocks Community College

2026 GOLDEN BUSINESS SUMMIT

When: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 Where: Mount Vernon Canyon Club, Golden, CO Registration Open Fall 2026: Visit GoldenChamber.org to learn more

In a rapidly changing economic landscape, the diﬀerence between a business that survives and one that thrives often comes down to two things: connection and grit. This year, the Golden Chamber of Commerce invites the local business community to step away from the daily grind into a space designed for strategic growth at the 2026 Golden Business Summit.

More Than a Meeting: A Launching Pad

We believe that resilience isn’t just about “bouncing back” to how things used to be; it’s about using uncertainty as a catalyst for innovation. Attendees will walk away with the high-level data, modern tools, and professional development needed to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s “next big move.”

The Power of Connection

No business is an island. The Summit acts as the region’s premier convener, bringing together over 100 diverse leaders, executives and innovators in our economy. It is a unique opportunity to cross-pollinate ideas with the person running the business next door, proving that while individual grit gets you through the day, our collective grit builds a legacy for Golden.

Your Champion in the Room

As your champion, the Golden Chamber has curated a lineup of speakers and workshops speciﬁcally tailored to the unique needs of our business community. Whether we are discussing navigating the “messy middle” of a shifting market or controlling the controllables in your operation, the Business Summit is designed to defend your time by delivering actionable value.

Join Us November 4th

Open to everyone, we invite you to join us for a day of inspiration, actionable strategy, and high-level networking. Your partnership with the Chamber is a strategic choice to invest in yourself, your business, and your community. Join us at the Golden Business Summit for a day of education & engagement to elevate your business!

GOLDEN YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (GYP)

GYP is a program of the Golden Chamber of Commerce, giving a speciﬁc voice to the young business-minded people of our community. Any Golden Chamber member can sponsor employees to join this active, civic-minded and fun group— or you can join on your own as a young businessperson to network, market, and gain professional development.

Sara Jehn 7272 Architecture, LLC

Cole Nudel

A1 Water Damage Restorations

Mark Ahern AMP Business Valuations

Mackenzie Rodriguez Applewood Golf Course & The Vista Event Venue

Marcus Harris

Arnold Insurance

Katrina Kowalski Branding Design Co.

Nicholas Wanninger

CCS Roo ng

Kelsie Turner

Colorado Mountain Club

David Gale Comcast

Matthew Gelwick Comparion Insurance

Robert Stroud Credit Union of the Rockies

Colton Sheen

DD Rockwell, Realtor, SRS

Michael Lovich

Delta S Performance

Haven Corsey DT Construct

Bryan Quigley FirstBank

Lucas Capps Fix-It 24/7

Violina Mitovska Golden Civic Foundation

Marina Buswell Golden Counseling Center

Jeri Walsh Golden Laser Aesthetics

Hunter Wycko Golden Legacy Advisors

Erin Miller Golden Pantry & Thrift

Naomi Bennett Golden Wealth Solutions, Inc.

Brian Koenig GroWorks

Jordan Cunningham GYP

Katie Ernest GYP

Keishly Torres GYP

Adam Schwartz GYP

Joe Robbins GYP

Kara Kettelkamp GYP

Greg Caul eld GYP

Reilly Seeley GYP

Dr. Liliana Gates

Hampton Inn and Suites Wheat Ridge

Dr. Melissa Lutz Humble House

Martin Du y Huntington Bank

Anthony Tortorelli

Kinrest Property Restoration

Brandon Smith LaunchUX

Andres Estrella Mirai Tax

Sam Wright Mockingbird Law Group

Josh Thoemke Connects Workspace

Nate Sylvan

Nate Sylvan Residential/ Commercial Realtor

Jacob Franciscus

National Laboratory of the Rockies

Marshall Moore On Tap Credit Union

Matthew Menichino On Tap Credit Union

Andrew Koester On The Rockies

Bartending

Tara Loveland

Revitalize AthleticsPhysical Therapy

Ryan Patterson Ride Wealth Partners

Zach Heggen SUPERGANIX CBD

Stevin Bocchini The Down Low

Nicole Simmons The Eddy Taproom & Hotel

David Brill

The Golden Mill

Jessica Wycko Tower Ten Media

Hunter

GTHANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE PROVIDED LEADERSHIP TO GYP THIS PAST YEAR

olden has always been a community built on connection — where people invest not only in their businesses and careers, but in each other. Golden Young Professionals exists to help carry that tradition forward by creating a space where the next generation of leaders can grow, collaborate, and contribute in meaningful ways.

This program continues to be grounded in three core pillars: community impact, professional growth, and social connection. Some members join to expand their professional network, others to give back through local initiatives, and many simply to ﬁnd a sense of belonging in a community they’re proud to call home. Each of those reasons matters, and together they create the momentum that drives GYP forward.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on building stronger partnerships, creating more intentional programming, and ensuring that young professionals have a clear voice in shaping Golden’s future.

It’s been an honor to serve as the Chair for Golden Young Professionals and to be part of a community that continues to show up, invest in one another, and lead with purpose.

— Hunter Wyckoﬀ, Chair, Golden Young Professionals

Wyckoﬀ , Jordan Cunningham, Katie Ernest Erin Miller, Marshall Moore

TOGETHER - WE CAN CREATE CHANGE

At the Golden Chamber of Commerce, we believe in supporting our businesses through advocacy eﬀorts and making sure that the needs of our business community are heard. Our vision is to be a Champion, a Catalyst, and a Convener for business in Golden. Our business advocacy work can be seen on local, countywide, and statewide levels.

LOCAL: BEING A VOICE FOR BUSINESS

The Golden Chamber is focused on the economic and civic interests of the community and serving as a connection between city management, city council, and the business community. We do that by writing letters of support or speaking to City Council on behalf of an issue that aﬀects multiple businesses and by participating in local Golden initiatives, to provide a unique perspective on how local decisions can impact the business community.

COUNTYWIDE: ENERGY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND FOOD SECURITY

The Golden Chamber is actively involved in many county-wide initiatives that impact our community’s ability to have a strong and vibrant workforce with access to basic needs. We serve as representatives that advocate for the needs of businesses and residents in Jeﬀerson County and work to be a part of the solution. From reliable energy to food insecurity, from workforce development to economic vitality, we make sure to have a seat at the table for important conversations that impact those living and working in Golden.

STATEWIDE: COLORADO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & COLORADO COMPETITIVE COUNCIL (C3)

The Golden Chamber participates as a member of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, the Colorado Chamber Alliance, and the Colorado Competitive Council. Through these organizations, we are made aware of and participate in monitoring and weighing in on legislation that can impact Colorado’s business climate.

REGIONAL: KNOWING THE ISSUES

Additionally, the Golden Chamber of Commerce is a member of the Western Association of Chamber Executives and networks with other Chamber across the western United States to understand issues that impact our entire region.

To learn more about our advocacy eﬀorts, go to: goldenchamber.org/advocacy

MEMBER DIRECTORY

A 115-year-old family enterprise, CoorsTek has deep roots in Golden. In 2026, we'll strengthen these roots with our new headquarters—continuing the Coors legacy where it began. For over a century, we've supported essential industries by developing innovative materials and technologies to address global challenges. Our commitment to this region remains unwavering as we write the next chapter of our story in the place we've always called home.