Mayor John Suthers and Janet Suthers recognized as Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC’s Business Citizens of the Year

Mayor John Suthers and Janet Suthers were recognized as the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC’s 2022 Business Citizens of the Year at the organization’s annual GALA, presented by US Bank.

The award recognizes business individuals who contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the Colorado Springs area, are involved in the betterment of the community through active civic participation and demonstrate a willingness to assist in business and community projects, among other factors.

“Mayor John Suthers and Janet Suthers have made an enormous impact in Colorado Springs, creating a foundation for our community to thrive. Under Mayor Suthers’ leadership, our community has experienced great economic development success, adding nearly 50,000 jobs, investment in infrastructure, and an emphasis in public safety to ensure our future is safe and strong. When my husband and I relocated to this community almost a year ago, I knew there was something special about Olympic City USA – our new home is truly a City for Champions to live, work, and play. Much of that thanks goes to Janet and the Mayor,” said Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, president & CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC.

In 2015, John Suthers became the 41st mayor of Colorado Springs. As mayor, he has sparked historic infrastructure improvements to the city’s roads and stormwater system, vastly improved relations between the executive and legislative branches of government, and has overseen a renaissance of both the Colorado Springs Airport and Downtown Colorado Springs. He has also overseen the finalization of five City for Champions projects, including the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum; Weidner Field; Robson Arena; the Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center; and a new and soon-to-be-completed U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor Center. These projects are driving millions of dollars in economic impact and tourism to the community. He and his wife, Janet Suthers, launched and continue to support a successful branding campaign that reflects the city’s vibrant and unique relationship with Olympic sport. This has resulted in Colorado Springs being known as “Olympic City USA.” Janet has raised close to a million dollars for the effort, also helping to make soccer free for thousands of children through the City’s Sports Office. Before being elected Mayor, Suthers served as Attorney General of Colorado from 2005-2015. In 2001, he was named United States Attorney for Colorado by President George W. Bush and was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He also served as executive director of the Colorado Department of Corrections; district attorney of the 4th Judicial District, which includes El Paso and Teller counties; deputy district attorney in Colorado Springs; and he spent 10 years at the law firm of Sparks, Dix and Enoch. Janet spent her career working for Hewlett Packard in Colorado Springs and has served on several boards and commissions, including as co-chair of the Olympic City USA taskforce and chair of the Colorado Springs Leadership Institute. Both John and Janet were raised in Colorado Springs. Together, they have two accomplished daughters and two grandchildren.

The Chamber & EDC also presented their Excellence in Industry Awards to three businesses at the annual GALA:

• Company of the Year – Bluestaq

Last year, Bluestaq won a $280 million contract from Space Force to develop a database of objects in space, followed by a major investment from The O’Neil Group, furthering their growth and success as a leader in their industry. Earlier this year, Bluestaq was awarded $5.6 million in job growth incentive tax credits from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, to expand with 585 highly skilled jobs.

• New & Growing Business of the Year – Beauty Bar

Beauty Bar has grown to two locations in Colorado Springs and offers a space for clients to network and cross-promote businesses while utilizing salon services. Uyen Le, owner of Beauty Bar, was recently featured on Nerdwallet’s national podcast called Nerdy Business, where she gave advice on growing a brick-and-mortar business. 

• Community Investment of the Year – Solid Rock Community Development Corporation

Solid Rock Community Development Corporation is transforming and revitalizing Southeast Colorado Springs. They are investing in housing, small businesses, infrastructure, and working to resolve barriers to food access. Earlier this year, they broke ground on the four-story, 77-unit Village at Solid Rock, creating more housing solutions for our community.

Nearly 800 community and business leaders celebrated this year’s recipients at the Chamber & EDC’s annual GALA, held Saturday, Oct. 29 at The Broadmoor. Sponsors included Presenting Sponsor: U.S. Bank; Supporting Sponsors: Colorado Springs Airport, Norwood Development Group; Associate Sponsors: Amazon, Bluestaq LLC, Centura Health, Davidson Technologies, Inc., Garden of the Gods Resort & Club, GE Johnson Construction Co., Inc., Goodwill of Colorado, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, The Gazette; Contributing Sponsors: ADD STAFF, Inc., AT&T Colorado, Barrett Business Services Incorporated (BBSI), Beauty Bar Inc, Colorado College, Comcast, El Paso County, El Pomar Foundation, Gold Hill Mesa, Kaiser Permanente, Murray Security Services, Olive Real Estate Group, Inc., Pennica Financial Group, LLC, Pikes Peak Association of Realtors, Inc., Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center, Southwest Airlines, Stockman Kast Ryan + Co, The Broadmoor, UCHealth Southern Colorado Region.