November 8, 2018

Vance Brown Honored as Business Citizen the Year, The Broadmoor awarded Company of the Year

Trailblazers, trend setters, and cutting-edge companies gathered together at the business party of the year to celebrate and recognize Colorado Springs businesses and some of the region’s best years of economic growth at the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Annual Gala Saturday, Nov. 3 at The Broadmoor International Center.

Vance Brown, CEO of the National Cybersecurity Center and chairman and co-founder of Cherwell Software, was honored as the 2018 Business Citizen of the Year for his contributions to the economic growth and prosperity of the Colorado Springs area, active civic participation, and commitment to business and community initiatives.

“Vance is dynamic leader who cares deeply for Colorado Springs, and his contributions and commitment to our community have made a significant and positive difference in our business and entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Dirk Draper, president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC.

Notably, Brown raised $222 million for Cherwell, the largest venture capital investment in Colorado Springs’ history.

“Cherwell and the National Cybersecurity Center can operate anywhere in the world, but Vance’s belief in Colorado Springs has kept them here, along with its ever-growing number of high-quality employees – all of which provides invaluable career and wealth generating opportunities for our citizens,” said Steve Schuck, president & CEO of Schuck Communities.

Prior to Cherwell, Brown was president and CEO of GoldMine Software. He co-founded The Classical Academy, the largest K-12 public charter school in Colorado, and most recently co-founded Exponential Impact, a Colorado Springs nonprofit technology accelerator. He volunteers with multiple charitable organizations and is an Honorary Commander for the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Three businesses were recognized for excellence at the 2018 Chamber & EDC Gala.

From left to right: Dirk Draper (president & CEO, Chamber & EDC); Jack Damioli (president & CEO, The Broadmoor); Dan Malinaric (vice president of Fab 5 operations, Microchip Technology, and 2018 Chamber & EDC Board of Directors chair); and Jacob Pruitt (vice president and general manager, T Rowe Price Colorado Springs operations, and 2018 Chamber & EDC Board of Directors chair elect)

Company of the Year: The Broadmoor
Opening its doors in 1918, The Broadmoor established itself as a community icon that has grown and shaped the face of the community, constantly working to attract new guests and capitalize on tourism, sports, and dining experiences. Known as the “Grand Dame of the Rockies,” The Broadmoor has hosted presidents, celebrities, and foreign dignitaries while remaining a favorite spot for locals. For 100 years, The Broadmoor has played a valuable role in placing Colorado Springs on the map internationally, while working together with local leaders to create valuable community partnerships.

From left to right: Draper; Dustin Sapp (COO, Formstack); Chris Byers (CEO, Formstack); Malinaric; and Pruitt

New Business of the Year: Formstack
Like many startups, Formstack began with one person trying to provide a simple solution. Today, it offers data management solutions that help users in 112 countries collect information through various types of online forms, automated workflows, seamless data routing, and cross-platform connectivity. Formstack chose downtown Colorado Springs for its new location at a time of sustained growth for the company – which includes plans to add 55 new jobs. Its move to Colorado Springs was one of many significant milestones in recent months. In 2018 it was recognized for the fifth year in a row as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. on the Inc. 5000 list.

Community Investment of the Year: SAP America
In 2016, international software giant SAP America, Inc. chose Colorado Springs as the location for two new enterprise data centers. Since then, SAP America, Inc. has invested nearly $129 million to develop its two locations.

Military Affairs Award for Excellence
The Military Affairs Award of Excellence was presented to COL Denny Cripps, U.S. Army, Retired. Cripps, a graduate from Western Michigan University, served in many roles across the globe and ultimately ended up at Fort Carson where he commanded an Aviation Brigade and served as Division Chief of Staff and Division Deputy Commander for Support before retiring as colonel in 1998. He has served on a variety of nonprofit boards, including chairman of the Chamber & EDC’s Military Affairs Council.

A reception was also held that evening to honor businesses celebrating membership milestones. Thank you to the following companies for your dedication to our business community and your membership with the Chamber & EDC:

10 Years

  • ASRC Federal
  • Braxton Technologies, LLC
  • Conspire!
  • Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region
  • HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Holladay Grace Roofing, Inc.
  • KWHS-TV 6/51
  • McCallie Associates, Inc.
  • McNew & Associates
  • Merrick & Company
  • Oakwood Homes, LLC
  • Porsche of Colorado Springs
  • Springs Mountain Water
  • Sullivan & Associates, Ltd.
  • UCHealth Urgent Care – East/Powers
  • WaterStone
  • Wells & West General Contractors, Inc.

25 Years

  • Air Academy Associates
  • Aramark Pikes Peak
  • Center for Nonprofit Excellence
  • Central Colorado Management Co.
  • Colorado Springs Airport
  • Colorado Springs Fire Department
  • Edward Jones Investments
  • Keaton Publication Group LLC
  • Kraemer Kendall Rupp Deen Neville, LLC
  • More Than Your Money, Inc.
  • Peace of Mind Financial Planning, Inc.
  • Pinnacol Assurance
  • Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber
  • The Harloff Co., Inc.
  • UCCS School of Public Affairs

50 Years

  • GE Johnson

75 Years

  • Perkins Motors
  • Platte Floral