We Fortify and Ent Credit Union Earn Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Business Awards

The Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation (Chamber & EDC) recognized We Fortify and Ent Credit Union with the 2024 Business Awards during its Annual Gala on Saturday.

We Fortify was presented with the Community Investment of the Year Award and Ent Credit Union received the Company of the Year Award at An Evening in Paris Gala presented by Gold Hill Mesa. The outdoor black-tie event was held in downtown Colorado Springs steps away from Centennial Hall and attended by 430 people.

 “We Fortify and Ent Credit Union are great community pillars. These two businesses are invested in the Pikes Peak region, supporting livelihoods. We are pleased with the work done by each of them, building affordable housing, supporting youth programs, and creating jobs in Colorado Springs,” said Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC.

The awards recognize businesses that have made significant investments in the community and are involved in the betterment of the community by dedicating time and resources to support community initiatives and projects, among other factors.

Founded by Shelley Jensen, We Fortify provides tiny houses for young people through its Elevate Villages program. In addition to housing, the program equips participants with life skills training, job placement services, and trauma-response therapies.

The non-profit also has a Noble Villages program, which provides affordable housing for professionals such as teachers, police, nurses, and firefighters, priced out by expensive mortgages and interest rates.

Shelley Jensen, CEO of We Fortify stands on stage with Award. Pictured with Tim Seibert, Chair of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Board of Directors, Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO of Chamber & EDC and Jennifer Oliverio, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.

To help attract new teachers to Colorado Springs, We Fortify partnered with Harrison School District 2 (D2) to build a $6 million apartment community with affordable rents. Named Wendy’s Village, the project aims to build 40 apartments at the Mountain Vista Community School.

The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC awarded Ent Credit Union with the Company of the Year Award for its long history of supporting Colorado Springs. For more than 65 years, Ent has given back to the Pikes Peak region. In February, Ent announced $200,000 in statewide Youth Endowment Series (YES) grants for non-profits that help improve the lives of young people. The Youth Endowment Series has awarded more than $1.6 million to Colorado Springs non-profits since its inception in 2000.

Ent Credit Union is an advocate of mental health initiatives in Colorado Springs. Ent has supported mental health programs at Children’s Hospital Colorado since 2019, donating nearly $2 million to the hospital. In 2022, Ent established a Community Advocate Award in response to the tragic event at Club Q. The Award recognizes people dedicated to positive change. Ent awarded Richard Fierro, an Army Veteran, and Thomas James, a Navy petty officer, with the first-ever Community Advocate Award for their bravery in disarming and subduing the shooter and saving lives in the process.

Recognized as Colorado’s largest credit union, Ent has grown tremendously expanding its services in the state. This growth led to the opening of its new headquarters in Colorado Springs, creating more jobs for the community.

Ent’s efforts reflect its dedication to making a difference in Colorado Springs, and beyond.