Happy New Year everyone! I hope all of your holidays were full of peace.
This is the time of year when we are inundated with newsletters, internal memos, and reports that review the year past and heartily talk-up a hopeful future for the coming year. This letter will not be any different; however, it may be more appropriate and prophetic than any year in our recent past.
During this New Year’s celebrations the repetitive theme seemed to be, “good riddance to 2009!” I can’t recall ever having heard such a negative sentiment like this vocalized so strongly about a passing year. One of our members even commented on the downtown celebratory fireworks, saying their intent was to “blow up 2009” at midnight on New Years Eve. Although, on the other hand, I have never heard so much genuine hope and certainty that 2010 will be better.
Now, this is the part of the newsletter in which I review the past year: Although it may have been tough for many of us, our friends, or our families either financially and/or economically, I am proud to say that our members once again pulled through for the community we serve. As you know, this year’s golf tournament exceeded expectations by raising well over $11,000 for local charities serving the Commerce City community. The proceeds are not yet finalized from the Holiday Extravaganza but early indications point to another fund raising record this year!
Speaking of fundraising, I would like to put in a plug for The Inn at Buena Vista. They donated an overnight stay at their bed and breakfast to be given away at our charity golf tournament and I happened to be the fortunate person who won it! Cathy and I just got back yesterday and it was a wonderful relaxing weekend. Thanks Sandy and Warren for your gift to the charities of Commerce City and a great weekend for us.
Aside from our charitable endeavors in 2009, some of our other accomplishments in 2008 include the highly successful launch of the 288Network, a monthly after hours networking group that is a joint endeavor between CCBPA and the Derby Business Association. Anyone is invited to attend the 288 events – whether or not you work, live or play in Commerce City, or belong to CCBPA or DBA. It’s a fun and successful way for us to meet others and gather leads from all over.
In 2009 we also grew a diverse, active, and dedicated membership base that crosses both the political and business-type spectrum, and whose joint goal is to make a difference in our community and businesses.
According to the positive feedback we’ve received, we had some other wins: We hosted some fantastic speakers this year! Diverse, educational, fun, and informative, not a meeting went by without at least 4 of our members following a speaker out the door to exchange business cards and ask more questions. Thanks again to all of our guests for sharing their passion, information and expertise with us.
Another success was the Candidate’s Forum we hosted at Werth Manor Event Center for the Commerce City elections. The forum gave voters the opportunity to meet all of the candidates and see how they spontaneously responded to pertinent questions regarding the future direction and governance of our city.
We rounded of the year with our annual Silent Auction and holiday events. Maria Carbajal led the Holiday Committee and presented an incredible banquet, while Santa and Mrs. Claus were once again the hit of the day for Commerce City children. Thanks again to Lois Kimmes for her continued dedication to the success of this event, and also to the South Adams County Women’s Auxiliary for their loving support and time volunteered (over 1,000 cookies baked!).
And now a look forward to 2010: The Board will continue it’s dedication to finding ways to bring you greater membership value and continued community support. Remember that this is YOUR organization – your input in shaping the future growth of the association is invaluable! Be sure to share your ideas, suggestions, and passion with us so we can continue impacting positive growth and change while staying true to our association’s mission. Remember, we are always looking for dynamic, informative speakers! Please email info@ccbpa.org if you have any ideas or would like to suggest someone in particular.
Speaking of participation, now is annual dues renewal time! Click here to renew your membership via PayPal, or send your check to CCBPA, PO Box 303, Commerce City, CO 80037. We’ve streamlined the renewal process this year, so if you are a renewing member there is no need to resubmit your application. Payment options are $150 for the year, or you may make a pro-rated payment of $75 for January –June.
Last but not least, I would like to thank Lisa Riggi (Riggi Oil) for her time as a director for the past two years. Lisa is a very passionate, dedicated member of our community and we were lucky to have her serve on the board. Her insight was invaluable and will be missed (don’t scoff Lisa - I mean it). And now please join me in welcoming Brenda Mares (Alliant Credit Union) to the board as our newly elected director. Last year Brenda was a member of the Growth Committee, attended over half of the year’s board meetings, referred numerous guest speakers, and dedicated many hours of her time and efforts as an event and committee volunteer. We look forward to serving with her on the board!
Happy and Prosperous New Year,
Jimmy
