Business and Arts Awards

utstanding community partnerships between business and the arts were honored today at the first annual Business and Arts Luncheon at the Antlers Hilton Hotel. Winners of three awards were announced for 2008.

For Philanthropy GE Johnson Construction was named for their contribution of numerous projects throughout the city, including work on the Fine Arts Center and Art in the Street. The Creative Workspace award went to The Promenade Shops at Briargate for their commitment to art in their environment.

Two companies won the award for Business and Arts Partnership. Bristol Brewing Company and The Citadel Mall were both chosen for their extensive work supporting arts organizations and non-profit of all kinds.

The Luncheon was co-presented by the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and COPPeR, The Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region.

Other nominees honored include A Music Company Inc., Gallery Two-Ten Ltd, Kaiser Permanente, Norwood Development Group, Ruby’s Diner, The Boeing Company, and US Bank.

In addition to the awards, the Business & Arts Luncheon featured performances by local arts groups including Ahora Dance Company, Theatre d'Art, Grass It Up, Poet Laureate Aaron Anstett, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, Colorado Springs Conservatory and Manitou Art Theatre. The arts build workforce creativity, economic development, business prosperity and community enrichment.

Thanks to The Gazette, Cukjati Design, AARP, Broadway in Colorado Springs and Bee Vradenburg Foundation for their sponsorship of this exciting event.

Business & Arts Awards