January/February 2019
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Serving the east-metro area including: THE CHAMBER Aurora Bennett Centennial Stapleton Denver JAN/FEB 2019 NEWSLETTER Make your reservations now: Sales Tax Rule May Increase Costs The Chamber’s 64th Annual Awards Dinner and Hurt Businesses in Colorado retail season, which increases the burden and n December 2018, the Colorado Department of expense to businesses collecting the tax. These Revenue postponed enforcement of rules on use substantial costs and administrative challenges that FIRE & Itax and sales tax collection for in-state and out- businesses face in order to comply are significant, of-state retailers. The new rules will be delayed until and in some cases, businesses don’t think they have May 31, 2019 to allow the new Colorado General the resources or ability to comply with the new Assembly to address this issue. Previously and until laws. ICE May 31, sales taxes were only paid if a business had We have written a letter to the Department of a physical location in the state where the goods Revenue to delay implementing the new rules until Silent Auction were sold. three things happen: Hors d’oeuvres In response, the Colorado Department of 1. The Colorado General Assembly has a chance to Revenue adopted new sales tax rules that were to Cocktails, Wine, and Beer finish the hard work it started this summer to be effective Dec. 1, 2018, requiring businesses to simplify the sales and use tax-collection process. collect state and local sales tax based on the tax Dinner 2. The software and structure is in place to make the rates at the point of delivery in all of Colorado’s new rules work for our business members. Awards Presentations hundreds of taxing districts. Music and Dancing The Chamber supports fair and comprehensive 3. The Colorado Department of Revenue tax collection, as well as leveling the playing field communicates the changes to those affected, not between online retailers and small businesses, but only including retailers but their CPA’s also. Friday, March 15, 2019 has concerns about the rule’s approach and The Chamber will continue to advocate and fight implementation. We felt it to be unfair that the for a more business-friendly process and we 5 – 10 pm compliance date of Dec. 1 was two-thirds of the way appreciate suggestions on how to make the process through a reporting quarter and at the peak of the work for all. n DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver 3203 Quebec St., Hougen Named Most Admired CEO Denver, CO 80207 President and CEO of The Aurora Chamber of Commerce Kevin Hougen received a Most Admired CEOs Award from the Denver Business Thank you to our title sponsor: Journal (DBJ) at a ceremony on November 13, 2018, held at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. 2018 is the inaugural class of the DBJ’s Most Admired CEOs Award, which recognizes metro- area executives for leading the way in business and community engagement. Hougen was nominated by FirstBank President of the Aurora Market Shannon Jones. Hougen’s knowledge about the community, what’s happening at the Legislature, involvement in local and statewide military advocacy, and being an advisor to key leaders, all serve as invaluable resources for Chamber members and the community. In his nomination, it was stated that “Kevin doesn't shy away from challenges and approaches them with a community-minded and business point of view — which speaks directly to Most Admired CEO Kevin Hougen with staff at the November 13, 2018 DBJ Awards Ceremony. [continued on page 2] President’s ADMIRED CEO (con’t) the Chamber's tagline of Community First, Business Always." Letter Hougen has been with The Chamber for 22 years, serving as the president for 20. His energy and enthusiasm for his work, his community support, and his welcoming and friendly demeanor have not wavered. That is a testimonial to his commitment. He shares his knowledge in Resolutions many ways, affecting and helping countless businesses and people in the community. Kevin Hougen for 2019 Congratulations to Kevin Hougen, president and CEO of the Aurora President & CEO Chamber of Commerce on receiving this well-deserved recognition. n I would like to take this opportunity to share my resolutions for the New Year. These are resolutions for me personally, as well as for The Congressman Mike Coffman Recognizes Chamber as an organization, dedicated to Community First, Business Always: Hougen with Congressional Record Personal resolution: Building Business Contacts and Relationships, A Congressional Record from not only within Colorado and the US, but worldwide. Congressman Mike Coffman was presented to Chamber President Professional goals: Knowledge to succeed and working on promoting Kevin Hougen on November 28, 2018, the communities we serve. by the Congressman’s Director of The Chamber’s resolution: Creating a strong local economy and Constituent Outreach Aurora Ogg. representing business interests, especially with a growing divide within The presentation was a surprise for our elected office holders. Hougen, who received a standing Core Resolutions for 2019: ovation by the board. We work hard to strengthen our communities, to encourage growth The Record, which was read in the and to identify needs and opportunities. Our objectives as your Chamber House of Representatives on are to: November 27, reads: • Promote a strong local economy “Mr Speaker, I rise today to recognize the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Hougen. • Provide opportunities to network and build relationships Recently, the Denver Business Journal recognized Kevin with its 2018 • Deliver programs to help businesses grow Most Admired Chief Executive Officer honor. This prestigious award is • Represent and advocate on behalf of the business community given only to those with a proven record of innovation, who act as a standard-bearer for their organization, as a community role model, and • Enhance commerce through community stewardship exert exceptional leadership within their organization and the community. I am proud to see Kevin receive this award for his more than two decades of dedicated service to my hometown of Aurora, CO.” To read the entire Record, go to AuroraChamberCO on Facebook. n ChamberBoard EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS DIRECTORS STAFF Tyrone Adams | Colorado Association of Realtors Kevin Hougen | President and CEO CHAIR OF THE BOARD Johnny Choate | The GEO Group Joe Barela | Skillful — A Markle Initiative Rene J. Simard | Executive Vice President Christy Dobson | Children’s Hospital Colorado Rebecca Ebner | Administrative Assistant CHAIR-ELECT Chris Fasching | Felsburg Holt & Ullevig Betsy Oudenhoven, PhD | Beth Klein | FirstBank - Aurora Havana Rachel Gruber | Director of Business Development and Events Community College of Aurora Kristi Kleinholz | Mesa Moving & Storage Linda Lillyblad | Finance Director Rich Kolberg | The Boeing Company Beau Martinez | Membership Development IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Peter Lee | UNI Worldwide Financial Marketing Suzanne Pitrusu | Community Banks of Colorado Molly Markert | Colorado Access Tamara Mohamed | Director of Community Relations TREASURER John McCormick | CenturyLink Mitzi Schindler | Communications Director Rebecca Kelley | EKS&H Keith Peterson | University of Colorado Health Kerry Ryan | Wells Fargo-Business Banking ASSOCIATES SECRETARY Louis Salazar | ConocoPhillips Dianne McCallister, MD | Michael Sheldon | Aurora Highlands Kathryn Lobdell | Colorado Procurement Technical The Medical Center of Aurora Brian Sowl | Nelnet Assistance Centers (PTAC) VICE CHAIR-COMMUNITY SERVICES . Dale Mingilton | Adams 14 Education Foundation Mario Waller | Six & Six, inc. | Newsletter Design HONORARY DIRECTORS VICE CHAIR-BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Gian Gandalfo | Hilton Garden Inn Denver Airport Bruce Dalton | Visit Aurora Barry Gore | Adams County Economic Development VICE CHAIR-PUBLIC ISSUES Nancy Jackson | Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners John Adams | Colorado Technical University Bob LeGare | Mayor, City of Aurora THE CHAMBER’S VICE CHAIR-MEMBER SERVICES Ron Weidman | City of Centennial MISSION Chad Nielsen | Wagner Equipment Col. Treavor Wentlandt | 460th Mission Support Group The mission of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce is to give a voice to the business community and serve as an advocate for its members, creating a DON’T FORGET: “Every employee of a Chamber member is a member of The Chamber” positive business Please route this issue to your sales reps, account managers, marketing directors, HR and PR departments. You environment that encourages their growth can also access each month’s newsletter online at our website, www.aurorachamber.org, so you can forward and long-term economic it to every employee in your company! vitality. 2 An Inside Look at Chamber Committees BUSINESS FOR THE ARTS Regional Improvement Authority (SARIA) The Arts Pack a Punch: $1.9 Billion in Master Plan, and a Economic Activity number of projects Tuesday, November 6, 2018 currently underway. Dave Chambers, City of Aurora Director of Public Works also spoke about The Aurora History Museum decorated with the annual Festival of Wreaths. infrastructure and prioritization of projects Annual Holiday Gathering at Aurora with the current funding issues. History Museum Council priority projects are also known as Tuesday, December 4, 2018 Public Works unfunded capital needs, which There’s something so delightful about music, exceeds $265 Million in projects. Most of these coffee, and treats first thing in the morning! The include the common themes of frustrating annual holiday gathering