On November 13, the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation and B:CIVIC held the 2025 Lead with Impact Summit in Denver. The event, presented by United Airlines, recognized Colorado businesses for their commitment to social responsibility and positive community impact.
The summit introduced the first Lead with Impact Awards, honoring companies in three categories. The winners were 9NEWS Kyle Clark’s Word of Thanks (Small Business), Alpine Bank (Midsize Business), and CoBank (Large Business). These organizations were selected for turning their values into action and building partnerships that benefit local communities.
A panel discussion at the summit included representatives from each winning business: Karrie Fletcher of Alpine Bank, journalist Kyle Clark of 9NEWS, and Andrew Jacob of CoBank. Kristen Blessman, Executive Vice President of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and President of the Leadership Foundation, moderated the session.
Panelists shared several insights on effective community engagement:
– Companies should approach partnerships with flexibility and a willingness to learn.
– Long-term commitment is often necessary for meaningful results in community projects.
– Investing in local communities can enhance a company’s reputation and strengthen relationships with customers and employees.
– Collaboration among businesses, nonprofits, and community groups leads to more sustainable change.
– Fostering an internal culture focused on purpose helps empower employees to engage meaningfully with their communities.
Kristen Blessman stated: “Through initiatives like the Lead with Impact Summit, we shine a light on businesses that not only drive our economy but also strengthen our communities. This year’s award winners demonstrate the power of purpose-driven leadership in creating meaningful, measurable impact across Colorado.”
The event was supported by sponsors including United Airlines as Presenting Sponsor, DaVita as Champion Sponsor, and Suncor as Lead with Impact Award Sponsor.
The Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation has been developing leaders in Colorado for over 45 years through programs such as Leadership Denver and Impact Denver. More information about its work can be found at denverleadership.org.
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce works to promote economic empowerment across Colorado by advocating for public policy, supporting workforce development, and helping businesses grow through connections within a business-friendly environment.
