December, 2008

Dear Friends of the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation,

It is a pleasure to address you in the context of the word “Leadership.” It isindeed, what we are about. Changing the name of the organization to reflectthis focus has been clarifying for our program participants, alumni, donors,and friends. How fortunate we were in the 2008 fiscal year, which endedAugust 31st, to inspire so much community engagement and receive generoussupport from our many stakeholders and constituents. Despite a weakeningeconomy, the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation (DMCLF) continued in its pattern of growth,demonstrating the importance of issues-based education, the network of influencers, and the connections tocommunity engagement that we provide.

The Leadership Foundation turned twenty-one years old this year. While young in comparison to our parentorganization, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, (founded as the Board of Trade in 1867), this year wasa coming-of-age time. The above quote by T.S. Eliot speaks to the renewal of learning through exploration, evenin the context of a known and loved place. As an organization, we had an opportunity to explore this year whenwe were approached to lead the development of a program unique in the country that is designed to providecultural grounding and community connections for leaders of color who are new to the metro area. “WelcomeDenver” is, by design, not a program of the DMCLF, but instead a community collaborative in which manyorganizations worked together to provide an ethnically-diverse network and local education for newcomers.

We are grateful to the many influencers who hold civic engagement as top priority in their lives. We believe thatwe are helping build capacity in hundreds of direct-service organizations, by providing issues-based education tobusiness leaders from all sectors, who in turn bring this broad thinking to the organizations where they volun-teer in positions of influence. In a watershed year for Denver in which the city hosted the Democratic NationalConvention, the Leadership Foundation was proud of the dozens of alumni who were engaged as leaders in theConvention and the movement those alumni created to bring Denver into an international spotlight. It is theinfluence and passion that our alums bring to their communities that continues to inspire us.

Despite the challenges in our economy and in our world, we remember and celebrate the civic leadership thatenables our rich and diverse quality of life. As we move into 2009, we pause to thank the Chamber family, ledby President Joe Blake, our supportive board, dedicated staff, generous donors, active alumni, class members,and the community we serve together.

Charlie Walling 2007-08 Chair of the Board Denver Metro Chamber Foundation

Maureen McDonaldExecutive DirectorDenver Metro Chamber Foundation

Maureen McDonald

FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Charlie Walling

We shall not cease from explorationAnd the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we startedAnd know the place for the first time.

T. S. Eliot, Four Quartets

Striving to be the “most benevolent class ever,” theLeadership Denver (LD) Class of 2008 exceededtheir own goals with their class project and theLeadership Denver Scholarship Fund. Collectively,the class raised over $13,000 for the LDScholarship Fund. For their class project, theychose to work with the Focus Points FamilyResource Center. The Center helps build bettercommunities by strengthening low-income fami-lies. LD class members designed a multi-facetedproject that included: assessment and strategicplanning with the Focus Points board of directors;renegotiation of the property rental agreement; cre-ation of a marketing plan; development of a newlogo and new website; management training forthe staff; and a comprehensive improvement of theearly childhood center with new furniture, newmaterials and educational tools that will move thecenter towards accreditation. In addition tonumerous in-kind donations, the class raised$38,000 in cash to support these initiatives.

In keeping with Leadership Denver’s commitmentto experiential learning, the year included theopportunity for the class to work with “real-time”case studies from Commerce City on Economic

LEADERSHIP DENVERDevelopment Day. During the day, the class visit-ed four redevelopment sites in the city and, afterconsulting with experts, developed ideas for thedesignated redevelopment sites. Representatives ofthe class presented these ideas to Commerce City’smayor, members of the city council, and city staffmembers.

“I am so grateful for so many experi-ences with Leadership Denver! Ithink the single thing that makes theLD experience truly unique and life-changing is the immersion format.We do not just hear about Crime andJustice, Education and Homelessness,we experience them first hand. Wefeel these issues – and they foreverbecome a part of who we are. I willnever look again in the same way thecritical issues covered in LD.”-Angela Baier, Marketing and Sponsorship Director,

Cherry Creek Shopping Center

LEADERSHIP DENVER CLASS OF 2008

Board Liaisons: Donna Boreing, LD ‘05, President and CEO,Grace Enterprises LLCToti Cadavid, LD ’05, Principal, XcelenteMarketing and Public Relations

Jonathan AdelmanPublic Service Company Colorado, an Xcel Energy CompanyNicole AmentBrownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck P.C.Julie AndrewsJSA MultimediaRobert AttaiOtten, Johnson, Robinson, Neff & Ragonetti, P.C.Angela BaierCherry Creek Shopping CenterAnn BaylesDenver Hispanic Chamber of CommerceChristy BelzProject WISE Board of DirectorsAlexis BoianDovetail SolutionsChristina BowenJohnstonWells Public RelationsPaul BretzSamaritan InstituteCedric BuchanonCompass BankTim CarrollSchenkein Public RelationsKimball CrangleAdams County Housing AuthorityAngela DellaSalleGirl Scouts of ColoradoKelly DonovanWells Fargo

Brian EganExclusive Resorts, LLCLisa Fasolo FrishmanSocial Venture Partners DenverVeronica Figoli FleischerIntegrate Business, Inc.Derek FigueroaSeattle Fish CompanyKeo Frazierccintellect, llcCynthia GallegosFocus Points Family Resource CenterRebecca Hea, Psy.DDenver Children’s HomeRich HerbstWestwood College, Denver North CampusSteve HoltzDenver Fire DepartmentBrooke KeithDenver Metro Chamber of CommerceGretchen KerrThe Children’s Museum of DenverCathy Lucas, APRMetropolitan State College of DenverPaul LudwigSuncor Energy (U.S.A.)Jason MaplesStrategic Financial Partners, LLCRob McDanielPolicy Studies, Inc.Chiquita McGowinOffice of Economic Development/FinancialManagement UnitDafna MichaelsonDenver HealthHeather MillerUMB Financial CorporationKyle OrndorffThe IMA Financial Group, Inc.Bridget O’TooleQwest Communications

Tracie PapantonesJanusStuart PattisonKeyBankRick Petersen, AIAOZ ArchitectureChris Proud, AICPCH2M Hill, Inc.Peter QuinnWagner Investment Management, Inc.Karla RainesCorona ResearchAlec RhodesFuller Real EstateBill SchumacherBarnhart CommunicationsSandy ShoemakerEhrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PCSarah StonekingHolme Roberts & Owen LLPLeo TokarKaiser PermanenteMatt TurnerMacKenzie House, LLCStanley Turner, AIAHumphries Poli Architects, P.C.Cheri VargoDale Carnegie ColoradoLyle WallaceMinor & Brown, PCMark WarrenSmith BarneyIan WatlingtonArc of Denver, Inc.Nicole WestbrookShughart Thomson & Kilroy P.C.Angela WilliamsAllstate/Angela Williams Insurance FirmJohn WinslowGill Capital Partners

*Company affiliations as of 6/08

Leadership development through a transfer of

insight and experience – that is the goal of the

Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation’s

(DMCLF) Legacy Denver program. In 2008, the

DMCLF recruited six community trustees to men-

tor small groups of established community leaders

and to facilitate the passing of the mantle of leader-

ship to emerging community leaders. The 2008

mentors led a series of six small group discussions

(typically 90 minutes each over lunch) over a 6-

month period, each focusing on a different theme.

Mentees are a select group of established commu-

nity leaders representing a diverse set of industries,

gender, and experience. These mentees benefit

from the opportunity to have an exchange with

leaders who have been deeply involved in building

our region, experience an exclusive, historic transfer

of knowledge and expertise from life-long commu-

nity trustees, gain an in-depth perspective on criti-

cal issues and opportunities facing the region from

their peers in the community, and establish rela-

tionships with other influential business and civic

leaders.

LEGACY DENVER

Mentors:Richard Lamm, Co-Director,Institute for Public PolicyStudies at the University ofDenver & the former three-term Governor of Colorado(1975 – 1987)Dottie Lamm, Author andJournalist

“Tomorrow’s Issues-Today”

Mentees:Justin Ball, Fast EnterprisesLLCPhil Bledsoe, ShughartThomson & Kilroy P.C.Rob Cohen, IMA FinancialGroup Inc.Jerome Davis, Xcel EnergyDavid Goldberg, Schwartz &Goldberg, P.C.Charlie Knight, AbacoInvestment GroupMargie Mauldin, ExecutiveForumMaureen McDonald, DenverMetro Chamber LeadershipFoundationGreg Morris, Fuller Real EstateJennifer Schaufele, DenverRegional Council ofGovernments (DRCOG)André van Hall, Denver AthleticClubBill Vidal, City & County ofDenverJesse Wolff, KempeFoundation

Mentor:Anna Jo Haynes, Mile HighMontessori Early LearningCenters

“Investing in our ChildrenEarly”

Mentees:Greg Bante, Jones LangLaSalle Americas Inc.Noel Ginsburg, IntertechPlastics Inc.Karen Kruse, Denver MetroChamber LeadershipFoundationStephanie Lindquist, FlourishArt FoundationAnna Loewen, Denver MetroChamber LeadershipFoundationJennifer Pierce, US BankMartha Rubi, Hispanic YellowPages of America

Mentor:Justice Gregory Hobbs, State ofColorado Supreme Court

“How Colorado’s BeautyShapes Its Law & PublicPolicy”

Mentees:Patty Fontneau, IMA FinancialGroup Inc.Giovanni Greco, The WildlifeExperienceGardiner Hammond, LNRProperty CorporationElizabeth Harris, Jacobs ChaseFrick Kleinkopf & Kelley LLCCraig Harrison, US Capital LLCMark Job, Citywide BanksSheila MacDonald, SolutionsWestJoseph Murr, Bloom, Murr &AccomazzoCarolynne White, BrownsteinHyatt Farber Schreck LLP

Mentor:Gail Klapper, The Klapper Firm

“Getting to Action”

Mentees:Andy Boian, Dovetail SolutionsDeborah Dale Brackney,Mountain States EmployersCouncilAmy Burkett, Burkett DesignInc.Luis Colón, Colón-Collawn LLCChris Figge, SOS TechnologiesBill Fulton, The Civic CanopyTracy Huggins, Denver UrbanRenewal AuthorityCarolyn Love, KebayaCoaching ~ ConsultingMaureen McDonald, DenverMetro Chamber LeadershipFoundationJoel Rosenstein, SennVisciano Kirschenbaum, P.C.Mayor Nancy Sharpe, City ofGreenwood VillageSteven Summer, ColoradoHospital Association

“Legacy Denver is an excellent con-cept. The Leadership Foundation isfacilitating the exchange of ideas in aformalized way among people whodesire to stay on their growth edge asleaders. It is a great service to thecommunity.”-Linda Olson, Executive Director, Pioneer

Leadership Program, University of Denver

Mentor:Linda Pancratz, MountainCapital LLC

“Business Leadership in aGlobal Environment”

Mentees:Kathie Barstnar, NationalAssociation of Industrial &Office Properties - ColoradoMark Beese, Holland & HartLLPMario Carrera, EntravisionCommunications CorporationGene Commander, ShughartThomson & Kilroy P.C.Dave DeForest-Stalls, BigBrothers Big SistersDavid Laundy, CliftonGunderson LLPDan Lewis, Molson CoorsBrewing CompanyDon Marshall, Wells FargoBank N.A.Linda Olson, University ofDenver

In October 2007, the Denver Metro ChamberLeadership Foundation convened a LeadershipExchange (LEX) delegation of 150 of Colorado’smost prominent business and civic leaders to dis-cuss innovations and best practices in Phoenix,Arizona. The objective of LEX is to study a cityfacing relevant business and policy issues, whilestrengthening the collective vision and collabora-tion in our own community. The proximity andsimilarities between Denver and Phoenix inspiredmany conversations about parallels that could bedrawn and unexpected lessons to be learned.

The delegation explored political, economic, andcultural facets of the Valley of the Sun, and welearned from our competitor about their efforts andachievements in developing their economy and theresulting period of phenomenal growth. Numerousparticipants commented that they gleaned muchmore than anticipated from the region and werestruck by the relevancy and timeliness of the topicsstudied. Corporate enthusiasm and support forthese exchanges has grown significantly as illustrat-ed by an 18% increase in trip sponsorships in fiscalyear 2007-08 and a continued increase in the num-ber of applicants.

“We're all going to be talking aboutthis one for a while. I think a lot of ussimply did not realize that we're basi-cally dealing with a de facto suburb ofLos Angeles. Phoenix is not necessar-ily competing with Denver; it's drivento become the most dominant, power-ful city in the New West by sheer vol-ume. That place is going to be castinga long, long shadow of influence that'sgoing to impact our region in waysthat we can't yet imagine.”-Steven Silvers, Principal, GBSM, Inc.

LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE

2007 Phoenix Leadership Exchange Committee

Leadership Exchange Honorary Co-ChairsGovernor Bill Ritter, State of ColoradoMayor John Hickenlooper, City & County of Denver

Leadership Exchange Committee Co-Chairs:Carrie A. Besnette, Metropolitan State College of DenverGene Commander, Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, P.C.

Leadership Exchange Committee Hosts:Holli Baumunk, Metro Denver Economic Development CorporationJoe Blake, Denver Metro Chamber of CommerceRobert Blankenship, Denver Metro Chamber of CommerceDonna Boreing, Austen Grace Enterprises, LLCMarshall Burton, Opus Northwest LLCToti Cadavid, Xcelente Marketing and Public RelationsSuzanne Calhoun, Sustainable Development StrategiesLeanna Clark, SchenkeinRob Cohen, IMA Financial Group Inc.Patty Fontneau, IMA Financial Group Inc.Lori Fox, United AirlinesDavid Goldberg, Schwartz & Goldberg, P.C.Michael Hobbs, KeyBankDebbie Jessup, Bank of ChoiceStephen Jordan, Metropolitan State College of DenverSharon Linhart, Linhart Public RelationsAnna Loewen, Denver Metro Chamber Leadership FoundationDonna Lynne, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of ColoradoLilly Marks, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences CenterDon Marshall, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.Maureen McDonald, Denver Metro Chamber Leadership FoundationDavid McReynolds, Columbine Health PlanJuliAnne Murphy, Forest City StapletonDavid Palmer, Greenberg Traurig LLPCindy Parsons, Comcast Cable Communications Inc.Roger Sherman, CRL Associates Inc.Steven Silvers, GBSM Inc.Mark Sullivan, Jacobs Chase Frick Kleinkopf & Kelley LLCCharlie Walling, Robinson DairyDebbie Welle-Powell, Exempla Healthcare

Company Affiliations as of Aug 31, 2008

ACCESS DENVER

50 senior level executives convened to participate

in the 2008 Access Denver program – a 20%

increase over the previous year. The 2008 senior

executive orientation program provided important

context for local business and civic issues, access to

Denver’s leaders, and critical tools for becoming

active in the community. It offered a first-hand

look at the changing face of Denver and the

regions’ current issues of importance.

Participants gathered in diverse Denver landmarks,

such as the Blair-Caldwell African American

Research Library in Five Points, Phipps Mansion,

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House, the Navarre

Building and its incredible collection of western

art, the Brown Palace Hotel, the Governor’s

Mansion, and the historic Supreme Court

Chambers at the Colorado State Capitol building.

Topics discussed ranged from economic develop-

ment and civic engagement to sports in metro

Denver to a vision for the city and the state.

“I highly recommend that everynew leader to the Denver areaenroll in Access Denver. I knew Iwas fortunate to be back inDenver but I can now add that Iam both fortunate and proud tobe back in Denver. I will certain-ly do my part to make Denver aneven better city.”-Peter Makowski, CEO

St. Anthony Central Hospital

ACCESS DENVER 2008 PARTICIPANTS

Access Denver Co-Chairs:Rebecca Cordes,First Western Trust Bank, DenverDavid Palmer,Greenberg Traurig LLP

Eduardo ArnalConsulate General of MexicoKaren Clos BleekerCommunity College of DenverMelanie BraidichVerizon WirelessTom BrinegarPeak Resources, Inc.Timothy BrossartXcel EnergySarah BryantComcast Cable Communications Inc.Kenneth CarrollWildBlue Communications Inc.Ted CaulkinsCistern EnterprisesDaniel CollinsUnited Launch AllianceLuisa CollinsEntravision Communications CorporationDave CsintyanThe Greater Colorado Springs Chamber ofCommerceJohn DellaSalleTennison Group/TG StaffingDavid DitchmanForest City EnterprisesDale EislerConsulate General of Canada

Drew ElderJanus Capital GroupPaul FergusonSolera National Bancorp, Inc.Lynn GangoneUniversity of Denver - Chambers Center forthe Advancement of WomenBarbara GrandjeanJacobs Chase Frick Kleinkopf & Kelley LLCSkip HarlessHyatt Regency DenverDell HendonMolson Coors Brewing CompanyEric JacksonWestern UnionKristy JuddMetro VolunteersSusan Rogers KarkDowntown Denver Partnership, Inc.Julie KeeganCraig Hospital and Craig Hospital FoundationPeter KelleyGreenberg Traurig LLPAnn KingBKD, LLPKaren KruseDenver Metro Chamber LeadershipFoundationPatricia LepianiXcelente Marketing GroupBill LevisCap LogisticsPeter MakowskiSt. Anthony Central HospitalRichard MartinezYoung Americans Bank - Center for FinancialEducation

Michael MarucaBrown Palace Hotel & SpaMaureen McKennaMetropolitan State College of DenverMark MooneyCompass BankJohn MorlandPrologis Management Inc.Jim MulliganFairfield & Woods PCTodd MunsonJP Morgan ChaseRoderick Nairn, Ph.D.University of Colorado DenverJ. Ralph PaceU.S. BankPerry PearceConocoPhillipsDave PecoraroExempla HealthcareScott RobsonDenver Parks and RecreationJoseph ScalzoWhiteWave Foods CompanyElizabeth SobergUnited HealthCareTim SweeneyGill FoundationBernie SzacharaDenver Newspaper AgencyKareina WestlundU.S. BankNancy WollenKaiser PermanenteChad ZechielUnited HealthCareScott ZirbelSynergy Services Corporation

Wellness and the health of Colorado’s citizens, the

generosity and philanthropy of Coloradoans, and

the challenges and opportunities in Denver’s public

education system are a few of the many topics

explored by emerging metro area leaders in the

third class of Impact Denver. Participants met over

the course of six months, and engaged in half-day

issue seminars with influential community leaders.

The class received training in critical leadership

skill development that included forming partner-

ships with community organizations, fundraising,

board service and training, and asset-based think-

ing.

During their final class, the 2008 Impact Denver

class elected Junior Achievement as their annual

group community action project. More than half

of the class participated in the DPS Summer

Academy program which reached approximately

2,000 ninth grade students. The Academy is

designed to help jumpstart students’ transition

from middle to high school by providing them

with a supportive learning environment and curric-

ula specifically designed to prepare them for success

in high school.

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper concluded the

program with an inspirational message to further

their community engagement by beginning to

assume leadership roles in their civic and profes-

sional lives.

IMPACT DENVER

IMPACT DENVER CLASS OF 2008

Impact Denver Co-Chairs:Deborah Dale Brackney, Mountain States Employers CouncilDebbie Welle-Powell, Exempla Healthcare

Christopher Auer, Mayor's Office for Education and ChildrenKatina Banks, Dorsey and Whitney LLPJonathan Bender, Holland & Hart LLPSarah Blum-Barnett, SE2Mary Canty Merrill, Merrill Consulting AssociatesCarla Castillo, Farmer's InsuranceRobert Crowley, eLine Solutions Inc.Kristy Danen, Clear Peak LLCElaine Ellis, Metzger AssociatesBrooke Ewing, FirstBank of Cherry CreekChristine Garrison, Snell & Wilmer LLPPaula Giblin-Sink, Metro Community Provider Network / Universityof Colorado Medical CenterFrancisco Gónima, Topline Associates, Inc.Alexis Hammack, JohnstonWells Public RelationsCristy Handsaker, CH2M HillCarrie Hanson, Junior Achievement - Rocky Mountain Inc.David Hite, Flood & Peterson InsuranceDavid Kahn, InterDyn ColoradoMichael Keglovits, Colorado I Have a Dream FoundationKevin Kennedy, Newell RubbermaidBrian Lehman, Mapleton Public SchoolsAugillian Lewis, Xcel EnergyJoseph Lubinski, Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll LLPBrendan Marcum, Marcum MarCom Inc.Drina Marty, Tibco SoftwareMaureen McNamara, Dynamic Learning, Inc.Kristina Mendoza-Walker, Exempla HealthcareRebecca Newson, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.Mike Niyompong, Hitachi ConsultingJesse Ogas, Arc Thrift StoresCory Peterson, FirstBank of Littleton - Lone Tree BranchJeff Roberts, Faegre & Benson LLPJon Roberts, ARA Apartment Realty AdvisorsMaja Rosenquist, M.A. Mortenson CompanyKim Ruotsala, Food Bank of the RockiesLauren Schmidt, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLPJake Stauber, Opera ColoradoKristin Strohm, University of DenverJaye Weiland, Investment Protection ServiceTiffany Wiley, University of Colorado at BoulderKathy Workman, First Data Corporation

“I am inspired. I am motivated. I ammore informed and I feel we all got abetter understanding of the needs inthe region and great examples of howpeople are getting involved.”

Alexis Hammack, Associate,JohnstonWells Public Relations

CLA engages over 750 college students annually in

competitive and academically rigorous leadership

programs at ten campuses throughout the state.

Through academic and experiential learning compo-

nents, these university programs train the best and

brightest students in our state to become the capa-

ble leaders of Colorado’s future. As an umbrella

organization, CLA supports the development of

each program by providing a forum to communi-

cate best practices, create shared out comes and

engage in joint fundraising efforts. This collabora-

tive relationship between an alliance of collegiate

leadership programs and a chamber of commerce is

unique in the country.

During the past year, the Colorado Leadership

Alliance (CLA) received a $200,000 grant from the

Daniels Fund, launched the CLA Student Scholars

Board, created new job shadow opportunities for

CLA students and held the most successful annual

CLA Luncheon. CLA students also participated in

a host of Denver Metro Chamber Leadership

Foundation programs including the Leadership

Exchange Trip to Phoenix, Leadership Denver,

Impact Denver and Access Denver.

The grant from the Daniels Fund allowed each CLA

member program to enhance the leadership pro-

gram curriculum and the student’s leadership experi-

ence. The launch of the CLA Student Scholars

Board brought together ten students representing

each of the ten member programs.

In April 2008, Dr. Carrie Besnette, Vice President

of Institutional Advancement and Foundation

Executive Director, Metropolitan State College of

Denver, was honored as the 9News Leader of the

Year at the annual CLA Luncheon. 120 CLA stu-

dents served as ambassadors to more than 700 busi-

ness, civic and academic leaders attending the

luncheon. In the work of the Colorado Leadership

Alliance, the DMCLF is supported by the Adolph

Coors Foundation, the El Pomar Foundation and

FirstBank.

COLORADO LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE

COLORADO LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE MEMBER CAMPUS PROGRAMS (2007-2008)

Colorado State University at Fort CollinsPresident’s Leadership Program (PLP)Founding Date: 1989

Colorado State University at PuebloPresident’s Leadership Program (PLP)Founding Date: 2000

Johnson & Wales UniversityCommunity Leadership Institute (CLI)Founding Date: 2001

Regis UniversityLeadership Development ProgramFounding Date: 2004

University of Colorado at BoulderPresidents Leadership Class, Inc. (PLC)Founding Date: 1972

University of Colorado at Colorado SpringsChancellor’s Leadership Class (CLC)Founding Date: 1997

University of Colorado Denver Chancellor’s Scholars and Leaders (CSL)Founding Date: 1998

University of DenverPioneer Leadership Program (PLP)Founding Date: 1993

United States Air Force AcademyCenter for Character DevelopmentUSAFA established 1954

University of Northern ColoradoPresident’s Leadership Program (PLP)Founding Date: 2000

“We gather today to highlight and support the workof the Colorado Leadership Alliance. The studentsaround the room represent our future and collectiveresponsibility. Invest in them. All of them. Help“grow our own,” here in Colorado, these aspiring col-lege graduates, a diverse group of emerging leaderswho will, in turn, do the same and invest in others.”Excerpt from remarks at CLA Luncheon9News Leader of the Year Dr. Carrie Besnette, Vice President ofInstitutional Advancement and Foundation Executive Director,Metropolitan State College of Denver

community connectionsBeyond the programs administered by the

Leadership Foundation, the organization has

opportunities to work in partnership with other

entities in a broad effort to improve quality of life

in the metro area and Colorado. One such example

occurred when The Rocky Mountain Employers

Consortium approached the DMCLF with a

request for help. They were noticing a trend in eth-

nically diverse leaders moving to metro Denver

from other communities who were not establishing

roots and staying in our community. The

Consortium identified a need for a leadership pro-

gram aimed specifically at providing cultural

grounding and a network for community connec-

tions for leaders of color. Maureen McDonald,

Executive Director of the Denver Metro Chamber

Leadership Foundation, was delighted to respond,

stating “I believe that this can be an important ini-

tiative and dialogue that will enhance our leader-

ship in the metro area. As far as I know, this is not

being done in other cities.”

The program was developed collaboratively, led by

the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership

Foundation (DMCLF), and including the Rocky

Mountain Employers Consortium (RMEC), the

Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC),

the Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC), and the

Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

(DHCC). Participants of the pilot program called

the day “groundbreaking,” and “a great start in

Denver.”

The alumni and volunteers of the DMCLF’s pro-

grams provide hundreds of community connec-

tions, as they engage with civic and service organi-

zations throughout the state. Their leadership and

service are felt in myriad ways, impacting homeless-

ness, early childhood education, youth mentoring,

health access, and a broad range of policy issues.

The DMCLF itself could not conduct our pro-

grams without the vital support of volunteers, as

you will note on the next page that lists the many

fine contributors that help us. From our volunteer

board of directors, to the subject-matter experts

who guide our curriculum planning, to the talented

speakers who bring our programs to life, we rely

heavily on volunteers to deliver excellence in our

programming.

Denver Metro ChamberLeadershipFoundation 2007-2008 Volunteers

Rick Acosta, The Crocus Group, LLCJonathan Adelman, Xcel EnergyNicole Ament, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLPPaul Andrews, Kroenke Sports EnterprisesJulie Andrews, JSA MultimediaKaty Atkinson, Katy Atkinson and AssociatesSarah Baie, The Laboratory of Art and Ideas at BelmarAngela Baier, Cherry Creek Shopping CenterDavid Balmer, State of ColoradoMark Barnes, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLPAntonio Barreiro, Johnson & Wales UniversityDiane Barrett, City of DenverFerd Belz, Cherokee Denver, LLCCody BelzleyChristine Benero, Mile High United WayMichael Bennet, Denver Public SchoolsJessica Berg, Lodestar Day Resource Center - HumanServices CampusCarrie Besnette, Metropolitan State College of DenverJoe Blake, Denver Metro Chamber of CommerceGil Boggs, Colorado BalletAlexis Boian, Dovetail SolutionsDonna Boreing, Austen Grace Enterprises, LLCDeborah Brackney, Mountain States Employers CouncilJohn BromleyBarry Broome, Greater Phoenix Economic CouncilKelly Brough, City & County of DenverKieAnn Brownell, Metro Denver Sports CommissionWill Bruder, Will Bruder + Partners, Ltd.Don Budinger, Rodel FoundationsDenise Burkhardt KingAngel Cabrera, Thunderbird School of GlobalManagementToti Cadavid, Xcelente Marketing and Public RelationsIsabel Campos, Bruce Randolph Middle SchoolFrank Cannon, Union Station Neighborhood Co.Sheilagh Carpenter, United States Air Force AcademyTim Carroll, Commerce City ColoradoRobb Caseria, Denver Growth Partners LLCJuanita Chacon, RE/MAX Alliance City LivingDave Chambers, City of AuroraFloyd Ciruli, Ciruli AssociatesTom Clark, Metro Denver Economic DevelopmentCorporationKathryn Cramer, Cramer Institute, TheKimball Crangle, Adams County Housing AuthorityMichael Crow, Arizona State UniversityPeter Culshaw, Shea Properties Colorado (DTC)Jerome Davis, Xcel EnergyRichard de Uriarte, Arizona RepublicBen DeGrow, Independence InstituteAngela DellaSalle, The Kempe FoundationGary Desmond, AR7 Architects PCTami Door, Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc.Brian Egan, Exclusive Resorts, LLCDel Elliott, Center for the Study and Prevention ofViolenceLance Enders, Denver Metro Chamber of CommerceTiffany Espinosa, University of Colorado DenverBrother Jeff Fard, Brother Jeff's Cultural Center & CafeMaureen Farrell, Colorado Center on Law & PolicyLisa Fasolo Frishman, Social Venture Partners DenverTed Ferris, Arizona Sports & Tourism AuthorityVeronica Figoli, Fleischer Integrate Business, Inc.Andy Fine, Andy M. Fine, MD, PCCole Finegan, Hogan & Hartson LLPJonathan Fink, Arizona State University, Global Instituteof SustainabilityJerry Flannery, City of Commerce CityNicole Frazier, Manual High SchoolGeorg Gadow, University of Colorado DenverFrancisco Gallardo, GRASPCynthia Gallegos, Focus Points Family Resource CenterGrady Gammage, Gammage & BurnhamOlga Garcia, Molson Coors Brewing Company

Maria Garcia Berry, CRL Associates, Inc.Chris Gates, PACE (Philanthropy for Active CivicEngagementGreg Geissler, American Red Cross, Mile High ChapterDavid Goldberg, Greenberg Traurig, LLPPhil Gordon, City of PhoenixTom Gougeon, Continuum Partners, LLCPaulette Grant, Allied-Barton Security ServicesMaría Guajardo, City and County of DenverMaryAnn Guerra, Translational Genomics ResearchInstituteIsmael Guerrero, Denver Housing AuthorityAlfredo Gutierrez, Tequida & GutierrezDeirdre Hahn, Arizona State University, Decision TheaterDan Haley, The Denver PostMichael Hancock, Denver City CouncilTim Hand, Colorado Department of CorrectionsKristen Hannum, Health Care for All Colorado FoundationAnna Jo Haynes, Mile High MontessoriRebecca Hea, Outward BoundNancy Henderson, Colorado Education AssociationDell Hendon, Molson Coors Brewing CompanyBrent Herrington, DMB Associates, Inc., DC Ranch &SilverleafJohn Hickenlooper, City & County of DenverAmy Hill, University of Colorado at Colorado SpringsJill Hixon, RE/MAX InternationalGregory Hobbs, State of ColoradoCatie Holden, University of Northern ColoradoElsa Holguin, Rose Community FoundationBruce Hoyt, St. Charles CapitalRegina Huerter, Denver Crime Prevention & ControlCommissionTracy Huggins, Denver Urban Renewal AuthorityDennis Humphries, Humphries Poli Architects, P.C.Gary Husk, Husk PartnersKyle Hybl, El Pomar FoundationKristin Immer, Denver District CourtChad Jenkins, Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PCDeidre Johnson, The Colorado TrustGG Johnston, Johnston Wells Public RelationsBrad Jupp, Denver Public SchoolsAlexis Kanda-Olmstead, Colorado State University FortCollinsBrooke Keith, Denver Metro Chamber of CommerceBarbara Kelley, Kamlet Shepherd & Reichert LLPJim Kemp, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co.Cary Kennedy, State of ColoradoVanecia Kerr, TIAA-CREFGail Klapper, The Klapper FirmSuzanne Klein, Walt Klein AdvertisingBrian Klipp, KlippJim Kolbe, Former Arizona CongressmanMichael Korenblat, Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) Inc.Don Kortz, Fuller Real EstateHelen Kuykendall, Denver Parks and RecreationMargaret Lafave, Contemporary Learning AcademyDottie Lamm, Author and JournalistRichard Lamm, University of DenverBrian Lehman, Mapleton Public SchoolsAdam Lerner, The Laboratory of Art and Ideas at BelmarJoe Levi, OZ ArchitectureWilliam Lindsay, Lockton Companies, LLCCarolyn Love, Kebaya Coaching ~ ConsultingSkye Maa, Qwest CommunicationsSheila MacDonald, Solutions WestJeffrey Mack, Turner Construction CompanyCal Marsella, RTD (Regional Transportation District)Jimmy Martinez, Denver Police DepartmentBette Matkowski, Johnson & Wales UniversityGreg Mauro, Denver Community CorrectionsMike McCubbin, Big Brothers Big Sisters of ColoradoRob McDaniel, Policy Studies, Inc.Michael McQuaid, Human Services CampusDavid Miller, The Denver FoundationSteve Moore, Greater Phoenix Convention VisitorsBureauJacky Morales Ferrand, City of DenverShelly Moreschini, Colorado State University PuebloIoanna Morfessis, I0.INCMitch Morrissey, City & County of DenverBill Mosher, Trammell Crow CompanyAnthony Murphy

Linda Mushkatel, Maricopa CountyJanet Napolitano, State of ArizonaPaul Natale, City of Commerce CityLarry Naves, Second Colorado Judicial DistrictChris Neumann, Greenberg Traurig, LLPRebecca Oakes, Colorado State Board of ParoleLinda Olson, University of DenverPatricia Orman, Colorado State University PuebloBridget O'Toole, Qwest CommunicationsLinda Pancratz, Mountain Capital, LLCPeter Park, City & County of Denver, CommunityPlanning & DevelopmentCleo Parker Robinson, Cleo Parker Robinson DanceChris Parr, Denver Housing AuthorityEdna Pelzmann, Colorado State CapitolTheresa Peña, Denver Public SchoolsRick Petersen, OZ ArchitectureElliott Pollack, Elliott D. Pollack & Co.Katie Pushor, Greater Phoenix Chamber of CommerceRandy Pye, City of CentennialPeter Quinn, Wagner Investment Management, Inc.Blake Renner, Colorado PublicDefender's OfficeRobert Reuteman, Rocky Mountain NewsAlec Rhodes, Fuller Real EstateDon Richards, Richards Financial Group, Inc.Mary Riebe, Kaiser PermanenteBill Ritter, State of ColoradoTerrance Roberts, The Prodigal Son Initiative, Inc.Mariella Robledo, Escuela de GuadalupeThomas Rogers, Office of Governor Bill Ritter, Jr.Andrew Romanoff, Colorado General AssemblyLisa Roy, The Piton FoundationStephanie Salazar, City of Commerce CityTodd Saliman, Governor's Office of State Planning andBudgetJennifer Schaufele, Denver Regional Council ofGovernments (DRCOG)Caroline Schomp, CableNetWorkzMichael Severns, Mountain States Employers CouncilNancy Sharpe, City of Greenwood VillageCharley Shimanski, American Red Cross Mile HighChapterPamela ShippSandy Shoemaker, Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & HottmanEdward Shortliffe, The University of Arizona College ofMedicine-PhoenixBill Sirois, RTD FasTracks TeamSally Spencer-Thomas, Regis UniversityBryan Sperber, Phoenix International RacewayJulie Sprigg Boland, Denver Metro Chamber ofCommerceSandy Steiner, Adams County Education ConsortiumSandra Stocchero, Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.Mark Sullivan, JF CompaniesPierre Tariot, Banner Alzheimer's Institute, MemoryDisorders CenterJim Thomas, Minor & Brown, P.C.David Tryba, David Owen Tryba ArchitectsMatthew Turner, MacKenzie House, LLCMarilee Utter, Citiventure Associates LLCRoy Vallee, Avnet, Inc.Jamie Van Leeuwen, City & County of DenverCheri Vargo, Dale Carnegie ColoradoGuillermo Vidal, City & County of DenverBarbara Volpe, University of Colorado at BoulderMark Wallace, Northern Colorado Health AllianceCharlie Walling, Robinson DairyTamra Ward, Denver Metro Chamber of CommerceAnne Warhover, The Colorado Health FoundationJerry Wartgow, International Training & EducationAlliance, Inc.Ian Watlington, Arc of Denver, Inc.Debbie Welle-Powell, Exempla HealthcareRoxane White, Timothy and Bernadette MarquezFoundationGerry Whitman, Denver Police DepartmentTiffany Wiley, University of Colorado at BoulderAngela Williams, Allstate/Angela Williams Insurance FirmScott Wilson, Merrill LynchWilliam Woodward, Center for the Study and Preventionof ViolenceBarbara Yondorf, Rose Community Foundation

DMCLF utilizes resources to increase access toeducation and leadership programming:

- To CLA Students at UNC, and CU Boulder,Denver, and Colorado Springs for EducationalScholarships- To Collegiate Leadership Programs forOperating Expenses- To Collegiate Leaders for access to DMCFPrograms- For scholarships for Impact Denver andLeadership Denver for non-profit organiza-tions and small businesses.

DENVER METRO CHAMBER LEADERSHIP FOUNDATIONSeptember 1, 2007 - August 31, 2008 Investment Priorities

DENVER METRO CHAMBER LEADERSHIP FOUNDATIONSeptember 1, 2007 - August 31, 2008 Revenue Sources

Foundation Development 1%

ProgramImplementation 39%

Staffing 32%

CLA Grants andScholarships 22%

Administration 6%

Program Fees 56%

Interest and Other 4%

CLA 1stBank Endowment 1%

CorporateSponsorships 16%

Grants 16%

Donations 7%

"In challenging economic times, theDMCLF's outstanding financialstrength and stability continue to ben-efit from a combination of skilledmanagement, oversight and unique,rewarding programs. On behalf of theBoard of Director's it is truly a pleas-ure to work so closely with the talent-ed and inspiring organizational staff ofthe Foundation."

-Charlie KerchevalPresidentFirstBank of Parker

financial highlights

- Assets grew to over $4.6M

- Operational revenue increased by over 10%

- Program sponsorship and participation levels

continued to exceed expectations

ABC BankAdolph Coors FoundationAmerican Family InsuranceAmerican Furniture WarehouseAmerican Red Cross, Mile High ChapterAnthem Blue Cross and Blue ShieldDave BakerBaker & Hostetler LLPBank of ChoiceRoger BehlerBKD, LLPBrownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLPCH2M HillCHFACitywide BanksClifton Gunderson LLP / PresidentsLeadership ClassCollegeInvestColorado Black Chamber of CommerceColorado State University Fort CollinsColorado State University PuebloColumbia Group LLPColumbine Health PlanComcast Cable CommunicationsCRL Associates, Inc.CSU Executive MBA Program & CSUCollege of BusinessDaniels FundJim DavisDenver Athletic ClubDenver Museum of Nature and ScienceDovetail SolutionsDRG Construction CorporationEl Pomar FoundationEmily Griffith Opportunity SchoolEntravision Communications Corporation

Executive ForumExempla HealthcareFast EnterprisesFirstBank Holding CompanyForest City StapletonGO Automotive GroupGoCakeGOGreenberg TraurigGrubb & Ellis CompanyLarry & Deborah HausermanHeider, Tanner & Dirks, Inc.Hensel Phelps ConstructionHogan & Hartson LLPHolland & Hart, LLPHolme Roberts & Owen, LLPIMA Financial Group, Inc.Lori JacksonJacobs Chase Frick Kleinkopf & Kelley LLCJohnson & Wales UniversityJones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.JPMorgan ChaseKaiser PermanenteKamlet Shepherd & Reichert LLPKey BankLNR, Inc.Lockton Companies, LLCStan LeePam LorenzMacDonald HardwoodsMcWhinney EnterprisesMerrick & CompanyMetro Denver Sports CommissionMetropolitan State College of DenverAbbie MillerMinor & Brown, P.C.Leslie J. MitchellMolson Coors Brewing Company

Mountain States Employers Council9NEWSNew York Life Insurance CompanyOpus Northwest, LLCQwest CommunicationsRBC Capital Markets CorporationRBC Dain RauscherRegis UniversityMary ReisherRoger ReisherAlan & Emily RobinsonRobinson DairySafeway, Inc.SchenkeinShughart Thomson & Kilroy, P.C.SprintNancy StrohmeyerSuncor Energy (U.S.A.) Inc.TCF BankThe College BoardThe Kenney GroupThe Princeton ReviewThe Women's Foundation of ColoradoTIAA-CREFRon TiltonU.S. BankUMB BankUnited Health CareUnited Launch AllianceUniversity of Colorado at Colorado SpringsUniversity of Colorado DenverUniversity of DenverUniversity Physicians, Inc.Urban Land InstituteWashington MutualWells Fargo BankXcel Energy

September 1, 2007 – August 31, 2008Donations of $1000 or more

Denver Metro Chamber Leadership FoundationDonors

1445 Market StreetDenver, Colorado 80202

www.denverleadership.org

an affiliate of the