Colorado Springs Business Journal Year in Review 2003

Colorado Springs Business Journal, Dec 26, 2003 by Stacie Ledden

Ken Callum, program coordinator with Hillside Community Center, philosophized, I have a keen understanding that there is basic good in everyone. How you treat a person is how you will be treated.

The integral part of being a lawyer is never to lose your sense of humor, said John Cook, managing partner at Hogan & Hartson law firm.

Jerry Smith, CEO of Pikes Peak United Way, said, A healthy community takes leadership from a broad base of people. I enjoy creating strategies to build and strengthen our community.

June

Though in a different type of business - the business of giving smiles - Rolo (a.k.a. Dick Gladfelter) was still a hit when he was featured in the June 13 Springs Life.

My motto and lifestyle now is simple, Rolo said. My motto, and it is a credo I try to live by, is 'who have you made smile today?'

July

Mayor Rivera isn't the only one in town with his eye on the Springs airport. In the July 18 article Springs airport targets future growth, Mike Boyd, president of The Boyd Group - an aviation research firm - along with airport spokesperson and community relations manager Erica Hupp, discussed with the CSBJ the future of the airport.

We are off more than 12 percent in May 2003 from May 2002, she states, adding year-to-date enplanement numbers are down 6.7 percent. We are hit harder this year than in 2001, but once we get through this and the airlines have a chance to regroup financially, Colorado Springs will be ideally positioned to grow its air service capability and passenger traffic.

Boyd, a consultant to the Colorado Springs Airport, recommends the local community acknowledge its regional airport status.

Hupp agrees. The advantages of a regional airport are convenience and its status as a 'gateway' to under-served areas. Secondary or regional airports represent an important market segment in today's air service, she says.

Look at San Francisco and Oakland, LAX and the John Wayne Airport in southern California, or big cities like Chicago, New York and Boston where secondary airports serve a very important function, Hupp points out. Colorado Springs has developed a reputation as an 'airline-friendly' airport so that once the travel market bounces back, we expect to be high on the list of expansion locations for air carriers.

August

In the August 15 issue of the Business Journal, the Forty Achievers Under 40 award-winners were highlighted. Here are some memorable quotes from the rising stars.

Making a difference, even if it's a small difference, in the community is important.

- Regina Baker, customer service representative, Ford Motor Credit Union

I have that Midwest mentality where you have a mix of all parts. You use the same philosophy in business as you do at home.

- Tina Black, assistant VP and consultant, Marsh

The power to make change is right there for the taking.

- Chad Gufarotti, special events and volunteer coordinator, American Cancer Society

Community involvement is so important, not only as a business person to make Chinook known to the community, but it's a way to give back. And it's a way to make our community stronger.