Sinton exec is honored by chamber

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Oct 29, 2005 | by DEBBIE KELLEY THE GAZETTE

Sinton Dairy General Manager Joel Midkiff was named Business Citizen of the Year by the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce at its annual dinner Friday at The Broadmoor.

"For a milkman to get this kind of award is beyond my dreams," Midkiff said, crediting his wife of 35 years, Laura, for keeping him "grounded" and helping him succeed.

"When I reflect back, I think about how lucky I've been having my wife and two daughters, three business partners and the dozens of people who have encouraged me, helped me and counseled me in my career," he said.

Midkiff said he is viewed by his peers as bringing a common- sense approach and unbiased view to the table.

"I've been told that by a lot of people," he said, "including one guy who said he likes bouncing ideas off me and getting my views because I have a knack of finding the weak spots -- and that felt very warm and fuzzy."

That innate sense has served 57-yearold Midkiff well in his career. He has worked for or co-owned Sinton Dairy for 35 years, moving his way from doorstep deliveryman to vice president for sales in 1981 to partner in 1987.

Although Midkiff sold his share of the dairy in 2003, he continues to man- age the company for the current owner, National Dairy Holdings.

Through the years, Midkiff has contributed time to more than 40 Pikes Peak region nonprofits, including the chamber's board of directors. Wednesday, he completed a term as chairman of the board for the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry.

"Joel Midkiff has contributed to this community for more than three decades and embodies everything a business leader should," said Will Temby, the chamber's president and chief executive officer.

The chamber also recognized Lori Wood as Ambassador of the Year. Wood is sales and marketing director for The Doodler, a family- owned promotional-products business. Wood devotes 5 to 15 hours a week as the volunteer coordinator for the Ambassador Club's military- affairs program.

"I put a lot of hours in, and at some point, they wondered if they should give me a paycheck," Wood said. "Several ambassadors were deserving of (the award)."

The club recruits and supports chamber members.

U.S. Rep. Joel Hefley and U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard. both R-Colo., were also honored for their service to the community.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0235 or debbie.kelley@gazette.com