Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc. and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the 2013 inductees into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame representing the Colorado’s most distinguished business leaders from the past and present.
“Inclusion in the Colorado Business Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of success and recognition,” said Chris Harr, 2012/2013 chairman of the Junior Achievement board of directors. “These leaders provide inspiration for future trailblazers and have left a legacy that reinforces the importance and value of the free enterprise system. Because of their achievements, our community is a much better place.”
Laureates, selected for their enduring and innovative professional contributions to Colorado, inspirational and ethical acumen and philanthropic endeavors, will be inducted at the 24th annual Colorado Business Hall of Fame Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Convention Center. The event is generously underwritten by UMB Bank.
For details about this event or to purchase a table or tickets, please contact Shawna Robbins at 303-260-6286 or SRobbins@JAColorado.org.
2013 Colorado Business Hall of Fame Laureates
TEMPLE HOYNE BUELL
Temple Hoyne Buell was a civic and business leader in Colorado throughout his life. Buell established the largest architectural firm in the Rocky Mountain area and designed more than 300 buildings in Colorado including one of the first shopping malls in the country. In addition to being president of Buell & Co., he was president of multiple other corporations, including the Denver Motor Hotel Inc.; Buell Building Inc.; Civic Building Inc.; Fraternal Building Inc.; Nassau Building Inc.; and Buell Development Corporation. The Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation was established in 1962 in order to support his charitable interests. Today, the Foundation supports programs and initiatives for children, especially in the areas of early intervention, prevention and improving the social and educational systems critical to the well-being of Colorado’s youngest citizens. Since 1962, the foundation has grown its endowment to $250 million and now gives $9 million in grants annually to nonprofit organizations in Colorado. To date, the foundation has granted approximately $100 million.
GLENN R. JONES
Glenn R. Jones Chairman, CEO of Jones International Ltd. and founder of Jones International University has spent four decades extending the reach of technology, first by bringing cable television to American homes, then by fusing education with the Internet to deliver education to lifelong learners worldwide. Along the way, Jones has created numerous businesses in the fields of digital encryption, digital compression, Internet technology, e-commerce, software development, education, cable networks, entertainment, mobile communications, radio networks and advertising sales. He has also authored several books including “Cyberschools, An Education Renaissance,” and “Free Market Fusion.” In addition to several honorary doctorate degrees, Jones has received numerous awards from various organizations for his outstanding contributions in the fields of distance education and cable television. He has previously been inducted into three Halls of Fame.
DON KORTZ
A Denver native, Don Kortz has played an active role in consulting with law firms, other professional organizations and major corporations in their expansion, contraction and relocation needs. He is chairman of the board for Cassidy Turley, the fourth largest commercial real estate firm in the country with offices throughout the United States and 72 international offices. Kortz received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and his juris doctorate from the University of Denver. He is a past chair of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, The Children’s Hospital Colorado, Rose Medical Center, Colorado Concern and University of Denver Institute for Interfaith Studies. He also has served, or serves, as a trustee or board member on National Jewish Health, Denver Zoological Foundation, Mizel Museum, Judith Ann Griese Foundation, Jewish Community Center, Health One and Denver Board of Water Commissioners. Kortz was appointed by Governor Ritter to the Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care (208 Commission).
RONALD E. MONTOYA
Ronald E. Montoya, owner of Innov8 Solutions USA and chairman of Solera National Bank, is a recognized business leader, promoting continued growth and development of business in the United States and abroad, bringing economic benefits and diversity to the community. He has served as chairman of the board for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and as Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Minority Business. Montoya holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado and juris doctorate from University of Denver. Montoya has received several commendations, awards and certificates throughout his career including the Del Hock Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation. In 2011, on its Silver Anniversary, The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Denver honored Montoya by naming an award the Ronald E. Montoya Lifetime Achievement Award.
ROD AND BETH SLIFER
Rod and Beth Slifer’s community leadership has been an economic driver for tourism in Colorado for more than 50 years. Rod Slifer, the first-ever realtor in Vail, has become a major force in Vail’s evolution from ski area to mega-resort. He is now the principal of Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, the Vail Valley’s largest and most prolific real estate brokerage. He has served as a member of the Vail Town Council and the mayor of Vail. He is a founding director of Alpine Banks of Colorado, director of Colorado Open Lands and the Vail Valley Foundation, and is one of the founders of the University of Colorado Real Estate Center and Real Estate Foundation.
Beth Slifer is the founder of Slifer Designs Interior Design & Retail with locations in Vail and Denver. For the past decade, she has provided leadership for strategically marketing Vail, contributing to the economic vitality of the Vail Valley through her extensive business and community involvement. She currently serves on the University of Colorado Hospital Board of Directors and the University of Colorado Depression Center Board of Directors.
Click here to see more photos from the 2013 Colorado Business Hall of Fame.
