2008 CBCA Business for the Arts Awards Finalists Announced
Awards honor Colorado businesses that leverage the arts for success

Denver, CO — Successful companies recognize that arts involvement has a positive impact on business people, culture and performance. At the 21st Annual Business for the Arts Awards, Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA), a nonprofit that serves as a catalyst for Colorado's business community to leverage the arts for economic vitality, will honor businesses for their exemplary partnerships and engagement with the arts. Winners will be selected from among the finalists for each award and announced at the annual Awards luncheon event.

The 21st Business for the Arts Awards celebration will be held Thursday, March 20, 2008 in the Donald Seawell Ballroom, Denver Performing Arts Complex, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. More than 700 business, cultural and civic leaders are expected to attend this arts-infused celebration.

Awards honor Colorado businesses that leverage the arts for success

Philanthropy Award honors exemplary corporate citizenship and generosity to arts and cultural projects and organizations:

• GE Johnson Construction Company
• New Frontier Bank
• U.S. Bank

Innovation Award highlights innovative use of the arts to propel business strategies and success:

• Kaiser Permanente
• Mental Health Center of Denver
• Tagawa Garden Center

Workforce Award recognizes business programs that engage employees with creativity and the arts:

• Holland & Hart, LLP
• ripcord, LLC
• Ron's Printing Center

Workspace Award pays tribute to an exceptional work environment that advances business objectives:

• Anchor Center for Blind Children
• The Children's Hospital
• San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center

The 2008 judging panel is comprised of business and cultural leaders including:

• Patricia Barela Rivera, former district director in Colorado, U.S. Small Business Administration
• Patricia Calhoun, co-founder and editor, Westword
• Randy Hampton, partner, Ernst & Young LLP
• Jack Pappalardo, attorney, Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti and past president, Santa Fe ArtDistrict
• Roz Schneider, principal, Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture

In addition to lead sponsors Ernst & Young, LLP and Pinnacol Assurance, additional sponsors of the luncheon include Kaiser Permanente, JohnstonWells Public Relations, Qwest, The Publishing House, Colorado Data Mail, ColoradoBIZ Magazine and Post-News Community.

CBCA has commissioned Denver artist Jane Guthridge to create unique works which will be awarded to each winner. Additional information on Jane Guthridge and her artwork are available at www.janeguthridge.com.

Read the entire Press Release.