2009 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, company culture and performance. Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) will honor businesses and leaders for their exemplary partnerships and engagement with the arts at the 22nd annual CBCA Business for the Arts Awards luncheon. The event is to be held Thursday, March 5, 2009, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm in the Donald Seawell Grand Ballroom, at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. CBCA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that serves as a catalyst for Colorado's business community to leverage the arts for economic vitality.

More than 600 business, cultural and civic leaders are expected to attend this arts-infused celebration. Entertainers will include The Denver Brass, Kim Olson /Sweet Edge dancers, lead singers from the national Broadway touring cast of The Phantom of the Opera presented by Denver Center Attractions and exhibitors from The Butterfly Pavilion.

2009 Business for the Arts Awards Finalists
Winners will be selected in the following four categories from twelve finalists:

Impact Award highlights innovative use of the arts to propel business strategies and success (new in 2009)

• Denver Urban Renewal Authority
• Starbucks Coffee Company
• Westword

Leader Award recognizes a business sector individual who has made significant contributions to advancing arts and culture in Colorado (new in 2009)

• Peter H. Dominick, Jr. (Posthumous)
• Cathey Finlon
• Marilyn Meginity

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

• East West Partners
• Kaiser Permanente
• Three Tomatoes Catering

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

• 4240 Architecture, Inc.
• Eating Recovery Center
• Pinnacol Assurance

The distinguished judging panel for the 2009 Business for the Arts Awards is comprised of the following business and cultural leaders:

• Ashara Ekundayo, Founder & Executive Director, Pan African Arts Society & Café Nuba
• Mariner Kemper, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, UMB Bank Colorado
• Adam Lerner, Executive Director, The Laboratory of Art + Ideas
• Donna Lynne, President & Executive Medical Director, Kaiser Permanente
• William Murane, Of Counsel, Holland & Hart

In addition to lead sponsors Ernst & Young and Pinnacol Assurance, additional sponsors of the 2009 Business for the Arts Awards include Kaiser Permanente, The Publishing House, ColoradoBIZ Magazine and Design & Image.

CBCA commissioned Denver artist Gary Emrich to create unique art works which will be awarded to each winner. Additional information about Emrich is available at www.garyemrichart.com.

Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) is a catalyst for Colorado's business community to leverage the arts for economic vitality. CBCA is a member organization of leading companies that have a philanthropic commitment to the arts and recognize the link between cultural vitality and creative and innovative success. Over 130 metro area businesses, representing 75,000 employees, are members of CBCA. Established in 1985 by local business leaders, Colorado is now an affiliate of Americans for the Arts and formerly of the National Business Committee for the Arts founded by David Rockefeller in 1967.

For photos and more information contact: Susan Beyda, CBCA Membership and Communications Director at 303-282-5129 or email sbeyda@cbca.org

Read the entire Press Release.