by Fred Kreider
The Boulder County Business Hall of Fame has selected seven new inductees for 2009. This year’s inductees, nominated by peers and colleagues, will be recognized for their significant business and community achievements and leadership.
The 17th annual induction luncheon is at 11:30 AM on Thursday, April 30 at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Longmont.
The Boulder County Business Hall of Fame recognizes businessmen and women who have and continue to exemplify business, cultural and philanthropic achievements that serve as the foundation of our communities.
The 2009 Boulder County Business Hall of Fame inductees:
- William Boettcher: Boettcher arrived in Boulder in 1959 and in 1964 purchased a collection agency with his wife with only two employees. Today BC Services employs over 125 people and counts many of Boulder County businesses as his clients. Boettcher has served many community organizations such as Longmont Chamber, Longmont United Hospital, and Longmont United Hospital Foundation.
- Lou DellaCava: DellaCava was born and raised in the Bronx, New York City as the son of a blue collar working family. He worked in the construction trades to pay for college. After service in the US Army, Lou went to work for IBM. In 1978 he took on executive responsibilities for a $500 Million line of products and was a key contributor to IBM’s growth in Boulder County before developing his real estate operations. For 20+ years, Lou’s community involvement is as impressive as his business success. He has served Boulder Community Hospital and Foundation, Boulder Tomorrow, Inc., Access Counseling, and other civic organizations.
- Jay Elowsky: Owner and Manager of Pasta Jay’s Restaurants in Boulder for 20+ years, Moab, and soon in the Park Meadows, using family recipes to create “food fit for a king!” Elowsky is a huge supporter of Colorado University (including all sports programs) along with public schools, organizations and the community around him. As a business man he utilizes a constant hands-on approach. Jay knows no strangers.
- Dick Herring: Herring spent 25+ years leading Ball Aerospace. He is the original CEO and primary reason DigitalGlobe is located in Longmont and he has held other CEO positions in Boulder County. He has served on high tech Boards and facilitated the set up of Engineers Without Borders. He served on engineering committees at CU and School of Mines, and has won several engineering awards. He has years of philanthropic service to the not-for-profit community.
- Jerry Lee: Jerry was born the third of 15 children. He became president of the W.W. Reynolds Companies before setting up Lee Real Estate in 2005. Jerry’s passion for running led him to partner with Danny Abshire in developing a new athletic shoe called the Newton which is successfully changing the way in which running and walking shoes are made. In addition to his church and philanthropic endeavors, Jerry has served on numerous committees for the City of Boulder, including a term of over ten years on the Boulder Urban Renewal Board.
- Jerry W. Lewis and Jeff Schott: As co-publishers and owners of the Boulder County Business Report, Lewis and Schott chronicled business developments, trends, and innovations for 20 years. Together, they formed a formidable team, cementing BCBR’s role as a leading force for the business community of the Boulder Valley. Their award winning newspaper included many business innovations including: the annual Boulder Valley Technology/Manufacturers directory, Boulder Valley MD, Blueprints, Giving Guide, Book of Lists, Green Book, along with an award-winning website.
The Boulder County Business Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to recognize and honor businesswomen and men who personify “business at its best.” Since 1992, 115+ individuals have received this prestigious award.
