Selection Note: For 74 years, the Greater Arvada Chamber has supported the recognition of Man and Woman of the Year and other award recipients who have made long-term contributions to the community. The Chamber and its board do not select these award winners; they are reviewed and selected by a committee of previous award recipients. Winners are chosen based on their long-term impact across multiple organizations. The recognition is for the individual and does not directly correlate to programs or organizations as an endorsement. The Chamber is responsible for the logistics of the Awards Luncheon, an event that inspires leadership and is dedicated to helping our community thrive.
ARVADA, CO, April 1, 2025 – The Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2024 Man and Woman of the Year, Pioneer Award, and Image Award winners. Recipients of these awards will be honored at the May 7, 2025, Greater Arvada Chamber 74th Annual Awards Luncheon from 11:30-1:00 pm at the Arvada Center.
The Man and Woman of the Year Awards are a long-standing tradition in Arvada recognizing outstanding men and women in the community for their amazing community involvement, generosity and overall impact on Arvada. Nominations for these awards and the Image Award are reviewed and selected by a committee made up of previous winners.
The 2024 Man of the Year is Keith Cowling. Keith’s decades-long leadership and service have significantly impacted his community and the lives of countless individuals. Over a 37-year career, including 22 years as CEO, he oversaw remarkable growth, expanding membership and assets while fostering economic development. Beyond his professional achievements, Keith has dedicated himself to personal ministry and volunteerism, mentoring vulnerable children and supporting individuals facing homelessness or recovery challenges. His commitment to service is deeply personal, shaped by his family’s journey through adoption and resilience in the face of loss. Keith’s unwavering empathy and faith continue to inspire others as he provides hands-on support, financial guidance, and spiritual care to those in need, embodying a life of compassion and selflessness.
The 2024 Woman of the Year is Barb Stolte. Barb has dedicated her life to enriching the Arvada community through volunteerism, journalism, and grassroots activism. A lifelong Arvada resident, she has spent over six decades promoting and supporting the city—whether through working for the local paper, fundraising for schools and community needs, or serving through her church’s “Faith in Action” group. Her efforts have provided essential supplies, food, and clothing to schools and those experiencing homelessness. Barb’s unwavering commitment to service, her deep connection to Arvada’s history, and her selfless dedication to helping others make her an invaluable pillar of the community.
The Pioneer Award is a prestigious recognition of individuals who have made exceptional, long-term contributions to the Arvada community. This award is not presented annually, but rather on special occasions to honor those who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and impact over many years. The 2024 winner of the Pioneer Award is Bob West.
Bob has dedicated decades to civic service, making a lasting impact on recreation, public safety, education, and youth sports. He played a key role in securing funding for major community recreation projects, leading efforts to pass multiple bond measures. His work also extended to public safety, where he successfully campaigned for a sales tax increase to enhance police services, overcoming skepticism to secure voter approval. In the realm of economic development, he provided leadership to initiatives that strengthened local businesses and job growth. His contributions to education included financial oversight, school closure decisions, and the strategic sale of district properties. Additionally, his efforts in preserving open spaces helped shape the region’s outdoor and recreational opportunities. A passionate advocate for youth sports, Bob coached dozens of teams and co-founded a regional basketball league that laid the foundation for future programs. His dedication has positively impacted thousands, fostering stronger communities and expanded opportunities.
The selection committee also names recipients for the Image Awards. Image Award winners are selected for their commitment to Arvada and the overall positive image they portray within the community. The Arvada Chamber is proud to recognize for the 2024 Image Award: Chris Duncan, Kathy Kuehn, and Jack Emery.
Chris Duncan is an exceptional leader and advocate for inclusivity in her community. As a dedicated fitness instructor, she goes beyond her role, volunteering countless hours to organize an annual holiday show for individuals with disabilities. What began as a small gathering has grown into a major event, drawing hundreds of attendees and providing performers with a platform to shine. Chris’s unwavering dedication, creativity, and compassion empower participants to build confidence while bringing joy to the entire community.
Kathy Kuehn embodies selfless service and dedication, enriching her community through nearly two decades of volunteer work. She has devoted thousands of hours to supporting patients and staff in healthcare settings, playing a vital role in major transitions, including facility relocations. Her longstanding commitment to community service is evident through her efforts in education and welfare programs, helping provide essential resources and opportunities for those in need. Kathy’s warmth, leadership, and tireless contributions make her an inspiring force for good, truly deserving of recognition.
Jack Emery is a humble yet powerful force for good, dedicating decades to humanitarian efforts both locally and internationally. His leadership has brought essential services, medical aid, and resources to underserved communities, including initiatives to provide eyeglasses, fire trucks, food, and supplies to those in need. Beyond his international work, Jack has devoted himself to local service, supporting faith-based outreach, mentoring young pilots, and volunteering at community events. His quiet generosity and unwavering commitment to helping others have enriched countless lives.
Winners for Young Professional Leadership Awards and Rising Star Awards will be announced soon. Award winners are selected by a committee of former Young Professional Leadership Award winners.
The Pioneer Award and Man and Woman of the Year will be honored with a video of their accomplishments at the Awards Luncheon. Videos and more information about the wonderful work done by each of the recipients will be released after the event. For more information on attending the awards luncheon, please call 303-424-0313 or visit www.arvadachamber.org/awardsluncheon.
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