The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, with presenting sponsor Black Hills Energy, will hold the 113th Annual Gala on Friday, January 26, 2023 at the Pueblo Convention Center. “We are extremely grateful to Black Hills Energy for agreeing to be the title sponsor for the year’s gala, once again”, Duane Nava, Chamber President & CEO, said in a statement. At the Annual Gala, the “Rod Slyhoff Citizen of the Year” Award will be presented to an individual in Pueblo County who makes a substantial contribution to the Pueblo and surrounding areas and demonstrates extensive community involvement outside of their daily employment. This award recognizes a recipient that has made a significant and positive impacts on Pueblo.
After accepting nominations throughout the last months of 2023, the selection committee chose Andrea Aragon. Aragon has had a lasting impact on Pueblo in countless ways. Aragon was the first executive director of the Latino Chamber of Commerce, worked in alumni and development at Colorado State University-Pueblo, served 17 years as the President & CEO of United Way of Pueblo County and is the current Executive Director of the Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation.
Aragon has given back to the Pueblo community in a number of ways including serving on the Caring for Colorado Board of Directors, College Invest Board, Colorado Nonprofit Association Board of Directors and is currently a member of the US Bank Pueblo Community Advisory Board, the Colorado State University-Pueblo President’s Advisory Board, the City/County Library Foundation, the Palmer Land Conservancy and is a Commissioner for the Housing Authority for the City of Pueblo. Aragon has received many honors for her work in the Pueblo community, one of which was the 2015 Charles W. Crews Business Leader of the Year Award from the Greater Pueblo Chamber. Aragon was also featured in LaVozColorado’s ‘Where Are They Now’ section, highlighting Colorado’s most successful Latino leaders.
The Greater Pueblo Chamber will also be recognizing its Ambassador of the Year for 2023, Evie Harris. Harris is employed at Southern Colorado Clinic and has served as an ambassador for nearly 13 years. “As a member of the Chamber’s ambassador team, Evie shows great dedication and hard work, which are vital for the successful outcomes of the events that we plan for the Chamber and our Visit Pueblo department”, Nava said.
The Greater Pueblo Chamber has also added two additional awards to this year’s Gala. The Chamber serves as the Convention and Visitors Bureau for the City of Pueblo and will recognize the 2023 Trailblazer Award and Outstanding Volunteer Award in the area of tourism in Pueblo.
The 2023 Trailblazer Award will be presented to Bill Zwick. Zwick’s urban design experience and visionary ability has enhanced city projects in historic preservation, new construction, streetscapes, public buildings and the implementation of art in public places projects. His projects have involved the Pueblo Convention Center, El Pueblo History Museum, the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo and Renovation of Memorial Hall and City Hall. “Bill has been on the forefront of Destination Development in the city of Pueblo for over 30 years and is so deserving of the inaugural Trailblazer award for 2023”, Donielle Kitzman, Chamber Vice President, said in a statement.
The 2023 Outstanding Volunteer Award will be presented to Carol Rivera. Rivera served as a teacher for 26 years, and currently volunteers at the El Pueblo History Museum. During her volunteer years, she has been involved with the historical interpreter’s program, participated in the Educator’s 3-day 1840 style Encampment at Bent’s Old Fort, read volumes of books about Pueblo history and created her own educational program which is often used in the El Pueblo History Museum trading post tours. “Dedicated volunteers like Carol make a huge difference by improving our Pueblo attractions for the people who live in and visit our city”, said Kitzman.
