Scudder Press, a family-owned and operated printing business, is cognizant of the needs of its customers and community.
“Helping the community has always been at the forefront of our business model, and helping our clients achieve success in their business,” said Amy Smith, co-owner of Scudder Press.
This business model is why Scudder Press received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from the city of Thornton during its 27th Annual Business Appreciation Event April 17, at The Brittany Hill.
“We’re very proud to receive this award,” Smith said. “We are proud to call many of our clients friends.”
Scudder Press has been in business for 35 years, 15 of those years in the Thornton and Northglenn area. Five years ago the company built their current location at 565 Russell Blvd. in Thornton.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award recognizes small businesses that has shown excellence in ingenuity, effort or has made a significant impact on the community.
The People’s Choice Award went to Papa Mazzotti’s, 2252 Lake Ave., in Eastlake. It was selected by popular vote.
“We are elated. To us, this is what matters, our peers are the ones that kept us in business for almost 20 years,” said Jill Wilkins, who co-owns the restaurant with her mom, Teri Mazzotti, and her sister, Liz Treber.
Papa Mazzotti was Wilkins’ grandfather, who she said taught them all how to cook. It was his love for cooking and family that Wilkins said the women try to pay tribute to. She said they have regulars they know by name, know their usual orders and some of them they’ve watched grow up – catering their special occasions like wedding and baby showers.
“We crave the family feeling,” Wilkins said.
She added that they use recipes handed down from generations and take pride in the food they cook.
Cabela’s, which anchors The Grove Shopping Center, 14050 Lincoln St., received the Retailer of the Year Award. The award goes to a business that has shown excellent customer service, unique product/service offerings and has improved the retail experience for Thornton customers.
“Since their huge opening in August 2013, Cabela’s has kicked off a new level of retail service valued by consumers in North Metro Denver,” said Thornton Marketing & Real Estate Administrator Kim Schafer in statement.
Company on the Move award recognizes a business that demonstrates a solid success pattern and tremendous growth potential. This year the honor went to The Women’s Health Group, 9195 Grant St. This gynecology and obstetrics practice services a broad range of income levels and incomes for women.
Corinthian Colleges Inc. won Industrial/Office Project of the Year for its demonstration of growth, innovation and significant potential. Corinthian Colleges opened its call center at the North Valley Tech Center, 500 84th Ave., in late 2013 and will ultimately employ 500 people.  
The annual event featured a keynote address by Mark Schlereth, former Denver Bronco, ESPN commentator and small business owner.