The Arvada Resiliency Taskforce — a partnership between local organizations including the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, Arvada Economic Development Association and Olde Town Business Improvement District — was awarded the Gateway Award for Community Partner of the year at the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation’s Gateways dinner on Nov. 3.
The taskforce, which was formed in March 2020 to aid the community from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, was recognized for its role in helping businesses navigate a difficult year for many.
The taskforce worked rapidly to create programs and provide resources for local businesses impacted by the pandemic. The taskforce played a key role in distributing grant funding and personal protective equipment to businesses when the pandemic was at its peak.
Arvada Economic Development Director Daniel Ryley said that while the taskforce was initially formed to help Arvada-based businesses weather the pandemic, he did not foresee the growth that the city’s commerce sector has experienced over the last year.
“We originally created the taskforce because our local businesses are the heart of our community and we knew we needed to act immediately in order to make a difference,” said Ryley. “What we didn’t anticipate is that the impact of our fast actions would help turn our town into an area that people from all over Colorado are now flocking to.”
President of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce Kami Welch said that winning the Jeffco EDC award was a testament to the taskforce’s teamwork.
“By working together, pooling our resources and building on our strengths we can accomplish great things,” said Welch.
The Gateway dinner was held at Social Capital in Arvada.