For 20 years, the West Metro Chamber of Commerce has celebrated the best of the best businesses in Lakewood. This year’s celebration took on a more festive Mardi Gras theme. The Bourbon Street Bash combined fellowship, games, awards and King Cake to create a lively and colorful gathering of Lakewood business people.
The event was created around awards for the best of the best in Lakewood. However, it became a space for business leaders to share their appreciation for the Lakewood community.
Dana Nass, owner of Golden Printing and Promotional Products at 1120 Kline St., Lakewood, accepted the award for Chamber Champion. Nass gave a heartfelt thanks to the Lakewood community, “for always being there for me,” she said. Nass is the eldest award recipient of the night at age 75.
Sylvester Osei-Fordwuo of African Grill and Bar at 955 S Kipling Parkway in Lakewood also thanked the community for 20 years when they received the award for the Underrepresented Group-Owned Business category.
“When we started African Grill and Bar, this one wasn’t even born,” Osei- Fordwuo said, pointing at the three children he shares with wife and co-owner Theodora. He thanked the community for the two decades of continued support before announcing a 20th anniversary celebration in July on a date to be announced.
They weren’t the only ones to make an announcement. When receiving the award for the nonprofit organization category, Jeff Lamontagne, Executive Director of Dinosaur Ridge asked the crowd three questions before making a revelation.
“Who knows what the state fossil is?” Lamontagne asked.
The crowd answered, “Stegosaurus!”
“Who knows where the first Stegosaurus fossil was discovered?” Lamontagne asked.
“Dinosuar Ridge,” the crowd answered.
“Who knows the next Colorado specialty license plate?” Lamontagne asked. He didn’t pause for the crowd’s answer before revealing that the Stegosaurus specialty plate is available for purchase.
The other winners of the night were:
- Solopreneur, Joyce Feustel of Boomers’ Social Media Tutor at 7830 W Alameda Ave Ste 103, Lakewood.
- Small Business, Colorado Arts Productions at 1360 17th St #101, Denver
- Medium/Large Business, Runner’s Roost Lakewood at 7978 W Alameda Ave A, Lakewood.
- Ambassador of the Year, Tammy Fabregas of FAB Living Team brokered by eXp Realty in Lakewood.
The ceremony portion of the evening was led by Masters of Ceremonies LaDawn Sperling and Cindy Baroway. For more information on these businesses and the West Metro Chamber of Commerce, visit WestMetroChamber.org.