Business HOF names 2009 class

LONGMONT – Seven men will be inducted into the Boulder County Business Hall of Fame in April for their significant business and community achievements and leadership.

Jerry W. Lewis, Jeff Schott, Lou DellaCava, Dick Herring, Jerry Lee, William Boettcher and Jay Elowsky make up the hall’s Class of 2009.

The group will be honored at the 17th annual induction luncheon to be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 30, at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Longmont, home of the Hall of Fame.

The hall recognizes businessmen and women who have and continue to exemplify business, cultural and philanthropic achievements that serve as the foundation of communities in the county.

As co-publishers and co-owners of the Boulder County Business Report, Lewis and Schott chronicled business developments, trends and innovations for 20 years until they sold their interest in the publication in 2008.

Together, they formed a formidable team, cementing BCBR’s role as a leading force for the business community of the Boulder Valley. Their award-winning newspaper included many business innovations including special publications that provided exposure to the many local businesses and businesspeople.

DellaCava was born and raised in the Bronx in New York City as the son of a blue collar working family. He worked in the construction trades to pay for college. After service in the U.S. Army, DellaCava went to work for IBM.

In 1978, DellaCava took on executive responsibilities for a $500 million line of products and was a key contributor to IBM’s growth in Boulder County. Lou’s community involvement is as impressive as his business success … where his thoughtful, courteous but probing questions reflect his profound understanding of the Boulder County economy.

Herring spent 25-plus years leading Ball Aerospace and Technologies. He is the original chief executive of DigitalGlobe Inc. and primary reason it is located in Longmont. He has held other CEO positions in Boulder County and has served on several high-tech boards. He also facilitated the organization of the nonprofit Engineers Without Borders. He served on engineering committees at the University of Colorado and Colorado School of Mines and has won several engineering awards. He has years of philanthropic service to the nonprofit community.

Lee was born the third of 15 children. He became president of the W.W. Reynolds Companies in Boulder before setting up Lee Real Estate in 2005. Lee’s passion for running led him to partner with Danny Abshire in developing a new athletic shoe called the Newton, which is changing the way running and walking shoes are made. In addition to his church and philanthropic endeavors, Lee has served on numerous committees for the city of Boulder, including a term of more than 10 years on the Boulder Urban Renewal Board.

Boettcher arrived in Boulder in 1959 and in 1964 purchased a collection agency with his wife with only two employees. Today BC Services employs more than 125 people and counts many of Boulder County businesses as clients. Boettcher has served many community organizations such as the Longmont Area of Chamber Commerce, Longmont United Hospital and Longmont United Hospital Foundation.

Elowsky has been owner and manager of Pasta Jay’s Restaurants for 20 years using family recipes to create “food fit for a king!” Elowsky is a huge supporter of the University of Colorado, including all sports programs, along with public schools, organizations and the community around him.

Reservations for the luncheon are $55 each and $550 for a corporate table of 10. To make reservations or purchase a table go online to www.halloffamebiz.com, or contact Fred Kreider at 303-229-3582.