Nonprofits  April 28, 2022

Fort Collins chamber recognizes leaders with new, traditional awards

FORT COLLINS — The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce honored business leaders at its 117th annual celebration Wednesday at the Ranch events complex in Loveland. In addition to the traditional Collins and Volunteer of the Year awards, the chamber introduced an advocacy award in honor of former CEO David May.

May led the Fort Collins chamber for more than 17 years, and helped lead a movement in favor of widening Interstate 25 through Northern Colorado. The first award given in his honor went to Nick Haws, president and CEO of Northern Engineering Inc. 

Haws’ involvement with the chamber includes serving on the board and even developing the award he received.

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“Being involved in the creation of the David May award and then being the first to receive it, it was not intended, but it is appreciated,” Haws said.

The chamber posthumously awarded Carl Maxey with the prestigious Collins award. Maxey operated Maxey Cos. for decades, and served as partner, vice president and regional general manager after merging Maxey Cos. with Pennsylvania-based MGS, Inc. 

Maxey’s family accepted the award on his behalf. Clayton Maxey, son of the local business leader, regaled the audience with a story about his father’s opposition to bumper stickers — until it came time to promote efforts to improve I-25.

“My father was in many instances our coach and our star player,” Maxey said.

The chamber recognized Eric Lea, vice president and branch director of Robert Half International Inc. with the Valerie Arnold Volunteer of the Year Award. Lea has been involved with the chamber’s Local Legislative Affairs Committee and advocates for local business interests.

Chamber CEO Ann Hutchinson and board chair Brett Kemp also took the time to recognize the Local Legislative Affairs Committee, volunteers for Moving Fort Collins Forward, and chamber of commerce staff. Special thanks were given to departing board members, including Gene Bocis, Dean Hoag, Kyle Pettine, Steve Stiesmeyer and Yvonne Myers.

Katherine Stahla
Katherine Stahla is a reporter covering business, real estate, agriculture and energy in Northern Colorado. Katherine loves covering stories that matter to communities all across the state. Katherine also likes making videos supplementing the news, and fun short films on the side.
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