Subscribe to RSS FeedThe West Chamber Hires New President/CEO
LAKEWOOD, Co – The Board of Directors for the West Chamber serving Jefferson County has announced they have hired Brian Willms as the organization’s new President/CEO. Willms has served as the President/CEO of the Loveland Chamber in Loveland, Colorado since 2008, and will take his position at the West Chamber beginning January 9, 2012.
Max Bryant, Chairman of the Board, said “Brian has deep roots in Jefferson County and brings with him valuable chamber leadership experience, a passion for business and a true vision for the future of our organization”.
An accomplished chamber professional, Willms utilizes his expertise in management, sales, marketing, public affairs and banking to effectively identify and execute the needs of the business community. Prior to assuming his role at the Loveland Chamber, Willms served as the Director of Member Services for the Portland Business Alliance, the Greater Portland Area’s Chamber of Commerce in Portland, Oregon. He also worked as a corporate trainer for Liberty Savings and US Bank, in addition to owning his own mortgage company. A native of Colorado, Willms attended Regis University and Metropolitan State College of Denver.
Willms is no stranger to Jefferson County. “I rented my first apartment in Lakewood, bought my first house in Edgewater and my eldest daughter is a sophomore at Green Mountain High School.” He is eager to work for the West Chamber and credits the Chamber’s strength to its members, and the leadership of the Chamber board, staff and past president, Amy Sherman. He said, “The development of FasTracks into the Western Corridor, having NREL based in Golden when a new energy economy is beginning to flourish and developments like Solterra are just a few reasons why businesses and individuals are looking to make Jefferson County their new home. I believe Jefferson County is positioned for a renaissance.”
About the West Chamber
The West Chamber is considered a regional chamber, and serves Jefferson County. The Chamber started in 1947 as the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. In 1990 the group merged with the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce to be the West Chamber Serving Jefferson County.
Chamber Mission
The West Chamber is in business to help build a stronger local economy, to promote the community, to provide exclusive benefits, to advocate for our businesses with government, and to provide leadership and collaboration.
The West Chamber Serving Jefferson County exists for the success of businesses, supporting and promoting members and providing opportunities for growth. The West Chamber advocates on behalf of its members to influence local, state and federal policy on issues affecting businesses in the county. For more information about the West Chamber, please call 303-233-5555 or visit www.westchamber.org.
U.S. Recognition & Rocky Mtn Medical Equip – Great Hosts!
U.S. Recognition & Rocky Mountain Medical Equipment hosted our Business After Hours last night. We appreciate their support of the Chamber by hosting the event. If you weren't there, you missed a great event! We also thank Carino's Italian Restaurant, 240 Union, Village Roaster and Fox's Den Pizza for their delicious food.
Celebrate Women of Jefferson County a Success
On Friday December 2, 2011 The West Chamber held its 10th Annual Celebrate Women of Jefferson County event. Ten exceptional women were honored for their passion for life, professional spirit, community leadership and dedication to charitable causes. this year's honorees were:
Christine Cook, Ingather Research
Kathleen Curtis, Village Roaster
Vi Hader, Jeffco Historical Commission
Dr. Michele Haney, PhD, Red Rocks Community College
Jennifer Herrick, CRAVE consignment shop
Bunny Malm, West Colfax Business Improvement District
Marian Metsopoulos, Lakewood Historical Society/Applewood Reliques Questers International
Moni Piz-Wilson, Grandma's Frozen Noodles
Amy Sherman, Northwest Douglas County Economic Development
Dr. Rebecca Wiebe, M.D., Red Rocks Cancer Center
The keynote speaker was Polly Letofsky, author of 3 mph: The Adventures of One Woman's Walk Around the World.
The Celebrate Women event is made possible through the generous support of this year’s event sponsors: Columbine Courier, Ohio Center for Broadcasting, Mile High Newspapers, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Mo's Family Portraits, Pinnacol Assurance, US Recognition, mpnphotography.
Each year a donation is made to the honorees favorite charity. Thanks to a generous contribution from Foothills Credit Union, the charitable donations will have an even greater impact.
View photos from the event at http://orders.mpnphotography.com/Events/2011-West-Chamber/
