Lauded laureates named to Colorado Business Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc. and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce have announced the 2015 inductees into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame, representing Colorado business leaders from the past and present.

“Inclusion in the Colorado Business Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of success and recognition,” said Steve Kinsley, chairman of the Junior Achievement board of directors. “These leaders provide inspiration for future trailblazers and have left a legacy that reinforces the importance and value of the free enterprise system.”

Laureates, selected for their enduring and innovative professional contributions to Colorado, inspirational and ethical acumen and philanthropic endeavors, will be inducted at the 26th annual Colorado Business Hall of Fame dinner on Jan. 29 at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center.

The 2015 Colorado Business Hall of Fame Laureates are:

Pat Bowlen – After successful careers in oil, gas and real estate, Bowlen purchased the Denver Broncos in 1984. He presided over a franchise that has been one of the NFL’s most successful in his three decades of club ownership. A recent Harris Poll named the Broncos as America’s favorite team – a testament to the winning culture and first-class standards established by Bowlen throughout his tenure in Denver. Bowlen is chairman of the board of Denver Broncos Charities, which has donated more than $25 million to Denver-area organizations.

Brown Cannon, Brown W. Cannon and George R. Cannon – Brown Cannon was the founder of Windsor Farm Dairy, founder of Presbyterian Hospital, a prominent civic leader and county commissioner. His two sons, Brown W. Cannon and George R. Cannon, returned to Denver after World War II to become community leaders and successful businessmen. As senior vice president of Beatrice Foods, Brown W. Cannon helped to grow the company to an international giant. George R. Cannon had a successful career in the trucking industry for companies including Gallagher Freight Lines, Flexivan Corp. and Motor Cargo.

Klaus Obermeyer – At age 94, Obermeyer is a ski legend and industry icon. Born in a small Bavarian alpine village, Obermeyer followed his passion for skiing to America, landing in Aspen where he became a ski instructor. Determined to keep his students warm, Obermeyer designed and produced a down parka. In 1947 he founded Sport Obermeyer, and the innovations continued with suntan lotion, double-lens goggles, turtlenecks and fashion conscious high-tech skiwear.

Thomas A. Petrie – Petrie, chairman of Petrie Partners, has been an adviser on more than $200 billion of energy-related mergers and acquisitions. In addition to serving as a member of several industry associations, he is a trustee for the Denver Art Museum and serves on the board of governors of the Colorado School of Mines Foundation.

Bob and Joanna Sakata – During World War II, Sakata was held in a relocation camp in Utah. After his release, the Sakatas purchased 40 acres of farmland in Brighton. Today, Sakata Farms owns and farms more than 3,200 acres of vegetables, including its renowned sweet corn. The Sakatas have served on numerous state and local boards and were instrumental in founding the Brighton Community Hospital.

For details about this event or to purchase a table or tickets, contact Shawna Robbins at 303-260-6286 or srobbins@jacolorado.org.

Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain and Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce 2015 inductees into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame: Pat Bowlen, above, and Thomas Petrie, below, and Bob and Joanna Sakata.