Brittany Pettersen

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Red Silo Coffee Roasters of Arvada, Colorado for receiving the 2026 Outstanding Small Business Award from the Arvada Economic Development Association. Each year, this award recognizes an Arvada small business that stands apart for its job growth, innovation, community involvement, outreach, and more. Founders Greg Pierce and Shelley Flood, who had worked together on construction and design projects for more than 20 years, chose Arvada as the home for their first craft restaurant and roastery: Red Silo Coffee Roasters. Since its founding, Red Silo has grown from a single Arvada storefront into four locations, with continued expansion creating local jobs across its cafe, roasting, and production operations. Red Silo is set apart by its commitment to developing its employees, sourcing directly from farmers, and small-batch roasting. Red Silo has also expanded its local production with an artisan ice cream creamery featuring natural, organic, from-scratch ingredients. Red Silo embodies the innovation, hard work, and community spirit that make small businesses thrive. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Red Silo Coffee Roasters for receiving the 2026 Outstanding Small Business Award and thank them for their contributions to the Arvada community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Scott Spears for receiving the 2026 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from the Arvada Economic Development Association. Each year, this award recognizes individuals who demonstrate the traits of an exemplary entrepreneur, including their leadership, innovation, determination, and community spirit. Scott is a born-and-raised Arvadan and the owner of five distinctive local businesses: Scrumptious, School House, Super Zoom Bang Bang, Secret Level, and Sock. What makes Scott's business model distinctive is his ability to identify unmet community needs and create highly curated, one-of-a-kind concepts to fit those needs. From specialty sweets and whiskey, to toys and socks, each business offers a unique experience rooted in the community. School House Kitchen and Libations, housed in Arvada's original 1882 schoolhouse, offers more than 2,000 whiskeys, 50 beers, and Arvada's first rooftop patio. Scott's leadership extends beyond business, serving as Vice President of the Business Improvement District and serving on the Board of Directors for Historic Olde Town Arvada. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Scott Spears for receiving the 2026 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award and thank him for his contributions to the Arvada community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alex Adkisson, a teacher at Green Mountain High School from Lakewood, Colorado, for being named a finalist for 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year by the Colorado Department of Education. In our community, Mr. Adkisson has a reputation for going above and beyond to engage his students in mathematics, construction, engineering, and business. He has long fostered a learning environment where students can apply what they learn to real-world situations, develop practical skills, and explore new possibilities for their future. Mr. Adkisson was previously recognized for his outstanding teaching with the 2023 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools $100,000 Teaching Grand Prize. Since then, Mr. Adkisson has continued to excel and his teaching style continues to inspire fellow educators, students, and the community alike. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Alex Adkisson for his service to his students and community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce for receiving the 2026 Community Partnership Award from the Arvada Economic Development Association. Each year, this award recognizes an organization that supports economic development efforts and community outreach. The Greater Arvada Chamber has strengthened the regional business environment in recent years through B.O.L.D. 2026, promoting economic resiliency through talent, housing, childcare, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. In 2024, it launched the Business Resource Center, which serves as a hub for supporting training, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. The Chamber has invested in workforce development by supporting Career Hubs in schools and partnering with education and workforce leaders. The Chamber has also raised more than $22,000 for the ``No Neighbor Hungry'' campaign and continues to promote civic engagement and community dialogue through public forums. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce for receiving the 2026 Community Partnership Award and thank them for their contributions to the Arvada community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joe Hengstler of Arvada, Colorado, for receiving the 2026 Community Spirit Award from the Arvada Economic Development Association. Each year, this award recognizes an individual whose outstanding service to the community has helped define and shape Arvada's character. As the Executive Director of the Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District from 2019 until his passing on September 23, 2025, Joe was the driving force behind Olde Town's revitalization and was affectionately known as its ``Mayor.'' Through his leadership, he expanded tourism, secured grants, and fostered regional partnerships that elevated Olde Town as a model for downtown revitalization in Colorado and beyond. Joe's dedication, creativity, and steady leadership were vital to ensuring Olde Town's vibrancy and economic vitality for years to come. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Joe Hengstler for receiving the 2026 Community Spirit Award and thank him for his contributions to the Arvada community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Flourish in Life through Art and Resources for Endometriosis (FLARE) for their work making the realities of endometriosis visible through patient-created artwork, healthcare education, research, and advocacy. In September of 2026, FLARE will hold their inaugural Art Exhibit in New York City, bringing awareness to a chronic illness that continues to be one of the most under-recognized medical conditions in the world. The exhibit will make endometriosis visible by presenting it through the eyes of artists experiencing the real symptoms and life disruptions that chronic pain causes. Chelsea Hardesty, a health policy advocate and artist from Lakewood in Colorado's 7th Congressional District, has worked tirelessly to connect local leadership with the growing national movement to improve access to endometriosis education and healthcare. Her dedication to advocacy supports patients with endometriosis and clinicians across the United States. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize FLARE for their work bringing hope to endometriosis patients nationwide.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barber-Nichols of Arvada, Colorado for receiving the 2026 Outstanding Large Employer Award from the Arvada Economic Development Association. Each year, this award recognizes a large employer that stands apart for their job growth, innovation, community involvement, outreach, and more. Barber-Nichols exemplifies outstanding corporate leadership through its commitment to workforce development, innovation, and connection to the Arvada community. The company is helping build the next generation of skilled workers through its apprenticeship program with Warren Tech, Manufacturing Day tours, student visits, and hands-on STEM opportunities. Young people gain firsthand exposure to machining and engineering work that supports critical applications in aerospace, defense, energy, and naval systems. Barber-Nichols also invests in the Arvada community by supporting local schools, outdoor education, and holiday food and toy drives. I am grateful for Barber-Nichols' continued dedication to employees, education, and the Arvada community. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Barber-Nichols for receiving the 2026 Outstanding Large Employer Award and thank them for their contributions to the Arvada community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mountain Resource Center Chief Executive Officer Sarah Kinzer for her distinguished leadership and service to the Conifer and Foothills area. For over seven years, Sarah has led the Mountain Resource Center by strengthening and expanding the resources the organization provided throughout the Covid pandemic and in recent years marked by drastically rising costs and instability with funding sources. Under her leadership, the Mountain Resource Center launched the Mobile Market in 2021 and a fully licensed, award-winning preschool in 2024. Beyond the crucial services Sarah has helped expand, she has also left the Mountain Resource Center in a more stable position with its building mortgage fully paid off, allowing the organization to remain active in Conifer for years to come. In an unincorporated, rural community like Conifer without local elected municipal officials, leaders like Sarah are even more critical in building community and providing services for our most vulnerable neighbors. The Mountain Resource Center's services, including food resources, case management, veteran support, and community building, are especially needed in rural areas with many senior residents, like Conifer. Sarah and the Mountain Resource Center have been an invaluable partner as my office has worked to engage with and serve our constituents ``up the hill.'' On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to thank Sarah for her dedication to our community. I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Olde Town Pickin' Parlor of Arvada, Colorado for receiving the 2026 Outstanding Retailer Award from the Arvada Economic Development Association. Each year, this award recognizes an Arvada retail business that stands apart in their job growth, innovation, community involvement, outreach, and more. Since its founding in 1991, Olde Town Pickin' Parlor has been one of the most beloved independent music shops in Colorado and a destination for acoustic instrument enthusiasts from across the region. For more than three decades, Olde Town Pickin' Parlor has welcomed musicians and instrument enthusiasts from across the region with exceptional service, expertise, and warm hospitality. Owner Kit and his knowledgeable staff take the time to help every customer, while the shop's luthiers have earned a reputation for performing remarkable work restoring and repairing instruments. I am grateful for their contributions to the Arvada music and retail community. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Olde Town Pickin' Parlor for receiving the 2026 Outstanding Retailer Award and for their contributions to the Arvada community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peyton Webb for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Peyton has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Peyton, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Peyton's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Wheat Ridge High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Peyton Webb on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jaretssy Sandoval-Perez for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Jaretssy has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Jaretssy, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Jaretssy's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Drake Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Jaretssy Sandoval-Perez on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Anna Sprengeler for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Mary Anna has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Mary Anna, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Mary Anna's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Drake Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Mary Anna Sprengeler on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Yuliia Zhemelko for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Yuliia has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Yuliia, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Yuliia's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Drake Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Yuliia Zhemelko on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Olha Zhemelko for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Olha has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Olha, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Olha's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Drake Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Olha Zhemelko on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brecklynn Solomon for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Brecklynn has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Brecklynn, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Brecklynn's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Excel Academy and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Brecklynn Solomon on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Diego Abreu for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Diego has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Diego, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Diego's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Diego Abreu on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Luz Alcantar Flores for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Luz has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Luz, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Luz's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Luz Alcantar Flores on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arturo Aro Calvillo for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Arturo has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Arturo, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Arturo's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Arturo Aro Calvillo on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Briyanah Rodriguez Vega for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Briyanah has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Briyanah, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Briyanah's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Drake Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Briyanah Rodriguez Vega on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kimberli Ballard for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Kimberli has has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Kimberli, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives This award is a testament to Kimberli's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Kimberli Ballard on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Torin Gonzalez for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Torin has overcome many challenges along their journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Torin, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Torin's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr/Sr High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Torin Gonzalez on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Delylah Hawk for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for youth Award. Delylah has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Delylah, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Delylah's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr/Sr High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Delylah Hawk on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kenalynn Johnson for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Kenalynn has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Kenalynn, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Kenalynn's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr/Sr High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Kenalynn Johnson on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Veronica Luevano for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Veronica has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Veronica, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Veronica's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr/Sr High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Veronica Luevano on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize JD Camacho Rodriguez for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. JD has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like JD, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to JD's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr/Sr High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate JD Camacho Rodriguez on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.