The Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA), led by Americans for the Arts Board member and Private Sector Council member, Deborah Jordy, recognized companies and individuals at its annual Business for the Arts Awards luncheon on Wednesday, March 11^th. A total of five awards were presented from CBCA, and over 750 individuals attended the event at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Americans for the Arts CEO, Bob Lynch, presented the National Award for State Arts Leadership to Gov. John Hickenlooper, who was unable to attend the original award presentation at the Conference of Mayors’ winter meeting.

“That dude can play,” Lynch remarked of the governor’s musical skills, before discussing areas where the state is leading the nation in the arts. Among other acheivements, Hickenlooper secured the placement of the Colorado Creative Industries program under the state office of economic development.