The Brighton Economic Development Corp. celebrated its 35th anniversary March 6 with a gala at the Armory.

    “This year’s gala was truly a spectacular celebration,” said BEDC President/CEO Raymond Gonzales. “It was so important to recognize the impact that the people and organizations of Brighton have had on this vibrant community. We are proud of our 35-year history of economic growth and ensuring Brighton as a great place to live.”

    The following awards were presented:

     Honorary Awards (Founding board of directors): James J. O’Dell; James L. Jaeger; Albert J. Shivley; Mayo J. Hottman; Ray I. Kitayama; Clair D. Sewell; Edward Lind, Jr.; Ronald K. Money; Gary D. Gilpin; Dr. Galen D. Marks; Leslie L. Sayre; and Bob L. Edwards.

    Strengthening Our Community Award: Rod Blunck of School District 27J.

    Honors an individual or organization that has been involved in economic development efforts and has demonstrated commitment in the long-term future and viability of Brighton’s economy.

    Regional Partnership Award: Upstate Economic

Development.

    Honors an individual or organization that embraces a spirit of regionalism.

    Excellence in Partnership: Vestas Coordination Team: city of Brighton; Nolte Associates; United Power; Greater Brighton Fire Protection District; Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade; and Vestas Wind Systems.ee

    Honors organizations that have partnered to further economic development in the Brighton area.

    Development of the Year: The Armory at Brighton Cultural Center: eeBrighton Urban Renewal Authority; Brighton Re-Development Co.; Bleeker Vigesaa General Contractors Inc.; This Place In Time; Department of Local Affairs; and HeART of Brighton.

    Honors a development or redevelopment project which enhances Brighton’s quality of life ensuring Brighton as a desirable place to live, work, learn and play.

    Project of the Year: Vestas Wind Systems

    Honors a project that demonstrates a significant impact on economic development through the creation of jobs and/or through the expansion of the local tax base in the Brighton area.

    In addition to the awards presentation, Brian Olsen of Art in Action created live paintings of musical performers Dave Matthews, Marilyn Monroe, Ray Charles and Hazel Miller, choreographed to each performer’s music. Olsen’s performance impressed the audience as he used fingertips, palms, elbows and up to three brushes in each hand while painting on a 4 ½-by-6-foot canvas in just a matter of minutes. An art auction of the four paintings followed the performance and raised $8,325 to help support the BEDC. The Hazel Miller painting was donated back to the Armory, as she was the first performer to take the stage at the newly renovated facility.

    Sponsors for the event included: 1st Bank, Bleeker Vigesaa General Contractors, United Power, Wells Fargo, Platte Valley Medical Center, Brighton Urban Renewal Authority, city of Brighton, Front Range Community College, Saunders Construction and WoodHawk Development.

    Also, Brighton Fire Protection District, Metro Denver Economic Development Corp., Nolte Associates, Valley Bank & Trust, Vestas Wind Systems, THF/Prairie Center, Greenleaf Wholesale Florist Inc., Rock Bottom, Marketplace Wine and Spirits, Starbucks, RGB Commercial Imaging, and Metro North Chamber of Commerce.