Category: Press Releases

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (SCWCC) will host the Colorado Tax Impact Forum on April 16th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The public event aims to address a proposed four-bill tax package currently under consideration by the Colorado Legislature that could significantly shift the financial landscape for the regional business community.

To ensure broad participation, the forum is a hybrid event held both in person at the SCWCC Office Auditorium and online via Zoom.

The proposed legislation seeks to decouple Colorado tax law from federal law, requiring many commonly used business deductions—including operating losses, interest deductions, and R&D expenses—to be added back as taxable income at the state level.

“We want to bring urgent attention to this tax package because it could significantly impact businesses across the state,” said Lola Woloch, President & CEO of the SCWCC. “These bills would decouple Colorado tax law from federal law, requiring many commonly used deductions to be added back as taxable income at the state level. We believe these issues impact your business, and we encourage you to join us to understand these changes and share your perspective with your state legislators.”

Talking Points on Business Impacts:

• Increased Complexity: If enacted, these bills increase the complexity of tax filing for businesses and tax professionals, increasing filing costs and requiring additional expense tracking.
• Reduced Competitiveness: The business environment becomes less attractive to local and international businesses, making Colorado less competitive on the national stage.
• Retention Concerns: Higher tax burdens disincentivize businesses from staying in Colorado, particularly if other states offer a smaller tax burden.
• Software Complications: The legislation complicates the sale and use of software programs—the backbone of today’s business operations, large or small.
• Barriers to Entry: Higher startup and operating costs make opening a small business or attracting a major employer less attractive.

Event Details:

• Date: April 16th
• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• In-Person Location: SCWCC Office Auditorium, 1175 Kelly Johnson Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80920
• Online Access: Hosted via Zoom
• RSVP: Register at the SCWCC Events Page

The SCWCC Public Policy Committee has prepared a one-page overview outlining the key provisions and impacts, which will be available to all forum attendees to help them make informed decisions for their businesses.

About the SCWCC:
The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce provides a voice for the economic success of women and the business community at large through advocacy, education, and strategic networking.

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Media Contact:
Lola Woloch
President & CEO
719.442.2007
www.scwcc.com

(COLORADO SPRINGS, CO) – The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (SCWCC) proudly renews its valued partnership with Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care, making affordable healthcare more accessible for women business leaders and their teams. Chamber members can now access Pinnacle’s comprehensive healthcare services at discounted rates, with memberships starting as low as $64 per month. Pinnacle’s Direct Primary Care (DPC) model enables businesses to significantly reduce healthcare expenses while covering 90% of routine health needs, including office visits, virtual consultations, affordable labs, medications, and common procedures.

DPC functions on a membership-based system, similar to popular subscription services, where members pay a monthly fee for direct access to their primary care provider.

“We are essentially breaking down all the barriers to accessing the most important part of our healthcare system, which is primary care and family medicine,” said Travis Bockenstedt, President and Chief Experience Officer at Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care. “Small business owners are grateful when they hear there are alternatives to providing world-class healthcare to employees.”

With three locations in Colorado Springs, Pinnacle collaborates with nearly 300 businesses, catering to companies from a variety of sectors, including local schools and manufacturing firms.

“Pinnacle is a long-standing investor in the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and we’re thrilled to continue this partnership,” said Lola Woloch, CEO of the SCWCC. “Affordable healthcare for our members is a direct contribution to the strength of our local economy.”

Through this renewed collaboration, SCWCC members gain access to a healthcare solution designed for businesses of all sizes. Pinnacle’s affordable, personalized care model offers a valuable option for employers looking to support their employees’ well-being cost-effectively.

“Women make 70% of the healthcare decisions in the home, and we are empowering them with innovative, cost-savings solutions they can bring to their team,” added Bockenstedt.

Chamber members can take advantage of the program by contacting Travis Bockenstedt at (719) 888-3225 or tbockenstedt@pinnacleapc.com.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Aug. 30, 2022 – The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (SCWCC) announced its 2022 Accolades Award Winners at its annual luncheon on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at The Antlers Hotel, emceed by Fox21 evening anchor Taylor Bishop.  Every year SCWCC attracts more than 500 business leaders across the community for an inspiring keynote speaker and the recognition of five categories of business leaders including Business Leader of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Minority Owned Business of the Year, Member of the Year and Don Brown Entrepreneur Award.

Winners for SCWCC 2022 Accolades are:

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Cindy Aubrey, President & CEO, Pikes Peak United Way

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Liza Cunningham, Account Representative, iHeartMedia

MINORITY OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Priscilla Williams, Owner/Founder, Heart to Heart Academy

MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Cara Chafetz, Financial Investments, Bank of Colorado

DON BROWN ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Jessica Fierro, Owner & Head Brewer, Atrevida Beer Company

“We are honored to announce these winners and recognize their contributions to the business community,” said Lola Woloch, President & CEO of the SCWCC. “These professionals go above and beyond their duties to serve the community, provide leadership and impact economic vitality.  SCWCC is privileged to highlight their talents and achievements.”

International speaker and author Shari Levitin, was the keynote speaker. She spoke on how to rehumanize the sales process to elevate and grow your business.

Since 1994, the SCWCC has hosted the Annual Accolades Awards luncheon to celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding individuals and businesses in our community.

The 2022 Board of Directors for the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. We are pleased to welcome new board members and Executive Officers.

We are thrilled to welcome the following new board members to the SCWCC Board of Directors, and our Executive Officers.

2022 Executive Officers:

Chair – Stacey Kreil DNP, RN, NE-BC | Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer, St. Francis Hospital, Centura Health

Vice Chair – Dr. Shawn P. Murray, C|CISO, CISSP, CRISC, FITSP-A | President, Chief Academic Officer, Cyber Security Professional, CISO, Murray Security Services & Consulting

Secretary – Lisa T.C. Blattner, Esq. | Owner/Attorney, Blattner Law Firm, LLC

Treasurer – Patrick Mazza | Professional Fiduciary, Colorado Professional Fiduciary Services, LLC

Past Chair – Barbara Myrick | President, B&M Construction, Inc.

New Board Members:

Dr. Shawn P. Murray, C|CISO, CISSP, CRISC, FITSP-A | President, Chief Academic Officer, Cyber Security Professional, CISO, Murray Security Services & Consulting

Patrick Mazza | Professional Fiduciary, Colorado Professional Fiduciary Services, LLC

Maria Surber | Insurance Agent at State Farm Insurance

See the full list of Board Members here.

Dr. Shawn P. Murray, C|CISO, CISSP, CRISC, FITSP-A
Shawn Murray is President and Chief Academic Officer at Murray Security Services and is assigned to the United States Missile Defense Agency.

Dr. Murray has worked with NSA, FBI, CIA and the US Defense and State Departments on various Cyber initiatives and has over 20 years of IT, communications and Cyber Security experience.

Dr. Murray was recently elected as COO to the International Board of Directors for the Information Systems Security Association. He is a professional member of IEEE, ACM, ISSA, (ISC)² and is a FBI Infragard program partner. He enjoys spending time traveling with his family, researching and collaborating with other professionals in Cyber Security and Cyber Law and plays soccer on a local league in Colorado Springs.

Patrick Mazz
Patrick Mazza is a Professional Fiduciary practicing in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. He serves as a Conservator, Trustee, Personal Representative, Power of Attorney, and Mediator. He is a nationally certified Conservator and holds a Professional Fiduciary License from the State of California.

Maria Surber
Insurance Agent at State Farm Insurance
Mariah knew insurance was her calling and has been in the insurance industry for many years specializing in Life, Home, Auto, Business, and Health and has won numerous awards in the insurance industry. She is also a proud mom of two boys and an avid trail/distance runner. She is also a proud Marine sister and a huge advocate for the military.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Aug. 17, 2021 – The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (SCWCC) is pleased to announce the 2021 Accolades Business Leader of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Minority Owned Business of the Year, Member of the Year and new award, Don Brown Entrepreneur Award. This new award is in honor of the late Don Brown, to tribute to a visionary entrepreneur, titan of business and SCWCC Board Member who passed away in December of 2020.

During the luncheon and award ceremony at The Antlers Hotel, the following were given an award:

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Barbara Harris, Harris Reality Group

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Erin Heberlein, Children’s Hospital Colorado – Colorado Springs

DON BROWN ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Allison Jencson, Frontline Floor Coatings

MINORITY OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Jessica Fierro, Atrevida Beer Co.

MEMBER OF THE YEAR
iHeartMedia, Inc. Jessica Farias, Market President received the award on behalf of iHeartMedia

“We are honored to announce these winners and recognize their contributions to the business community,” said Lola Woloch, President & CEO of the SCWCC. “These professionals go above and beyond their duties to serve the community, provide leadership, and impact economic vitality.  SCWCC is privileged to highlight their talents and achievements.”

During the event, Meredith Elliot Powell, was the keynote speaker. She spoke on how to turn uncertainty to competitive advantage and how to shift your mindset to transform your business as we recover from a difficult year for business.

The Master of Ceremonies was Abbie Burke, an Emmy nominated morning news anchor for FOX21 Morning News.

Since 1993, the SCWCC has hosted the Annual Accolades Awards luncheon to celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding individuals and businesses in our community.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lola Woloch
ceo@scwcc.com
719-442-2007

The 2021 Board of Directors for the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. We are pleased to welcome new board members and Executive Officers.

We are thrilled to welcome the following new board members to the SCWCC Board of Directors, and our Executive Officers.

2021 Executive Officers:

Chair, Barbara Myrick
Past Chair, Vickie Drew
Treasurer, Candy Vandenberg
Secretary, Lisa T.C. Blattner, Esq.

New Board Members:

Lisa T.C. Blattner, Esq., Owner/Attorney, Blattner Law Firm, LLC
Cindy A. Sabbagh, VP of Operations, McDivitt Law Firm
Kathleen Seerup, Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer, Children’s Hospital Colorado – Colorado Springs
Shabana Walker, Director, Channel Support, Product Sales, Comcast NBCUniversal

See the full list of Board Members here.

Cindy Sabbagh currently with McDivitt Law Firm and serves as its Vice President of Operations. As a member of McDivitt Law Firm’s executive management team, she is responsible for and plays a key role in consistently improving their processes to deliver exceptional service to each client. She is proud of the difference McDivitt Law Firm makes in the lives of their clients and communities.

Lisa T. C. Blattner, Esq. (Attorney and Fiduciary) graduated cum laude from the University of Colorado – Denver (UCD) with a B.S. in Business Management in Finance, and from the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver. Ms. Blattner has been recognized as a community leader in services to individuals, estates, and beneficiaries. In 2018, Ms. Blattner was recognized by her peers in the Colorado Springs Style Magazine as Top Lawyer in Guardianships, and in 2016 as Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Better Business Bureau of Colorado Springs. In her spare time, Ms. Blattner is an avid culinary enthusiast, having been the Sous Chef at the Briarhurst Manor Estate in Manitou Springs, CO.

Shabana Walker currently serves as the Director of Channel Support, Product Sales within the Sales & Marketing department at Comcast NBCUniversal. She has been with the company for 16 years. In her role she is responsible for leading a team that contributes to the development and implementation of the organization’s business strategy. Shabana cares deeply about giving back to her community, and is especially passionate about youth development. She has served as a mentor for Junior Achievement USA and is currently in the process of becoming a volunteer for The Aspen Effect. Shabana is excited about the opportunity to serve on the SCWCC Board and looks forward to bringing her experiences and commitment to the community.

Kathleen “Kathie” Seerup, MSHA, BSN, RN, NE-BC, has accepted the position as Southern Region Chief Nursing Officer for Children’s Hospital Colorado.

With more than 30 years of pediatric experience, she has spent her entire career dedicated to caring for kids and their families. Currently, Kathleen serves as the Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis – a position she has held since 2017. Previously, she worked for 22 years at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, where she was responsible for 120 critical care services beds and helped them become the first freestanding children’s hospital to earn Magnet status. Her passion for family-centered care, pediatric expertise and dedication to her team make her a clear fit for our team as we continue to provide unprecedented pediatric care in our communities and across the region.

The 2020 Board of Directors for the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. We are pleased to welcome new directors and announce the appointment of Barbara Myrick as incoming Chair. Barbara is the President of B&M Construction, a minority/veteran-owned company specializing in contracting services, general construction and project management. She has played a key role in the development of Small and Minority Business rules and regulations over her career.

Barbara has always championed equity, promoted diversity and inclusion and is the perfect fit to lead the SCWCC into another year of growth, positive economic impact and transformation. See Barbara’s full bio below.

Barbara Myrick, president and owner of Colorado Springs-based B&M Construction, has been appointed by Gov. John Hickenlooper to a three-year term on the Colorado State Electrical Board. He recently reappointed her to a three-year term on the Colorado Minority Business Advisory Council. Myrick has been president of B&M since 2005. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Regis University and a master’s degree in purchasing, procurement and contract management from Webster University. She is an honorable discharged Army Veteran and has obtained many awards in her industry with the most recent award being the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce 2018 Accolades Award and 2018 Women’s Veteran’s Business Enterprise of the Year given by JP Morgan Chase & Co and the National Veteran-owned business Association. Ms. Myrick believes in community and people. Remembering that every individual has a contribution to offer to mankind.

We are thrilled to welcome the following new board members to the SCWCC Board of Directors, and our Executive Officers.

2020 Executive Officers:

Chair, Barbara Myrick
Vice Chair, Deborah Marques
Secretary, Megann Murphy
Treasurer, Don Brown
Past Chair, Vickie Drew

New Board Members:

Samantha Kruper Peck, Client Executive, HUB International
Gina Kaiser, President, Kaiser Advertising
Codi Thurness, Executive Director, Melody Living
Candy Vandenberg, Business Banker, Ent Credit Union

See the full list of Board Members here.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Aug. 20, 2019 – The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2019 Accolades Business Leader of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Minority Owned Business of the Year, and Member of the Year.

During a luncheon and award ceremony at The Antlers Hotel, one woman from each of four categories was given an award.

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Diane Price, Early Connections Learning Centers

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Whitley Crow, El Paso County Centennial Hall

MINORITY OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Elizabeth Mota, ProBooks Accounting Solutions

MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Kari Reyner, fab’rik Colorado Springs

“We are honored to announce these winners and their contributions to the business community,” said Lola Woloch, President & CEO of the SCWCC. “These professionals go above and beyond their duties to serve the community, provide leadership, and impact economic vitality the Women’s Chamber is privileged to highlight their talents and achievements.”

During the event, Kelly McDonald, was the keynote speaker. She spoke on how to work with and lead people not like you, where she dove into the difficulties of working with people that have differences from you and how diversity in your team can be an advantage to your business.

The Master of Ceremonies was Claudia Garofalo, the Executive Producer and Host of Living Local on FOX21 News as well as Traffic Anchor on FOX21 News First mornings.

Since 1993, the SCWCC has hosted the Accolades Annual Awards luncheon to celebrate the accomplishments of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, its members, supporters and the business community.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lola Woloch
ceo@scwcc.com
719-442-2007

The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce their new board members, Samantha Kruper Peck, Deborah Marques, and Stacy Kreil.

Samantha Kruper Peck is currently a business developer for Kaiser Permanente. Her primary role is to help explain the Kaiser story. Before working for KP Samantha was the Assistant Director for an Outdoor Education Center from 2011-2017. This position gave her the opportunity to work with groups from all over the world teaching and facilitating team and leadership development. From 2000-2011 Sam was an Army Aviation Officer working in positions such as Platoon Leader, Operations Officer, Executive Officer, and Logistics Officer. She lives in Divide with her three boys.

Deborah (Debbie) Marques is the Sales/Planned Service Agreement Representative for Heating and Plumbing Engineers, Inc. (HPE) Debbie started in an administrative role at HPE where she showed her ability to take on multiple tasks at a time and do them all well.

Debbie was then wooed to the Service department by Grant Willemarck (HPE’s Vice President of Service & Special Projects) because Grant saw great opportunity and growth potential for not only HPE but Debbie as well.

Stacy Kreil, MSN/ED, RN, NE-BC is the VP Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. She is an accomplished, results-driven leader that is persuasive and persistent with a proven track record in achieving organizational goals; integrity-driven, nurturing positive relationships and building trust; liaison between organizations and executive leaders, with the ability to successfully navigate in politically charged environments.