Business Appreciation Event
For more than 30 years, the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) has brought together Arvada businesses for its annual Business Appreciation Event. In that time, more than 200 different businesses and local leaders have been recognized for their achievements and their role in building a strong and well-connected business community.
See an archive of past winners here!
Business Appreciation Event 2025
This year, AEDA held its 31st annual awards at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. We were treated to a keynote address by Generationology founder and CEO Jeffrey Vargas, a leader in the local business community and member of AEDA's Business Retention Committee.
Roughly 160 people were in the crowd as we recognized the businesses below!
Congratulations to the winners!
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
Nick & Amie Costanzo, Freedom Street Social
With a bold vision, Freedom Street set out to introduce a new kind of business to the northwest suburbs of Arvada three years ago, creating a welcoming gathering place for the community in an area that previously lacked such options.
Community Partnership Award
Hope House Colorado
For more than 20 years, Hope House has set the national standard for supporting teen mothers—one of society's most vulnerable and overlooked populations—through a comprehensive approach to care.
Community Spirit Award
Peter Kazura
Pete demonstrates exceptional community commitment through his multifaceted volunteer leadership, serving on the Olde Town Business Improvement District (BID) Board, the Arvada Urban Renewal District (AURA) Board and AEDA's Business Retention Committee.
Outstanding Retailer Award
Knead the Bakery
This beloved mom-and-pop bakery exemplifies community connection through personal service: knowing most customers by name while providing exceptional food and gathering spaces.
Outstanding Small Business Award
Spring House Pilates
Four local women have transformed their passion for Pilates into a community wellness hub that prioritizes safety, expertise and accessibility for every body type.
Outstanding Large Employer Award
LivaNova
After 50+ years, LivaNova continues driving healthcare innovation with over 200 local associates and a recent facility investment that enhanced efficiency for heart surgery components while keeping operations local.
Relive the event by scrolling through the photos below!
Thank you to the businesses and partners that helped make this event happen: Organic Roots, Olde Town Flower Shoppe, Equalized Productions, Enstrom Candies, AlphaGraphics, Generationology and of course our hosts, the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities!