History, Board & Staff

How We Began

In autumn of 2006, several initial meetings were held  in homes and local cafes to determine the interest of business owners in forming an alliance to promote local business. We explored what other cities have accomplished with their own local business networks (via the national BALLE and AMIBA organizations). The ideas received overwhelmingly positive responses, so a few of us decided to lead the charge to make the business alliance a reality. We incorporated the Mile High Business Alliance in the State of Colorado on August 1, 2007 and are a tax-exempt 501(c)6 organization.

We launched our first Local Flavor Guides for four Denver neighborhoods in late 2007 while recruiting our Founding Members to generate the funds needed for start-up.  Although we operate as a non-profit organization, we are not currently funded and generate the revenue for our programs via membership fees and sponsorship for specific programs. We've quickly built support for our organization, increased participation from all kinds of local businesses and developed solid partnerships with local organizations who support our mission. In 2009 we hosted the national BALLE conference and our 3rd Annual Buy Local Week campaign received great support from Mayor John Hickenlooper, Governor Ritter and dozens of participating businesses.

Our programs are focused on two primary goals: 1) to raise awareness of the impact and role of local businesses in our communities & economies; and 2) to build a network of local businesses who are working together to be more successful. (read more about our programs)

Our members are Colorado-based businesses and organizations that are interested in working together to build a more resilient local economy. We partner with local and national companies that embody these ideals in their every day operations. (see who makes up our membership)

Our staff and leadership are innovative, dynamic individuals who are truly inspired by the everyday work of local businesses, and committed to building communities that are more responsible, healthy and resilient. (meet our staff and board members)

We invite you to get involved in our unique and entrepreneurial organization as we keep building our capacities and launch into new territory. We believe that we have the power, ideas and talent in our communities to create the kind of place we want to live, with an economy that provides for our needs. (find out how you can participate in our work)

Board of Directors

Our current board of directors include the following individuals, representing local businesses, local government, and other organizations who are part of building a healthy local economy. Board members are now elected by current MHBA members in our annual member's meeting, and board seats are available. Contact us for more information about participating on the MHBA board of directors.

Arthur Brock Co-Founder & Director Arthur has operated custom software development companies for the past two decades, and currently leads The Geek Gene. An experienced entrepreneur and systems architect, Arthur brings his geeky capacities, deep understanding of community dynamics & economics, and fearless leadership to the MHBA.	Sarah Wells Co-Founder & Secretary Sarah is an Associate Publisher of the ReDirect Guide, a green-living and sustainability resource for the front range. A local Tetris champion and local music aficionado, Sarah adds her commitment to sustainability and nifty fashion sense to the Alliance.	Drew O'Connor President Drew serves as Co-Director of the Civic Canopy, a local non-profit organization working to build stronger neighborhoods and healthier communities via community dialogues and collaborative projects such as Neighborhood Vital Signs. Drew brings his experience as a non-profit leader and his skill in facilitating effective dialogue and planning to the MHBA.
Cindy Kent   Director Cindy is the oldest single-owner gift basket company in Denver, being in business as A La Carte Gifts & Baskets for 14 years. She also been a performing artist in Denver for the past 8 years and have sung with several bands at many local venues.	Dawn Greaney Director Dawn is the Promotions & Public Relations Director as well as the Independent Music Buyer at Twist & Shout. Her desire to connect people and brainstorm creative solutions makes her a perfect fit for the MHBA. She loves jiu jitsu, traveling, gardening and being inspired.	Deb Kolaras Director Deb is owner/president of BizCoachDeb. Based in Boulder, Colorado for more than 15 years, she provides traditional and web-based marketing support, copywriting, and conducts social media training. Co-founder of the Small Business Survival Series, she provides free and low-cost business workshops. She plays and officiates hockey, homebrews, and gets her hands dirty in the garden.
Jesse Lee Gray   Director   More info coming soon.	Lori Cookston   Director Lori was born and raised in Ft Collins Colorado, having lived in Denver for the last 20 years. She's the co-owner of two small businesses with her husband of 21 years, Andy. Besides running Digital Impact Communications and Cannabis Medical Technology, she's the proud mother of 3 children -all of which are homeschooled!	David Braden IV   Director More info coming soon.

Staff & Interns

Mickki Langston Executive Director Recognizing the need to reclaim our power to create community wealth, Mickki co-founded the Mile High Business Alliance in 2007. Currently serving as Executive Director, Mickki combines her passion for social and environmental sustainability with her experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur. Her work with the business alliance focuses on organizing local business owners in working together to build a more locally focused and stable economy that doesn’t sacrifice people and the planet for the sake of profit. Contact her.

Sarah Marden Member Support & Program Development Sarah graduated from Ft. Lewis College in 005 with degrees in Sociology and Political Science. She joined the MHBA staff in early 2008, and brings skills in communication and planning to the organization. Sarah has established great relationships with MHBA members and tirelessly works to develop the organization and accomplish its mission. Contact her.

Dawn Yukus Digital Communications Maven After being in Denver for only a few weeks, Dawn joined onto the MHBA in April of 2009. She graduated in 2007 from New College of Florida, and has a background in environmental sustainability consulting as well as environmental accountability for small and large businesses alike. Currently, she manages the digital presence of the MHBA via social networking, event calendars, newsletters, website content, and more. Contact her.

Want to intern or volunteer with us? See the available positions.

Partner Organizations