Tutt named chamber's Business Citizen of the Year
R. Thayer Tutt Jr., president of the El Pomar Foundation’s board of trustees, was named Business Citizen of the Year on Friday by the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce at its 117th annual dinner. The event took place at The Broadmoor hotel’s Broadmoor Hall.
Tutt also serves as chief investment officer for the foundation, which has approved more than $385 million in grants for numerous civic groups and community causes since it was established in 1937.
Tutt was lauded for his accomplishments at El Pomar and his work with several public and private organizations.
“His brilliant stewardship of investments both for the for-profit and non-profit sectors is legendary and the impact of his leadership on our community profound,” said Jim Johnson, last year’s business citizen of the year. “During this difficult economic period, his astute investment leadership has helped guide not only the El Pomar Foundation, but the Broadmoor Resort, UMB Bank, the Colorado Springs World Arena and countless other community organizations to a stability they might not otherwise have achieved.”
Tutt’s community involvement also includes the U.S. Olympic Foundation, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the Air Force Academy Foundation.
Other award recipients included:
• Elected Official of the Year Award: El Paso County Commission Chairman Jim Bensberg, honored for his support of the county and business community.
• Military Affairs Award of Excellence: Harold “Hal” Littrell, former Air Academy National Bank chairman, who played a key role in establishment of the privatized housing initiative for Fort Carson and made numerous contributions in support of the military.
• S. Jerrard “Jerry” Smith Award: Attorney Dan Stuart, who chaired Colorado Springs’ Sustainable Funding Committee. The award, named for the late United Way president, is given to someone who strives to improve the community.
• 2009 Ambassador of the Year: Community volunteer Eric Beard. Since April 2004, Beard has been a member of the chamber’s Ambassador Club, which supports the business community.
