Arts + Business Connection

Welcome to the Arts + Business Connection (ABC) Committee!

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arts + Business Connection (ABC) Committee is to demonstrate and promote the value of integrating the arts as a strategic business tool.

Purpose

The Arts + Business Connection (ABC) Committee is dedicated to exploring and promoting the essential role that the arts play in driving business success and community development. At the core of our mission is the belief that integrating the arts into the business world creates value for both sectors, and fosters innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Through monthly meetings and interactions, we consistently communicate how business and industry can thrive by embracing creativity — whether through visual arts, performing arts, culinary arts, or the broader spectrum of creativity and innovation.

ABC provides opportunities for members to:

Learn how businesses benefit from incorporating the arts into their strategies and operations
Network with like-minded professionals from diverse industries, including arts, business, and education
Collaborate on initiatives that foster creativity in the workplace and beyond
Promote events, projects, and initiatives that highlight the intersection of business and the arts

Who Can Join

Why It Matters

Committee Meetings

Leadership

Ana Valles

Vice President of Marketing at Fitzsimons Credit Union, Ana currently serves as the Chair of the committee. Ana's leadership fosters a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to integrating the arts with business.

Jason Balakier

A sales executive with Executech, Jason sees the arts as everyday expressions —through film, music, books, cooking and all things creative. As the Vice-chair of the committee, Jason is excited to help build bridges between art and business — highlighting the creativity that fuels local life and community identity across Aurora.

Thanks to Mark Smith, Owner of PhotoSmith Colorado, for his many years serving as the Chair and then Vice-Chair of the Arts + Business Connection Committee of The Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

Strategic Partnerships

We are closely aligned with Colorado Creative Industries and the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, both of which are vital in promoting the importance of the arts across our state. Through these partnerships, ABC members can gain access to state-wide resources that further the cause of arts in business.

For more information

contact Mitzi Schindler

Join us in creating a thriving community where creativity and business go hand in hand!