AURORA | One of Aurora’s behind-the-scenes power hitters was honored by the Colorado Small Business Development Center Network this week.
Andrea Amonick, manager of the city’s Development Services Division, received the 2015 Amy McDowell Service to Small Business Award at a ceremony in Aurora on May 6 for her continued service to the city. This is the first year the Colorado SBDC has given this award in honor of McDowell, a former U.S. Small Business Administration employee who died unexpectedly earlier this winter.
“I’m very honored,” Amonick said. “I work with a great group of people, and it is my privilege to serve the city of Aurora.”
In addition to her work with Aurora’s Development Services Division, Amonick heads the Aurora Urban Renewal Authority, which is the municipal arm that coordinates urban renewal projects across the city. To date, she has completed 12 urban developments in Aurora, including Regatta Plaza, Fan Fare and Fitzsimons Village. She recently leant a hand in securing a tax increment financing site for Stanley Marketplace, the foodie and community bazaar in the former Stanley Aviation facility set to open in North Aurora later this year.
“Andrea has a unique 30,000-foot view of development problem-solving that includes economic development, urban renewal, workforce development, retail assistance programs and services to small business,” said Marcia McGilley, executive director of the Aurora and South Metro Small Business Development Center, where Amonick serves as a fiscal host.
Amonick has also played a substantial part in sculpting many projects that have become staples of the Aurora Cultural Arts District. She recently was appointed to the advisory board of Theatre Esprit Asia, one of the district’s newest artistic tenants.
“Andrea has been our fairy godmother in terms of getting us funding and in this space,” Maria Cheng, artistic director of TEA, said of Amonick’s assistance in getting the troupe its newly permanent home at 1400 Dallas St. Amonick helped the company secure a $2,880 Colfax Economic Enrichment Program grant in January.
Amonick received her award at a ceremony at the Summit Conference and Event Center in North Aurora, where local leaders, including U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, made brief remarks touting small business.
“Small business is the backbone of the economy in this nation,” Coffman said.
The ceremony was held in honor of national small business week, which is an annual event charged by the U.S. Small Business Administration that runs from May 4 through May 8.