City Testimonials: "I hope that you have received 500 calls saying THANK YOU for the new playground at Bonforte Park! It is a terrific neighborhood park and we so appreciate the improvements. I walk by every day and see so many children and parents enjoying themselves." -Citizen Comment "The crew from Engine 15A were professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful, not only did this group of professionals represent the Fire Department in a positive light, they also speak to a city government that is responsive and courteous to the public."- Citizen Comment "We've found with projects we're doing, the City seems to be as proactive as they possibly can be." -Real Estate CEO "Grateful for the progress made by CSPD to curb shoplifting." -Business Loss Prevention Manager "Not only was my concern addressed in a professional and timely manner, but Finance Planning & Analysis Manager Leslie Hickey took the time to let me know that changes were on the way. This is the direct opposite of some folks' perception of local government." -Citizen Comment "Thank you very much for fixing the potholes on the round about for Squirrel Tail and Brainard as well as the divot by the water outlet on Squirrel Tail towards Musgrave. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" -Citizen Comment "Accounts Payable Supervisor Patti McFarland was true to her word, she called me back within days to give a status report. Then she called again to update me. Then, she called today to let me know she had been able to contact the unreachable tow company, received an invoice, and would be reimbursing the portion the business manager agreed to pay! I know that it was a sustained effort because I tried for several months and got nowhere. I can't express my overwhelming gratitude to Patti and your office for their work in this matter. We run a service-based business and try to learn from other organizations whenever we can. I will bring up this instance at our weekly meeting as an example of good service to be commended and followed.Thanks to you and Patti for the surprisingly positive experience I had with your office." -Local Small Business Owner "Thanks to Traffic Technician Pete Doyle, his community attitude to work with the residents is commendable. Thank you once again." -Citizen Comment "Streets Operations Manager Bard Lower has provided me superb customer service, above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. I know that this has been a priority for your administration, and I felt it important to let you know that it is working. Mr. Lower and his associates deserve kudos for their proactive, thorough handling of this five-year-old snow plowing issue and I am grateful to you as well for making the City more responsive to citizen requests." -Citizen Comment "As a new resident of Colorado Springs, it’s apparent that the City really does excel in taking care of its residents and treats its citizens more like neighbors and friends than just customers on a long “to-do” list. Thank you for all your exceptional service." -Citizen Comment

CAPS Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

April 30, 2012 By

Hundreds of public safety volunteers were honored for their public safety service, including the surprise announcement and presentation of our Community Advancing Public Safety {CAPS} Volunteer of the Year award.

CAPS - Community Advancing Public Safety“We need more people like you.  I thank you for all you do! God bless you,” said Mayor Bach.

“The workforce is extraordinary,” said Police Chief Pete Carey. Carey went on to explain how volunteer work in the Violent Crimes unit alone saved “$30,000 in non-compensated service.  There is nothing more satisfying than that.”

CAPS Administrator Jean Kraus said, “[This is a] dynamic year of new ideas.  You are the rock solid foundations CAPS is built on.”  CAPS Volunteers logged 49,000 total hours in 2011.  Using a national figure of $21.62 per hour, these volunteers had an impact of over $1,000,000 in volunteer service to the city.

But let’s talk IMPACT for a minute…what do those 49,000 hours mean for our community?

It means…

  • Protecting victims rights:  in 2011 volunteers assisted over 4,000 victims of crime, with nearly 3,000 of those within the first 72 hrs
  • Citizens getting involved:The PD Citizens Academy is:
    • volunteer-led under the supervision of Officer Rob Campbell
    • in its 6th session
    • with over 100 citizen alumni
    • and has a registration waiting list – sign up for fall!
  • A good quality of life:  The Fire Dept Medical division is offering free 1st Aid/CPR training exclusively to CAPS volunteers, so we have more neighbors helping neighbors in times of emergency.
  • Raising the bar on customer service:  The police dept’s Records & ID unit increased their volunteers by 50% (22), to improve service to the public for non-criminal fingerprinting needs.
  • Planning ahead:  Volunteers Mike and Jerry spearheaded a draft Debris Management Plan to be used in the event of a natural disaster. This complex plan coordinates city agencies, state and federal resources. An estimated contractor cost for this plan…near $100,000.

And the list goes on.  Thank you, thank you to each and every one of you.

Dennis Moore is Recognized as the CAPS Volunteer of the Year

CAPS Volunteer of the Year Dennis Moore

Congratulations to CAPS Volunteer of the Year, Dennis Moore. For leadership, impact and service going above and beyond, Dennis has demonstrated in his role of block captain (since 1991) that he is a most worthy recipient. Thanks to Mr. Moore for his dedicated service.

Visit the CAPS site if you would like to learn more about CAPS, or if you would like to volunteer, you may submit an online application.

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Spirit of the Springs Presented to Charter Friends

April 18, 2012 By

Colorado Springs charter school leaders swept the 2012 Charter School Awards, announced recently by the Colorado League of Charter Schools.  The winners were honored during the 18th Annual Colorado Charter Schools Conference Feb. 24 in Broomfield.

Three of the five “Charter Friend” Award winners work at Colorado Springs charter schools. Mayor Steve Bach presented each local award winner with a Spirit of the Springs “Celebration” Award.

  • Colin T. Mullaney, executive director of Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy and The Vanguard School, was named Charter School Leader of the Year.
  • Charter School Teacher of Year Award went to Teresa Brown, 3rd and 4th grade teacher at the Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning in Colorado Springs School District 11.
  • Eileen Johnston with James Irwin Charter Schools was given the Charter School Award for Operational Excellence.
Charter Friend Award Winners Receive Spirit of the Springs "Celebration" Award

Charter Friend Award Winners Receive Spirit of the Springs "Celebration" Award. (L to R) Colin T. Mullaney, Mayor Steve Bach, Eileen Johnston, Donna Nelson from the City of Colorado Springs, Councilman Tim Leigh, and Teresa Brown.

The Charter School Policy Award, given annually to a charter friendly elected official, was renamed the Keith King Award for Public Policy in honor of charter school advocate, supporter and leader Colorado Springs Senator Keith King.

Charter Schools are public schools that do not accept tuition and are contracted by school districts (“chartered”) to use alternative and innovative methods to provide excellent education.  They are free from most restrictions made by school districts or curriculum, methodology, or administration, yet are required to demonstrate academic excellence through State outcome measurements.  Currently there are 19 charter schools in the City of Colorado Springs, and 170 charter schools throughout the State of Colorado.

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Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Community Relations, Education, Mayor Bach News, Spirit of the Springs, Spirit of the Springs Awards, Spirit of the Springs Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Japan-US Cherry Blossom Centennial Celebration

April 18, 2012 By
Mayor Steve Bach and Counsel General Ono of Japan at Denver at the Japan-US Cherry Blossom Centennial Celebration

Mayor Steve Bach and Consul General Ono of Japan at Denver with Mrs. Ono

The City of Colorado Springs was gifted a Cherry Blossom Tree from Japan.  Part of the nation-wide celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Gift of Cherry Blossom Trees from Japan to the US in 1912, the mayor and consul general planted a tree.  This was a timely celebration as Colorado Springs celebrated our 50th anniversary as Sister Cities with the City of Fujiyoshida, Japan.

Mayor Steve Bach and Consul General Ono of Japan at Denver officiated the ceremony and planted a Cherry Blossom Tree at the Torii and Japanese Garden across from Acacia Park.

Musical entertainment was provided by the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale and the Colorado Springs Conservatory.

Participating in the ceremony were:

  • The City of Colorado Springs
  • Colorado Springs Diversity Forum
  • Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado
  • Colorado Sister Cities International
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Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Community Relations, Mayor Bach News, Photo Gallery Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 Recognized by Mayor Bach

February 28, 2012 By

 

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: February 28, 2012            Contact: Cindy Aubrey, (719) 385-5254                                                                                                          

Mayor Bach to Present Award to Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 and Cheyenne Mountain High School

Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach will present a Spirit of the Springs “Celebration” Award to Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 for being named a district “Accredited with Distinction” by The State Board of Education and Colorado Department of Education.  Mayor Bach will also present a Spirit of the Springs award to Cheyenne Mountain High School for having the highest graduation rate in the Pikes Peak Region, as well as the highest graduation rate in the State among districts with more than 100 graduates.

The awards will be presented on Wednesday, Feb. 29, at 2:15 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain High School (1200 Cresta Road – media please check in at the main office).

District 12 is one of 2 districts in Colorado Springs to be ‘Accredited with Distinction,’ an award given to only the top 18 school districts (10 percent) across the State.  Colorado accreditation categories are based on rankings from measures of academic achievement, academic growth, academic growth gaps among subgroups of students, and postsecondary and workforce readiness.

            “We are very proud of District 12 and Cheyenne Mountain High School for setting a terrific example for education in Colorado Springs and the state of Colorado,” said Mayor Bach.

            The Spirit of the Springs “Celebration” award is presented by the Mayor of Colorado Springs.  It recognizes a noteworthy achievement which has brought great honor and pride to the City of Colorado Springs or has been distinguished at a state, national or international level.

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Steve Bigari Credits Mayor Bach for Stellar Jobs

February 27, 2012 By

Steve Bigari, CEO of Stellar Restaurant Solutions credits Mayor Steve Bach’s outreach efforts for their company’s decision to base their corporate headquarters in Colorado Springs. Stellar, a call center serving restaurants across the country, projects to add 2000 more jobs over the next 18 months.

 

Bigari said, “We’re very excited to make this announcement and want to thank Mayor Steve Bach and his team for helping us put the deal together. It was Mayor Bach’s heart that made the difference for us; he has changed the heart of the city. He asked what he could do to help. He created an environment to make it happen so we could locate our corporate headquarters in Colorado Springs. People think it only takes money to attract or keep a business; what it took was someone making us feel like we belong.”

Colorado Springs was chosen after a six-month decision process by Stellar Management and won out over Dallas, Texas and Pheonix, Arizona. Stellar Restaurant Solutions is the brainchild of Steve Bigari who innovated the multi-lane drive-through concept and also took orders for his McDonald’s Restaurants via his own call center. Today, Stellar is part of a global organization and takes orders for restaurant chains across the country like PF Changs China Bistro, CPK, and Qdoba Mexican Grill.

At this morning’s announcement, Mayor Bach said, “Our number one goal is to make Colorado Springs the most business friendly city, eliminate red tape, and treat employers as friends and customers. Bob Cope and Steve Cox from our Office of Economic Vitality and Innovation worked closely with Stellar management. It’s a great day – entrepreneurship is alive and well in Colorado Springs!” 

Mayor Bach continued, “It takes flexibility and treating people with respect. We have a ‘can-do’ team who ask what they can do to ensure the City is supportive. Change is difficult. Rather than a sedentary approach, we strive to be lean and quick. It’s one thing to express feelings and another to get results.”

In response to whether Stellar’s decision hinged on the quality of the Colorado Springs workforce, Mr. Bigari said, “Yes, we have amazing people here and our employees are are full-on profit participants in the future of Stellar.  They are energized and mobilize to get things done. We want to help them build careers and provide substantial job opportunities for the future.”

Stellar’s new headquarters is located at 5825 Mark Dabling Blvd. It holds a call center of 180 work stations with 500 more being added in the next few days. Painted on the wall in big bold letters are the words, “Stellar is Passionate About People and Passionate About the Customer”. Below that is Bigari’s leadership philosophy:

Open Book Management

  • Know the rules
  • Keep score
  • Share a stake in the outcome

A practical approach for a very productive environment!

 

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