Lyons, Colo. –Ball Corporation and ColoradoBiz recognized Oskar Blues efforts supporting the Colorado Craft Beer movement this past week with two significant awards. Ball Corporation, the producer of Oskar Blues cans, presented Oskar Blues with the “Ball Can Ambassador Award” on September 20, 2010 at the Longmont brewery. That same week, ColoradoBiz announced the finalists for the “Top Company Award,” which is Colorado’s most competitive business award and Oskar Blues made the cut.
The Ball Can Ambassador Award celebrates the partnership of Oskar Blues and Ball Corporation, and recognize the leadership position Oskar Blues has earned by creating the “Craft Beer in a Can” market in the US. This award marked the hard work and EVOLUTION in craft beer in a can over the past eight years. “Despite Oskar Blues being a small brew-pub and the idea of craft beer in a can being laughable eight years ago Ball Corporation has been a great partner in the movement,” said Dale Katechis, Oskar Blues founder/owner.
“Now in its 23rd consecutive year, the ColoradoBiz Top Company Award is Colorado’s most competitive business awards program, judged on the basis of sustained financial performance, operational excellence and community involvement. After rigorous evaluations, a panel of business professionals and leading policy officials convenes to determine winners in each category,” states ColoradoBiz staff. Oskar Blues was one of three companies awarded the “Top Company Award” in the consumer business category. See other companies awarded and categories at: http://www.cobizmag.com/articles/top-company-finalists-colorados-most-competitive-business-award/
Oskar Blues is honored to have received these awards and is proud of their roots and EVOLUTION. Set in the heart of Colorado craft beer country, Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons began canning its beers in November of 2002 with a hand-canning line in the 60- year-old barn next door to their funky little brewpub. Although it’s now a full-throttle canning operation that is quickly expanding its cult-like following across the nation, Oskar Blues remains true to its original mission of simply blowing minds with what can come out of a can of beer.
Pictured above from left to right at the Ball Can Ambassador Award Presentation: David Hoover, chairman & CEO of Ball Corporation; Dale Katechis, Oskar Blues owner; Jim Peterson, director of marketing at Ball Corporation; John Hayes, president and chief operating officer of Ball Corporation.