Colorado business hall of fame.

2002 Thursday, February 7, 2002

Denver Marriott City Center

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement are proud to present the 13th Annual Colorado Business Hall of Fame. A celebration of business, the Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding role models for Colorado's youth, and sets a standard of excellence for our business community.

The successful journey of a champion takes vision, fortitude, integrity, courage and competence. This year, six individuals have completed their journey and are being rewarded with an induction into Colorado's most prestigious honor, the Hall of Fame.

The event recognizes extraordinary business leaders who have made significant and lasting impressions on the state of Colorado, and aims to set an example for the leaders of tomorrow. Proceeds from the event fund Junior Achievement's youth programs, as well as a Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce scholarship fund through the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation.

This year's inductees are best described as innovators. Their creativity and initiative inspired and shaped the business landscape of Colorado, compelling those who followed to continue down their path of commitment -- to business success, philanthropy and community involvement.

Here's a look at the 2002 Hall of Fame laureates.

Emmett Heitler

In his pocket he keeps a gold inscribed agate that reads: Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You; words by which Emmett Heitler has lived his life as be managed one of the biggest luggage manufacturing companies and worked with numerous community organizations.

Born in Denver on July 12, 1909, Hietler graduated with honors and an engineering degree from the University of Colorado before he was 20 years old. His first job was with General Electric. From there, he became a partner and founder of Fashion Bar stores in Denver where he built upon his business success and developed strong working relationships with his peers.

Heitler then went to work for his father-in-law, Jesse Shwayder, owner and founder of Shwayder Bros. Inc., manufacturer of Samsonite Luggage. During Heitler's 34-year career with Samsonite, he advanced to general manager, and eventually, to executive vice president. Heitler was instrumental in building the company from a small local business into the world's largest luggage manufacturer. Under his leadership, Samsonite sold more luggage than all of its competitors combined and pioneered the use of plastics in manufacturing new...