Kim Jordan Selected as 2009 College Honor Alumna

Some may think the link between social work and beer brewing may be complex and far reaching, but the connection makes perfect sense for an alumna of the School of Social Work. Kim Jordan, CEO and co-founder of New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins, was recently selected as the 2009 College of Applied Human Sciences Honor Alumna for her outstanding accomplishments in creating a company whose values greatly contribute to its surrounding environment and community.

“We are inspired by the symmetry between the mission of the College and the core values Kim has created at New Belgium,” explains Dean April Mason. “The College believes sustainability extends beyond environmental stewardship. It is also about sustaining quality of life, family, community, social responsibility, and overall human well-being. It is clear by Kim’s record of giving and her dedication to the human condition that her personal, professional, and humanitarian goals are in alignment with her fundamental studies in the School of Social Work.”

From the beginning, Kim’s four-part strategy has been to “have fun, make world-class beers, be good environment stewards, and promote good beer culture.” She’s done this, and much more. What started off as a garage home brewing kit has turned into the third largest craft brewery in the country, and the first wind powered brewery in the U.S.

In addition to creating their own environmental model, New Belgium also helps others with the same missions in its partnership with the organization 1% for the Planet. For every barrel of beer sold, New Belgium donates $1 to philanthropic cause within their distribution areas that support goals of Environmental Stewardship.

With her social work background, Kim is able to understand people and knows how to reward and inspire her employees. Under Kim’s leadership, New Belgium has developed a set of practices that includes employee ownership, open book management, high involvement culture, and generous milestone gifts including New Belgium cruiser bikes and trips to Belgium. When touring the company, it’s hard to find an employee who isn’t smiling.

Kim will be honored at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Banquet on April 18. To read more about the event, and for a complete listing of award recipients, click here.

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Contact:  Kim Winger
Telephone:  970.491.2797
Email:  Kim.Winger@colostate.edu