Nominate Individuals, Organizations & Businesses that are Making a Difference in Durango!
Thank you for your nomination submissions! Mark your calendar for Thurs, Feb. 29 for the Durango Rocks Awards Celebration! Click here to see past recipients
Information about the Awards:
Awards for Businesses in La Plata County* Business of the Year TheBusiness of the Year award recognizes dynamic companies that share a commitment to excellence, business growth and the community. They have a proven record of financial performance, strategies, and growth. They demonstrate achievement in service, and innovation in management. Recent recipients include Kroegers Ace Hardware, 1st SouthWest Bank, Peak Food & Beverage, and Durango Dermatology.
Small Business of the Year The Small Business of the Year award is presented to companies that have been in business for a minimum of three years and have less than 15 full-time employees. These businesses demonstrate innovation, perseverance, and outstanding accomplishments in management while creating a successful and growing business. Past recipients include Southwest Eye Consultants, Honeyville & Honey House Distillery, Durango Harley Davidson, and Pet Haus. *Businesses that are nominated must be members of the Durango Chamber of Commerce & have a location in La Plata County.
Non-Profit Award Category* Non-Profit of the Year The Nonprofit of the Year award honors outstanding achievement in the nonprofit sector, meets an unfilled need for the betterment of the community, and serves with distinction. Past recipients include the Business Improvement District, Region 9 Economic Development, Trails 2000, and the Community Foundation. *Nominated non-profits must be members of the Durango Chamber of Commerce and located in La Plata County. Individual Award Categories* Citizen of the Year The Citizen of the Year is awarded to individuals who have made a noteworthy contribution to our community that is above and beyond their profession or regular responsibilities. Someone who exemplifies putting the community first and making Durango a better place. Recent recipients include Gaige Sippy, Karen Zink, Bob Wolff, Ellen Roberts, and Joanne Spina.
Morley Ballantine Award The Morley Ballantine Award is given to a woman in the community who has exhibited excellence in business or a non-profit, demonstrated initiative and creativity, and enhanced the stability and improvement of the community. It is a time-honored award for an individual who demonstrates support of the goals of professional women and provides unselfish assistance on their behalf. Past winners include Ann Morse, Rep. Barbara McLachlan, Karen Midkiff, Tiffany Lee, and Melissa Glick.
Entrepreneur of the Year The Entrepreneur of Year award is given to an individual who creates a new business and is seen as a source of new ideas, goods, or services. Entrepreneurs take risks of creating a startup, demonstrate vision, leadership, and ingenuity. Nominees must have a business in La Plata County. Past recipients include Ben Sorenson, Carol Clark with Union Social House, Erin Neer with MuniRevs, Jeff & Jennifer Vierling with Tailwind Nutrition, and Jessika Buell with Lucky Services/Marketing Concepts Squared.
Volunteer of the Year Volunteer of Year honors an individual who exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism, and community leadership that is above and beyond their normal profession and responsibilities. This individual is respected and known for their integrity and is altruistic and magnanimous. Past recipients are Joe Kusar, Vaughn Morris, Dave Woodruff, Lisa Barrett, and Jeff Givens.
Barbara Conrad Award Barbara Conrad Leadership La Plata (LLP) Award recognizes an LLP alum who demonstrates service in leadership roles, creative thinking ability, collaborative leadership skills, community involvement, and dedication to the Leadership La Plata organization. Previous recipients include Tracy Cornutt, Janae Hunderman, Karen Thompson, Kelsea Ferrato, and Molly Martin.
Young Professional of the Year Young Professional of the Year (YPOD) Award recognizes a current YPOD member who demonstrates exemplary service and leadership. Previous recipients are Joseph Kuzma, Catie Bird, Liz Demko, Luke Prince, and Taylor Criswell.
Diplomat of the Year The Diplomat of the Year award honors a Durango Chamber Diplomat who excels in serving the community, the Chamber, and the Diplomat program for that year. Past recipients include Brad Cook, Nancy Ottman, Tom Loch, Ben Frihauf, and Matt Gomez.
*Nominated individuals are not required to be a Chamber member. Other qualifications may be required according to the award category.