This award recognizes an individual or organization whose time, talent, and commitment have made a meaningful and lasting impact in our community. Not presented every year, this special honor is reserved for those whose leadership, service, and dedication have significantly strengthened Southwest Colorado and improved quality of life for those who live and work here.

Recent Recipients
2024- Marc and Jane Katz
2025- Jack Llewellyn

Click here to see all previous recipients

History of the Award

Originally named the Athena Award, this award serves to shine a spotlight on women in a variety of fields, celebrating talent, creativity, resilience, and leadership. In 2006, the Athena Award was renamed the Morley Ballantine Women’s Leadership Award. Morley Ballantine, chairwoman and editor of the Durango Herald for more than 50 years, was a trailblazer in journalism and advocacy. She became one of the first women named Durango Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1990 and won the Athena Award in 1997 for promoting gender equity, arts, and education. In 2005, the Athena Award was renamed the Morley Ballantine Award in her honor. Ballantine, who passed away in 2009, was the first female chair of the Colorado Press Association in 1968 and Colorado Philanthropist of the Year in 2000. She also helped establish the Women’s Resource Center in Durango and the Women’s Foundation of Colorado. Inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame in 2002, she joined the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame posthumously in 2014.

Recent Recipients
2020 – Karen Midkiff
2021 – Rep. Barbara McLachlan
2022 – Ann Morse
2023 – LaTitia Taylor
2024 – Meredith Maple

Click here to see all previous recipients

Click here to see all previous recipients

History of the Award

Bill Mashaw was named one of the very first Volunteer of the Year recipients in 1990, and Citizen of the Year in 2000. He was a dedicated community leader and in 2012, the Durango Chamber of Commerce proudly renamed its Volunteer of the Year award the “Bill Mashaw Volunteer of the Year,” following his passing in 2011. Bill’s legacy includes being a founding member of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Durango, supporting affordable housing through the Community Development Corporation, and serving with organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Fort Lewis College Foundation. His passion extended to youth programs, including D.A.R.E., making a lasting impact on children in the area. Bill Mashaw exemplified a life of love, service, and commitment to the Durango community.

Recent Recipients
2020 – Dave Woodruff
2021 – Vaughn Morris
2022 – Joe Kusar
2023 – Fred Riedinger
2024 – Nora Stafford

Click here to see all previous recipients

History of the Award

Barbara Conrad was an extraordinary individual who embodied a deep commitment to community, a core value of Leadership La Plata. A member of the Leadership La Plata Class of ’91–’92, Barbara is fondly remembered as the former director of the Durango Arts Center, where the main gallery now bears her name. Her influence, however, extended far beyond the arts. To honor her legacy after her passing in 1996, Leadership La Plata established the Barbara Conrad Leadership La Plata Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to one of more than 500 LLP alumni during the Durango Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Celebration, ensuring her remarkable contributions and enduring impact on the community are never forgotten.

Recent Recipients
2020 – Karen Thompson
2021 – Janae Hunderman
2022 – Tracy Cornutt
2023 – Natambu Obleton
2024 – Tiffany Lee

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Finalists

• Four Leaves Winery
• Graze Colorado
• Whole Health Family Medicine

The Spirit of Durango Award is selected by the Chamber Diplomats and recognizes a business that demonstrates accomplishment and community involvement, projecting a positive image of Durango.

Recent Recipients
2020 – Ore House Restaurant
2021 – Dietz Market
2022 – Pathfinder Chiropractic
2023 – Happy Pappy’s Pizza-N-Wings
2024 – Tailwind Nutrition

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Diplomat of the Year honors a Chamber Diplomat who served the community and the Diplomat program

Recent Recipients
2020 – Tom Loch
2021 – Nancy Ottman
2022 – Brad Cook
2023 – Nora Stafford
2023 – Sandy Lane

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Finalists

• The Community Treehouse
• Pine River Shares
• Southwest Ag

The Spirit of Bayfield Award is selected by an independent selection committee of Bayfield residents and recognizes a business or organization that demonstrates accomplishment and community involvement, projecting a positive image of Bayfield.

2025 will be the first year the award is given

The Young Professional of the Year is selected by members of the YPOD organization and honors an individual who is active in the community and furthers the mission of the YPOD organization.

Recent Recipients
2020 – Liz Demko
2021 – Catie Bird
2022 – Joseph Kuzma
2023 – Rebekah Click
2024 – Ryan Simonovich

Click here to see all previous recipients

Finalists

• Farmers Fresh Market
• Jack-A-Lope Acres
• Rise & Shine Coffee and Burritos

The Spirit of Ignacio Award is selected by an independent selection committee of Ignacio residents and recognizes a business or organization that demonstrates accomplishment and community involvement, projecting a positive image of Ignacio.

2025 will be the first year the award is given

History of the Award

The late Ed Morlan dedicated his career to mentoring entrepreneurs across Southwest Colorado, making it fitting to name this prestigious award in his honor. Ed moved to Durango in 1977 with his wife, Jackie, initially planning to teach elementary school. Instead, he spent 27 years as director of the Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado, helping small businesses thrive. A Vietnam veteran awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star, Ed was celebrated when Gov. John Hickenlooper proclaimed July 28, 2016, as “Ed Morlan Day” in Colorado. His impact was recognized by Sen. Michael Bennet, Congressman Scott Tipton, Colorado State Representative/Senator Ellen Roberts, and others. Among his many accolades, he received the Economic Development Council of Colorado Achievement Award in 2006 for his contributions to economic growth and business development. A Leadership La Plata alumnus and 2009 Barbara Conrad LLP Award recipient, Ed was also a Bayfield town trustee and a devoted mentor, leaving behind a legacy of successful businesses and entrepreneurs across the region.

Recent Recipients
2020 – Erin Neer; MuniRevs
2021 – Carol Clark; Union Social House
2022 – Ben Sorensen; Ascent Digital
2023 – Elizabeth Philbrook; EsoTerra Ciderworks
2024 – Priscila Newbold; Cafe Amor & Love n' Juice

Click here to see all previous recipients

Finalists

• Backcountry Experience
• Café Amor/ Love n' Juice
• Lizard Head Trading

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.

Recent Recipients
2020 – Honeyville & Honey House Distillery
2021 – Southwest Eye Consultants
2022 – Adela Flora
2023 – Desert Sun Coffee Roasters
2024 – Star Liquors

Click here to see all previous recipients

The Business 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
2020 – First Southwest Bank
2021 – Kroegers Ace Hardware
2022 – Morehart Murphy Regional Auto Center
2023 – Durango Nursery
2023 – Bank of Colorado

Click here to see all previous recipients