​Nominations NOW OPEN
for Individuals, Organizations & Businesses that are Making a Difference in Durango!
Nominations Close on Oct. 31, 2024

2024 Nomination Form

Thank you for your nomination submissions!
Mark your calendar!  The 2024 Durango Rocks Awards will take place on February 20, 2025

You can nominate your own business, nonprofit or another business/nonprofit or leader.  Nominations are reviewed by an independent selection committee consisting of individuals from various backgrounds. 
General Eligibility Guidelines:

• Past winners are not eligible to submit for the same category for 10 years
• Nominees can only win Citizen of the Year, Morley Ballantine Women’s Leadership Award, or Barbara Conrad Leadership La Plata Award once.
• 501(c)(3) organizations are not eligible to compete in the Small Business, Business or Spirit of Durango categories.
• Nominees for Nonprofit of the Year, Small Business, Business, and Spirit of Durango awards must be Chamber members in good standing at the time the award is presented.
• Individual nominees are not required to be Chamber members for Citizen of the Year, Morley Ballantine Women's Leadership, Barbara Conrad Leadership La Plata, or Ed Morlan Entrepreneur, or Bill Mashaw Volunteer of the Year.  
• An organization or individual only needs to be nominated one time per award category to be considered for that award.
• Organizations must have a physical location in La Plata County.

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Information about the Awards:

Business of the Year*
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 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 10 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.

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 La Plata County Economic Development Alliance, Business Improvement District, Region 9 Economic Development, Trails 2000, and Community Foundation of Southwestern Colorado.

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 Women's Leadership 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.

*must be members of the Durango Chamber of Commerce and located in La Plata County.
Nominated individuals are not required to be a Chamber member.  Other qualifications may be required according to the award category.

CLICK HERE FOR PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS