DURANGO ROCKS AWARDS

Nominate Individuals, Organizations & Businesses that are Making a Difference in Durango!

Nomination submissions are due Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023 by 5pm
Click here to see past recipients

Nominate a Business for Spirit of Durango

Barbara Conrad Leadership La Plata Nominations

Information about the Awards and Categories:

Awards for Businesses in La Plata County*
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, have been in business for more than three years and have more than 15 full-time employees. The 2022 Business of the Year is Morehart Murphy; other 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 two 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. Adela Flora is the 2022 recipient, others include Southwest Eye Consultants, Honeyville & Honey House Distillery, Durango Harley Davidson, and Pet Haus.

Spirit of Durango Award
The Spirit of Durango Award recognizes a business that demonstrates accomplishment and community involvement, projecting a positive image of Durango. The 2022 recipient is Pathfinder Chiropractic.

*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. The HomesFund is the 2022 Nonprofit of the Year; past recipients include 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. is Gaige Sippy is the 2022 Citizen of the Year, and other recent recipients include 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. Ann Morse is the 2022 recipient; past winners include 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. Ben Sorenson with Ascent Digital Marketing is the 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year; past recipients include 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. Joe Kusar is the 2022 Volunteer of the Year; past recipients are 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. Tracy Cornuttis the 2022 award winner and previous recipients are 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. The 2022 YPOD of the Year award winner is Joseph Kuzma, and previous recipients are 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. The 2022 Diplomat of the Year is Brad Cook; others include 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.

***Recipients of an award are eligible for the same award category after 10 years since receiving it.

Click here to see past recipients

Nomination Form