Congratulations 2024 Award Recipients!

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Outstanding Contribution
to the Community
Jack Llewellyn

Empowerment Legacy Award
Phil Bryson

Citizen of the Year
Jack Turner

Public Service Impact Award
Ellen Babers

Morley Ballantine Women’s
Leadership Award
Meredith Mapel

Non-Profit of the Year
Stillwater Music

​Bill Mashaw Volunteer of the Year
Nora Stafford

Barbara Conrad Leadership Award
Tiffany Lee

Spirit of Durango
Tailwind Nutrition

​Diplomat of the Year
Sandy Lane

Young Professional of the Year
Ryan Simonovich

Ed Morlan Entrepreneur of the Year
Priscila Newbold,
Love ‘n Juice

Small Business of the Year
Star Liquors

Business of the Year
Bank of Colorado

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Click HERE for 2025 Nominations

Click Here for Past Recipients

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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 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.

Entrepreneur of the Year
The Entrepreneur of Year award is given to someone 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. Past recipients include Carol Clark, Erin Neer with MuniRevs, Jeff & Jennifer Vierling with Tailwind Nutrition, and Jessika Buell with Lucky Services/Marketing Concepts Squared.

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.

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 Karen Zink, Bob Wolff, Ellen Roberts, and Joanne Spina.

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. Past recipients are Vaughn Morris, Dave Woodruff , Lisa Barrett, and Jeff Givens.

Young Professional of the Year (YPOD) YPOD of the Year is selected by members of the YPOD organization.   
Barbara Conrad Leadership La Plata Award is selected by Leadership La Plata for exemplary service in that organization.
Morley Ballantine Award is a time-honored award selected by a committee.
Diplomat of the Year honors a Chamber Diplomat who served the community and the Diplomat program 
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.  ​

Thank You Sponsors!