Annual Award Recipients
Congratulations 2024 Award Recipients!
Business of the Year
Bank of Colorado
Bank of Colorado is celebrated not only for its financial success, but for its quiet, steadfast generosity that strengthens our community. With contributions to more than 70 local organizations—including the Alzheimer’s Association, Adaptive Sports, Durango Trails, United Way, and a recent $100,000 gift to Fort Lewis College’s new nursing program—the bank invests in people and causes that shape our future. Guided by Jason Portz and a team rooted in local decision-making and service, this family-owned institution empowers nonprofits, connects businesses, and builds community infrastructure, proving that true leadership goes far beyond banking.
Small Business of the Year
Star Liquors
For more than 40 years, Star Liquors has been a trusted local destination known for exceptional service, competitive pricing, and a carefully curated selection. Beyond being a successful business, they are a true community cornerstone—supporting thousands of local nonprofits in areas ranging from the arts and youth mentorship to veterans, animal welfare, and more. Their commitment extends to their employees as well, with competitive wages, benefits, and a workplace culture that fosters long-term careers. In the face of big-box competition, Star Liquors continues to stand strong, keeping dollars local while making a lasting impact on Durango.
Nonprofit of the Year
Stillwater Music
For 20 years, Stillwater Music has been the heartbeat of music education in Durango, serving nearly 1,000 students each week through youth and adult bands, early childhood programs, inclusive classes for individuals with disabilities, and partnerships with local schools and community organizations. With an expanding scholarship fund and a commitment to stepping in when schools face challenges—like sustaining Escalante Middle School’s music program—Stillwater ensures music is accessible to all. Through their performance space, The Light Box, they also provide a home for cultural expression with concerts, improv, and art exhibitions. By creating connection, building confidence, and opening doors to creativity, Stillwater Music continues to transform lives through the power of sound.
Spirit of Durango
Tailwind Nutrition
Founded in 2012 as a homemade solution for endurance athletes, Tailwind Nutrition has grown into an international success story—fueling athletes in all 50 states and 40 countries while keeping its roots firmly in Durango. With a dedicated local team of 34 employees and a 15,000-square-foot facility near the airport, Tailwind has built a thriving business that remains community-minded, supporting more than 20 local nonprofits and fostering a workplace culture that reflects their active, adventurous mission. From global reach to local impact, Tailwind Nutrition exemplifies how innovation, commitment, and community can go hand in hand.
Citizen of the Year
Jack Turner
Jack Turner’s impact reaches far beyond his decorated career as a national ski champion, Olympic coach, and founder of Snow Monsters. A Durango native, he has devoted decades to strengthening La Plata County—organizing a 9,000-person human chain along the Animas River Trail, revitalizing The Hundred Club for first responders, supporting vaccine clinics and public health education, preserving local history through Durango Native Stories, and uniting rural and urban neighbors with events like the Horseback Social and Cowboy Parade. Jack is celebrated not only for his achievements in sport and business, but for his tireless commitment to community, heritage, and connection.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Priscila Newbold
Priscila Newbold, owner of Love N’ Juice and Café Amor, is the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year, recognized for her resilience, vision, and dedication to community. What began as a farmers market stand grew into thriving businesses rooted in nourishment, culture, and love. After overcoming breast cancer, Priscila expanded her mission—opening Café Amor, launching a second location, and most recently creating Smart Business Consulting to provide bilingual support for local entrepreneurs. She has mentored more than 25 small business owners, guided food startups through regulations, and partnered with local agencies to make business ownership more accessible. Through passion and perseverance, Priscila not only built successful businesses, but also inspires and empowers others to grow.
Public Service Impact Award
Ellen Babers
Ellen Babers, the City of Durango’s Community Events Manager, is the inaugural recipient of the Public Service Impact Award, honoring her tireless dedication to making Durango’s signature events both seamless and memorable. From Snowdown and the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic to the Cowboy Gathering and Children’s Downtown Halloween, Ellen’s expertise and can-do spirit ensure every detail is handled with care. Known for asking not “why” but “how,” she leads with collaboration, creativity, and determination—whether problem-solving in the rain, coordinating with businesses, or preparing for national celebrations like America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th in 2026. Ellen embodies the spirit of public service, turning big ideas into lasting community experiences.
Empowerment Legacy Award
Phil Bryson
Phil Bryson, owner of On the Edge Productions, is the 2025 recipient of the Leadership La Plata Award, honoring his decades of service, innovation, and dedication to developing leaders across the Four Corners region. For more than 22 years, Phil has guided Leadership La Plata retreats, inspiring participants to move beyond fear, build trust, and embrace growth. Instrumental in shaping the LLP experience and a founding force behind Animas High School, Phil has also contributed to countless community initiatives that expand access to education, foster collaboration, and strengthen La Plata County. Creative, courageous, and deeply committed to helping others realize their potential, Phil embodies the spirit of leadership through action and heart.
Morley Ballantine Women’s Leadership Award
Meredith Maple
Meredith Mapel, President & CEO of Durango Coca-Cola, is the 2025 recipient of the Morley Ballantine Award, honoring her leadership, generosity, and commitment to lifting others. A third-generation leader in a family business of over 85 years, Meredith has spent 25 years cultivating partnerships locally, regionally, and nationally while serving on boards including Fort Lewis College, the Colorado Beverage Association, Adaptive Sports, and the San Juan Symphony. Beyond the boardroom, she rolls up her sleeves to support organizations like Music in the Mountains, Durango Trails, Boys & Girls Club, and La Plata County 4-H—whether organizing kids’ races, bidding at auctions, or sponsoring concerts. Intelligent, humble, and deeply community-minded, Meredith embodies the spirit of Morley Ballantine by creating opportunities for women, investing in education, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Outstanding Contribution to the Community
Jack Llewellyn
Jack Llewellyn, recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award, has dedicated 17 years to championing Durango’s businesses and strengthening its economic future as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership, the Chamber expanded programs, launched a successful capital campaign to build its new home, and helped transform the La Plata Economic Development Action Partnership into the Economic Alliance. During the pandemic, he was instrumental in re-activating the Southwest Colorado Disaster Assistance Organization and spearheading the 5-Star program to keep local businesses open. Beyond the Chamber, Jack has supported countless nonprofits, earned recognition in the Skyhawks Athletics Hall of Fame, and left a legacy of generosity, leadership, and good humor. Jack continues to inspire with his unwavering love for Durango and commitment to community.
Bill Mashaw
Volunteer of the Year
Nora Stafford
Priscila Newbold, owner of Love N’ Juice and Café Amor, is the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year, recognized for her resilience, vision, and dedication to community. What began as a farmers market stand grew into thriving businesses rooted in nourishment, culture, and love. After overcoming breast cancer, Priscila expanded her mission—opening Café Amor, launching a second location, and most recently creating Smart Business Consulting to provide bilingual support for local entrepreneurs. She has mentored more than 25 small business owners, guided food startups through regulations, and partnered with local agencies to make business ownership more accessible. Through passion and perseverance, Priscila not only built successful businesses, but also inspires and empowers others to grow.
Barbara Conrad Leadership Award
Tiffany Lee
Diplomat of the Year Award
Sandy Lane
Young Professional of the Year Award
Ryan Simonovich