Southwest Colorado Rocks
Congratulations 2025 Award Recipients!
Business of the Year
Clearnetworx
Clearnetworx was founded with a clear mission: deliver world-class fiber internet to communities too often left behind. From its roots in Montrose, the West Slope–based company now designs and operates high-capacity fiber networks serving more than 15,000 homes and businesses across 22 communities in Western and Southwest Colorado and into Northern New Mexico. By building in-house design, engineering, and construction teams, they have tackled rugged terrain with innovation and grit. With more than $50 million secured in state and federal funding and a workforce of 270-plus employees, Clearnetworx is expanding access, strengthening local economies, and helping shape a more connected future for the region.
Small Business of the Year
Backcountry Experience
Backcountry Experience has been part of Durango’s outdoor community since 1997, growing through thoughtful management and a commitment to doing things right. In an industry shaped by economic downturns, wildfires, supply chain disruptions, and corporate competition, they have relied on ingenuity and resilience to continue serving their community. Their small, empowered team is encouraged to define roles, develop strengths, and take ownership of their work. Built on trust, flexibility, and open communication, they support employees through life’s challenges while fostering collaboration and shared direction. That investment in people drives loyalty, deep expertise, and exceptional service, setting the standard for small business excellence.
Nonprofit of the Year
Manna
Founded in 1985, Manna has transformed from a traditional soup kitchen into a comprehensive Resource Center serving La Plata County with dignity and compassion. Each year, the organization provides nearly 85,000 hot, nutritious meals while offering housing assistance, employment readiness, resource navigation, and connections to mental health support under one roof. Through its Take Out Window, free choice Manna Market, on site garden, and youth Backpack Program, Manna prioritizes access, choice, and respect. Programs like the Culinary Arts Program and WAGEES support long term stability, while hundreds of volunteers power a model of community care rooted in shared responsibility.
Spirit of Bayfield
Pine River Shares
Since 2013, Pine River Shares has served the Pine River Valley with a simple belief: when everyone shares, no one goes without. Reaching from Bayfield to Ignacio, Vallecito to Allison, they provide food, mutual aid, and trusted support across the region. Facing major funding cuts last year, they expanded their impact with more than 200 volunteers and strong local partnerships, distributing over 5,000 pounds of fresh food and assisting more than 31,000 residents. Through monthly food shares, backpack programs, emergency assistance, and rapid response during floods, Pine River Shares demonstrates what community care looks like at scale, rooted in Bayfield and built together.
Spirit of Durango
Whole Health Family Medicine
Founded in 2016, Whole Health Family Medicine Clinic was built on the belief that healthcare should be personal and affordable. As a locally owned practice, it introduced an innovative Direct Primary Care model to Durango, offering comprehensive care for a flat monthly fee and removing insurance barriers for individuals, families, and employers. Beyond the clinic, Whole Health volunteers at regional health fairs, supports youth programs, partners with the Cancer Support Community of Southwest Colorado, and helped spearhead La Plata County’s initial COVID vaccination efforts in 2021. Through innovation, service, and community leadership, Whole Health reflects the Spirit of Durango by expanding access to care.
Spirit of Ignacio
Rise & Shine Coffee and Burritos
From the moment you walk through the door, Rise & Shine sets a welcoming tone for Ignacio. Created as a space where everyone feels seen and valued, it brings neighbors together each morning to connect and build relationships. Community care is central to its mission. Through “Giving Tuesdays,” Rise & Shine donates ten percent of proceeds to local nonprofits. They sponsor monthly administrative and teacher awards for the Ignacio School District and support local causes by hosting fundraisers and donating food to the Los Pinos Fire Department. Rooted in kindness and connection, Rise & Shine strengthens Ignacio by showing up for its community every day.
Citizen
of the
Year
Clark Craig
Clark Craig has shown what steady, community rooted leadership looks like in La Plata County. For nearly a decade, he has served with integrity, including his role as Mayor of Ignacio, helping guide progress in housing, economic growth, and community relationships. Beyond public office, Clark steps in where help is needed, from supporting flood recovery efforts in Vallecito to building a 40 foot ramp for a local business owner during recovery. He has also helped ensure local participation in Wreaths Across America, honoring veterans each year. Known for his kindness and action oriented leadership, Clark Craig is a true Citizen of the Year.
Outstanding Contribution to
the Community
Darrin Parmenter
A Durango native and lifelong educator, Darrin Parmenter has spent nearly two decades serving La Plata County through Colorado State University Extension, helping people better understand and care for the land. He has taught hundreds of Master Gardeners and supported local farmers and residents through writing, radio programs, and public speaking that make science accessible and practical. His work has strengthened school gardens, community learning spaces, and regional food security efforts in partnership with local organizations. Known for quietly organizing and stepping into leadership when needed, Darrin’s lasting impact reflects a lifetime of service rooted in education, generosity, and deep community commitment.
Ed Morlan Entrepreneur of the Year
Monique DiGiorgio
Monique DiGiorgio exemplifies the resilience and vision at the heart of entrepreneurship. As co owner of Table to Farm Compost, she has led a business grounded in the belief that caring for the land can strengthen the local economy. Under her leadership, the company expanded compost capacity, achieved the highest level of certification in Colorado, partnered with the City of Durango, and grew to serve more than 800 subscribers. When federal funding was unexpectedly frozen, she navigated uncertainty with resolve and adaptability. Beyond her company, Monique has helped launch and lead regional initiatives that support local business, community health, and environmental stewardship.
Bill Mashaw Volunteer
of the Year
Tuggy Dunton
For more than two decades, Tuggy Dunton has been a dedicated and creative force in the Ignacio community. As President of the Ignacio Creative District Board and a founding board member, she has strengthened community engagement and helped position Ignacio as a creative hub in Southwest Colorado. She serves in multiple roles, working closely with the Ignacio Chamber of Commerce, representing the Town of Ignacio, and helping lead major events. As vendor coordinator for the Ignacio Green Chile Fest for nearly nine years, she helped grow participation significantly. Leading with heart and perseverance, Tuggy reflects the true spirit of volunteerism.
Morley Ballantine Women's Leadership
Carol Blatnik
For decades, Carol Blatnick has shaped education and civic life in Durango and Bayfield. As an educator, she helped transform home economics in Colorado into comprehensive life management courses for both young women and men. A member of the League of Women Voters since 1967, she played a role in transitioning it to the LWV of La Plata County and marks 59 years of membership this year. Carol also served as executive director of Bayfield Early Education Programs, leading a $1.7 million capital campaign for a dedicated early education center. Her service includes the Bayfield School Board, Town Council, Rotary, and Calvary Presbyterian Church.
Barbara Conrad Leadership La Plata Award
Jason Portz
Jason Portz exemplifies the spirit of service and leadership at the heart of the Barbara Conrad Award. A Leadership La Plata graduate of 2010, he has continued to invest in La Plata County through both his professional and personal commitments. After joining Bank of Colorado in 2003 and rising to Market President, Jason has paired business leadership with active community involvement. He has supported and served organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Durango Daybreak Rotary, Durango Education Foundation, and the Durango Industrial Development Foundation. Currently Treasurer of the La Plata County Economic Alliance and Chair of the Fort Lewis College Foundation, Jason leads with consistency, humility, and lasting impact.
Diplomat
of the
Year
Ryan Champion
Ryan Champion exemplifies what it means to serve as a Chamber Diplomat. With a thoughtful and solutions focused approach shaped by a 25 year career as an engineer, and now as a mortgage advisor with Barrett Financial Group, he brings consistency and generosity to the business community. Since moving to Durango in 2021, Ryan has gone above and beyond in the Diplomat program, achieving 287 percent of required participation. He welcomes new members, makes meaningful introductions, and helps others feel connected and confident. Through steady engagement and relationship building, Ryan strengthens the Chamber and the broader business community.
Young Professional of the Year
David Bratcher
David Bratcher reflects the purpose of the Young Professional of the Year award through his energy, leadership, and consistent community engagement. Active in Young Professionals of Durango since 2017, he has helped build connections, stepped into leadership roles, and supported events that bring the community together. From emceeing the Fourth of July Parade to contributing to Startup Week and other civic efforts, David shows up with enthusiasm and reliability. In his role as Head of Community Outreach at Alpine Bank, he champions relationships and encourages others to get involved. His commitment continues to help shape Durango’s future.