The mountains – and certainly the Vail Valley – attract a certain type of person. Our local population comes from everywhere, and a few are fortunate to have been raised here. Collectively, we’re drawn to the mountains and to the quality of life that exists in the Vail Valley.
We know that living in the mountains can be challenging, and we accept that doing business in a seasonal rural resort economy presents even more challenges. Business success requires patience and resourcefulness. Of course, a certain amount of hard work and connectedness to the community is required as well.
As we conclude another ski season – and what a season it was, complete with the Alpine World Championships putting us back on the world stage, early season powder, increased lodging occupancies and unseasonably warm spring weather – it’s good to take a step back and recognize the businesses, organizations and individuals who are succeeding in our community and to take a moment to recognize that “Vail Valley Means Business”.
Vail Valley Partnership helps the community celebrate successes each year at our annual Success Awards, to be held on Friday, May 15. For those not familiar, the Success Awards are a peer-chosen awards ceremony meant to honor businesses, non-profits, and individuals for their service in the community and dedication to success. Over 160 businesses, non-profits, and individuals were nominated and the top three finalists have been chosen for each category.
The Success Award finalists, as chosen by the committee comprised of past winners, share a common trait: they help make our community a better place to live, work and play through their community service, dedication to their employees and commitment to excellence. The finalists are as follows:
Small Nonprofit of the Year (a registered 501(c) with 1-5 employees that demonstrates outstanding contributions to the community with services that set the organization apart):
• Education Foundation of Eagle County
• Starting Hearts
• The Cycle Effect
Nonprofit of the Year (a registered 501(c) with 6+ employees that demonstrates outstanding contributions to the community with services that set the organization apart):
• Bright Future Foundation
• Colorado Mountain College
• Walking Mountains Science Center
Small Business of the Year (A business with 10 or less employees that demonstrates ethical business practices, professionalism, a strong community involvement and a positive social and/or economic impact on the region):
• Alpine Arts Center
• Bivins & Bunyak
• Bonfire Brewing Company
Spirit of the Valley (a business or individual who has contributed to the public good through programs, funding, volunteerism or other forms of giving back to the community):
• Cheryl Jensen
• Kim Langmaid
• Seth Ehrlich
Young Professional of the Year (An individual, 35 years or younger, who demonstrates a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance and creativity):
• Andy Jessen
• Marisa Selvy
• Seth Ehrlich
Tourism Professional of the Year (an individual recognized for exceptional professional performance that consistently goes above and beyond in customer service, sales or operational leadership):
• Jennifer Viditz-Ward
• Kelli McDonald
• Patricia McNamara
Actively Green 2015 (a Walking Mountains Actively Green certified business that promotes a community culture of sustainability):
• RA Nelson, LLC
• The Wren
• Town of Vail
Healthy Workplace Award (a HeathLinks Healthy Business certified business that promotes and encourages a workplace of health and wellness):
• East West Resorts
• Town of Gypsum
• Vail Valley Foundation
Business of the Year (a business with 11+ employees that demonstrates ethical business practices, professionalism, strong community involvement and a positive social and/or economic impact on the region):
• East West Resorts
• Roadhouse Hospitality Group
• The Steadman Clinic
Best Place to Work (an organization that supports professional growth and development for employees, as well as rewards employees through additional or unique benefits, incentives, flex-work schedules, or other employee focused efforts):
• Bravo! Vail
• Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail
• Ski Butlers
We’re also pleased to announce two additional awards, including Chairman’s Recognition for Ceil Folz for her leadership and dedication to the 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships, and our Member of the Year to Crazy Mountain Brewing Company for their ongoing support for the Partnership and the community.
Thank you to the Awards Selection Committee for the Vail Valley Partnership’s 12th Annual Success Awards for taking the time to review all the nominations and to select the top applications. Once again this committee is comprised of last year’s winners and know what it takes to be successful in the Vail Valley.
Special thanks to our platinum and gold members for their support of the community as this support makes events such as the Success Awards a reality. These members include: Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek Resort, Alpine Bank, Vail Valley Medical Center, Vail Resorts Retail, Slifer Smith & Frampton, Gallegos Corp and FirstBank.
Please join us on May 15 from 12pm-3pm at EagleVail Pavilion to celebrate the above finalists and our entire business community at the 12th Annual Success Awards as we recognize businesses, organizations and individuals that have excelled over the past year. These businesses and individuals play a significant role in driving the Vail Valley’s business community and economic growth. For details, visit VailValleyPartnership.com or contact Maren Cerimele at (970) 477-4001.
Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership