(AVON, Colorado – May 16, 2015) – The Vail Valley Partnership (VVP) held its 12th Annual Success Awards on Friday, May 15, 2015 where local businesses were highlighted for excellence in 13 different categories. The Success Awards have a long history of recognizing the best individuals, companies and partners that collectively help propel the Vail Valley forward.
The recipients were chosen by the Nominating Committee consisting of last year’s winners: Ruthie Carlson, Group 970; Rob Crawford, SOS Outreach; Mick Daly, Eagle Chamber; Tina DeWitt, Edward Jones; Kristen Hartel, Active Energies; Magda King, Antlers at Vail; Holly Loff, Eagle River Watershed Council; Joel Rabinowitz, Vail Recreation District; Brent Rimel, RA Nelson.
President and CEO of the VVP, Chis Romer, stated, “We congratulate all nominees and category winners for their collective commitment to business success and their equal commitment to the community.” Romer continued, “Peer recognition through the Success Awards shows that others take notice of this commitment”.
Chairman’s Award: Ceil Folz
Chosen by Vail Valley Partnership Board Chairman, Mike Brumbaugh, for her leadership and contributions to the Vail Valley economy through the efforts of the Vail Valley Foundation.
Member of the Year: Crazy Mountain Brewing Company
Chosen by VVP staff members for their continuous engagement and support of VVP efforts.
Customer Service Award: Ski Butlers
Received the highest scores on their Platinum Service Program secret shopper evaluations
Actively Green 2015: The Wren
Chosen from all Walking Mountains Actively Green certified business for promoting a community culture of sustainability.
Spirit of the Valley: Seth Ehrlich
Chosen as an individual who has contributed to the public good through programs, funding, volunteerism, and generally giving back to the community.
Healthy Workplace: Town of Gypsum
Chosen from all HealthLinks- Healthy Business certified businesses for promoting and encouraging a workplace of health and wellness.
Best Place to Work: Bravo! Vail
Chosen as 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.
Young Professional of the Year: Andy Jessen
Chosen for demonstrating a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance, and creativity.
Small Nonprofit of the Year: Education Foundation of Eagle County
Chosen from all registered 501(c) organizations with less than 5 employees for demonstrating outstanding contributions to the community with services that set the organization apart.
Nonprofit of the Year: Walking Mountains Science Center
Chosen from all registered 501(c) organizations with 6 or more employees for demonstrating outstanding contributions to the community with services that set the organization apart.
Tourism Professional of the Year: Kelli McDonald
Chosen for exceptional professional performance that consistently goes above and beyond in customer service, sales, or operational leadership.
Small Business of the Year: Bonfire Brewing Company
Chosen as a business with 10 or fewer employees that demonstrates ethical business practices, professionalism, a strong community involvement and a positive social and/or economic impact on the region.
Business of the Year: Roadhouse Hospitality Group
Chosen as a business with 11 or more employees that demonstrates ethical business practices, professionalism, a strong community involvement and a positive social and/or economic impact on the region.