On Friday, May 13, 2016, nearly 200 of the leading figures in the Vail Valley area gathered to attend Vail Valley Partnership’s 13th Annual Success Awards held at Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.
A variety of different organizations and professionals from Vail to Gypsum were represented in the 13 different award categories that were available. The Success Awards have a long history of recognizing the best individuals, companies and partners that collectively help propel the Vail Valley forward. The over 160 nominations received for this year’s Success Awards shows that the community is taking notice of the commitment and dedication that our local businesses put forth to make our community great.
The competition was considerably stiff for all award categories, and the recipients were chosen by a Selection Committee consisting of last year’s winners: Frances Barela, Town of Gypsum; Amanda Jessen and Andy Jessen, Bonfire Brewing; Chris Gallegos, Ski Butlers; Ceil Folz; Kelli McDonald, Town of Vail; Kim Langmaid, Walking Mountains Science Center; Marisa Selvy, Crazy Mountain Brewing Company; Todd Mossa, The Wren; Wendy Rimel, Education Foundation of Eagle County; and John Shipp, Roadhouse Hospitality Group.
President and CEO of the VVP, Chis Romer, commented, “We are fortunate to live in a community with so many organizations and individuals dedicated to success. Not just success as defined by their business metrics, but success defined by a dedication to our community.” Romer noted, “The Annual Success Awards continue to showcase businesses, individuals, and non-profits who thrive in the Vail Valley.“
Chairman’s Award: Glenn Davis, Alpine Bank
Chosen by Vail Valley Partnership Board Chairman, Mike Brumbaugh, for his ongoing commitment to the community through board service at Vail Valley Partnership, Colorado Mountain College, Vail Ski & Snowboard Club, and many others.
Member of the Year: Rob LeVine, Antlers at Vail
Chosen by VVP staff members for his continuous engagement and support of VVP efforts. LeVine has been a cheerleader for the Vail Valley, and has been a long time advocate for a strong chamber organization. VVP statt wanted to recognize Rob’s support for Vail Valley Partnership.
Innovation in Local Government: Town of Eagle- Singletrack Sidewalks
Chosen for their innovation in a local government program, initiative, or special project that has had an extraordinary benefit to the community or jurisdiction served.
Other Finalists: Town of Gypsum- Business Grant Porgram and Town of Vail- Commission on Special Events
Actively Green 2015: West Vail Liquor Mart
Chosen from all Walking Mountains Actively Green certified business for promoting a community culture of sustainability.
Other Finalists: Alpine Bank and Town of Vail
Community Impact Award: Antlers at Vail
Chosen as an individual who has contributed to the public good through programs, funding, volunteerism, and generally giving back to the community.
Other Finalists: Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley and Vail Valley Charitable Fund
Healthy Workplace: Vail Valley Jet Center
Chosen from all HealthLinks- Healthy Business certified businesses for promoting and encouraging a workplace of health and wellness.
Other Finalists: East West Destination Hospitality and Vail Valley Foundation
Best Place to Work: Walking Mountains Science Center
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.
Other Finalists: Alpine Bank and Vail Valley Foundation
Young Professional of the Year: Kristen Bertuglia
Chosen for demonstrating a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance, and creativity.
Other Finalists: Amy Ben-Horin and Gretchen Swanson
Small Nonprofit of the Year: Vail Valley Charitable Fund
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.
Other Finalists: Eagle River Youth Coalition and Ute Springs Experiential Learning Center
Nonprofit of the Year: Mind Springs Health
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.
Other Finalists: Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley and SOS Outreach
Tourism Professional of the Year: Amy Cassidy
Chosen for exceptional professional performance that consistently goes above and beyond in customer service, sales, or operational leadership.
Other Finalists: Kristen Pryor and Kristin Yantis
Small Business of the Year: Resort Books
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.
Other Finalists: Alpine Arts Center and Malen Yantis Public Relations
Business of the Year: The Gallegos Corporation
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.
Other Finalists: Crazy Mountain Brewing Company and East West Destination Hospitality