Success can mean many things: accomplishing a goal, exceeding financial targets, getting work done to spend time on the mountain or the trails. Regardless of how you define success, the fact is we are fortunate to live in a community with so many organizations and individuals dedicated to it. Success is defined by traditional business performance metrics, but also by a dedication to community. These things are not incompatible, and in a community such as ours, they are actually interdependent and interrelated. Often, the most successful businesses are those most committed to the community.
Community involvement makes good business sense. Companies that encourage community involvement distinguish themselves from their competitors, and see many benefits, including loyal customers and happier employees. According to a May 2013 study by Cone Communications and Echo Research, 82 percent of U.S. consumers consider corporate social responsibility (CSR) when deciding which products or services to buy and where to shop.
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. Vail Valley Partnership hosted the 13th Annual Success Awards last month at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. These are examples of the people and organizations that give us our character and establish the Vail Valley with an indelible sense of place.
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 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.
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 Program; 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; Town of Vail
Community Impact Award: Antlers at Vail
An organization which has contributed to the public good through programs, funding, volunteerism, and generally giving back to the community.
Other Finalists: Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley; 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; Vail Valley Foundation
Best Place to Work: Walking Mountains Science Center
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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; East West Destination Hospitality
Successful businesses need the support of their local communities, but more importantly, successful communities need the support of their local businesses and non-profits. Congratulations to all Success Awards nominees and winners for their continued commitment to making our community successful.
Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership