Chaffee County Community Awards

The Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce, Chaffee County Community Foundation, and Central Mountain Small Business Development Center are proud to announce the 2025 Chaffee County Community Awards. This annual event celebrates individuals, businesses, and organizations that are making a significant impact in our community. The awards celebration will take place on Friday, February 28th, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds.

Nominations closed at 5 pm on February 10th. Please scroll down to see the incredible people, organizations and businesses nominated for the awards!

Award Categories

Heart of the Rockies Chamber Awards:

  • Cornerstone Award: Recognizes an individual who exemplifies long-term community support and dedication, serving as a foundational “cornerstone” of Chaffee County.

  • Business of the Year: Selected by the Chamber Board from the businesses of the month.

  • Wanted Award: Selected by the Vaqueros to honor a highly valued community member whose contributions make them indispensable.

Small Business Development Center Award:

  • Entrepreneur Awards: This award recognizes two businesses in Chaffee County that embody the spirit of entrepreneurship by overcoming challenges, pursuing growth, and providing distinctive services or products. One award will be presented to a business in North Chaffee County and another to a business in South Chaffee County.

Chaffee County Community Foundation Awards:

  • Volunteer of the Year: Honors an individual whose volunteer efforts demonstrate dedication, innovation, and leadership in the nonprofit sector.

  • Philanthropist of the Year: Recognizes a donor whose generosity has significantly impacted Chaffee County through financial support and inspiring others to engage in philanthropy.

  • Organization of the Year: Highlights a nonprofit organization delivering high-impact programming and innovative solutions to meet critical community needs.

How to Nominate

Nominations are open now through February 10th, 2025. To nominate a deserving individual, business, or organization, please fill out the nomination form.

Celebration Event Details

Date: Friday, February 28th, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Chaffee County Fairgrounds

Join us for an evening of celebration as we honor those who make Chaffee County thrive. The event will feature inspiring stories, award presentations, and opportunities to connect with fellow community members.

Hearty Italian Hors d’oeuvres:
Bruschetta, Spinach $ Artichoke Dip, Caprese & Antipasto Skewers

Italian Buffet Dinner:
Breadsticks & Garlic Toast, Caesar & Mediterranean House Salads, Meat Lasagna, Spaghetti & Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara or Pesto

Desserts:
Cannolis & Tiramisu

For more information about the event or to become a sponsor, please contact Lori at the Heart of the Rockies Chamber at (719) 539-2068 or lori@salidachamber.org.


Celebrate the Nominees:

Join us in celebrating all of the nominees! These incredibly deserving individuals, businesses and organizations will ALL be celebrated with the winners for each category announced LIVE at the event.

Congratulations to the nominees for the Cornerstone Award:

  • Andrew Stossmeister

  • James L Treat

  • Ms. Betty Schwitzer

  • Shannon Nelson

  • Betsy Dittenber

  • Miki Hodge

  • Gina Lucrezi

  • David Kelly

Congratulations to the nominees for the Entrepreneur Award:

  • Tessa Tidwell, Mountain Mama Cleaning

  • Cassandra Stauch, Synergy in the Service Industry

  • Trevor "Bones" Davis, Rok Skool

  • Jim & Liz Crane, K9 Haven

  • Robert James Brady, Redfeather Painting

  • Tommy Gram-Ahlene, Buena Vista Mountain Adventures

  • Star Redfeather Belmonte, The Mixing Bowl

  • Katie Meadows and Susie Moutray, Buena Goods

  • Brenna and Kyle Buskist, Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub

  • Anna & Evan Winger, Buena Viking

  • Katy Blanton, Coffee By Topo

  • Jackson Bahn, Alpha Dog Care

  • Stacy Falk, Ramps & Alleys

Congratulations to the nominees for the Philanthropist of the Year award:

  • Marilyn Moore

  • Oren Dreeben

  • Salida Sunrise Rotary Charitable Fund

  • Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Inc.

  • Peak to Peak Pickleball Club

Congratulations to the nominees for the Volunteer of the Year award:

  • Andrea Evers

  • Carolyn Kuchinsky

  • John O'Brien

  • Judy Hamontre

  • Michael Kunkel

  • Mo Zeimet and Barbara Martinez

  • Susanna Spaulding

  • Andi Bruno

  • Jon Fritz

Congratulations to the nominees for the Organization of the year award:

  • Ark-Valley Humane Society

  • Buena Vista Optimists International

  • Buena Vista Public Library

  • Colorado Farm to Table

  • elevateHER

  • Guidestone Colorado

  • Salida Circus

  • Synergy in the Service Industry

  • The Alliance

  • Friends of Browns Canyon

  • Ice Rink for Chaffee County

  • Chaffee Housing Trust

About the Organizers The Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce, Chaffee County Community Foundation, and Central Mountain Small Business Development Center are dedicated to fostering community growth, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the quality of life in Chaffee County.