Finalists have been named in five categories that will be presented at the Durango Chamber of Commerce’s annual Durango Rocks Award ceremony to be held online April 28.
The event will be held virtually because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Nominees have not yet been announced for Citizen of the Year, Leadership La Plata Barbara Conrad Award, The Bill Mashaw Volunteer of the Year, The Morley Ballantine Award, Young Professional of the Year, Outstanding Contribution Award and Diplomat of the Year.
Here is a list of nominees in the five categories announced Thursday:
Business of the Year: Durango Electrical Services, First Southwest Bank, and the Strater Hotel.Small Business of the Year: American General Media, Durango Premier Vacation Rentals, and Honeyville & Honey House Distillery.Nonprofit of the Year: Housing Solutions for the Southwest, Parker’s Animal Rescue and Region 9 Economic Development District.The Ed Morlan Entrepreneur of the Year: Claire Attkisson, Roll e-Bike; Erin Neer, MuniRevs; and Matt Hoaglin, Oxford Financial Planners.Spirit of Durango Award: Purgatory Resort, Ore House Restaurant and The Yellow Carrot.“Even though we can’t have a live, in-person presentation, we’re excited to celebrate after a year of unpredictability and challenges that were brought on by COVID-19,” said Jack Llewellyn, executive director of the Durango Chamber of Commerce.
The awards ceremony is open to the public and will feature a multimedia presentation, highlighting finalists and recipients.
People who want to watch the ceremony can register online at www.DurangoBusiness.org and receive a link to the event. This year’s registration is complimentary because of the support of many Durango businesses, including Morgan Stanley-Helms Shadid Group, the Payroll Department, BCI Media, ASAP Accounting & Payroll, Purgatory Resort and others.
“The chamber is grateful for the support from local businesses, which allows us to provide complimentary registration this year,” said Kim Oyler, manager of the Durango Chamber of Commerce. “Since we’re having a virtual awards ceremony, we’re planning some fun surprises, including music and entertainment never featured before during our live event.”
Also new this year, the chamber is working with local restaurants to offer dinner and cocktail specials April 28, so those tuning in can grab takeout or a cocktail to go and watch presentations at home.
Restaurant information will be included on the chamber’s Durango Rocks event webpage.
To RSVP or learn more about the awards ceremony, visit DurangoBusiness.org.
