Richard Ballantine, chairman of the board of Ballantine Communications Inc. and former publisher of The Durango Herald, was named Citizen of the Year on Thursday evening at Durango Rocks!, the Durango Chamber of Commerce annual community awards.

In the company of previous Citizen of the Year winners, Ballantine acknowledged the other nominees, John Mahoney and Greg McClanahan, for their contributions to the community.

Upon accepting the award, he expressed his gratitude and appreciation to other residents, fundraisers and regional nonprofit groups.

“Thank you all very much. This is a wonderful award,” he said.

Ballantine was recognized for contributions to numerous local and state boards including the Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees, where he was president, and the FLC Foundation Board. He also was recognized for his contributions to several nonprofit organizations on behalf of The Durango Herald.

He encouraged everyone to help where they can.

“There are so many ways to get involved in the community,” he said. And he named several nonprofit groups in Southwest Colorado.

Ballantine was joined by a host of other community members selected by various categories for making Durango and Southwest Colorado a better place.

Ecosphere Environmental Services Inc., was awarded Business of the Year for its work providing environmental regulatory guidance in the Four Corners. The company also has been named a 2013 Colorado Company to Watch by coloradoBIZ magazine.

Mike Fitzgerald accepted the award on the company’s behalf. He said it was “humbling” to be named among the other professionals in attendance.

“We really appreciate the community for recognizing us for this award,” he said.

The two other finalists up for the award were Durango Joe’s Coffee and the DoubleTree Hotel.

Jack Llewellyn, executive director of the Durango Chamber of Commerce, served as master of ceremony. He joked about the new-age meaning of “dime bags” – referring to both legalization of marijuana and the voter-rejected bag-fee ordinance.

He also didn’t hesitate to slip in a “go Broncos,” and proceeded to throw T-shirts into the audience.

In a humbling moment, Llewellyn noted all nominees were winners: “Remember, it’s an honor to be nominated and an honor to be a finalist.”

Terry Swan received the “Bill Mashaw” Volunteer of the Year Award. Swan was recognized for his contributions to the Durango Arts Center. He also serves on the board of directors of the Durango Education Center and is incoming president of the Rotary Club. Swan’s wife, Dinah Swan, accepted the award on her husband’s behalf.

Terry Swan is in Vietnam, and was unable to attend. Dinah Swan said her husband’s leadership skills stemmed from a young age.

She told a story about how one day in playing childhood games, Swan divided his neighborhood into two sides, Sharks and Jets, mimicking the gangs of the musical “West Side Story.” The catch was, he had to be in charge of both sides, she said.

“His childhood bossiness turned into leadership skills,” she said.

Several other individuals and businesses received honors Thursday night:

The Morley Ballantine Award was given to Kerry Siggins, chief executive officer of StoneAge Inc. She nervously joked about how her psychic abilities had failed her that night. She almost did not dress up for the event not thinking she would win, she said. “We’re like the worst dressed town in America,” she said while debating what to wear for the occasion.

The Spirit of Durango Award went to Ska Brewing Co.

The Barbara Conrad Award went to Kris Oyler.

The Diplomat of the Year Award went to Bev Theberge.

The Nonprofit of the Year Award was given to the Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was given to Eric Sirois and Joe Storc for their company Rent A Man, a handyman service.

The Small Business of the Year Award was given to Basin Printing and Imaging.

Llewellyn said several companies were worthy but had not been nominated. He encouraged the public to keep in mind nominations for next year.

vguthrie@durangoherald.com