Led by Durango, Southwest Colorado boasts 12 companies that have been honored as Colorado Companies to Watch, the most of any region in the state outside the Front Range.
Winners were recognized Monday at an event for 2013 honorees and alumni at Norton’s Catering and Highway 3 Roadhouse.
“You are by far the best-represented rural community in the state,” said Stephanie Steffens, founding program director of Colorado Companies to Watch. “You have it, whatever it is that makes communities like Durango and Boulder so successful.”
Each year, 50 firms are honored as Colorado Companies to Watch. The winners are selected from among 100 finalists and nearly 800 nominees.
Durango companies Airborne Media Group, Chinook Medical Gear, Ecosphere Environmental Services Inc. and Freenotes Harmony Park Inc. were honored earlier this year. SkyWerx Internet Services of Pagosa Springs was a 2013 finalist.
Colorado Companies to Watch was launched in 2009 and led by the state Office of Economic Development and International Trade, in partnership with corporate donors and economic-development groups.
Nominated companies must have six to 99 employees, $750,000 to $50 million in sales or working capital, have their headquarters in Colorado and be privately held.
Durango’s honorees represent a wide swath of industries. Airborne Media Group is a tech firm whose product, Audioair, allows cellphone users to listen to muted televisions in public. Chinook manufactures emergency medical kits for field use. Ecosphere guides companies and other organizations through government permit processes. And Freenotes manufactures musical instruments for outdoor, public use in places such as parks and hospitals.
“It’s a nice recognition for what our company’s been doing, and it’s a nice fraternity, a nice group, to be a part of,” said Chip Lile, Audioair’s executive vice president and chief technology officer. “It’s a testament to the diversity of Durango, but also a testament to the support you get in Durango from Region 9 (Economic Development District), from the banks, from investors.”
Jessica Denison, Chinook’s chief operating officer, pointed to the company’s role in creating jobs.
“We’re committed to this community and keeping the jobs here and bringing more jobs to the community,” she said.
Past local winners include SoundTraxx in 2012, Ska Brewing Co. in 2010, and Open Sky Wilderness, Performance Pet Nutrition (Zuke’s Dog Treats), StoneAge Inc., Hydro-X of Bayfield and Osprey Packs Inc. of Cortez in 2009.
Montanya Distillers also won this year. The rum distillery was founded in Silverton and still has a bar there, but the company is now based in Crested Butte.
cslothower@durangoherald.com
