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Various honors for outstanding community service and business excellence were presented during the Aspen Chamber Resort Association’s annual Helen K. Klanderud Wintersköl Awards luncheon, held Thursday at the St. Regis Aspen Resort ballroom.
The awards ceremony, held in conjunction with the annual Wintersköl celebration, “reflect(s) the strength and spirit of Aspen’s community and business landscape,” ACRA President and CEO Debbie Braun said in a chamber news release. “We are incredibly proud to honor these individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to our community.”
The 2023 Molly Campbell Service Award recipient is Donnie Lee, longtime general manager of The Gant Aspen, a lodging facility on West End Street. The honor was a surprise to Lee, who was mentored by Campbell during the time she managed The Gant.
“The award is bestowed upon a member of the community who exemplifies Campbell’s community service and leadership. Lee embodies the spirit and commitment that Molly Campbell was known for as a fixture in Aspen through his volunteer work and community leadership — having served both on the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association and leading the ACRA Board of Directors,” the release states.
The luncheon typically reveals the winners of the Nonprofit of the Year and the Business of the Year awards. New this year, ACRA established the Thrive Award to specifically honor businesses that make efforts to include sustainability in their business model.
The winner of the inaugural Thrive Award is Ute Mountaineer, a family owned and operated retailer that has served the Aspen community since 1977.
“As a business that helps make the outdoors accessible for everyone, Ute Mountaineer works to train staff and educate customers about the best ways to experience the outdoors while taking care of it for the next generation,” the release says.
ACRA also recognized the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies as 2023 Nonprofit of the Year. This past year, ACES retained over 33% of its seasonal naturalists and placed them in year-round positions, including community programs coordinator, livestock lead at Rock Bottom Ranch and two full-time naturalists. ACES also has introduced a new budget of $50,000 solely for staff professional development, including language classes and leadership courses.
The Business of the Year accolade is awarded to businesses that consistently provide outstanding quality, excellence and service in the Roaring Fork Valley. The 2023 winner is Paradise Bakery.
Opening its doors on the corner of Galena and Cooper in 1981, “Paradise is truly an Aspen fixture,” the release states. “At 42 years, it is the longest standing food establishment in Aspen owned and operated by the same local founders. Their commitment to quality, customer service and community engagement sets a standard for others to follow.”
Also during the luncheon, the king and queen of Wintersköl 2024 were crowned with cowboy hats from retailer Kemosabe. This year’s king and queen are Kaleb Cook, founder of Cook Inclusive, a local disability advocacy nonprofit; and Wendy Mitchell, recently retired founder and owner of Avalanche Cheese Company, Meat & Cheese and Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar.
The luncheon and awards ceremony, according to the release, is not just a celebration of individual and organizational achievements “but also a testament to the vibrant and supportive community that is Aspen.”
For more information about remaining events on the 2024 Wintersköl schedule, visit aspenchamber.org. The five-day celebration ends on Sunday.
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