Time is running out to nominate a person or business in our community with hero qualities. The annual Community Awards nomination process will be coming to an end on Monday, January 16. There are four categories where a person or persons and a business is nominated in one of the following categories: Citizen, Volunteer, Small Business and Non-Profit of the Year. There are a number of organizations and individuals that would qualify. Have you ? How about one of your favorite businesses? Could you nominate them?
The biggest differential in the Citizen and Volunteer of the Year award is that in the citizen category, the person or persons needs to have made a lasting impact on the community in one of the following categories: Philanthropic, Economic, Cultural or Lifestyle. It goes the next step beyond just volunteering. Some of the past winners in this category are Evelyn Tennyson for philanthropy and cultural, Dan and Venita Burch for cultural, Terry Smith for philanthropy and economic, Jack and Claudia Rosenbaum for philanthropy, Dale Johnson for cultural and many, many more well-deserving people. However, as we look at our community, you can certainly see how their efforts go beyond just volunteering for Pagosa Springs. They are part of the fabric that makes up various sectors of success.
It is encouraged for non-profit agencies and small businesses to self-nominate their organization. No one knows your industry better than you, and you should be proud to share your successes with the community. The nomination forms also ask questions which most of the general public cannot answer; so, it is easier for the organization to just self-nominate.
In all of the categories, the person or business must be a resident or valid entity for at least three years. In addition, when nominating, please be as thorough as possible. The information the selection committee has to work with, the better chance your candidate has of being selected. Just saying that the person does a lot and is very supportive, without any basis, doesn’t do the nominee any credit. Know why you are nominating this person besides “they are so nice”! Pagosa is filled with nice people; however, we want to recognize our champions and those that go the extra mile.
Nomination forms can be found through the Chamber’s website. Click on the category that you would like to nominate someone for. Forms can then be emailed to director@pagosachamber.com or dropped off at our offices from 8am – 4pm, Monday through Friday.
The award winners and nominees will then be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Celebration on Wednesday, February 8. The event will take place at the PLPOA Clubhouse from 4-7pm at a two-part event. The first part of the event will be a Community Conversation about some important topics happening in our community. County Manager Derek Woodman will be speaking about upcoming guidelines with the Short Term Rental program, James Dickhoff with the Town of Pagosa Springs will speak about Town projects, and the Community Development Corporation will be highlighting the new Main Street Program. These are important, interesting topics that our business community should be engaged in and knowledgeable about.
The Community Conversation will be followed by a reception with delicious food and beverages and the Community Award celebration. Tickets are only $25 and are available on the Chamber’s website from the homepage at www.pagosachamber.com.
Mary Jo Coulehan is Executive Director of the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, and also serves on a number of local and state boards.