Photo: Citizens of the Year were Bob and Robin Brobst. All photos by Jeff Laydon, Pagosa Photograpy.
At the Chamber’s annual Community Conversation and Celebration on February 9, numerous entities and individuals were honored for their contribution to the Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County community. The event began with pertinent information from new Archuleta County Public Health director, Ashley Wilson and new town manager, David Harris.
With new services, hours and programs on tap at the Public Health Dept., it is important for employers to know what our new entity has available for many residents in Pagosa. From immunizations to WIC to wellness, please research for your employees what they might take advantage of. The later hours and some weekend availability is scheduled to help our shift and 8-5 workers.
Mr. Harris reviewed some of the Town’s priorities for 2024 including sanitation, roads, wage scale, housing and more. With many businesses annexed into the Town’s boundaries, it was important that our businesses hear what may affect them this next year.
Following the Community Conversation, the Community awards were held honoring nominees and winners alike in the following categories: Citizen, Volunteer, Small Business and Non-Profit of the Year.
Winning the Citizen of the Year award was Bob and Robin Brobst. Know for their philanthropy of time, talent and treasure, these individuals are no strangers to organizations such as the Pagosa Springs Medical Center, Seeds of Learning, the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library Foundation, Pagosa Center for the Arts, the Humane Society and many more. Their philanthropic contributions and commitments have affected the economic component of the community by adding services, equipment, culture and resources for residents and visitors alike.
The Volunteer of the Year award went to Ken Rogers. Known for his extensive work with Vets for Vets, Rotary, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church and other organizations, Ken is a hands-on volunteer often serving on boards of directors, spearheading to run events, and transporting people to Durango for medical services. A “quiet force” was one description of him in his nomination.
The Small Business award went to FootPrints. While in business for over 10 years, it changed hands over 3 years ago and has grown exponentially. Helping to create several retail marketing and community events, FootPrints is also an extremely generous business supporting numerous non-profit agencies through their events, product and gift certificate donations. They also created a scholarship program.
The Pagosa Nordic Club was selected as the Non-Profit of the Year. Starting with a handful of members, this group now has a membership of over 450. The Nordic Club grooms all the cross-country ski trails for free, all with a volunteer base and sometimes even using their own equipment. They provide free clinics, events and trail maps. Embracing the winter months, this group has grown the cross-country arena in Pagosa Springs also attracting visitors who want to enjoy our great outdoors and thereby contributing to our economic vitality.
Congratulations to all the winners for 2023. All the nominees were worthy candidates, and we hope to see some of them back on the nomination ballot next year!
Mary Jo Coulehan is Executive Director of the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, and also serves on a number of local and state boards.