The Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is issuing a final reminder: nominations for the 2025 Community Leader Awards and voting for the 2026 Board of Directors both close on Monday, January 12, 2026.
This is the last chance for community members and businesses to recognize outstanding neighbors, nonprofits, and small businesses at the Chamber’s annual gala and awards ceremony, set for Friday, February 6, 2026 at the Pagosa Lake Property Owners Association Clubhouse.
The Chamber is seeking nominations in four categories for its annual Community Leader Awards:
Citizen of the Year – A resident who has made a lasting impact in economic, cultural, philanthropic, or lifestyle areas, with at least three years in the community.
Volunteer of the Year – An individual or couple who has given time, money, or both to community events and nonprofits, with measurable results and a spirit of humility.
Non-Profit of the Year – A 501(c)(3) organization serving Pagosa Springs or Archuleta County for at least three years, providing a necessary service and maintaining a positive community image.
Small Business of the Year – A business with 20 or fewer full-time employees that has operated locally for at least three years, known for good service, community support, and growth; Chamber membership is required.
Nomination forms are available on the Chamber’s website and can also be submitted by paper with the nominee’s name, contact info, and a description of their contributions. All nominations must be returned to the Chamber by 4pm on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The Annual Chamber Gala
Want a Free Ticket to the Pagosa Chamber’s Annual Gala on February 6? Sign up to volunteer!
We are in need of volunteers! This event would not happen without you and we are so thankful to all of our amazing community members who volunteer at our events! Sign up for any position and receive free entry to the event.
The annual Gala is an evening of live music, delicious food, a cash bar, silent auction, and the presentation of the Community Award winners… and the best networking event of the year!
For any questions, please reach out to Anna Snow at info@pagosachamber.com or call (970) 264-2360.
Gala Partnership Opportunities
Platinum Partner (1) – $2,500
- Company logo link as a featured member on our Chamber website and linked to company’s website for 3 months
- Company logo on the event program, print media and other marketing materials
- Live announcements
- Chamber Radio Show on KWUF and Chamber LIVE with the week of the event
- Banner sponsor on Chamber LIVE with the week of the event
- Highlights on KWUF during the weeks preceding the event
- Premier reserved table (8 guests) with name recognition on table signage
- 8 drink tickets
- Banner at event
Gold Partner (Multiple) – $1,000
- Company logo link as a featured member on our Chamber website and linked to company’s website for 1 month
- Company logo on the event program
- Print media and other marketing materials
- Live announcements
- 4 event tickets
- 4 drink tickets
- Banner at event
Silver Partner (Multiple) – $500
- Company logo on the event program
- Print media and other marketing materials
- Live announcements
- 2 event tickets
Last Chance to Vote for 2026 Board
Chamber member businesses also have until Monday, January 12, 2026 to cast their vote for the 2026 Board of Directors. This year, six candidates are running for three open three‑year seats on the Board.
The candidates are:
• Joe Ford, owner of Mountain West
• Christina Gonzales, Branch Manager for RG Bank
• Darren Gantt, co‑owner of San Juan Lifestyle
• Matt Kossler, co‑owner of Patria
• Kelly Maestes, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones
• Loretta Paniagua, Branch Manager for First Southwest Bank
Each Chamber member business is allowed one ballot and may vote for up to three candidates; ballots with more than three selections will be nullified. Voting is done online through the Chamber’s website, and members are encouraged to vote before the deadline to help shape the Chamber’s leadership for the coming year.
How to Participate
To submit a nomination or to vote, visit the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce website at https://pagosachamber.com/ or contact the Chamber office at (970) 264‑2360. Nominations and ballots must be completed by close of business on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The winners of the Community Leader Awards will be announced at the annual Gala on February 6, where the new 2026 Board members will also be recognized.
Maximizing Your Membership
Our next Maximizing Your Membership class is Tuesday, January 13 at 9:00am. We encourage you to attend and discover all of the benefits that come with your Chamber of Commerce membership.
What benefits are you not utilizing? Have you created an account through InfoHub allowing you to pay bills, post jobs and much more?
Some of the things we will cover are:
• Benefits you could take advantage of to help your business
• Promotional opportunities for your business
• Additional website and enhanced listings
• Grand openings and ribbon cuttings
• Features on Chamber social media
• Business education classes
• Chamber advocacy
• Chamber events
• Office services
• Sponsorships
Anna Snow will be on hand to answer any other questions that you may have after the class. The class will start at 9:00am. A light breakfast will be served.
Please call the Pagosa Springs Chamber at 970-264-2360 or contact Anna Snow at info@pagosachamber.com to RSVP for this Free class. A virtual link option is available, but please let us know in advance if you need to utilize this option.
We look forward to hearing from you.