Awards

Learn more about the awards given from ACRA, including Business & Nonprofit of the Year and the THRIVE Award.

Business & Nonprofit of the Year

The purpose of this award is to recognize and appreciate businesses and nonprofits that consistently demonstrate outstanding quality, excellence, and service in the Roaring Fork Valley.

THRIVE Award

The purpose of the THRIVE Award is to recognize businesses that invest in environmental, social, and economic sustainability for their operations, employees, and the greater Aspen community.

Past Awards

Past Business of the Year Winners

2025Kissane Viola Design
2023Paradise Bakery
2022Pure Barre and Cyclebar Aspen
2019Poss Architecture + Interior Design
2018Limelight Hotel Aspen
2017Design Workshop
2016Forum Phi - Architecture, Interiors, Planning
2015Aspen Expeditions Worldwide
2014Busy Beavers Gardening
2013Ajax Adventure Camp
2012Ecos Environmental
2011Rowland + Broughton Architecture
2010The Aspen Club & Spa
2009Limelight Lodge
2008Charles Cunniffe Architects
2007Frias Properties
2006T-Lazy-7 Snowmobiles
2005Sport Obermeyer USA, Ltd
2004Aspen Magazine
2003Aspen Daily News
2002Ink Coffee Company
2001The Hotel Jerome
2000Orthopedic Associates
1999Colorado Mountain Express
1998Pitkin County Dry Goods
1997Aspen Mountain Air
1996Limelite Lodge
1995Cottle Graybeal Yaw Architects
1994Aspen Club International

Past Nonprofit of the Year Winners

2025Challenge Aspen
2023Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
2022Buddy Program
2019Jazz Aspen Snowmass
2018WE-cycle
2017Roaring Fork Transportation Authority
2016Aspen Camp for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
2015Habitat for Humanity of the Roaring Fork Valley
2014Aspen Valley Ski/Snowboard Club
2013Aspen Youth Center
2012Theatre Aspen
2011Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES)
2010Aspen Community Foundation
2009Aspen Historical Society
2008Aspen Youth Experience
2007Aspen Music Festival & School
2006Grassroots TV
2005Aspen Valley Ski/Snowboard Club
2004The Buddy Program

Past THRIVE Award Winners

2023Ute Mountaineer

ACRA BUSINESS & NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARD

Selection Process

  • Business of the Year - In operation for the previous three years with proven profitability, resiliency, and sustainability along with a commitment to excellent service.
  • Nonprofit of the Year - In operation for the previous three years, registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit operating within and benefiting the Roaring Fork Valley, and strives to uphold the organization's mission, vision, purpose, and core values.
  • THRIVE Award - In operation for the previous three years with proven examples of initiatives impacting environmental, social and economic sustinability.
  • Applicants must be current ACRA members in good standing. All entries are confidential and will be reviewed by an appointed committee composed of ACRA board members. If your business has previously won this award, you must wait a 7-year period before applying again.

Recognition

Winners will be announced at the Icebreaker Bash ACRA Member Event. They will also be recognized on the ACRA website, in The Aspen Times, Aspen Daily News, and announced on local radio stations KSPN & KNFO.

Please provide the history of your business, a description of your products and services, employee highlights, and accomplishments.
What successes have you experienced this year, and how did you achieve this? How do you assess customer satisfaction? What programs do you have to support employee retention? THRIVE applicants should explain how a sustainability inititiave implemented in 2023 contributed to their success.
What is your long-term vision for your organization including goals and tactics you are taking to implement this vision?

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