business in downtown aspen in the winter with snow

Business of the Year

Awards

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.

Applications are open now, and recipients will be announced at Icebreaker Bash on December 11 from 3:30 to 5:30. Submit your application by the end of the day on December 5.

Past Business of the Year Winners

2023

Paradise Bakery

2022

Pure Barre and Cyclebar Aspen

2019

Poss Architecture + Interior Design

2018

Limelight Hotel Aspen

2017

Design Workshop

2016

Forum Phi - Architecture, Interiors, Planning

2015

Aspen Expeditions Worldwide

2014

Busy Beavers Gardening

2013

Ajax Adventure Camp

2012

Ecos Environmental

2011

Rowland + Broughton Architecture

2010

The Aspen Club & Spa

2009

Limelight Lodge

2008

Charles Cunniffe Architects

2007

Frias Properties

2006

T-Lazy-7 Snowmobiles

2005

Sport Obermeyer USA, Ltd

2004

Aspen Magazine

2003

Aspen Daily News

2002

Ink Coffee Company

2001

The Hotel Jerome

2000

Orthopedic Associates

1999

Colorado Mountain Express

1998

Pitkin County Dry Goods

1997

Aspen Mountain Air

1996

Limelite Lodge

1995

Cottle Graybeal Yaw Architects

1994

Aspen Club International

Past Non Profit of the Year Winners

2023

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

2022

Buddy Program

2019

Jazz Aspen Snowmass

2018

WE-cycle

2017

Roaring Fork Transportation Authority

2016

Aspen Camp for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

2015

Habitat for Humanity of the Roaring Fork Valley

2014

Aspen Valley Ski/Snowboard Club

2013

Aspen Youth Center

2012

Theatre Aspen

2011

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES)

2010

Aspen Community Foundation

2009

Aspen Historical Society

2008

Aspen Youth Experience

2007

Aspen Music Festival & School

2006

Grassroots TV

2005

Aspen Valley Ski/Snowboard Club

2004

The Buddy Program

Past THRIVE Award Winners

2023

Ute Mountaineer

Webform

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.

Award Application Type

Required*********

Company Name

First Name

Last Name

Contact Email

Contact Phone

Business Description

Please provide the history of your business, a description of your products and services, employee highlights, and accomplishments.

Business Philosophy

Provide insights into the mission and culture of your organization. How does the business and employee involvement in the community, volunteer positions, and board seats reflect the mission?
THRIVE applicants should connect mission & culture to sustainability initiatives.

Business Success

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.

Future Business Blueprint

What is your long-term vision for your organization including goals and tactics you are taking to implement this vision?

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