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Vail Daily column: Community engagement key to business success

Success can mean many things: accomplishing a goal, exceeding financial targets, getting work done to spend time on the mountain or the trails.

Regardless of how you define success, the fact is, we are fortunate to live in a community with so many organizations and individuals dedicated to it. Success is defined by traditional business performance metrics, but also by a dedication to community.

These things are not incompatible, and in a community such as ours, they are actually interdependent and interrelated.



Community involvement makes good business sense. Companies that encourage community involvement distinguish themselves from their competitors and see many benefits. According to a May 2013 study by Cone Communications and Echo Research, 82 percent of U.S. consumers consider corporate social responsibility when deciding which products or services to buy and where to shop.

We are fortunate to live in a community with so many organizations and individuals dedicated to success. Vail Valley Partnership hosted the 13th annual Success Awards last month at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. These are examples of the people and organizations that give us our character and establish the Vail Valley with an indelible sense of place.

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AWARD winners

Chairman’s Award: Glenn Davis, Alpine Bank.

Chosen by Vail Valley Partnership Board Chairman Mike Brumbaugh for his ongoing commitment to the community through board service at Vail Valley Partnership, Colorado Mountain College, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail and many others.

Member of the Year: Rob LeVine, Antlers at Vail.

Chosen for his continuous engagement and support of VVP efforts. LeVine has been a cheerleader for the Vail Valley and has been a longtime advocate for a strong chamber organization.

Innovation in Local Government: Town of Eagle- Singletrack Sidewalks.

Chosen for their innovation in a local government program, initiative or special project that has had an extraordinary benefit to the community or jurisdiction served.

Other Finalists: Town of Gypsum-Business Grant Program; Town of Vail- Commission on Special Events.

Actively Green 2015: West Vail Liquor Mart.

Chosen from Walking Mountains Actively Green-certified businesses for promoting a community culture of sustainability.

Other Finalists: Alpine Bank; Town of Vail.

Community Impact Award: Antlers at Vail.

Awarded for contributing to the public good through programs, funding, volunteerism and giving back to the community.

Other Finalists: Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley; Vail Valley Charitable Fund.

Healthy Workplace: Vail Valley Jet Center.

Chosen from HealthLinks-Healthy Business certified businesses for promoting and encouraging a workplace of wellness.

Other Finalists: East West Destination Hospitality; Vail Valley Foundation.

Best Place to Work: Walking Mountains Science Center.

An organization that supports professional growth and development for employees, as well as rewards employees through additional or unique benefits, incentives, flex-work schedules or other employee focused efforts.

Other Finalists: Alpine Bank; Vail Valley Foundation.

Young Professional of the Year: Kristen Bertuglia.

Chosen for demonstrating a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance and creativity.

Other Finalists: Amy Ben-Horin; Gretchen Swanson.

Small Nonprofit of the Year: Vail Valley Charitable Fund.

Chosen from all registered 501(c) organizations with less than five employees for demonstrating outstanding contributions to the community with services that set the organization apart.

Other Finalists: Eagle River Youth Coalition; Ute Springs Experiential Learning Center.

Nonprofit of the Year: Mind Springs Health.

Chosen from all registered 501(c) organizations with six or more employees for demonstrating outstanding contributions to the community with services that set the organization apart.

Other Finalists: Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley; SOS Outreach.

Tourism Professional of the Year: Amy Cassidy.

Chosen for exceptional professional performance that consistently goes above and beyond in customer service, sales or operational leadership.

Other Finalists: Kristen Pryor; Kristin Yantis.

Small Business of the Year: Resort Books.

Chosen as a business with 10 or fewer employees that demonstrates ethical business practices, professionalism, a strong community involvement and a positive social and/or economic impact on the region.

Other Finalists: Alpine Arts Center; Malen Yantis Public Relations.

Business of the Year: The Gallegos Corporation.

Chosen as a business with 11 or more employees that demonstrates ethical business practices, professionalism, a strong community involvement and impact.

Other Finalists: Crazy Mountain Brewing Company; East West Destination Hospitality.

Successful businesses need the support of their local communities, but more importantly, successful communities need the support of their local businesses and nonprofits. Congratulations to all Success Awards nominees and winners for their continued commitment to making our community successful.

Chris Romer is president and CEO of the Vail Valley Partnership.


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