Nominations open to recognize a business leader or company for the 2018 Chamber & EDC Awards

The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC’s Annual Gala is the region’s premier business networking event of the year, featuring more than 600 attendees, an awards ceremony, dinner and drinks, and dynamic entertainment.

Each year, the Chamber & EDC recognizes outstanding leadership and innovation in business with its Business Citizen of the Year and Industry Awards to those who create, support, and strengthen the business community.

Nominations for all categories are being accepted now through Sept. 21, 2018. The four awards that are presented, include:

Business Citizen of the Year
This award recognizes a business individual who contributes to the economic stability of the Colorado Springs area, is involved in the betterment of this community through active civic participation, and has demonstrated willingness to assist in business and community projects, among other factors. Nominees should include business leaders who advocate for our community and embody the spirit of collaboration.  Recent honorees include Kent Fortune (2017), Pamela Shockley-Zalabak (2016), Tom Neppl (2015) and Chuck Murphy (2014). Please see below for a complete list of past award recipients.

Industry Awards
There are three Industry Awards categories:

• Company of the Year is awarded to a business that has made a significant impact on its industry, performed extraordinary work on a project or continuing program, and is a leader in employee satisfaction and community engagement.
• New Business of the Year goes to a company that established within the last year and is based on its success-to-date in terms or orders, sales, and/or revenues.
• Community Investment of the Year is awarded to the company that has made the biggest investment in the community in terms of assets purchased (based on the percentage growth from the beginning of the year.

Here’s your chance to nominate and provide an incredible testimonial about your company, mentors, peers, employees, and partners! Click on the links below to nominate for the Chamber & EDC awards:

• Click here for the Business Citizen of the Year nomination form
• Click here for the Industry Awards nomination form

The Chamber & EDC will present the awards and celebrate achievements at its Annual Gala, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 3 at The Broadmoor. Long considered one of the must-attend events for businesses in the Colorado Springs area, the Annual Gala features live entertainment and music, and is open to the public. Details and registration are available at cscedc.com/events.

Past Business Citizen of the Year award recipients
• Kent Fortune (2017)
• Pamela Shockley-Zalabak (2016)
• Tom Neppl (2015)
• Chuck Murphy (2014)
• Tony Fagnant (2013)
• David Jenkins (2011)
• Cari Shaffer (2010)
• Thayer Tutt (2009)
• Jim Johnson (2008)
• Dave Palenchar (2007)
• Steve Bigari (2006)
• Joel Midkiff (2005)
• Rick O’Connell (2004)
• Brenda Smith (2003)
• Doug Stimple (2002)
• Laura Muir (2001)
• Robert Scott (2000)
• Joseph Woodford, Jr. (1999)
• Lou Mellini (1998)
• Peter Susemihl (1997)
• Gary Loo (1996)
• David Sunderland (1995)
• Karl Flemke (1994)
• C. Lewis Christensen (1993)
• Stephen G. Bach (1992)
• William J. Hybl (1991)
• Sr. Myra James Bradley (1990)
• Harold U. Littrell (1989)
• Nechie Hall (1988)
• A. Marvin Strait (1987)
• Dusty Loo (1986)
• Bruce E. Shepard (1985)
• Ryer Hitchcock (1984)
• Harlan Ochs (1983)
• John W. Armstrong (1982)
• Joseph A. Reich, Sr. (1981)
• William Thayer Tutt (1980)
• Charles C. Brown (1979)
• Stephen M. Schuck (1978)
• Russell T. Tutt (1977)
• Thomas L. Pelican (1976)
• T. Eugene McCleary (1975)