Small businesses are essential in the success of a local economy. They create jobs and gathering spaces, reinvest in the community, and foster growth and prosperity. That is why for the last 18 years the City of Wheat Ridge has celebrated the commitment of small businesses to our community with an annual Business Appreciation Awards celebration. This is our opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of area businesses, volunteers and nonprofits.
After careful deliberation from a panel of judges, I had the honor of announcing the winners from a large pool of nominees across demographics. The remarkable people and businesses who took home this year’s awards represent the very best of Wheat Ridge and this award is a token of our gratitude.
The recipients of this year’s Annual Business Appreciation Awards are:
Mayor’s Partnership Award, to recognize a person or company for their overall contributions: Cheryl Brungardt of Thank Em Promotions.
City Council’s Partnership Award, to recognize a company for their overall contributions to the city: Rebekah Raudabaugh, the city’s Homeless Navigator.
Business of the Year Award, for exemplifying the “Best in Business” that represents the values of the community: Wheat Ridge Poultry & Meat.
Reinvestment Award, for making a significant investment in its property, improving the overall appearance of the site, maintaining property at the highest standards, or updating their building in a manner to make it more marketable: Gold’s Marketplace, Foothills Credit Union, Applejack Wine and Liquor, and New Image Brewery.
Wheat Ridge Sustainability Award, for adopting a sustainability program and best practices: The Wheelie Bean.
Cultural Commission Award, for a business that has made an impact on the community through promoting/encouraging culture and the arts, promoting awareness of the city’s cultural activities, diversity, and heritage, supporting opportunities in art education for all ages, or incorporating art into the architecture and design of their building: Clancy’s Irish Pub.
Wheat Ridge Business Association Annual Member of the Year Award, for a WRBA members’ efforts to improve/enhance business in Wheat Ridge as well as promote the association: Peter DeWolf of Red Rocks Toffee, and Margie Seyfer, a WRBA volunteer.
Rising Star Award, for a member who has shown growing leadership throughout the year: Jeremy Laufer of Edward Jones.
Chamber Business of the Year Award: Kerry Iselin of Iselin Chiropractic.
Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award: Bob Dubois of Paramount Roofing and Gutters.
Non-Profit of the Year Award: Jefferson Center for Mental Health.
Over the coming weeks the city will release spotlight features on each of those award winners on our Facebook page, facebook.com/cityofwheatridgegovernment.
Next year, we are excited to expand the pool of nominees, as new businesses are opening in Wheat Ridge every day. This month we have several ribbon cuttings scheduled, you can find a complete list on the Neighborhood Gazette’s Community Calendar page (page XX). I hope to see you there!
Let’s Recognize All Nominees:
• 2022 Business of the Year Nominees: Clancy’s Irish Pub, Hickory Baked Ham Company, Megan’s Place, Prosmile Dental, Vitruvian Fitness, Wheat Ridge Living Magazine, and Wheat Ridge Poultry and Meats.
• 2022 Reinvestment Award Nominees: Applejack Wine and Liquor, Foothills Credit Union, Gold’s Marketplace, and New Image Brewery
• Wheat Ridge Sustainability Award Nominees: 5 Fridges Farm, Colorado Plus, and Wheelie Bean Coffee
