Every year we tune in to see who’s going to win an Oscar, a Grammy or a Golden Globe. But, what if we shifted our focus to see which amazing organization will receive an award for their dedication to making Denver great?
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Business Awards Luncheon is a chance for the business community to celebrate outstanding organizations for their work in the categories of small business, start-up, green business, small nonprofit, large nonprofit and minority or woman-owned business.
The awards shine a light on business leaders who are writing Denver’s next chapter. And that platform has created impact for each of last year’s winners. Read on to hear what they’ve taken away since receiving this nod last spring. Or, nominate your organization for the 2016 awards; applications are due Feb. 5.
Share why you love your work. For Laura Zaspel, Serendipity Catering, is about great food and sustainability. Since being recognized as the 2015 Green Business of the Year it’s given Zaspel, Serendipity’s CEO, opportunities to speak with others about being green.
“I love doing it and the award has brought attention to us, which allows for more venues to share the sustainability pledge with others,” Zaspel said. In fact, the company was recently recognized by the EPA for its efforts to divert food waste from landfills.
Build confidence in your team. For Footers Catering, work culture is an important ingredient to their success. And taking the Small Business of the Year award was a big accomplishment for the team, said owner (and head honcho of happiness) April Lambatos.
“The recognition instilled a great sense of pride within Footers Catering,” she said. “Many members of the Denver community reached out to congratulate us and referred us to potential clients. It has been amazing exposure for our business.” And they’re growing, adding three full-time positions in the past six months.
Meet new partners. For a small nonprofit, it can be hard to get your name out there, said Arlan Preblud, the executive director of We Don’t Waste. But since being named Small Nonprofit of the Year, “we have experienced greater visibility in the community.”
And the organization is making big strides to bring fresh, nutritious food to families in need. In 2015 We Don’t Waste, which collects excess food from venues, caterers and restaurants and distributes it, tripled the amount of food it distributes to 6.8 million servings. In 2016, the organization aims to serve more than 7,000 people each day.
Meanwhile, Large Nonprofit of the Year Urban Peak will launch its social enterprise, Peak Thrift, this year. It will provide employment opportunities and training for youth experiencing homelessness as well as additional earned revenue for Urban Peak programs.
Winning this award has bolstered their credibility and exposure in the business community, said Urban Peak CEO Kim Easton: “The ability of Urban Peak to meet the needs of these youth is largely dependent upon financial support from the community as well as dedicated volunteers from the corporate, civic and faith communities.”
Want to have a chance for your organization highlighted for its work? Apply for the Chamber’s Business Awards by Feb. 5 and join us April 29 to see who wins.
Laura James is a communications and marketing coordinator for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.