Leaders, businesses lauded at Conifer chamber awards night

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Businesses and volunteers were honored as the Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of six awards.

At the chamber’s gala on April 20 with a Roaring ’20s theme, the community joined together to laud the achievements of three businesses, a nonpro t and two volunteers.

“For the chamber, it’s most important that we acknowledge the community leaders and businesses,” said Beth Schneider, the Conifer chamber’s executive director. “ e community made the nominations, and almost 900 votes came in this year. at’s what makes these awards so important. e community chose who they see as leaders and who they see as businesses positively impacting our community.”

Schneider said she was proud that community voices were heard.

Norman F. Meyer Volunteer of the Year: Jodi Dolph outstanding service to the mountain

Jacquie Cook started by rescuing cookie jars that they found at estate and yard sales, and rejuvenating them with homemade cookies. ey have turned the cookie-jar rescue into a retail and wholesale bakery.

Cook said what has made the business successful is that they are a mother-daughter team.

Mueller said the community partnerships have been the biggest reason for the business’ success.

“(Customers) helped us get here and talk about us,” Mueller said. “ e biggest thing I’m grateful for is the care and support the community has given us to help us grow. It’s so exciting to get the award, and I’m so happy that we have the support that we have.” e other nominees were Generations Skin Care, Sojourn Book Store, Edward Jones - Stephanie Johnson and Lark Appliance Repair.

Business of the Year: Aspen Peak Cellars owned by Marcel and Julie Flukiger Business of the Year is awarded to the business that sets the standard for excellence and innovation with its business practices, social responsibility and commitment to growing in the mountain area. Nominees have demonstrated good citizenship throughout the community, including actively supporting local charities and businesses, as well as encouraging its employees to do the same.

Team at Keller Williams Foothills Realty, served as president and on the board of the Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Beaver Ranch Park board of directors. She volunteers at the Elevation Celebration, Conifer Christmas Parade and other Conifer events.

Dolph called it and honor that she received an award for simply doing what she likes to do. She said when she rst started her business, she joined the chamber, and Melanie Swearengin, the chamber executive director at the time, made her feel welcome and introduced her to many in the business community.

Plus, she added, “the chamber has all of these fun events, and I really love to help out. at’s how it is with our small community. I just like to do that kind of stu .”

Other nominees were Karen Heydman, Denise Bromberger, Christy Seabourne, Luna Weeks, Charlotte Wytias, Barbara Moss Murphy and Sarah Kausch.

Rookie Business of the Year: Suz Cookie Jar Rescue and Bakery owned by Sue Mueller and Jacquie Cook

Rookie Business of the Year is awarded to a business of less than two years that has shown growth from the initial idea into a successful business that contributes to the community.

Mom Sue Mueller and daughter

Marcel Flukiger said he was excited that the winery and bistro had won the award, noting that the amazing team was a large part of the business’ success.

“ e pandemic wasn’t easy, but we have a good work atmosphere and have created a good work environment for sta ,” Marcel said. “We really appreciate our sta .” e other nominees were Luna’s Mandala, Rocky Mountain Wraps, Journey Roo ng, Chimney Doctors, Blizzard Mountain Pinball, Castles & Kitchens, e Dolph Team, Karen Heydman, Conifer Counseling, Foothills Architects, Evergreen Mountain Sports, Wild Iris Marketing and Conifer Jazzercise.

He said manufacturing wine in-house using Colorado fruit as often as possible makes Aspen Peak Cellars out of the ordinary, and the business’ work to recycle used bottles back to sand, which is spread under the outdoor seating, is unique. e restaurant also invites local charities to host fundraising events.

Home-Based Business of the Year: Ted of All Trades owned by Ted and Megan Orr

Home-Based Business of the Year is awarded to the business that sets the standard for excellence and in-