The Colorado River Valley Chamber on Saturday honored outstanding businesses, nonprofit organizations and citizens who are dedicated to sparking positive community change during its annual awards banquet at Grand River Health in Rifle. 

The Roaring ’20s-themed event drew hundreds of glamorously dressed guests for an evening of celebration that included a costume contest, silent and live auctions and a skit and raffle. 

Awards presented at the ceremony included the Board Member Appreciation Award, Business of the Year, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, Community Champion of the Year and John B. Scalzo Lifetime Achievement awards.

“The annual awards banquet was a fun and memorable evening celebrating the outstanding individuals and businesses that make our community so special,” Adrian Botting, Colorado River Valley Chamber membership and operations coordinator, said Monday. “We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support that made the event such a success and allowed us to raise funds to further the mission of the Colorado River Valley Chamber of Commerce; to be a catalyst, collaborator, and champion for our businesses and communities.

“We’d also like to extend a special thank you to Rib City in Rifle for presenting the evening’s toast, and to Kevin Atchison with Property Professionals for his sponsorship and serving as our wonderful presenter,” she added. “Their support, along with our other sponsors, helped make the night truly exceptional.”

Chamber honors dedicated board service 

Jack Kirkpatrick received the Board Member Appreciation award before the community awards were presented.  

Big O Tires earns top business award

The 2026 Business of the Year award is presented to businesses that are Colorado River Valley Chamber members in good standing, actively participate in and contribute to chamber and local events, demonstrate strong customer service, maintain a strong community image and display pride and commitment to their community. 

Big O Tires, represented by Bill Mitchell and Randy Marquez, took home the award this year. Other nominees included Grand Valley Recreation Center and Alpine Bank. 

RIDE recognized for community service

The Non-Profit Organization of the Year award recognizes chamber members that foster teamwork and collaboration within and beyond their organization, allocate the majority of their budget to programs and engage with the community in ways that set them apart. 

This year’s nominees included the Parachute/Grand Valley Kiwanis Club and Garfield County Public Library District, with the Riding Institute for Disabled Equestrians (RIDE), represented by Brandi Smythe and Poke, received the award. 

Michael Churchill honored for local impact

The Community Champion of the Year award is given to a current chamber member or employee of a chamber member who contributes to positive community change, takes initiative and has completed significant volunteer work. 

Lydia Allen, Alex Bernal-Garcia and Michael Churchill were nominees for this year’s award. Churchill, who is a Garfield County native and has now worked for the City of Rifle and Rifle Community TV for 23 years, took home the prize. “I appreciate it very much,” he told the Rifle Citizen Telegram. 

Late Steve Rippy remembered for decades of service

The coveted John B. Scalzo Lifetime Achievement Award is given to someone who has performed exceptionally well in their career while inspiring and leading others. Awardees must also demonstrate a lifelong commitment to their community that shows a willingness to make personal sacrifices. Nominees for the award included Helen Rogers and Gina Long. It was accepted by Steve Rippy Jr. and Becky Rippy on behalf of the late Steve Rippy, who passed away in July.

Rippy, who graduated from Rifle High School, served the community for over 40 years in various public service roles in Garfield County, including mayor of New Castle and district manager of the Battlement Mesa Metro District. 

“The award is reserved for someone whose impact can be seen across time through the people they’ve influenced, the projects they’ve helped shape, and the community they’ve helped build,”
Kevin Atchison, who emceed Saturday’s event, told the crowd. “This year’s recipient dedicated decades to public service, helping guide growth, support, and development and strengthening the Grand Valley through thoughtful leadership.

“Their legacy isn’t just in what they accomplished, but in the foundation they helped create for the others moving forward,” he added before presenting the award to Steve Rippy Jr. on his father’s behalf.