The Longmont Chamber’s Jubilee, presented by the Longmont Times-Call and Longmont Magazine, unfolded Wednesday night, Feb. 28, at the Longmont Museum in an atmosphere buzzing with anticipation and celebration.
As dusk painted the mountain skyline with hues of orange and pink, chamber members and representatives from various Longmont businesses converged upon the well-designed setting of the museum. Attendees eagerly awaited the unveiling of a spectrum of prestigious accolades, ranging from the revered Legacy Award to recognition for the most impactful nonprofit and culminating in the crowning of the Business of the Year.
In a ceremonial commencement to the evening’s proceedings, Chief Executive Officer of the Longmont Chamber of Commerce, Scott Cook, took to the podium, setting the tone for the night ahead with his resonant voice.
“Tonight,” Cook began, commanding the attention of the assembled crowd, “we gather to celebrate the achievements of local businesses and nonprofits that contribute to the vibrancy and the vitality of Longmont.”
Cook’s words echoed with a sense of pride and anticipation, foreshadowing the evening’s forthcoming recognition of excellence within the business community.
The first award of the evening unfurled like a herald of promising beginnings. With bated breath, attendees awaited the announcement of the recipient of the Emerging Business of the Year accolade. In a nod to their innovative spirit and burgeoning success, the Times Collaborative was bestowed with this prestigious honor, signifying their remarkable ascent within the local business landscape.
As the evening progressed, with a storied history and a legacy etched in the annals of Longmont’s business heritage, Left Hand Brewing emerged winning the Legacy Award, embodying the essence of longevity, excellence and community stewardship.
“Being nominated as the legacy company? That makes me feel old. We were Business of the Year back in the day, and now what is it, old Business of the Year? Old, that’s how you make me feel,” said Co-founder and CEO, Eric Wallace, jovially in a prerecorded video playing on the big screen mid-stage.
Amongst the fervor of the evening, the People’s Choice Award cast a spotlight on Flagstaff Academy, a beacon of excellence in Longmont’s educational landscape. With resounding acclaim from the community, Flagstaff Academy, a charter school renowned for its commitment to academic rigor and holistic development, clinched this coveted honor.
Headed toward the end of the night, the spotlight illuminated TinkerMill as the deserving recipient of the Nonprofit of the Year award. More than a physical space, TinkerMill embodies a community where like-minded individuals come together to collaborate on creative projects, share tools and further a culture of learning and teaching.
As the curtains began to draw on the night’s festivities, the final crescendo of applause greeted the Flavor of India as they were crowned with the highly desired Business of the Year award. Representing a culinary odyssey from the heart of Punjab to Main Street, Flavor of India encapsulates the essence of cultural richness and culinary excellence.
Under the theme of “Construction Cocktail,” guests were beckoned to embark on a journey through time, delving into the rich history of the Longmont Chamber. Throughout the evening, attendees had the opportunity to explore the organization’s storied past, unveiled through its archives, recently unearthed during the Chamber’s transformative remodel.
“The Longmont Chamber exists to support what our businesses need, both now and in the future,” Cook said. “Your membership… your presence here tonight as we stop to celebrate what we’ve accomplished, is truly the reason the Longmont Chamber exists. It’s a unique job description, one that we are proud to fulfill on behalf of our community.”
Cook highlighted the challenges they faced, including 47 roof leaks and makeshift office spaces, emphasizing the Chamber’s resilience. Despite adversity, the Chamber remained dedicated to serving its members and the community, fostering growth and prosperity.
Business Development Director, Karen Stallard, addressed the audience, holding up a brick from the Longmont Chamber’s building, symbolizing the essence of community building.
“Who cares about a brick? It’s a building block, a doorstop. But what about 1,000 bricks? Buildings, communities, even the Longmont chamber, are built brick by brick, moment by moment,” Stallard remarked, setting the stage for a journey through the Chamber’s rich history.
Stallard delved into the Chamber’s evolution, from its inception as the Board of Trade to its current role as a stalwart supporter of local businesses. Recounting the Chamber’s significant milestones, including the marathon building of its first office in 1958, she highlighted the community’s unwavering support and vision that propelled the Chamber forward.
Reflecting on the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to growth and service, Stallard introduced the Foundation Forward capital campaign, aimed at remodeling the Chamber’s building to better serve the evolving needs of the community.
“As we move forward, let’s remember the foundation upon which we stand and the vision that propels us toward a brighter future,” Stallard concluded, expressing gratitude to those who have supported the Chamber’s mission throughout its storied history.
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