There was fierce competition leading up to the Vail Valley Success Awards presentation on Friday night, January 25th at the Fifth Annual Gala. Finalists in all six categories were out in full force, supporting local business and hoping that all their efforts in the past year would pay off. And while everyone honored at the event deserved thanks for the impact they're making on the Vail Valley, only one winner in each category could take home the big award.
Speaking of big, the Business of the Year award, the final winner announced of the night, was sponsored by one very large national business with a great local presence, Comcast. The finalists in this category included The Back Bowl, for brining a much needed and unique activity to the Vail Valley, George Schaeffer Construction for their strong community involvement and East West Partners for being a regional corporation with amazing local investments and ties. As Greg Repetti, emcee and President/CEO of the Vail Valley Medical Center announced, 'the winner is. . .'
East West Partners!
East West Partners had over 20 employees on hand to celebrate their big win. As all of these employees would testify to, EWP has a unique company culture that both defines what the company is all about and distinguishes it from most other organizations: fun, energetic, creative people, living, working and playing in some of the truly great places in the world. This entrepreneurial spirit, where people are willing to take risks and willingly take responsibility for their actions, is what embodies many statements of the Success Award general criteria. The Partnership is thrilled to be able to honor the work East West Partners has done for our community.
Not only was East West Partners a winning business, but a sponsor of the Small Business of the Year award. The finalists in this category were thrice nominated and ever-evolving Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea Company, the Vail Village necessity, Verbatim Booksellers, and a company with a unique perspective on mortgages and local families, Integrity Mortgage of the Rockies. With all the big accomplishments of small business this year it was a difficult selection, but the Partnership is proud to represent the Selection Committee's decision to award . . .Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea Company with the Small Business of the Year award!
Much like East West Partners, VMCT believes their employees are family, and treats them with respect and support them at all times. Further, VMCT believes the company can be profitable and still make a difference in both our community and in the world. With their green initiatives and support of local nonprofits, VMCT is a small business to be reckoned with.
The Vail Valley Partnership would like to congratulate both East West Partners and Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea Company for an outstanding job in 2007 - we know they'll continue to expand on their amazing program of work in 2008.
