The City of Wheat Ridge, in collaboration with the Wheat Ridge Business Association, Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Localworks, recognized outstanding businesses at the 20th Annual Business Appreciation Awards Breakfast. Local leaders and community members joined Wheat Ridge Mayor Bud Starker to honor the achievements of local businesses.
The 2024 award recipients are as follows:
Business of the Year – This award recognizes a business that exemplifies the ‘Best in Business’ values of the community. Winners include:
- Small Business – Clancy’s Irish Pub
- Large Business – Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital
Other Nominees: El Revuevo Centro Cristano and Event Center, GetRights Bakery, Mestizo Brew Cantina, Mr. Biscuit Bakery, Reclaim Integrative Dentistry and Implant Center, Sustainabilt, Swiss Flower and Gift, West 29th Restaurant and Bar.
Investment Award – This award is given to companies that have made significant property investments and improved their overall site appearance. Winners include:
- 3rd Shot Pickleball
- Anteak Booteek
- Appleridge Café
- Chick-fil-A
- Dogtopia of Wheat Ridge
- Dutch Bros. Coffee
- First Watch
- Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli
- Illegal Pete’s
- Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital
- Life Time of Denver West
- Little Brazil Restaurant
- Maxx FX
- Moonrise Garden Bar and Food Trucks
- Nopal by Taco Block
- Rich Spirit Bagels
- Rolling Smoke BBQ
- Shannon and Wilson Engineering
- Tabor Lake Apartments
- The Cutting Room
- Wendy’s
- Wheat Ridge Lanes
Green Business/Sustainability Award – Given to a business that conserves resources and enhances social conditions. Winner: Ch’il Indigenous Foods.
Other Nominees: Yawp Cyclery, Wheat Ridge Poultry and Meats.
Cultural Commission Award – Awarded to a business promoting culture and the arts. Winner: ArtCentric.
City Council Partnership Award – Recognizes effective community partnerships. Winner: Clear Creek Maker Space.
Mayor’s Partnership Award – Walt Pettit.
Wheat Ridge Localworks Connected Citizen – Ian Rumley.
WRBA Rising Star Award – Renee Schreiner – Mary Kay Cosmetics.
WRBA Member of the Year – Cheryl Garcia – Legal Shield.
Wheat Ridge Chamber Business of the Year – Spenga – Stephanie Magee.
Wheat Ridge Chamber Non-Profit – Wheat Ridge LocalWorks.
Wheat Ridge Chamber Volunteer of the Year – Renee Schreiner – Mary Kay Cosmetics.
“It’s truly inspiring to see our community come together to celebrate the innovation, hard work and dedication of our local businesses,” said Wheat Ridge Economic Development Manager Steve Art. “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners — your success reflects the spirit and growth of Wheat Ridge, and we’re excited to continue supporting your journey.”
Residents and local businesses nominated their choices for the Business of the Year, while Wheat Ridge City Staff nominated candidates for the Reinvestment Award. A team of Jefferson County business professionals reviewed nominations and selected winners for the Business of the Year. Other award winners were determined by the sponsoring organization for each award.