Southwest Colorado Rocks expands to Bayfield and Ignacio, finalists announced

Finalists across six categories were announced this week for Southwest Colorado Rocks, the Durango Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards event that has been rebranded to include more of the region. Organizers say 2026 marks the first year Bayfield and Ignacio will formally join the ceremony, widening the field of businesses and nonprofits competing for recognition across southwest Colorado.

Business of the Year finalists are Clearnetworx, Ska Brewing and The Wells Group. Small Business of the Year contenders include Backcountry Experience, Café Amor/Love n' Juice and Lizard Head Trading. Five nonprofits were named as finalists for Nonprofit of the Year: Durango Farmer's Market, First Southwest Community Fund, KSUT Public Radio, Manna soup kitchen and Maria's Literary Foundation. The new spirit categories highlight local identity: Spirit of Bayfield finalists are Pine River Shares, Southwest Ag and The Community Treehouse; Spirit of Durango finalists are Four Leaves Winery, Graze Colorado and Whole Health Family Medicine; Spirit of Ignacio finalists are Farmers Fresh Market, Jack-A-Lope Acres and Rise & Shine Coffee and Burritos.

Organizers framed the event as more than an awards night. Durango Chamber CEO Jeff Dupont wrote in a September newsletter that the ceremony will be "more than a night of pomp and circumstance," positioning it as a platform to honor leadership, values and regional generosity. The event will take place at 5 p.m. Feb. 19 at Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall, when winners across business, small business, spirit and nonprofit categories will be revealed alongside a slate of individual awards such as Citizen of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to the Community; no finalists were announced for the individual awards.

The rebrand from Durango Rocks to Southwest Colorado Rocks and the formal inclusion of Bayfield and Ignacio extend the chamber’s reach beyond Durango’s city limits. For Dolores County businesses and nonprofits, the change creates a larger regional stage. Recognition in these categories can raise visibility for small operators and mission-driven groups that rely on grants, donations and seasonal visitors. Last year’s Business of the Year winner was Bank of Colorado, a reminder that award recognition can spotlight organizations across the region and attract customer or donor attention.

For local leaders in Dolores County, the Feb. 19 ceremony represents an opportunity to network with peers, pitch partnerships and gain profile ahead of the spring visitor season. Community organizations that serve neighboring communities may find new collaborators among finalists and attendees. For more information about finalists or event logistics, contact epond@durangoherald.com.

Winners will be announced at the Feb. 19 event; the expanded format signals a shift toward more regional cooperation and greater visibility for small businesses and nonprofits across southwest Colorado.