Longmont nonprofits honored in Chamber Jubilee

Honoring businesses and nonprofits that have “demonstrated exemplary business or organizational success and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of the Longmont community,” the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce has released its list of finalists for this year’s Longmont Business Awards.

The finalists for the 2021 Nonprofit of the Year Award are The Inn Between of Longmont, OUR Center and Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley. Thanks to contributions from High Plains Bank, Walmart and the Unity Funds the Community grant, each finalist will be given a financial award along with the recognition.

“Historically, the winner of the Nonprofit of the Year award was given $500,” said Longmont Chamber Membership Director Karen Stallard. “But High Plains Bank shares our ambition and with generous support from both them and Walmart, we were able to donate ten-times as much between the finalists.”

Businesses and nonprofits nominated by the community were asked to submit information about how their company or organization have grown, innovated and engaged with the community, according to a Longmont Chamber press release. Submissions were then reviewed anonymously before finalists were selected. According to Longmont Chamber Communications Director Leah Winkler, “it was a close call in every award category.”

The three nonprofit finalists work closely to support low-income and underserved communities within Longmont and Boulder County. 

Inn Between Executive Director Tim Rakow said the organization was excited to be nominated for the award this year, having been nominated twice in previous years. 

The Inn Between helps connect low-income families and people experiencing homelessness with transitional and permanent housing, as well as providing support services and educational opportunities.

“Longmont is fortunate to have strong business and nonprofit partnerships and we are proud to be a long time member of the chamber,” Rakow said. “It’s really an honor and it appears this year we stand together alongside two of our partner agencies that we also know to be superb organizations. We’re equally happy for them.”

OUR Center provides resources for families and individuals in need, including meals and a food bank, as well as classes, support groups and case management.. 

Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley aids people affected by domestic violence, elder abuse, human trafficking and dating violence. 

“After 28 years of service to those experiencing homelessness in our community, our work is more important than ever before,” Rakow said. “Frequently, access to affordable housing is cited as the number one barrier to stability and we exist to provide that supportive and stable environment. Thank you to all those who partner with us and continue supporting our mission.”

This year’s Longmont Chamber Jubilee will once again be held virtually on December 9. The video award program will be broadcast through YouTube and Facebook beginning at 7 p.m.

The full list of finalists follows below:

Business of the Year

• A Florae
• GreenPoint Roofing
• Jorgensen, Brownell and Pepin Law Firm

Nonprofit of the Year

• The Inn Between of Longmont
• OUR Center
• Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley

Emerging Business

• Biscuits @Mike’s
• Bricks Retail
• Outworld Brewing

Legacy Business

• Edward Jones – John McLean
• Georgia Boys BBQ
• Samson Law Firm, PC

Resilient Business

• Blue Skies Massage and Wellness
• Family Pet Hospital
• Good Life Acupuncture and Wellness Center