In its annual Emerald Elegance Gala and awards ceremony on March 15, 2025, the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association awarded the Citizens’ Alliance the first-ever Community North Star award.
Mike and Debbie Wilde, the Chamber’s 2022 Citizens of the Year, presented the award to Citizens’ Alliance President Jeff Peterson. Board members Ellen Dole and Michael Gamba also attended.
Mike Wilde said the awards selection committee “felt compelled to recognize the extraordinary dedication and leadership” of the Citizens’ Alliance. “Since no existing award fully captured their contributions, we are thrilled to introduce a brand-new special recognition, the Community North Star Award.”
Debbie Wilde said, “Just like the North Star, these remarkable individuals shine brightest in times of challenge, guiding us with clarity, strength and unwavering commitment. They light the way for a strong and bright future. Tonight, we proudly honor them.”
The 2022 Citizens of the Year, Mike Wilde, left, and Debbie Wilde, right, presented the first-ever Community North Star Award to Jeff Peterson, center, president of the Glenwood Springs Citizens’ Alliance. Mike Wilde is retired from a career as a science teacher at Glenwood Springs High School. He said he was gratified to be able to present this award to one of his former students, GSHS grad Peterson.
“Thank you to the Chamber for this recognition and for highlighting the work of the Glenwood Springs Citizens’ Alliance,” said Peterson. “It has been my pleasure to serve alongside our dedicated board of community members, all of whom have committed their time and energy to protecting Glenwood Springs.
“What has been truly remarkable throughout this fight is the unity we’ve seen. In a time when division seems to define so many issues, this has brought people together. The City of Glenwood Springs, Garfield County, the Chamber Resort Association, the business community, and countless citizens have stood as one voice. And that unity has made a difference.
“We’ve made real progress. Today, the site remains quiet. However, a new expansion plan is making its way through the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, so our work is far from over.
“The Glenwood Springs Citizens’ Alliance will continue to work for and fight for our community, but we cannot do it alone. We will need your continued support. Together, we can ensure that Glenwood Springs remains the vibrant, thriving place we all love,” Peterson said.
Citizens’ Alliance President Jeff Peterson, left, and board member Michael Gamba, a former mayor of Glenwood Springs and a GSHS graduate, attended the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association’s Emerald Elegance Gala at the Hotel Colorado. Board Secretary Ellen Dole also attended.
The evening’s awards were also presented in a video, starting with the prestigious Dean Vogelaar Citizen of the Year award to longtime community volunteer and City Councilman Sumner Schachter.
In the video, recognition of the Citizens’ Alliance began with a summary of important events related to the limestone quarry that occurred in 2024 and early 2025, including the Interior Department decision that stopped mining at the quarry in January.
The video concludes with this recognition: “Thanks to the unwavering dedication of the Citizens’ Alliance, our community’s voice has remained strong and united in the fight to protect our home. Their tireless efforts, persistence and passion have made a lasting impact, demonstrating the power of citizen advocacy. This award celebrates their leadership in bringing people together, standing up for what matters and inspiring others to take action for the greater good.”
After the presentation, Citizens’ Alliance board member Ellen Dole said, “This award is a tribute to the support and encouragement our community has given to fighting this threat to our homes and businesses.”
Other award winners recognized for their achievements at the Chamber Gala were Robin Tolan, winner of the ATHENA Leadership award, Yesenia Silva Estrada, winner of the ATHENA Young Professional award, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort for Top Brass Outstanding Large Business of the Year, Red Room Design for Top Brass Outstanding Small Business of the Year, Loretta Ayala, winner of the 2024 Tourism Champion award, and Jason Marshall, 2024 Chamber Ambassador of the Year.
Read coverage of the 2024 Glenwood Springs Chamber Gala awards in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, March 19, 2025
