2026 ‘Southwest Colorado Rocks’ Awards Expands to Bayfield, Ignacio
BREAKING: The prestigious business awards are transforming! The 2026 ‘Durango Rocks’ awards will now be known as Southwest Colorado Rocks, expanding to include businesses from Bayfield and Ignacio for the very first time. This exciting rebranding was just confirmed by the Durango Chamber of Commerce and is set to take place at the Community Concert Hall in February 2026.
This move is more than just a name change; it signifies a profound commitment to uniting the business communities across La Plata County and beyond. Chamber CEO Jeff Dupont emphasized that the awards are intended to celebrate the leadership, values, and generosity that characterize the region’s business landscape. “We see this rebrand as an opportunity to elevate the voices of businesses doing good work in these communities,” Dupont stated in a recent newsletter.
The collaboration arises from a desire to strengthen support for regional partners, with Dupont noting the Durango Chamber’s unique resources allow for greater flexibility in fostering inclusivity. “We’re currently the only chamber out of the three that has paid staff members,” he said. This initiative is aimed at enhancing recognition for businesses in Bayfield and Ignacio, which have historically been overlooked.
The new name, Southwest Colorado Rocks, is explicitly designed to encompass all of Southwest Colorado, leaving the door open for future expansions into neighboring areas like Montezuma County. “We want to grow without having to rebrand again,” Dupont said.
The 2026 awards will continue traditions from the previous Durango Rocks format, including community service awards and leadership honors such as Citizen of the Year, the Morley Ballantine Women’s Leadership Award, and Entrepreneur of the Year. Each community—Durango, Bayfield, and Ignacio—will also select a Business of the Year, with existing awards now open to businesses from all three chambers.
Adding to the excitement, members from the Bayfield and Ignacio Chambers will participate as judges for the awards. Brian Lundstrom, a board member for both the Bayfield and Durango chambers, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “There’s been a long division between the communities, and I think this will bring us closer together.”
Ignacio Mayor Clark Craig echoed this sentiment, highlighting the abundance of talent across La Plata County and neighboring communities. “Let’s celebrate together,” he urged, reflecting the eagerness within the business community for this new chapter.
Dupont has reported overwhelmingly positive responses from the other chambers regarding the rebranding efforts. However, he acknowledges the importance of building trust and camaraderie among the communities through this event. “There’s some skepticism about how it’s going to play out, but we’re working to ensure integration,” he noted.
As anticipation builds for the inaugural Southwest Colorado Rocks awards, local businesses and community members are encouraged to participate and recognize the significant contributions of their peers. This event promises to be a milestone in fostering unity and collaboration across the Southwest Colorado business landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the February 2026 event, a moment that could redefine community connections and recognition in the region!
