Behind every storefront, service, and job in Mesa County is a business navigating tight margins, workforce pressures, rising costs, and constant change. Those challenges rarely make headlines. What deserves recognition is the resilience, innovation, and leadership demonstrated by local businesses every single day.
On February 27th, 2026, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce brought the business community together to celebrate that leadership during its Annual Banquet, Business at Great Depths, held at the Grand Junction Convention Center. The evening gathered business owners, community leaders, and stakeholders from across Western Colorado to recognize the depth, strength, and impact of Mesa County’s business community.
Each year, the Chamber presents its highest honors to individuals and organizations whose leadership and investment strengthen the region’s economic future. Honorees are selected through a competitive nomination process and reviewed by a committee of past award recipients within each category, ensuring the recognition reflects the perspective of experienced business and community leaders.
2025 Annual Award Honorees
Citizen of the Year
Brigitte Sundermann, CMU Tech
The Chamber’s Citizen of the Year award recognizes an individual whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the Grand Junction community.
Brigitte Sundermann was selected for her ability to identify the evolving needs of the business community and bring partners together to create meaningful solutions. Through her leadership at CMU Tech, she has strengthened connections between education and industry, expanding technical training and workforce pathways that support both local employers and students pursuing careers in Western Colorado.
With a background in engineering and a career shaped by hands-on learning, teaching, and leadership, Sundermann has consistently focused on creating opportunity for others. Colleagues and community partners recognize her collaborative approach, practical problem-solving, and ability to unite organizations around shared goals that move the region forward. Known for her optimism and signature smile, her impact continues to strengthen Grand Junction’s workforce, business community, and future leaders.
Large Business of the Year
High Country Beverage
High Country Beverage was recognized as Large Business of the Year for its sustained economic investment, strong workplace culture, and deep commitment to community partnership across the Western Slope.
Founded in 1996 and expanding into Western Colorado in 2012, the family-owned company has grown into a major regional employer while maintaining a strong focus on service, responsibility, and long-term investment. Under the leadership of CEO Dave Nichols and President Steve Nichols, High Country Beverage prioritizes employees, supplier relationships, and customer partnerships while contributing significantly to the regional economy.
The company actively supports numerous nonprofit and civic organizations throughout Mesa County and surrounding communities. Through a unique employee-directed giving program, team members help determine where charitable contributions are made. As High Country Beverage prepares to open an expanded multi-million-dollar facility, the investment reflects the company’s continued confidence in and commitment to the future of Western Colorado.
Small Business of the Year (Less Than 25 Employees)
Maid2Impress
Maid2Impress was honored as Small Business of the Year for transforming a small startup concept into a growing regional business while maintaining a strong commitment to community service.
Founded in 2009, the company has grown from modest beginnings into a trusted cleaning services provider serving communities throughout Western Colorado. Today, Maid2Impress employs dozens of team members and continues expanding services to meet the evolving needs of businesses and residents across the region.
Beyond business growth, the company has consistently reinvested in the community through fundraising efforts, nonprofit partnerships, youth sports sponsorships, and direct support for local families and organizations. Their sponsorship of the “I’m A Survivor Fashion Show,” which supports oncology patients through Community Hospital’s gas and lodging assistance program, reflects their belief that business success should positively impact the community it serves.
Young Professional of the Year
Nick Gumpert, The UPS Store
Nick Gumpert was named Young Professional of the Year for his commitment to cultivating leadership, encouraging innovation, and investing in the future of Grand Junction’s business community.
A Grand Junction native and Colorado Mesa University alumnus, Gumpert has demonstrated a passion for helping others grow alongside his own professional success. Through his leadership at The UPS Store, his work teaching emerging technologies at CMU Tech, and his involvement in the Chamber’s Young Professionals initiatives, he actively encourages peers to remain adaptable and forward-thinking in a rapidly changing business environment.
In addition to his professional work, Gumpert mentors youth and supports leadership development through his involvement with Fire FC and the Grand Junction Soccer Club. The award recognizes a young leader dedicated not only to business success but to helping others pursue strong leadership and meaningful lives.