What: The 2016 Wright Award Night | When: Tuesday, October 18, 2016

“It’s a lifestyle” is a phrase we hear quite often around these parts and one Something Independent has made its mission since its start in 2010. Co-founder Chuck Sullivan’s banner annual program for the Denver-based company, The Wright, recognizes Colorado companies of all sizes for “doing exceptional work at the intersection of lifestyle and commerce” and who help shape the “Rocky Mountain brand.” 

Following a months-long submission process, which this year, received more than 100 video entries, The Wright Award Night celebrated its 12 finalists at Space Gallery in Denver's Santa Fe Arts District with a product showcase, live presentation, and award ceremony.

Carbondale’s Kelly Alford, who took top honors last year for The Whole Works, kicked-off the evening reflecting on the past year and how the Award has jumpstarted their apparel manufacturing Public Benefit Corporation in Rifle.

“Every step of the way, Something Independent is building and nurturing this ever so important culture of helpfulness: discovering change makers, making connections, encouraging partnerships, matching our questions with answers, meeting our doubts with expertise and reassurance,” she proudly remarked.  

Then, like all finalists, Aspenites Darcy Conover and Adam Moszynski, the husband and wife co-founders of Corbeaux Clothing Company, took the stage to present their 90-second story to the panel of judges before they were on the spot for a live Q&A session.

“As such a young company we were honored to be included among such established and impressive businesses. It was inspirational and re-energized our entrepreneurial spirits!” Cornover said of the night.

WA 5 Corbeaux from Something Independent on Vimeo.

While it’s of course always an honor to be nominated, The 2016 Wright Award was handed over from  Colorado Governor John Wright Hickenlooper (it was named in his honor) to South Main, a sustainable community in Buena Vista, which also has its own free white-water park and riverside trail system.

To watch all video submissions, visit somethingindependent.com. 

2016 Winners

1^st place: South Main
2^nd place: Bonsai Design
3^rd place: Ouray Ice Park

Contenders

Bonsai Design, Grand Junction
Backcountry Access, Boulder
Big Agnes, Steamboat Springs
Borealis Fat Bikes, Colorado Springs
Corbeaux, Aspen
Hala Gear, Steamboat Springs
Johnson & Held, Englewood
Ouray Ice Park, Ouray
Rapidgrass Bluegrass Festival, Idaho Springs
South Main, Buena Vista
Vintage Overland, Grand Junction
Waste Farmers, Denver and Delta

Judges

Jason Blevins, Staff Reporter, The Denver Post 
Dave Boger, Co-Founder, Jiberish
Mark Hansen, Co-Founder/CEO, Topo Designs
Jason Kintzler, Founder/CEO, Pitch Engine
Erik Mitisek, Chief Innovation Officer, State of Colorado and Executive Director, Project X-ITE
Jennifer Rudolph, Corporate Communications, POWDR Corp.
Deborah Williams, Managing Content Editor, Outdoor Industry Association