Downtown Boulder Partnership to Honor Community and Business Leaders at 2026 Awards Luncheon
Annual luncheon will recognize the people and organizations whose leadership, creativity, and commitment strengthen the heart of Boulder.
Boulder, CO [January 27, 2026] – The Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) will host its Annual Awards Luncheon, on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the St Julien Hotel & Spa, beginning at 11:30 AM. This annual celebration recognizes the businesses, organizations, and individuals whose leadership, innovation, and dedication continue to shape downtown Boulder as a vibrant and welcoming destination.
Attendees will enjoy lunch, networking, and meaningful recognition of the people and organizations whose efforts support the vitality and success of the downtown district. “Downtown Boulder is shaped by people who care deeply about this place and the community it serves,” said Tami Door, Interim CEO of the Downtown Boulder Partnership. “Our Annual Awards Luncheon is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the businesses, organizations, and individuals whose leadership and dedication have truly stood out over the past year and beyond."
The following businesses, organizations, and individuals will be honored this year for their accomplishments and contributions to downtown Boulder:
Virginia Patterson Business of the Year - Peter Waters: T/ACO
During her lifetime, Virginia Patterson fiercely advocated for downtown businesses and played a pivotal role in shaping downtown Boulder as we know it today. In the late 1970s, she encouraged business owners to remain downtown following the construction of the Pearl Street Mall and was instrumental in advocating for the creation of a business improvement district, which was ultimately formed in 2000.
T/ACO, led by Peter Waters, is being honored as the Virginia Patterson Business of the Year for its outstanding leadership, community advocacy, and commitment to downtown Boulder. Peter recently spearheaded the launch of the new Boulder Restaurant Alliance (BRA), providing a platform to support and advocate for Boulder restaurants. Beyond his advocacy, Peter and T/ACO demonstrated exceptional generosity in 2025 by donating $50,000 in gift cards to 50 families at Whittier International Elementary School, directly benefiting the local community. Through a combination of business leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to downtown’s vitality, Peter exemplifies the spirit of service and impact celebrated by this award.
Rising Star Award - Roots Music Festival
The Rising Star Award is presented to a business that demonstrates an innovative approach to enhancing the downtown experience while creating a distinctive and memorable presence.
Roots Music Festival is being recognized with the Rising Star Award for its remarkable impact on downtown Boulder during its inaugural year. The festival brought residents and visitors downtown creating experiences that gave locals the opportunity to see the district like never before. Businesses throughout downtown have praised the festival for its thoughtful planning, responsive communication, and collaborative approach, highlighting the positive interactions and community-minded spirit of the organizers. By engaging pre-planning partners, prioritizing local business interests, and partnering with events like Bands on the Bricks and the Battle of the Bands, Roots Music Festival has strengthened downtown’s sense of community while creating a memorable, vibrant experience for all who attend.
Nonprofit Organization of the Year - Historic Boulder
The Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award recognizes a downtown-based organization that has made a significant contribution to the overall well-being of the downtown community.
Historic Boulder is being honored for its longstanding commitment to preserving the history and character of downtown Boulder, and for the lasting impact of leadership under Executive Director Leonard Segel. With offices located downtown, Historic Boulder has played an integral role in protecting and celebrating the places that define the district, including the preservation of the Boulder Theater and the landmarking of beloved community spaces including the Dushanbe Teahouse and the Boulder Bandshell. Through popular historic walking tours, advocacy, and education, the organization has deepened public appreciation for downtown’s architectural and cultural heritage while helping balance preservation with growth.
Ambassador of the Year - Zakary Boyle
Launched in 2021, the Downtown Boulder Partnership’s Ambassador Program provides cleaning, safety, and hospitality services throughout the downtown and University Hill districts. It is operated in collaboration with the City of Boulder and Block by Block.
Zakary Boyle is being recognized as Ambassador of the Year for his leadership and dedication to the Downtown Boulder Partnership’s Ambassador Program. As Operations Manager, Zakary has stepped in as a steady and trusted leader directing the Block by Block program, demonstrating a strong commitment to customer service, to supporting his team, and to upholding the responsibilities of the Ambassadors to the Business Improvement District. His hands-on approach, professionalism, and willingness to lead by example have made him a valued partner and a highly respected presence within the downtown Boulder community.
George Karakehian Community Service Award - Marcy Miller: Organic Sandwich Company
Named in honor of longtime downtown advocate George Karakehian of Art Source International, this award recognizes an individual whose service and leadership have had a lasting impact on downtown Boulder.
Marcy Miller of Organic Sandwich Company is being honored with the George Karakehian Community Service Award for her decade-long dedication to both downtown Boulder and the community she serves. Celebrating over 10 years in business, Organic Sandwich began at the Farmers Market and quickly grew a loyal following, eventually expanding to a second location in Louisville. While the menu’s flavorful offerings reflect Marcy’s commitment to natural, local, and organic ingredients, a value rooted in her family’s garden and nutrition-focused lifestyle, her impact goes far beyond the shop. Marcy has been deeply engaged with the Downtown Boulder Partnership as a board member, membership committee member, and Block Captain, partnering closely with other downtown businesses. Her authenticity, business acumen, and collaborative spirit have not only sustained a thriving business but have strengthened downtown Boulder’s community, making her a true model of leadership and civic engagement.
Ron Porter Special Achievement Award - Lindsay Shaw: Lindsay's Boulder Deli @ Haagen-Dazs
Ron Porter was deeply rooted in the downtown Boulder business community for many years. He cared passionately for the downtown district and was an invaluable resource to business owners. His passion and commitment to DBP’s mission continues to inspire generations that follow in his footsteps. The Ron Porter Special Achievement Award honors individuals whose lifetime dedication has helped strengthen and sustain the downtown district.
Lindsay Shaw, owner of Lindsay's Boulder Deli @ Haagen-Dazs, is being recognized with the Ron Porter Special Achievement Award for her decades of dedication to downtown Boulder. Building on a family legacy of over 45 years in the district, Lindsay has continually expanded and adapted her business, taking on new challenges and creating vibrant spaces that serve the community. She is deeply engaged with the Downtown Boulder Partnership as a board member, Block Captain, and membership committee member, consistently contributing her time, energy, and leadership. Lindsay fosters a welcoming environment for all, including many employees from the LGBTQ+ community, and her generosity extends to volunteering, donations, and support of local organizations. Her willingness to step in, hustle, and show up for downtown reflects a lasting legacy of leadership, collaboration, and care that strengthens the entire community.
Tickets to the Annual Luncheon are available now. Individual tickets are $120 and tables of 10 $1,400 with seats likely to sell out. For more details and to purchase a ticket visit BoulderDowntown.com/Awards2026.
For more information:
General Public: 303-449-3774 | info@downtownboulder.org
Press: Tana Benitez, Marketing & Communications Coordinator | 303-449-3774 ext. 5 | tana@downtownboulder.org
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About Downtown Boulder Partnership
The Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) is a 501(c)6 membership-based organization that relies on membership revenue to help promote the civic, economic and commercial vitality of downtown Boulder - while helping preserve its historic and cultural environment as the heart of the greater Boulder community. DBP supports downtown businesses through public policy advocacy and provides some funding for staffing and administration to implement the mission of DBP along with those of the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District (BID) and Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI).