Celebrating Regional Leadership and Community Impact at 2026 Celebration of Leadership

The Boulder Chamber welcomed business and community leaders from across the region to its 2026 Celebration of Leadership, an annual event that recognizes the individuals and organizations shaping the Boulder region’s economic vitality, innovation, and community strength.  

Held on April 22 at the Jewish Community Center (JCC), this year’s Celebration of Leadership brought together Boulder Chamber business members and partner organizations for an evening of recognition, connection, and inspiration. This event also served as the Boulder Chamber’s Annual Membership meeting, highlighting the organization’s continued work to support business success and strengthen the region’s economic and social vitality.  

“The Boulder Chamber’s leadership in stewardship of our regional economy is only as successful as the strength of the partnerships we’ve built with our 1,400 member businesses, nonprofit organizations, and civic institutions,” said John Tayer, President and CEO of the Boulder Chamber. “The diversity of high-achieving and community-minded business and organization leaders we honor during the Celebration of Leadership is a direct reflection of the depth and breadth of partnerships we’ve forged in service to the Boulder economy and community.”  

This year’s honorees and finalists represented a broad spectrum of industries and sectors, each demonstrating a meaningful connection to leadership, collaboration, and positive impact.  

2026 Celebration of Leadership Honorees 

Rising Star Award  

• Honoree: Grace Leger, Founder & Owner of Elite Injury Rehab 

Virginia Patterson Business Leader of The Year Award  

• Honoree: Donna Basden, CEO of Boulder Medical Center  

Innovative Business of the Year Award  

• Honoree: Bond Pet Foods 
• Category Finalists: Colorado Chautauqua Association, Via Mobility Services 

Entrepreneur of the Year Award  

• Honoree: Trent Hein, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Rule4 
• Category Finalists: Justin Hartman, OZO Coffee Roasters; Craig Foster, Code Ninjas 

Impact Award  

• Honoree: Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder 
• Category Finalists: Community Foundation Boulder County; Scott Rodwin, Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Construction  

Franny Reich Lifetime Achievement Award  

• Honoree: Dr. Rich Wobbekind, Associate Dean for Business & Government Relations, Senior Economist, and Faculty Director of the Business Research Division at the University of Colorado Boulder 

Chamber Champion  

• Honoree: Matt Jensen, WK Real Estate 

Throughout the evening, attendees heard stories of leadership and impact from honorees whose work is helping make Boulder more innovative, inclusive, resilient, and connected. From business growth and workforce development to community investment and creative talent, this year’s Celebration of Leadership reflected the many ways leadership shows up across the Boulder region’s business community.  

The Boulder Chamber Celebration of Leadership is presented by FNBO.