LOVELAND, COLO. – April 9, 2025 –The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 120th Annual Celebration Wednesday evening at the Pedersen Toyota Center at the Ranch Events Complex in Loveland. More than 600 Chamber members and others from the area came together to celebrate the success of the Fort Collins Chamber and the business community.
The in-person event on Wednesday allowed the business community to connect face-to-face, and the Chamber recognized individuals who have had a great impact on the organization and the community.
“Business is the cornerstone of the community,” said Ann Hutchison, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO. “As the trusted business champion, catalyst and convener creating shared economic prosperity for Northern Colorado, it was our honor to celebrate these amazing community leaders.”
Throughout the evening, several business leaders were recognized with Chamber honors, including:
2024 Collins Award Recipient: Mark Soukup, Soukup & Bush
The Collins Award was established to recognize individuals with a long-standing contribution to the community. The first Collins Award was presented in 1977. Since then, winners have included such luminaries as Larry Kendall, Tom Gleason, Gene Markley, Bohemian Companies, Doug Hutchinson, Curt and Nancy Richardson, Lucia Liley, Mark Driscoll, David May and Carl Maxey.
The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announces Mark Soukup as the 2024 Collins Award recipient. With an extensive background in accounting, public service and philanthropy, Mark has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to business leadership, community service and economic development in Northern Colorado.
“Northern Colorado is the amazing place that it is thanks to the impactful leadership of Mark Soukup,” said Ann Hutchison. “Mark has been a key business advocate, helping thousands of businesses be successful, while taking a very public leadership role to inspire others. We are so appreciative of Mark and the impact he has had.”
The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce is honored to celebrate Mark Soukup’s contributions to the business community, his steadfast leadership, and his enduring impact on Fort Collins and Northern Colorado.
2024 David May Advocacy Award: Carrie Gillis, Somerset Apartments & New Colony Apartments
The David May Advocacy Award was created in 2020 in honor of former Chamber President & CEO David May’s successful service to the Fort Collins region, its business community, and for being a resolute advocate for free enterprise, tirelessly advocating for better communities through sound economic principles and a sustainable business climate.
Beyond her professional achievements, Carrie’s commitment to advocacy is evident through her 35-year affiliation with the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. Since joining the Local Legislative Affairs Committee (LLAC) in 1996, she has been a driving force behind legislative initiatives that ensure a fair and balanced business climate. Her dedication also extends to the Chamber’s Board of Directors and her current role as Chair of the Chamber’s Election Committee.
“I am truly honored to receive the David May Advocacy Award,” Carrie said. “A healthy business environment does not happen by chance. It requires individuals willing to step forward, advocate for fairness and balance, and work tirelessly to ensure that businesses can grow and prosper. No one understood this better than David May.”
With nearly 40 years of experience in multi-family, commercial, and self-storage property management, Carrie has dedicated her career to strengthening the housing industry. A Fort Collins native, she has played a pivotal role in shaping housing policies and advocating for a robust business environment.
“We are so fortunate to have advocates like Carrie standing up for business ideals every day,” said Ann Hutchison. “Her leadership is valuable and transformative.”
2024 Valerie Arnold Volunteer of the Year: Bob Carnahan, CGRS, Inc.
The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor Bob Carnahan with the 2024 Valerie Arnold Volunteer of the Year Award. The award embodies those who demonstrate qualities of an active volunteer and are an inspiration for others to become engaged in the community. 
Bob Carnahan began his tenure with the Chamber as a volunteer in 1992. Today he is one of our most active volunteers, serving on our Local Legislative Affairs Committee, our Finance Committee, serving two different terms on our Board of Directors, graduating from Leadership Fort Collins and has been an active volunteer with our Election Committee and our independent support of local elections. Bob has been a vital volunteer for many years, so many that he jokes, “There might have been dinosaurs wandering the back alleys of Fort Collins” when he first got involved.
Whether diving deep into public policy, advocating for a more substantial business environment, or simply showing up with a thoughtful perspective and a sense of humor, Bob shows what it means to be a steady, reliable force in the community. He is the kind of volunteer who quietly makes everything better—with no expectation of recognition and every intention of helping others thrive.
“Bob has this rare combination of institutional knowledge, integrity, and a sense of humor that keeps everyone grounded,” said Ann Hutchison. “He brings a thoughtful voice to every conversation and has mentored many. “
The Chamber is a convener of leaders and influences that are making a difference in our community. We are honored to also recognize the following individuals for their contributions over the years:
2024 Board Chair
- Miles Kailburn, Co-Founder & CEO, OTM
Retiring Chamber Board Members:
- Kate Baker
- Pat McMeekin, President of Land Development & Partner, Hartford Homes
- Brandon Grebe, CEO, UpLift Development Group
2024 Local Legislative Affairs Committee (LLAC) Chair
- Sheri Ridgeway, CEO, Ridgeway Group Innovations
The Annual Celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of the 2024 sponsors.
Presenting Sponsor: Elevations Credit Union
Gold Sponsors: Coloradoan, Colorado State University, High Country Beverage, OTM, Platte River Power Authority, UCHealth
Silver Sponsors: BizWest Media, Breeze Thru Car Wash, Brinkman Construction, Comcast, Journey Payroll & HR, Waypoint Real Estate, Woodward
Bronze Sponsors: ANB Bank, Better Business Bureau, Coan, Payton & Payne LLC, Cushman & Wakefield, Flood and Peterson, iHeartMedia, Independent Financial, KRFC 88.9, Markley Motors LLC, NAI Affinity, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart P.C., Pinnacol Assurance, Townsquare Media
Event Sponsors: Alpine Bank, Banner Health, Blue Federal Credit Union, Canvas Credit Union, Ed Carroll Motor Company, FNBO, J.P Morgan | Chase, Plante Moran, Water Pik Inc., The Ranch Events Complex, Verizon