Clearly, Colorado is known for its plethora of playground options and opportunities – dream-like destinations for hikers, bikers, skiers, boarders or those just looking for a little R&D in a stunning scenery. It is with that we give you the Top Companies in the Travel + Hospitality category – those who have been so inspired by our Rocky Mountain paradise, they've been productive businesses around the very activity.

WINNER

BRECKENRIDGE GRAND VACATIONS

BRECKENRIDGE

Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV) is the parent company of the award-winning Grand Lodge on Peak 7, Grand Timber Lodge, Gold Point Resort and the new Grand Colorado on Peak 8.

The company’s co-owner and Chief Executive Officer Mike Dudick says that while BGV has some of the nicest ski lodges in Colorado, the company’s success is largely attributable to the dedication of its more than 600 employees.

“We are the best in sales because we are the best in service,” Dudick says. “Our staff completely buys into that. We’re in the smile business. Our job is to help put smiles on people’s faces when they’re on vacation.”

The positive attitude BGV employees demonstrate to guests is part of the reason that nearly 25,000 families have a “home in the mountains” at one of the company’s properties. The company offers outstanding benefits packages and hosts an annual health fair to promote employee health and wellness free to employees and at discounted rates for their family members. A voluntary employee-funded (and BGV-matched) employee assistance fund supports personnel who find themselves in emergency situations they can’t afford.

In 2016, the company created the BGV Gives program to extend its philanthropic reach in Summit County and the surrounding area. This spring, BGV donated more than $292,250 in local and regional grants, scholarships and sponsorships benefiting 29 different organizations in Summit and Park counties — a 48 percent increase compared with last year’s allocation.

FINALISTS

FOOTERS CATERING

DENVER

Founded in 1981 by Jimmy Lambatos, Footers Catering is a second-generation family business that provides full-service catering for weddings, corporate parties, social gatherings and nonprofit galas. The company works hard to attract and retain its employees by creating a career path in hospitality. For example, an event coordinator can evolve into a venue specialist manager, or a prep chef can be promoted to the tasting chef team. Footers also works with nonprofits throughout the year by offering an intimate 10-guest Interactive Dinner they can either sell at an auction or give to donors and board members. The dinners, valued at more than $1,500, have helped raise as much as $7,000 for each nonprofit.

RESORTS | MOUNTAINS | CITIES (RMC)

PARK CITY, UTAH

RMC provides premier event-management services at its network of more than 30 destinations across the United States and Mexico. Its eclectic clientele include corporate and incentive groups, associations and travel and meeting planners. It is the preferred destination services provider for luxury properties such as Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Park Hyatt and Westin. RMC strives to find each city’s unique features and use them as a centerpiece for events so participants are exposed to experiences that capture the heart of the city. Events RMC has organized in Colorado have boosted tourism by offering out-of-state clients the opportunity to experience the Centennial State.