Dohn Construction leaders receive chamber's prestigious Collins Award

The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday honored four community members at its annual celebration at The Ranch in Loveland.

About 600 chamber members attended the event to recognize individuals who have made an impact on the chamber and the Fort Collins area.

“Business is the cornerstone of the community,” said Ann Hutchison, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, in a statement. “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.”

Here are the chamber honorees:

Collins Award: Connie and Doug Dohn, Dohn Construction.

Dohn Construction opened its doors in 1992 as a small construction company that wanted to work locally so its employees could be home with their families each night. The company grew as word of its approach spread.

With over four decades of construction experience, Doug Dohn's leadership has driven the company’s growth, the chamber said in its presentation of the award. He serves on the advisory board for Colorado State University’s Institute for the Built Environment and CARE Housing.

Connie Dohn runs the “business of the business,” ensuring the company's financial health. She also gives her time to community service and has been on numerous boards throughout Northern Colorado, including the chamber board for eight years and a year as chairwoman.

The Collins Award is the chamber's most prestigious and recognizes individuals who have made longstanding contributions to the community. The first Collins Award was presented in 1977. Past winners have included Larry Kendall, Tom Gleason, Gene Markley, Bohemian Companies, Doug Hutchinson, Curt and Nancy Richardson, Lucia Liley, Mark Driscoll, David May and Carl Maxey.

2023 Valerie Arnold Volunteer of the Year: Lindie Dykson.

Dykson has been an active volunteer with the chamber's Red Carpet Committee and the Moving Fort Collins Forward! Campaign. She began volunteering in 2018 and today is the chamber’s most active volunteer, the organization said. Last year she brought in a record 22 new members during the chamber’s Moving Fort Collins Forward! Campaign.

In 2020, the chamber renamed the annual “Volunteer of the Year Award” the “Valerie Arnold Volunteer of the Year Award,” in honor of Valerie Arnold who died in February 2020.David May Advocacy Award: Sharie Grant, president of the Northern Division of SLATE (formerly OfficeScapes).

Grant has served on the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance, Local Legislative Affairs Committee, Chamber Election Committee and chamber board.

The David May Advocacy Award was created in 2020 in honor of former Chamber President and CEO David May’s successful service to the Fort Collins region, its business community, and for being an advocate for free enterprise, advocating for better communities through sound economic principles and a sustainable business climate.