Wheat Ridge Business Association Announces 2026 Member of the Year and Rising Star Award Winners
WHEAT RIDGE, CO (September 24, 2026) — The Wheat Ridge Business Association (WRBA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Member of the Year and Rising Star Awards, presented at the annual City of Wheat Ridge Business Appreciation Awards Breakfast on Thursday, September 24, at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center.
WRBA President Darin Hammerschmidt revealed the winners during the event, celebrating two standout members of the business community for their significant contributions and involvement.
Member of the Year – Nikki Burnett, Taste Life Nutrition
“Our WRBA Member of the Year was chosen because of this person’s commitment to continually step up to the plate whenever the WBRA is in need.” said Hammerschmidt.
“Nikki has been a WRBA member for 8 years and has assisted with our Biz Mix’s, Monthly Meeting attendee check in and has recently volunteered to assist with our monthly meeting speaker coordination. The WRBA does not have an Executive Director or paid staff and is 100% run by the Board and members donating their time to make the WRBA and Wheat Ridge a better community. We couldn’t do it without you!”
Rising Star Award – Steef & Chris Sealy, Denver Film & Digital
“This year’s WRBA Rising Star – Steef & Chris has illustrated an eagerness to get involved from day one of joining the WRBA. They are regulars at all of our events and support our monthly morning meetings with fun and uplifting entertainment.” said Hammerschmidt.
Outside of the WRBA, our 2026 Rising Star is passionate about anything that involves a camera and bringing the visions of entrepreneurs and business owners to life!
Your contribution to the WRBA and Wheat Ridge community exemplifies the qualities of a true Rising Star.”
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About the Awards:
The WRBA Member of the Year Award honors a member or business who has made a significant contribution to the WRBA community, standing out among their peers. Nominations are submitted by the WRBA membership, and the winner is selected by a vote. Past recipients include Lowrey Burnett, Fountainhead Commercial (2025), Cheryl Garcia, LegalShield (2024), Lindsay Reinert, Intermountain Heath Lutheran Medical Center (2023), Peter DeWolf, Red Rocks Toffee Company and Margie Seyfer (2022), and Maki DeLaet, EduCyber, Inc. (2021).
The Rising Star Award recognizes a newer member of WRBA who has shown exemplary commitment and energy in their efforts to contribute to the business community. This award is voted on by the WRBA Board of Directors. Past winners include Jacob Heeren, Strategic Partner Financial Group (2025), Renee Schreiner, Mary Kay Independent Consultant (2024), Jenny Snell, The Wheelie Bean (2023), Jeremy Laufer, Edward Jones (2022), and Lynn Tran McDonald, Omega Functional Health (2021).
For more information about the Wheat Ridge Business Association and its annual awards, visit www.wheatridgebiz.com.