With the local crowd lamenting the fact that this could be the last winter for the Crystal Palace dinner theater, members of Aspen's business community got together for the annual Wintersköl kick-off luncheon, where the 2007 business of the year awards were announced.

Mead Metcalf, who has owned and operated the downtown landmark for more than 50 years, was also honored as the king of Wintersköl, with queen honors going to Eve Homeyer, who in 1970 was elected the first female mayor of Aspen and has a long history of advocating for local causes such as public transportation and open space.

"This could possibly be the last year here," Aspen Chamber Resort Association President Debbie Braun said, drawing sighs and boos from the group of more than 100 who attended the luncheon. She went on to thank Metcalf for "lifting spirits" for five decades.

The chamber recognized Frias Properties as the 2007 business of the year. Formed in 1985, Frias has evolved and grown through a series of partnerships, and is now at the top of its field in vacation rentals and property management, Braun said. She added that the business also deserves credit for the number of long-term employees it has been able to retain.

Up-and-coming business of the year honors went to High Society Freeride Company, a local manufacturer of skis and snowboards.

"This is a business we all need to keep a close eye on over the next few years," Braun noted of the company started by 20-somethings who wanted to carve out a niche for themselves in the ski industry. Braun heaped praise on High Society for its efforts to donate skis and snowboards to programs for underprivileged children, and for donating a portion of its online sales to charity. She also emphasized the company's motto, which is "Money doesn't buy class."

High Society proprietor Reggie Charles dedicated the award to Blake Davidson, a local rider who died in an avalanche last winter. Charles pointed out that it was Davidson who had inspired the fledgling entrepreneurs to persevere when things were difficult in the early stages.

Braun announced that The Aspen Music Festival and School, the "granddaddy" of Aspen nonprofits, had been awarded the nonprofit business of the year. Despite the institution's 57-year history, 2007 was the first year the chamber honored the Music Associates of Aspen, which was one of the first cultural institutions of modern Aspen.

"(AMFS) made Aspen a cultural destination in the summertime, unlike most manufactured ski resorts," Braun said. She pointed out that the past year was a "banner year" for the festival, in its third year under CEO Alan Fletcher. She cited increased partnerships with other valley cultural organizations and 350 performances throughout the music school's nine-week program, 25 percent of which are free to the public.
curtis@aspendailynews.com