Stateline, NV – At the 33rd annual Critical Issues Conference—hosted by the Business Council of Douglas County—four local businesses were honored with the 2025 Spotlight Award. The ceremony took place on September 22 at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in Stateline.
This year’s Spotlight Awards recognized businesses in the following special categories:
- Giving Back - Regularly gives back to the community or the public sector as part of its operating model or culture
- Preservation/Culture & History - Reflects a strong historical presence or invests in revitalization efforts, including preservation of Douglas County culture and history
- Partnership - Demonstrates a strong partnership with the public sector or business community toward the furthering of community plans, programs, goals, and/or projects
- Innovation or Expansion - Designated to exceptional individuals who engage in the ongoing growth of their organizations through innovative measures or expansions. Recognizing the accomplishments of those who continue to flourish their businesses to greater heights
The following businesses received the 2025 Douglas County Business Spotlight Awards:
Fox & Hound Smokehouse Bar & Grill – Giving Back
Settelmeyer Ranch – Preservation/Culture & History
Zephyr Cove Resort – Partnership
The Local Food Group – Innovation or Expansion
“Douglas County’s business community continues to lead the way toward a thriving future, and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Nikki Rudelbach, Economic Vitality Manager for Douglas County. “This award represents more than achievements—it reflects the dedication, innovation, and perseverance that drive our local businesses to succeed.”
Each honoree was presented with an engraved lantern containing a glowing flameless candle—symbolizing the ongoing flame of Economic Vitality and the vision of building a “Community to Match the Scenery.”
The award selection process followed the same approach as in past years, with nominations gathered through input from business community partners, including local Chambers of Commerce, Main Street Gardnerville, the Nevada Small Business Development Center, and the Business Council of Douglas County.
Check out the Douglas County YouTube channel for videos of the 2025 Spotlight Award winners! If sharing on social media, please tag Douglas County in the photo and use the hashtag #DCSpotlightAwards.