A ceramics manufacturer and president of a candy company have received recognition for their contributions to economic development in Mesa County.

CoorsTek received the Spirit of Economic Development Award. Doug Simons, president of Enstrom Candies, received the Joseph C. Prinster Leadership Award.

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership presented the awards at its Western Colorado Economic Summit.

The Spirit of Economic Development Award honors a business or organization that demonstrates a strong sense of community awareness and involvement while seeking opportunities to improve the economic vitality of Mesa County.

CoorsTek operates an advanced manufacturing facility in Grand Junction that produces a variety of technical ceramics products for everything from electronics to medical devices to the armor protecting military personnel and vehicles. The company employs more than 350. Staffing is expected to increase with expansions at the facility.

The  Joseph C. Prinster Leadership Award honors an individual who’s made notable contributions to economic development in Mesa County while also demonstrating adaptability, drive and leadership.

In addition to his role with the family owned and operated Enstrom Candies, Simons long has been involved in business and community endeavors, including a stint as chairman of the GJEP board of directors. He recently joined with his wife, Jamee, to serve as co-chairs of a fund-raising campaign for a new performing arts center at Colorado Mesa University.