George Eidsness Honored as 2026 Citizen of the West

Traditions can fade as times change, but George Eidsness keeps the western ideas and values alive by winning the prestigious 2026 Citizen of the West award announced by the National Western Stock Show. The award was selected by a committee of community leaders that decided George is the true embodiment of the Citizen of the West. Displaying resilience, vision, and deep connection to the land and traditions that define the region of the west. 

George's connection to this way of life began in his youth where he was raised on a farm near Brocket, North Dakota. He grew up surrounded by hard work, music from the trombone, horsemanship, and a respect for agriculture. George’s roots gave him both the grit and vision for the path that continues to inspire many.

George’s journey naturally brought family, education, and determination. After marrying his wife, Barbara, and earning a degree from the University of North Dakota, he began his business career in Fargo before eventually calling Colorado home. In 1990, George and Barbara purchased Transwest Trucks that turned a bold step into a legacy. Through their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence, they grew Transwest into a respected company that serves communities across the West.

George’s love for the western way stretches beyond just business. In 1996, he acquired Steamboat Lake Outfitters, and later the Flying E Ranch near Fort Lupton. These ventures gave him a way to combine business with his passion for horses, trail riding, and hunting. An unexpected introduction to team penning sparked another chapter, one filled with family, friends, and competition. He went on to earn accolades, build community through sport, and in 2023 was inducted into the USTPA Hall of Fame. George’s energy has also gone into nonprofits, standing behind youth in 4-H and FFA, and helping build programs that ensure Western traditions carry on to future generations.

At Transwest, George instills these same values into the company culture. You’ll find the Code of the West hanging in every building, reminding employees to live each day with courage, take pride in their work, always finish what they start, do what has to be done, and more. George not only exemplifies these principles, he leads by it. Through his leadership, many have come to respect Western traditions who might never have been exposed to them otherwise.

George will be honored as the 47th Citizen of the West during the annual award dinner on January 12, 2026. Proceeds from the event support the National Western Scholarship Trust, awarding 100 scholarships to students attending colleges and universities in Colorado and Wyoming for agricultural science, rural medicine, or veterinary medicine studies. 

When you think of the West, you think of George Eidsness. The award not only recognizes that truth, but is a reminder that traditions are worth keeping. Congratulations George, but also thank you. The West lives on in all who have and will cross your path.