Each year, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce chooses eight businesses out of its 2,400 members to receive IMPACT awards.
Chamber officials say this is an effort to honor outstanding members for their positive influence on the community and local economy. Two of the eight honorees will be named as the 2018 Businesses of the Year at the IMPACT Awards Luncheon on May 24 at the Arizona Biltmore.
“This year’s IMPACT Award recipients are truly reflective of the strong leadership, expanding innovation and dedication to the community, that the Greater Phoenix business community is proud to be known for,” Chamber President and CEO Todd Sanders said. “These organizations will continue to serve as role models for our community and drive the growth of the Greater Phoenix region for years to come.”
Recipients of the 2018 IMPACT Awards include:
Large Business Category (More than 250 employees)
2018 Arizona Advocate –Arizona Public Service
2018 Community Champion – Salt River Project
2018 Economic Driver – Phoenix Suns
2018 Exceptional Innovator – Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Small to Medium Business Category (250 employees or fewer):
2018 Arizona Advocate – ISM Raceway
2018 Community Champion – Delta Dental of Arizona
2018 Economic Driver – Plaza Companies
2018 Exceptional Innovator – Equality Health
Nonprofit organizations will also be honored at the luncheon. One of the four organizations nominated -- Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix; Daring Adventures; Gompers; and the Phoenix Center for the Arts -- will receive the IMPACT Nonprofit Award.
The Phoenix Suns professional basketball team was honored for creating new jobs within the team organization, and for creating four additional new businesses of its own while growing its workforce substantially.
“It is especially meaningful for the Phoenix Suns to be honored as an ‘economic driver’ during our 50th anniversary season," team President Jason Rowley said. "It has been a privilege to be both a pioneer and a participant in the growth and diversification of this community, and we acknowledge every fan and every partner as a member of the team that is receiving this award.”
Salt River Project, a company that has provided water and power to the Phoenix area for more than 100 years, was named as the 2018 Community Champion in the large business division.
“It is a tremendous honor for SRP to receive the Community Champion IMPACT Award from the Greater Phoenix Chamber," Mike Hummel, deputy general manager, said. "SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit organization and our employees support many local nonprofits, logging nearly 30,000 hours of volunteer service every year. This award recognizes our philanthropic efforts and culture of giving back that are a daily way of life.”