The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) recognized eight outstanding Valley businesses at the 28th annual IMPACT Awards today, with Pinnacle Transplant Technologies and Goodwill of Central Arizona earning accolades as the 2015 IMPACT Businesses of the Year. The luncheon celebrated the remarkable contributions these companies and their employees make to the Greater Phoenix community.
“Congratulations to our 2015 IMPACT Businesses of the Year, Pinnacle Transplant Technologies and Goodwill of Central Arizona,” stated Todd Sanders, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. “Their work is so impressive across the full spectrum that they are truly deserving of special recognition. Both organizations enhance our community and demonstrate the true spirit of entrepreneurialism in everything they do. We are proud to recognize their outstanding achievements.”
2015 IMPACT Business of the Year (Small to Medium Business Sector – 250 employees or fewer): Pinnacle Transplant Technologies – Russ Yelton, CEO
Founded in 2010, Pinnacle Transplant Technologies (PTT) recognized the need to establish a processing and distribution facility that would enable medical professionals to acquire quality tissue for transplant. Located in Phoenix, Ariz., PTT’s newly constructed 24,000-square-foot processing facility was designed by tissue banking experts to meet the specific demands of the industry.
PTT specializes in processing musculoskeletal tissue for use in orthopedic, dental, spine, trauma and other medical procedures and reconstruction surgeries. A multi-service tissue bank dedicated to the ethical participation in the Donate Life ™ process, PTT only works with federally chartered organ procurement organizations accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks. One of two 2015 IMPACT Award recipients in Entrepreneurial Excellence, PTT is dedicated to providing superior tissue for transplantation, assuring transplant patient safety and provide reverence to our donor families.
“It is such an honor to receive the 2015 IMPACT Business of the Year Award,” said Noah Stromer, chief operating officer of Pinnacle Transplant Technologies. “It’s a testament to the hard work of our associates and to the generosity of donor families. The underlying force of what we’re doing and the positive impact that we’re having on people keeps us going. Every day, our goal is help people and make their lives better. It’s a great honor to be in such company with all of this year’s IMPACT recipients.”
Website: www.pinnacletransplant.com | Phone: 623.277.5400
2015 IMPACT Business of the Year Award (Large Business Sector – More than 250 employees): Goodwill of Central Arizona – Tim O’Neal, President and CEO
Founded in Phoenix in 1947, Goodwill of Central Arizona is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides job training and other services for Arizonans who want to find a job, pursue a credential or degree or strengthen their finances. Its vision is, “Through the work of Goodwill, all people will have the opportunity to learn, work and achieve their greatest potential.” Goodwill’s mission: “We Put People to Work.”
Goodwill fulfills this mission by providing job training, education and employment placement services to job seekers in Arizona. Its services are offered at no cost to the community, and funded in large part by its retail stores, where donations of gently used clothing and household goods are sold. Goodwill of Central Arizona currently operates 63 stores, 14 donation centers and 22 career centers in Maricopa County, Yuma and Prescott. Serving as a link to employment for job seekers of all skill levels and backgrounds, Goodwill’s clients include senior citizens, veterans, individuals with language barriers and people with disabilities or other specialized needs.
“It’s great to work for an organization that helps people and puts them on their feet,” said Tim O’Neal, president and CEO of Goodwill of Central Arizona. “It’s very special to be a part of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce’s IMPACT Awards, but the best thing about receiving this award is that it brings greater awareness of our workforce development efforts that we focus on each and every day. Winning this award would not even be possible if it weren’t for our partners, the people who generously donate and our valued associates.”
Website: www.goodwillaz.org | Phone: 602.535.4000
IMPACT Award Recipients in the Small to Medium Business Sector (250 employees or fewer):
Community Champion: Arizona School Choice Trust
Economic Driver: HDR, Inc.
Entrepreneurial Excellence: Pinnacle Transplant Technologies
Response to Adversity: Anderson Security Agency, Ltd.
IMPACT Award Recipients in the Large Business Sector (More than 250 employees)
Community Champion: Wells Fargo
Economic Driver: Goodwill of Central Arizona
Entrepreneurial Excellence: EXOS
Response to Adversity: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Sentinel Award Recipients
For their willingness to champion efforts that ensure Arizona’s business climate is healthy and competitive, the Chamber recognized Arizona State Representative Kate Brophy McGee, Arizona State Representative Bob Robson and Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio with Sentinel Awards.
Concluded Sanders, “All of the companies and Sentinel Award recipients honored today continue to set new standards that positively impact the greater Phoenix business community and we are proud to recognize their outstanding achievements.”
For more information on all the 2015 IMPACT recipients, visit www.phoenixchamber.com/impact2015.
