Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Bank of America will be honored by the Black Chamber of Arizona on Saturday, Dec. 13, as 2025 Corporate Honorees.

Bank of America earned the Community Impact Award, while the airport will receive the Innovation & Regional Impact Award at the organization’s 27th anniversary Pinnacle Pathways Gala, presented by Arizona State University and Arizona Public Service, at the Sheraton Glendale Renaissance Ballroom.

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This year’s honorees exemplify the chamber’s mission to foster economic opportunity, innovation and inclusive growth across Arizona, according to a chamber statement. Their leadership and partnership have helped drive measurable impact, including expanded access to capital, workforce development

 and support for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

This year, the Black Chamber of Arizona and its corporate partners:

  • Secured $5 million in capital for entrepreneurs
  • Increased $1.5 million aggregate in member sales
  • Helped launch or scale more than 1,200 businesses
  • Created over 500 jobs

“We are deeply honored to receive the Community Impact Award,” said Scott Vanderpool, Bank of America Phoenix’s president, in a statement.

“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering economic opportunity and supporting the success of businesses and entrepreneurs across the Valley.

“At Bank of America, we believe that when local businesses thrive, communities flourish — and we remain dedicated to being a steadfast partner in that journey.” 

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s aviation director Chad Makovsky, said in a statement that partnerships like those with the Black Chamber of Commerce are meaningful.

“We’re proud to be a supporter of the Black Chamber of Arizona,” Makovsky said.

“These partnerships also allow us to provide local businesses with the tools to successfully access business opportunities with the airport and showcase the best of our community. It’s an absolute honor to receive the distinguished Innovation & Regional Impact Award recognizing our efforts to continuously innovate and partner with our community.”

The Pinnacle Pathways Gala serves as the chamber’s signature annual fundraiser, supporting programs in youth development, small business expansion, workforce readiness, and justice-impacted entrepreneurship. This year’s theme, “Resilience & Regional Impact,” reflects a commitment to economic growth and statewide collaboration. 

“As a statewide organization, we are committed to building public-private partnerships that fuel small business success in every corner of Arizona,” said Dr. Velma Trayham, president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona.

“Honoring Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Bank of America at this year’s gala highlights the power of collaboration and the positive impact these organizations have on our business community. Together, we are advancing economic growth and creating opportunity for generations to come.”

For more information on the gala, sponsorships or to purchase tickets, visit blackchamberaz.org or email info@blackchamberaz.com.