Fry’s Food Stores and University of Advancing Technology have been named the large and small/medium Businesses of the Year by the Greater Phoenix Chamber during the 32nd Annual IMPACT Awards Luncheon held Thursday, May 23 at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix.
Large Business of the Year: Fry’s Food Stores
“We’re honored to receive the 2019 Business of the Year IMPACT Award from the Greater Phoenix Chamber,” said Fry’s Food Stores President, Monica Garnes. “We appreciate the recognition for our nearly 60 years of contributions to Arizona’s economy and the community. We thank our associates, customers, and business and community partners who are essential to our success.”
Small/Medium Business of the Year: University of Advancing Technology
“Arizona’s tech community is so important for the growth of the state,” said Dr. Dave Bolman, Provost, University of Advancing Technology. “As the only technology university in Arizona, we’re so honored to be recognized for our life’s work in innovating higher education for the betterment of our community.”
The two companies were selected out of eight local companies which are recipients of the Chamber’s IMPACT Awards, honoring the accomplishments of small and large Valley businesses and the positive influences they have on the business community and economy.
“This year’s IMPACT Award recipients illustrate the strong economic momentum in our city. They embody innovation, business acumen, and community giving,” said Greater Phoenix Chamber President and CEO Todd Sanders. “These organizations make an impact in our community every day and will continue to be stalwart leaders as our city moves forward as a national and global leader.”
Follow this link to watch a brief video highlighting each IMPACT Award recipient.
Large Business Category (More than 250 employees):
2019 Arizona Advocate – Lyft
2019 Community Champion – CopperPoint Insurance Companies
2019 Economic Driver – Fry’s Food Stores
2019 Exceptional Innovator – Barrow Neurological Institute
Small to Medium Business Category (250 employees or fewer):
2019 Arizona Advocate – Desert Botanical Garden
2019 Community Champion – Elontec
2019 Economic Driver – University of Advancing Technology
2019 Exceptional Innovator – Urbix Resources LLC
IMPACTful Nonprofit Award
In addition to honoring exceptional Valley businesses, the Chamber added the IMPACTful Nonprofit Award in 2016 to recognize the outstanding work of Valley nonprofits. This year’s IMPACTful Nonprofit Award recipient is Kitchen on the Street. The IMPACTful Nonprofit Award recipient is ultimately chosen by popular vote of the community. Kitchen on the Street was chosen this year from four deserving finalists, all of whom exemplify hard work and dedication to our community.
Sentinel Awards
The Chamber recognizes three outstanding elected officials with the Sentinel Awards, which highlight the great things that can be accomplished when business and government work together.
Sentinel Award recipients:
Arizona State Senator Sean Bowie
Arizona State Representative Regina Cobb
City of Phoenix Councilwoman Debra Stark
