Each year, Az Business magazine, a publication of AZ Big Media, presents the Champions of Change Awards to recognize those dynamic innovators and trailblazers who are changing Arizona’s business landscape through leadership, visionary thinking and philanthropy. The Champions of Change Awards honor both individuals and organizations. The Champions of Change Awards will be held Thursday, May 16, 2024. Each day leading up to the event, we will preview one category of finalists. Today, meet the Champions of Change finalists for large-sized business of the year.
Sponsors of the Champions of Change Awards include BOK Financial (impact sponsor), Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona (spotlight sponsor), Stearns Bank (step-and-repeat sponsor), Maricopa Corporate College at Maricopa Community Colleges (photo booth sponsor), Lerner & Rowe Gives Back (name tag sponsor), REDW Advisors and CPAs (floral sponsor) and Center for the Future of Arizona (dessert sponsor).
To learn more about the Champions of Change Awards, click here.
Large-sized business of the year finalists
Achieve
Achieve has provided more than 172,000 hours of employee training and filled over 30% of the company’s positions internally through promotions or lateral development opportunities. Additionally, upwards of 65% of internal career advancement opportunities, promotions and transfers to new positions are women and 53% are diverse employees.
Axon
With the main objective to “protect life,” Axon Tasers have prevented 297,270 people from death or serious bodily injury. In 2023, the TASER 10, Axon’s latest generation less-lethal energy weapon, was selected as a 2023 GOOD DESIGN Award winner in the category of Safety and Security.
Arizona State University
Since its inception, ASU has demonstrated a commitment to transforming online education through research-based course design and innovative learning technologies. In 2023, Arizona State University was ranked No. 4 for best online bachelor’s programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Clayco
Since opening in 2021, Clayco’s Phoenix office has successfully secured projects totaling more than $3.8 billion, spanning various market sectors. Clayco Rising, which aims to provide meaningful opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, is one of many of the organization’s innovative initiatives.
CopperPoint Insurance Companies
With Phoenix roots dating back to 1925, Copperpoint Insurance Companies has grown to more than 800 employees across its 12 nationwide locations. In 2022, the organization was named Forbes’ Best Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
Cox Communications
With an estimated 18,000 employees nationwide and growing, Cox has upwards of 355,000 commercial customers (2020), and continuously invests in its Arizona market, investing more than $20 billion in the past decade to power millions of users throughout the Cox network.
Delta Dental of Arizona
In 2024, Delta Dental of Arizona made an $850,000 investment to create a first-of-its-kind Oral Health In Medicine Initiative at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. This partnership is estimated to positively impact up to 180,000 patients per class, per year, upon graduation.
Desert Financial Credit Union
In 2023, Desert Financial Credit Union expanded its current partnership with Arizona State University to become the university’s official retail banking partner. This 10-year engagement demonstrates the organization’s commitment to partnering with local organizations to further create positive community impact.
Marsh McLennan Agency
With 10,000 colleagues and 170 offices across North America, Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) — a 2023 Most Admired Company — combines the personalized service model of a local consultant with the global resources of the world’s leading professional services firm, Marsh McLennan.
Rosendin
Since 2020, Rosendin’s Arizona office has tripled in size, providing jobs for more than 1,300 highly skilled employees, and building state-of-the-art data centers and semiconductor facilities. Through the Rosendin Foundation, donations have been made to organizations such as Junior Achievement, United Food Bank and UMOM.