Never before has the Arizona business community needed leaders who are agile, adaptable, and innovative more than they are needed in today’s rapidly expanding economy. That’s what the Champions of Change awards are all about — recognizing those dynamic innovators and trailblazers who are changing Arizona’s economic environment through leadership and visionary thinking.

READ ALSO: Nominations open for Arizona’s Most Admired Companies of 2022

“We created the Champions of Change Awards to recognize those innovative leaders, for-profit companies, and nonprofits who are changing the landscape of Arizona business,” says AZ Big Media Publisher Amy Lindsey. “These awards shine a spotlight on the state’s true game-changers and thought leaders. This is an awards event that is unlike any other the state has even seen.”

In the days that follow, the 2022 Champions of Change will be spotlighted right here on azbigmedia.com. Be sure to check back every day.

Medium-Sized Business Champions of Change

In a truly unparalleled project for Arizona, The Beam on Farmer will be the state’s first multistory mass timber office building. Located in the heart of Tempe, the Class A structure features cross-laminated timber (CLT) slabs, as well as laminated beams and columns, as its main structural components.

Item 9 Labs Corp.: With more than 20 podium finishes in Arizona marijuana competitions, the Phoenix-based company has become a trusted source for premium cannabis products and has evolved to make a greater impact to support communities nationwide.

Marcus Engineering: Marcus Engineering is a contract developer of medical devices, military, aerospace, and mining products, and is an anchor technology company in Southern Arizona. Marcus Engineering is dedicated to community engagement, technology innovation, and an environment for employees to thrive.

Mortenson: This summer, Mortenson will deliver Arizona’s first multi-story Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) office building, The Beam on Farmer, in the heart of Tempe. CLT offers a more efficient building process, flexibility in design, and many natural, sustainable advantages.

OneAZ Credit Union: OneAZ Credit Union is innovating ways to connect the expansion of business with the enhancement of local communities through the OneAZ Community Foundation. Since launching the OneAZ Community Foundation in 2015, OneAZ has provided over $600,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations across Arizona.

YellowBird: This mission-driven company has a goal of reinventing the environment, health and safety industry by using innovative technology and human expertise to connect the best professionals with companies on demand. This results in opening up EHS professionals to job opportunities in the gig economy.