Business community celebrates Most Admired Companies in Arizona

The energy was electric, the room was packed and the applause was nonstop as Arizona’s business community came together to celebrate the Most Admired Companies in Arizona for 2026 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix.

“Tonight, we’re celebrating the companies who don’t just raise the bar — they redefine it,” said AZ Big Media Vice President and Publisher Amy Lindsey, who hosted the event. “They’re the visionaries, innovators and leaders who build great businesses, inspire their teams, transform industries and strengthen communities. Most importantly, they’re helping shape Arizona’s future and making our state an even better place to live, work and thrive.”

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With an enthusiastic crowd cheering on the state’s most respected organizations, the evening was a high-energy celebration of innovation, leadership, workplace culture and community impact. From inspiring success stories to well-deserved recognition, the event showcased the companies that are not only setting the standard for business excellence but also helping shape Arizona’s economic future.

“If your company is being honored tonight, congratulations,” said Dave Pratt, the iconic radio host known as the “Morning Mayor,” who was co-host for the event. “If it isn’t, take notes — and maybe start with better beer in the break room.”

The event honored 55 companies, who were chosen by a panel of judges from a field of hundreds of nominees. This year’s judging committee consisted of Aysha Bell, Nicholas Wilshire, Lionel Williams and Madison Tobin from Grand Canyon University; Maia Rudolph from Alliant Consulting; Linda Luman from LRL Consulting; Eliza(Beth) Santa Cruz from Oddly Creative and the AZ NonProfit Awards; and Brady Young from Thrive Coaching and Consulting.

The Event Partner of the Most Admired Companies of 2026 celebration is BestCompaniesAZ, the Presenting Sponsor is Phillips Law Group, the Premier Sponsors are Amkor and Air2O, the Step and Repeat Sponsor is OneAZ Credit Union, the Spotlight Award sponsor is City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona, the Beverage Sponsor is Burch & Cracchiolo, the VIP Sponsor is Axiom Care, the Community Impact Sponsor is Evolve PR & Marketing, the Dessert Sponsor is RTX, the Floral Sponsor is CHASSE Building Team, the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers and the Production Sponsor is Merestone. The digital sponsor of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies of 2026 is LAVIDGE.

Spotlight award winners

In addition to honoring all 55 of the Most Admired Companies in Arizona for 2026, there were also five spotlight awards presented to honor excellence in each of the five pillars that define the Most Admired Companies program. Here are the spotlight award winners for 2026:

Customer opinion: Spectrum Medical Care Center

Workplace culture: Willmeng Construction

Social responsibility: LAVIDGE

Innovation: Fennemore

Leadership excellence: Burch & Cracchiolo