While WESTMARC is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the annual Best of the West Awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel, a special honor will also be a part of the festivities – recognizing the region’s successful efforts to land the new F-35 training center at Luke Air Force Base, the region’s most significant economic contributor.
At the anniversary event, WESTMARC will announce three West Valley award winners: Economic Engine Award, Quality of Life Enhancement Award and the Excellence in Innovation Award. The John F. Long Lifetime Achievement and WESTMARC Leadership awards will also be presented at the ceremony.
However, an important part of the evening will be dedicated to presenting a special 20th anniversary award honoring the Luke Forward community engagement campaign that worked diligently for more than three years to build regional and statewide community support and was pivotal in the recent efforts to secure the new F-35 training center at Luke Air Force Base.
A special honor will be given to the group, featuring Luke Forward Co-Chairs Elaine Scruggs and Charley Freericks, to show WESTMARC’s appreciation for the efforts to significantly enhance the image, lifestyle and economic development throughout the region.
“The Luke Forward award was designed as a distinct honor for Luke Forward’s successful efforts to make the F-35 mission at Luke Air Force base a reality,” said Michelle Rider, president and CEO of WESTMARC. “The Best of the West event is a perfect fit to honor this group that has made such a significant impact in the West Valley.”
The Best of the West reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and awards at 7 p.m. Cost to attend for WESTMARC members is $250 per person, $2,000 for a table of 10. For non-members, $275 per person, $2,250 for a table of 10.
The Economic Engine Award will recognize individuals and organizations which have created a significant economic impact in the region. Honorees for the Quality of Life Enhancement Award will recognize educational, community, arts and recreational programs, facilities or leaders enhancing the quality of life in the West Valley. The Excellence in Innovation Award will recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating an innovative concept or fulfilling a need that preserves the region’s assets and resources and create an economic benefit for West Valley residents.
Presenting Sponsor of Best of the West is Cox Communications. Other sponsors include Republic Media, Banner Health, DMB, APS, SCF Arizona, Arizona Cardinals, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, City of Peoria, City of Phoenix, SRP, Sun Health, Southwest Airlines, Wells Fargo Bank Arizona and Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium.
