Chamber announces its 2008 award nominees

Maricopa Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce this year’s award finalists.

The nominating committee, which was comprised of four local business owners and Chamber members, Lorraine Gillespie-Benchmark Home Loans, Suzie Miller – Suz’s Cruises, Jolene Miller – Arbonne International and Sam McCalie – ShopMaricopa.com, met on Nov. 20, 2008 and selected the following 12 finalists, three in each category.

The nominees for Business of the Year, sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank are:

DVD and Game Depot: They have demonstrated excellent customer service, are always friendly and are conveniently located. It is a business where every member of the family can find something interesting. The owners also sponsor volunteer activities throughout the year. They were last year’s runner up for the award.

Maricopa Black Belt Academy: They have been in Maricopa since 2004. They offer scholarships to at-risk children in Maricopa and can also be seen giving demonstrations at various city events. They partnered with the city to offer discount programs. The instructors have not only helped students achieve martial arts goals, but they have also encouraged students to succeed in school, at home and in every other aspect of life.

State Farm Insurance – Courtny Tyler Agent: Courtny Tyler State Farm Insurance is a leader in both business fundamentals and involvement in the success of Maricopa. The agency is involved on many levels including supporting Maricopa High School athletics, donations to local non-profits and continuing to support local businesses by purchasing local and employing local Maricopa residents. The agency also took part in sponsoring a Car Seat safety awareness event.

The nominees for Non-Profit of the Year, sponsored by The Wizards of Waz are:

F.O.R. Maricopa – Food, Opportunity and Resources Maricopa: Almost two-thirds of the nominations were for the F.O.R. The food bank feeds, clothes and assists countless families and individuals in the community. They are an all-volunteer organization that is truly a great gift to the city of Maricopa. They are currently working on this coming holiday season and expect to serve over 250 families between Thanksgiving and Christmas. They have united the community beyond race, religion or income level through the volunteer opportunities they provide.

Bailey Boxes – supported by VFW Post 12043: Bailey Boxes was founded and is run by veteran of the Vietnam War Herb Bailey. These boxes have been going to Iraq and Afghanistan for the last few years. 100 percent of all donations go to the boxes. There is no overhead or salaries to pay. Everything is donated or paid for by the founder.

RAM – Recycling Association of Maricopa: This is an all-volunteer organization that has been assisting the residents of Maricopa in disposing of their recycled materials since 1996. The recycling association has led volunteers to clean up the desert, ridding the landscape of tons of old tires and unsightly garbage. In recognition of their environmental stewardship, they have twice received the Governor’s Pride Award, and the 2007 Environmental Excellence Award for their 10 years of environmental stewardship.

The nominees for Sonny Dunn Citizen of the Year, sponsored by Orbitel Communications are:

Wendy Webb – F.O.R Maricopa: Wendy had a vision: feeding the hungry in Maricopa. She is the director and board member of F.O.R Maricopa Food Bank. She has led this organization since its inception. Wendy has been the key contributor to getting the food bank organized, operating and fully compliant with county requirements. The effort that Wendy has put forth has allowed well over 100 volunteers to come together every Monday to provide assistance to over 60 local families every week.

Marty McDonald – City of Maricopa: As Parks and Recreation Director, Marty McDonald has gone above and beyond for the citizens of Maricopa. His work will last for future generations of Maricopans to enjoy. Through his tireless efforts, he has created, organized and implemented every recreational, outdoor, and entertainment activity for the citizens in Maricopa. He also was instrumental in getting a new library and city park.

Kelly Anderson- Former Mayor of Maricopa: After many years of serving the community, first as a private citizen, then as mayor and again as a private citizen, Mr. Anderson has always had one thing in mind, the benefit of Maricopa. He had a hand in the Rotary pool and the original library as well as the incorporation of the city. His countless efforts have made this city a great place for all of us.

The nominees for Renate Chamberlin Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Anderson Palmisano Farms are:

Wendy Webb – F.O.R Maricopa: Wendy Webb manages F.O.R., Maricopa’s local food bank. A registered nurse who works full time in Tucson and commutes between Maricopa and Tucson, she devotes all her home time to the care and operation of F.O.R. Maricopa. Without her passion for Maricopa and its residents, the food bank could not do as much as it does. She is forever helping the community, and her selflessness is amazing.

Gina D’Abella – Recycling Association of Maricopa: Gina D’Abella, has devoted 13 years, using her own money many times over, to bring recycling to Maricopa. She’s spent many hours working with Ak-Chin, city leaders, city council and has devoted time to committees, and much, much more. She gives talks to students and has community service workers assist at the recycling center.

Torri Anderson – Against Abuse: Torri is the head of the Against Abuse, Inc. organization in Maricopa and has worked to raise money to help abused women and families in the Maricopa area. For several years she has organized and hosted one of the best, most-respected fundraisers in the area, “The Gala,” to bring attention to the very worthy subject of domestic abuse.

The voting will begin on Nov. 22 and continue until 5 p.m. on Dec. 12. Voting is open to current members of the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce and will be done electronically.

The Awards Banquet will be held on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 from 5:30-9 p.m. at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort. Tickets are available on-line at www.maricopachamber.com.

For more information, contact Terri Kingery, Maricopa Chamber of Commerce at (520) 568-9573 or [email protected] or visit www.maricopachamber.com.

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