Our Press Releases
For Immediate Release
February 2007
The Mesa Chamber Honors Business Excellence and Leadership
Mesa, Arizona: February 2007 - Mesa Chamber's 2007 Business Excellence and Leadership Awards sponsored by Cox Communications, Boeing and the Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau was held on Friday, February 23 at the Marriott Mesa. Over 300 people attended this "Hollywood Awards" themed program. The purpose of this event was to honor and recognize business excellence, innovation and community leadership. A video presentation of the Chamber's accomplishments for 2006 was shown as Jim Best, East Valley Tribune, 2006 Chairman narrated on film. The incoming Chairman for 2007 is Eric Jackson, JacksonWhite Attorneys. Outgoing Board officers are Neil Barna-Mesa Bank and Warren Rucker-Sign-A-Rama, USA. Chamber volunteers acknowledged for 2006 were - Ambassadors Co-chairmen - Julie Wemmert-Twin Palms Hotel & Don Smith-Spartan Financial; Women's Business Council co-chairmen - Julie Wemmert -Twin Palms Hotel & Anita Stapleton-Anita Cookie and More; Good Morning East Valley Chairman - Julie Wemmert -Twin Palms Hotel, 2006 Golf Tournament Chairman - Dave Wier -Wells Fargo Bank, 2006 Annual Awards Committee Chairman-Harvey Gibson -Tempe Schools Credit Union, 2006 Mesa Leadership Chairman - Pat Esparza, Grow Your Business Chairman - Matt Schmidbauer-Professional Planning Associates.
2007 Small Business Recipient/Fast Signs - Owned and operated by David and Karen Lamb. Their new location is at 7143 E. Southern. Fast Signs association with the Mesa Chamber began in 2001.The Lambs attribute their success to the fact they have consistently provided their customers with the latest technology, excellent customer service and a quality product. Their story is truly a success story that still continues to grow.
2007 Mid-Size Business Recipient/Mesa Bank - Mesa Bank located at 63 E Main St #100 and 1733 N Greenfield Rd #101 was founded in 1998 with a premise that relationships will drive the bank's success. Bob Evans, CEO of United Food Bank in Mesa says of Mesa Bank "Our relationship with our friends of Mesa Bank is much larger and more far-reaching than just a business arrangement. They are truly partners in and supporters of our mission through their sponsorship, financial commitments, professional expertise and financial advice." "Our clientele is our sales force," . . . a simple statement driving the success of Mesa Bank.
Large Business Recipient/Wells Fargo Bank - Wells Fargo is the third largest employer in Arizona with nearly 14,000 employees. Of that number, 550 work in Mesa. Mesa Wells Fargo recently challenged that image by opening what is believed to be the first of its kind full service branch inside Mesa High School. While serving the school population of administrators, teachers and students, the branch also serves as a laboratory for students interested in economics and finance. Wells Fargo is truly a unique bank in the changing world of finance.
Tourism Award Recipient/Bill Eaton - In 1963, Bill with no hotel experience built the first chain motel in the city, the Mesa Travelodge, a 38 room motel. Later in 1977, Bill and local investors opened the Best Western of Mesa and in 1988 Bill bought out his partners to manage the property with his family. Bill Eaton knew the tourist industry, more than that; he knew how to make a difference in the lives of others. Bill's daughter Marcia accepted her father's award.
21st Century Leadership Award - Future Leader/Taylor Barnwell, Westwood High - Taylor is Student Body President at Westwood High with a 4.1 grade point average. He is an Eagle Scout and a leader in his church youth programs. He is a participant in varsity athletics, the Honors Choice, The Metropolitan Youth Symphony and The National Honor Society.
21st Century Leadership Award - Past Leader/Wayne Brown -BrownEvans Distributing, Wayne was Mayor of Mesa from 1996 to 2000 and under his leadership, the Quality of Life program was implemented increasing police and fire protection and creating a world-class fine arts center.
21st Century Leadership Award - Present Leader/Robert Brinton - Robert became the first Executive Director of the Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau when the Bureau was separated from the Chamber. Robert's service to the community goes beyond his position at the Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is the founding President of the Foundation for Mesa Parks and Arts, past board member of the Mesa Museum and Cultural Advisory Board, and Vice Chair of the Mesa Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. An active member of the Ho Ho Kams, Robert serves as Vice President.
Teacher of the Year Award 2007/Kirk Thomas, Skyline High - "His dedication to his students presented us with the mind set that what you do and how you choose to do it really matters. By staying far after school was let out and working with me and others to improve our studies in math, we were able to truly identify what we wanted from our education and how to get it. I believe I speak for every one of his students when I say that he is most worthy of this award. Therefore I would hope that you give him the utmost consideration and attention that he so greatly deserves." - A student
Volunteer of the Year 2007 recipient/Raymond Lee, PhotoGraphic Lee. Raymond Lee an active Chamber member for 10 years, is the Chamber's volunteer photographer.
Public Sector Award/Williams Gateway Airport now offering passenger service to Las Vegas, Gary, Indiana, Chicago and the facility most recently announced the location of Citation Service Center creating 100 high wage jobs. After losing a large number of jobs when the base was closed, Williams is now the home to 4,269 employees. The dream to create an educational campus, an airport and an industrial complex is being advanced and Williams Gateway has become a national model for communities facing base closures.
In the year 2012, the Mesa Chamber will celebrate 100 years as the organization representing the business interests of Mesa.
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Mesa Bank and East Valley Bank, founded in 1998 and 1999, respectively, are consistently ranked among the top 10 community banks in Arizona by asset size in the annual Ranking Arizona business opinion poll. Mesa Bank also recently received the prestigious 2007 Business of the Year Award from the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. The full-service banks specialize in providing a complete menu of products and services for businesses. Mesa Bank is headquartered in the Mesa Bank Building, 63 E. Main St. in downtown Mesa and also has an office near Falcon Field at 1733 N. Greenfield Road. East Valley Bank is located in Chandler at 1940 North Alma School Road.
