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Business
June 20 - July 3, 2015
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Chamber awards its finest businesses, educators and volunteers importance. The Relay “represents one day, one night to fight cancer,” he said. “Our goal is to put American Cancer Society out of business,” Perry said, inferring that if cancer is cured, the ACS will no longer
Mike Perry
Phyllis Carr
Daniel Serrano
be needed. Perry thanked the volunteers. “With your help, we will make a difference,” Perry said.
David Payne’s squadron members surround his parents, mom LuAnn Payne and father Robert Payne. Submitted photo by Scott Lundahl, MVP Studios BY KEN ABRAMCZYK
When the late David Payne’s name was announced, the crowd stood, applauded and sustained that applause for several minutes. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce honored Payne’s memory and dedication to public service with the James Snedigar Public Service Award at the Chamber’s 28th annual Community Service Awards. Payne, who apprehended more than 400 impaired drivers as a traffic officer, was struck and killed while on his motorcycle on Oct. 31, 2014, by an impaired driver. David Payne’s parents, Robert and LuAnn Payne, accepted the award, and were joined on stage by Police Chief Sean Duggan and several officers from the Chandler Police Department. “We lost a son, but we gained a family,” said Payne’s father of the Chandler Police Department. “They have been wonderful. There is no way Officer David Payne to thank them for everything you’ve done for our family. Thank you very, very much.” That tribute highlighted the Community Awards night as the chamber honored some of Chandler’s finest volunteers, businesses, educators and administrative staff at the awards dinner recently at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino. The awards recognize outstanding businesses of all sizes, and educators and administrators who demonstrate leadership and exemplify their commitment to Chandler. “It’s all about individuals and companies doing great things in Chandler,” said Terri Kimble, Chamber president and CEO. Following the theme of “Chandlerwood,” the Chamber broadcast short videos shot in May by J2 Media of each winner receiving the news that they won a Community Award, and guests also were entertained by a pair of costumed “Oscars.” That evening, one Community Award was accepted from more than 5,300 miles away. Emcee Ray Rodriguez used Skype
to contact d’Vine Gourmet owner Denise McCreery, who was visiting her daughter in Denmark. McCreery received the Micro Business of the Year for assisting other business owners with her educational, mentoring and networking programs. The following awards highlighted the evening:
The Chandler Cup Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center received this award for its efforts in bringing the only Level 1 Trauma Center to the Southeast Valley, which opened just over one year ago, and expanding the center’s capacity with a five-story hospital tower. With the expansion and Level 1 Trauma Center, Dignity Health was in medical services “long term” in the community, said Tim Bricker, president of Dignity Health. “We love being a part of this community and we love being able to serve you and your families.” Business Diversity in Action The Chandler Unified School District won for its efforts in bringing in guest speakers, using curriculum and cultural festivities. Chandler schools incorporated information on the Holocaust into studies with “Then They Came for Us,” a program partnered with the Jewish Community Center, a Freedom Riders panel discussion and other programs. Superintendent Dr. Camille Casteel, who accepted the award with other district administrators, said CUSD enhanced and embraced diversity with more than 50 nationalities and religions. “We believe that is what makes Chandler strong,” Casteel said. Diversity is a strength that Chandler Unified School District lives by, she added. The Community Cup Mike Perry of WhitneyBell Perry Architects was honored for raising more than $1 million for the fight against cancer at Relay for Life of Chandler. Perry, who has chaired Relay for Life the last four years and served as a volunteer, team captain, committee leader and co-chairman, said he became involved with Relay for Life 11 years ago after his nephew died of cancer at the age of 24. Perry said he appreciated the chamber recognizing the Relay for Life and its
The Chamber Cup Lee Bolster, a business development manager for Thorobred Chevrolet, was awarded for his 18 years of service on the Ostrich Lee Bolster Festival Parade Committee. Bolster also recruited other chamber members to assist him. “You try to give back to the community to make things a little bit better,” Bolster said. He thanked the chamber for the recognition.
Darlene Healy
Nydia Hayes
Dave Waltzer
Angelica SantillanoSilva
clearcall
solutions
Other winners Business winners included Subaru Superstore of Chandler, Small to Medium Business of the Year, and Business of the Year, ClearCall Solutions. Dave Waltzer, of Combined Insurance, won the Chamber Ambassador of the Year. Educators and a school support staff member were honored with awards, which included Phyllis Carr, Hamilton High School, Educator of the Year; Daniel Serrano, principal, Perry High School, Administrator of the Year, and Darlene Healy, Payne Junior High School, Support Staff Employee of the Year. Education scholarships to ChandlerGilbert Community College were awarded to Ana Caceres and Angelica Santillano-Silva, who both will study business management, and Nydia Hayes,
Holding a $6,000 check for students at Chandler-Gilbert Community College are Greg Fontaine of Air Products, Chandler Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Camille Casteel, student Angelica Santillano-Silva, student Nydia Hayes and Tim Layton of Air Products. Submitted photo by Scott Lundahl, MVP Studios
who expects to study computer business applications. Ken Abramczyk is an associate editor at the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at ken@santansun.com.
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