(PHOENIX) – The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce handed out its annual IMPACT Awards today at a gala luncheon at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. More than 500 people packed the ballroom to help celebrate the drive, passion and commitment of the Valley’s business community for the 22nd consecutive year.

Western National Bank claimed the IMPACT Business of the Year Award; Tri-Lite Builders earned the award for Community Involvement; the first-time award for Company Culture went to Keats, Connelly & Associates; O’Neil Printing received kudos for Innovation; and the award for Response to Adversity went to Advantage Urgent Care.

“The Chamber is honored to recognize these five inspirational companies,” stated Todd Sanders, president and CEO, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. “Their ability to stay focused on the success of their business while not losing sight of their commitment to our community is remarkable. Amidst all the bleak economic news, these entrepreneurs help remind us the ‘can do’ attitude that built America’s fifth-largest city in the middle of a desert endures.”

Capsules of the award recipients follow:

2009 IMPACT Business of the Year: Western National Bank – William Hinz
Despite this time of economic uncertainty, Western National Bank prides itself on still lending and working with its clients. One of the few locally-owned banks in Arizona, Western National Bank strives to offer top-of-the-line banking products for small to mid-size businesses. Through their volunteer efforts, including the Golden Gate Community Center, Junior Achievement and the Scottsdale Charros, the bank’s employees work hard to be a part of the community they help fund.
Business Locations: 85016, 85254, 85253
Website: www.wnbank.com | Phone: 602.553.7444

2009 IMPACT Award for Community Involvement: Tri-Lite Builders, Linda & Wayne Minde
To celebrate the company’s 25th Anniversary, Linda and Wayne Minde made the decision to sponsor a Habitat for Humanity home in Chandler. After putting forth $25,000 of their own money, they raised the remaining $40,000 through sponsorships and in-kind donations from business partners and friends.
Business Location: 85286
Website: www.trilitebuilders.com | Phone: 480.895.3442

2009 IMPACT Award for Company Culture: Keats, Connelly & Associates, LLC
Dale Walters and Bob Keats
With the help of the “Employee Experience Committee,” Keats, Connelly & Associates assists their employees in creating a work/life balance. Benefits include flex time, telecommuting, company paid health benefits and tuition assistance.
Business Location: 85018
Website: www.keatsconnelly.com | Phone: 602.955.5007

2009 IMPACT Award for Innovation: O’Neil Printing, Anthony B. Narducci
Over the past few years, O’Neil Printing has converted their entire process to green technology. From the post-consumer waste recycled paper used for printing, to soy based inks, to bio-diesel in their delivery trucks, O’Neil makes sure that their processes are as ouch-free for the environment as possible.
Business Location: 85003
Website: www.oneilprint.com | Phone: 602.258.7789

2009 IMPACT Award for Response to Adversity: Advantage Urgent Care, Karen Watts-Edwards
In 2006, CEO Bill Edwards suffered brain damage from a routine sinus surgery. After this near-fatal blow, his wife, Karen Watts-Edwards, an on staff physician’s assistant, took the reins as the company’s president. Turning down several offers to buy the company.
Business Location: 85306
Website: www.advantageurgentcare.com | Phone: 602.530.6189

For more information on the IMPACT recipients please visit: www.phoenixchamber.com


About the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Representing 3,400 businesses across Metropolitan Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is Arizona’s oldest and largest Chamber. The Chamber supports the growth and development of business by offering networking and marketing opportunities, money-saving programs and a voice in government, keeping its members informed, connected and prosperous.

The Chamber enhances members’ success by promoting economic development, entrepreneurship and a connection to the community with local chapters in Anthem, Deer Valley and South Mountain/Laveen.

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