Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Announces 2010 Impact Award Recipients

(PHOENIX) – The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce handed out its 23rd annual IMPACT Awards today at a gala luncheon at the Phoenician. Attendees from all over the Valley were there to help celebrate the drive, passion and commitment of the Valley’s business community.

RE/MAX New Heights Realty claimed the IMPACT Business of the Year Award; InMedia earned the award for Community Involvement; the award for Company Culture went to David and Sam PR; AArrow Advertising received kudos for Innovation; and the award for Response to Adversity went to Arizona Air Boutique.

“Entering the 23rd year of the IMPACT Awards, the Chamber is once again honored to recognize five outstanding companies,” stated Todd Sanders, president and CEO, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. “Despite the rough economic environment of the past year, our recipients have shown inspiration in all they do. They share the drive, passion and commitment that represent the best our business community has to offer.”

Capsules of the award recipients follow:

2010 IMPACT Business of the Year: RE/MAX New Heights Realty – Victor D. Vidales
Victor Vidales, The CEO of RE/MAX New Heights Realty, is committed to improving the lives of those in the South Phoenix neighborhoods where he grew up. Vidales survived teenage tragedy, served his country in the US Army, and worked his way through Phoenix College. His 23-person firm introduces new investors to the South Phoenix area, hoping residential and commercial expansion will lead to future prosperity. He is also helping establish the Spirit of Service Scholars to honor students committed to giving back to their communities.
Business Locations: 85042 Website: www.phoenixnewheights.com | Phone: 602.296.0100 2010

IMPACT Award for Community Involvement: InMedia, Rick McCartney
If there is a Board of Directors, chances are President and CEO Rick McCartney of InMedia is involved. McCartney serves on the boards of the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, the Maricopa Workforce Connection, the Phoenix Film Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He is passionate about supporting children’s charities and giving back to the community by sponsoring frequent fundraising events for local organizations. This multimedia entrepreneur is helping to write positive outcomes for those less fortunate.
Business Location: 85251 Website: www.inmediacompany.com | Phone: 480.588.9505 2010

IMPACT Award for Company Culture: David and Sam PR, David Eichler and Sam Alpert
David and Sam PR’s philosophy is “put people ahead of profits” – this philosophy has fostered a dynamic culture that keeps their employees happy, productive and loyal. The co-founders are proud to have never laid off an employee and boast an outstanding retention rate. Unlike other agencies, they have established a stress-free, trust-based environment including flexible schedules, no dress codes, impromptu table-tennis matches and, above all, fun.
Business Location: 85016 Website: www.davidandsampr.com | Phone: 602.621.4010 2010

IMPACT Award for Innovation: AArrow Advertising, Robert Graham
They’re hard to miss: an army of hip, enthusiastic young people twirling advertising placards at high-traffic street corners everywhere. They’re the interactive human billboards of AArrow Advertising and these “signs of the times” deliver what no other form of advertising can – eye contact and a smile. Local franchisee Robert Graham calls them “the most effective kind of outdoor advertising there is.” This innovation may be pointing the way to a new direction for the ancient art of advertising.
Business Location: 85251 | Website: www.aarrowads.com | Phone: 480.272.8933 2010

IMPACT Award for Response to Adversity: Arizona Air Boutique, Angela and Mario Lepore
Business is on the rise for Arizona Air Boutique, and not just because it’s one of the largest helium distributors in Phoenix. After experiencing a bad contract, one that could have taken the company under, owners Angela and Mario Lepore had to act fast. They decided to not put all their eggs in one basket and diversified their product line by providing CO2 to a national restaurant chain, supplying Valley bars and restaurants with beer mix for their taps and furnishing nitrogen to tire shops and local breweries.
Business Location: 85028 | Website: www.azairboutique.com | Phone: 602.8674606

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

About the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Representing 3,100 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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