Local Biz Awards
Honors and awards for local businesses and business people.
Biz awards - SAHBA
SAHBA announces annual awards winners
The Southern Arizona Home Builders Association has announced its 2014 Annual Awards winners:
Production Home Builder of the Year: Richmond American Homes.
Custom Home Builder of the Year: A.B. LeCocq Construction Co.
Remodeler of the Year: Accessible Home Remodeling
Individual Member of the Year: Al LeCocq, A.B. LeCocq Construction Co.
Trade Partner of the Year: Westar Kitchen & Bath.
Firm of the Year: Re-Bath/5-Day Kitchens.
Home Builder Sales Manager of the Year: Jill Jones, Lennar Homes.
Home Builder Sales Professional of the Year: Oscar Chavez, Lennar Homes.
Biz awards - Peterson
The Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association will induct Bart Peterson into its Hall of Fame in April.
Peterson is the head athletic trainer at Palo Verde Magnet High School, where he directs the athletic health care for 22 teams and more than 600 student-athletes. He was also the school’s athletic director from 2010-’14 and was awarded the 2010-’11 Arizona 4A-II Gila Region Athletic Director of the Year, the association said in a news release. Palo Verde received a first-team designation of the Safe Sports School Award in 2013.
Biz awards - Tucson College
Tucson College named top Job Corps partner
Tucson College was recently awarded the Community Partner of the Year Award by Fred G. Acosta Job Corps.
Lloyd Kirsch is campus director at Tucson College; Phil LePeau is director of admissions; and Petrea Davidson is community outreach specialist.
The college provides career training in fields such as health care, business and skilled trades.
Biz awards - City of Tucson
Tucson receives state planning award
Tucson recently won the 2014 State Planning Award for Plan Tucson, the city’s general and sustainability plan, which was approved by more than 65 percent of voters in the November 2013 election.
The award application required addressing seven criteria, including originality/innovation, transferability, quality, comprehensiveness, public outreach, role of planners, and effectiveness/results.
The award was presented by the American Planning Association, Arizona Chapter.
Biz awards - Library Nurse Project
The Pima County Health Department Library Nurse Project was awarded the 2014 American Public Health Association Public Health Nursing Lillian Wald Service award.
In addition, Kathleen Malkin, division leader for public health nursing at the health department, received the Creative Achievement Award. Both awards were given at the American Public Health Association 142nd Annual Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans on Nov. 28.
Biz awards - Lodging & Tourism Association
Donal Drayne, catering sales manager at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, was named Outstanding Manager of the Year by the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association at its recent Stars of the Industry awards luncheon.
Other Tucson honorees included:
Tom Kibler, director of property operations, Hilton Tucson El Conquistador, was named Heart of the House Manager of the Year, Large Property.
Angela Richwine, guest service agent, Best Western Royal Sun Inn & Suites, was named Guest Service Employee of the Year, Large Property.
Biz awards - Workforce Investment Board Youth Council
The Pima County Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Council named Walgreens its Employer of the Year at its annual meeting Friday. It named Amber Warne, a University of Arizona sophomore business major, its Youth of the Year.
Walgreens was recognized for its work with Community Outreach for the Deaf for the last five years.
Tucson Youth Development nominated Warne for her work with the agency. Over the past four years, she has worked hundreds of hours helping to train other youths in its work experience programs.
Other youth finalists for the award were: Connie Tran, Nahrin Jabro, Geraldine Guillen, Marissa Amezcua and Christina Genduso.
Biz awards - Keith Duncan
Allstate agency owner Keith Duncan received an Agency Hands in the Community Award, which earned Habitat for Humanity Tucson in Tucson, where Duncan volunteers, a $1,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation.
Biz awards - PCC poster
Pima Community College took second place in the Educational Poster Presentation at the Conference on Agri-Science Education for the 21st Century Nov. 19-22 in Miami.
PCC’s Agriculture Sustainability and Universal Renewable Farming Summer Bridge Program, based at Desert Vista Campus, competed against 19 other schools. PCC’s Alyssa Lara, Jennifer Rivas and Paul Camarena presented the poster.
Biz awards - Sahuarita
The town of Sahuarita received a Common Ground Award from Metropolitan Pima Alliance for the Sahuarita Road improvement project (shown in photo). The award recognizes leaders and projects that overcame obstacles through collaboration.
The Alliance also recognized Sahuarita Mayor Duane Blumberg and assistant town engineer Joel Harris for the road project.
Biz awards - Sonoran Gardens
Sonoran Gardens received three Awards of Excellence from the Arizona Landscape Contractors Association at its recent Excellence in Landscaping Awards. Sonoran Gardens was also awarded the Xeriscape Award, one of the three Grand Awards.
Biz awards - BWS Architects
BWS Architects received the 2014 AIA Arizona Firm of the Year award, for pioneering work in sustainable design in the desert environment.
The out-of-state panel of architects that judged the award submissions cited BWS Architects’ strong design work and diverse community involvement.
BWS Architects, which has offices in Tucson, Phoenix and Flagstaff, has designed and developed modern elementary schools, community college facilities, and university campus buildings, and was recently engaged in the major renovation of McKale Center.
Biz awards - Fleet Feet
For nine years in a row, Fleet Feet Tucson has been recognized as one of America’s top 50 running stores by Competitor Magazine and Running Insight. Owner Pete Snell accepted the award on Dec. 4 in Austin, Texas at The Running Event conference and industry trade show.
(Snell is shown at right in the photo, running during the Fleet Feet Distance Training Group six-mile run in 2010.)
Biz awards - Ramirez
Robert D. Ramirez, president/CEO of Vantage West Credit Union, was named 2014 Outstanding Community Leader by Eller Hispanic Honorary of the University of Arizona.
Biz awards - Taylor-Piliae
Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, (shown at right in the photo), an associate professor with the University of Arizona College of Nursing, has received the 2014 Stroke Article of the Year Award from the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing.
Biz awards - Carrizoza
Ernesto Carrizoza, owner of Movement Marketing, was the sole Tucson named to The Arizona Republic's recent list of top 35 Under 35 entrepreneurs.
Biz awards - TUSD
Tucson Unified School District won the Common Ground Award from the Metropolitan Pima Alliance for its Five-Year Strategic Plan.
Biz awards - World of Beer
World of Beer’s Rago earns Patriot Award
Kiara Rago, general manager of World of Beer-Tucson, was honored Nov. 14 with a Patriot Award by the Arizona Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense office.
The award was given in recognition of extraordinary support of a World of Beer employee, Shaliqua McCoy, who is a senior airman in the 944th Fighter Wing Aero-medical Staging Squadron of the Arizona Reserves.
Pictured holding the award are McCoy and Rago along with other World of Beer employees.
Biz awards - Fire retirees
5 retirees celebrated by Fire Foundation
On Tuesday, the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation hosted its Second Annual Retired Firefighter Recognition Breakfast, to honor five local retirees:
- Bill Ross, who served 25 years with the Tucson Fire Department and helped design Tucson’s Regional Public Safety Academy;
- Jim Grasham, who served more than 30 years with Northwest Fire District and the Tucson Fire Department;
- Jim Grace, who served more than 25 years Golder Ranch Fire District;
- Ed Montaño, who served with the Tucson Fire Department from the 1960s through the 1980s, and continues to help fellow retirees;
- Lee Sebring, a Vietnam War Marine medic who became instructor-coordinator of Arizona’s first paramedic program.
Recognition awards were presented by the Fire Foundation and Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union.
Biz awards - Gephart
UA’s Gephart honored for preemie research
Sheila M. Gephart, an assistant professor with the University of Arizona College of Nursing, has received a Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Gephart’s research is focused on eliminating complications of premature birth.
Biz awards - College
Kudos for UA planning, architecture programs
The University of Arizona College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture announced these recent awards:
- Its master of science in planning was ranked eighth in the nation by Planetizen.
- America’s Best Architecture Schools 2014 ranked the UA undergraduate architecture program in the Top 20 Programs 2015.
Biz awards - TEP
Home efficiency effort by TEP is recognized
Tucson Electric Power Co. was recently honored for energy-efficiency programs by the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project.
TEP was honored for its Energy Smart Homes program, which promotes energy-efficient new home construction. Through the program, TEP emphasizes a whole-house systems approach to design and construction in cooperation with a number of Arizona builders, helping consumers conserve energy and save money, SWEEP said. The utility provides on-site inspections and field-testing.
Biz awards - Koberlein
Long Realty CEO Rosey Koberlein was named one of the 100 Most Influential Real Estate Executives by Real Estate Executive Magazine.
The magazine conducted a comprehensive analysis of the leading real estate companies in America.
Koberlein oversees strategic planning and leadership for all of Long Companies, including Brokerage, Mortgage, Title and Insurance. With nearly 30 years of real estate experience, Koberlein has served in branch and senior management positions within Long Realty Co. since 1991.
Koberlein is an active member of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, and co-chairs its K-20 Education Committee; Women at the Top; Habitat for Humanity; Imagine Greater Tucson, YWCA and the Long Realty Cares Foundation philanthropic organization.
Biz awards - Rafferty
The Tucson Association of Realtors honored its top-performing 2014 members at ceremonies last week, and the Affiliate of the Year is John Rafferty of Stewart Title & Trust.
Rafferty is president of Stewart Title "and personally participates in TAR with a high level of energy and valuable industry experience. He views his company as a big family and supports his employees in their efforts to participate and take leadership positions in TAR committees, meetings and functions," TAR officials said in a news release.
Stewart Title is a major financial and leadership supporter of both the association and its Charitable Foundation.
Biz awards - Norin
IDG's Computerworld has named Michele Norin, chief information officer at the University of Arizona, as a 2015 Premier 100 IT Leaders honoree.
The honor spotlights 100 leaders for exceptional technology leadership and innovative approaches to business challenges.
“Michele has demonstrated her strategic leadership of the UA’s IT enterprise by implementing many cutting-edge initiatives that place us years ahead of the pack in higher education,” said Andrew Comrie, UA senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, in a news release.
The awards ceremony will be held in March at Amelia Island, Florida.
Biz awards - Carondelet
Carondelet Health Network hosted its Robert M. Ramirez Sr. Excellence in Customer Service Awards on Nov. 17. Winners included:
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital:
Individual Associate Awards: Kat Booth, Bridget Garza, Vickie Hermosillo, Jasmine Mayate.
Innovation Awards: Randy Hallum, Anna Prescott.
Physician/Volunteer/Team/Partner Awards: Dr. Hiram Albino; Couplet Care Patient Experience Team, Couplet Care/Women’s Services.
Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital:
Individual Associate Awards: Francisco Coria, Karla Creek, Raquel Dicochea, LaVae Goodin.
Innovation Awards: Margaret "Renee" Perez, Marcia Puckett.
Physician/Volunteer/Team/Partner Awards: Dr. Russell J. Madsen, Dr. Geronimo Ramirez.
Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital:
Individual Associate Awards: Maria Delia Estrada, Shirley Ortega.
Physician/Volunteer/Team/Partner Awards: Joan and John Voller, volunteers; Emergency Department team.
Biz awards - Griffin
State Sen. Gail Griffin of Hereford received the 2014 Legislative Appreciation Award from the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association's Small Rural Hospitals Committee, for leadership in securing an additional $2.8 million in state general fund spending for Arizona’s 12 critical access hospitals.
In the photo, left to right: Greg Vigdor, president and CEO, Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association; Neal Jensen, CEO, Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center; Sen. Griffin; Jim Dickson, CEO, Copper Queen Community Hospital; and Barb Fanning, director, government affairs, Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association.
Biz awards - de Zapien
Jill Guernsey de Zapien of the University of Arizona has received the 2014 Vision Award for Excellence in Health Planning from the American Public Health Association.
De Zapien, associate dean for community programs at the UA Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, was honored for her binational, community-based work in the U.S.-Mexico border region, including establishing the first promotora/community health worker outreach program in Arizona and Health Start, a program that focuses on prenatal care for farm worker women.
Biz awards - TAR
The Tucson Association of Realtors honored its top-performing 2014 members at ceremonies last week and the honorees included:
Roy Drachman Community Achievement Award: Bob Zachmeier, Win 3 Realty.
Corporate Community Achievement Award (two): Long Realty Company, accepted by CEO Rosey Koberlein; Tierra Antigua Realty, accepted by owners Kimberly and Matt Clifton.
Florence Johnoff Community Achievement Award: Nova Home Loans, accepted by Clarissa Marquez, business development.
Outstanding Service Award (three): Darla Johnson, Vista One Realty Group; J.T. Tsighis, Keller Williams Southern Arizona; Laury Watson, Vail Realty.
Committee of the Year: TAR Marketing/Home Tour Committee, accepted by chair Steve Van De Beuken, Sunstreet Mortgage.
Biz Awards - Clifton
The Tucson Association of Realtors honored its top-performing 2014 members at ceremonies last week, and the Realtor of the Year is Kimberly Clifton of Tierra Antigua Realty.
Clifton is owner and designated broker of Tierra Antigua Realty, and 2014 president of the TAR Multiple Listing Service. She is a three-time TAR/MLS president and also serves as vice chair of the Arizona State Advisory Board.
Clifton also serves on TAR Risk Committee and the Arizona Association of Realtors Board of Directors.
"Kim" and her husband Matt established their brokerage in 2001. Together, they have built it into the largest locally owned real estate company in Southern Arizona with more than 800 agents.
Biz awards - Securaplane
At the Governor’s 11th Annual Celebration of Innovation earlier this week, the Arizona Technology Council in conjunction with the Arizona Commerce Authority awarded
Innovator of the Year — Large Company: Securaplane Technologies, which was recognized for the development of improved rechargeable lithium battery systems “that are 42 percent lighter, have nearly double the cell replacement timeframe, offer 40 percent higher power availability and are less prone to failure due to puncture, overcharge, and temperature extremes than previous battery systems.”
Biz awards - Lettes
At the Governor’s 11th Annual Celebration of Innovation earlier this week, the Arizona Technology Council in conjunction with the Arizona Commerce Authority awarded:
Teacher of the Year: Andrew Lettes, who has taught Pueblo Magnet High School’s bioscience program for six years. The program has grown from 17 students to 128 students in that time. Last year 12 of its students presented projects at the main STEM competition in the Southern Arizona Region Science and Engineering Fair.
Biz awards - SynCardia
Hed goes here please and thanks
At the Governor’s 11th Annual Celebration of Innovation earlier this week, the Arizona Technology Council in conjunction with the Arizona Commerce Authority awarded:
Innovator of the Year — Small Company: SynCardia Systems, Inc., which was recognized for The Freedom portable driver wearable power supply (shown in photo) for the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart. The 13.5- pound power supply allows patients to be discharged from the hospital to wait for a matching donor heart at home.
Biz awards - March
Fennemore Craig announced that Nancy March, a partner in the firm’s Tucson office, has been named to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Arizona’s Pro Bono Honor Roll for her volunteer commitments to the Friends of Court Reaffirmation Program and to the representation in Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases to assist working poor families in Tucson.
Biz awards - Smith
DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy, P.C., was named the 2014 Firm of the Year by Southern Arizona Legal Aid’s Volunteer Lawyers Program during its annual awards celebration on Nov. 5. The award was accepted by Lisa Anne Smith, (shown in photo), the firm’s managing shareholder.
Biz awards - Davidson
The National Exchange Club announced that Robert Alan Davidson of Tucson was inducted into the organization’s Court of Honor at national headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, on Oct. 18. Davidson, owner of Davidson Advertising, is a member of the Santa Rita Exchange Club of Tucson and the Exchange Club of Rincon-East Tucson.
Davidson has served as national president of the exchange club, national board member and national foundation trustee. He received the Outstanding District Director award in 1985 and the Regional Vice President Patriot Award in 2002.
Biz awards - Boesen
Kevin Boesen received an Alumnus of the Year Award from the University of Arizona Alumni Association on Nov. 7.
Boesen, a 1996 graduate of the UA College of Pharmacy, was the founding director of the Medication Management Center. Under Boesen, the center received the 2013 Pinnacle Award from the American Pharmacists Association Foundation, as well as accreditation for its patient care services. Currently, Boesen is the CEO of SinfoníaRx, a Tucson healthcare provider.
Biz awrds - Kloster
James Kloster received the Findlay E. Russell, M.D., PhD., Distinguished Citizen Award from the U Arizona College of Pharmacy on Nov. 7.
Kloster is manager of long-term care services at the Medication Management Center, of which he is a founding member.
Biz awards - Oro Valley Hospital
Oro Valley Hospital earned three stars out of five in a new hospital rating system based on patient feedback to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. No Tucson hospitals scored more than three stars out of five.
Biz awards - LazyDays KOA
The Tucson/Lazydays KOA Campground was awarded the 2015 KOA President’s and Founder’s Awards by Kampgrounds of America Inc.. The awards were presented Nov. 14 at KOA’s Annual International Convention in Charleston, South Carolina.
The President’s Awards are presented annually to campgrounds that receive high scores in customer service from their campers, and also receive high scores in KOA’s annual quality review.
Biz awards - City Court
Biz awards - City
The city of Tucson received a national Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.
Biz awards - Casa Ninos
Casa Niños School of Montessori, 8655 E. Broadway, recently received accreditation from the National Accreditation Commission.
Biz awards - Acacia Apothecary
Acacia Apothecary, 1845 W. Orange Grove Road, Suite 115, has received accreditation through the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board.
Biz awards - Vantage West Credit Union
Vantage West Credit Union was named to the 2014 edition of the Top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in America by DepositAccounts.
Biz awards - Lusk
Sahuarita Town Council Member Gil Lusk was presented with the 2014 Arizona Chapter of the American Planning Association Distinguished Public Official Award on Nov. 6.
Biz awards - Harper
Barbara Harper was awarded the 2014 Arizona FAASTeam Representative Award on Nov. 8 at the 42nd Annual Arizona Safety Awards Banquet hosted by The Aviation Safety Advisory Group.
Harper is a major in the Civil Air Patrol AZ Wing Squadron 104. She has conducted classes and check rides for more than 30 new pilots. During the last two years, she has qualified Civil Air Patrol pilots in both conventional and glass cockpits.
Biz awards - Lizardi
Tucson law firm Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC, was awarded the Excellence in Partnership Award by The Volunteer Lawyers Program of Southern Arizona Legal Aid this month.
Oscar Lizardi, a partner in the firm, was instrumental in providing student interns from San Miguel High School’s Corporate Internship Program to assist The Volunteer Lawyers Program with administrative and clerical help.
Biz awards - Cadden
Two employees from Cadden Community Management were honored during the annual Arizona Association of Community Managers G.E.M. Awards: Daniel Castillo won the Rising Guiding Excellence in Management Level II award and Kara Jersey was awarded the CAASP Excellence in Service award.
Biz awards - OVPD volunteers
The Oro Valley Police Department held a breakfast Nov. 5 to recognize its volunteers who have completed 12,428 darkhouse checks this year, through a program in which Oro Valley homeowners can register to have their homes checked when they are away for more than seven days. The police department has more than 80 citizen volunteers.
Biz awards - Corrales
Gust Rosenfeld announced that Jody A. Corrales received the Hon. Eileen W. Hollowell Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona.
Biz awards - DeConcini, McDonald
U.S. News – Best Lawyers has given DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy, P.C. five tier rankings in its 2015 edition of Best Law Firms. The firm received one tier 1 ranking in natural resources law; three tier 2 rankings in energy law, real estate law and tax law; and one tier 3 ranking in trusts and estates law.
Biz awards - El Rio
El Rio Community Health Center has received a $10,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation for El Rio’s workforce development program.
Biz awards - Adultcare
Adultcare Assistance Homecare announces it is ranked for the eighth year in the Best of Arizona – Home Health Companies by Ranking Arizona.
Biz awards - Bayada
The Tucson offices of Bayada Home Health Care have been named top agencies of the 2014 HomeCare Elite, which identifies the top 25 percent of Medicare-certified agencies.
Also, Bayada has named Cynthia Lane, an occupational therapist from its west Tucson office, a National Hero of the Quarter for compassion, excellence and reliability. Lane found the right tools to help a client, who lost the ends of her fingers due to illness, fulfill a dream of doing her own hair and makeup, the company said in a news release.
Biz awards - McMenamy
Susan Romero McMenamy of Tucson won a scholarship to the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association’s National Training Program, Leaders Against Pain, in Salt Lake City.
Biz awards — Kokomo Grills
Kokomo Grills wins at SAHBA show
The three-day Southern Arizona Home Builders Association Home & Garden Show wrapped up on Oct. 19 with the announcement of awards for the best exhibit booths:
Best of Show: Kokomo Grills (Nancie and Marty Ancona); see photo above
Most Innovative: Sky’s Sunlight (Sky Haven)
Best presentation (four winners): Unique Fashions, Solana Outdoor Living, First Impression Security Doors and Southwest Iron Works.
Biz awards — Sky's Sunlight
Sky's Sunlight wins at SAHBA show
The three-day Southern Arizona Home Builders Association Home & Garden Show wrapped up on Oct. 19 with the announcement of awards for the best exhibit booths including:
Most Innovative: Sky’s Sunlight (Sky Haven); see photo above
Biz awards — Desert Horizon Communities
Desert Horizons in “Inner City 100”
Desert Horizons Communities, which provides programs for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities, was selected for the 2014 Inner City 100, a list of the fastest-growing inner-city businesses in the U.S., by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and Fortune magazine.
Desert Horizons Communities ranked second in the list’s health-care and biotechnology industry category, and 26th overall. The Inner City 100 program recognizes successful inner-city businesses and their CEOs as role models for entrepreneurship, innovative business practices and job creation in America’s urban communities.
Biz awards — Coats
Ph.D. candidate wins nursing fellowship
Heather Coats, a nurse practitioner pursuing her Ph.D. in nursing through the University of Arizona College of Nursing, has been awarded a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Nursing Research.
The fellowship enables promising predoctoral students to get individualized, mentored research training while conducting their dissertation research.
Biz awards — City
City agencies honored
Three city agencies recently were honored:
- Tucson 12, the city’s government-access TV channel, second-place award for its video “Get Streetcar Street Smart!” in the public-education category of government programming by the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, recently announced in St. Paul, Minn.
- The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies recently honored Tucson Water with its Platinum Award for Utility Excellence in a ceremony at the group’s 2014 executive management conference.
- Tucson City Court received the Arizona Supreme Court’s 2014 Strategic Agenda Award in the Limited Jurisdiction category for its work through the Regional Municipalities Veterans Treatment Court and the Dedicated Domestic Violence Court.
Biz awards - Hughes
Tucson's Hughes Federal Credit Union has been named one of "10 Best Finance Resources for Teens" by BadCredit.org, a website that promotes financial awareness.
BadCredit.org highlights the credit union as an industry leader for its tips and tools section on www.HughesFCU.org .
Also, Hughes offers financial services customized for children of all ages, including special savings accounts, newsletters, monthly drawings for cash prizes for youth members, and interactive online financial education courses through which free music downloads are earned
Biz awards - Gephart
Sheila M. Gephart, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, is one of 12 nursing educators selected nationally as a 2014 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholar.
Gephart will receive a three-year, $350,000 early-career award for "outstanding promise as a future leader in academic nursing and health care."
Driven by her experience as a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit, Gephart focuses her research on prevention and early detection of necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening intestinal complication that affects infants born prematurely
Biz awards - Tucson Hispanic Chamber
The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a $250,000 U.S. Small Business Administration Grant/Cooperative Agreement to continue its "Beyond Startup: Elevate Your Business Program."
The program was launched more than a year ago with a grant from the city of Tucson, and will now be expanded to help small businesses in the metro area, rural Arizona and adjoining states.
An informational session about how businesses may qualify will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 25 at the chamber, 823 E. Speedway. Advance registration is requested; call 620-0005.
Biz awards - Superior Court
The Arizona Superior Court in Pima County was presented Tuesday with two state-level awards from the Arizona Supreme Court.
The first, for “Promoting Access to Justice,” was given to the Family Law Bench’s Simpla Phi Lex project, a collaborative effort with the James E. Rogers College of Law and the English Department at the University of Arizona. The project simplified language used in court forms to improve access and readability, especially for self-represented litigants.
The second award, for “Enhancing Professionalism,” was given for the e-Bench pilot program launched in late August. It uses SmartBench, a software product designed by Mentis Technologies to make the judicial process more efficient.
Biz awards - Carondelet
Carondelet Health Network's Tucson hospitals, Carondelet St. Mary’s and Carondelet St. Joseph’s, received chest pain center re-accreditation from the not-for-profit Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.
The society measured the hospitals’ ability to assess, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
Biz awards - Godfrey
Owner Operator Ed Godfrey honored with Million Mile safety award by motor carrier Landstar Inc.
Trucking company lauds Godfrey’s record
Tucson-based independent truck owner and operator Ed Godfrey has received his One Million Safe Miles driving award from Landstar System Inc.
Godfrey, 39, who specializes in extreme freight for Landstar, pulls oversized loads, specialized equipment, hazardous materials and high-value freight coast-to-coast in the Lower 48 states, Alaska and Canada.
He has driven 11 crash-free years without a moving violation or a damaged freight claim, the company says.
Biz awards - Lindstrom
Broadcaster Lindstrom going into Hall of Fame
Ray Lindstrom’s broadcasting career started in 1957 in Tucson when he was 15. He and his Catalina High School buddy Burt Schneider became weekend announcers at KTKT-FM.
“All we knew was that we wanted to be in radio,” Lindstrom recalls in a news release. “We weren’t even old enough to drive. Our moms had to drive us to the station. Besides that, we were volunteers. And, we were so bad that even though we weren’t getting paid, we were worried about losing our jobs.”
This Thursday, Lindstrom, now 72 and retired in Tucson, will be inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Scottsdale.
His career went on to include stints at KTUC and KAIR; on KGUN Channel 9; and with the “Ray Lindstrom Show” on KTKT starting in 1962, where he unveiled the Hit Parade Survey each Saturday.
As high school seniors, Lindstrom and Schneider started Zoom Records, “Southern Arizona’s first rock label,” which recorded and released records by Pete Ronstadt (later to become Tucson’s police chief) and the Nightbeats, King Rock and The Knights, and Jack Wallace and the Hi-Tones.
Transferring to Phoenix, Lindstrom worked at KRUX and KTAR-TV and co-founded Lindstrom and Jett ad agency. In 1983 he co-founded Media Arts International, which “The Hollywood Reporter” and other publications have credited with creating the infomercial.
In the ’90s, Lindstrom turned to station ownership as a partner at KRIM-FM in Payson and KBAS-AM and KWAZ-FM in the Laughlin/ Bullhead City/Needles area.
Biz awards - Persky
Cancer Center’s Persky wins research award
Dr. Daniel O. Persky, a lymphoma specialist at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, is among 12 physicians from across the country to receive the 2014 Cancer Clinical Investigator Team Leadership Award from the National Cancer Institute.
The highly competitive award recognizes exceptional cancer investigators for their contributions to the advancement of clinical research through collaborative team science, the UA said in a news release.
The award is a $100,000, two-year supplement to the UACC’s Cancer Center Support Grant. Persky is the first UACC member to be honored with this recognition.
Biz awards - Piccarreta
Piccarreta recognized by US News
Michael L. Piccarreta of Piccarreta Davis PC has been named to US News & Best Lawyers for 2015, and has also been named a lawyer of the year for 2015 by Best Lawyers.
Biz awards - Davis
Davis recognized by US News
Barry M. Davis of Piccarreta Davis PC has been named to US News & Best Lawyers for 2015, and has also been named a lawyer of the year for 2015 by Best Lawyers.
Biz awards - Keenan
Keenan recognized by US News
Jefferson Keenan of Piccarreta Davis PC has been named to US News & Best Lawyers for 2015.
Biz awards - Shuffitt
Leaders program picks UA nursing educator
University of Arizona College of Nursing faculty member and alumnus Jason T. Shuffitt is among 18 nurse practitioners selected nationwide to take part in the 12-month American Association of Nurse Practitioners Future Leaders Program.
Shuffitt is clinical assistant professor and associate dean for learning and health-care technology innovations.
Biz awards - Anderson
Leaders program picks UA nursing educator
University of Arizona College of Nursing faculty member and alumnus Sue A. Anderson is among 18 nurse practitioners selected nationwide to take part in the 12-month American Association of Nurse Practitioners Future Leaders Program.
Anderson is an instructor.
Biz awards - Bass and Hughes
Movers Bass, Hughes share franchisee honor
Bill Bass of Tucson (at right in photo) and his business partner, Don Hughes, (at left in photo) have been recognized by the International Franchise Association as a 2014 Franchisee of the Year of Two Men and a Truck.
The business duo own eight locations across four states. The award recognizes business growth, local employment growth and mentorship.
(Shown presenting their award in the photo is Melanie Bergeron, CFE of Two Men and a Truck.)
Biz awards - McCoy
Northwest Fire’s McCoy achieves training title
Northwest Fire District Division Chief K.C. McCoy earned the professional designation of chief training officer.
McCoy says he is one of two such CTOs in Arizona.
Biz awards - First Impressions
The Tucson Metro Chamber’s First Impressions project has been selected by the Metropolitan Pima Alliance board of directors as the 2014 Common Ground Award of Distinction honoree.
“First Impressions is the collaborative result of a business community initiative,” MPA officials said in a news release.
“Richard Underwood, president of AAA Landscape, Cody Ritchie, president of Crest Insurance Group, and Mike Varney, president and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber, spearheaded an all volunteer effort to raise money and revitalize the medians near the gateway to the Tucson International Airport, creating a great first impression of Southern Arizona.”
The project transformed the six-tenths of a mile on South Tucson Boulevard between the airport and East Valencia Road. It officially broke ground on March 31 and will be completed with a dedication ceremony on Nov. 13.
Project sponsors include Casino Del Sol Resort, Crest Insurance Group, Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, Jim Click Automotive Team, Vantage West Credit Union and Visit Tucson.
The Common Ground awards, to be presented Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. at the Westin La Paloma, honor community leaders, projects and events that overcame obstacles through collaboration.
Biz awards - Rancho Sahuarita
Master-planned community Rancho Sahuarita has been selected as the inaugural recipient of Metropolitan Pima Alliance’s Project of the Decade award.
The community, now home to 17,000 residents, was founded in 2000 by developer Bob Sharpe in Sahuarita.
The Project of the Decade award was created this year as part of the 10-year anniversary of MPA’s Common Ground Awards Ceremony.
“Many MPA members know the history of Rancho Sahuarita and the vision that was created at the onset with the lake in the desert,” MPA executive director Amber Smith said in a news release. “There were many skeptics, financial challenges and lack of political will. But Rancho Sahuarita has anchored the town and provided for its growth and development over the past 10 years, while creating a genuine ‘live-work-play’ environment.”
Now 14 years old, Rancho Sahuarita is roughly 50 percent complete. It is still a new-home community, with two neighborhoods now being constructed and an additional 500 lots anticipated in 2015.
Biz awards - UA Tech Park
Several University of Arizona past presidents were among those honored at a 20th anniversary celebration for the UA Tech Park on South Rita Road (guests are shown above, watching a fireworks display).
The gala last week on the patio of the tech park’s building at 9052 S. Rita Road honored officials who were instrumental in the school’s deal with IBM Corp. to acquire the property in 1994 for about $700,000 in closing and legal costs. IBM built and opened the park in 1980 but moved its storage-systems manufacturing operation to San Jose, Calif. in 1988.
More than 100 people attended the invite-only event, which featured a jazz quartet, refreshments including a champagne toast and a small fireworks show.
The main honorees, recognized for their roles in securing the park for the UA, were:
- UA president emeritus Manuel Pacheco;
- Donald Pitt, member of the Arizona Board of Regents from 1982 to 1994;
- Joel D. Valdez, longtime UA business-affairs chief and former Tucson city manager;
- Lee A. Dayton, former IBM vice president for corporate development and real estate, who worked closely with then-regent Pitt to swing the tech-park deal.
Also honored with special recognition for their support of the park were UA past presidents John Schaefer, Henry Koffler, Peter Likens, Robert Shelton and Eugene Sander; John Carter, chairman of Campus Research Corp. (which manages the UA tech parks); Pat Griffin, general council of Campus Research; the late John Grabo, former Tech Park business-development director; Jerry Lavelle, former IBM managing operator; Joe Lester, former IBM managing operator; Dan Mahlstad, approving party for IBM; former Tech Park facilities director Remi McKenzie; former UA vice president for research Richard Powell; Tom Pickrell, general counsel for the Arizona Research Park Authority; former UA vice president for research and Regents professor Leslie Tolbert; and Marshall Worden, former UA Tech Park director.
The event was emceed by current park director Ken Marcus with comments from Andrew Comrie, UA provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Bruce Wright, UA associate vice president for tech parks; and Molly Gilbert, the tech park’s director of university and community engagement.
Biz awards - Beads of Courage
Beads of Courage will hosts its annual celebration, "Bead Inspired," on Feb. 7, 2015.
Biz awards - Cox
Cox Communications Arizona announced a partnership with Telemundo television, La Estrella de Tucson newspaper and La Caliente radio to showcase Hispanic leaders and an outstanding Cox employee.
The Hispanic Heritage Month multi-media campaign includes a series of 30-second public service announcements rotating on Cox channels through mid-October. Honorees’ stories will also appear on the pages of La Estrella de Tucson newspaper, be seen on Telemundo TV, and heard on radio spots through La Caliente radio.
The 2014 honorees featured in the campaign include: Samantha Esquivel, public relations lead for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona; Jaime Valenzuela, a professional mariachi and a teacher and mentor to musicians; Marcela Molina, executive director of the Tucson Girls Chorus; and Carol Villasenor, human resources coordinator for Cox Communications, Southern Arizona market.
Biz awards - Alberts
Dr. David S. Alberts, director emeritus of the University of Arizona Cancer Center, will receive the American Association for Cancer Research Prevention Pioneer Award and deliver a lecture during the organization’s International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Sept. 30 in New Orleans.
In 2004, Alberts received AACR’s Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation Award for Excellence in Cancer Prevention Research Worldwide. The previous year, AACR recognized his contributions to clinical care in the field of cancer with the Joseph H. Burchenal Clinical Research Award.
Biz awards - Assistance League
Assistance League’s Tucson chapter, which this year marks 50 years of service, was recognized Sept. 4 at the organization’s national conference in Orlando, Florida.
Mary Thalgott, the chapter’s president, received a certificate of commendation for superior leadership and community service for its Operation School Bell, Starting Over Supplies and Assault Survivor Kits programs.
Thalgott said, “It was an honor to receive the award on behalf of the 400 volunteer members of Assistance League of Tucson who have dedicated themselves to our mission of helping those in need throughout the Tucson area. Last year our Chapter provided new clothing to more than 3,800 school children, and this year we hope to provide even more.”
Biz awards - Barker
Lawyer Emery Barker of Mesch, Clark & Rothschild was recognized as a Best Lawyer by U.S. News & Best Lawyers for 2015.
Barker is listed in five areas: arbitration, commercial litigation, litigation - real estate, litigation - trusts and estates, and mediation.
Biz awards - Clark
Attorney Douglas Clark of Mesch, Clark & Rothschild was recognized as a Best Lawyer by U.S. News & Best Lawyers for 2015.
Clark was selected in legal malpractice law - plaintiffs and in personal injury litigation – plaintiffs.
Biz awards - Cohen
Lawyer Mel Cohen of Mesch, Clark & Rothschild was recognized as a Best Lawyer by U.S. News & Best Lawyers for 2015.
Cohen is listed for construction law and litigation – construction.
Biz awards - Davis
Lawyer Richard Davis of Mesch, Clark & Rothschild was recognized as a Best Lawyer by U.S. News & Best Lawyers for 2015.
Davis is listed in litigation – insurance and personal injury litigation - plaintiffs.
Biz awards - McGrath
Attorney Michael McGrath of Mesch, Clark & Rothschild was cognized as a Best Lawyer by U.S. News & Best Lawyers for 2015.
McGrath is recognized in bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights/insolvency, and reorganization law as well as lltigation – bankruptcy.
Biz awards - Petersen
Attorney Fred Petersen of Mesch, Clark & Rothschild was recognized as a Best Lawyer by U.S. News & Best Lawyers for 2015.
Petersen is listed in bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights/insolvency, and reorganization law.
Biz awards - Rothschild
Lawyer Lowell Rothschild of Mesch, Clark & Rothschild was was recognized as a Best Lawyer by U.S. News & Best Lawyers for 2015.
Rothschild is recognized in bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights/insolvency, and reorganization law and litigation.
Biz awards - Mesch, Clark & Rothschild
Mesch, Clark & Rothschild has been selected as a Tier 1 Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers. The Tucson firm was recognized for excellence as determined by clients’ feedback and regard from colleagues in the industry.
Biz awards - Boswell
The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Susan G. Boswell, an attorney in its Tucson office, has been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2015.
Boswell was chosen for her work in bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights / insolvency and reorganization law / and litigation - bankruptcy.
Biz awards - Kaufman
The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Craig H. Kaufman, an attorney from the Tucson office, has been selected byhis peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2015.
Kaufman was chosen for his work in bet-the-company litigation and commercial litigation.
Biz awards - Lite
The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Jeremy A. Lite, an attorney in its Tucson office, has been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2015.
Lite was chosen for his work in environmental law and litigation - environmental.
Biz awards - Morrow
The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that James F. Morrow, an attorney in its Tucson office, has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2015.
Morrow was chosen for his work in banking and finance law and real estate law.
Biz awards - Ochoa
The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Luis A. Ochoa, an attorney in its Tucson office, has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2015.
Ochoa was chosen for his work in non-profit and charities law.
Biz awards - Olson
Paul Olson, a member of the Tucson Association of Realtors, was recently accepted into the Masters of Real Estate Society by the Arizona Association of Realtors.
Olson is the owner/broker of Vantage Point Realty and has practiced real estate in Tucson for 30 years.
Biz awards - Goodmans
Goodmans Interior Structures recently earned the GameChangers 500 designation, after a four-month review process, for “positive impact of its products and services, and how it treats people and the planet in the process of running its business.”
Goodmans joins companies including Google, Whole Foods, SolarCity, Zappos and Apple on the list, which was created by Andrew Hewitt.
Biz awards - McGuire Center
The University of Arizona’s McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship at the Eller College of Management ranked No. 22 among undergraduate programs and No. 19 among graduate programs nationally in the annual Princeton Review survey of entrepreneurship programs.
The McGuire program ranked No. 10 among public programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in Princeton Review’s survey, which is published by Enterepreneur Magazine.
Biz awards - AmeriCorps
Stefanie Mach is one of 20 AmeriCorps alumni from across the nation who received a National Leadership Award from the organization as part of its 20th anniversary celebration. Mach participated in the AmeriCorps program from 2002 through 2003.
Also honored was Pima Community College Adult Education AmeriCorps alumnus Deenie Espinoza, who became an AmeriCorps member in 1994.
In addition, PCC alums Blasita Aguilar, Cynthia Brewer, Consuelo Carrillo, Alma Hernandez, Ana Robles de Monge and MaryAnn Phininzy received the Arizona AmeriCorps Local Leadership Award.
Biz awards - Bainton
Denise Bainton, a Tucson attorney with DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy, P.C., received the John R. McDonald Award from the Arizona School Boards Association on Sept. 5, for contributions to Arizona public education.
Biz awards - Rusing
Michael J. Rusing, a founding partner at Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC, has been named Best Lawyers’ 2015 Personal Injury Litigation Defense Lawyer of the Year in Tucson.
Biz awards - Solana Outdoor Living
Solana Outdoor Living’s principal designer, Allen Denomy, is featured in the September issue of Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine as one of the “Young Guns of Southwest Design.”
Biz awards - Becker
Dr. William Becker, a local periodontist, will be awarded the Gold Medal from the American Academy of Periodontology in San Francisco on Friday, for service to the academy and contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.
Biz awards - Pacific International
Stroud National Agency Inc. presented its July “Agency of the Month” award to Pacific International Insurance LLC of Tucson, and its president Edward R. “Ned” Ingram, for writing the most new farm insurance business during the month.
Biz awards - Eller College
The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management moved up a notch in the 2015 America’s Best Colleges issue of U.S. News & World Report.
Eller ranked 21st overall and 11th among public-school business programs, up one spot in both rankings.
Two of Eller’s specialties ranked among the top five programs in the country: The McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship kept its No. 2 ranking among public school programs and ranked fifth overall, behind Indiana University, the University of Southern California and MIT.
The college’s Department of Management Information Systems ranked third among public schools and fifth overall.
The W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University was 29th overall in the U.S. News rankings.
Biz awards - Planetary Science Institute
88-CRIME Inc.’s board director, Dick Fisher, was honored by Crime Stoppers USA with its Board Member of the Year award.
Fisher is a professional filmmaker based in Tucson. His new film, Happy Birthday Scruff, featuring McGruff the Crime Dog and his nephew Scruff visiting Old Tucson, has been added to 88-CRIME’s School Program.
Biz awards - 88-CRIME
88-CRIME Inc.’s board director, Dick Fisher, was honored by Crime Stoppers USA with its Board Member of the Year award.
Fisher is a professional filmmaker based in Tucson. His new film, Happy Birthday Scruff, featuring McGruff the Crime Dog and his nephew Scruff visiting Old Tucson, has been added to 88-CRIME’s School Program.
Biz awards - Robeks
Robeks stores honored its Tucson managers Dara Carlson and Raquel Quesada with two of just six Platinum Awards given nationally. The winners were based on support center surveys, secret shoppers and store audits. In addition, Carlson won the Robeks’ President’s Award, the top honor in the corporation.
Biz awards - Charles West
Charles West, advertising creative supervisor for the Arizona Daily Star, won this year’s poster contest for the California Avocado Festival, by combining its musical lineup and main attraction into a graphic design. His design will be used on thousands of posters, T-shirts and promotional materials for the annual event.
Biz awards - Tell Me a Good Story
A ‘Good Story’ indeed
Tell Me a Good Story, a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit based in Tucson, has been honored with a 2014 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, which provides user reviews.
The award was based on the number of positive reviews that Tell Me a Good Story received from volunteers, donors and clients, said its executive director, Hawkeye Richardson, in a news release.
Biz awards - ¡Vida! Cancer Survivorship Program honored
¡Vida! has received the Arizona Rural Health Association’s 2014 Inspiring Rural Health Program Award, for “excellence in the provision of health services” to rural and other medically underserved people.
¡Vida! is an information and wellness program for cancer survivors held at the University of Arizona Cancer Center–North Campus and broadcast to sites across the state over the Arizona Telemedicine Program Rural Network.
Accepting the honor: Janet Major, Arizona Telemedicine Program associate director, facilities; Dr. Ana Maria Lopez, ¡Vida! medical director; and Bettina Hofacre, ¡Vida! program director.
Biz awards - KCMT, La Caliente receive honors
Tucson's La Caliente KCMT-FM 92.1 and 101.3 and its program director, Enrique Mayans (above), were awarded the Small Market Station of the Year and Program Director of the Year by Monitor Latino on Aug. 26.
The awards convention, for Spanish-language radio stations across the country, was held in Los Angeles.
Also nominated was KCMT morning show “Los Hijos de La Mañana,” hosted by Gabriela Pardini and Gerardo Vasquez.
Biz awards - Gerald receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Lynn Gerald has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Thoracic Society for her asthma research.
Gerald is professor of health promotion sciences and the Canyon Ranch Endowed Chair at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
She currently leads two clinically focused school-based asthma programs in Sunnyside and Tucson unified school districts.
Biz awards - Whittaker in Hall of Honor
Dale Whittaker, chairman emeritus for Vantage West Credit Union, has been inducted into the Defense Credit Union Council Hall of Honor.
Whittaker, who retired from Vantage West's Board of Directors in June, was honored in an awards ceremony Aug. 26 in Dallas.
Biz awards - Fennemore Craig lawyers are 'Best Lawyers'
Seven Fennemore Craig lawyers in Tucson were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2015: Benjamin W. Bauer, Sherry Janssen Downer, Barney M. Holtzman, John E. Kofron, Erwin Kratz, George Krauja and Nancy J. March.
Among them, Holtzman, Kratz and March were also named The Best Lawyers in America© 2015 — Lawyers of the Year, Fennemore Craig said in a news release.
Biz awards - HSSA veterinarian, spay/neuter efforts recognized
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s lead veterinarian, Dr. Erika Hartle-Schutte, is one of four recipients of the 2014 Neighborhood Cats/Humane Alliance Veterinarian Scholarship.
She will take part in a four-day state-of-the-art training for high-volume spay/neuter surgeries at the Humane Alliance training center in Asheville, N.C.
Biz awards - Sierra Vista financial reports recognized
Two of the annual financial reports generated by the city of Sierra Vista received recognition for clear and full disclosure of the city’s financial story, presented in a way that encourages readership.
The awards from the the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada were presented to city finance manager David Felix.
Biz awards - City receives Procurement Award
The city of Tucson’s Department of Procurement recently was awarded the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award for 2014 from the National Procurement Institute, said city procurement director Marcheta Gillespie.
Biz awards - PCC staff and faculty honored
On Friday, Pima Community College honored outstanding staff and faculty for contributions during the 2013-14 academic year:
Gayle Bell, support coordinator, Community Campus, for helping to develop community partnerships, especially with the YWCA; and initiating a blanket collection drive for Tucson’s homeless.
Shawn Graham, support technician, West Campus, for his work on the PCC police department selection committee, the annual League of United Latin American Citizens’ Youth Leadership Conference and the Arizona DREAM conference.
Don Harp, lab supervisor, West Campus, for achievements including his work as co-chair of the Higher Learning Commission Monitoring Report Follow-up Team.
Joshua Cochran, writing — instructional faculty, West Campus, for spearheading a student success initiative for writing students in every class at PCC.
Dianna Repp, anthropology – instructional faculty, West Campus, for creating and leading the Southern Arizona Social Science Symposium.
Juan “Tony” Vinton, mathematics – instructional faculty, Northwest Campus, for “passion, enthusiasm and collaborative approach in math education."
Biz awards - Marana Chamber winners
The Marana Chamber of Commerce presented its 9th Annual Community & Business Builder Awards on Aug. 20. The recipients are:
Distinctive Cleaning & Maintenance Services- Small Business. Distinctive Cleaning, which started in 2007 as a home-based business, has invested in the health of Marana students by creating the Marana Run/Walk event.
Culver’s at Thornydale-Midsized Business. Since opening in August. 2011, the restaurant has helped a number of organizations raise $70,000. It has hosted more than 100 Culver’s Care Fundraiser Nights.
Pima Federal Credit Union-Large Business. Last year it awarded more than $20,000 in annual education reimbursement to its staff. Through volunteerism, its staff partnered with 61 local non-profits. The 2013 Pima Federal Golf Classic raised $50,000 for Tucson Values Teachers
Biz Awards - Copper Cactus finalists
Fifty-two businesses and four business leaders have been selected as finalists for the Tucson Metro Chamber Copper Cactus Awards presented by Wells Fargo. The winners will be announced Oct. 30.
The finalists are:
Best Place to Work: Airtronics; Aqua Star International; Casa de la Luz Hospice Children’s Orthopedic Specialists; HJ3 Composite Technologies; Nextrio; Patio Pools & Spas; Pima Dermatology; Remedy Intelligent Staffing; Tanque Verde Ranch; TCI Wealth Advisors; Technicians for Sustainability TMInternational; White Stallion Ranch.
Small Business Leader of the Year: Mike Hammond, Cushman & Wakefield/PICOR; Jeffrey Hamstra, Hamstra Heating & Cooling; Ben Korn, Safeguard Tucson; David Lovitt, DM Lovitt Insurance Agency.
Business Growth: Andersen, Randall & Richards Commotion Studios; Dean Vesling & Associates; Excel Mechanical; Farhang & Medcoff; HBS Management Solutions; Mastek-InnerStep; Nuanced Media; Oschmann Employee Services; Realty Executives; Tucson Elite; Simpleview.
Innovation through Technology: Associates in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; Automation Specialists; Aztera; GLHN Architects & Engineers; LeverDrive; Miramonte Homes; New Horizons Computer Learning Center; Paragon Space Development; Securaplane Technologies; Sheftel & Associates Dermatology; Vante, A Machine Solutions Company.
Charitable Non-Profit Business: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Autism Society Greater Tucson; Ben’s Bells; Educational Enrichment Foundation; Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse; Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona; Handi-Dogs; Interfaith Community Services; Old Pueblo Community Services; Refugee Focus; SARSEF – Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation; Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation; Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services; The Habistore; Tucson Botanical Gardens; YMCA of Southern Arizona.
Bonnie Allin
Bonnie Allin
Biz awards - Pima County official Atha honored
Deputy County Administrator Hank Atha has been been recognized with a 2014 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award for leadership.
“Thousands of Arizonans over the last 35 years completed their high school education or more; became employed, productive citizens; established stable homes; survived financial crises; and put poverty behind them because of Hank Atha,” the nomination states.
Atha joined the county in 1978 and has been a deputy administrator since 2008. He oversees two Pima County departments (among others he is in charge of) that improve living standards for people with lower incomes and in rural areas: the Community Development and Neighborhood Conservation Department and the Community Services, Employment and Training Department.
The statewide awards are named in honor of Zimmerman, who was killed in Tucson’s mass shooting on Jan. 8, 2011 while working as community outreach director for then-U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
Biz awards - County prosecutor Cramer receives innovation honor
Chief Deputy County Attorney Amelia Craig Cramer has been recognized with a 2014 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award for innovation.
Cramer, chief deputy Pima County attorney since 2006, manages Southern Arizona’s largest law office with more than 100 prosecutors and civil legal advisors.
“Cramer recognized the need to address the demand side of drug wars with implementation of Pima County’s Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison program that provides treatment and rehabilitation to offenders who commit crimes as a result of their addiction,” Pima County officials said in a news release about the award.
The statewide awards are named in honor of Zimmerman, who was killed in Tucson’s mass shooting on Jan. 8, 2011 while working as community outreach director for then-U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
Biz awards - Tucson retirement system recognized
The Chicago-based Government Finance Officers Association awarded the city of Tucson a “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” for the Tucson Supplemental Retirement System.
The city’s system is directed by pension administrator Michael Hermanson.
Biz awards - Nurse research group enshrines UA’s Shaver
Joan Shaver, R.N., was inducted Saturday into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame during the 25th International Nursing Research Congress in Hong Kong.
Professor Shaver is dean at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, which she has led since 2009.
She was one of 25 nurse researchers representing Australia, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States to be honored by Sigma Theta Tau International, the honor society of nursing
Biz awards - Professor Krupinski wins radiology honor
Elizabeth A. Krupinski, professor of medical imaging, psychology and public health at the Arizona Health Sciences Center, has been named a Distinguished Investigator by the Academy of Radiology Research.
She is one of 46 researchers selected to receive the 2014 honor for accomplishments in medical imaging.
Krupinski has been involved in the development of clinical guidelines for radiology and telemedicine
Biz awards - County recognized for water, ranch work
Pima County won two statewide 2014 Project of the Year awards from the Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association.
The Tres Rios Water Reclamation Facility won in the category of environment, more than $75 million. The Robles Ranch improvements project won in the structures category for small cities/rural communities.
The $242 million Tres Rios Water Reclamation Facility is the largest construction project completed in Pima County history. It was built through a partnership between the Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department, Jacobs Engineering, CH2M HILL and MWH Constructors.
Biz awards - Rudow wins agricultural teaching award
Florence Unified School District announces that Angelica Rudow, Agriculture Educator at Florence High School, was named the “Outstanding First Year Agricultural Teacher” by the Arizona Agricultural Teachers Association.
Numerous students from her program placed in the top 10 in a variety of categories at the annual FFA (Future Farmers of America) State Competition.
Rudow is a graduate of the University of Arizona (2013) and began her teaching career at Florence High School last fall.
Biz awards - Attorney Fella named to Leadership Class
Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Elizabeth S. Fella, an associate in the firm’s Tucson office, has been selected for the Greater Tucson Leadership's Class of 2015.
Fella is a member of the firm's commercial bankruptcy, rRestructuring, and creditors’ rights practice group.
She has been named a Rising Star in Southwest Super Lawyers (2014) and was named a "40 Under 40" honoree by the Arizona Daily Star and the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2013). She received her J.D. (cum laude, 2006) from Arizona State University College of Law and her B.A. (cum laude, 2001) from the University of Arizona.
Biz awards - Sundt, 3 other firm attorneys honored
Four attorneys at Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC, have been named to the 2014 Best Lawyers.
John H. Sundt (photo above) was honored for construction law.
Michael J. Rusing was named in six litigation categories that include commercial, banking & finance, real estate, regulatory enforcement and personal injury.
Patricio P. Lopez III was recognized for his work in real estate law. Daniel J. Quigley received the honor in the areas of gaming and Native American law.
(Photos of Rusing, Lopez and Quigley have run in other recent Biz Awards listings.)
Biz awards - Attorney receives national award for prosecution
Deputy Pima County Attorney Rick Unklesbay was honored July 20 in Denver by the National District Attorneys’ Association with the Home Run Hitters Award for outstanding prosecution.
Unklesbay received the national award, and was given a genuine Louisville Slugger baseball bats inscribed with his name, for “unrelenting dedication and focus ... in bringing fugitive socialite Pamela Phillips to justice.”
Phillips was convicted in April of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder for the 1996 Tucson car-bombing death of her ex-husband Gary Triano.
In 2004 Unklesbay was named Arizona Felony Prosecutor of the Year by Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council. In 2005, the Association of Government Attorneys in Capital Litigation recognized him for Outstanding Advocacy in Capital Cases. And in 2009, he was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Biz awards - Attorney receives national award for prosecution
Deputy Pima County Attorney Nicol Green was honored July 20 in Denver by the National District Attorneys’ Association with the Home Run Hitters Award for outstanding prosecution.
Green received the national award, and a Louisville Slugger baseball bats inscribed with her name, for “unrelenting dedication and focus ... in bringing fugitive socialite Pamela Phillips to justice.”
Phillips was convicted in April of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder for the 1996 Tucson car-bombing death of her ex-husband Gary Triano.
Green earned the David R. White Excellence in Victim Advocacy Award in 2008 from Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Attorneys' Advisory Council. In 2010, Green was honored by the YWCA with the Woman on the Move award. Last year, the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council recognized her with the distinguished Felony Prosecutor of the Year award.
Biz awards - UA Health Sciences producer recognized for videos
The video “Wildcat Diagnosis” won a Silver Award of Distinction from The Communicator Awards, sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of Visual Arts.
Michell Bauer, senior producer with the medical television and teleconferencing section of the BioCommunications Division at the Arizona Health Sciences Center of the University of Arizona, produced the tongue-in-cheek video. It shows how 2014’s first case of the seasonal March Madness condition, including increased heart rate, was discovered by UA College of Nursing students Sara Ameli and Justin Chua. The patient, Manny Kin, was voiced by Nick Prevenas, associate editor with the UA Cancer Center.
“Wildcat Diagnosis” can be viewed at vimeo.com/93398337
Bauer also won two Telly Awards, a Bronze Award and a People’s Choice Award for “A Very Brady Medical School,” the UA said in a news release. Created for the UA College of Medicine – Tucson’s Office of Admissions as a recruitment tool, the video featured a song written by James Libbon and performed by DOC-apella, a singing group he and his wife, Randi Heller, founded as UA medical students.
To see that video, go online at vimeo.com/93401016
Biz awards - UA media specialist Coleman given Communicator Award
Erica Coleman, media specialist/streaming coordinator with Arizona Health Sciences Center BioCommunications, also received a Silver Award of Distinction from The Communicator Awards for her video “Science Fiction Into Fact.” The video highlighted technological advances at the UA College of Medicine – Tucson.
“We used the UA’s research with space exploration and Mars to predict that someday we will be practicing medicine on Mars,” said Coleman.
To view “Science Fiction Into Fact,” see vimeo.com/94685200
Biz awards - Exec. director Barker honored for behavioral health diversity
Lane Martin Barker, executive director of Devereux Arizona, received an Arizona Behavioral Health Award from Arizona State University’s Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy on July 17.
Barker was honored with the Cultural Heritage award for efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the behavioral health field.
"I am truly honored to receive this award,” Barker was quoted in a news release. “I consider it a wonderful affirmation of our commitment to the LGBT community both as an employer and service provider.”
Biz awards - Florence district specialist Trakas receives technology award
Nick Trakas, technology integration specialist at Florence Unified School District, received the Arizona Technology Education Association’s “Educational Technology Specialist of the Year” Award on July 9.
"Every high school student in the Florence School District receives laptops on Day 1. All students at our elementary schools use tablets and laptops regularly in their education as well," district officials wrote in a news release.
Biz awards - Three ‘community cornerstones’ honored
Dr. Ana Maria López, Libby Francisco and Betty Villegas were recently honored for being “cornerstones of our community” by Chicanos Por La Causa.
Lopez is medical director for the Arizona Telemedicine Program, professor of medicine and pathology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and member of the University of Arizona Cancer Center.
Francisco is chief operating officer for Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprises and Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, and Villegas is housing program manager for Pima County.
Biz awards - Governor honors ‘Housing for Heroes’
National Community Health Partners, a 501(c)3 organization headquartered in Tucson and led by CEO Albert Moreno, was congratulated by Gov. Jan Brewer on July 9 and given a Certificate of Recognition for its work with homeless veterans.
NCHP’s “Housing for Heroes” program works with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Yuma and Pinal counties to find housing and provide other support services for homeless veterans, veterans at risk of becoming homeless and their families
Biz awards - Dr. Walter gets Public Health Service Award
Dr. Frank G. Walter has received the 2014 Public Health Service Award from the Arizona Medical Association and Arizona Department of Health Services.
Walter is a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, professor of pharmacy practice and science at the UA College of Pharmacy, and medical toxicologist for the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center.
The award was presented “in recognition of Dr. Walter’s dedication as an exceptional, energetic public health and preparedness advocate, providing guidance and expertise to ADHS’ emergency preparedness work.”
Walter serves as medical director for the ADHS Bureau of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and is a Governor’s Appointee to the Medical Direction Commission for the Bureau of EMS (Emergency Medical Services). Recently, he was the lead member of the Clinical Work Group to develop “Crisis Standards of Care” for Arizona.
Biz awards - UAMC ranks in U.S. News & World Report
University of Arizona Medical Center – University Campus says in a news release that it has been ranked among the best hospitals in the nation in Geriatrics and as the best hospital in metro Tucson and in Southeastern Arizona by U.S. News & World Report magazine.
The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in its 25th year, also ranked UAMC as “high performing” in the following medical specialties:
· Cancer
· Cardiology and Heart Surgery
· Diabetes and Endocrinology
· Ear, Nose & Throat
· Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
· Gynecology
· Nephrology
· Neurology and Neurosurgery
· Orthopedics
· Pulmonology
· Urology
Biz awards - UA Health Network doctors rank in national list
More than 100 Tucson physicians with the University of Arizona Health Network are ranked among the 2014 Best Doctors in America, a list compiled by Best Doctors Inc.
The 2014 list includes more than 400 Tucson physicians, of whom about 100 are part of the UA Health Network, UA Health Network said in a news release. The full list is at www.bestdoctors.com.
UA Health Network says its doctors on the list are:
Allergy and Immunology:
Randy J. Horwitz
Anesthesiology:
Steven J. Barker
R. Dennis Bastron
C. Mark Bazzell
Brenda A. Gentz
Stuart Roy Hameroff
Wayne K. Jacobsen
Peter R. Lichtenthal
Robert G. (Butch) Loeb
Wallace M. Nogami
Craig M. Palmer
David S. Sheinbein
Cardiovascular Disease:
Joseph S. Alpert
Eric A. Brody
Paul E. Fenster
Mark J. Friedman
Steven Goldman
Julia H. Indik
Elizabeth B. Juneman
Karl B. Kern
Peter Ott
Hoang M. Thai
Sergio G. Thal
Clinical Pharmacology:
John W. Bloom
Dermatology:
Clara N. Curiel
Duane C. Whitaker
Emergency Medicine:
Daniel L. Beskind
Albert B. Fiorello
Samuel Keim
Harvey W. Meislin
John C. Sakles
Arthur B. Sanders
Frank G. Walter
Family Medicine:
Colleen Cagno
Peter Catinella
Paul R. Gordon
Randa M. Kutob
Cynthia C. Johnston
Patricia Lebensohn
Lawrence M. Moher
Myra L. Muramoto
Victoria E. Murrain
Tejal M. Parikh
Gastroenterology:
John Thomas Cunningham
Geriatric Medicine:
Mindy J. Fain
Hepatology:
Thomas D. Boyer
Infectious Disease:
Neil M. Ampel
Stephen A. Klotz
Integrative Medicine:
Victoria Hope Maizes
Internal Medicine:
Carlos J. Borras
Paul Gee
David A. Gortner
Kathleen Kendle
Dawn P. Lemcke
Kevin Moynahan
Anthony M. Stazzone
Jennifer L. Suriano
Medical Oncology and Hematology:
Frederick R. Ahmann
David S. Alberts
Lee D. Cranmer
Evan M. Hersh
Robert B. Livingston
Ana Maria Lopez
Thomas P. Miller
Alison T. Stopeck
Neurological Surgery:
Allan J. Hamilton
G. Michael Lemole, Jr.
Neurology:
Geoffrey L. Ahern
Harvey W. Buchsbaum
Bruce M. Coull
David M. Labiner
Steven Z. Rapcsak
Obstetrics and Gynecology:
Setsuko Chambers
Lynn Marie Coppola
Kenneth D. Hatch
James E. Maciulla
Thomas F. Purdon
Kathryn L. Reed
Ophthalmology:
John Byron Christoforidis
Cameron G. Javid
Orthopaedic Surgery:
John T. Ruth
Otolaryngology:
Alexander Chiu
Abraham Jacob
Pathology:
Anil Prasad
Richard E. Sobonya
Pediatric Developmental and Behavioral Problems:
Sydney Rice
Pediatric Cardiology:
Brent J. Barber
Stanley J. Goldberg
Scott E. Klewer
Daniela Lax
Ricardo Samson
Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery:
Michael F. Teodori
Pediatric Critical Care:
Marc D. Berg
Hillary A. Franke
Robyn Meyer
Andreas A. Theodorou
Katri Typpo
Pediatric Neonatology:
Alan D. Bedrick
Pediatric Emergency Medicine:
Dale P. Woolridge
Pediatric Endocrinology:
Mark D. Wheeler
Pediatric Gastroenterology:
Fayez K. Ghishan
H. Hesham A-Kader Hassan
Pediatric Infectious Disease:
Sean P. Elliott
Ziad M. Shehab
Pediatric Oncology and Hemotology:
Andrew Yeager
Pediatric Ophthalmology:
Joseph M. Miller
Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy and Immunology:
Mark A. Brown
Cori L. Daines
Michael O. Daines
Roni Grad
Fernando D. Martinez
Stephen J. Metz
Wayne J. Morgan
Pediatric Specialist / Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine:
Richard A. Wahl
Pediatric Surgery:
Catherine Marie Cosentino
Pediatrics:
Andrew W. Arthur
Tracy M. Baser-Decker
Kathryn A. Bowen
Conrad Clemens
Karen M. Davenport
Keith R. Dveirin
Martha L. Eicher
Steven Paul Goldberg
Jennifer B. Moher
Amy J. Montgomery
Eve Shapiro
Philip J. Starceski
Maria S. Theodorou
Plastic Surgery:
Jerold J. Olson
Psychiatry:
Mark D. Gilbert
Steven T. Herron
Marianne N. Klugheit
Richard D. Lane
John Misiaszek
Francisco A. Moreno
Bernard Martin Morenz
Timothy I. Mueller
Kathy W. Smith
Karen Weihs
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine:
John W. Bloom
Philip S. Eichling
Kenneth S. Knox
Steven R. Knoper
Laura Meinke
Charles W. Otto
Linda S. Snyder
Michael R. Waldrum
Pulmonary Medicine:
Franz Rischard
Radiation Oncology:
Shona T. Dougherty
Baldassarre D. Stea
Radiology:
Raymond F. Carmody
Theron W. Ovitt
Rheumatology:
Eric P. Gall
Jeffrey R. Lisse
Margaret M. Miller
Surgical Oncology:
Leigh A. Neumayer
Thoracic Surgery:
Scott Lick
Urology:
Christian Twiss
Vascular Surgery:
Joseph L. Mills
Biz awards - St. Mary's, St. Joseph's hospitals receive awards
The “Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award” was given to St. Mary’s Hospital for the third consecutive year and St. Joseph’s Hospital, home of the Carondelet Neurological Institute, for the fourth consecutive year.
The two Tucson Carondelet hospitals also earned the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Award for the third consecutive year, Carondelet said in a news release.
Biz awards - Reckart recognized as ‘Top-Rated Lawyer’
Timothy J. Reckart, a partner in Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC, has been recognized as one of the 2014 Top-Rated Lawyers in Intellectual Property Law by Martindale-Hubbell, the law firm said in a news release.
Reckart specializes in intellectual property transactions, licensing and joint ventures, as well as the formation and venture financing of emerging growth companies.
He received a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He received an MBA from Stanford University, and is a graduate of Stanford Law School.
Biz awards - Tucsonan is selected as finalist in DQ contest
Tucson resident Michael Jones, who uses the nickname “Microphone Jones,” has been named one of three finalists with a chance to win $10,000 in the DQ S’mores Music Video Contest through fan votes.
From now through July 18, fans can log on to DQsmoresvideocontest.com to vote for their favorite video entry.
During June, fans were invited to submit a 45- to 60-second video of the next verse for the S’mores song featured in a DQ commercial.
In his music video titled “Ultimate S’MORES Song Remix,” Jones and his friends met at their local DQ to produce their original verse with lyrics that included “…feeling kind of hot in this sunny weather, call up my friends and let’s get together, head to DQ…”
All submissions were judged on video quality, creativity, originality and adherence to theme.
Winners will be announced on July 28.
Biz awards - Tucson firm TCI named in Financial Times list
In its inaugural 2014 list, the Financial Times has named Tucson-based TCI Wealth Advisors, Inc. among the Top 300 Registered Investment Adviser firms in the United States.
The Financial Times considered more than 2,000 Registered Investment Advisor firms with more than $300 million assets under management. The firms were evaluated on six factors: assets under management, asset growth, the firm’s years in existence, industry certifications, SEC compliance record and online accessibility.
TCI Wealth Advisors, Inc. is an independent, fee-only wealth advisory firm headquartered in Tucson and with offices in Scottsdale, Flagstaff, Reno/Tahoe,Santa Fe, Denver and Santa Monica, which has $1.6 billion in assets under management.
No fee was paid to the Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the list, the company said in a news release.
Biz awards - Tucson-area World View Enterprises wins innovation grant
The Arizona Commerce Authority announced three Tucson-area winners in its spring 2014 Arizona Innovation Challenge. Recipients receive grants of up to $250,000 in capital.
Among the winners is:
World View Enterprises, Tucson (aerospace – defense): World View develops high-altitude balloon technology that will provide trips to near space for tourism, research and industry uses.
Biz awards - Tucson-area Triton Microtechnologies wins innovation grant
The Arizona Commerce Authority announced three Tucson-area winners in its spring 2014 Arizona Innovation Challenge. Recipients receive grants of up to $250,000 in capital.
Among the winners is:
Triton Microtechnologies, Oro Valley (advanced manufacturing): Triton designs and manufactures a technology that enables customers to integrate electronic circuits into glass, and allows them to scale from single quantities to millions of parts.
Biz awards - Tucson-area LawLytics wins innovation grant
The Arizona Commerce Authority announced three Tucson-area winners in its spring 2014 Arizona Innovation Challenge. Recipients receive grants of up to $250,000 in capital.
Among the winners is:
LawLytics, Tucson, (IT – software): LawLytics creates a software suite that “empowers lawyers to maximize online marketing dollars”, the Commerce Department said in a news release.
Biz awards - TFCU recognized as certified green business
On June 19, the city of Tucson recognized the four Tucson Federal Credit Union branches within city limits, and their corporate office, as certified green business facilities. TFCU installed Energy Star appliances, hand dryers, LED monitors, thermostat lock boxes, and smart irrigation controllers.
Biz awards - Massage Envy therapist Peterson honored regionally
Massage Envy Spa Arizona, a co-op of 36 clinics, named Trisha Peterson of the Massage Envy Spa in Northwest Tucson (at Magee and Oracle Roads) as its regional Massage Therapist of the Year.
Peterson, who has been with the company for six years, requested by guests and members 94 percent of the time, Massage Envy said in a news release.
Biz awards - Arizona Hearing Specialists honored
The Green Valley/Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce awarded Arizona Hearing Specialists its 2014 Small Business of the Year Award.
Biz awards - Smith named to top pro bono list
The Law Offices of DeConcini McDonald Yetwin and Lacy announces that attorney Lisa Anne Smith was among recipients of the 2014 Top 50 Pro Bono Attorneys in Arizona Award, awarded by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education.
She was nominated by Southern Arizona Legal Aid Volunteer Lawyers Program.
Biz awards - Klotz named to top pro bono list
The Law Offices of DeConcini McDonald Yetwin and Lacy announces that attorney Kristen B. Klotz was among recipients of the 2014 Top 50 Pro Bono Attorneys in Arizona Award, awarded by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education.
Biz awards - Stamps named to top pro bono list
The Law Offices of DeConcini McDonald Yetwin and Lacy announces that attorney Sesaly O. Stamps was among recipients of the 2014 Top 50 Pro Bono Attorneys in Arizona Award, awarded by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education.
Biz awards - Bouman gets Clients' Choice awards
Legal website Avvo awarded Tucson attorney Tom Bouman with two 2014 Clients' Choice awards for estate planning and probate. Bouman is a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Law.
Biz awards - Lopez is a Southwest Super Lawyer
Patricio P. Lopez III, a founding partner of Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC, has been named in the 2014 Southwest Super Lawyers in the real estate category.
Biz awards - Quigley is a Southwest Super Lawyer
Partner Daniel J. Quigley of Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC, has been selected in the 2014 Southwest Super Lawyers in the business litigation category.
Biz awards - Rusing is a Southwest Super Lawyer
Founding partner Michael J.S. Rusing of Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC, has been named to the 2014 Southwest Super Lawyers in the business litigation category.
Biz awards - Osborn a 'Rising Star'
Attorney Magdalena Osborn of Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC, has been named a Rising Star by the 2014 Southwest Super Lawyers publication.
Biz awards - Stanton 'a rising star'
Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC, attorney Sarah Stanton was named a Rising Star by the 2014 Southwest Super Lawyers publication.
Biz awards - Waterkotte a 'Rising Star'
Attorney Patricia Victory Waterkotte, who joined the Tucson firm of Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC, had been named to Southern California Rising Stars for business litigation.
Biz awards - Universal Avionics award winners
Universal Avionics was named 2014 Outstanding Small/Medium Manufacturer of the Year by the Arizona Manufacturers Council.
The council is sponsored by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Universal Avionics previously won the honor in 2009.
“Our state of the art manufacturing facility in Tucson, Arizona, manufactures all of the products we sell worldwide,” Steve Pagnucco, Universal Avionics’ general manager of manufacturing, said in a news release. “We have ignored the trend of our industry and competitors to outsource key operations."
Biz awards - Voyager RV Resort 'Mega Park of the Year'
Voyager RV Resort and Hotel is the recipient of Arizona Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds' "2014 Mega Park of the Year."
Three swimming pools, tennis courts, 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center, day spa, and a full-time recreational staff are the property amenities that were recognized as superior at Voyager RV Resort and Hotel.
The full-service luxury resort offers a newly renovated hotel, resort model and casita rentals, and RV sites designed to accommodate small and large RVs.
Also, a newly opened upscale manufactured home community located at the Voyager Resort, The Bay, has recently been setting sales records, Voyager said in a news release.
Biz awards - Dolly Quinn Salonspa honored by Rotary
Dolly Quinn, owner of Dolly Quinn Salonspa, 6823 E. Camino Principal, was honored June 4 by the Rotary Club of Tucson. She has exceeded the Rotary requirements for the "Four Way Test," in her community contributions, including her participation since 1989 to the "Look Good ... Feel Better" program of the American Cancer Society, she said in a news release.
Biz awards - BFC honored
BeachFleischman has been named one of 2014 Best Public Accounting Firms for Women by the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance and American Woman’s Society of Certified Public Accountants.
The “Best Firms” were among the 50 that participated in the 2014 Accounting MOVE Project, which measures the status of women in the accounting profession. A key factor in the rankings was the proportion of women partners.
At BeachFleischman, women comprise 32 percent of partners and principals, "reflecting an accelerated rate of promotions", the company said in a news release. The company says it is Arizona’s largest locally owned CPA firm.
Biz awards - Leadership
Greater Tucson Leadership presented its graduating class of 2014 in a June 12 ceremony. They are:
Paul Casertano, Pima Association of Governments;
Jason Cook, Tucson Metro Chamber;
Karyn Damschen, Retirement Navigators;
Patrick Dooley, Sundt Construction;
Marcus Diaz, Casino Del Sol;
Charles Everett, Raytheon Missile Systems;
Jessica Galow, Carondelet Foundation;
Katie Grogan, Focus HR, Inc.;
Jennifer Harris, Long Realty Co.;
Nicola Hartmann, San Miguel High School;
Heather Hiscox, Seven Degrees Consulting;
Eliza Holland, UA Health Network;
Amanda Iverson, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC;
Allie Jones, Northwestern Mutual;
Matt Landon, Hacienda Del Sol;
Kelly Lensink, Bank of America;
Donna Lewandowski, Arizona State University;
Meredith Lipscomb, Junior League of Tucson;
Amber Mazzei, American Lung Association;
Linda McCollum, Pima County Attorney’s Office;
Laura Nagore, Tucson Metro Chamber;
Anne Rounds, Ronald McDonald House Charities;
Brett Rustand, Crest Insurance;
Jerusha Schmalzel, Tucson Symphony Orchestra;
Francine Schooling, Tohono O’odham Gaming Entertainment;
Jeffrey Scott, Picor Commercial Real Estate Services;
Lesah Sesma-Gay, Casino Del Sol;
Debby Shively, UA Bookstores;
Milton Soditch, BE Aerospace;
Diana Valenzuela, Casa de la Luz Hospice;
Hilary Van Alsburg, Humane Society of Southern Arizona;
Jerah Yassine, TREO
Biz awards - Sunnyside
Sunnyside Unified School District award winners.
Sunnyside Unified School District received the Association of School Business Officials International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting award for having met or exceeded the program’s standards for financial reporting and accountability.
The district was recognized for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending 2013.
Biz awards - Press
Great Potential Press receives a book award in New York.
A book from Tucson-based Great Potential Press has been awarded the Independent Publisher Book Award gold medal May 28 in New York City.
Dan Peters, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, is the author of "Make Your Worrier a Warrior" and the companion book "From Worrier to Warrior" published by Great Potential Press. They "examine the epidemic of worry and anxiety among adults and kids. The books provide useful methods to battle and tame the Worry Monster that threatens anyone with anxiety."
Great Potential Press says it is one of four companies in the United States specializing in publishing books and materials focusing on gifted and talented children and adults.
Biz awards - Bass
Patti Bass
Bass & Associates, P.C., is ranked 83rd in the 2014 Training Top 125, Training magazine’s annual ranking of the top companies with employer-sponsored workforce training and development.
Bass & Associates earned higher ratings than corporations that include New York Life Insurance, with nearly 9,000 employees, and Kimberly-Clark Corporation, with 58,000 employees globally, it said in a news release.
Bass & Associates, a nationwide, woman-owned, small business collections and bankruptcy law firm based in Tucson, was the smallest company to receive the honor.
Patti H. Bass, president and CEO, accepted the award with training and development Manager Andy Hoskins.
Biz awards - Keegan
Carla Keegan
Carla Keegan was recently recognized as the Anne Eve-Johnson Award recipient from the Junior League of Tucson, Inc. The annual award recognizes one sustaining member who has made significant contributions to the community as a volunteer.
Keegan was also recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Southern Arizona Chapter as its 2013 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, she said in a news release.
Biz awards - Ozeri
Writer Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri
The Arizona Jewish Post won a first place Simon Rockower Award for Excellence in Jewish Journalism from the American Jewish Press Association.
The article by freelance writer Nancy Ben-Asher Ozeri, which chronicled Southern Arizona’s first “Firefighters Without Borders” mission to Israel in October, won an excellence in feature writing award.
Biz awards - Torch
Commercial Cleaning and Restoration award winners
Commercial Cleaning and Restoration, locally owned and operated by Richard and Margret Huebner, is a 2014 BBB Torch Award Winner for Customer Excellence and a 2013 Copper Cactus Finalist for Business Growth.
"We place as much importance on customer relationship training as any technical skills required to perform an outstanding job," Margret Huebner said in a news release.
Biz awards - Grill
Tucson Grill Cleaning award winners
Tucson Grill Cleaning LLC was awarded the 2014 SAHBA Spring Home Show's Most Innovative New Product, earning a free booth at the Fall Home Show, proprieter Ron Beaton said in a news release.
Biz awards - Auletta
Tari Auletta receives her award from Tucson Realty & Trust president and CEO Hank Amos.
Tari Auletta was awarded the Sharon Semon Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award May 7 at Tucson Realty & Trust Co.’s annual awards meeting.
The award to recognize individuals for exceptional community service, in memory of the late Sharon Semon, who spent many years with Tucson Realty & Trust Co. and contributed to the Tucson community. The traveling award passed from last year’s recipient, Pat Darcy, to Auletta.
Auletta has volunteered with Greater Tucson Leadership, Easter Seals Blake Foundation, Tucson Centers for Women & Children and many other groups.
Biz awards - Beiter
Hospital leaders’ list includes Beiter again
Dr. Amy Beiter, president and CEO of Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, was highlighted for a second year as one of the “100 Physician Leaders of Hospitals and Health Systems” in the United States by Becker’s Hospital Review for a second year.
Beiter is one of two doctors who are also administrative leaders at Arizona hospitals and one of 10 women in the country on the list, Carondelet said in a news release.
City Court
Tucson City Court.
Universal Avionics wins manufacturing award