The Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce honored two people and four organizations with Pinnacle Awards at an awards breakfast last week at the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort, 10000 N. Oracle Road.
Former Amphitheater Unified School District Superintendent Vicki Balentine received a standing ovation from the event's 200 attendees when she accepted the Legacy Award for her dedication to the school district and its students, said the chamber's president and CEO, Dave Perry.
Balentine retired in June after leading the district for 12 years. Perry said Balentine urged business leaders in her acceptance speech to maintain their support of education.
"I feel very honored, particularly having it come from the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce," Balentine said in a phone interview. "The chamber is (made up of) business leaders in their areas and certainly their recognition is of value. They have a strong understanding of the importance of schools in the community."
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The Community Leader of the Year award went to Bill Adler, who frequently speaks at Oro Valley Town Council meetings and is active in civic and arts initiatives in the area. Perry said Adler was modest when accepting his award, saying he never considered himself a leader.
"I'm described by other people as a troublemaker," Adler said half-jokingly in a phone interview. "I see myself as a very serious volunteer. I take things seriously. I do my homework and study the issues."
Walmart was named Large Business of the Year and Skin Care by Design was Small Business of the Year. Catalina Community Services won the Outstanding Nonprofit distinction. Casa de la Luz Hospice, which built two new buildings and renovated another structure, was Mid-size Business of the Year.
Announcements made
In addition to the awards, the chamber announced that Kathy Farmer of AAA Landscape is chairwoman. Sarah Adams of Oro Valley's Bedmart is chairwoman-elect. Kathleen Stupp of the Golf Villas is the secretary and real-estate agent Lyra Done will serve as treasurer.
The chamber also introduced new board members Becky Cappozzo (Cappozzo Family Chiropractic), Bill Chrysler (Hilton), Cindy Cole (Oro Valley Hospital), Neil Lautaret (Ventana Medical Systems Inc.) and Matt Markham (Arizona Daily Star).
University of Arizona Athletic Director Greg Byrne spoke at the Aug. 23 ceremony.
Contact reporter Phil Villarreal at 573-4130 or pvillarreal@azstarnet.com
