Celebrating continuing community growth and progress and recognizing outstanding community leaders and organizations was the theme of the second annual Prescott Chamber of Commerce Business Awards breakfast Oct. 17.
Organized by Sheri Heiney, president and CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, and members of the C of C staff and board, the event recognized those who have made significant contributions to the community.
D.J. Fone from Arizona’s Hometown Radio Group was master of ceremonies.
Particular recognition was given to the Prescott Area Young Professionals, a group of visionary young leaders who contribute their talents to the greater community. Those honored in 2019 were:
- Henry Ebarb, Eightfold Technology.
- Cody Anne Yarnes, Rent Right Management Solutions.
- Jesus Gutierrez, Stepping Stones Agency.
- Jessica Ebarb, Naked Eye Designs.
- Ben Hooper, Town of Prescott Valley Economic Development.
- Lindsay Quisenberry, Arizona Hometown Radio Group.
Other award recipients, by category, included:
- Ambassador of the Year: Bob Shanks, for his commitment to enhancing the mission of the Chamber of Commerce.
- Board Member of the Year: Justin Scott, for his years of service on the chamber’s board of directors.
- Bagdad Business Coalition of the Year: Yady Carpenter and Alice Jenkins for excellence in contributions to the Bagdad community.
- Woman of the Year: Cody Anne Yarnes, for inspiring others to strive for success and give back to the community.
- Educator of the Year: Mark Goligoski, principal at Prescott High School, who demonstrated excellence in his field.
- Emerging Business of the Year: Elaine Earle and Bea Lueck, from the ROX Media Group that publishes Prescott LIVING magazine and Prescott NOW! and several other City and Chamber publications in the area.
- Excellence in Business: Bob Been, founder-owner, Affinity RV, for overall contributions to the Chamber and to the community.
- Excellence in Dining: Skyler Reeves of the Barley Hound restaurant.
- Excellence in Arts & Culture: Pauline Gravier from the Mountain Artists Guild, the oldest art guild in Arizona.
- Excellence in Economic Development: Chris Collett of ADA Hotel Signs, for creating jobs and revitalizing a segment of the community.
- Excellence in Finance: Jill Normandin of Better Homes and Garden Real Estate Bloom Tree Realty, for outstanding professional services to clients.
- Excellence in Hospitality: Stanley Eastridge of the Hassayampa Inn for its contributions to the tourism industry through outstanding customer service.
- Excellence in Health Care: Leslie Horton, director, Yavapai County Community Health Services, for excellent health care professionalism.
- Excellence in Philanthropy: Jim Gunby of Dorn Homes in acknowledgment of contributions to the building community in enhancing the quality of life.
- Excellence in Small Business: Sean and Diane Babb, Pralines of Prescott, for overall outstanding contributions.
- Nonprofit of the Year: Kathi Terrell of Emmanuel Pine Camp for showing outstanding accomplishments in the community.
- Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: Grant Quezada and Jesse Burke, owners of John Hancock Barbershop, for being a major veteran-owned business that has a significant presence in the community.
A special award was given to Darla Deville, who represented Arizona Public Service, for the electric utility company’s contributions to the greater community.