Champions of Innovation awards salute moving the economic needle forward
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The Partnership for Economic Innovation, a collective of business and community leaders is announcing the winners of its inaugural Arizona Champions of Innovation Awards.
Arizona Sen. Christine Marsh; Sen. T.J. Shope; Arizona Rep. Justin Willmeth; and Rep. Marcelino Quiñonez were recognized for their outstanding leadership and contributions to promoting innovation and strategic economic growth in Arizona, according to a press release.
“Each legislator that we are recognizing this year has made a significant impact on the lives of Arizonans, and we are proud to honor them with this award,” said John Graham, chairman and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings and president of the Board for the Partnership for Economic Innovation. “We hope that their achievements will inspire others to follow in their footsteps and work towards creating a more innovative and prosperous Arizona.”
Winners of the AZ Champions of Innovation Awards were selected by a committee of PEI board members based on the criteria that each awardee demonstrated an understanding of Arizona’s innovation economy, representatives of the effort say. In addition award criteria includes:
- showcased their commitment to growing innovation in Arizona;
- championed support for building world-class education institutions in Arizona; and
- demonstrated leadership for driving industry-led solutions that address challenges faced by Arizona businesses.
Champions of Innovation awards salutes moving the economic needle forward
Through applied research, researchers and startups that want to validate and commercialize emerging technologies can more quickly get their innovative products to market and begin impacting lives.
“These legislators’ support of an innovation friendly environment and budget priorities is setting Arizona up for success that will make a significant impact on our quality of life for years to come,” said Wes Gullett, director of operations for the WearTech and Blockchain Applied Research Centers. “Their shared value of improving the economy through local Arizona businesses will create an ecosystem that supports the development of new ideas and technologies and helps entrepreneurs turn their visions into realities.”
The Partnership for Economic Innovation’s board of directors consists of some of the state’s most prominent business and policy leaders, including:
- Mr. Graham, president and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings;
- Chris Camacho, president and CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council;
- Chris Zaharis, executive VP of Empire Southwest;
- Neil Giuliano, president and CEO of Greater Phoenix Leadership;
- Brad Jannenga, founder and executive chairman of Chassi;
- Darcy Renfro, vice chancellor, community, government relations, and economic development, Maricopa County Community College District;
- Paul Luna, president and CEO of Helios Education Foundation;
- Grace O’Sullivan, VP corporate engagement and strategic partnerships, Arizona State University; and
- David Rousseau, president of Salt River Project.
