Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce announces
2023 History Hall of Fame inductees
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The Past Presidents’ Council of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce has named the 2023 inductees for the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame event to be held Thursday, May 18, 2023.
The event, which is in its 28th year, honors individuals, local companies, and qualified nonprofit organizations, is presented by event sponsor, the Scottsdale Charros, according to a press release.
Over the past 28 years, the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce has inducted 143 Scottsdale leaders and 29 organizations into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame. These individuals and organizations have had an immeasurable impact on the rich heritage of Scottsdale, dating back to its modern-day founding in 1888 by Army Chaplain Winfield Scott.
The event honors the people and organizations who have contributed so greatly to the legacy of making the City of Scottsdale one of the “best cities to live” in the Nation. The 2023 inductees are:
Sandy Bruner – Volunteer Docent at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West and member of their marketing committee and scholar programs. Volunteer with Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak, HonorHealth Honor Ball Committee and the Franciscan Renewal Center. Recipient of the Spirit of Literacy Award from the Scottsdale Public Library in 2021. Active in numerous political campaigns and former delegate to the RNC.
Phil Carlson – President/CEO of Scottsdale Chamber from 1989-2002 and past board member American Chamber of Commerce Executives. Scottsdale Charro, past president of Scottsdale Rotary Club, and past LINKS board member. Father Phil is also an ordained member of St. Barnabas of the Desert.
Marion Kelley – Director of Community Affairs at Mayo Clinic since 2000, co-founder of Diversity Leadership Alliance, board member of Community Celebrating Diversity Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Chamber. National and regional healthcare advocate who received the Scottsdale Leadership Frank Hodges Award in 2017. He is also an accomplished opera singer.
Dr. James Schamadan – At 94, still a physician consultant to the VA. President/CEO of Scottsdale Memorial Health Systems (now HonorHealth) from 1982 to 1992, advancing the emergency medicine and outpatient surgery departments at the Osborn Campus, opening the Shea Campus, and establishing the Scottsdale Memorial Hospital Foundation. Served as director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. Became an Air Force pilot at Williams AFB in 1951 and pioneered air ambulance service in Arizona. His medical innovations are internationally recognized, and he and his wife, Nancy, are generous donors to numerous Scottsdale organizations.
Parada Del Sol Parade – Started in 1951 by the Scottsdale Chamber and Scottsdale Riding Club as the Sunshine Festival, it featured a parade, square dance and BBQ. The Scottsdale Jaycees took over in 1954, and renamed it the Parada del Sol, and added the rodeo in 1956. The Parada provided volunteer and support opportunities to residents and businesses during Western Week, the Parada parade and countless other affiliated events. The Parada is Scottsdale’s oldest continuously held community event.
The Parada Del Sol Parade is now produced by the Scottsdale Charros organization.
Scottsdale Airport – Opened in 1942 as Thunderbird II Airfield (T-2) to train Army Aviation cadets for WWII. Operated by Arizona State College as a vocational training school from 1947 to 1951. Acquired by Seventh Day Adventists in 1953 for use as its Thunderbird Academy Boarding and Day School (still operating). Opened as Scottsdale Municipal Airport in June 1967 after Elder Daniel Butherus made land and available to city. Today, it is the busiest single runway airport in the U.S., having a significant impact on Scottsdale’s economy, tourism and special events. It is the catalyst for the surrounding Scottsdale Airpark – one of the top 3 employment centers in Arizona.
