Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing to mark a milestone with its 40th Annual Sterling Awards on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort. More than two-thirds of available tickets have already been sold, according to a press release.
For 40 years, the Sterling Awards have recognized organizations for leadership, innovation, professional achievement and community involvement. The anniversary event will celebrate that legacy while recognizing individuals and organizations contributing to Scottsdale’s business community, according to a press release.
“Forty years is an extraordinary milestone, not just for the Sterling Awards, but for the business community that has made this tradition possible,” said Mark Stanton, president and CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. “This celebration is about recognizing the entrepreneurs, innovators, employers, and community champions who make Scottsdale such a remarkable place to live and do business. We’re inviting the entire business community to join us in honoring that legacy and celebrating the organizations that are building our future.”
Milestone event to spotlight finalists and award winners
The Chamber is encouraging attendees to embrace the occasion with red-carpet-inspired attire while joining business and community leaders for an afternoon of networking, recognition and celebration.
Guests will have the opportunity to connect with members of Scottsdale’s business community and learn which organizations will receive 2026 Sterling Awards honors.
A featured element of the program will be the premiere of videos produced by Sunhaus Media highlighting each finalist, their accomplishments and their community contributions. Award recipients will be announced live during the ceremony, and winners will remain confidential until that time.
The 2026 awards program also includes a change to its nonprofit recognition categories. The former nonprofit category has been divided into Small Nonprofit and Large Nonprofit, increasing the total number of award categories to five and creating separate recognition opportunities for organizations of different sizes and missions.
Fourteen finalists are competing for the 2026 Sterling Awards:
Micro Business (presented by Justworks)
Small Business (presented by Choose Scottsdale)
Big Business (presented by APS)
Small Non-Profit (presented by Prestige Cleaners)
- Hope Women’s Center, Inc.
- Scottsdale/Paradise Valley Family YMCA
- Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
Big Non-Profit (presented by Scottsdale Industrial Development Authority)
The finalists were selected through a review process involving 34 Chamber-member volunteers, many of whom previously participated in the program as nominees. The evaluation included application reviews, site visits and interviews with organizational representatives. Final scores have been submitted, and award recipients will remain confidential until they are announced during the ceremony.
The event will also include the announcement of the 2027 Scottsdale History Hall of Fame inductees, which will be revealed at the conclusion of the awards program.
“The Sterling Awards are about more than recognizing outstanding businesses. They’re about bringing our community together,” said Stephanie Miller, executive director of programs and events for the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our sponsors help make this tradition possible, and this 40th anniversary is an especially meaningful opportunity for organizations to demonstrate their support for the people and businesses driving Scottsdale forward.”
