
Staff Reports | Business & Commerce
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce is naming the award winners of the Business Excellence Awards Annual Luncheon, which was presented by Southwest Airlines, honoring the accomplishments of local businesses within the Tempe business community.
“These amazing individuals and organizations truly reflect the heart of Tempe — their excellence, resilience, and innovation are what keep our economy moving forward,” said Tempe Chamber President & CEO, Robin Arredondo-Savage, in a prepared statement. “From large companies to small businesses and dedicated public servants, this year’s winners highlight the unique and dynamic spirit of our community. Their stories remind us what’s possible when we work hard, support one another, and keep pushing forward.”
The following awards were presented:
•Tempe Leadership Community Leader of the Year – Dr. Shereen Lerner
•Volunteer of the Year – NoRA Trevino
•Spirit of the Tempe – Nick Bastian
•Small Business of the Year – Dance 101
•Large Business of the Year – Big-D Construction
•Non-Profit of the Year – Arizona Theatre Company
•Innovation & Sustainability – Benchmark Electronics
•Cool Place to Work – Northbend
•First Responder of the Year – Officer Aaron Williams, Tempe Police Department
The sold-out event was presented by Southwest Airlines and held at Tempe’s Culinary Dropout with AZFamily’s Nicole Crites as the emcee.



















