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BlueCross BlueSheild of Arizona Best Place to Work
The Best Place to Work Award is given to a business that has honest leadership with a clear vision and identity. Employees want to know where the company is pointed, what the company believes in and what everyone is working toward. They provide “flexible” growth for employees and a culture of collaboration. Great places to work are open about how the company is performing and craves honest feedback from its employees. They hire passionate people. And most of all these businesses create a fun atmosphere.
CopperPoint Small Business Leader of the Year
One outstanding leader will be recognized as the CopperPoint Small Business Leader of the Year. To qualify, the nominee must be an owner/manager actively engaged in daily operations; have demonstrated productivity in sales, expansion, organizational growth and influence; routinely exhibits creativity and innovation in anticipating and responding to changing business conditions; and be meaningfully active in community service.
Business Growth (Sponsorship Available)
This award is judged on a company’s gross revenue, employee and compensation expenditure growth and how the company has faced challenges. They lead by example and find new and inventive ways to reach and engage their workforce. They support their employees, grow their employees, and most importantly, listen to them. Through these practices their business succeeds in showing how their sales increased over a two-year period and how their management structure, work environment, along with their products and/or services led to their company’s growth.
IT Solutions Innovation Innovation
From professional culture to products and services – innovation multiplies the inertia of growth. Sometimes that energy can be scary and uncertain – propelling you into uncharted waters without a compass or a flashlight. Other times it brings breakthroughs and exhilaration. Always, innovation moves you from where you used to be to someplace in the future. This award honors businesses who are catalytic, innovative, maybe even scare themselves, all while moving forward.
Tech Parks Arizona Start Up of the Year
The Startup of the Year winner will demonstrate a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance, innovation, creativity and determination. To be considered startup teams must show that their venture solves a true problem for a group of customers. They may have a tangible product, technology or customer service system. Moreover, they will show how their innovation contributes to the community and has or will have an impact worldwide.
Diversity & Inclusion Champion (Sponsorship Available)
An outstanding small business will be recognized for its commitment to building a workforce that reflects the rich diversity in the communities in which we live, work, and play. They are places where all are encouraged and empowered to thrive as their most authentic selves. They nurture a culture of belonging and actively mitigate barriers to growth opportunities. As an effective and visible leader, they are setting the example for others to follow and making Tucson and Southern Arizona better every day.
Tucson Electric Power Social Impact
This award recognizes a nonprofit group that has made a significant contribution to Southern Arizona. In 2024 special emphasis will be noted to those organizations who are making social impact in our local community. We define social impact as having a positive effect on people and communities that happens as a result of an action, activity, project, program or policy. The winner in this category will demonstrate how they improved the quality of life for the individuals they serve specifically over the last year through their programs, services, and effective management. Organizations must also show how they provide an excellent work environment and culture for their employees, as well as stay current with emerging trends in their field of work. Successful candidates will explain how their contributions positively impact the local economy, and how they communicate their success to the general public. Please be very concise and specific when answering the questions, as your submission is being compared against all other entrants in this category.
Employer/Employee Development (Sponsorship Available) (1)
This award is given to a company that demonstrates leadership and can be considered a best practice in creating, offering and advancing internships, externships, tuition reimbursement programs and/or work-based learning programs. All companies have a shared responsibility to further develop the skills of their employees and these businesses are the true champions for people in today’s challenging and complex labor market.
The Shirley Wilka Perseverance Award
The Shirley Wilka Perseverance Award honors a woman who started working at Tucson Metro Chamber as a high school intern in 1971 and continued to work at the Chamber for 50 consecutive years. This award was created to celebrate her legacy as well as to recognize other hardworking, loyal and resilient individuals.
Minority Owned Business (Sponsorship Available)
One outstanding leader from a minority-owned business will be recognized as the Minority Owned Business of the Year. To be eligible, the nominee must be a minority owner/manager actively involved in day-to-day operations. They should have showcased remarkable achievements in sales, expansion, organizational development, and influence within their community. Additionally, they must consistently demonstrate creativity and innovation in adapting to evolving business landscapes while actively engaging in meaningful community service initiatives.
Woman Owned Business (Sponsorship Available)
In celebration of women entrepreneurs, we will be honoring an exceptional leader who embodies the spirit of innovation and achievement in business. To qualify for this recognition, the nominee must be a woman owner/manager actively involved in daily operations. She should have demonstrated outstanding productivity in sales, expansion, and organizational growth while also showing creativity and innovation in adapting to evolving business landscapes. Additionally, her commitment to community service should be noteworthy and impactful.
Elevate Your Impact: Apply Now for Recognition in Excellence!
BlueCross BlueSheild of Arizona
Best Place to Work
Apply for the Best Place to Work Award if your business fosters honest leadership, clear vision, flexible growth, and a fun, collaborative culture.
CopperPoint
Small Business Leader of the Year
Apply now if your business showcases financial stability, fosters passion, cultivates lasting partnerships, and maintains a positive reputation.
Business Growth
Apply now to showcase your company's growth strategy: Highlight revenue, employee development, innovative leadership, and effective workforce engagement for a chance to win.
IT Solutions
Innovation
Apply to showcase your business's innovation in culture, products, and services. Recognize transformative moves into the future.
Tech Parks Arizona
Start Up of the Year
Apply to show entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, community impact, and global potential by solving real problems for customers.
Employer/Employee Development
Apply for recognizing leadership in creating and advancing impactful learning programs. Champions in today's complex labor market.
Tucson Electric Power
Social Impact
Apply for the Nonprofit Award, recognizing significant community impact, empowerment, and a commitment to employee and public well-being.
The Shirley Wilka Perseverance Award
Nominate someone for a legacy of dedication, honoring hardworking, loyal, and resilient individuals.
Inclusion Champion
Apply for Diversity Excellence: Small businesses fostering inclusive cultures, breaking barriers, and leading for a better Tucson and Southern Arizona.
Minority Owned Business
Minority business owners who lead with innovation, drive sales, foster growth, and engage in impactful community service are eligible for the Minority Owned Business of the Year award
Woman Owned Business
Women entrepreneurs who actively lead and innovate in their businesses, driving sales, expansion, and community impact, are eligible for this recognition.
2023 winners
Gibson and InterOcean Capital Best Place to Work
3 to 50 employees
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Community Investment Corporation
51 to 300 employees
- PVB Fabrications
CopperPoint Small Business Leader of the Year
- Sonoran Stitch Factory – Erica Yngve
Business Growth
- AZC Drug Testing / Oschmann Employee Screening Services
The Shirley Wilka Perseverance Award
- Nextrio, LLC – Cathryn Murrow
IT Solutions Innovation
3 to 50 employees
- Delta Development Team Inc
Tech Parks Arizona Start Up of the Year
- Regal Fierce Media
Tucson Electric Power Social Impact
Up - $2,000,000 Revenue
- Ben's Bells
$2,000,000 - + Revenue
- Higher Ground
Frequently asked questions about the application process.
Q: What if my business is nominated in more than one category?
A: You must select one category that suits you best and only fill out that one application.
Q: I wasn't nominated, but I would like to fill out an application. Is that okay?
A: Yes! Sometimes people miss the nomination deadline but they still want to be involved in this event.
Q: What materials or supporting documentation will be needed?
A: The applications have space for uploading up to three supporting documents. Adding them is encouraged but not mandatory. The choice of what to upload is up to the applicant.
Q: Do I have to be a Tucson Metro Chamber member to apply or win?
A: No. We welcome the entire Southern Arizona business community.
Q: How are finalists selected?
A: We have a panel of independent judges who generously volunteer to read and score the applications. The applicants with the top three scores become finalists (sometimes there are four finalists if there is a tie). The winner for each category will be revealed at the Copper Cactus Awards, presented by Wells Fargo, in person at the Casino Del Sol on Friday, September 22 at 5:00 p.m.
Q: Can we buy individual seats, an entire table or become a sponsor?
A: Of course! Click here to register online.