The Peoria Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet, sponsored by APS, honored a variety of business and community leaders held recently inside the beautiful Kiva Room at Trilogy at Vistancia. Emcees Michael Gallagher and Mark Austin kept the evening flowing while attendees were entertained by music from Come Back Buddy, and dined on delicious food from Texas Roadhouse.   

Arizona Public Service was named Business of the Year. APS was recognized for their outstanding participation in chamber events, their strong support and proactive force in the community and overall involvement with the chamber and City of Peoria.  
 
Member of the Year went to Chuck Strange of Max Save Card. Members chose him for his can-do attitude, his committee volunteerism, business referrals and as a strong advocate for chamber businesses.  

The Community Service Award was awarded to Gina Kowacz of Hawkeye’s Heart. The non-profit was recognized for their impact on improving neighborhoods, helping organize the painting and landscaping of Peoria homes, providing clothing and food for less fortunate families and their participation in Relay for Life.

Hands of Hope, a non-profit organization that offers a new beginning for women and children of domestic violence was awarded Non-Profit of the Year. Volunteer of the Year award was awarded to Dee Baginski of Met Life Insurance for her volunteer spirit, chairing several committees and service to the chamber. Aide Meraz’ of Automotive Dynamics received the New Member award (member for less than one year) for her can-do attitude and jumping into committees and getting things accomplishing and also presenting a first-time tennis tourney for the chamber. Monta Ewing of Westbrook Village and Doug and Verlene Gray were presented Appreciation plaques for supporting the chamber with their talents and valuable time whether its’ answering phones, sending out materials, greeting visitors and putting together chamber scrapebooks.    

 The Mayor’s Award was presented to Carolyn Dryer, editor of the Peoria Times. Mayor Barrett recognized Carolyn for her dedication to the City, and the extra work she does behind the scenes for the betterment of Peoria.   
Other businesses receiving awards were:  Gina Kowacz of Hawkeye’s Heart was awarded Director of the Year and the President’s Award was presented to Attorney Terry Mead of Mead and Associates for his guidance and commitment to the Chamber.
Mayor Barrett also introduced and installed the new Board of Directors for 2010-2011. They include:  Dee Baginski, Carlye Bartel, Jeanne Blackman, Scott Clark, Jim Dorr, Debbie Flores, Mike Heath, Gina Kowacz, Michelle Laurienti, Tony Owens, Steve Shmatko, Chuck Strange, George Thorne, Debbie Utz, and Charlene Young.
The evening was a great success and we contribute that to our sponsors and the committee.  Thank you to Executive Sponsor: Arizona Public Service; Partner Sponsors:  Trilogy at Vistancia, Hawkeye’s Construction and Salt River Project and Ambassador Sponsors include:  BBB Systems and M & I Bank, plus media sponsors:  Pueblo Publishing/Peoria Times and Daily News Sun.  The committee consisted of Jeanne Blackman, Gina Kowacz, Debbie Utz , Pamela Rusky, Patsy Ouye, Michelle Laurienti Ashley Dryer and Kathy Porter.
Congratulations to all the award recipients, thank you to our sponsor and committee and welcome to the new Board of Directors!