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The Sky Islands Regional Partnership's Annual Awards honors outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals who promote growth and prosperity in our community.

2023 Ambassador of the

Year

Anita Querino, Director, Kiwanis Club of Sierra Vista, San Pedro

The Ambassador of the Year award recognizes one of the Sky Islands Regional Partnership Ambassadors who exemplifies outstanding participation in Partnership events and is willing to help and engage with initiatives that support the awareness and growth of the Partnership and its members. 

2023 Small Business of the Year

Budget Blinds

The Small Business of the Year Award is given to celebrate the achievements of a business that is growing in our community, actively supports local businesses, organizations, projects and committees, while providing excellent customer service and maintaining a team of fewer than 50 employees.


  1. Nominee must be an active business operating within Southern Arizona.
  2. Nominee must be a member in good standing with the Regional Partnership.
  3. Nominee must have been in business for at least 5 years.
  4. Nominee must be an independently-owned business.
  5. Nominee must have demonstrated one or more of the following characteristics:


  • Revenue growth and/or job growth.
  • 50 or fewer employees
  • Innovative products or services
  • Provides exemplary customer service
  • Encourages and provides professional development of staff.
  • Volunteers in Southern Arizona


2023 Large Business of the Year

Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative

The Large Business Award is given to an organization growing in market share, growing in sales, creating more jobs for our community, and giving back in a way that helps make our community thrive. We will recognize a business with over 50 employees that has made positive changes in Southern Arizona within the past year.


  1. Nominee must be an active business operating within Southern Arizona.
  2. Nominee must be a member in good standing with the Regional Partnership.
  3. Nominee must have been in business for at least 5 years.
  4. Nominee must have demonstrated one or more of the following characteristics:


  • Revenue and / or jobs growth / creation
  • 50 or more employees.
  • Innovative products or services
  • Provides exemplary customer service.
  • Encourages and provides professional development of staff
  • Volunteers in Southern Arizona


2023 Emerging Business of the Year Synergy HomeCare of Sierra Vista

The Sky Islands Regional Partnership has been fortunate to welcome new businesses throughout the last 65 years, businesses started by enterprising, enthusiastic, and passionate businesspeople. The Emerging Business of the Year Award looks at those businesses that are in their first five years and recognizes one that is emblematic of tenacity, vision, and strong business practices.


  1. Nominee must be an active business operating within Southern Arizona.
  2. Nominee must be a member in good standing with the Regional Partnership.
  3. Nominee must have been in business less than 5 years.
  4. Nominee must be an independently owned business.
  5. Nominee must have demonstrated one or more of the following characteristics:


  • Revenue growth and/or job growth.
  • 20 or fewer employees
  • Innovative products or services
  • Provides exemplary customer service.
  • Encourages and provides professional development of staff (Should they have staff).
  • Volunteers in Southern Arizona


2023 Community Impact Award

Salvation Army, Sierra Vista Corps.

The Community Impact Award is given to a nonprofit organization making a meaningful difference in our community through innovative, creative and compassionate programs, services and initiatives.


  1. Nominee must be a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization operating within Southern Arizona.
  2. Nominee must be a member in good standing with the Regional Partnership.
  3. Nominee must have been in business more than 5 years.
  4. Nominee must have demonstrated one or more of the following characteristics:


  • Revenue growth and/or job growth.
  • Innovative products or services
  • Provides exemplary customer service.
  • Encourages and provides professional development of staff (Should they have staff).
  • Volunteers in Southern Arizona


2023 Excellence in Leadership

Jay Hamwright, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Sierra Vista

The Excellence in Leadership award recognizes those who, regardless of their role within an organization, demonstrate an aptitude for and commitment to professional growth while providing leadership within the community that is impactful, effective, motivational, and consistent.


  1. Nominee must have At least 5 years of service in the community
  2. Nominee must demonstrate leadership and commitment to the success of their organization and community.
  3. Nominee must have demonstrated one or more of the following characteristics:


  • Involved in community projects, initiatives, and organizations.
  • Demonstrates a high level of initiative, responsibility, and resourcefulness within their community/organization.
  • Develops trust and credibility through open, respectful communication and provides a sense of purpose, vision, and mission for their peers and/or staff by investing time and effort in developing others.
  • Positively influences others to build consensus in group, departmental or organizational settings and Inspires others to work collaboratively and creatively.
  • Champions change effectively through formal or informal leadership.


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