TUCSON, AZ – The Arizona Chamber Executives (ACE), managed by the Greater Phoenix Chamber, recently held its annual conference in Oro Valley, where nearly 75 chamber executives and staff members gathered for professional and community development and to celebrate excellence in the chamber industry. At the event, the awards ceremony recognized outstanding chambers and individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through exceptional programs, advocacy, and leadership.
"Chambers across Arizona continue to lead efforts that strengthen our economy, support local businesses, and improve our communities,” said Sarah Watts, President & CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Arizona Chamber Executives. “Through advocacy, workforce development, and meaningful partnerships, they are helping build stronger communities and a more competitive Arizona. ACE is proud to recognize the outstanding programs and leaders making a lasting impact through this year’s awards."
2026 AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Excellence in Advocacy Award: The Chandler Chamber of Commerce was awarded the Excellence in Advocacy Award for directly introducing Representative Greg Stanton to FALCO as part of its ongoing effort to connect local business leaders with lawmakers and arranging a tour of FALCO's Chandler manufacturing facility. That introduction and tour gave Stanton firsthand exposure to the real cost impact of aluminum tariffs on a small Chandler manufacturer. The Chamber-facilitated introduction led directly to national media attention. The story reached the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which interviewed FALCO's COO and featured the story as an example of how local chambers can drive meaningful advocacy on national trade and tariff issues.
Outstanding Chamber Program Award (Two Winners):
- Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Community Shop Local Holiday Promotion
- Prescott Chamber - Prescott CARES: Rent, Utility & Business-Stability Assistance
Oro Valley's Shop Local Holiday Ornament Hunt ran from Black Friday until Christmas Eve 2025, with 20 Oro Valley businesses participating. Following the campaign, 100% of participating businesses reported increased customer traffic, and 55% reported increased sales.
In partnership with the City of Prescott, the Prescott CARES program utilized HUD Community Development Block Grant funds to help low-income households, seniors, people with disabilities, working families and locally owned businesses remain stable through the pandemic and housing affordability crisis. Concluding in March of 2026, the program supported 20 businesses, helped retain 105 jobs, and assisted 45 households.
Outstanding Membership Engagement Strategy Award: The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce was honored with the Outstanding Membership Engagement Strategy Award for the creation of the Chamber Champions program to develop a more sustainable, relationship-driven approach centered on flexibility, personalization, and meaningful connections.
Community Collaboration Award: The Prescott Chamber of Commerce was awarded the Community Collaboration Award for its GRyT: "Thriving by Choice" initiative that brought together other chambers, municipalities, and the private sector to implement a shared Western Yavapai County strategy for small business growth, workforce and talent, housing solutions, and more to promote long-term economic resilience.
Together, they secured a $225,000 USDA Rural Business Development grant and another $115,000 in in-kind support to support these efforts.
Industry Leadership Award: Kristen Sharp, President & CEO of the Greater Oro Valley Chamber, received the Industry Leadership Award. Since becoming President & CEO in October 2022, Kristen has transformed the Greater Oro Valley Chamber into a strong player in economic development and civic engagement.
Emerging Leader Award: Carly Wakefield, Vice President of Workforce Development & Government Relations with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, was honored with the Emerging Leader Award. In this role, Carly leads the Chandler Chamber's entire workforce portfolio and has driven measurable growth across the Chamber's programming.
Chamber Champion Award: Ashley Carroll, Membership & Engagement Director with the West Valley Regional Chamber, received the Chamber Champion Award. Ashley has worked to modernize the member experience with a comprehensive onboarding and member engagement plan to better support the Chamber’s new members.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Sheri Heiney, President & CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and Foundation and Chino Valley Area Chamber, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinguished award recognized Sheri's lifelong dedication to chamber service and her profound impact on Arizona's chamber industry.
For more information about the Arizona Chamber Executives and its annual conference, please visit https://arizonachamberexecs.com.
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About the Arizona Chamber Executives (ACE)
Arizona Chamber Executives provides a forum to enhance the professional development of chamber executives and staff, to support efforts of state, regional, national, and professional organizations that support ACE goals, and to provide an avenue for all Arizona chambers to work together on local, state, and federal issues. The Greater Phoenix Chamber has managed the Arizona Chamber Executives since 2017.
