Chamber gala channels 'Old Hollywood' with red carpet, cigars and champagne

It was a who’s who. We had people from government and corporations, and then some very successful small-business owners were there that wanted to be part of it.”

Jeffrey Campos

Awards

West Valley Regional Chamber announces 2026 gala winners

A vintage car, red carpet and glasses of champagne welcomed hundreds of guests to the West Valley Regional Chamber’s annual awards gala Sept. 11 at The Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park.

The “Old Hollywood” theme carried through an evening that began with a cocktail reception during which business owners, corporate representatives and elected officials mingled in suits and evening gowns.

“We were sold out two months before the event,” chamber CEO Jeffrey Campos said, adding plans for the evening began about six months in advance.

The guest list included State Rep. Steve Montenegro, Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo, who won the award for outstanding public official, and Surprise City Council members Nick Haney and Patrick Duffy.

Representatives from major companies, including BNSF and PepsiCo, mixed with local entrepreneurs such as Daphnie Kelly, founder and owner of Modern Grind.

“It was a who’s who,” Campos said. “We had people from government and corporations, and then some very successful small-business owners were there that wanted to be part of it.”

After the reception, guests moved into the ballroom for dinner and a presentation recognizing nine award recipients for accomplishments in business, education, community impact, public service and leadership.

Coffee followed the ceremony, but the night was far from over. Guests returned to the ballroom’s dance floor, where several joined in the “Cha Cha Slide.” Others gathered on the patio for complimentary cigars.

Campos said his favorite part came near the end of the evening, when he could reflect on the event’s success while his family danced.

“Savoring that whole success afterward was really nice,” he said.

Many attendees remained at the Wigwam until nearly midnight.

“People didn’t want to leave,” Campos said, joking that organizers eventually “had to throw them out.”

The night offered a rare glimpse of West Valley business and civic leaders setting aside the formality of their titles and enjoying an evening in the old Hollywood spotlight.

Editors Note: Independent Newsmedia is a member of the West Valley Regional Chamber

Noah Flug
Reporter | Litchfield Park and Goodyear

nflug@iniusa.org

Community: Litchfield Park and Goodyear

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Digital Audiences from Arizona State University

Random Fact: I only have one biological cousin.

Hobbies: Watching movies and TV, spending time with my friends, aspiring stoic.