West Valley Regional Chamber announces 2026 gala winners

The West Valley Regional Chamber named its 2026 award recipients  Sept. 11, recognizing businesses, nonprofits, schools and community leaders during its annual Awards Gala at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park.

Chamber President and CEO Jeffrey Campos told attendees the region’s growth is driven by the people and organizations willing to invest in the West Valley.

“Our region continues to grow, and with the growth comes incredible opportunities,” Campos said. “It’s the business owners who take a chance and build something from the ground up. It’s the organizations and individuals who continue to invest their time and energy.”

“You represent the very best of the West Valley,” he added. “Tonight is your night.”

Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers received the Community Impact Award. Helping One Woman Goodyear and Northwest Valley YMCA were the other finalists.

PepsiCo was named Corporate Advocate of the Year, selected from a field that also included Blue Cross Blue Shield and Sun Health.

Tolleson Elementary School District received the Education Partner of the Year Award. Arizona State University and West-MEC were also finalists.

The Wigwam, which hosted the gala, received the Excellence in Business Award. Credit Union West and Modern Grind rounded out the category.

Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project shared the Industrial Impact Award, with AES also named a finalist.

Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo was named Outstanding Public Official. El Mirage Councilmember Ryan Eldridge and Surprise Councilmember Nick Haney were the other finalists.

“When I heard I won this award I thought to myself, finally,” Pizzillo joked while accepting the award.

The Rising Star Award went to the COSIC Education Foundation. Desert Lights and Somos Al Natural La Michoacana were the other finalists.

Serina Valdez received the Spirit of the Chamber Award, selected from a field that also included Greg Garcia and Rob Lamb.

To close the ceremony, the chamber presented its President’s Award to Brian Ellison of Black Box Consulting.

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.