The Black Chamber of Arizona recently announce Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Bank of America as its 2025 corporate honorees.

Bank of America will be given the Community Impact Award and Phoenix Sky Harbor will receive the Innovation & Regional Impact Award at the chamber’s 27th Anniversary Pinnacle Pathways Gala, presented by Arizona State University and Arizona Public Service, on Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Conference Center, 9495 W. Entertainment Blvd. 

“At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, we’re proud to be a supporter of the Black Chamber of Arizona,” stated Aviation Director Chad Makovsky in a press release. “These partnerships also allow us to provide local businesses with the tools to successfully access business opportunities with the airport and showcase the best of our community. It’s an absolute honor to receive the distinguished Innovation & Regional Impact Award recognizing our efforts to continuously innovate and partner with our community.” 

This year’s honorees exemplify the chamber’s mission to foster economic opportunity, innovation and inclusive growth across Arizona.

In 2025 alone, the Black Chamber of Arizona and its corporate partners: 

• Secured $5 million in capital for entrepreneurs 
• Increased $1.5 million aggregate in member sales 
• Helped launch or scale more than 1,200 businesses 
• Created more than 500 jobs 

“We are deeply honored to receive the Community Impact Award. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering economic opportunity and supporting the success of businesses and entrepreneurs across the Valley,” stated Scott Vanderpool, president, Bank of America Phoenix, in a press release. “At Bank of America, we believe that when local businesses thrive, communities flourish — and we remain dedicated to being a steadfast partner in that journey.”  

The Pinnacle Pathways Gala serves as the chamber’s signature annual fundraiser, supporting programs in youth development, small business expansion, workforce readiness, and justice-impacted entrepreneurship.

This year’s theme, “Resilience & Regional Impact,” reflects a commitment to economic growth and statewide collaboration.  

“Honoring Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Bank of America at this year’s gala highlights the power of collaboration and the positive impact these organizations have on our business community,” said Dr. Velma Trayham, president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. “Together, we are advancing economic growth and creating opportunity for generations to come.” 

For information on the gala, sponsorships or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.blackchamberaz.org/ or email info@blackchamberaz.com. 

Founded in 1995, the Black Chamber of Arizona advocates for economic growth and entrepreneurship across the state. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy and innovative programming, the chamber supports thousands of businesses in driving wealth creation and community advancement.