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Honor
Queen Creek chamber names business awards winners
Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
Schnepf Elementary School’s Cindy Thompson was named 2024 Educator of the Year during the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce's 15th annual Business Awards Dinner.
Posted
The Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce hosted its 15th annual Business Awards Dinner honoring local businesses, educators and residents.
The event took place Sept. 26.
Holly Dunn was named 2024 Volunteer of the Year, a chamber press release stated. She currently serves as the Queen Creek representative for JustServe, an organization that pairs individuals with volunteer opportunities in the community.
Dunn spends her time volunteering at Father McGivney Food Bank, Family International Watch and in her church.
Schnepf Elementary School’s Cindy Thompson was named 2024 Educator of the Year. She has more than 35 years of teaching experience.
“Beyond academics, Mrs. Thompson fosters a nurturing environment where students feel valued, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential. She instills in them the confidence to become strong leaders and the curiosity to explore the world around them. Her classroom is not just a place of learning; it's a sanctuary where students are empowered to dream big and chase their aspirations," wrote Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board President Jennifer Revolt in her nomination.
Minuteman Press was named 2024 Emerging Business of the Year. Minuteman Press is owned by Brian Crowe and offers traditional printing, such as flyers, postcards and brochures, promotional products for businesses and wide-format printing.
It is located at 22375 S. Scotland Court, near Ocotillo and Signal Butte roads.
Cold Stone Creamery was named 2024 Business of the Year. Joe Kolnick is the owner of the Cold Stone Creamery in Queen Creek and has been serving the community for 18 years.
"The owner makes a point to consistently give back to the community and promote the activities of local nonprofits. Joe never says no, he goes above and beyond, and his entire business and staff truly do the same," wrote Rebecca Atlee, a Queen Creek Realtor, in her nomination.
Nominees for Volunteer of the Year included Susan Scott and Ron Valerio; Educator of the Year nominees Kimberly Cowden and Kelli Gordon; Emerging Business of the Year nominees Mici Italian and Social Birdie; and Business of the Year nominees Jolt Event Rentals and Knockout Plumbing, the release continued.
“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees,” Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, stated in a press release. “This is never an easy process; we receive dozens of nominations, and narrowing it down is challenging; everyone is doing such great things in the community, and it’s these wonderful people and businesses that make Queen Creek a great place to live.”
