Senator Christine Marsh, Senator T.J. Shope, Representative Justin Willmeth, and Representative Marcelino Quiñonez were recognized for their outstanding leadership and contributions to promoting innovation and strategic economic growth in Arizona by the Partnership for Economic Innovation. 

The partnership is a collective of business and community leaders dedicated to accelerating Arizona’s economic opportunities, announced the winners of its inaugural Arizona Champions of Innovation Awards.

“Each legislator that we are recognizing this year has made a significant impact on the lives of Arizonans, and we are proud to honor them with this award,” John Graham, chairman and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings and president of the Board for the Partnership for Economic Innovation, said in a press release. “We hope that their achievements will inspire others to follow in their footsteps and work towards creating a more innovative and prosperous Arizona.”

Winners of the AZ Champions of Innovation Awards were selected by a committee of Partnership for Economic Innovation board members based on the criteria that each awardee demonstrated an understanding of Arizona’s innovation economy; showcased their commitment to growing innovation in Arizona; championed support for building world-class education institutions in Arizona; and demonstrated leadership for driving industry-led solutions that address challenges faced by Arizona businesses.

For more information about PEI and its work, visit azpei.org.