By Madeline Bates
Mail

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce recently honored several Tempe businesses and individuals who proved to stand out in the field in Tempe’s business community.

Awards like the Spirit of Tempe, won by Harvey Gibson; and First Responder of the year, won by Detective Jordan Larson with Tempe Police, were presented to individuals for their work in the community at the event June 11 at Culinary Dropout in Tempe.

Other awards included Best Large Business, given to Aurora Behavioral Health; Best Small Business, won by Mulberry Health; and Best Nonprofit, won by Tempe Community Action Agency. Crest Insurance won the Cool Place to Work award for its office amenities and employee culture.

“For 118 years, the Tempe Chamber has helped shape relationships, partnerships, citizens and peers that continue to move. And that’s exactly what we’re going to continue to do,” said Robin Arrendondo-Savage, CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce.

Good Night Arizona anchor Nicole Crites announced the awards while also honoring members of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Board and others who have contributed to Tempe’s changing economy.

Harvey Gibson, the recipient for the “Spirit of Tempe” award, credited his work to his community and his wife, whom he met at a Chamber event more than 20 years ago.

“It is nice to win this award, but I got the better part of the deal because I got to serve on the Tempe Chamber and because of that I met my beautiful wife,” he said after he accepted.

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Madeline Bates
Reporter | Tempe/East Phoenix

mbates@iniusa.org

Meet Madeline

Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).  

Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.

Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.

Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.

Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.