The 30th annual Best of the West awards dinner took place on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

Westmarc honored the West Valley’s emerging leaders, investments, and programs. The organization recognized programs positively impacting the region in the categories of Excellence in Innovation, Economic Engine, Quality of Life Enhancement – Education, Quality of Life Enhancement – Community, and Emerging Leader Impact.

Economic Engine: Goodyear Civic Square - GSQ
Excellence in Innovation: City of Peoria Police Department Training Academy
Quality of Life Enhancement - Community: Mission of Mercy Arizona
Quality of Life Enhancement - Education: Northern Arizona University/Littleton and Tolleson Elementary School District Partnership to Grow our Own Teachers

In addition, the Westmarc board of directors recognized projects and individuals that inspire leadership and advances the West Valley.

This year the Westmarc board of directors honored:

Inspiration in Leadership Award – Dr. Kathleen Geoppinger, Midwestern University
Regional Advancement Award - Central Arizona Project
President’s Choice Award - Representative Joanne Osborne
President’s Choice Award - Representative Lorenzo Sierra

“Westmarc is the West Valley’s true champion! Our members and leaders have been highlighting great people and projects for the past 30 years. As this region and state continues to grow, it’s important to ensure we’re preparing the future leaders to take the helm and make even greater advancements,” said Sintra Hoffman, president and CEO of Westmarc. “I’m excited that our newest program – West Valley Emerging Leader Impact is doing just that!”

This year, Westmarc presented a new award, the Emerging Leader Impact Award. The award recognizes individuals who are 40 years of age or younger, living and working in the West Valley, and making an impact in their community. There were five rounds of nominations, and the finalist of each round was considered for this award. The winner of this inaugural award is:

Emerging Leader Impact Award – Sebastian Porchini

“Young talent attraction and retention has been an ongoing dialogue, regionally for the past several years. As the West Valley continues to grow, we are keenly aware of the importance of illustrating the diverse, skilled, and talented workforce that we have, for the purpose of business attraction and economic development,” states Kimberly Jordan, Executive Vice President of Westmarc. “Westmarc actively works to identify ways to engage young professionals in regional strategy, planning and problem solving, to provide a platform for engagement and strengthen community involvement. We received 22 outstanding nominations for the 2022 West Valley Emerging Leaders Impact Award. Sincere congratulations to Sebastian Porchini, for all of the ways he is working to make a positive impact in our communities and for our residents!”