Chamber Business NewsThe Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry recognized business, civic and legislative leaders helping shape the state’s economy Tuesday evening at its 2026 Annual Awards Celebration.
The event, held at Warehouse215 in downtown Phoenix, honored the City of Peoria, Amkor Technology, Banner Health, RNDC Arizona’s Chris Curtin and three state lawmakers for their work to support job creation, economic growth and Arizona’s business climate.
“Arizona’s success does not happen by accident,” Chamber President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “It takes leaders who are willing to take on complicated issues, bring the right people to the table, and stay focused on what matters for employers, workers and communities across the state.”
The Chamber named Peoria its 2026 Best City for Business, recognizing the city’s efforts to attract investment and plan for long-term growth.
Under Mayor Jason Beck’s leadership, Peoria has made economic development, water security and public safety core priorities. The Peoria Innovation Core, located along the Loop 303 corridor, is designed to position one of the city’s key growth areas as a hub for advanced industries and employment.
In accepting the award, Beck said, “I wanted to make a difference in my city, I wanted to make a difference in my community,” and that he didn’t waste any time getting to work executing a business plan for the city that spurred major investments and created to new jobs.
Amkor Technology’s planned advanced semiconductor packaging and test campus is one of the most visible examples of that strategy. The $7 billion project is expected to create approximately 3,000 high-wage jobs.
Amkor also received the Chamber Business News Top Newsmaker Award. Its Peoria project was named Site Selection magazine’s No. 1 North American deal of 2025 and will bring advanced packaging and testing capacity to the United States, strengthening a critical piece of the domestic semiconductor supply chain.
“It is more than just a strategic investment,” Amkor’s Mark Rogers said. “It is a testament to Amkor’s deep roots in Arizona, our confidence in the semiconductor ecosystem in Arizona, a manifestation of our commitment to U.S.-based advanced manufacturing and supply chain resiliency.”
The Chamber presented the Doug Yonko Volunteer of the Year Award to Chris Curtin, director of regulatory affairs for RNDC Arizona.
Curtin has supported the Chamber for years by making RNDC facilities available for policy events, member receptions, board meetings, candidate forums and previous Annual Awards celebrations. The award is named for Doug Yonko, a former Hensley Beverage Company vice president of communications who served as Chamber board chairman from 2012 to 2013.
Three state lawmakers were honored for their work on issues affecting Arizona employers and communities.
Rep. Janeen Connolly (D-Tempe) received a Representative of the Year Award for her collaborative approach, willingness to work across the aisle and engagement with the business community on practical solutions.
Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-Chandler) also received a Representative of the Year Award for his consistent advocacy on behalf of Arizona job creators, including his work to support small businesses and last year’s legislation to modernize Chase Field and help keep the Arizona Diamondbacks in downtown Phoenix without creating a new tax.
Sen. T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge) was named the Chamber’s 2026 Senator of the Year for his leadership on major growth issues, including last year’s Ag-to-Urban water legislation and this year’s Chamber-backed proposal to bring greater transparency and consistency to the local initiative process.
Banner Health was named the Chamber’s 2026 Corporate Citizen of the Year, recognizing the nonprofit health system’s role as a care provider, employer, research institution and community partner.
As Arizona’s largest health care provider and largest private employer, Banner supports communities across the state. Its $80.5 million research enterprise advanced 1,300 clinical and translational studies in 2025, while the organization provides more than $1 billion in annual community benefit.
“As a nonprofit health organization that serves the people of Arizona, we succeed when you stay healthy, not when you get sick,” said Dr. Marjorie Bessel, chief clinical officer at Banner Health. “That means we reinvest every dollar we generate into care, technology, talent and community health initiatives.
“We partner with Arizona organizations making real impact every day, from supporting recovery and family services with the Arizona Women’s Recovery Center and Chicanos Por La Causa to generating breakthrough research and training the next generation of health providers with the University of Arizona. This is what we can accomplish when healthcare, business, and community work together as true partners to build Arizona’s future.”
Seiden said the range of recipients reflected the many factors behind Arizona’s continued economic momentum.
“Each of this year’s honorees represents a different part of Arizona’s success story: public leadership, private investment, community service, bipartisan problem-solving and a shared commitment to keeping Arizona competitive,” Seiden said. The 2026 Annual Awards Celebration was presented by Arizona Public Service. Warehouse215 served as host sponsor, and ViaWest Group served as gold sponsor.
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