Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce hosted their 16th annual Business Awards Dinner presented by Salt River Project on Thursday, September 25th at Encanterra Country Club. We celebrated local businesses, educators, and residents doing great things in the community.
John Bittles was named 2025 Volunteer of the Year. John currently serves as a volunteer at Banner Ironwood Medical Center in the emergency department. He has served there for 14 years and gathered 8600+ volunteer hours and participated in multiple programs at Banner Ironwood Medical Center, such as the Children’s Mobile Van, Teddy Bear Clinic, and their Trunk or Treat event. He helped create a program for pre-med volunteers from them to be mentored and shadow surgeons and emergency department doctors.
Cortney Von Miller from Silvery Valley Elementary was named 2025 Educator of the Year. “Cortney’s classroom is full of joy, creativity, and learning, all woven together with warmth and intention. Her students absolutely adore her, and their families often speak about the lasting impact she has made on their children’s lives. She is also an incredible teammate who is encouraging, supportive, and always ready to lend a hand or share a smile. Her positive energy lifts everyone around her and makes Silver Valley a better place.” wrote Kelli Frazier in her nomination for Ms. Von Miller. “Cortney Von Miller is more than an outstanding educator. She is a difference maker, a nurturer of hearts and minds, and someone who gives her all every single day. We are so proud of her and thankful for the love she brings to our school community.”
Academy Bank was named 2025 Emerging Business of the Year. Academy Bank is a full-service commercial bank providing a wide range of financial solutions for consumers and businesses, including cutting-edge personal banking, commercial and business banking, treasury management, and mortgage services. Academy Bank is located at 37724 N Gantzel Road 104, Queen Creek, AZ 85140, the NWC of Combs Rd and Gantzel Rd.
Knockout Plumbing was named 2025 Business of the Year. Knockout Plumbing is a family-owned and operated plumbing company that offers a full range of residential and commercial plumbing services. “Dan and Dianna and their team of plumbers are amazing. They do so much for the community and genuinely care about the impact they have for plumbing needs in Arizona. Knockout has sponsored our family race team and even cheered in the stands during the races to show their support. Knockout also sponsored our daughter in her competitive gymnastics team and even donated extra for another child to be able to attend.” wrote Ashley Shonley in her nomination of Knockout Plumbing.
Nominees for Volunteer of the Year included Dru Alberti and Lilyana Petersen, Educator of the Year nominees Nathan Johnston and Kelsey McCann, Emerging Business of the Year nominees Mighty Dog Roofing and School of Rock Queen Creek, and Business of the Year nominees As You Wish Pottery and WonderWise Preschool. To learn about the winners and nominees, visit Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce – YouTube to watch their videos.
“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees.” Said Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, “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.”
The event is sponsored by: Salt River Project, Jolt Event Rentals, San Tan Ford, Angel Air Cooling and Heating, Arizona State University, Banner Ironwood Medical Center, Brenits Creative, LG Energy Solution Arizona, Inc., Central Arizona College, Chick-fil-A Ironwood& Ocotillo, Dignity Health, Mountain View Church, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Mesa Gateway Airport, Queen Creek Marketplace, and San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms. Thank you to Lumina Photographers for capturing the event.
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About Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce was formed in 2002 to solve problems so you can thrive because strong businesses create strong communities.
