Photo: Business Leader of the Year – Dr. Lisa Rhine, Yavapai College
All photos (except where noted) provided by Blushing Cactus
The Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce honored outstanding community members, business leaders, and volunteers with Community Excellence Awards during its annual banquet at the Findlay Toyota Center.
President/CEO Steve Bracety and Chamber Board Directors handed out the awards. The evening’s program featured a casino night theme.
The 2025 Community Excellence Awards included:
Citizen of the Year – Meredith Dunlap-Sterrett
Meredith Dunlap-Sterrett is a dedicated leader and community advocate who holds the town of Prescott Valley close to her heart. She teaches her teams to make a positive difference in the world, to make ripples by being kind and helping others. As a Senior Regional Sales Manager for National Bank of Arizona, she leads 18 branches in Northern Arizona and indirectly oversees another six branches in the western part of Arizona. She serves others as board chair of United Way, 2nd Vice Chair of the PV Chamber of Commerce, and the Actively Caring for People organization. She is in the process of completing the Pacific Coast Banking School, a three-year program on banking leadership.
Norm Pariseau Volunteer of the Year – Justin Teclaw
Justin Teclaw is a Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) mentor, serves as a Chamber Ambassador, actively participates in numerous Chamber events, and volunteers at the Findlay Toyota Center Foothills Snack Bar to raise money for the Chamber’s scholarship fund. He also serves on the County Workforce Development Board of Directors. He was recently elected president of the PV Chamber Ambassadors.
Community Booster – Kay Lopez
Prescott Valley business owner Kay Lopez is an enthusiastic advocate, cheerleader, and staunch supporter of the Prescott Valley community. Kay attends most of the Chamber’s ribbon-cutting ceremonies and cheers on every new business. After completing the Chamber’s Business Academy, Kay started a new, thriving business, Yavapai Waste Solutions.
Photo provided by Caden’s family
Student of the Year – Caden Randall, Bradshaw Mountain High School
Caden Randall graduated in the top 25 percent of his class with a 3.7 GPA, and was a standout 3rd baseman on the BMHS baseball team. His leadership, dedication, and positive attitude make him a role model among his peers. He plans to continue his education and sports career at Justice University in Chandler.
Teacher of the Year – Doug Rowe
Doug Rowe has proven himself to be a catalyst for student success. He was HUSD’s first Trail Blazer teacher for Project Momentum, cultivating supportive relationships that foster a positive classroom environment. He takes time to understand each student’s unique strengths, challenges, and interests. Through the integration of English Language Arts (ELA) standards into his lessons, he enhances historical knowledge and encourages critical thinking and creativity. With interactive activities, he helps students to see the real-world applications of their studies.
Community Enhancement – Dignity Health’s ICU/PCU and Sports Medicine Clinic
Since opening in early 2025, Dignity Health’s ICU/PCU and Sports Medicine Clinic at Yavapai Regional Medical Center has delivered state-of-the-art, in-hospital care. The Sports Medicine clinic, led by Dr. Kyle Chun, offers tailored treatment plans for all levels of athletes. Dignity Health partnered with the Arizona Cardinals on the space, which was designed to provide an upscale and exciting experience for the patients of Yavapai County.
Organization of the Year – Stepping Stones Thrift Store
Stepping Stones Thrift Store, an outreach of Stepping Stone Agencies, has been a beloved community resource since 1994. All proceeds generated from the store directly fund the agency’s free 24/7, 365 days a year advocacy and shelter services for survivors of domestic violence in West Yavapai County. Stepping Stones Thrift Store’s significant social impact, dedication to service, and exceptional volunteer-driven model continually strengthen local families.
Business Leader of the Year – Dr. Lisa Rhine, Yavapai College
Since arriving at Yavapai College nearly seven years ago, Dr. Lisa Rhine has refocused the college in several areas, including building and strengthening the college’s workforce programs and the vital relationships with industry. Under Dr. Rhine’s leadership, the Regional Economic Development Office and the Small Business Development Office have worked to save and strengthen small businesses, brought new business to the County, and developed the Hispanic Business Council, which provides vital services to help create new and strengthen existing businesses in the Latino community. Under Dr. Rhine’s leadership, this fall, the college is launching three-year bachelor’s degrees, a first in the nation at the community college level.
Chamber Member of the Year – Warehouse Event Center
This award celebrates an outstanding chamber member who excels in community engagement, service, and business excellence. The Warehouse Event Center specializes in weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings. The Warehouse brings a unique indoor/outdoor atmosphere to Northern Arizona. Throughout the year, the Warehouse hosts a variety of community-focused Chamber events, such as the Veterans Luncheon and Quarterly Breakfasts, in addition to culturally-themed events, working with and as a member of the Chamber’s Hispanic Business Association.
Prescott Valley Heritage Award – Prescott Valley Healing Field of Northern Arizona
Since 2012, this solemn display, originally spearheaded by Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairperson Mary Mallory, features nearly 3,000 U.S. Flags – each honoring a victim of the attacks of September 11, 2001. The Healing Field honors first responders with boots at the base of flags honoring firefighters and police officers, and teddy bears for children who lost their lives on 9/11. An additional 19 flags commemorate the Granite Mountain Hotshots who died in the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013. Currently chaired by Pilar Hemry, the Healing Field serves as an immersive tribute and educational tool, especially for younger generations who did not experience these events firsthand. Community volunteers, including firefighters, police, veterans, school groups, and corporate teams, erect and maintain the field annually during Patriot Week in early September.
Special Chamber Awards
Chamber Volunteer of the Year – Barb Clark
For more than a decade, Chamber and community members have witnessed Barb’s dedication and passion. She tirelessly keeps the visitor center organized, cheerfully assists members, and lends a helping hand whenever needed.
Chamber Ambassador of the Year – Lisa Bruner
The Ambassador of the Year Award honors someone whose dedication, heart, and community spirit truly go above and beyond. Lisa shows up without being asked, serves with humility, and consistently puts the Chamber and community first. Lisa represents Mobility Plus, the business she proudly owns with her husband Steve.
Chamber Partner Award – CallTeks
As a local leader in technology solutions, CallTeks consistently goes above and beyond to enhance connectivity, communication, and innovation throughout the business community. CallTeks’ generous sponsorships, active participation, and dependable service have made this business a cornerstone partner of Chamber events and initiatives.
Outgoing Board Member – Diane Tenison
Diane Tenison’s guidance has strengthened the Prescott Valley Chamber organization, inspired progress, and helped shape a vibrant future for the business community.
