The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce will once again honor three elected officials by presenting them with the Sentinel Award at the 25th Annual IMPACT Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 17. Continuing the tradition begun in 2011, the Chamber recognizes State Representative Karen Fann, Phoenix City Councilman Bill Gates and State Representative Justin Olson for their outstanding legislative and regulatory work on behalf of Arizona businesses.

Representative Karen Fann (R-District 1) is a small business owner and former mayor of Chino Valley who showed strong leadership in her freshman year in the legislature. She was the prime sponsor of several Chamber priorities, including bills on unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation and is proactive in her outreach to the business community.

Councilman Gates (R-District 3) chairs the City of Phoenix’s Efficiency and Innovation Subcommittee, which has helped the City save more than $40 million in just over two years. He has established a number of coalitions within District 3 to identify business development opportunities and address the needs and concerns of business owners. Chamber members have found him to be a friend and facilitator on issues with the City.

Representative Justin Olson (R-District 19) is another freshman legislator who is vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and a leader in his caucus. He was the prime sponsor for Chamber-backed issues such as reforming capital gains taxes in Arizona and modernizing the state’s personnel system. A tax wizard and budget hawk, he helps ensure Arizona is a good steward of taxpayer dollars.

“These three public servants are all willing to work on the hard issues and have the hard discussions, even ones that are unpopular with their peers,” notes Michelle Bolton, the GPCC’s Vice President, Public Affairs & Economic Development. “As decision-makers with the best interest of our city and state in mind, they are well deserving of the Sentinel Award.”