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Celebrating Excellence

Posted by sreynolds on Sep. 2, 2025  /  Chapter News  /  Subscribe 0

 2025 Phelix Award Winners

Each year, SMPS Arizona hosts the Phelix Awards to honor the outstanding achievements of individuals and firms who are shaping the future of marketing and business development in the A/E/C industry. This year’s winners exemplify creativity, leadership, and dedication—setting a high standard for our profession.

Individual Awards

Marketer/Business Developer of the Year – Shannon Kopp

Shannon’s creativity and strategic vision have set a new benchmark for excellence in marketing and business development. At DFDG, her impressive success rate in winning proposals speaks to her ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with clients and decision-makers alike. Beyond her pursuit of results, Shannon also provides balance and guidance to leadership and new coordinators alike. Her dedication continues to elevate not only DFDG but the profession as well.

Firm Leader of the Year – Jessica Dresang

As a leader at Carollo, Jessica’s leadership style embodies integrity, collaboration, and inspiration. She has built a strong rapport with clients and has helped grow the firm in ways that extend far beyond the bottom line. Jessica values the opinions of those around her, fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity, and she consistently leads with a positive, can-do attitude. Her impact is felt not only within Carollo but throughout the A/E/C community as she mentors, motivates, and guides others toward success.

Up and Comer of the Year – Erin O’Connor

Erin represents the next generation of A/E/C leaders. Creative, curious, and full of energy, she has jumped into her career with enthusiasm, delivering highly successful proposal work in a short period of time. An engaged member of SMPS, Erin has brought remarkable value to her firm, impressing judges with the creativity she applies not only to proposals but also to internal company events. Her work is backed by clear statistics that demonstrate measurable marketing impact, showcasing her strategic thinking. A strong advocate for herself and her professional development, Erin has already made significant contributions early in her career—and her future is exceptionally bright.

President’s Choice – Maisha Christian

Maisha has made a lasting impact on the chapter through her contributions to the SMPS Arizona blog, guidance on promotions and performance reviews, and delivery of workshops like Foolproof Frameworks for Presenting Innovative Ideas and Leading Meetings. She has led strategic planning initiatives, helped define attainable goals for the board year, and cultivated personal leadership growth among members. Her influence extends beyond the chapter through mentorship programs, facilitating sessions at the SMPS Chapter Leadership Symposium, and active participation in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She has also served on the Professional Development Advisory Council, shaping SMPS’s learning and development initiatives

Firm Awards

Corporate Identity – Burns & McDonnell

For delivering a strong and recognizable brand identity that reflects their culture, values, and vision. The brand update creates a unified vision with global impact, joining the team as one powerful brand. It is designed to be genuine, thoughtful, and community-oriented, connecting meaningfully with audiences in every message while prioritizing the well-being and safety of the community.

Newsletter/Publication – Achen-Gardner Construction

For creating an engaging and informative publication, Connections connects audiences with company news, projects, and people while fostering a sense of community and pride among employee-owners. By celebrating achievements, sharing company updates, and strengthening internal communication, the publication helps boost company culture and increase employee engagement. Connections also encourages employee-owners to actively participate—providing feedback and interacting with the content—so they feel valued, informed, and connected to both Achen-Gardner and their colleagues.

Social Media – Canyon State Electric

For innovative and impactful campaigns that foster community engagement and strengthen brand presence. Canyon State Electric’s video highlighted the company’s proactive leadership in safety by adopting helmets before any mandates, emphasizing safety as a core value and hallmark of the firm. Using clear visual demonstrations, the video educated employees and industry professionals on the superior protection helmets provide compared to traditional hard hats. This campaign positioned Canyon State Electric as an industry leader committed to innovation, safety, and the well-being of both their team and partners.

Advertising – Speedie & Associates

For creativity and effectiveness in advertising, Speedie & Associates has built a reputation on messaging that reflects a deep commitment to understanding their customers’ needs. By focusing on building long-term relationships, sharing experiences, and growing alongside their clients, the firm ensures that every communication resonates authentically. Their approach emphasizes personal connection—knowing clients by name, understanding their businesses, and maintaining open, meaningful dialogue—which allows Speedie & Associates to craft solutions that are both innovative and efficient. This philosophy has been at the heart of the firm since its inception, driving advertising that not only captures attention but also communicates their story with impact, trust, and credibility.

Retention and Recruitment – KE&G Construction

For thoughtful strategies that invest in employees, strengthen engagement, and support long-term growth. KE&G’s approach communicates that “KE&G is a place where you can grow,” highlighting an inclusive, safety-focused, team-based environment. Employee testimonials showcase career growth, and visuals feature real employees and job sites, reinforcing authenticity and connection.

·        Grand Phelix – Arizona Builder’s Exchange (AZBEX)

The Grand Phelix Award honors an organization that has made a substantial, positive impact on the Arizona A/E/C community, and Arizona Builder’s Exchange (AZBEX) is a standout example. Founded in 2010 by Rebekah Morris, AZBEX began as a small but ambitious resource providing centralized construction industry information and has grown into a trusted partner for professionals across the state. The company has supported SMPS Arizona through in-kind advertising and recently helped develop an ROI panel focused on A/E/C marketing and business development, offering data-driven insights on time management at various career stages. AZBEX’s dedication to serving and advancing the industry makes it a well-deserved recipient of the Grand Phelix Award.

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees! Your achievements highlight the incredible talent within our SMPS Arizona community and inspire us all to continue raising the bar for excellence in marketing and leadership.

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