2011

Rural/Metro’s Southwest Ambulance Subsidiary Named Large Business Partner of the Year by Greater Phoenix Arts and Business Council

Download as PDF

MESA, Ariz. (August 17, 2011) – The Arts and Business Council of Greater Phoenix today recognized Rural/Metro’s Southwest Ambulance subsidiary as Large Business Partner of the Year at its 21st Annual Business in the Arts Awards event. The award recognizes Southwest Ambulance’s efforts to enhance community arts and culture throughout metro-Phoenix.

“Mesa Arts Center, along with other grateful organizations, is delighted that Southwest Ambulance received this deserved recognition,” said Susan Klecka, Chairwoman of Mesa Arts Center Foundation.  “Southwest Ambulance is an outstanding company whose invaluable civic contributions have had a significant impact on a community's quality of life, and it demonstrates that doing good is just good business.”

Southwest Ambulance was recognized by the council for the following efforts that have enhanced the arts and culture in Valley communities:

• Sponsoring the Building Bridges program at Higley Center for the Performing Arts (for which Southwest Ambulance was named Morrison Award winner).
• Supporting Mesa Arts Center’s capital campaign.  Southwest Ambulance was one of the first business contributors, naming the Painting Courtyard, and inspiring other companies to participate.
• Donating life-saving defibrillators. In addition to many arts organizations throughout Arizona, Southwest Ambulance donated AEDs to museums, schools, churches, and other public gathering places.
• Discovering ways to involve children and adults in creative activities, from ambulance wraps to sponsoring children’s arts events at various institutions.
• Incorporating art, landscape and architectural features to provide an esthetically pleasing landmark at the company’s Zone Headquarters building in Mesa.

“We are delighted to receive the Large Business Award from the Arts and Business Council,” Rural/Metro Southwest Zone Vice President John Karolzak said. “It is an honor to support these important endeavors so communities can continue to offer opportunities for all to participate in the arts.” In 2010, Southwest Ambulance assisted more than 250 Arizona organizations with in-kind donations, financial sponsorships, and volunteer community involvement.