RE/Max unit lauded for impact

by Betty Beard The Arizona Republic May. 7, 2010 12:00 AM

A Phoenix real-estate agency that continued to help the community during a severe housing recession was named the 2010 Impact Business of the Year on Thursday by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.

Victor D. Vidales, CEO of RE/Max New Heights Realty, was recognized for his commitment to improving the lives of those in the south Phoenix neighborhoods where he grew up. His 23-person firm has been introducing investors to the area to spark residential and commercial investments.

"This has been the hardest three years for the real-estate industry, so to get this vote of confidence is truly humbling," said Vidales, 36, who launched his company five years ago. "It shows that anything is possible with hard work, and this will only make us work harder to do the best that we can."

The annual awards, which honor companies with fewer than 150 employees and which make an impact in the community, drew 70 nominations this year. Ten finalists were named, with the winners of the 23rd annual awards announced at a luncheon attended by about 450 people at the Phoenician resort.

The criteria considered for the awards included innovation, company culture, community involvement and how the business responded to adversity.

The other top winners are:

• Community involvement: Rick McCartney, CEO of InMedia.

• Company culture: David and Sam PR, David Eichler and Sam Alpert.

• Innovation: AArrow Advertising
, Robert Graham.

• Response to adversity: Arizona Air Boutique, Angela and Mario Lepore.

Other finalists: 180° Automotive, Bogi Lateiner; Acme Locksmith, Robert Vallelunga; Andale Construction, Luis De La Cruz; NUMBERSetc, Pamela Smith; and Smart Construction, Gina and Blair Smart.


RE/Max unit lauded for impact