2016 Commission Awards
Commission Awards Banquet Set for January 14, 2017
The annual Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at the Arizona Grand Resort, 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85044. View the Arizona Grand Resort website. The event will honor the recipients of the 2016 Commission Awards that were selected at the Commission’s August 26, 2016 meeting (see below). The purpose of these awards is to recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state’s wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. [Add link here]
The banquet will begin with a social hour and live music at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. The awards will be presented concurrently with dinner to allow for more live music and dancing afterward. We are looking forward to a great celebration of all our award recipients and are expecting this to be our best banquet ever. The cost is $65 per individual. Click on the link below for an RSVP Registration Form.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission held its first annual awards banquet on January 12, 1991. Since then, a total of 361 recipients have been recognized with Commission awards. The awards banquet gives the Commission an opportunity to recognize individuals, groups and organizations for their contributions to Arizona’s wildlife resources.
All of the costs associated with the awards banquet must be paid for by ticket sales and sponsorship donations, including the complimentary tickets for award recipients and their spouse or guest. Table Sponsorships for organizations are available in several categories and include a table in the organization’s name, logo advertisement in the event program, recognition in the introductory PowerPoint presentation and event press release, and banquet tickets. Click on the link below for additional information on sponsorship packages and the form.
Sponsorship Package Information and Form
2015 Award Recipients
Award of Excellence: Sonoran Sky Elementary
Youth Environmentalist of the Year: Matteo Bailloux
Outdoor Writer of the Year: Jim and Carol Allen, Western Outdoor Times
Media of the Year: Arizona Antelope Foundation
Conservation Organization of the Year: Mule Deer Foundation
Conservationist of the Year: Jim Lawrence
Natural Resource Professional of the Year: Gloria Tom
Volunteer of the Year: Robbie Love
Educator of the Year: Karen Klein
Mentor of the Year: Steve Sams
Advocate of the Year – State: Senator Gail Griffin
Advocate of the Year – Federal: Don McDowell
Business Partner of the Year: Linda Morgan, Yuma Visitors Bureau
Buck Appleby Hunter Education Instructor of the Year: Bobby Goitia
Wildlife Habitat Steward of the Year: Bill Cordasco
North American Model Commissioners Award: Celeste Cook
Past Award Recipients
