Bob Debow Award

This honor is given each year by the Gold Canyon Business Association, who finds a neutral party such as Central Arizona College, to pick from the nominations. If you would like to announce a candidate for 2007, please contact committee leader Victorya Goodrich at redverbal.com@gmail.com The nominees should embody the business values Bob held so dear. A Word About Bob DeBow The Gold Canyon business community lost a great friend, a mentor to many of us, and a person of vision. Bob DeBow passed away almost three years ago. He is remembered by many as the individual who gave us words of encouragement, guidance and even seed money when we most needed it to help start our businesses. Bob DeBow recognized the potential of our Superstition Mountain community and of our residents. He helped to create the Gold Canyon Business Association. In the early days the Association’s monthly meeting averaged about eight people. Today, membership has grown to 170. As you know membership is limited to businesses with a Greater Gold Canyon area business address. This says much about Bob’s vision and how far we’ve grown as a community. Bob DeBow believed that a business must always present itself well to the community. He believed the “curb appeal” of a business demonstrated the pride that the owner and staff have in itself, its products and in the community. It was his feeling that the facade and signage should have a fresh clean look and never present a worn or neglected image. Some people might call it “dressing for success.” Bob called it just good business sense. He believed the businessperson should be both professional and customer service minded. He, or she, should always be honest and instill confidence in customers and business associates. Finally, but not of least importance, he advocated that businesses should be involved in the community. No one operates in a vacuum and businesses should not just take from a community; but they should also give back. This involvement must include volunteering of time in projects that benefit the community. Community participation also includes the decisions being considered by political governing bodies, especially those that affect how business can operate in that community. Bob understood that in order for the business community to be successful, the citizens of community also have to be successful. Bob DeBow’s success came because he combined these philosophies with hard work. As a result, political leaders, business owners, and potential business owners regularly sought his guidance and counsel. One of our members added, “Bob made me feel welcomed when I came here and opened my business.” His presence is greatly missed. It is appropriate that the Gold Canyon Business Association has created an annual awards program to honor the memory and spirit of Bob. We introduce the “Bob DeBow Businessperson of the Year” awards. Past Business Winners include Ron Reinagal in 2002, Duane Kreclow 2003, Barbara Reyes & Victorya Goodrich in 2004.