We think Workplace Excellence is worth Celebrating!

The Workplace Excellence Awards of Greater Tucson began with the idea that the many companies and individuals in Tucson who are committed to progressive workplace practices needed encouragement and recognition.  In 2003, Arizona Daily Star and SHRM of Greater Tucson partnered to commence an annual awards program that would recognize these employers and individuals who have been nominated for exceptional human resource practices that directly contribute to organizational success.

The nominations have been made and the applications have been sent to the judges.  Now you need to register to attend to see who will be recognized for their achievements.

The day will start early at 7:00 am with the trade show of many fine companies wanting to share what they do with you.  There is still room to exhibit in this portion of the event.  You can register on this site.  Booth includes 1 ticket to event.  Larger sponsorships are still available  andcome with many special features including advertising in the Arizona Daily Star special insert.

AND you will want to attend!!  This will be the SHRM GT meeting for this month.  You can register on this site.

Vendor Booths still available at $150 (includes ticket to breakfast)
Attend for only $28

For more information on  sponsorships-CLICK HERE

Keynote Speaker: Ron Barber  Ron was standing beside Congresswoman Giffords when they were both shot on January 8th.

Over the past 40 years, Ron Barber has held management positions in community-based organizations and in state and local government.  Prior to his public service career, Ron worked in the publishing industry with McGraw-Hill and the International Publishing Corporation.

He has served on numerous community boards including the Educational Enrichment Foundation, the United Way, the Model Cities Council, COPE, Our Town, SAMHC, the ARC of Pima County, the Pima Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Governor's Community Coordinated Childcare Committee and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.

Ron immigrated to the United States from England when he was in his teen years and is proud to have become a naturalized citizen.  He attended Rincon High School in Tucson and graduated from the University of Arizona in 1967 with a degree in Political Science and Public Administration. Following his graduation, he accepted an internship at the United Nations in New York where he worked for UNICEF.  He returned to the UA to head up an international studies program.  He is a graduate of the Executive Public Manager Program. 

During his public service career Ron has been the Education Director for Community Service Volunteers (British VISTA) Director of Headstart in Southern Arizona and Regional Administrator and State Director for the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities.  In 2006 he was appointed by newly elected Congresswoman Giffords to chair her Transition Team and became her District Director in 2007.  He continues to serve the Congresswoman in this position. 

Ron was standing beside Congresswoman Giffords, when they were both shot on January 8th.   Since the shooting, Ron and his family have established the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding, which is initiating an anti-bullying program in public schools and a community wide educational campaign to increase awareness of mental illness symptoms and treatment services and reduce stigma. The Fund will also work with faith leaders to call for civility and respect in political campaigns and public discourse. 

He is the recipient of the 2011Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award for Civic Engagement and the 2011 Vision Award from SAMHSA for his advocacy work on behalf of individuals with a mental illness.

Ron and his wife Nancy have two daughters and four grandchildren.