BUSINESS
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 19, 2021
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Coyotes, partners launch small business spotlight BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
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he Arizona Coyotes Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Sharecare are launching a small business spotlight that will highlight five Arizona-based small businesses during the 2021-22 NHL season. The initiative’s goal is to increase the exposure of small businesses in the Valley. Supporting small businesses is one of the main objectives of the Coyotes’ Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. To participate in the program, businesses must apply at ArizonaCoyotes.com/SmallBusiness. The submission deadline is June 11. Businesses must be headquartered in Arizona and employ two to 50 employees. They cannot be a 501(c)(3). Applicants will be selected based on commitment to cus-
tomers, concern for the health and wellness of employees, community service, diversity and inclusion. The five selected businesses will receive a $2,000 check toward a health and wellness initiative of its choice. The grant is provided by a combination of funds provided by the Coyotes and Sharecare, a health and wellness platform that promotes healthy lifestyles. “This is a very important program for us,” said Coyotes President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez. “We are thrilled to team up with our incredible partner in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and continue our longstanding relationship with them, not just as a corporate partner, but as a community partner,” Gutierrez said. “We both are aligned when it comes to embracing our responsibility to being a community leader.
It is also important for us to leverage our platform and leverage our voice that we have as a professional sports franchise in the Valley to do what we can to improve the lives of others. It is important for us to be able to help other businesses in the Valley, to support and celebrate them and their successes, especially during these very challenging times.” Kathryn Mattson, director of small group sales for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, added, “Small businesses are an integral part of the Arizona community and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is committed to their success, growth and development. “We are excited to join forces with our strategic partners the Arizona Coyotes and Sharecare to launch the Small Business Spotlight program. Through this initiative we look for-
ward to recognizing small employers who make Arizona a great place to live, work and play.” Craig Petty, Sharecare vice president of strategic partnerships, said he’s proud to support Arizona businesses with their health and wellness goals. “As the leading digital-health company, we are committed to helping Arizona build employee-wellness programs and make high-quality care more accessible and affordable for everyone,” Petty said. The selected businesses also will be featured in articles on ArizonaCoyotes.com, with photos and links to their organizations. They will also be featured in a 2021-22 Arizona Coyotes game-day spotlight, which also includes a 12-person suite for a Coyotes game. The dates for the winners will be set when the 2021-22 NHL schedule is released.
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