From lab testing and legal appointments to medical, management and military-friendly facilities, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce recently tabulated activities and ribbon-cuttings involving Phoenix-area businesses in December. 

Activities included Sonora Quest Labs partnering with Safeway to set up mobile lab sites, with the first site slated for 32551 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, and Military Times rating Northern Arizona University as a military-friendly school for its fourth consecutive year plus receiving its “Best for Vets” ranking.

Other highlights included Farmers Insurance awarding $2,500 in grants to 12 local teachers; Polsinelli hiring 18 new associate attorneys, including Ashley Glecker and Taylor Maun in the Phoenix office; Colliers International appointing Stan Sanchez as senior vice president for retail and investment services; and Phoenix Children’s Hospital receiving a top score from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, one of only six facilities in North America and the sole group in the Western U.S. to earn the recognition.

Also in December, the University of Arizona appointed Paulo Goes dean of its school of management, and Salt River Project (SRP) further expanded its vet-friendly hiring approach and is now supporting National Guard members and employees called to active duty with extra paid leave time.

The Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT program extended its reach into Maricopa County, dedicating $5 million to facilitate homeownership; KJJZ (91.5 FM) Morning Edition’s award-winning host Dennis Lambert announced plans to retire in early 2016; and Century Link held a ribbon-cutting for its newest outpost on Dec. 15, highlighting its upgraded customer service platform.