Area business exec, community activist wins ‘Spirit of Tempe’ honors
Kyrene Corridor businessman John Bebbling, owner of TDC Interiors, will be presented the Spirit of Tempe Award by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Friday, Feb. 18, during the 8th annual Breakfast for Chamber Champions.
The award recognizes lifetime achievements of service, dedication and contribution to the community and honors hard work and commitment to improving the quality of life in Tempe.
In 1974, with $1,000, Bebbling opened Tempe Paint and Decorator Center, now TDC Interiors. Thirty years later his investment has turned into a $40 million-dollar-a-year operation employing a staff of more than 200.
"John and his wife Barbara have committed themselves to giving back to the educational and civic community that has been so generous to their family," says Mary Ann Miller, president/CEO of the chamber.
"John is always 'on board' to support any educational causes that come his way."
Bebbling's contributions include donations and endowments to Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business, College of Education, ASU Athletics, ASU Foundation and ASU Alumni Association. His commitment to elementary and high school education included a donation of more than $10,000 worth of computers.
He is active in the Arizona Boys Ranch, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Tempe Diablos, the Boys & Girls Club, Sister City International, Tempe Sports Authority Board and ASU Foundation.
He was appointed by the governor to the Arizona Evaluation and Training Council and also to the Arizona Transportation Task Force. In addition, he has served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA and Tempe St. Luke's Hospital Governor's Board.
Other awards the Chamber will present during the breakfast event are Business Excellence, Volunteer of the Year Award, Business Woman of the Year Award and Tempe Leadership Outstanding Community Leadership Award.
The breakfast will be held at Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel/Tempe, 1600 S. 52nd St. It is open to the public and costs $40 per person and $400 for a table of 10.
Information: (480) 967-7891 or http://www.tempechamber.org.