TO: EDITORS, NEWS DIRECTORS

DATE: November 16, 1998

FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Perry Baker (602) 542-0844

ACC HONORED FOR INNOVATIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE

The Governor's Office for Excellence in Government today honored the Arizona Corporation Commission's Corporations Division with the 1998 Governor's Recognition Award for Excellence. This is the highest award that the Governor can bestow upon a state agency and staff.

The division, which handles all corporate filings in Arizona and keeps track of corporate records, was honored for all of its customer service improvements during the past year, including expedited filings, enhanced customer telephone service and improved computer operations, including the creation and use of a new web site for posting all necessary forms. These improvements helped the division increase productivity by 60%. The award noted that " These endeavors have demonstrated results that contribute to improving the State's overall competitive position."

The Division processed over 13,000 domestic articles of incorporation last year and over 8,000 domestic LLC filings. They also processed over 100,000 annual reports and fielded over 500,000 corporate status phone calls.

Joanne MacDonnell, Division Director, accepted the award on behalf of all the division's employees, who were collectively honored for their efforts in revamping the agencies entire customer service procedures. "You should all feel very, very proud for helping to make such a positive impact on our operations," she said, adding, " without the dedication and personal commitment of the staff, and the support of the Commissioners, who gave us the latitude to make this work, this award would not have been possible."

Commissioner Jim Irvin, Chairman of the ACC praised MacDonnell and the division by saying, "This again shows that we have some of the most dedicated and talented staff in Arizona working here. The incredible dedication of this staff insures that the public will always receive the best possible service from the ACC. On behalf of the entire Commission, I want to thank you all for a job well done."