Ken and Lisa Lain, owners of Watters Garden Center, have made the cuts to Semi-Finalist as part of A.S.U. School of Business ‘Spirit of Enterprise Awards’.

The awards from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University recognize some of Arizona’s best businesses for creating jobs, boosting local economy and treating customers right.  Prestigious past winners include names like Cold Stone Creamery, China Mist, Ollie the Trolley and Total Transit (Discount Cab), as well as rapidly growing businesses, such as GlobalMed and WebPT.

“We looked for firms that demonstrate ethics, energy and excellence in entrepreneurship,” says Gary Naumann, director of the Spirit of Enterprise Center at the W.P. Carey School of Business.  “They have a great story and a positive culture internally, and an exemplary community partner in terms of giving back.”

The winners of the 17th annual Spirit of Enterprise Awards will be announced at a luncheon at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix on November 22.

“With hundreds of Arizona business nominated for this award it is an honor to even be mentioned, much less make it to the semi-finalist phase.  These are really good companies at this level and we hope to represent Prescott with pride.”  Ken Lain, owner

Founded in 1962 by Harold and Lorna Watters, their daughter and son-in-law have carried on the traditions founded at the very beginning.  Lisa Watters Lain, “Our focus is on the gardener and her success.  My father taught me at the beginning that Watters Garden Center is not selling plants, but rather gardening experiences.  That is the reason my husband and I give so much garden information with each plant sold.  We really want our customers to be successful in the garden.”