Phoenix-based regional rental company Sunstate Equipment Co. is a finalist for Arizona’s Spirit of Enterprise Awards, which recognize ethics, energy and excellence in entrepreneurship. Past winners include such well-known firms as Cold Stone Creamery, Grand Canyon Railway, and Sundt Construction. Businesses are noted for creating a positive culture both internally and in the culture as a whole.

The awards are presented by the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, and winners will be announced September 23 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix.

This year’s finalists are: All About People Inc.; Arizona Air Boutique; China Mist Brands; David and Sam PR; Dircks Moving Systems; Elontec; International Cruise & Excursions; Maintenance Mart; Sanderson Ford; and Sunstate Equipment.

Based in Phoenix, and owned primarily by American Rental Association Rental Hall of Fame inductee Mike Watts, Sunstate Equipment Co. is No. 17 on the RER 100.