Growing up next door to a surgeon in his hometown of Cadillac, Mich., Matthew J. Hummel decided at an early age he too wanted to become a doctor.

Hummel achieved his dream of earning a doctor of medicine degree, moving to a warmer climate for residency training and opening Fountain Hills Family Practice in 2002.

He became one of three major investors in the town’s medical campus that opened this past summer on the former town offices’ footprint.

The Chamber of Commerce rewarded the 38-year-old physician Saturday night by selecting him 2008 Business Person of the Year. About 145 attended the annual dinner at Rio Verde Country Club.

Hummel said he was “quite touched” with receiving the award and that “people trust me.” Practicing medicine continues “to be a passion,” he said.

Runners-up for the top Chamber award were Kay Kinder, Fountain Fashions; Louis and Denise Mirabella, Chocofin Chocolatier; Phil Gaziano, MCO Realty; Ross and Corianna Suozzi, Peaks Athletic Club; and Dennis Brown, Echelon Company.

Carolyn Redendo and Mike Tyler tied for Advocate of the Year. Also nominated were Beverly Belury, Dan Foster and Lois Grate.

Four Peaks Women’s Club, founded by Barb Hansen, was selected Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year. Competitors included American Legion, Post 58, Fountain Hills Community Foundation, Fountain Hills Cultural and Civic Association, Fountain Hills Library Association, Fountain Hills Rotary Club, The Golden Eagle Foundation and Junior Achievement of Arizona.

Awards chairman Doug Schmidt said the nominees “represent the best of the best” and “take Fountain Hills to another level.” Schmidt described each candidate for the Business Person award as “investing financially, physically and emotionally” in the town.

L. Alan Cruikshank, 2007 Business Person of the Year and publisher of The Times, encouraged his business colleagues not to become negative and sidetracked over the economy.

He said 2008 was the worst he had experienced in 39 years in town and wondered “if the Business Person of the Year would have a business at the end of the year.” He encouraged residents to shop with local retailers.

Hummel received his bachelor of science degree from Michigan State University. He graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit and completed his family residency practice at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix.

During a video interview, Hummel said he had been interested in science as a youngster. He and his wife, Suzanne, have a son, David, 6, and daughter, Alexis Grace, 3.

His parents, Phil and Johanna Hummel, live in town and his brother, David, is involved in health care in Scottsdale. 

He donates time to give physicals to Pop Warner Football, Little League, soccer and Fountain Hills High School athletes. He is one of the team physicians for high school sports teams.    He and his family frequently visit Fountain View Village residents.

Phoenix Magazine featured him as one of 25 family practice physicians in its 2008 “Top Doctors” issue.  Hummel said he was chosen by his peers for the distinction.