Arizona business leaders have been boisterous in their support for supermarket operator Bashas’ as the privately owned Chandler-based chain works its way through Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization grappling with the recession, competing with national chains and union battles.

Influential executives, developers and local business owners have formed groups such as the Friends of Bashas’, launched Internet campaigns on social media sites Facebook and Twitter, and held public events in support of the company that operates supermarkets under its namesake, Bashas’, as well as Food City and AJ’s Fine Foods.

Herman Chanen, founder of Chanen Construction Corp., has organized Friends of Bashas’. The group includes some old-guard CEOs and business leaders such as Don Diamond, of Diamond Ventures; Ed Robson, of Robson Communities; Dan Harkins, of Harkins Theatres; Bruce Halle, founder and chairman of Discount Tire; and Norm McClelland, chairman of Shamrock Foods.

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Friends of Bashas’ has paid for billboards, TV commercials and newspaper advertising to show support for the grocer, which is closing several stores across the state as part of its reorganization effort.

Bashas’ supporters note the supermarket chain has been around since 1932; it has 10,000 employees and 143 stores; and the Basha family has been active in community and charitable giving for years. CEO Eddie Basha is a prominent Democrat who ran for governor in 1994. The Basha family also was a driving force behind a 2006 referendum that raised state tobacco taxes, with the money going to children’s educational programs and preschools.

“People really do have a sense of ownership in the company, and it’s really a community grocer,” said Chandler Chamber of Commerce CEO Jerry Bustamante.

Bashas’ backers acknowledge the business support for the grocery chain is coming mostly from Arizona natives and longtime residents and business executives — not from transplants, who have less allegiance to local businesses.

“I think the community related to Bashas’ not just because of its longevity or community involvement, but because of its long-term involvement in everyone’s lives,” said Tempe Chamber of Commerce President Mary Ann Miller.

The support for Bashas’ is in contrast to the National Hockey League’s Phoenix Coyotes which has also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The Coyotes moved to Arizona just 13 years ago and started playing in Glendale in 2003. The team hasn’t made the playoffs since 2002, and former coach and part owner Wayne Gretzky never materialized as the face of the franchise. Outside of Glendale — which would take a big hit if the Coyotes relocate — support for the team has been quiet, with the exception of hard-core hockey fans.

“I think the general public feels differently about a family grocery business versus a sports franchise,” said Jack Lunsford, CEO of Westmarc, an economic and political advocacy group headquartered in Peoria. He wants the Coyotes to stay.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Redfield T. Baum nixed a bid from Canadian businessman James Balsillie to buy the Coyotes and move it to Hamilton, Ontario. In a Sept. 30 ruling, Baum told the NHL to resubmit its $140 million offer to buy the team and find a new owner that would keep the team in

Arizona.

Balsillie said he would not appeal Baum’s ruling.

Some Coyotes fans blame the news media for the lack of overall support, saying other pro teams in the state get far more coverage.

“You have to get the word out,” said Niels Maclellan, a season-ticket holder who was at the Coyotes-Kings preseason game last month with his young daughter.

Coyotes officials would not comment on corporate suite sales for this year’s NHL season, which started Oct. 3.

Coyotes President Doug Moss said uncertainty about the team’s future in Glendale and its Chapter 11 reorganization have limited marketing efforts and hurt ticket and skybox sales at a time when the economy already is discouraging spending. Moss did not disclose how much the Coyotes are spending on marketing.

“People aren’t sure what’s going to happen. They want some certainty,” he said.

Coyotes officials hope Baum’s ruling will help boost ticket demand and support for the team. According to bankruptcy filings, the Coyotes averaged about 11,000 fans per game last season, and the team’s playoff drought and location in Glendale have combined to lessen popularity.

Bashas’ boosters

Jerry Bisgrove, Stardust Cos.

Herman Chanen, Chanen Construction

Steven Chanen, Chanen Construction

Marty De Rito, De Rito Partners

Don Diamond, Diamond Ventures

Ira Fulton, Fulton Homes

Bruce Halle, Discount Tire

Dan Harkins, Harkins Theatres

Gordon James, Gordon C. James

Public Relations

Bill Post, Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (retired)

Ed Robson, Robson Communities

Contact Mike Sunnucks, senior reporter at the Phoenix Business Journal, at msunnucks@bizjournals.com or Lynn Ducey, a reporter at the Phoenix Business Journal, at lducey@bizjournals.com