C h a m b e r
O f
C o m m e r c e
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P h o e n i x
What Does it Really Mean?
SU IS
G r e a t e r
Things You Should Know
Branding
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3 To-Dos
Going Public
N FI
Networking
Election
Governor Jan Brewer talks business on page 23.
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2010:
What Does it Mean for Valley Business?
ATHENA Awards Meet the Finalists
Member News Calendar of Events Arizona in Focus
October 2010
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Connect with us:
•
•
board of directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR Steve Wheeler IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Connie Perez CEO Adreima CHAIR-ELECT Pam Conboy Arizona Regional President Wells Fargo Bank LEGAL COUNSEL Anne Kleindienst Fennemore Craig, P.C. SECRETARY-TREASURER FINANCE Gil Valadez Prudential VICE CHAIR – PCCD Patricia Lee Refo Attorney Snell & Wilmer VICE CHAIR – SMALL BUSINESS Tom Cooper CEO Desert Fleet-Serv, Inc. VICE CHAIR – PUBLIC AFFAIRS Susan Anable Director of Public Affairs Cox Communications – Arizona VICE CHAIR – COMMUNITY EVENTS Kathryn Murphy VICE CHAIR – HBLC Rob Montoya Enterprise Holdings Inc. VICE CHAIR VICE CHAIR – MEMBERSHIP Rick Johnson Principal/Owner Executive Forums VICE CHAIR – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Jill Kusy Hegardt DMB VICE CHAIR – HUMAN RESOURCES David Bruno Vice-Chairman/Managing Partner DHR International VICE CHAIR – AUDIT AND GOVERNANCE Scott Celley VP, External Affairs TriWest Healthcare Alliance EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS AT LARGE David M. Koeninger General Counsel Arizona Cardinals Peter Hayes Manager of Public Affairs SRP Nancy Stone V Chair & Pres. ILX Resorts Inc. Dan Vermeer Waste Management Susan Williams President HR Choice
View the entire list of board members at www.phoenixchamber.com.
LEADING LADIES This month we will honor outstanding local business women at our 23rd annual ATHENA Awards luncheon, showcasing those who excel in their chosen fields, mentor others and give back to our community. Again this year, we will recognize these high achievers from the private and public sectors as well as a young professional who lights the way for the next generation. I hope you’ll read the moving stories of our eleven finalists (beginning on page 11) and that you’ll make plans to attend this special afternoon October 28th at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. Another woman of note graces our cover this month. As part of our coverage of next month’s elections and what they mean for Valley business, Governor Jan Brewer shares her thoughts on what state government can do to help restore our economic prosperity. It’s appropriate that Governor Brewer is on our cover. Her predecessor, Governor Janet Napolitano, appeared on the very first cover of IMPACT in February 2007. With this issue, we come full circle. This will be the final edition of IMPACT as we transition to delivering you more content, more rapidly and in more formats, on our newly-redesigned website at www.phoenixchamber.com. Our commitment to keeping our members informed hasn’t changed, only the vehicle has. We look forward to exciting times ahead and thank you for your readership and support. Thanks also to our editor, Kenn Tomasch, and all those who have helped make this an award-winning publication worthy of your support. For more than 120 years, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce has been helping Valley business succeed. If you’re not yet a member, visit us at the new www.phoenixchamber.com and click “Join Today” to help write the next chapter in our history.
Todd Sanders President & CEO Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
October Bulletin In an unprecedented time of challenge and change in our country, Americans want to know what to expect from our leaders, our political system and our economy. Former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove Karl Rove will share his insight on Washington politics, the midterm elections and our prospects for the future at a special Phoenix Forum event, “Where Does America Go From Here?” on Tuesday, November 9 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.
Rove, who served in the George W. Bush White House from 2001 – 2007, has continued to monitor the political scene as an analyst for Fox News, author of a weekly op-ed in The Wall Street Journal and a columnist for Newsweek. Don’t miss Rove’s thoughts on what lies ahead in this remarkable time in American history. Get Connected Phoenix Forum With Karl Rove Tuesday, November 9 11:30 a.m . – 1:30 p.m. Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel $75 individual, $750 table of 10 Register at www.phoenixchamber.com/rove
www.phoenixchamber.com
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Contents
Get up | Get out | Connect
OCTOBER | 2010
Election 2010: What Does it Mean For Valley Business?
Rick McCartney | Publisher InMedia Company rmccartney@phoenixchambermagazine.com
Valley business people are awaiting the upcoming election and curious about what the results will mean for the future of our economy and their own business fortunes. See what some are saying in our cover story. p. 8 By David Lucas
Special Section: 2010 ATHENA Awards
Save This Date
Meet the 11 finalists for the prestigious ATHENA Awards, which recognize Valley business women for their achievement and selflessness. Be sure to attend the Awards luncheon on October 28! p. 11 By Kenn Tomasch
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IMPACT Interview: Governor Brewer Talks Business
Statuesque
The finalists for the ATHENA Awards stand tall this month. Three will be honored at the luncheon on October 28 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has made getting the state’s economy back on track a priority of her administration. The governor shares her thoughts on the importance of business in this Q and A. p. 23
Jody Ryan | Editor-In-Chief Greater Phoenix Chamber jryan@phoenixchamber.com Kenn Tomasch | Editor Greater Phoenix Chamber ktomasch@phoenixchamber.com Gelie Akhenblit, Lori K. Baker, Stephanie Conner, Sandy Des Georges, Christina Estes, Vikki Green, David Lucas, Ken Pinnock Contributing Writers Dan Vermillion, Angela Cook, Kenn Tomasch Photography Benjamin Little | Graphic Designer Louise Ferrari | Operations Manager Ann Boeding, Kathlene Kuykindoll, Cami Shore Business Development Kerri Metcalf | Customer Service
Todd Sanders | President & CEO tsanders@phoenixchamber.com Ron McElhaney | V. P. rmcelhaney@phoenixchamber.com Michelle Bolton | V. P. Public Affairs/Economic Development mbolton@phoenixchamber.com Jennifer Mellor | V.P. Program Development jmellor@phoenixchamber.com
Departments
Jody Ryan | Director, Marketing & Communications jryan@phoenixchamber.com
07 Member News
24 MarCom Corner
28 Greater: PHX
News, Notables & Updates
The Importance of Branding
15 Event Spotlight
26 Arizona in Focus
News & Notes From Around the Valley
23rd Annual ATHENA Awards
General Election Endorsements
23 HR IQ
30 First Person Thank You!
Paid Time Off to Vote?
27 Business Bios
24 Smart Growth
American Express Apollo Group Global Green Integrators
Three Networking To-Dos
Katie Campana | Director, Community Relations kcampana@phoenixchamber.com Norma Macias | Director, Member Services nmacias@phoenixchamber.com Daniel Ayala | Director, BidSource dayala@phoenixchamber.com Debbie Drotar | Director, Business Development ddrotar@phoenixchamber.com 201 N. Central Avenue, 27th Floor Phoenix, Az 85004 P 602.495.2195 • F 602.495.8913 www.phoenixchamber.com Published By
Member Resources | www.phoenixchamber.com 16 Events Calendar
20 How To:
A Rockin’ October
Take Your Company Public
18 Member Happenings
21 New Members
GPCCers Out and About
20 Ribbon Cuttings Great Snaps of Snips On the Cover: Governor Jan Brewer is the final cover subject for IMPACT Magazine. Her predecessor, Governor Janet Napolitano, was on our very first cover in February 2007. Photo by Dan Vermillion.
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6360 E. Thomas Rd., Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 p 480.588.9505 • f 480.584.3751 info@inmediacompany.com InMediaCompany.com Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Impact Magazine is published by InMedia Company, LLC. The publication is distributed to membership and made available to prospective members throughout the Greater Phoenix area. We appreciate your editorial submissions and news for review by our editorial department by e-mailing editor@phoenixchambermagazine. com. To subscribe to GPCC Impact Magazine, please send check or money order for $24.00 to InMedia, 6360 E. Thomas Road, Suite 210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 or call (480) 588-9505. ©Copyright 2010, InMedia Company, LLC. All rights reserved. InMedia and the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce reserve the right to refuse certain advertising and are not liable for advertiser’s claims and/or errors. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Publisher or the Chamber.
www.phoenixchamber.com
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Member News Highlighting achievements, awards, new hires, promotions and notes of interest from our members.
Campus Honors Beatitudes Campus has been selected to receive the 2010 Excellence in Research and Education Award from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). The national award recognizes the north central Phoenix active retirement community for its Palliative Care for Advanced Dementia: A Model Teaching Unit program, which it started in 2005 in partnership with Hospice of the Valley. ++www.beatitudescampus.org
Staffing Up
»» Robert Vallelunga and ACME Locksmith have a winning combination.
A Key to Their Success
ACME Locksmith, a 2010 IMPACT Awards finalist, won a 2010 Better Business Bureau Ethics Award in Category I (1-10 employees). The company has been protecting Valley businesses and families since 1997 through great service and education.
++www.acmelocksmith.com
W.J. Maloney Plumbing Co., Inc. has added Laurie Quartier as executive administrative assistant, Elizabeth “Liz” Lewis as administrative assistant for W.J. Maloney’s commercial Liz Lewis division and Tom Boltz as a commercial plumbing estimator. ++www.wjmaloney.com
Also an Exit Expert Susan Ratliff has sold her award-winning tradeshow display company, Exhibit Experts, to new owners Eddie and Veronica Lange. Ratliff, who began the business in 1994, will become a display designer and marketing consultant for the Langes, who plan to improve and expand the company. ++www.exhibitexpertsaz.com
Healthy Growth
Admiration Society
Officer Corps
Advanced Reimbursement Management has changed its name to Adreima and has acquired Hospital Inpatient Services, a Florida-based provider of eligibility services to east hospitals on the East Coast of the US. The acquisition represents the first of several that Adreima plans to complete to become the industry’s leading revenue cycle management company specializing in Medicaid reimbursement. ++www.adreima.com
CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has been named one of 43 recipients of the inaugural Arizona’s Most Admired Companies Awards from Arizona Business Magazine and BestCompaniesAZ. Winners are selected based on performance in Workplace Culture (as voted by employees), Leadership Excellence, Corporate and Social Responsibility (community and environment), and Customer Opinion (as assessed by customers). ++www.cbre.com
Community Health Charities of Arizona has elected its 2010-2011 officers, including President Patrick Howley, Vice President Cynthia Pillote, Treasurer Harry Papp and Secretary Harry Papp Pamela Greico. ++arizona.healthcharities.org
On the Rise Greenberg Traurig attorney Michael C. Mason has been elected Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Federal Bar Association’s Phoenix Chapter. Mason, who has served on the Michael C. Federal Bar Association’s Mason Board of Directors since 2007, will automatically become the board’s president in three years. ++www.gtlaw.com
Tops of the Class Dawn C. Valdivia, a partner in the Phoenix office of Quarles & Brady, has been selected to the inaugural class of the Hispanic National Bar Association and the Association of the Dawn C. Corporate Counsel’s “Pilot Valdivia Project on Value-Based Skills: Equipping the Next Generation of Latina Corporate Practice Leaders.” ++www.quarles.com+
Whattaya Bid? Auction Systems Auctioneers & Appraisers, Inc., the 2003 IMPACT Award winner, will premier a new reality show on TLC October 9. “Auctioneer$” will follow interesting products sold at auction, the sellers, the buyers and the behind the scenes action of the Phoenix-based auction firm. ++www.auctionandappraise.com
Work Space R&R Partners has been named among Advertising Age’s 2010 Best Places to work in Marketing and Media. The Scottsdale-based agency was one of only 30 in the country to receive this honor. ++www.rrpartners.com www.phoenixchamber.com
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Election 2010: What Does it Mean for Valley Business? By David Lucas Next month’s midterm elections hold the promise of a turnaround in the direction of the country. Or, they could mean business as usual for the next two years. The restless nature of the electorate indicates a significant change is imminent for the 2011 session. Whether elected leaders get the message sent by voters remains to be seen. The prospects of a divided Congress — where each political party controls a share of the House and Senate — could mean more cooperation on important issues, or could represent total gridlock in Washington. “I believe in having a divided Congress,” says Jeff Fairman, business development manager of Sundt Construction’s Southwest Building Division. “Too often you have eliminated the need for discourse if everyone is in lockstep. Anything that causes people to discuss issues and work to come up with solutions is far better than what we’ve had in the past.” Whoever wins the elections may not be as important as whether both parties will work together to address the overwhelming issues facing this country. For many voters, the top agenda item is still the economy. 8
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“It is all about jobs,” says Joe Yuhas, executive director of public affairs for RIESTER in Phoenix. “All the other issues that surround the election cycle pale in comparison.”
Arizona Economic Rebound In Arizona, where the economy has been hit particularly hard by the recession and the backlash to the SB 1070 immigration law, the new Legislature will have its hands full dealing with budget shortfalls, education, and yes, immigration issues. And the business community will be watching intently. “Arizona has long been challenged by a lack of high wage jobs,” says Yuhas, who formerly was the deputy director of the Arizona Department of Commerce. “We lack economic development tools. We lack incentives that other states and even other nations have to attract high wage jobs. Companies make decisions to locate and expand in a community or state based on a wide variety of criteria, taxes being but one of them. Tax cuts only go so far; we need to invest in education and infrastructure.” www.phoenixchamber.com
Some business owners are looking to candidates for fresh, businessfriendly approaches. “We need to have some new ideas and incentives that can spark our economy in Arizona,” says Major Williams, COO of Kukura Business Solutions in Peoria. “The number one thing is having people in place who are open to bringing in more investment to this state as well as new companies and opportunities.” The new Legislature is certain to address the tax code — and possibly the tax on business — as a way to attract new companies to the state. “It’s probably past the time for someone to grab hold of the state budget and look at the tax code and give it a good solid review and update,” Fairman says. “We’ve put so many patches on the code for so many years, I’m not sure it fundamentally represents what Arizona is today. I think that’s going to take a lot of leadership and collaboration.” The newly-elected leaders will face some stiff headwinds to accomplish those tasks. “I have never seen an environment so d ifficult for business,” observes Sandy Abalos, managing partner of Abalos & Associates in Phoenix. “It is not the fault of the state; it is more because of our market conditions.” Abalos warns that voter-approved referendum measures mandating certain expenditures will hamper the budget process going forward. “We’ve had so many referenda on our ballot where our state budget is encumbered, and there’s no flexibility with it,” Abalos says. “The part of the state budget that has discretion is small. The state can only use what resources are available to them and when those have been tied up with special interests, that makes it really tough.”
Addressing Immigration Two years ago, the business community looked to Congress for answers on pressing immigration issues. Today, most of the same questions remain. Nothing has been done at the federal level to address the standing of illegal immigrants living in the US or to institute a guest worker program that would appeal to businesses. Fairman worries about the effects of immigration laws on Sundt Construction’s employment base. “Our primary concern is that a lot of publicity lately, both on the federal level and around SB 1070, has started to put a wedge between us and some of the partners we’ve had for dozens of years,” Fairman says. “It’s going to take a much
Sundt Construction’s Jeff Fairman feels a divided Congress is a positive.
RIESTER’s Joe Yuhas believes jobs are the dominant issue in this election.
more holistic approach to solve this problem. It’s going to include everyone being at the table, and that includes the Hispanic community, business and citizens. I believe a guest worker program needs to be considered. The path to citizenship needs to be addressed as a part of any comprehensive immigration policy.” Yuhas also agrees on a comprehensive solution. “With an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the country, it’s not practical to think we can simply send them back,” Yuhas says. “There has to be a path >>
Many entrepreneurs like Major Williams of Kukura Business Solutions are now seeing the importance of being involved.
Sandy Abalos of Abalos & Associates believes politics has gotten in the way of public policy.
www.phoenixchamber.com
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to citizenship for illegals. We have to secure the border. Reform has to be comprehensive and it has to be bipartisan.”
Effect of Politics on Business
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Many entrepreneurs like Williams may have been too busy in the past to realize just how much politics affects their businesses. That is, until the recession hit. “I didn’t understand where those policies come from, who is responsible for those policies and how to help influence how policies are put together,” Williams says. “The Greater Phoenix Chamber has been doing a great job of educating me on how important it is for my business. I’m starting to get more involved because of the education and I see how important it is not just for my business, but the state in general.” Williams is a member of the Greater Phoenix Chamber’s Small Business Leadership Council and the Economic Development Committee. “I’ve started some high level conversations with small business leaders and identified candidates in my area. I am getting more involved because of the education from the Chamber,” he says. Both in Arizona and nationally, business owners are looking for leaders who will work together to fix the country’s problems rather than bickering over ideology. “Politics has gotten in the way of public policy,” Abalos says. “Our country is doomed if partisan politics continues to be more important than working together to solve America’s problems. That’s where the election can make a difference. We need to get people in place that work to solve America’s problems rather than playing partisan politics.” Business leaders are learning that by adding their voice to the political process and by actively supporting candidates and propositions that match their personal values, they can make an impact on legislation that ultimately could affect their organizations. “The vast majority of Arizonans are in the political middle but that’s not reflected in our Legislature,” Yuhas says. “Arizonans would be better represented by a Legislature that is in
the political middle. The business community recognizes that but I don’t think that’s going to happen without leadership and engagement. Clearly, the business community needs to play that role. If Arizona is going to move forward, the business community needs to engage more in the political and public policy process. One of the best avenues to do that is through business organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.”
Get Connected Abalos & Associates www.abaloscpa.com Kukura Solutions www.kukurasolutions.com RIESTER www.riester.com Sundt Construction Inc www.sundt.com
www.phoenixchamber.com
S pecial R eport 23rd Annual
Awards
H onoring W omen in B u siness
Back (L-R): Rachel Bennett Yanof, Dianne Langmade, Lisa Duran, Susan Cordts, Susan Ratliff, Janie Riddle, Pam Gaber, Roberta “Sissie” Roberts Shank, Katherine Cecala, Nancy Roach Front (L-R): Sorrel Bowman-Rogers, Kristin Garrison Slice, Pamela Smith, Cynthia Bowers, Debbie Hill, Sharon Lechter, Deborah Bateman, Maggie Chamberlin, Margie Traylor, Loretta Cheeks, Nancy Sanders, Stacy Johnson.
Back (L-R): Melissa Keckler, Jessica Catlin, Dr. Benah Parker, Adriana Gruber, Lori Sundberg, Kristine Kassel, Sharon Knutson-Felix Front (L-R): Alicia Cybulski, Robyn Nebrich, Teniqua Broughton, Frances Mills-Yerger, Dilyana Pavlova, Tracee McElvogue, Patricia Stark, Jay Parry, Christine French
T
he heroic qualities of the legendary Greek goddess of war, wisdom, arts, science and reason are embodied today in the ATHENA Awards, established in 1982 and first awarded here in the Valley in 1987. The awards honor women who demonstrate professional excellence, devote themselves to their communities and keep the ATHENA spirit alive by mentoring the next generation of outstanding leaders.
Since 2008, the ATHENA Awards have recognized women in the private and public sectors and an up-and-coming young professional. Last year’s winners were Barb Dawson of Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (Private Sector), Connie Phillips of Sojourner Center (Public Sector) and Wendy Akbar of Quarles & Brady, LLP (Young Professional). An intense, three-month nomination process resulted in the field of more than 50 nominees being whittled to the 11 finalists you’ll meet in this
special section. Three will ultimately be honored at the 23nd Annual ATHENA Awards luncheon on Thursday, October 28 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. For more on the event, see page 15. If you’d like to nominate an outstanding Valley businesswoman for the 2011 ATHENA Awards, the nomination process begins next spring. For more information, contact Katie Campana at kcampana@phoenixchamber.com or (602) 495-6480.
Meet The Finalists www.phoenixchamber.com
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S pecial R eport 23rd Annual
Awards Athena Private Sector Finalists Athena Public Sector Finalists H onoring W omen in B u siness
Susan Cordts
Susan Cordts is living proof of the old adage “tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” Cordts’ own tough times didn’t last, but her impact on Valley business women is sure to endure. After a 20-year career in medicine (first as a nurse, then as an executive), Cordts returned to school, earned an MBA and became leader of a Phoenix business intelligence firm. She now applies her own life lessons to helping other women succeed professionally and personally. “It’s only through people who believed in me and who were willing to give me an opportunity that I’ve been able to get here,” Cordts says. “My late father always told me that you can do anything you want to do, but you should always be grateful to those who helped you and remember to give back to them.” Cordts’ community service endeavors involve not just sitting on boards, but in actively giving of her time to help the homeless and disenfranchised, to improve our education system and to empower women to reach their true potential.
Debbie Hill
A strong sense of justice and fair play originally led Debbie Hill to the practice of law, but now it is leading her to faraway lands with hopes of making the world a better place. After more than two decades as a successful litigator, Hill is leaving her traditional legal practice behind to pursue her passion in improving education and healthcare for women around the world. “I want to make a real difference in the world, and leave it better than I found it,” Hill says. It’s a natural progression for someone who has mentored other women attorneys, contributed time and efforts to help homeless and domestic violence-ravaged families and championed the causes of those who would otherwise be voiceless. Hill’s vision stretches from Mali in Africa, where she has helped raise funds to build a school, back to our state, where she is one of the founding fellows of the Arizona Justice Project helping the wrongfully convicted and falsely accused.
Jay Parry
Margie Traylor
President & CEO Adaptive Technologies, Inc.
President • La Cerra Sueno
Senior VP of Brand & Business Development • Phoenix Suns
CEO • Sitewire
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Katherine Cecala
Katherine Cecala’s impact on the bottom-line is nothing compared to the lives she’s helped nudge toward the top of their potential. As Chief Operating Officer for Valley of the Sun United Way, Cecala has cut $1 million in expenses, refined procedures, tripled staff training for half the cost and used her law degree (one of three she holds) to do most of the organization’s legal work to save even more money. But numbers don’t measure Cecala’s true influence. She has been a tireless mentor and friend for women hoping to reach their goals, while giving her time to organizations like the Arizona AIDS Project, the Symphony, the State Board for the Blind, Camp Fire and many more. She sees needs and works to meet them, whether it’s by raising money or just raising spirits. “Some people don’t realize their potential,” Cecala says. “I work with a lot of women who have incredible abilities and maybe nobody ever told them that. So if I can help them achieve more by encouraging them, they can be a greater success.”
Pam Gaber
Pam Gaber’s successful sales career has gone to the dogs – and she couldn’t be happier about it. More than a decade after leaving the corporate world to serve the less fortunate, Gaber has built Gabriel’s Angels into a successful charity that provides pet therapy to more than 13,000 abused and at-risk children annually. Gaber also serves on boards of organizations working with children and animals and mentors through the ATHENAPowerLink ® program. While others draw inspiration from her, Gaber is guided by the example of her late Weimaraner, Gabriel, who gave her organization its name and mission. “We started this organization together, and I’m so proud of his legacy and what he’s done to help children in this community,” Gaber says. “I believe animals impact us throughout our lives, but I’m particularly moved by how animals can reach children. Animals and children live in the moment and once that connection is made, the wall comes down and children learn core behaviors that intervene in the circle of violence.”
Success on the basketball court and the financial ledger are goals Jay Parry shoots for every day in her roles with the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. Recently named the new Senior Vice President of the Suns after leading the Mercury to two WNBA titles and revenue growth, Parry will head the team’s brand and business development efforts while continuing to build an environment of teamwork and trust. “A successful team sets high objectives, lofty ones that they’re not sure they’ll ever get to, and then everybody works to figure out how they can do it together,” Parry says. “The only way to achieve those great goals is to work together.” Away from the arena Parry has also been a mentor to other women, founded the Mercury’s Score for Kids program and worked with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation as a board member and volunteer.
Cindy Gentry
By connecting farmers to customers and by providing fertile ground for women-owned businesses to succeed, Cindy Gentry has become a role model, mentor and community leader. In eight years as Founder and Executive Director of Community Food Connections, Gentry has helped increase the availability of healthy food for the hungry while nourishing opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs. She has guided dozens of women-owned micro-businesses and built the downtown Phoenix Public Market into the most successful of its kind in Arizona. And she has served on many groups focusing on issues of hunger and helping small farmers struggling to grow. “People need to understand that those who can’t manage to meet their basic needs are not inherently bad people,” Gentry says. “Sometimes society teaches us that if you have a lot of things, you’ve lived your life well, and that if you don’t, you haven’t. I’d like an opportunity to be part of building a community where we look out for each other.”
While she has started and run her own successful companies, Margie Traylor doesn’t measure her accomplishments solely in business terms. Sitewire’s CEO believes strongly in helping others reach their full potential, and business people throughout the Valley have benefitted from her mentoring. “What inspires me is the ability to help other people achieve their own greatness,” she says. “Every day I get out of bed with the idea that I get to influence others to be a better version of themselves.” That influence has paid off, with a bevy of business people crediting Traylor with helping their profits and professional fortunes rise. In addition to mentoring, Traylor stays just as active in the community as she does running her two companies. She has served on multiple boards, provided church services to the homebound and spearheaded Sitewire’s charitable work for St. Mary’s Food Bank, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Habitat for Humanity, among others.
Sharon KnutsonFelix
Those who help keep us safe can count on having someone watching their backs. Sharon Knutson-Felix, executive director of the 100 Club of Arizona, knows first-hand the burden carried by public safety workers and their families. Having lost a young son and her husband, a highway patrol officer, in tragic accidents, she devotes her professional life to supporting families of police officers, firefighters and other law enforcement workers. “Every day I do my very best to bring attention to not just the hardships of public safety, but the accomplishments as well,” KnutsonFelix says. “I hope everyone realizes that those who serve us and put their lives on the line every day are moms, dads, brothers and sisters, that there are people behind those uniforms.” Knutson-Felix has helped increase the 100 Club’s assistance to public safety families and agencies eightfold in nine years and launched and expanded the Club’s scholarship program which helps those family members pursue higher education. And the same faith that helped this pastor’s daughter get through her own grief now calls her to active participation in her church and with local charities.
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Chief Operating Officer Valley of the Sun United Way
Founder & CEO Gabriel’s Angels
Executive Director Community Food Connections
Executive Director 100 Club of Arizona
www.phoenixchamber.com
S pecial R eport 23rd Annual
Awards Athena Young Professional Finalists H onoring W omen in B u siness
Rachel Bennett Yanof
So many talk about the importance of a quality education, but Rachel Bennett Yanof works every day to see that those Executive Director/ who need it most have the educational School Director opportunities that will benefit them Phoenix Collegiate Academy later in life. Yanof established Phoenix Collegiate Academy in 2009 to help prepare students in the South Mountain area for academic achievement future leadership roles in the community. The vast majority of PCA students are underprivileged, but most have overachieved since entering the school. “There are young people who are not getting a fair shot at a quality education,” Yanof says. “There are so many obstacles to minority and low-income students achieving at the same level of their higher-income peers that it really keeps me going every day. How do we beat that education gap?” Yanof’s strategy for beating that gap involves establishing a caring, conscientious environment including a rigorous curriculum, clear goals, structure and accountability. By establishing long-term partnerships with community organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and the Los Diablos Alumni Association of Arizona State University, she and her staff are building a foundation for the future that will be a good lesson for us all.
Melanie McCargar
Being a woman in a man’s world hasn’t always been easy, but it has come naturally to Melanie McCargar. “I was the fourth child, the baby, the only girl and keeping up with my brothers gave me a stronger start,” McCargar reflects. “So it’s just been part of my identity, carving out my own role.” Today, that role includes identifying project opportunities and building client relationships in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. While those projects can range in cost from $50,000 to $200 million, McCargar also makes valuable contributions by mentoring other women in the industry and advocating for the ethical and efficient use of public funds. Inspired by her parents, who instilled the value of devoting time and talents to neighbors and community, McCargar began contributing to the revitalization of Phoenix’s South Mountain area after moving there a year ago. By tearing down stereotypes, she’s helping build solid foundations for our community’s future.
Business Development Rep. for Heavy Civil Division Sundt Construction
Jessica Catlin
Jessica Catlin’s career may have taken her from (Capitol) Hill to Valley (of the Sun), but her path is definitely trending upward. The energetic, politically-savvy Catlin has turned DC experience into an AZ success story with a combination of can-do attitude, professionalism and compassion that sets an example for her peers. After spending four years as a Senatorial aide, Catlin came to Arizona with no job and little more than some family and a dream to make a difference. After an impressive stint with a political consultant firm, she moved on to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where her innovation and abilities have seen her make a rapid rise through the hospital’s communications department. Her experience in the Capitol serves her well as a staunch advocate for Arizona’s environment and political candidates who want to protect it. “In order for our community to be vibrant and really represent the great number of people who live here, it’s up to all of us to engage and pay attention to what’s happening and, on our own time, make a difference to our community,” Catlin says. “Because who’s going to take care of us if we don’t?”
Manager, Marketing/ Communications Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Gre at le ade rs inspire our communities In every community, there are people who can inspire others to work for positive change. True leaders know how to forgea consensus and create a lasting legacy of success. 2010 ATHENA Awards finalists, it’s an honor to re cognize you.
we llsfargo.com
© 2010 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. 121947 09/10
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CONGRATULATIONS, MELANIE!
ON BEING NAMED A
2010 ATHENA
Melanie McCargar
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL FINALIST
2620 S. 55th Street Tempe, Arizona 85282 (480) 293-3000 www.sundt.com Arizona Contractor License Nos.: ROC068012-A; ROC068013-B01
O U R P E OP L E M A K E T H E D I F F E R E N C E . SM
Events Calendar
Member Happenings
How To
Ribbon Cuttings
New Members
Event Spotlight
Last year’s ATHENA Recipients (L-R): Connie Phillips, Sojourner Center (Public Sector), Wendy Akbar, Quarles & Brady, LLP (Young Professional), Barb Dawson, Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P. (Private Sector).
23rd Annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon Thursday, October 28
The Valley of the Sun is home to many outstanding business women, and the Chamber will honor some of the very best at the 23rd Annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 28 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. For the third consecutive year, three business women who exemplify the qualities of the legendary Greek goddess Athena will receive accolades in the categories of Private Sector, Public Sector and Young Professional. You can meet the 11 finalists in our special section beginning on page 11 of this issue. Make plans to attend the celebration and to be inspired by all the finalists and nominees who combine outstanding achievement in the business world with community service and mentoring of others. Register online at www.phoenixchamber.com/athena.
RSVP TODAY! 23rd Annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon Thursday, October 28
10:45 - 11:30 a.m. | Registration and Community Action Expo 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch and Award Program Individual Reservations $65 for Chamber members or nominees $75 for non-members
Table of Ten $750 for members $850 for non-members.
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa 2400 E. Missouri Ave. Phoenix 85016 Register online at www.phoenixchamber.com/athena
Save The Date! Chamber Events and Programs OCTOBER 14
NOVEMBER 9
DECEMBER 15
Downtown Phoenix: The Urban Heart of Arizona Lucky Strike Lanes
Phoenix Forum Luncheon with Karl Rove Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel
Waste Management Phoenix Open Tee-Off Luncheon Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
www.phoenixchamber.com
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October 2010 Calendar of Events BUSINESS FOR BREAKFAST
IDEA EXCHANGES
Business for Breakfast events offer the early-bird networker an excellent opportunity to start their day by making valuable business contacts in an energetic atmosphere. Bring your business cards and get your day off and running!
These events, from roundtables to luncheons to special meetings, bring together like-minded business people for conversation, collaboration and education. Expert speakers and interactive educational presentations add to the benefit of the gatherings..
Tue
12 WED
13
THUR
14
THUR
28
DEER VALLEY Mini-Tradeshow Breakfast 7:15 - 8:30 a.m. Costco 19001 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix 85027 aback@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6479 SOUTH MOUNTAIN/LAVEEN 7:15 – 8:30 a.m. Bougainvillea Golf Club 5740 W. Baseline Rd., Laveen 85339 sglueck@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6469 ANTHEM 7 - 8:15 a.m. Hampton Inn 42415 N. 41st Dr., Anthem 85086 ddrotar@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6483 PARADISE VALLEY Mini-Tradeshow Breakfast 7:15 - 8:30 a.m. Paradise Valley Mall 4568 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix 85032 aback@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6479
SUN
3
Monday
4
TUE
5
Wed
6
THUR
14
Professional Women’s Roundtable Speaker: Andrea Beaulieu Topic: High Impact Stories for High Impact Presentations! 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 nostrofe@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194 The Phoenicians 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Arizona Country Club 5668 E. Orange Blossom Lane, Phoenix 85018 llamorder@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2195
THUR
Back to Business Series 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Speaker: G eorge Rosenberg, The Rosenberg Group Topic: Positioning Your Business for Success in 2011 Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 nostrofe@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194
WED
Hispanic Business Leadership Council’s “Bridging the Gap” Luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Speaker: Manny Espinoza, CEO, ALPFA Topic: Dynamics of Finance in Business Development Downtown Wyndham Hotel 50 E. Adams, Phoenix 85004 nostrofe@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194
WED
Valley Young Professionals 5:30 – 7 p.m. Speakers: D avid Eichler and Sam Alpert, David and Sam PR Topic: The Evolution of the Professional Branding Concept Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 nostrofe@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194
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Downtown Phoenix: The Urban Heart of Arizona Networking/Bowling Outing 5 – 7 p.m. Lucky Strike Lanes 50 W. Jefferson St Phoenix, AZ 85003 $10 to attend, $20 to attend and bowl (shoes included) nostrofe@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194
Tuesday
5 Professional Women’s
Roundtable 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Wednesday
6 The Phoenicians
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Thursday
7 A mbassadors Committee 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Friday
Sat
1
2
8
9
15
16
Agriculture, Environment and Water Issue Committee 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
10
12 Deer Valley Mini-Tradeshow 13 S outh Mountain/Laveen 14 A nthem Business For
11
Breakfast 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
Economic Development Committee 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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18
19
Business For Breakfast 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
Hispanic Business Leadership Council 3:30 - 5 p.m.
20 Your Chamber is Your
Goldmine 11:30 – 1 p.m.
Breakfast 7 - 8:15 a.m.
Downtown Phoenix: The Urban Heart of Arizona 5 - 7 p.m.
21 Small Business Leadership
Council 10:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
22 P ublic Affairs Committee
23
29
30
12 – 1 p.m.
Back to Business Series 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Deer Valley After 5 Mixer 5 - 7 p.m. South Mountain/Laveen After 5 Mixer 5 - 7 p.m.
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Valley Young Professionals 5:30 – 7 p.m.
23rd Annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon 10:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Breakfast 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
Transportation Committee 3 – 4 p.m.
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27 Bridging the Gap Luncheon
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October 2010 Calendar of Events COMMITTEES
LEADS GROUPS
Chamber Members have the opportunity to take on leadership roles with important committees that contribute time and energy to enhance the Chamber’s programming. Committees meet regularly for the benefit of members, who come together to discuss important issues and remain connected to each other and to the Chamber.
Leads Groups are free referral/lead generation groups designed to enhance member businesses. Membership is limited; only one person per industry in each group. Please view the rosters online at www.phoenixchamber.com to check availability or contact Debbie Drotar at ddrotar@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6483.
WED
6
Agriculture, Environment and Water Issue Committee 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 kclarkson@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497
thur
Ambassadors Committee 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. (Meets every 1st Thursday) Chamber Boardroom nostrofe@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194
Tue
Economic Development Committee 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Chamber Boardroom kclarkson@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497
7
12 WED
13
Hispanic Business Leadership Council 3:30 – 5 p.m. (Meets every 2nd Wednesday) Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 nostrofe@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194
thur
Small Business Leadership Council 10:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Meets every 3rd Thursday) Chamber Boardroom nostrofe@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194
Fri
Public Affairs Committee 12 – 1 p.m. Chamber Boardroom kclarkson@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497
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22 THur
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Transportation Committee 3 – 4 p.m. Chamber Boardroom kclarkson@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497
AFTER 5 MIXERS After 5 Mixers provide the perfect ending to the business day and let you make new contacts or renew familiar ones in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Thur
SOUTH MOUNTAIN/LAVEEN 5 – 7 p.m. Laveen Medical Pavilion 3340 W. Southern Ave., Phoenix 85040 sglueck@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6469
Thur
PHOENIX 5 - 7 p.m. Arizona Pop Culture Museum 5415 E. High St., Suite 119, Phoenix 85054 aback@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6479
21 21
NORTH VALLEY Embassy Suites-Phoenix North 2577 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix 85023 Fridays, 7 a.m. SOUTH CENTRAL PHOENIX Raven Golf Club 3636 W. Baseline Rd., Laveen 85339 Wednesdays, 7:15 a.m. SOUTHEAST VALLEY Mimi’s Cafe (@ Fiesta Mall) 1250 S. Alma School Rd., Mesa 85210 Fridays, 7:15 a.m.
NORTHEAST VALLEY Stonecreek Golf Club 4435 E. Paradise Parkway S, Phoenix 85032 Tuesdays, 7:15 a.m.
NORTHWEST VALLEY Deer Valley Airport Restaurant 702 W. Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix 85027 Thursdays, 7:30 a.m.
CENTRAL VALLEY Scott’s Generations 5555 N. 7th St., Phoenix 85014 Wednesdays (except 1st Wednesday), 7:15 a.m.
BILTMORE AREA Frank & Albert’s (B2B Only) Arizona Biltmore Resoft & Spa 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix 85016 Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.
SPECIAL EVENTs
GET ORIENTED
The Chamber offers numerous special events throughout the year. From luncheons to business expos to legislative events, these get-togethers serve to enlighten, educate or entertain while connecting the membership.
Okay, you’ve joined the Chamber. Now what? Find out how to make the most of your membership at regular orientation events. Members who have joined the Chamber in the last six months are welcome to attend.
THUR
28
23rd Annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon 10:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix 85016 $65 for members or nominees, $75 for non-members events@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2182
Wed
20
Your Chamber is Your Goldmine 11:30 – 1 p.m. Speaker: Victoria Trafton, Referral Institute of Central AZ Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 nostrofe@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194
Chamber Highlight Then, Now and the Future From the first issue of Whither Phoenix in November 1945, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce has kept its members informed through a variety of regular printed publications. The next step begins now: this issue of IMPACT is the final edition you will receive. We will continue to bring you interesting, relevant, timely content including business news, features, trends and profiles, but in a variety of electronic formats available on our website at www.phoenixchamber.com. “We haven’t taken this step lightly,” admitted Chamber President & CEO Todd Sanders. “Honestly, leaving the printed page behind is a step into uncharted waters, but it’s the logical progression of our communications efforts.” The newly-redesigned www.phoenixchamber.com will contain more robust multimedia content, including
video, audio, photo galleries and more features that will be added over time. “We are very excited about this progression,” Sanders said. “The digital world expands every day and the business community should be helping lead the way.” Get Connected Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce www.phoenixchamber.com
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Member Happenings Chamber members have the opportunity to attend numerous interesting and exciting events. From luncheons and mixers to expos and professional development sessions, they’re all part of the Chamber experience. Here’s a look at what your fellow members have been up to recently.
01
02
Valley Young Professionals 01 | The Valley Young Professionals meet regularly, connecting leading entrepreneurs and business professionals with a valuable network to help them learn, grow and develop professionally. Oh, and it’s fun, too, of course. Find out more at www.phoenixchamber.com/vyp.
Back to Business Series 02 | Mike Leeds of Pro Sales Coaching LLC spoke
03
on “The Art of Sales and Profit Margins” as part of the Chamber’s Back to Business seminar series on August 19. The Back to Business Series is included in your Chamber membership, but the programs are very popular, so be sure to RSVP online at www. phoenixchamber.com. The next session takes place October 21 when George Rosenberg of The Rosenberg Group presents “Positioning Your Business for Success in 2011: What You Need to Do Now!”
Bridging the Gap Mixer 03 | Business people from across the Valley came together at the August 25 Hispanic Business Leadership Council “Bridging the Gap” TARDEADA After 5 Celebration. The event was held in partnership with the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, the National Society of Hispanic MBAs and the United Latino Business Coalition at Macayo’s Depot Cantina Restaurant in Phoenix.
04
05
Professional Women’s Roundtable 04 | You may have a certain lifestyle, but have you thought about your “workstyle?” Executive Coach Lillian Coury of Pegasus Pathways got the Professional Women’s Roundtable thinking about it on September 7. If you missed the presentation or if you’re curious about “workstyle,” view a short video on the topic at www.phoenixchamber.com/workstyle.
Economic Outlook 2011
06
05 | Dr. Angel Cabrera, president of Thunderbird School of Global Management, was one of the expert speakers at Economic Outlook 2011 on September 30 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. Dr. Cabrera gave nearly 900 business people some sage advice about their role in the new global economy: “Learn Chinese.”
06 | David Anderson of Off Madison Ave., John Martinson, co-founder of China Mist Brands and Michael Bidwill, president of the Arizona Cardinals discussed what Arizona can do to bolster its image in the wake of recent controversial legislation and the economic downturn. To view all the speakers’ presentations and hear their thoughts on the year ahead, visit www.phoenixchamber.com/eo2011.
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A pledge and a partnership As the state’s largest workers’ compensation insurance provider, SCF pledges to cultivate workplace safety while keeping employers’ premiums low. It’s an approach that creates strong relationships with our policyholders. One of our East Valley customers, Caliente Construction President and CEO Lorraine Bergman, calls SCF “a true partner to help us achieve our safety goals.” We have a stake in your success. Contact us today at www. scfaz.com to learn how SCF can help your workers stay safe – because safe business save money.
“ It’s not just a phone and a voice; it’s a personal relationship.” – Lorraine Bergman, President and CEO of Caliente Construction
602.631.2600 | Get a Quote 1.888.706.4070 | En español 602.631.2302 | www.scfaz.com scfaz impact ad half page september 09 10.indd 2
9/13/2010 4:02:29 PM
90 Years of Serving the Community Registration for Spring is going on now! visit www.phoenixcollege.edu Learn more about Phoenix College – watch our Welcome Video!
PHOENIX COLLEGE 1202 W Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85013 602.285.7800 Get the free mobile app at
http:/ / gettag.mobi
PC DOWNTOWN 640 N 1st Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85003 602.223.4000
The college of you MCCCD is an EEO/AA institution.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College • Estrella Mountain Community College • GateWay Community College • Glendale Community College • Maricopa Skill Center • Mesa Community College • Paradise Valley Community College • Phoenix College • Rio Salado College • Scottsdale Community College • South Mountain Community College • SouthWest Skill Center
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Ribbon Cuttings
How To: Take Your Business Public By Sandy Des Georges
Hanging your own shingle is one thing; hanging it for all the world to see is quite another. Taking your small business public is no small order, will change the way you operate, and must be considered thoroughly. David Gifford, an audit partner and the audit practice leader in Arizona for Grant Thornton LLP, says the process can take four to six months to complete and while there are advantages to “going public,” there are also pitfalls to such a move. “There are many things a company should consider,” says Gifford, who has more than two decades experience in public accounting. “It is important to discuss such an opportunity with your investment banker and legal counsel, because there are many variables, and there are costs that are associated with taking a small business public.” Gifford says companies should take into account its latest three years of financial results, opportunities for future growth, the experience of the management team, the company’s competitive advantages, the size of the potential market and whether such a move will enhance the company’s prospects for further success. Gifford, whose Phoenix office specializes in audit, taxes, economic advisory and management consulting, lists these advantages to going public: n Increased opportunities to raise capital n Access to public equity and debt markets for future expansion n Enhanced liquidity for shareholders n Employee motivation, retention through stockbased compensation n Elevated image and status Among the land mines to consider are: n Initial IPO costs and the recurring cost to comply with SEC regulation are significant n Higher risk for officers, board members n Investor pressure n Lessened control How will your business change as a publicly owned company? “In a word, transparency,” says Gifford. “It will be like living in a fishbowl, compared to being a private company.”
Get Connected Grant Thornton www.grantthornton.com
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Contact us if you are celebrating a grand opening, anniversary or relocation at 602.495.2194. They were laughing all the way to the new CHASE BANK branch at 1601 North 7th Street, Suite 140, in Phoenix in celebration of its grand opening. + www.chase.com
CITY OF HOPE is an innovative biomedical research facility dedicated to curing lifethreatening illnesses and is located at 6245 N. 24th Parkway, Suite 110 in Phoenix. + www.cityofhope.org
All of the basic building blocks are in place for success for ELEMENTS BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LLC, which celebrated its launch and grand opening with a ribbon cutting at 44 W. Monroe St., Suite 1406 in Phoenix. + www.elements-global.com
Hungry? HAMBURGER HAVEN, located at 507 West Thomas Road in Phoenix has the solution, and you’ll relish the trip there. + (602) 279-2554
They’re setting them up and knocking them down at LUCKY STRIKE LANES & LOUNGE, the new downtown hotspot featuring bowling and more at 50 West Jefferson Street in Phoenix. + www.bowlluckystrike.com
The HOLIDAY INN PHOENIX DOWNTOWN NORTH is celebrating their newlyremodeled property at 212 W. Osborn in Phoenix along with sharing the new look of the Holiday Inn brand. + www.holidayinn.com
www.phoenixchamber.com
Welcome New Members We welcome these businesses who have seen the benefit of becoming a part of our Chamber.
Bars and Nightclubs
Educational Support Services
Hotels, Motels and Resorts
Professional Services
Sandbar Mexican Grill 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85050 (480) 585-5900 www.sandbaraz.com
Kumon of Lookout Mountain 420 E. Bell Rd., Ste. C-105 Phoenix, AZ 85022 (602) 795-5386 www.kumon.com
AAA Professional Resume Services 656 W. Port Royal Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85023 (602) 993-6662 www.arizonaresume.com
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services
Elementary and Secondary Schools
MainStay Suites - Phoenix Metrocenter 9455 N. Black Canyon Highway Phoenix, AZ 85021 (602) 395-0900 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/az244
Oxi Fresh of Phoenix, Inc. P.O. Box 54327 Phoenix, AZ 85078 (602) 910-6581 www.oxifresh.com Caterers, Delicatessens or Fast Food Hamburger Haven 507 W. Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 279-2559 Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools Apollo Group, Inc. 4025 S. Riverpoint Pkwy. Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602) 557-1115 www.apollogrp.edu Consulting Services Foote Consulting Group, LLC 18910 N. 73rd Dr. Glendale, AZ 85308 (480) 399-4854 www.footeconsulting.com Consulting Services Coaching/Networking The Whale Hunters 740 S. Mill Ave., Ste. 210 Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 355-0039 www.thewhalehunters.com Dentist - General Ginger Price, DDS 4425 N. 24th St., Ste. 100 Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 468-1135 www.gingerpricedds.com
Career Success Charter Schools 16004 N. 36th Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85053 (602) 296-5552 www.careersuccessschools.com Executive Offices Corporate Office Centers 1 E. Washington St., Ste. 500 Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 759-7300 www.corporateofficecenters.com Financial Services - Planners
The Historic Hassayampa Inn 122 E. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301 (928) 778-9434 www.hassayampainn.com Information Technology Rook & Knight LLC 2030 W. Baseline Rd., Ste., 182-402 Phoenix, AZ 85041 (480) 273-9261 www.rookandknight.com Legal Services
Holme Roberts & Owen LLP Mass Mutual 16427 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 300 14362 N. Frank Lloyd Wright, Ste. 260 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 624-4500 (602) 690-3445 www.hro.com www.massmutual.com Manufacturing Fire Protection Troy Corporation Simplex Grinnell 113 S. 47th Ave. 4602 S. 36th St. Phoenix, AZ 85043 Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602) 233-9047 (602) 293-0247 www.troycorp.com www.simplexgrinnell.com Ware Manufacturing Food and Beverage Wholesalers 625 S. 27th Ave., Ste 120 Phoenix, AZ 85009 Ceylon Tea Company (602) 257-8803 7400 E. Tierra Buena Ln, Suite 107-B www.waremfginc.com Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (888) 738-8842 Marketing Research and www.4ceylontea.com Public Opinion Polling Health and Wellness eHealthTrust Arizona 11811 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 3031 Phoenix, AZ 85028 (480) 991-9171 www.ehealthtrust.com Sensational Smiles 4355 E. Casey Ln. Cave Creek, AZ 85331 (480) 250-8841 www.smiles4az.com
Delve LLC 1225 W. Washington St., Ste. 113 Tempe, AZ 85281 (602) 914-1950 www.delve.com Musical Groups and Artists 176 Keys Dueling Pianos 7906 N 88th Ln. Glendale, AZ 85305 (888) 539-7176 www.176keys.com
Restaurants Roadrunner Restaurant & Saloon 47801 N. Black Canyon Hwy. New River, AZ 85087 (623) 456-7888 www.roadrunnerrestaurant.com Restaurants - Catering Seasons 52 Restaurant 2502 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 840-5252 www.seasons52.com Retail Stores Atrium Gallery and Custom Framing 16823 W. Cottonwood St. Surprise, AZ 85388 (623) 606-7355 www.atriumgalleryandframing.com Roofing, Siding, and Insulation Materials United Coatings 2810 S. 18th Pl. Phoenix, AZ 85034 (480) 754-8900 www.unitedcoatings.com Telecommunications Aspen Technologies 2343 W. University Dr., Ste. 105 Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 315-1700 www.aspentechaz.com Video Conferencing Services Litehouse LLC 313 W. Orangewood Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021 (602) 820-3315 www.litehousellc.net
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Buchalter Nemer Providing legal services to businesses of all sizes for six decades, locally, regionally and nationally
In Arizona, please contact:
Paul M. Weiser, Esq. Managing Partner 480.383.1800 | www.buchalter.com
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San Francisco
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v e r mi l l i o n ph o t o w w w. v e r m i l l i o n ph o t o . co m 60 2. 253. 60 0 5
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www.phoenixchamber.com
IMPACT Interview
Governor Brewer Talks Business
HR IQ Topic: Do I Have to Give Employees Paid Time Off to Vote?
Jan Brewer became Arizona’s 22nd Governor in January 2009, succeeding Governor Janet Napolitano. Governor Brewer discussed some important business topics in this recent Q and A with IMPACT Magazine.
Q. You’ve made getting our economy back on track a priority. How do you intend to get that done? A. First, and most importantly, to get job creation here. The first thing I did was put a moratorium on all rules and regulations so business people could have more predictability. I strongly believe it’s not government’s job to get in the way of business, it’s our job to cut through the green tape and red tape. So that’s what we did. Then I began working on getting our Department of Commerce into the 21st century. We were able to get someone in from the private sector to help us understand just exactly what we needed and reorganize it as the Arizona Commerce Authority. I was instrumental in getting the tax incentive bills passed, which really helped us with regard to renewable energy. We’ve been noted as “King of Solar” by Business Facilities magazine. We know government doesn’t grow jobs, the private sector grows jobs. So we have a plan and so far we’ve been pretty successful and we look forward to being much more successful. It’s unfortunate that we have a federal government demanding rules and regulations and mandates upon us that make it so much more difficult for businesses to succeed.
Q. The small business owner is the backbone of our economy and our Chamber. Can that small business owner be optimistic about the state of our economy in the next year or the next two years? A. We should always be optimistic. It’s so important we look to the future, and we’re going to do everything in our power to make sure they’re all successful. We need to keep looking at the rural areas where we’ve been successful. I’ve placed money ($20 million in stimulus funds) into the job closing fund to help close business relocation deals. That helps people in large and small businesses. Half that money has gone into a job training fund so those companies can have a skilled workforce. All of these things combined are going to make small businesses successful. I’m also very focused on trying to look at tax reform, which I called for way back in March 2009. That’s something that will make us more competitive with states like California and Nevada. Q. Can Arizona still be a business attractor? A. We hear from people, dozens a day, who are interested in coming to Arizona. They’re excited about it because they can’t afford to do business in California or Nevada anymore because of the rules and regulations. That’s why it’s so important we make sure that doesn’t happen here. Who wouldn’t want to live and do business here? Where else would you want to go? Q. What do you see as the role of government with regards to business? A. Business people should know that they’re going to have a partner in state government. I come from a business background. I understand what it is to own and operate a small business. We will continue to do what is right for businesses because businesses grow our jobs and bolster our economy. Get Connected
Governor Jan Brewer
Office of the Governor www.azgovernor.gov
The election season is in full swing with the general election fast approaching. Ken Pinnock, director of Arizona operations for Mountain States Employers Council, can help you avoid the pitfalls of employees going to the polls. Voting day can bring challenges for businesses and Arizona employers are obligated to allow employees time off from work to vote. In many cases, employees will vote before or after work. There are times where an employee must take time off work to vote or voter turnout is such that additional time off work is needed. If an employee does not have three consecutive hours between the opening the polls and beginning of their work shift, or three hours between the end of their work shift and the closing of the polls, Arizona law allows paid time off for an employee to vote in a primary or general election. For example, Arizona polling locations are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. If an employee is scheduled to work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., they would not have the three consecutive hours necessary before or after work to vote. As a result, paid time off work would need to be allowed (typically an hour at the beginning or end of the work shift) to meet the three-hour requirement. The employee must request the time off prior to the day of the election and the employer can specify the hours an employee may be absent to vote to minimize business disruption. The employer may deny time off to vote if the employee’s work schedule allows for three consecutive hours before or after the work shift when polls are open. Don’t forget to vote November 2! You can find your polling place at recorder.maricopa.gov. Get Connected MSEC Arizona www.msec.org
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MarCom Corner
Smart Growth
Your Answers to Marketing & Communication
Topic: How Important is Branding to Your Company’s Growth? The concept of branding is often discussed and just as often misunderstood. Vikki Green of Sandlot Studios in Phoenix helps cut through the clutter. Your brand resides in the hearts and minds of customers, clients and prospects. It is the sum of their experiences and perceptions, some you can influence, some you cannot. Branding is not about “getting your name out” in the marketplace. It’s about getting an individual customer to say, “I want it!” Branding is creating character and experience by developing a brand look and position that stands out and identifies you as the expert. It makes the customer know they cannot live without your product or service. Americans are exposed to about 10,000 advertising messages daily, so repetition is critical in an advertising campaign and throughout all marketing materials. A consistent brand impression is strong if it gives the customer a clear idea of why they want to be involved with the product being branded. (“I get it. I want it!”) Great marketing and branding bring together intention and perception. It is about having the message understood. A successful brand delivers your message clearly, confirms your credibility, connects your target prospects emotionally, motivates the buyer and concretes user loyalty. Every time people interact with you, they create thoughts and opinions about you. You already have a brand, whether you like it or not. The only thing you should worry about now is what kind of brand you would like to have. Get Connected Sandlot Studios www.sandlotstudios.com
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Networking is about more than just shaking hands and talking about your business.
Three Networking To-Dos By Gelie Akhenblit, Networking Phoenix
Building your business through networking can be a tricky thing. Attending events can be time consuming, following up can fall through the cracks and no one wants to be sold to when meeting others for the first time. However, when done properly, your network could be one of your best referral sources. Nothing beats a third party referral and word-of-mouth advertising. But simply attending events and handing out your business card to people is not the way to build a network. Here are my top three recommendations for meeting key people and creating mutually beneficial relationships: 1. There is a big difference between promoting and networking. Going to an event to hand out business cards and talk about your business is promoting. Going to an event to meet interesting individuals with whom you can form an alliance is networking. 2. No one cares about your business until they care about YOU. It’s true. No one is going to do business with your business card and no one is going to pick you over your competitor until you give them a reason to. A great way to get people on your side is to show them that you are a valuable contact. 3. Arrive early and stay late. Make sure to arrive early so that you can meet the organizers and greet other attendees as they come in. It’s much easier to strike up conversations when you’re not the one having to approach people to break the ice. Staying late is also great because, by the end of the event, people let their guards down and they are ready to have real conversations as opposed to ‘sell, sell, sell.’
Gelie Akhenblit
And this goes without saying, but FOLLOW-UP is key. If you had a good connection with someone at an event, make sure to send them a quick follow up email within 72 hours and ask if you could meet them for coffee. Hopefully, these tips will be beneficial on your networking journey of building a vast network that will allow your business to thrive! Get Connected Networking Phoenix www.networkingphoenix.com www.phoenixchamber.com
YO U R M E E T I N G B U D G E T H A S R O O M F O R
A FEW PLEASANT SURPRISES.
192-seat Lecture Hall
Executive Board Room
“IBM held its Smarter Cities Phoenix event at the Executive Conference Center – Downtown Phoenix. The customers and attendees were very impressed with the state-of-the-art facility, the customer service and the attention to detail. Every aspect of a major conference was anticipated — and addressed well ahead of time.” Joseph (Jay) Ennesser, Jr. — IBM Sales & Distribution, Industrial Sector, Vice President Global Alliances Solutions, Phoenix Location
If one-stop planning service, an all-inclusive meeting package and high-end amenities sound pretty good on your budget, then the Executive Conference Center – Downtown Phoenix is the perfect choice. The ECC offers more than 21,000 square feet of IACC-certified meeting space, featuring a 192-seat lecture hall, sophisticated furnishings and leading-edge technology for groups as large as 300 attendees. So start looking beyond the same old meeting experience — and enjoy a few pleasant surprises with your next event.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR A TOUR, CONTACT KEVIN HILL. 602-262-6225 | PHXECC.COM FA M I LY O F V E N U E S Phoenix Convention Center | Executive Conference Center | Symphony Hall | Orpheum Theatre
Arizona in Focus Spotlighting the Chamber’s Legislative Advocacy and Economic Development Efforts
Election Endorsements
Public Affairs Team Welcomes Two
After a thorough review of the candidates, including questionnaires, voting records and personal interviews, the Chamber’s Political Action Committee (PAC) endorses 35 pro-business Arizona Legislature candidates for the November 2 General Election. District 4: District 6: District 7: District 8: District 9:
Scott Bundgaard (R), Senate Lori Klein (R), Senate, Amanda Reeve (R), House Nancy Barto (R ), Senate, Heather Carter (R), House Michele Reagan (R), Senate Rick Murphy (R), Senate, Rick Gray (R), House, Debbie Lesko (R), House District 10: Linda Gray (R), Senate, Jim Weiers (R), House, Kimberly Yee (R), House District 11: Adam Driggs (R), Senate, Kate McGee (R), House, Eric Meyer (D), House District 12: John Nelson (R), Senate, Angela Cotera (D), House, District 14: Robert Meza (D), Senate, Chad Campbell (D), House District 15: Lela Alston (D), House District 16: Ruben Gallego (D), House District 17: Wendy Rogers (R), Senate, Ben Arredondo (D), House District 18: Cecil Ash (R), House, Steve Court (R), House District 19: Rich Crandall (R), Senate, Kirk Adams (R), House, Justin Olson (R), House District 20: John McComish (R), Senate, Bob Robson (R), House District 21: Steve Yarbrough (R), Senate, Tom Forese (R), House, JD Mesnard (R), House, District 22: Andy Biggs (R), Senate District 23: Frank Pratt (R), House
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Amy Bratt
Two new faces have joined the Chamber’s Public Affairs team. Amy Bratt came aboard as Public Affairs & Economic Development Manager in August. Her 16-year career managing communications, client expectations and implementing public involvement projects includes work with the Tucson Modern Streetcar and Phoenix’s METRO Light Rail. Kieren Clarkson joined the Chamber as Public Affairs & Economic Development Coordinator in late September after serving as an intern for the House Appropriations Committee and working at a local law firm. “Amy and Kieren are great additions to our team,” commented GPCC Vice President of Public Affairs & Economic Development Michelle Bolton. “Their experience and enthusiasm will pay great dividends now and in the future.” Get Connected
Kieren Clarkson
Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs (602) 495-6497 www.phoenixchamber.com/publicaffairs
www.phoenixchamber.com
Business Bios
And It’s Surely to Their Credit Another win in the cards for American Express By Christina Estes
It’s not a first for American Express, it’s a fourth. According to J.D. Power and Associates, the company with a strong Valley presence ranks highest in credit card customer satisfaction for a fourth consecutive year. “When others were cutting back we invested in service, reinventing every aspect of how we engage with our customers,” says Tammy Weinbaum, senior vice president-general manager in Phoenix and Salt Lake City. “We’re seeing positive results in terms of customer satisfaction as well as employee attrition.” American Express revamped the workplace for its customer care professionals by offering flexible schedules, doing away with the traditional call center metrics and basing pay on performance. “We survey customers and ask about their interactions with our employees,” explains Christa Burkhalter, director of corporate affairs and communications. “We use that informatin to help employees grow and to reward them with pay.”
The focus on customer service pays off for other companies, too. OPEN is the American Express team dedicated exclusively to the success of small business owners. Among OPEN’s programs is AcceptPay, a tool to help business owners get paid faster by allowing them to create, send and track invoices and accept payments online. SearchManager provides a simple way to advertise online and manage campaigns in one place. InsuranceEdge offers four types of business insurance: general liability and business property, worker’s compensation, commercial auto and umbrella. OPEN Forum is an online resource full of videos, articles, blogs and expert advice to help boost member’s business. “With more than 7,000 employees dedicated to helping us achieve our vision to become the world’s most respected service brand, we have a lot to look forward to,” says Weinbaum. That includes turning their fourth J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study win into a fifth.
Get Connected American Express www.americanexpress.com
A Class Act Fall Is Back-to-School Time (For Your Employees) By Lori K. Baker
No entrepreneur wants a team of uneducated employees. Or even average ones. Yet amid the hunt for the best and brightest, recent statistics paint a grim picture of the labor pool’s brainpower. While more than 60 percent of jobs require advanced skills training or education in today’s information-based economy, currently only 35 percent of American workers over age 25 have achieved a four-year degree. Of those workers who only made to 12th grade, 65 percent can’t read and 77 percent can’t do math at that level, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Worried? You should be. But Brian L. Swartz, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Apollo Group, Inc., which has subsidiary for-profit schools like University of Phoenix, believes his organization has an innovative solution— providing easier access to higher education to so-called “nontraditional” students who are juggling jobs, families and education.
Next month Apollo Group will roll out a new program called University Orientation, a free three-week, noncredit course that will simulate the rigors of attending class and doing coursework. “It’s a free pilot to allow students to see if they’re really up for the challenge of what it takes to earn a degree,” Swartz says. Meanwhile, Swartz says Apollo Group is investing more than $100 million in building the university classroom of the future—one that is mainly digital and online. “The whole idea is to create and make a very flexible model for our students,” he says. “We want to deliver content and curriculum in the way the student wants to receive it. For example, if someone is an audio learner, why can’t they learn through streaming media?” At a time when for-profit colleges have received criticism for aggressive sales tactics and encouraging students to take out costly student loans, Apollo Group has developed an
Apollo Group Senior VP Brian Swartz.
electronic student borrowing calculator that shows how much they should be borrowing on the basis of their income and household expenses. “Students are encouraged not to borrow the maximum amount if they don’t need it,” Swartz says. Get Connected Apollo Group, Inc. www.apollogrp.edu
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Business Bios
Sustainably Smart Member Does More Than Just Recycle By Stephanie Conner To some, “green,” “sustainability” and “corporate social responsibility” are buzz words that read well in taglines or in marketing plans. But for companies seeking to reduce waste, Global Green Integrators, a division of AZ Docushred LLC, has developed a service to help. The Phoenix firm helps clients divert recyclable material from landfills, explains co-founder Chris Garcia, by focusing on waste diversion from events and from corporate cafeterias and resorts. And it’s not just about separating and removing recyclable waste, Garcia explains. There is also a business intelligence component. At the beginning of a project, GGI helps companies understand the volume of recyclable materials they throw away. Throughout the relationship, it provides metrics demonstrating change. In some cases, it helps companies prove their commitment to corporate social responsibility or earn green awards. Global Green Integrators grew out of a client need. “We got a call in December,” Garcia says. “They asked, ‘What do you do with food scraps?’”
That client was the NBA. By working with the league on events around its February 2009 All-Star Game at US Airways Arena, Garcia’s firm discovered a great niche for companies that understand green. At the All-Star VIP Party, GGI’s efforts prevented 67 percent of the waste from going into a landfill. At U.S. Green Building Council event at Chase Field in November, the prevention rate was about 80 percent. For clients who want to “green” their events, GGI will first provide upfront consulting on what is needed to maximize their efforts. Then, on the day of the event, Garcia and his team will be onsite to educate patrons and sort the trash. Food scraps, biodegradables (plates, napkins, cups) and recyclables like paper, glass and aluminum are removed and recycled. “And after each event, the client gets detailed metrics on what was pulled out,” Garcia says. And GGI offers similar, long-term services for local resorts and other businesses.
The 2009 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix was a little greener thanks to Global Green Integrators.
By listening to what clients need and remaining flexible the company has survived the recession virtually unscathed. In fact, the firm is growing, Garcia says, because of this new niche. “We’re just trying to do the right thing. There’s no reason we should be throwing recyclable materials into the landfill,” Garcias says. “If a client is serious about sustainability, we can offer them options.” Get Connected Global Green Integrators www.globalgreenintegrators.com
Greater: PHX News & Notes From Around The Valley
Show Your Spirit Nominations are now open for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce at South Mountain/Laveen’s Sixth Annual Spirit of South Mountain Awards, which take place February 24, 2011. The awards recognize outstanding business people in the South Mountain/Laveen area, with 72 organizations, businesses and individuals having been honored in the first five years. Anyone can nominate a deserving business person in the categories of “Local Business,” “Non-Profit Agency,” “Individual Volunteer,” “Local Government Agency” or “Education/School Administrator” by
downloading an application from www.phoenixchamber.com/sml and submitting it by Wednesday, December 15. The awards gala is scheduled for Thursday evening, February 24, 2011 at The Secret Garden in Phoenix. ALSO: Scottsdale Healthcare’s Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center will be a primary clinical research site for the Stand Up to Cancer Dream Team pancreatic cancer research project. Mesa’s Vice Mayor Kyle Jones will remain Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of METRO Light Rail, the transportation organization announced. METRO plans to extend service from its current end-of-line at Sycamore to Mesa Drive by 2016. Pete and Mac’s Recreational Resort for Pets in Avondale held a “Yappy Hour” on September 16 to benefit Sun Valley Animal Shelter. Get Connected South Mountain/Laveen Chamber of Commerce www.phoenixchamber.com/sml Scottsdale Healthcare www.shc.org
SMLCC Board Chairman Blaine Searle (left), Michael Moreines of Terrazona LLC; Judy Baubie of Local Business of the Year CignaHealthcare at South Mountain; Jeffrey Garza Walker of SoMo Development LLC and SMLCC Executive Director Steve Glueck at the 2010 Spirit of South Mountain Awards.
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METRO Light Rail www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail Pete and Mac’s Recreational Resort for Pets www.petemac.com
www.phoenixchamber.com
Ask Our Members: Insurance
Q: What are the underlying reasons for health insurance inflation? A: The combination of higher medical insurance trend rates and rising costs associated with government requirements is leading to a predicted average health insurance renewal rate increase of 20 – 25 percent for late 2010 and early 2011. According to the Milliman Medical Index, hospital outpatient costs were the largest single area of cost increases this past year. The price per day of hospital inpatient services is also a key contributing factor impacting healthcare inflation. Increasing catastrophic claim activity is also to blame, caused by hospital billing practices, loopholes in managed care contracts, poor patient compliance and a continual deterioration in overall health status in the U.S. Jeffrey Kirke, Vice President jkirke@holmesmurphy.com Holmes Murphy & Associates 480.951.4889
Ken Blanchard College of Business | College of Education | College of Nursing & Health Sciences | College of Liberal Arts | College of Fine Arts & Production
Online • Campus
A R I Z O N A’ S P R I VAT E U N I V E R S I T Y S I N C E 1 9 4 9 Get started today! Call or visit: 877-319-3244 | www.gcu.edu/impact Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. (800-621-7440; http://www.ncahlc.org/ ).
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First Person Profile The Valley’s business community has a story to tell. We asked them to do just that.
Since January of 2009, we’ve shared the first-person stories of Chamber members just like you, from artisans to astronauts and bankers to basketball executives. We hope you’ve been inspired by them. We look forward to continuing to highlight the rich experiences of our members on our website at www.phoenixchamber.com.
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www.phoenixchamber.com
To invest in my dreams. To give it everything I have. To inspire people every day.
Small business doesn’t feel so small when you’re the one running the show. Every decision is magnified and every result is immediate. When it comes to health insurance for you and your employees, you want options and flexibility. At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona we hear you. Our new plans offer your company a range of flexible and affordable approaches to employee coverage. Now, add our network of over 18,000 health care providers along with our trusted local customer service and you have a health insurance plan that’s working hard for you…and your bottom line. You make the decisions around here.
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