06-2009 Impact Magazine

Talking Mergers

Expo Is Coming!

Not Just For Big Companies

Be Prepared

The Phoenicians A Committee On The Move

Greater Phoenix Chamber Of Commerce

JUNE.09

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8 Boomers in Bloom

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A Generation Grows Their Own Businesses

n Member News n Calendar of Events n Capitol Update

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Andy McCain Vice President & CFO Hensley & Company IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN J. Stephen “Steve” Rizley Sr. Vice President & General Manager Cox Communications CHAIR-ELECT & VICE CHAIR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Connie Perez Chief Executive Officer Advanced Reimbursement Management LEGAL COUNSEL Anne Kleindienst Fennemore Craig, P.C. SECRETARY TREASURER Mark Peterson President & CEO UMB, Arizona VICE CHAIR – PCCD Patricia Lee Refo Attorney Snell & Wilmer VICE CHAIR SMALL BUSINESS Susan Williams President HR Choice VICE CHAIR PUBLIC AFFAIRS Richard “Dick” Foreman Manager of Public Affairs Southwest Gas Corporation VICE CHAIR COMMUNITY EVENTS Kathryn Murphy President & CEO Corning Gilbert, Inc. VICE CHAIR MEMBER BENEFITS Gil Valadez Managing Director of Sales and Financial Planning Operations Prudential VICE CHAIR MEMBERSHIP Rick Johnson Principal/Owner Executive Forums VICE CHAIR AUDIT AND GOVERNANCE Mike Bontrager SW Business Unit President The Weitz Company VICE CHAIR HUMAN RESOURCES David Bruno Vice Chairman/Managing Partner DHR International EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS AT LARGE Derrick M. Hall President Arizona Diamondbacks Peter Hayes Manager of Public Affairs SRP Pam Conboy Arizona Regional President Wells Fargo Bank Mr. Steve Wheeler Executive Vice President, Customer Service & Regulation Arizona Public Service Company

Looking Ahead I’m very pleased to be writing to you as the new president & CEO of your Chamber. With the continued help of our dedicated members, board and staff, I look forward to continuing the wonderful work done over the last three and a half years by Katie Pushor.

One of the truly great things about the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is its ever-changing leadership combined with constancy of purpose. Our mission – now, as it has always been – is to help our members succeed and enhance the quality of life in the Valley of the Sun. Among our more than 3,400 business members are thousands of Baby Boomers – the generation that has had a tremendous impact on our nation’s history, culture and, yes, business. In this issue, you’ll meet several Chamber members who have taken their years of experience in corporate America and ventured out to build their own legacies. I’m sure you can find inspiration in their stories.

Lastly, if you are a Chamber member, thank you. If you’re not a member yet, I invite you to visit www.phoenixchamber.com to find out more about the state’s oldest and largest business organization.

This is your Chamber. Don’t hesitate to call on us if we can be of service!

Todd Sanders President & CEO Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

June Bulletin Looking for a way to fill a gap in your marketing budget? If you’ve got less marketing money to spend in these tough times, now is the time for the Chamber’s Advantage Marketing Package. This bundle of valuable marketing tools is a cost-effective way, outside of Impact Magazine, to stretch your marketing budget and reach more customers through online advertising.

Increase your presence on www.phoenixchamber.com and in our weekly email communications without breaking the bank! Find out about this exciting package by contacting us today.

Get Connected Heather Darin hdarin@phoenixchamber.com (602) 495-6478

Richard S. Parker Vice President Sundt Construction Corp.

View the entire list of board members at: www.phoenixchamber.com

www.phoenixchamber.com

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Contents

GET UP | GET OUT | CONNECT

JUNE | 09

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Booming Business Baby Boomers like Phillip Stice are talking about their generation this month. Find out how they satisfied their inner entrepreneurs.

Rick McCartney | Publisher Media Publishers Group, Llc rmccartney@phoenixchambermagazine.com Jody Ryan | Editor-In-Chief Greater Phoenix Chamber jryan@phoenixchamber.com Kenn Tomasch | Editor Greater Phoenix Chamber ktomasch@phoenixchamber.com Lori K. Baker, Sandy Des Georges, Christina Estes, Christia Gibbons, David Lucas, Ginny McMinn, Susan Ratliff, Kay Sperduti, Tom Trush Contributing Writers Dan Vermillion, Angela Cook, Kenn Tomasch Photography Stephen Gamble | Graphic Design Louise Ferrari | Operations Manager Dee Dee Hixson, Cami Shore Account Executives

Todd Sanders | President & CEO tsanders@phoenixchamber.com

Features 08 | Boomers in Bloom They represent one in four Americans, and they’re a powerful entrepreneurial force. Meet some Baby Boomers putting a generation’s experiences to work.

By Christia Gibbons

11 | The Phoenicians: On The Go The Chamber’s oldest committee is constantly looking for new knowledge.

See where their travels have taken them lately.

By Kenn Tomasch

15 | Event Spotlight The Summer Business Expo and Annual Member Reception kicks off a hot summer.

By Kenn Tomasch

SAVE THIS DATE

Departments 06 Member News News, Notables & Updates

12 Ask Our Members Tap Into Their Knowledge

23 Smart Growth Mergers Aren’t Just for Huge Companies

24 Money Matters

24 HR IQ Schedule Flexibility Dos and Don’ts

26 Capitol Voice Get Ready for the Wrap-Up

Member Resources 16 Events Calendar You’ll Swoon Over June

18 Member Happenings Our Members Do It All

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27 Pro: Files

Surveying Your Customers

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, Quality Project Management News & Notes From Around the Valley

30 First Person “We Weren’t Going to Survive the Quarter...”

21 New Members

Openings That Are Grand

20 How To: Build a Database

Jody Ryan | Director, Marketing & Communications jryan@phoenixchamber.com 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

28 Greater: PHX

www.phoenixchamber.com

20 Ribbon Cuttings

Ron Mcelhaney | V. P. rmcelhaney@phoenixchamber.com

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6360 E. Thomas Rd. Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 p 480.588.9505 • f 480.584.3751 info@mpgcompany.com www.mediapublishersgroup.com

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Impact Magazine is published monthly by Media Publishers Group, 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 Media Publishers Group, P.O. Box 32055, Phoenix, AZ 85064 or call (480) 588-9505. ©Copyright 2009, Media Publishers Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Media Publishers Group 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.

Call a Doctor!

Robert Keats (left) and Dale Walters also received a 2009 IMPACT Award for Company Culture last month.

A Perfect Plan Keats, Connelly and Associates has been named a top CPA/Financial Planning Firm in the United States by CPA Wealth Provider’s Sixth Annual Financial Planning Awards program.

It marks the second time in four years the firm, which specializes in managing the complexities of accumulated wealth across the US and Canadian borders. “We feel that our success is due to our culture of ethics and looking out for our clients’ best interest at all times,” said the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Dale Walters, CPA, PFS, CFP®.

+ www.keatsconnelly.com.com You’ve Got A Friend

New Hire at Zion and Zion

Republic Services, Inc. has been named the country’s most shareholder-friendly environmental services company by Institutional Investor magazine. A total of 675 buy-side analysts and portfolio managers at nearly 400 investment management firms weighed in on the survey.

Fara Richkind has joined Zion & Zion as Senior Account Manager. She has a diverse sales and marketing background that includes upper management experience in marketing, sales, promotions and events. + www.zionandzion.com

+ www.republicservices.com

An Elite Eight Mike Parker has been promoted to senior vice president at Colliers International and is one of eight commercial sales professionals moving up in the firm’s ranks. Also recently Mike Parker promoted to senior associate are Gordon Carll, Matt Fitz-Gerald, Adam Hood, Kevin Lange, Steve Larsen, Edgar Rascon and Sean Rosenzweig. + www.colliers.com

They’re On Board Joseph L. Echeverria, David Veillette and William W. Drury, Jr. have joined West Valley National Bank’s Board of Directors. The bank has also named William N. Young, III and Amy Lou Blunt to its Senior Management Team. Young will serve as Chief Financial Officer for the bank and its holding company and Blunt steps into the role of Chief Credit Officer. + www.wvnb.net

An Honor Worth Advertising

John C. Lincoln Health Network has named three doctors as its Physicians of the Year: John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital Emergency Department physician Jonathan Maitem, Dr. Jonathan DO, John C. Lincoln North Maitem Mountain Hospital orthopaedic surgeon John Soscia, MD, and family physician Gary Rada, MD, from Saguaro Family Practice, representing the John C. Lincoln’s Physician Network Development medical practices. + www.jcl.com

Tandy is Dandy Victoria Tandy of Quarles & Brady LLP has been named New Attorney of the Year by the Volunteer Lawyers Program of Maricopa County. Tandy, who practices commercial litigation, intellectual property and international arbitration, founded the Victoria Tandy Award for Diversity for first and second generation immigrants at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. + www.quarles.com

Northern Exposure Klutznick Company has announced that it will lease more than 36,000 square feet of office space at The Offices on High Street in its CityCenter of CityNorth development to Capital Processing Network, LLC, and Alaris Business Centers, LLC beginning this summer. + www.citycenterofcitynorth.com

Fran Mallace, general manager/ vice president of Cox Media, earned the “Ad Person of the Year” award at this year’s ADDYS Gala in Phoenix. The Fran Mallace two-time Ad Club president began her 25-year advertising career as an intern at KPNX-TV after her graduation from Arizona State University and celebrates 17 years with Cox Communications in 2009. She received seven nominations for this year’s award from business leaders, Cox colleagues and clients Valley-wide. + www.coxmedia.com

Bradley P. Hartman has joined Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C. as a member in the firm’s Phoenix office. He will practice in the Intellectual Property and Litigation Departments. The firm Bradley Hartman has also announced that it will move its Phoenix headquarters to the downtown CityScape currently under construction in downtown Phoenix, in June 2010. + www.jsslaw.com

Angling For Success

Welcome Home For Heroes

Three new employees have joined Phoenix-based interactive marketing agency New Angle Media: Rory Gonzalez as senior production manager, Michael Finazzo as business development manager and Linda Wickstrom as director of events. + www.newanglemedia.com

Lawyering Up

The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation has made direct funding available to SCHOOLS, Inc. to pay limited wage subsidies to employers to hire veterans.

SCHOOLS, Inc. is a non-profit organization that works with the Veterans Administration. + (602) 222-3402

Contact Us | Send your member news and photos 45 days prior to publication to: editor@phoenixchambermagazine.com 6

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From Anthem to downtown Phoenix and from Scottsdale to Glendale, Baby Boomers are finding the Valley fertile ground for starting their own businesses.

Statistics increasingly show that Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964), especially those at or near retirement age, are the fastest growing segment in the entrepreneurial world. Seventy-six million strong – representing one in four Americans – they have years of networking experience and bring best practices from the corporate world as well as the benefit of perspective.

The Chamber’s membership is full of Baby Boomers. Here are just five who exemplify entrepreneurship, success and fulfillment.

They are all running profitable businesses, and all say money isn’t their driving force. For them, business life now is about fun, creating something special, interacting with clients and giving back to the community.

Boomers inbloom A Generation Grows Their Own Businesses

By Christia Gibbons

Numbers Guy

CPA Phillip Stice reflected on his career and said “I really wasn’t ready to let my skills go dormant.”

Photography by Angela Cook and Kenn Tomasch 8

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At 63, Phillip Stice is the oldest of this quintet. His retirement to Anthem in late 2005 didn’t last long. By July 2006, he had parlayed 27 years as a CPA in Oregon into his own financial planning and tax consulting firm. His wife, Sandy, was a bookkeeper for 20 years and works alongside her husband.

“I really wasn’t ready to let my skills go dormant,” Stice says of his decision to venture out on his own.

Stice says he knows not to expect clients on Ladies Day and other big golf days at the Anthem Golf and Country Club, and that’s okay by him. He, too, plays in the mornings, working in the afternoon and as long into the night as need be. “I’ve had meetings at 8 o’clock at night,” he says. www.phoenixchamber.com

Wolz wanted to retire. He says the first thing he asked himself was, “How can we, as a business, even out the cash flow?”

He put together a directory of 30 area wedding resources - from photographers to caterers to limousine services. “Brides get the groom, get the date and then don’t know where to go from there,” he says. “The directory educates brides and helps them get through the maze.”

Storrs says he never thought about having his own shop until he saw the industry drift into the slow lane when it came to innovation and customer service. For instance, Web sites either weren’t being developed or weren’t Filling a Gap being updated regularly, he says, and employee At 44, Andrea Norman is the youngest training was inadequate. of this group; as such, considers herself “We really deal with people’s emotions, a “translational” conduit between the not flowers,” Storrs says. “It’s about building traditional skills of an older Boomer and the relationships. Then the business will come.” tech savvy of a Gen-Xer. As sure as Spring, the business has come.

“I find that sometimes Boomers not raised The 30-year-old shop has gone from providing with technology feel embarrassed or stupid, Mind the_Gap’s Andrea Norman (left, with marketing flowers for 25 weddings a year to more than 100. and they should know it’s just another skill,” specialist Elizabeth Schwartz) started her business to Whether it’s corsages for proms or unique items Norman says. satisfy a love of art and creativity. like rock ‘n roll-themed centerpieces for a recent “I really embraced technology, but it didn’t fundraiser headlined by the band Foreigner, Wolz’s will make it happen. touch my heart,” Norman says of her early years selling software for IBM. “One of the things in our shop is that we never say no to a customer,” It was a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, that may have sparked the idea for Storrs says.

Norman to go into business for herself. It was there that she discovered a love of art. She yearned for more creativity within her work life and got that, temporarily, The best part about having his own business, Stice says, is talking to people. When he worked for a large CPA firm, Stice says he rarely saw clients “unless something was out of whack,” because they dropped their paperwork off with front office staff.

“I love it,” Stice says. “The fun is the one on one.” He relishes giving clients a full range of financial planning services, not just working on tax returns.

“My favorite thing is the phone call, the new client,” he says. “Getting the new client, that’s fun.”

Running a business is not, I repeat not, all about making money.

Running a business is about responsibility to the community.”

—John Longobardo, Express Digital

by working in marketing for architecture firms RSP Architects and Langdon Wilson.

“I got to the point, though, where I either needed to commit to a corporate career and accept that culture or I could go out and create my own,” she recalls.

She started her company, Mind the_Gap Marketing Solutions, in Phoenix a year ago.

That brought her full circle back to technology, because she can explain it to others and help them figure out what tech tools best serve their marketing needs. Her art bug is also satisfied by staying active in the city’s arts community.

“I’m clear that I’m on the right path,” Norman says. “I’m more a builder than a maintainer.”

Picture Perfect

They’re called the two Johns around the office. John Longobardo and John Principale, both 60, lived parallel lives growing up in Brooklyn, New York. Both come from large Italian families and both spent decades in corporate American -- Longobardo with Xerox and Principale with Motorola -- and both later transferred to Arizona. A chance meeting resulted in their business, Express Digital in Scottsdale.

Express Digital helps others manage their business information needs. With Longobardo as the sales, marketing and business development genius and Principale the hightech guru, the company has been garnering Flower Power awards since it started in late 2004.

After starting his career as a flower grower “We have a great respect for each other’s and wholesaler, Don Storrs worked retail and abilities,” Principale says.

Seeing double: John Principale (left) and John marketing for 20 years with Sunflower Florists, Adds Longobardo: “John tries to find the Longobardo are transplanted New Yorkers, but the a onetime local chain eventually bought out by solution to ease the (customer’s) pain.” very image of success in the Valley.

1-800-FLOWERS. Storrs worked for the phoneBut what really jazzes the two Johns is what in florist for six years until it pulled out of retail success allows them. Revenue from presenting seminars goes straight to stores in the Valley. So, at 58, he went looking to put down even stronger roots. charitable giving.

Storrs says a business broker helped him find Wolz’s when owner Marge www.phoenixchamber.com

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“At some point we realized something was missing,” Longobardo says. “We were having fun and making money, but what we realized is that we both came from companies with rich histories of giving.”

Besides monetary gifts, Express Digital has created a partnership with Gompers Habilitation Center to operate a document scanning service.

The non-profit, which serves adults and children with disabilities, provides the facility and people to scan documents, while Express Digital provides the hardware and software for Gompers clients to use.

To others considering running their own businesses, Longobardo says, “Always do the right thing. Running a business is not, I repeat not, all about making money. Running a business is about responsibility to the community.”

Principale adds: “Your experience is probably your biggest asset. Trust your experience and your judgment.”

These Boomers are linked by a watershed era in American history and its emblematic independent streak. They’re also living proof that it’s never too late to grab your own piece of the American dream.

Everything’s coming up roses (and carnations, among others) for Don Storrs (center, with Chris Bottomlee, left and Barbara Kendrick-Opre) of Wolz’s Florist in Glendale.

Get Connected

DID YOU KNOW? According to the May issue of Entrepreneur, Baby Boomers spend $400 billion more per year on goods and services than any other generation.

During the next 10 years, while the 18-49 age segment is projected to grow by one percent to 137 million, the Baby Boomers at 50-plus will grow 21 percent to 116 million!

Express Digital www.edsaz.com Mind the_Gap Marketing Solutions www.mindthegapco.com Phillip A. Stice, CPA, CFP (602) 288-8535 Wolz’s Florist www.wolzsflorist.com

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Special Feature

Still Running Around At 64 The Phoenicians Never Stop

By Kenn Tomasch

SIXTY-FOUR YEARS AFTER THEY WERE FOUNDED AS THE CHAMBER’S INTER-CITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE, THE PHOENICIANS ARE STILL ON THE MOVE. THE GROUP OF ACTIVE AND RETIRED BUSINESS MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL AGES RECENTLY RECEIVED A SNEAK PEEK AT A LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL WONDER. Earlier this spring, 45 Phoenicians toured Dial/Henkel’s new world headquarters in Scottsdale, with the architect of the 350,000 square foot building, Will Bruder, leading the way. He explained the history behind the design and features of the building, including its central atrium with multi-level staircase.

“We could really feel Bruder’s inspiration and the passion he put into this project,” commented Phoenician Kim Edwards of Kim Conway & Associates. “It’s really a ‘jewel in the desert.’”

That might also describe The Phoenicians, who welcome interesting business speakers to their regular meetings (the next one is on June 3 at the Arizona Country Club) and enjoy fun and fellowship on their many trips around the Valley and the Southwest.

Get Connected The Phoenicians Norma Macias, GPCC staff contact nmacias@phoenixchamber.com (602) 495-6484

Famed architect Will Bruder (right) gave The Phoenicians a tour of Dial/Henkel’s world headquarters in Scottsdale.

In the 1940s, Phoenicians traveled to far-flung outposts such as Yuma via Greyhound bus. (left) Phoenicians have worn this distinctive bolo tie since the 1950s.

Who are the Phoenicians?

The Phoenicians are the longest-standing committee of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. This organization of business people is dedicated to the enhancement of their community through the exchange of business information and knowledge between communities.

The Phoenicians travel regularly to other cities within and beyond Arizona to meet with community and business leaders and tour their businesses and manufacturing facilities. Through this process, they share valuable information and gain invaluable understanding of other business people and their communities.

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Member Experts

Ask Our Members Impact Magazine offers advice from our ‘Member Experts’ to improve your business.

Business Banking

Q: What distinguishes National Bank of Arizona as being the bank of choice in the not-forprofit sector?

A: National Bank of Arizona offers a multitude of products & services that maximize the financial health of not-for-profits in Arizona. Our facilitation of continuing education and our volunteerism initiative have greatly benefited our clients. In addition, National Bank of Arizona has developed innovative products designed especially for not-for-profit organizations.

These services, combined with our dedication to the not-forprofit sector, are a true partnership that makes National Bank of Arizona the bank of choice for any not-for-profit organization.

Pamela Keefe, Vice President Not-for-Profit Relationship Manager 480.609.2735

Marketing & Advertising

Q: Why should I do both print advertising and online advertising?

A: Many studies still show that print advertising is the best return on your dollar. It is historically more credible, believable and informative.

However, online advertising is increasingly effective for advertisers as well. We recommend both. Enhancing your print or your online ads with each medium will get you the best exposure, provided the audience is your clientele and your message is the same. You will get noticed. Reaching your client or potential client in a manner that will speak to their needs can be demonstrated effectively with both print and online marketing. Determine your simple message and use these mediums to express it creatively for each audience.

Also, ask for packaged rates to assist in the cost of both to get more for your dollar.

Rick McCartney, Principal www.mediapublishersgroup.com 480.588.9505

Business Financing

Q: It is taking longer to get customers to pay. I need cash flow for payroll and other bills, bank loans seem non-existent.

What can I do to make sure I can cover all the expenses?

A: Many Businesses are strapped for money and trying to close the gap (e.g. when payroll and expenses have to be paid before cash comes in from customers). The cash gap can be shortened by factoring (e.g. invoice financing), which provides quick access to cash by advancing against a company’s accounts receivables.

Factoring differs from a bank loan because factors make funding decisions based on the credit-worthiness of your customers; a bank makes credit decisions based on a company’s financial history, cash flow and collateral. A factor makes funding decisions in days or hours, banks generally take weeks or even months.

Robyn Barrett, Managing Member robyn@factors-southwest.com www.factors-southwest.com 480.947.9340

Your Chamber

Q: I would love to attend educational seminars, but I just don’t have time. How can I get informed if I can’t get away?

A: The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce began a series of educational webinars this year. They offer a chance for you to learn about important topics without a big time or travel commitment. You can learn on your schedule and right at your desk! This month, we’ll offer a webinar from Jobing.com on finding a job in a down economy. Future topics include our government procurement program, BidSource and the economic impact of Valley Metro’s light rail system.

You can find webinars at www.phoenixchamber.com in the Multimedia Room.

Norma Macias, Business Services Director www.phoenixchamber.com 602.495.6484

See Ask Our Members each month in Impact Magazine.. To participate in Ask Our Members, please contact our publisher at 480.588.9505.

The Q&A advice above is not intended to be specific to any particular individual or business. This information is content provided by each business participant and is not the advice of the publisher or the GPCC. Each space is a paid advertisement intended to solicit business.

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Marketing Talents

Interviewing Techniques

n

n

Career Coaching

Resume Design

n

n

Skill Analysis & Assessment

Packaging Strategies

n

Job Placement

Maricopa Workforce Connections provides all these programs and services at no charge to the employer or their employees.

Provide your workforce with a quality transition program and give them access to the tools and resources that will help insure their success in finding new career opportunities.

More than 20 years of helping area businesses succeed.

Equal Opportunity Employment/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Call (602) 506-WORK (9675) to schedule a meeting with a local workforce professional or visit our Website: www.maricopaworkforceconnection.com

Resources G R E AT E R P H O E N I X C H A M B E R M E M B E R

Events Calendar

Member Happenings

Ribbon Cuttings

How To

New Members

The summer Business Expo returns to the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, where it was well received in 2007 and 2008.

Event Spotlight

Business Expo + Annual Member Reception

Friday, June 26

Get Out, Get Involved, Get Exposure, Get New Contacts!

Don’t stay cooped up when the weather gets warm! Make plans to get out and attend the summer Business Expo and Annual Member Reception on Friday, June 26 at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale.

This afternoon of showcasing, learning and networking will give you a chance to diversify your contacts by meeting new suppliers and vendors, as more than 100 exhibitors will display their products and services. Hundreds more business people will attend, giving you the chance to establish new relationships or renew existing ties during the Expo itself or the evening member reception.

Interactive workshops will get you thinking. In the first, Arlene Rosenberg of Creating Your Next Career leads a discussion of “Creating Sustainable Business Success.” Dale Dauten, founder of The Innovators’ Lab, presents “The Gifted Boss” in the other workshop. You’ll find these sessions will complete a worthwhile afternoon out of the office.

Best of all, the Expo is absolutely free for attendees! Please RSVP at www.phoenixchamber.com.

RSVP TODAY! BUSINESS EXPO + ANNUAL MEMBER RECEPTION Friday, June 26 Expo: Noon - 4:30 p.m.

SAVE THIS DATE

Interactive Workshops: 1 - 2 p.m.: The Gifted Boss: Changing the Status Quo 2:15 - 3:15 p.m.: Creating Sustainable Business Success Annual Member Reception: 5 - 7 p.m.

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale 85254 FREE TO ATTEND! A limited amount of exhibit space is still available, so act quickly! Visit www.phoenixchamber.com to reserve your space.

Save The Date! Chamber Events and Programs JUNE 26

JUNE 30

SEPTEMBER 30

Business Expo + Annual Member Reception Westin Kierland Resort and Spa

Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast Hyatt Regency Phoenix

Economic Outlook 2010 Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa

www.phoenixchamber.com

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June 2009 Calendar of Events BUSINESS FOR BREAKFAST

THUR

25

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!

WED

3

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

THUR

ANTHEM 7 - 8 a.m.

Hampton Inn 42415 N. 41st Dr., Anthem 85086 ddrotar@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6483

10

11

TUES

16

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.

TUES

Professional Women’s Roundtable Topic: Communicating Value in Business Development and Sales Speaker: Cynthia Wrasman, Women Winning Worldwide 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 lmiller@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194

WED

Phoenicians Luncheon LuLu Awards Luncheon 11:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Arizona Country Club 5668 E. Orange Blossom Lane, Phoenix 85018 Membership Required Committee | First time guests permitted for $25. RSVP Required llamorder@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2195

2

3

DEER VALLEY 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.

Speaker: Doug Nintzel, AZ Department of Transportation Country Inn & Suites By Carlson 20221 North 29th Avenue, Phoenix 85027 Sponsored by Country Inn & Suites mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461

Sun

Monday 1

TueSday

TUES

Green Mixer 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Switch 2603 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85004 lmiller@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194

TUES

Under 40 Summer Kick-Off Mixer 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Bar Smith 130 E. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 lmiller@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194

WED

Hispanic Business Leadership Council’s “Bridging the Gap” Luncheon Topic: Business Dispute Resolution for Bottom Line Success Speaker: Rudy Parga, Ryle Carlock & Applewhite, P.A. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. $20 includes lunch Arizona Club - Chase Tower 201 N. Central Ave., 37 Floor, Phoenix, 85004 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461

FRI

Business Expo Interactive Workshops Workshop One: The Gifted Boss: Changing the Status Quo, Dale Dauten, Founder - The Innovator’s Lab 1- 2 p.m.

Workshop Two: Creating Sustainable Business Success, Arlene Rosenberg, The Rosenberg Group, Inc. 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.

Westin Kierland Resort - Powell Conference Room 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale 85254 nmacias@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6484

9

IDEA EXCHANGES

PHOENIX 7:15- 8:30 a.m.

Eye Opener Restaurant 524 W. Hatcher Rd., Phoenix 85021 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461

WED

PHOENIX 7:15- 8:30 a.m.

Sam’s Club 1525 W. Bell Rd., Phoenix 85023 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461

WedneSday

23 24

26

ThurSday

2

3

4

Professional Women’s Roundtable 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Phoenix Chamber Business for Breakfast 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.

Ambassadors Committee 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Friday

SaT

5

6

12

13

19

20

Phoenicians Luncheon 11:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.

7

14

20

8

15

22

9

10

11

Green Mixer 5:30 - 7 p.m.

South Mountain/ Laveen Business for Breakfast 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.

Chamber at Anthem Business for Breakfast 7 – 8 a.m.

16

17

18

Deer Valley Business for Breakfast 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.

Member Open House 8 - 9 a.m.

23

24

25

26

Under 40 Summer Kick-off Mixer 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Hispanic Leadership Council’s “Bridging the Gap” Luncheon 11: 30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Phoenix Chamber Business for Breakfast 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.

Business Expo Interactive Workshops 1- 3:15 p.m.

Public Affairs Committee Noon - 1:30 p.m.

27

Business Expo & Annual Member Reception 12 - 7 p.m.

28

29

30 Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.

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www.phoenixchamber.com www.phoenixchamber.com

June 2009 Calendar of Events GET ORIENTED

SPECIAL EVENTS

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.

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.

WED

17

Member Open House 8-9 a.m.

Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461

FRI

26

TUES

Business Expo & Annual Member Reception 12 - 7 p.m.

Westin Kierland Resort - Powell Conference Center 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale 85254 events@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2182

30

Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast Hyatt Regency Phoenix 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Cost: $45 per person.

Register at www.phoenixchamber.com.

122 N. 2nd St., Phoenix 85004 events@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2182

COMMITTEES

LEADS CLUBS

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.

NORTH VALLEY The Black Bear 2410 W. Bell Rd., Phoenix Fridays, 7 a.m.

SOUTHEAST VALLEY Mimi’s Cafe (@ Fiesta Mall) 1250 S. Alma School Rd., Mesa Fridays, 7:15 a.m.

NORTHWEST VALLEY Deer Valley Airport Restaurant 702 W. Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix 85027 Thursdays, 8 a.m.

SOUTHWEST VALLEY Bougainvillea Golf Club 5740 W. Baseline Rd., Laveen Wednesdays, 7:15 a.m.

THUR

4 FRI

19

Ambassador Committee 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. (meets every 1st Thurs.)

Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461 Public Affairs Committee Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 grushing@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497

Leads Clubs 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 at www.phoenixchamber.com to check availability or contact Debbie Drotar at ddrotar@phoenixchamber.com or (602) 495-6483.

NORTHEAST VALLEY Paradise Bakery 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Ste. 48-1520, Phoenix 85050 Every Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.

CENTRAL VALLEY Radisson Phoenix City Center 360 N. 2nd Ave., Phoenix Wednesdays (except 1st Wednesday) 7:15 a.m.

Half Moon Sports Grill (B2B Only) 2121 E. Highland Ave., Phoenix 1st/3rd Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.

LOOKING FOR MORE INFO? Unless otherwise noted, all events are FREE to GPCC members. Remember, you can always find out more information on any event, including speaker bios, directions and program descriptions, at www.phoenixchamber.com.

There you can also register for any event or contact us to get answers to any other questions you may have.

Chamber Highlight

Feeling The Power Four Will be Mentored in ATHENAPowerlink® The Chamber has named four local businesses as participants in the 2009 ATHENAPowerlink® program. Now entering its eighth year, the ATHENAPowerlink® program encourages economic growth by linking women-owned businesses with teams of experienced advisors who volunteer their services to give growing companies direction and untapped networking at no cost to them for one year.

The program has expanded nationwide and the Chamber is proud to be the first to offer the ATHENAPowerlink® program in Arizona.

Ania Kubicki of Angles PR is one of four participants in this year’s ATHENAPowerlink® program.

The four businesses who will participate in 2009 are: n Accounting and Finance Professionals: Deanne Desautels n Advantage Urgent Care: Karen Watts-Edwards n Angles PR: Ania Kubicki n Optimum Chiropractic and Wellness: Dr.Annette Wright-Smith Qualifying businesses must be at least 51 percent owned and actively managed by a woman or women, must have been in operation for a minimum of two years, must have a minimum of two full-time employees or a number of employees whose work schedules are equivalent to two fulltime positions and must meet annual revenue requirements.

Get Connected ATHENAPowerlink® Norma Macias (602) 495-6484 nmacias@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

Bridging the Gap Luncheon 01 | Dr. Angel Cabrera, president of the Thunderbird School of Global Management, addressed March’s “Bridging the Gap” Luncheon. The Hispanic Business Leadership Council-sponsored event focused on global entrepreneurship and business diplomacy.

Small Business = Driver of the American Economy 02 | Dr. Robert Hirsch of the Thunderbird School of International Management spoke at the April 9 session of the Chamber’s “Back to Business” series. Visit www.phoenixchamber.com to find out when the next installment will take place.

03

Professional Women’s Roundtable 03 | It was a red-letter day for the Professional Women’s Roundtable when Donna Davis (left), CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association, spoke on April 7 on “Thinking & Communicating Strategically.”

15th annual

SM

legislative wrap-up

breakfast

tuesday, June 30 7:30 - 9:30am Hyatt regency 122 n. 2nd street, PHoenix 85004 How will tHe decisions made tHis legislative session affect your business? wHat were tHe close calls in 2009? Ask your questions And get Answers.

Join fellow community leaders, business associates and elected officials to hear from a panel of distinguished state legislators at the 15th annual legislative wrap-up breakfast. this is your chance to ask questions and be part of the discussion about what failed, what prevailed and what went on behind the scenes of the 2009 legislative season.

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rsVP todAy!

www.phoenixchamber.com

questions?

602.495.2182

www.phoenixchamber.com

Member Happenings Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Inductions

04

04 | The Chamber helped the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission re-start the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Inductions, a tradition from 1957-2002. Bob Horner, Al McCoy, Linda Vollstedt and Darren Woodson earned enshrinement, swelling the Hall’s ranks to 69 noteworthy Arizona sports personalities.

Under 40 Roundtable 05 | Mick Dalrymple of a.k.a. Green led the Under 40 Roundtable in “Six Exercises to Stretch Your Mind Toward Sustainability” at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix on April 28.

05

06

Annual Los Tres Amigos Mixer 06 | Hundreds of members from the Greater Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale Chambers converged on CityNorth on April 30 for the Annual Los Tres Amigos Mixer.

07 | This happy trio enjoyed the networking at the end of a long business day and saw the exciting growth of CityNorth.

07

Capture Yo u r B e s t Side

It’s Pa i n l e s s ly Simple At Vermillion Photo vermillionphoto.com 602.253.6005

www.phoenixchamber.com

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Ribbon Cuttings

How To:

Contact us if you are celebrating a grand opening, anniversary or relocation at (602) 495-2194.

Build a Database

By Christia Gibbons

A repeat customer is a great customer. Someone who’s

already bought from you is more likely to do it again. But unless you keep track of who your customers are, you’re missing out on a valuable marketing tool. Solution? A database. But what’s the best way to set one up?

Steve Doig, the database guru of Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, says that when figuring out what you need in your database, remember: “It’s easy to set up, much harder to retrofit.”

Give a lot of thought to what you need, what you don’t need and what you will need two to three years down the road. And, above all, spell things right and be consistent (don’t signify male or female on some customers names and M or F on others, for example).

Ken Mazze, director of information technology at ICM Document Solutions, agrees.

“Completely plan out the database design and structure,” he says. “Accurate design is crucial.”

Off-the-shelf database programs can be less expensive than custom-made programs. If custom-made, however, is what you need, shy away from proprietary programs – ones that don’t allow you to expand and link to a variety of databases.

Nice wheels! KNIGHT 7, INC./ PROTEGE, INC. unveiled a custom built replica of the K.I.T.T. car from the TV series Knight Rider, which helps drive fundraisers for local charities and corporate events.

Big smiles and colorful dragons were on the menu for the ribbon cutting at LIN’S GRAND BUFFET at 7406 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix.

Everybody outside is on your side now that NATIONWIDE INSURANCE has opened a new location at 288 E. Greenway Parkway, Suite 104 in Phoenix.

PHOENIX COLLEGE celebrated the opening of their new Fine Arts building at 1202 W. Thomas Road in Phoenix.

Spread the word: The PR STORE, a new concept of a marketing/ public relations firm in a retail store environment, is now open for business at 742 E. Glendale Avenue in Phoenix.

Posture wasn’t all that was perfect at the ribbon cutting for SPINEBUILDER CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH + WELLNESS at 22849 N. 19th Avenue, Suite 115 in Phoenix.

+ www.linsrestaurant.com

+ (623) 329-2774

+ www.nationwide.com

+ www.phoenixcollege.edu

Mazze offers some basic tips: DON’T use dashes, spaces, digits or special characters in naming categories. He suggests CamelCase names (where, instead of spaces, capital letters separate words) n DON’T use technical language and acronyms. n DO understand field data types and the data that will be stored. n DO use data keys (primary keys) for each table and avoid redundant data by using a relational table structure. n DO use stored procedures whenever possible. n DON’T use untested designs. Test a wide range of simulated inputs and outputs. n DO remember that table (entity) names are typically plural and field (attribute) names are usually singular. n

Get Connected Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication cronkite.asu.edu ICM Document Solutions www.icmconv.com

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+ www.prstore.com

+ www.spinebuilder.com

Since We Opened “As an alternative lender in this tough credit environment we have been keeping busy financing many local businesses,” says Managing Member Robyn Barrett of FACTORS SOUTHWEST. “We have found being a member of the GPCC and being local really makes a difference to our clients.” + www.factors-southwest.com What’s been happening since YOUR business opened?

LET US KNOW AT editor@phoenixchambermagazine.com. www.phoenixchamber.com

Welcome New Members We welcome these businesses who have seen the benefit of becoming a part of our Chamber.

Accountants - CPA

Chiropractors

Ernst & Young, LLP Two N. Central Ave. (One Renaissance Square) Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 322-3380 www.ey.com

Adjustments in Living 201 E. Osborn Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 503-1424 www.adjustmentsinliving.com

Accounting Services XpressAccounting, Inc. 13880 N. Northsight Blvd., Ste. 105 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 483-9099 www.xpress-accounting.com Apartments and Vacation Rentals Center Ridge Apartments 105 E. Main St. Payson, AZ 85541 (928) 474-9311 www.centerridgeapts.com Apartments and Vacation Rentals - Corporate Housing Sage Apartments 28485 N. Black Canyon Phoenix, AZ 85085 (623) 587-8797 www.sageapthomes.com Attorneys The Peary Mediation Firm PO Box 5608 Carefree, AZ 85377 (602) 803-6666 www.pearymediationfirm.com Audio/Video Equipment and Rentals FOH Productions, Inc. 4537 W. Mariposa Grande Glendale, AZ 85310 (623) 203-6929 www.fohproductions.net Auto Repair/Maintenance 180 Degrees Automotive, Inc. 4508 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 476-2475 www.180auto.com Banks Bank of Arizona 9545 W. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85201 (623) 872-3212 www.bankofarizona.com

Spine Builder 22849 N. 19th Ave., Ste.115 Phoenix, AZ 85027 (623) 587-7463 www.spinebuilder.com Commercial Building Rental or Leasing Terrazona, LLC 5110 N. 40th St., Ste. 100 Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 956-5744 www.terrazona.com Consulting Services DG Nurse Consulting 2030 W. Baseline Rd., Ste. 182-142 Phoenix, AZ 85041 (602) 550-5566 Franklin Covey - AZ/NM 2247 E. Bethany Home Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 667-9227 Leathers Milligan & Associates 5353 N. 16th St., Ste. 305 Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 274-0711 www.leathersmilligan.com Lori J. Lustig, RN JD, Government Relations & Public Affairs 5025 N. Central Ave., Ste. 601 Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 904-3841 Consulting Services Engineering/Manufacturing Rodric Enterprises, LLC 5838 W. Olive Ave., C105-279 Glendale, AZ 85302 (623) 451-6807 Consulting Services Advisors/Business/Personal Business Excellence Partners 1111 W. Joy Ranch Rd. Desert Hills, AZ 85086 (623) 628-5402 www.businessexcellencepartners.com Janice Hurley-Trailor 6833 E. Montreal Pl. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 219-3860 www.janicehurleytrailor.com

Consulting Services Coaching/Networking Chrysalis Clear 67 S. Higley Rd., Ste. 103 Gilbert, AZ 85296 (480) 629-4482 www.chrysalisclear.com Consulting Services - Computer Dunn Consulting, LLC 4131 W. Whispering Wind Dr. Glendale, AZ 85310 (623) 238-3085 www.dunnconsultingllc.com Contractors - Air Barriers/ Damp Proofing/Water Proofing Salt River Solar & Wind 13370 W. Foxfire Dr., Ste. 104 Surprise, AZ 85374 (623) 975-2313 www.saltriverenergy.com Contractors - General Levelup Enterprises ,Inc. 18862 N. 62nd Dr. Glendale, AZ 85308 (623) 566-3424

TNT Shredding, LLC 2179 E. Chesapeak Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85296 (480) 329-7412 www.tntshredding.com Educational Support Services IsoPatent 7047 E. Greenway Pkwy., Ste. 250 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 513-2151 www.isopatent.com Employment Placement Agencies Desert Management Association of AZ, Inc. 6320-A W. Union Hills Dr., Ste. 250 Glendale, AZ 85308 (623) 215-7488 www.aplace2shine.com Graphic Design Services Beyond Graphix, Inc. 1813 E. Baseline Rd., Ste. 103 Tempe, AZ 85283 (480) 567-4108 www.beyondgraphixaz.com Health and Wellness

Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Stores Marti Hall - Mary Kay, Inc. 1822 W. Calle Escuda Anthem, AZ 85085 (623) 251-7835 www.marykay.com/martihall Custom Computer Programming Services Omada Site Incorporated 2718 E. Glenrosa Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 957-3788 www.omadasite.com Dentist - General Kids Dental Place 4102 N. 24th St., Ste. 2 Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 956-2024

Health Quest Family Medicine 41810 N. Venture Dr., Bldg. E, Ste. 160 Anthem, AZ 85086 (623) 465-4627 www.thehealthquest.com Insurance Agencies and Brokerages New York Life - Gerald D. Simcox 14850 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste.400 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 840-2047 www.newyorklife.com Investment Services Carl F. Petersen, Inc. 4723 W. Waltann Ln. Glendale, AZ 85306 (602) 588-2940 www.carlfpetersen.com Investment Services

Document Preparation Services - Destruction/Storage Shred Station Express 3120 W. Carefree Hwy., Ste. 1235 Phoenix, AZ 85086 (602) 237-0332 www.shredstation.com

Merrill Lynch - Luis A. Rodriguez 6730 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 150 Scottsdale, AZ 85253 (480) 607-8852 www.fa.ml.com/luis_rodriguez4

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Welcome New Members We welcome these businesses who have seen the benefit of becoming a part of our Chamber.

Janitorial Supplies Wow Green 16844 S. 14th Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85045 (480) 452-5833 www.wowgreen.net/10205

NE W

Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors Commercial Authorized Mechanical 4142 W. Whitton Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85019 (602) 278-4226 www.goauthorized.com

Locksmiths ASAP Lock & Security, LLC 701 S. Ellsworth Rd. Mesa, AZ 85208 (480) 380-2080 www.asaplockandsecurity.com Management Consulting Services Advertus Business Services 60 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Ste. 900 Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 366-5889 www.advertuscorp.com

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When it comes to winning, this game doesn’t mess around. 6 drawings a week. Just 4 numbers to match. And a top prize of $10,000 – that you don’t have to share with any other winners. It’s CA$H4 from your Arizona Lottery.

You can’t win if you don’t play! arizonalottery.com

Manufacturing MMI Precision Technology (Phoenix), Inc. 7360 S. Kyrene Rd., Ste. 106 Tempe, AZ 85283 (480) 897-7100 www.mmi.com.sg

Professional, Management and Sales Development Training Exceptional Sales Performance 8724 N. 6th Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85021 (602) 997-1101 www.exceptionalsales.com Promotional Products and Services Hitagap Design & Multimedia 34290 S. Luellen Dr. Black Canyon City, AZ 85324 (602) 750-1890 www.hitagap.com Public Relations Agencies Ceres Strategic Communicatioins 4340 E. Indian School Rd., Ste. 21 Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 973-1770 www.ceresresults.com

Marketing Consulting Services Fabcom 7819 E. Greenway Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 922-1122 www.fabcomlive.com Mortgage and Non-Mortgage Loan Brokers

Public Relations Agencies - Lobbyists KRB Consulting, Inc. 913 W. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 294-0202 www.krbconsulting.com Screen Printing - Embroidery

O’Dowd & Associates Mortgage Co, Inc. 1819 E. Morten, Ste. 140 Phoenix, AZ 85020 (602) 248-4200 www.odowdmortgage.com Non - Profit Organizations The Salvation Army Phoenix South Mountain Corps Community Center 1351 E. Broadway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602) 276-7396

ABC Embroidery & Printing 4801 E. McDowell Rd., Ste. 102 Phoenix, AZ 85008 (602) 275-8222 www.abcenp.com Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Seniors Helping Seniors® 12240 E. Cortez Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85259 (480) 584-3639 www.seniorhelpingseniors.com

Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Arcadia Therapy Services PO Box 25104 Phoenix, AZ 85002 (602) 528-3450 www.arcadiatherapy.com arizonalottery.com Must be 21 years or older to purchase or redeem tickets. Overall odds vary by game. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, these materials may be made available I M PAC T | j u n e . 09 in an alternate format. Gambling Problem? 1-800-NEXT STEP !Please Play Responsibly™

22

www.phoenixchamber.com

Smart Growth

Marcom Corner

Come Together…

Right Now

Your Answers to Marketing & Communication

Mergers Aren’t Just For Huge Companies

Topic: Take Advantage of That Trade Show!

In today’s depressed economic climate, small business owners are searching for cost-effective marketing tools and new ways to attract customers. One method that consistently produces results and remains a great value is face-to-face marketing at a trade show. Trade shows are an exception source of business for both exhibitors and attendees. Susan Ratliff of Exhibit Experts offers some tips for maximizing your next tradeshow experience from either side of the exhibit aisle.

By Kay Sperduti

Tips for attendees: Prepare in advance: Research the exhibitors from the show Web site and create a list of must-see products and services.

Be ready to deal: Bring detailed information that will help an exhibitor quote your project or answer your questions.

When the economy disrupted funding for The New Song Center, which offers grief support to Valley children, teens and families, a merger seemed the best way to ensure long-term survival.

Hospice of the Valley, also a not-for-profit with a desire to grow its bereavement services, emerged as the perfect partner.

Today, more and more small businesses are looking at mergers to survive a difficult economy. One of the main advantages of merger is the creation of synergy in which the resulting organization becomes greater than the sum of its parts. This may occur through economies of scale, increased market advantage and exposure, or any number of other factors.

The planning process is essential. Management must have the foresight to predict and plan for all aspects of the combined businesses. Those considering a merger should conduct research on their prospective partner, speak to key members of the organization, then look to a broker, accounting firm or attorney with experience in mergers and acquisitions.

For Hospice of the Valley and The New Song Center, both sides are confident that joining two long-time community organizations with similar philosophies will only strengthen the services they provide to individuals and families throughout the Valley.

Types of Mergers A merger may be called by any of these names, depending on the situation. n

cquisition: Sometimes referred to as A a buyout or takeover.

n Alliance:

Two companies sharing effort and assets toward a common goal.

n Consolidation:

A combination of two

firms into one. n Federation:

An alliance in which firms share people or technology.

n Joint

Venture: A venture usually limited to one project.

n Partnership:

Individual partners share in profits and liabilities.

Get Connected Hospice of the Valley www.hov.org The New Song Center www.thenewsongcenter.org

Network: Reconnect with customers and colleagues.

Discover what’s new: Look for new innovations and what’s hot in the marketplace.

Tips for Exhibitors: Collect leads: Gather contact information from qualified customers using a drawing, guest book or newsletter sign-up form. Categorize and rank leads according to quality.

Be prepared to deal: Staff your booth with knowledgeable, friendly people ready to close a sale.

Collect competitive intelligence: Compare the competitor’s image, display, price points and product line with yours.

Gather market research: Check the pulse of the public with a short survey to uncover customer wants, needs and opinions.

Get Connected Exhibit Experts www.exhibitexpertsaz.com

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Money Matters

HR IQ Topic: Schedule Flexibility Many employers have adopted flexible workplace practices, such as flex-time or compressed work weeks, as organizational strategy to attract employees and grow their businesses. When the recent Swine Flu scare occurred, even more employers began discussing how work could continue while workers were asked to stay home when ill or to work from home to isolate employees from each other.

Ginny McMinn of McMinn HR offers some reasons to begin flexible workplace practices (whether there’s a flu scare or not): n

The ability to attract the most capable employees will depend on it. As workers retire and the pool of candidates shrinks, flexibility is a distinct recruiting advantage.

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Candidates ask about flexibility.

Employees want to work differently, not less. To retain the best workers, flexibility is an expected workplace practice, not an occasional perk.

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40 percent of companies in one recent survey reported using workplace flexibility practices as a means of retaining talent, balancing work and growing the business. It makes business sense.

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In tough economic times, handling the same or more work with fewer employees and resources results in stress.

Flexibility allows employees to prioritize work and personal tasks, and to accomplish both with less anxiety.

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Workplace flexibility provides a “greener” solution: less travel, less traffic and smaller offices to supply and cool. Workers who select among compressed workweeks, telecommuting or totally virtual assignments drive to work less often (or not at all).

As more employers realize the benefit to their operations and their workforce, there will be a greater shift towards this flexible business model in the future.

Get Connected McMinn HR www.mcminnhr.com 24

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Survey Says!

Customer Input Is There For The Asking

By Christina Estes If money’s tight and employee bonuses seem unlikely, Linda Stanfield suggests business owners try customer surveys.

“It may be the biggest bonus you give your employees this year,” she says.

Linda Stanfield knows what “Do it to help your Ben Franklin Plumbing’s employees feel customers are thinking. wanted and happy about the hard work they do every day.”

For the past four years, Stanfield has been surveying customers of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. She provides three options: comment cards which are left after service is completed; phone calls after service; and feedback forms on the company’s Web site.

About 25 percent of customers return comment cards (which include a $25 credit on future plumbing work). Stanfield’s office staff calls customers after service to cover topics like timeliness, cleanliness, professionalism and value.

She reviews the surveys, shares the information at employee meetings and hangs them on a wall

accessible to everyone.

“It has really supported the reason we work so hard,” she says. “Kudos help the employees celebrate together and in turn customers are happier with happy employees. And, when a plumber does not do as we train to do, it can be caught quickly to help any bad habits from forming.”

Stanfield says business owners must be open to asking tough questions and be ready to do something with the answers.

Get Connected Ben Franklin Plumbing www.benfranklinplumbingaz.com

Tips On Surveying Your Customers Decide first what you want to know Ask customers for help in creating survey n Offer something of value in exchange for participation n Conduct survey while the experience is fresh in customers’ minds n n

A Word About Safety From SCF Arizona Nearly 20 percent of reported back injuries in the workplace come from strains and sprains caused by lifting and carrying, and they also represent 30 percent of all workers’ compensation claims. Proper lifting techniques can help reduce or prevent these injuries and keep your bottom line healthier.

DO: n Determine if you will need help lifting the object. n Slide loads whenever possible. n Wear sturdy boots or shoes with nonslip soles. n Keep your back as straight as possible, bend your knees and lift with your legs. n Grip the object well, with handles if possible.

DON’T: Curve the back forward while grabbing the object and rely on straightening the back to raise it. n Twist the back while lifting, holding or carrying. n Hold the object too far from the body. n Lift an object that is too heavy. n

The Chamber will conduct a seminar on reducing strains in the workplace on Monday, June 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Arizona Bridge to Independent Living at 5025 East Washington Street in Phoenix. The program is free and lunch is included. One lucky attendee will win a drawing for a pair of Southwest Airlines tickets. Register online at www.phoenixchamber.com.

When it comes to worker safety, the Chamber reminds you that even if you have just one employee, you’re required to have workers’ compensation coverage. When you obtain such coverage through SCF Arizona and also enroll in the Chamber’s safety program, your organization qualifies for a 10 percent discount on premiums.

You may also be eligible for an additional yearend bonus safety dividend from SCF Arizona.

Get Connected Ron McElhaney (602) 495-6486 or rmcelhaney@phoenixchamber.com www.phoenixchamber.com

Capitol Voice

Ready to Wrap End of Session Will Bring Lessons When Arizona’s 49th Legislative Session ends later this month, business people will have a chance to question lawmakers on important issues and gain insight into the decision-making processes that affect their businesses at the Chamber’s 15th Annual Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast.

The event, sponsored by SCF Arizona, Southwest Gas and SRP, takes place on Tuesday, June 30 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency, 122 N. 2nd Street in Phoenix. The cost is $45 per person, and registration is simple – just visit www.phoenixchamber.com.

Along with fellow community leaders, business associates and elected officials, you’ll find out about the close legislative calls in the 2009 session and get the chance to interact with those who have to make those calls. Come prepared with questions and participate in the process.

Get Connected Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs (602) 495-6497 or www.phoenixchamber.com

State Senators (L-R) Barbara Leff, Bob Burns, John Huppenthal and Thayer Verschoor dissected the session at the 2008 Legislative Wrap-Up event.

SUPPORT THE PAC! The Chamber’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is the only chamber PAC in the state with “Super PAC” status, an elite distinction allowing it to drastically increase support of pro-business candidates.

The Chamber’s Super PAC status is up for renewal this year and we need your help to retain this important designation. For a contribution as small as $10, you can help the GPCC PAC renew its Super PAC status and invest in pro-business leaders.

Donations to the PAC can be made online at www.phoenixchamber.com/PAC, or by contacting Gabriel Rushing at grushing@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497.

2009 Impact Award Recipients Named Gala Event Celebrated the Best in Business

By Kenn Tomasch

WWW.PHOENIXCHAMBER.COM

IMPACT Award recipients (L-R) Anthony B. Narducci (O’Neil Printing, Inc.), Karen Watts-Edwards and Bill Edwards (Advantage Urgent Care), Dale Walters and Roberts Keats (Keats, Connelly & Associates), Linda and Wayne Minde (Tri-Lite Builders) and William Hinz (Western National Bank).

The Chamber of Commerce handed out its annual IMPACT Awards at a gala luncheon at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa May 20. Nearly 500 people packed the ballroom to help celebrate the drive, passion and commitment of the Valley’s business community for the 22nd consecutive year.

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Western National Bank claimed the IMPACT Business of the Year Award; Tri-Lite Builders earned the award for Community Involvement; the firsttime award for Company Culture went to Keats, Connelly & Associates; O’Neil Printing received kudos for Innovation; and the award for Response

to Adversity went to Advantage Urgent Care.

“The Chamber is honored to recognize these five inspirational companies,” remarked GPCC President & CEO Todd Sanders. “Their ability to stay focused on the success of their business while not losing sight of their commitment to our community is remarkable. Amidst all the bleak economic news, these entrepreneurs help remind us the ‘can do’ attitude that built America’s fifthlargest city in the middle of a desert endures.”

More than 50 Valley businesses earned nominations for this year’s IMPACT Awards.

The other five finalists were Integrity Tree Service, Orchard Medical Consulting, Sitewire Marketplace Solutions, Telesphere and The World Egg Bank. We congratulate all of this year’s nominees, finalists and recipients and hope their stories will inspire you.

Visit www.phoenixchamber.com to see video presentations from each of the finalists.

www.phoenixchamber.com

Pro: Files

Your Room Is Ready Have No Reservations About This Hotel’s Quality

By Sandy DesGeorges

The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is the state’s largest and tallest hotel.

Quality brand? Check. Downtown location? Check. Customer amenities? Check. Something that separates the business from the rest? Check and double-check.

In less than a year, the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel has become the talk of the town, earning praise for its profile (the largest and tallest hotel in the state), its warm and comforting atmosphere, tough-to-beat attention to detail and offerings unique to the local industry.

“We create a warm environment where people feel welcome and where they can connect with those most important to them,” says Todd Ryan, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing.

Ryan notes guest and meeting accommodations that include the standard amenities, but points to three that set the Sheraton Downtown apart. The “Link at Sheraton powered by Microsoft” is an area featuring Internet access free for guests, Starbucks coffee drinks, snacks, reading materials and even board games where guests can relax and socialize. “Sheraton Fitness powered by Core Performance” offers health and fitness solutions focused on mindset, nutrition, movement and recovery, creating a unique gym experience. The District American Kitchen and Wine Bar is a dining opportunity unlike most hotel restaurants, boasting live local music, a classic take on comfort food infused with a modern twist, and a menu peppered with entries from local growers and purveyors.

“With a new convention center, a hotel that redefines that concept of a downtown convention hotel, and our resort destination, we are a solid alternative for groups looking to meet out West,” says Ryan.

Get Connected Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel www.sheraton.com/phoenixdowntown

What is “Gig-onomics?”

Tempe Firm is a Leader in Strategic Staffing

By Lori K. Baker Call it “gig-onomics.” In today’s economy, full-time jobs are evaporating by the millions and tight-budgeted company managers are embracing outsourcing to pay only for services they can use.

Here’s where savvy business leaders like Ron Stupi, principal and vice president of business development for Tempe-based Quality Project Management (QPM), enter the picture.

Accomplished workers are one of the fastest-growing segments of the temporary work force. Stupi’s project management and architectural company provides a high-level, flexible workforce to Fortune 1000 corporations and commercial real estate developers needing assistance in managing roll-out initiatives, remodeling programs, new builds, expansions and tenant improvements. To date, QPM has completed more than 75,000 projects nationwide.

The company specializes in lending expert know-how on subjects such as project management, construction methodology, cost control, quality control and scheduling on an as-needed basis to organizations in the health care, retail and government sectors. “We provide a flexible workforce when companies need additional staff for a short period of time, when they have a spike in workload,” Stupi says.

With QPM’s help, companies find it easier to complete projects on time and on budget–without disrupting day-to-day business operations. That’s especially critical in the health care and retail arena, which can’t close up shop for the latest green building initiative.

“At the end of a work night, a store has to be ready to face the public the next day, Quality Project no matter what” Stupi says.

Management Principal “We want to become a regular Ron Stupi. destination for residents,” said Antonioli.

“If we can meet their needs and become part of their lifestyle, then we know we’ll be successful with visitors.”

Get Connected Quality Project Management www.qpmllc.com

www.phoenixchamber.com

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Greater: PHX

Waste Not, Want Not

New Facility to Boost Recycling Capacity in Arizona

By Tom Trush

Community: Anthem

It’s In The Paper School Budget Cuts Spark Paper Drive

(L-R) Maricopa County Supervisor Max Wilson, Surprise City Mayor Lynn Truitt, Recycle America’s Pat DeRueda, AZ/NM Area Vice President Dan Vermeer and Surprise City Councilman Skip Hall at the groundbreaking for Waste Management’s new Surprise recycling facility.

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n April, Waste Management of Arizona broke ground on a new single-stream recycling materials recovery facility in Surprise.

The 65,000-square-foot facility will feature the most advanced single-stream recycling operation in the state. Its singlestream process will use magnets, screens and optical scanners to automate recyclables sorting, allowing customers to put all their recyclables into one bin.

Once complete, the facility will have the capacity to process up to 150,000 tons of recyclables per year.

“This new facility will increase the processing capacity for residential and commercial recyclable materials in the

Phoenix Metro area, as well as northern Arizona” said Dan Vermeer, market area vice president for Waste Management. “We are proud that this new facility will have a positive impact on both the local economy and our environment.”

Waste Management already operates one single-stream recycling facility in both Phoenix and Tucson. This newest facility is part of Waste Management’s sustainability initiative committing the company to nearly tripling the amount of recyclables it manages by 2020.

Get Connected

After learning of a paper shortage in the Deer Valley Unified School District, employees at Outlets at Anthem partnered with several Valley businesses and started a paper drive.

Paper ream and monetary donations are being collected the Outlets at Anthem Customer Service Desk through the end of June.

According to Sandi Hicks, director of public relations for the Deer Valley Unified School District, all 37 neighborhood schools are facing unprecedented budget cuts.

“The paper drive will allow schools to carry forward any unused supplies from this year into the 2009-2010 school year,” she added. “Parent groups, churches, businesses and community organizations are stepping up to help fill the void that nearly $20 million budget reductions will create.”

The average K-8 school goes through about 200,000 sheets of paper a month.

Outlets at Anthem is located off I-17 and Anthem Way (exit 229).

Get Connected

Outlets at Anthem

Waste Management of Arizona

www.outletsanthem.com

www.wm.com

Happy Campers

Girl Scouts’ Camp Sombrero Set for Complete Makeover Last year’s property analysis of Camp Sombrero, the Girl Scouts - Arizona Cactus-Pine Council’s 14.5-acre camp on the north base of South Mountain, made it clear that significant changes were necessary.

“What we found is that we probably just need to go in there and give a total revamping to the property,” said the organization’s public relations/ communications manager, Robin Telle.

As a result, much of 2008 was spent interviewing members to determine a new vision for Camp Sombrero. Requests include an eco-friendly, park-like atmosphere, a multi-functional facility and space to house large events.

After seeing some proposals from architects, Telle said the estimated construction cost is around $10 million. Plans for a capital campaign are underway.

Construction isn’t likely to begin for at least two years.

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Get Connected

Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council www.girlscoutsaz.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.

We weren’t going to survive the quarter...

This January, we had our worst financial month ever. I told my senior leadership team, ‘Something big has to happen, because we’re not going to survive this quarter if we don’t change things.’

They unanimously chose to reduce everyone’s compensation rather than lay off a single staff member.

The reaction shocked me. Rather than curse me or walk out, they all went above and beyond to help. They worked longer hours, trimmed budgets, gave up bonuses and discretionary spending gracefully, came up with new ideas and turned our worst forecasted loss ever into a profit that exceeded our original plan.

They had 60 days to turn around the company and they did it. It was pretty remarkable.

In April, I was able to return to all of our employees, via bonuses, all the pay they lost in the first quarter.

The thing I learned is that they’re as committed to each other’s success as they are to the company’s success and they’re very unselfish. That commitment blew me away.

Now, I feel like we can do anything. It’s made me bolder as a leader because I know this team’s right behind me. And if I asked them to do anything, they will. They’ll make it happen.”

Margie Traylor Co-Founder & CEO Sitewire Marketplace Solutions www.sitewire.net

Have An Inspirational Story To Tell? Let us know about it. Send your ideas to editor@phoenixchambermagazine.com.

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www.phoenixchamber.com

FPO

To resist the expected. To embrace the unusual. To explore the possible.

When you’re running a small business, there is no such thing as a small decision. And when it comes to health insurance, smart decisions begin with smart options. That’s why Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona offers flexible and affordable plans that make sense for small business.

Now, add our network of over 16,000 health care providers along with our trusted local customer service and you have a health care plan that means business. Health insurance that makes sense for your business, yourself and your family — that’s Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

You’re the boss.

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Decide now to contact your broker, call (877) 391-2227 or visit azblue.com/Impact