Opening Your Books
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Sustainability and Your Bottom Line p.
Action Figures Extreme Hobbies of Valley Business People Member News Calendar of Events Arizona in Focus
MAR. 2010
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BOArd OF direCtOrS eXeCUtiVe COMMittee CHAir Connie Perez CEO Advanced Reimbursement Management iMMediAte PASt CHAir Andrew K. (Andy) McCain VP & CFO Hensley Beverage Company CHAir-eLeCt Steve Wheeler Exec. VP, Customer Service & Regulation APS LeGAL COUNSeL Anne Kleindienst Attorney Fennemore Craig, P.C. SeCretArY treASUrer Pam Conboy Arizona Regional President Wells Fargo Bank 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 ViCe CHAir COMMUNitY eVeNtS Kathryn Murphy President & CEO Corning Gilbert, Inc.
Quarterly Member report While we continue to hear and see encouraging signs about the recovery of our national, state and local economies, your Chamber is busy providing positive outcomes for more than 3,100 Valley businesses. Just in recent months, we have… n
Seen a 22 percent increase over the prior year in Member Services programs. On average, more than 1,000 business people attend monthly Business for Breakfasts, After 5 Mixers, roundtables and the Back to Business series.
n Completed
our 2010 Public Affairs Agenda, outlining our advocacy efforts for the coming year. The document (available on our Web site) also includes a Small Business Leadership Council section for the first time, giving small businesses their very own agenda.
n Begun
“tweeting!” You can follow us at www.twitter.com/phxchamber.
n Launched
another money-saving program, the Valley of the Sun Rx Card, which offers savings on prescription medication to all.
n Developed
a partnership with the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to make our government bid procurement program, BidSource, open to their members.
2010 has just begun and we see many opportunities and challenges ahead. If you’re already a member of the Chamber, thank you for your support of our business community. If you’re not yet a member, visit us at www.phoenixchamber.com/join and become part of the oldest and largest business organization in Arizona.
ViCe CHAir HBLC Gil Valadez Prudential ViCe CHAir MeMBerSHiP Rick Johnson Principal/Owner Executive Forums ViCe CHAir AUdit ANd GOVerNANCe Scott Celley VP, External Affairs TriWest Healthcare Alliance ViCe CHAir HUMAN reSOUrCeS David Bruno Vice Chairman/Managing Partner DHR International ViCe CHAir eCONOMiC deVeLOPMeNt Richard Parker Vice President Sundt Construction Corp. eXeCUtiVe COMMittee MeMBerS At LArGe Derrick M. Hall President & CEO Arizona Diamondbacks Peter Hayes Manager of Public Affairs SRP Dan Vermeer Waste Management Susan Williams President HR Choice Nancy Stone V Chair & Pres. ILX Resorts Inc.
View the entire list of board members at: www.phoenixchamber.com
Todd Sanders President & CEO Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
March Bulletin Conducting a count of the people every 10 years is part of our Constitution – it’s the law for every household to return a completed census form. An accurate population count helps distribute more than $400 billion annually in federal, state, city and tribal funds, determines the number of Congressional seats for each state and defines state legislative districts. Closer to home, the census count helps guide the boundaries of Phoenix City Council districts. For Phoenix residents, each person counted means $400 a year in federal and state funds for these types of services. Reverse that thought: each person living in Phoenix who is not counted in the 2010 Census means a direct loss of $400 a year to the City budget. When multiplied by your neighbors’ responses, that adds up to a potential loss of millions of dollars.
The 2010 Census has the shortest questionnaire in its 220-year history. When you receive your census form in the mail this month, it will have just 10 questions and should take just a few minutes to complete. A postage-paid envelope is provided, which makes it even easier for each of us to drop our completed form in the outgoing mail. Simple, safe and vital. Stand up and be counted!
Get Connected Census 2010 www.census.gov www.phoenixchamber.com
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Contents
Get UP | Get OUt | CONNeCt
MARCH | 2010
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Clean and Green Chamber members are cleaning up with sustainable business practices. Read our cover story and find out how you might do the same.
rick McCartney | Publisher InMedia Company rmccartney@phoenixchambermagazine.com Jody ryan | Editor-In-Chief Greater Phoenix Chamber jryan@phoenixchamber.com Kenn tomasch | Editor Greater Phoenix Chamber ktomasch@phoenixchamber.com
Photo by Karl Wolz
Lori K. Baker, Stephanie Conner, Christina estes, Christia Gibbons, Connie Kadansky, david Lucas, Peg Mulloy, Kay Sperduti, tom trush Contributing Writers
Features
Eco-Nomics: Sustainability and Your Bottom Line Sustainability is the future – but what does it mean for your business? Find out why eco-friendly practices can also be a business boon. p. 8
(Way) Out of the Office What do your peers do when they’re not at work? Check out these extreme hobbies of Valley business people. p. 11
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon delivers his annual “State of the City” address March 9. p. 15 By Kenn Tomasch
By Stephanie Conner
SAVE THIS DATE
News, Notables & Updates
Getting News Coverage
13 Ask Our Members
24 Money Matters
Right Answers Right Now
23 Executive Q & A Connie Perez of Advanced Reimbursement Management
Should You Share Financial Info With Employees?
24 Sales IQ 26 Arizona in Focus Get a Job!
Member Resources 16 Events Calendar In Like a Lion…
18 Member Happenings The Fun Begins in 2010
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27 Business Bios First Fidelity Liberty Mutual West Valley Resort
28 Greater: PHX News & Notes From Around the Valley “I didn't think it would still be around 101 years later.”
www.phoenixchamber.com
20 Ribbon Cuttings Everybody Smile!
20 How To: Stop Micromanaging
derrick Boehs, dee dee ee Hixson, Cami Shore Account Executives
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 Jody ryan | Director, Marketing & Communications jryan@phoenixchamber.com Katie Campana | Director, Community Relations kcampana@phoenixchamber.com
daniel Ayala | Director, BidSource dayala@phoenixchamber.com
30 First Person
Sales Call Resistance
Louise Ferrari | Operations Manager
Norma Macias | Director, Member Services nmacias@phoenixchamber.com
Departments 23 MarCom Corner
Stephen Gamble | Art Director
Event Spotlight
By David Lucas
06 Member News
dan Vermillion, Angela Cook, Kenn tomasch, Justine Mellody Photography
21 New Members 24 Safety First
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
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
Service Opening Worlds of Opportunity through the Science of
There’s a science to competing through service, which is why we are worlds apart from other universities and consulting organizations. As a thought leader and groundbreaking research center, The Center for Service Leadership (CSL) brings together insights from the academic world and business strategy from the real world to solve the unique set of challenges companies face today.
Science We are in the business of the science of services – we base our understanding on research, not just platitudes.
Significance We are in the business of developing and sharing what works in the real business world, not just pure theory.
Symbiosis We are in the business of building a network that can discover ways to compete through service, not just business as usual.
To learn more about how you can compete strategically through the science of service, visit wpcarey.asu.edu/csl today.
Arizona State University
n
W. P. Carey School of Business P.O. Box 874106 n Tempe, AZ 85287-4106 Phone: 480-965-6201 n Fax: 480-965-2180 wpcarey.asu.edu/csl Twitter.com/WPCCSL
Member News Highlighting achievements, awards, new hires, promotions and notes of interest from our members.
Moving On Up Edward F. Garcia, AIA, LEED AP, has been elevated to a vice president of SmithGroup. In his 16 years at SmithGroup, Garcia has been directly involved in numerous projects on university and community college campuses, such as the Arizona State University College of Nursing and Health Innovation Phase 2, the University of Arizona Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences, and multiple projects for the Maricopa County Community College District. +www.smithgroup.com Currently, only a few medical centers in the US perform surgery on both pediatric and adult pectus patients, including a new joint effort here in the Valley.
Scrubbing in together Mayo Clinic, Phoenix Children's Hospital and Pediatric Surgeons of Phoenix have teamed up to provide comprehensive surgical treatment to both children and adults with deformities of the chest wall. The most common, pectus excavatum (often called “funnel chest,” in which the chest appears abnormally sunken) can cause breathing and heart problems, especially as patients age. A common misconception is that pectus is only a cosmetic issue, so it frequently goes untreated, resulting (in severe cases) in heart and lung function issues. The collaboration between Mayo and PCH will allow both children and adult patients with PE to have the combined expertise of the surgeons at both medical centers.
+ www.phoenixchildrens.com, + www.mayo.edu Hr Home run Frank Cummins, MBA, has joined John C. Lincoln Health Network in Phoenix as the new vice president of human resources. Cummins has 30 Frank Cummins years of experience working in human resources and health care in Arizona and Wisconsin. +www.jcl.com
Marketing Maven Joseph Ortiz has been named Marketing and Communications Manager for Jewish Family & Children’s Service. Ortiz most recently was Senior Vice President at the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and has more than 25 years of marketing and communications experience specializing in education, government and non-profits. +www.jfcsarizona.com
Sensational Six Goodwill of Central Arizona has named six members to its board of directors: Donald Beaver of PetSmart, Dr. Victoria Jones of Apollo Group, Steve Kedzior of Insight, Al Maag of Avnet, Chris Koziol of Mission Advisory Services and Dr. Jim McGovern of National Municipal Advisors, LLC. +www.goodwillaz.org
Welcome expansion Take Charge America has received a $165,000 grant from the state of Arizona to increase assistance for homeowners in Pima, Pinal, Mohave and Yavapai counties who are experiencing financial hardships and struggling to meet their mortgage payments. The Phoenix-based, non-profit credit counseling and housing counseling agency has been providing those services to Maricopa County since last year. +www.takechargeamerica.org
Called to Serve Catholic Charities Community Services has appointed Bob Brown as permanent CEO. Brown had been serving as interim CEO after joining Bob Brown the organization as chief administrative officer two years ago. “Bob has what it takes to help us to expand our impact in Arizona and further our mission to protect and nurture children, strengthen families and support people in crisis,” said Catholic Charities board president Steve Lasswell. +www.catholiccharitiesaz.org
Continuing to Build Gensler Phoenix has appointed Jay Silverberg, AIA as senior associate. Silverberg is the design director for the Gensler Phoenix office and has been consistently recognized for design excellence and project leadership throughout his 20-year career. He brings leadership and collaboration on projects throughout the Southwest, including academic, civic, cultural, office, athletic, healthcare and research facilities. +www.gensler.com
rising Sun devils The Phoenix office of Grant Thornton LLP has added four new associates, all from Arizona State University. Tyler Webb and June Weyerman Jenna Ptacek have joined the Audit department, Jenna Ptacek the Business Advisory Services department and Conrad Wadowski the Economic Advisory Services department of the audit, tax and advisory organization. +www.grantthornton.com
two More for Fennemore Craig Dawn Meidinger and Jimmy Dahu have joined Fennemore Craig. Meidinger is a shareholder in the Phoenix office, deepening the firm’s capabilities in the areas of environmental and natural resources, mining and real estate law. Dahu joins the firm as an associate in its Bankruptcy, Creditors Rights and Restructuring Practice. +www.fennemorecraig.com
Solar Star PerfectPower, Inc. has promoted Martin Holdgraf to the head of a new division of Quality Control & Training for residential and commercial solar photovoltaic systems. Holdgraf has been with PerfectPower, Inc. for four years. +www.perfectpowernetwork.com
Contact Us | Send your member news and photos 45 days prior to publication to: editor@phoenixchambermagazine.com 6
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Get your quote – instantly!
Receive a Quick Quote in just three easy steps when you visit SCF Arizona online at www.scfaz.com. SCF is the state’s largest provider of workers’ compensation insurance. This fast, convenient online tool is one of many SCF has created to serve our policyholders. When you visit www.scfaz.com, check out SCF’s new Safety Net training videos – they’re perfect for employers needing fast safety training resources. These short videos on a variety of topics are available in English and Spanish. From downloadable forms to applications and free safety training materials, doing business with SCF is more convenient than ever. Look for more services and products to be added to www.scfaz.com in 2010.
w w w. s c fa z . c o m | 1. 8 8 8 .7 0 6 . 4 07 0
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Sustainable Profits Going Green Means Greater Greenbacks By David Lucas
From Arizona’s largest enterprises to the smallest entrepreneurs, more and more businesses have discovered sustainability is more than a fad. It’s increasingly an integral part of bottom-line performance. “Sustainability is really about long term business strategies that allow you to make money in a way that is cleaner, faster, smarter,” says Ed Fox, chief sustainability officer for APS. “It’s not just about selling products; sustainability is about good business. You can be more efficient, you can make money and you can do good at the same time.” Smaller businesses can learn lessons from large companies such as APS. They recognize the value of environmentally friendly policies and practices. “As a small business, thinking in terms of recycling, being more efficient with your products and employees, all those things fit well with sustainability and running a good 8
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business,” says Dr. George Basile, executive director of the ASU Decision Theater, Global Institute of Sustainability. “We also see more big businesses asking smaller businesses or their suppliers to be thinking about these things.” Basile will host a session at the Greater Phoenix Chamber’s March 5 Phoenix Forum, “Eco-Nomics: Sustainability and Your Bottom Line.” The forum brings together experts from ASU, local government agencies and business to focus on sustainable practices and how they contribute to profitability. Basile advocates employing sustainable business practices to address the big challenges facing the state, including energy, water and community issues, and turning
them into business opportunities. “That’s a big area for innovation and business growth in the future,” he says. Minimizing a Large Footprint Because power generation represents a large carbon footprint, APS began looking at ways to reduce its environmental impact several years ago. In 2009, Arizona’s largest utility released the “APS Resource Plan Report” as a business strategy to tackle the state’s growth in both population and energy use through 2025. Using renewable sources such as solar and wind, combined with energy efficiency and other strategies, APS hopes to meet a 50 percent increase in customer demand for electricity without expanding its carbon footprint. www.phoenixchamber.com
“If we didn’t have a plan that met future needs As APS’ Chief without carbon input, then we would have created Sustainability a huge economic and environmental risk for our Officer, Ed Fox company and for our community,” Fox contends. looks for better, “With climate change, we need to be part of the cleaner, efficient ways to do solution. Climate restrictions are coming and we business. can’t just do business as usual.” Smaller companies don’t face gargantuan challenges such as this, but they can learn from their big brothers. They shouldn’t try to solve every problem at once, however. “Don’t go big bang; don’t try to overwhelm people,” advises Chris Garcia of AZ Docushred in Phoenix, who sits on the Advisory Board of the Chamber’s Green Roundtable. “Take an assessment of your own ASU’s Dr. George operation and figure out how you can start small and Basile sees sustainable work big.” practices as a AZ Docushred has formed an alliance with two growing trend. LEED-certified small businesses to identify areas where they can assist clients that want to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. But the key to profitability is patience. “In any business it’s all about relationships,” Garcia says. “We plant the seed and now we’re watching it grow. It took 14 months for me to work the relationships and now we’re starting to see some of the rewards.”
A new printer means less paper and less expense for customers of Artisan Colour.
Members Go Green, Save Big Chamber members can take small steps that lead to big environmental savings by undertaking sustainable business practices. Here are a few examples: Global Green Integrators Integrators, a division of AZ Docushred of Phoenix, prevented 14,127 pounds of trash, recyclable materials and food scraps from going into the landfill following events staged by the National Basketball Association and US Green Building Council. Phoenix Children’s Hospital is building a new 11-story facility that will be powered by an environmentally friendly central energy plant promising to conserve 5.6 million gallons of water annually and reduce discharges to the sewer system by 600,000 gallons per year. APS has provided over 8.8 million reduced-price compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) bulbs to consumers since 2005, cutting C02 emissions by four billion pounds.
BIG INvEstMENt FoR FutuRE pAyoFF Some businesses take a leap of faith into sustainability with substantial outlays of funds. Artisan Colour of Scottsdale spent $200,000 for a new wide-format flatbed printer that produces no volatile organic compounds and no hazardous air pollutants. It prints directly onto a variety of recyclable materials such as aluminum, copper, tiles, fabrics, canvasses and foam cores. “In the past you had to print onto paper and take adhesive and mount the paper onto a rigid board,” explains Peter Fradin, account manager of Artisan Colour. “By printing directly to the board, we’re not using any paper, we don’t have to use any toxic adhesives, and the customer pays a lesser price because fewer products are being used and fewer man-hours are involved in producing it.” The equipment investment is paying dividends. “There are clients who, in the past, we only captured a small percentage of their business. Now we’re able to capture a significant amount because of our ability to print to so many substrates,” Fradin says. Other companies have made sustainability an integral part of their business since
Waste Management of Arizona collected enough recycling materials last year to save 837,000 mature trees, 420 million gallons of water and 6.1 million gallons of oil. Sherri May & Company of Phoenix converted from paper to electronic invoicing in 2005, reducing the firm’s carbon footprint by more than a halfmillion pounds.
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Sustainable Profits
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Karen Harbert of the US Chamber of Commerce will deliver the keynote address at the March 5 Phoenix Forum event, “Eco-Nomics: Sustainability and Your Bottom Line.”
Photo by Karl Wolz
Banking That Means Business
even before it was called “green.” CBN Building Maintenance of Phoenix, which has provided janitorial services for a variety of Valley businesses since 1974, uses environmentally friendly materials, chemicals and techniques to improve the air quality in their customers’ workplaces. “Our focus for over 15 years has been cleaning for health rather than appearance,” says owner Bob Croft. “If you’ve got a healthy facility, it’s hard for it not to look clean because healthy would involve getting all the fine particles of dirt out of it.” CBN, which is a member of the U. S. Green Building Council, employs microfiber cloths instead of feather dusters to remove dirt. CBN uses HEPA vacuums to capture 99.97 percent of the particles that cause allergic reactions. Green Seal Certified chemicals and paper products are also specified. “Most of it we had in place was green before anybody paid any attention to the color,” Croft says. Even though CBN doesn’t charge extra for eco-friendly products, these supplies allow certain economies to offset any added expense. “The crews we had fieldtesting told us they were cutting dusting frequency because they were leaving less dust behind,” Croft says. “Labor is a much bigger part of our costs than chemicals and equipment. If we can save a small percentage of labor, we can put a lot more money into things like filters.” The market that CBN serves has contracted over the past two years as a result of the recession; nevertheless, the company is profiting. “We’re up several points from our absolute high point one-and-a-half years back,” Croft attests. “We didn’t cut back on marketing. We’ve aggressively stayed close to our customers.” Experts say businesses need to address sustainability sooner rather than later. Larger companies are demanding that their suppliers address sustainability, and so are customers. As sustainability takes more of a foothold in the business landscape, more opportunities are sure to arise. “We’re seeing a whole new area of businesses that have said these sustainability challenges are market opportunities and going after them,” Basile says. “This isn’t a fad. We’re going to see more and more businesses working toward sustainable solutions and we’re going to see more opportunity in that space.” For many Arizona companies, going green definitely can lead to more greenbacks for the bottom line.
CBN Building Maintenance stresses cleaning for health over cleaning for appearance.
Get Connected APS www.aps.com Artisan Colour www.artisancolour.com ASU Global institute of Sustainability sustainability.asu.edu AZ docushred www.azdocushred.com CBN Building Maintenance www.cbnclean.com www.phoenixchamber.com
Special Feature
(Way) Out Of The Office Extreme Hobbies of Valley Business People By Stephanie Conner
They spend their days in a high-stress zone. And when they’re looking to chill, these Valley business execs do anything but take it easy. At the end of an intense week, many of us crave downtime — with a cocktail in hand or a favorite program on TV. But for four Valley professionals, downtime isn’t about chilling out. It’s about racing motorcycles and cars, taking chances down snowy mountains, body building and pushing their hobbies to the extreme.
Depth of Concentration Richard Lippert was an avid motorsports fan in college. Today, at 64, he sees a deep connection between his hobby of racing and his job as managing partner at talent management firm Leathers Milligan & Associates. “You’re in a racing car [alongside] 23 other people going into turn one. You don’t have a lot of time to think things through,” says Lippert, who came back to the sport 11 years ago. “Decisions get easier and quicker.” The real allure, though, lies in the challenge. “It’s probably the only sporting event that requires that much concentration for that length of time,” he says. “No matter what else is going on in your life, you forget it.” In addition to driving, Lippert practices cardio training, core strengthening or yoga two hours a day, five to six days a week, to stay in top physical shape.
Intense Focus and Clarity Brian Fabiano, CEO of Scottsdale advertising agency FabCom, spends his days strategizing. “You’re constantly thinking about third, fourth and fifth alternatives,” the 45-year-old says. “Even when you’re asleep, your mind isn’t clear.” That’s when Fabiano hits the slopes, but don’t look
for him on the trails. For 10 years he’s worked on taking his skill to the next level: extreme skiing, which involves taking the lift to the top of the mountain and hiking to the back side. “The grades are steep, and the terrain is ungroomed and natural,” Fabiano says. And the danger is real, especially in some of the most treacherous terrain, the “no-fall zones.” “You absolutely can’t make a mistake. The focus that’s required is intense,” Fabiano says. “There is no time that you really achieve the kind of clarity that you do with extreme sports.” That clarity helps him provide better solutions to his clients. “Sometimes I save some of my biggest problems to chew on when I go on one of those trips,” he says.
The Need for Speed Allen Crick got hooked on motorcycles as a kid, watching “guys flying 30 to 40 feet in the air.” As a young adult, he traveled around the country to participate in motocross competitions. Ultimately, the now-general manager of Goettl Air Conditioning chose college, business and family over the racing lifestyle, but it remains a passion. “I’m committed to the sport,” says Crick, 39. “There’s a certain work ethic that has to come with these top-level riders.” He loves the adrenaline rush of being up in the air, and knows the attendant dangers. In May, while riding near the White Tanks with a group of work friends, he tumbled more than 20 feet — with his bike on top of him — and broke his collarbone. The accident hasn’t deterred him, but these days, he spends more time wakeboarding with his family. And if that wasn’t enough adrenalineraising action, he says whitewater rafting is next.
Seeking a New Challenge In her twenties, Amy Armstrong competed in bodybuilding competitions. Then life Leathers Milligan managing partner Richard Lippert is a big wheel in Formula 200 open-wheel racing.
Allen Crick of Goettl Air Conditioning gets lots of fresh air while wakeboarding with his son, Cooper.
happened: she started a family and a business and was twice diagnosed with breast cancer. This October, the two-time breast cancer “conqueror,” as she calls herself, is doing something extreme for her 50th birthday. On Aug. 28, Armstrong, a partner at Armstrong Troyky Public Relations & Advertising, will compete in the OCB Arizona Natural Bodybuilding Competition. Working with a training partner, Armstrong has traded her primetime television for three hours a night, six days a week, at the gym. “It’s really fun because I’m in a stressful, high-energy line of work. I’m always in my head,” she says. “For three hours a night, I get to be in my body. There’s something really beautiful about that.” It’s a challenge with a deadline, and it’s her birthday present to herself. “If you have to turn 50,” she says, “you can do it kicking and screaming.” Kicking, screaming, skiing, driving…definitely not in a day’s work for these Chamber members. Get Connected Armstrong Troyky Public Relations & Advertising www.armstrongtroyky.com FabCom www.fabcomlive.com Goettl Air Conditioning www.goettl.com Leathers Milligan & Associates www.leathersmilligan.com www.phoenixchamber.com
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CONGRATULATIONS
2010 IMPACT AWARDS FINALISTS!
SM
be inspired.
THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2010 THE PHOENICIAN 11am - 1:30pm Seats are $65 for members and $75 for non-members. Tables are also available.
RSVP TODAY!
www.phoenixchamber.com/impact
180° AUTOMOTIVE Bogi Lateiner
DAVID AND SAM PR David Eichler & Sam Alpert
AARROW ADVERTISING Robert Graham
INMEDIA Rick McCartney
ACME LOCKSMITH Robert Vallelunga
NUMBERS ETC Pamela Smith
ANDALE CONSTRUCTION Luis De La Cruz
RE/MAX NEW HEIGHTS REALTY Victor D. Vidales
ARIZONA AIR BOUTIQUE Angela & Mario Lepore
SMART CONSTRUCTION Gina & Blair Smart
TEN outstanding businesses have made an impact through community involvement, company culture, innovation and response to adversity. FIVE businesses have risen to the top in these categories. ONE extraordinary business will be the 2010 IMPACT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR.
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Member Experts
Ask Our Members Impact Magazine offers advice from our ‘Member Experts’ to improve your business.
Business Financing
Q: How can I overcome a poor credit history and low credit score when I need working capital for my business? A: One option you may consider is using a commercial Factor or Asset Based Lender who relies on the credit worthiness of your customers as their source of repayment. A Factor may make concessions for your personal or business credit history because they view other components in their funding decisions and focus more on your ability to deliver quality goods or services to fill the orders. Factors and Asset Based Lenders provide a viable option to traditional financing and can be much more flexible in the way they structure their lending opportunities.
Employee Assistance
Q: Why should I take on the added expense of an Employee Assistance Program [EAP]? A: Because you need to protect and encourage your most valuable asset, your employees, and an EAP is not expensive. Sadly, employees bring their problems to work. An EAP counsels employees and family members on how to deal with: stress, marital issues, child issues, substance abuse, legal, financial and so much more. Typically, 75% of the problems brought to the EAP are resolved in its sessions. An EAP is an investment to increase productivity, safety and whatever else is important to your business. Forgive me, but you would do the same for a broken piece of critical equipment or a poorly functioning software program. I would like to show you why EAP Preferred is the choice of many employers. Paul Fleming, President fleming@eappreferred.com www.eappreferred.com 602.264.4600, ext. 141
Lou Wallace, Managing Partner info@performancefunding.com www.performancefunding.com 602.912.0200
Energy Efficiency
Q: I want to cut my energy costs but I lease my office space. Does it make sense to invest in a space I don’t own? A: If you plan to occupy the leased space for a year or more and you pay the electric bill, it can make good sense to invest in energy efficiency improvements. Many lighting projects pay back in a matter of months, especially when you off-set your project costs with utility rebates. Simple steps can create big savings. For example, upgrade overhead fluorescent lighting to T8 lamps with electronic ballasts to cut lighting energy use by up to 40%. Replace incandescent exit signs with LED models to save 70-90%. Change an incandescent bulb to a CFL and save an average of $12 per year. Talk to the property manager and check your lease terms first. The building owner may be willing to share costs. The APS Solutions for Business Program is funded by APS customers and is approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Bill Biesemeyer Senior Program Engineer, PE, CEM www.aps.com/businessrebates 602.385.0900
Healthcare Healthcare Solutions Centers, LLC Q: Are preventive and wellness programs included in an on-site healthcare clinic? A: Yes, with on-site healthcare clinics HCS staff’s main focus is to assist your employees to better manage their healthcare and health care expenses. Our health, wellness and prevention programs are designed to educate your employees through health risk assessments, screenings, and one-on-one counseling. We then allow accountability for their successes by providing individualized follow-up with our on-site nurse practitioners. Our goal is to develop a workforce willing and able to take a greater responsibility for their own health. Ultimately we are creating a healthier and more productive work force while decreasing your healthcare costs. Frances J. ducar, FNP-C, MSN, Owner frances@hcsonsite.com www.hcsonsite.com 602.424.2101
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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Member Experts
Ask Our Members Impact Magazine offers advice from our ‘Member Experts’ to improve your business.
Legal Advice
Insurance
Q: Why should our company incorporate wellness-related programs in the workplace? A: Health promotion programs are simply good business – with benefits for the providers, the participants, and the public. Studies show that worksite wellness programs reduce absenteeism, decrease health risks, and contribute to lower costs for healthcare. There is also a moral imperative for business to take the lead in promoting health in the workplace. Half of the premature deaths in America are the result of lifestyle-related issues that are commonly addressed by wellness programs. For employers, offering health promotion programs is an important step to improving employee morale, retaining good workers, attracting quality employees, and improving productivity. Jeffrey Kirke, Vice President jkirke@holmesmurphy.com 480.951.4889
Q: If you sign a contract in which you agree to arbitrate ensuing disputes, do you give up your right to a trial? A: Public policy in Arizona strongly favors arbitration as it is a speedier, inexpensive and final method of resolving differences between parties. However, parties are bound to arbitrate only those issues that they have clearly and expressly agreed to arbitrate. With a few exceptions, arbitration decisions are final and binding. Thus, if you sign a contract containing an arbitration provision, you are more likely than not, going to have to arbitrate that dispute.
LeslieAnn Haacke, Special Counsel lhaacke@buchalter.com www.buchalter.com 480.383.1800
Your Chamber
Marketing
Q: What are some of the ways that businesses are getting a response to their marketing efforts? A: Even in a down economy, the tactics remain the same. Many people feel like they need to simply offer discounts and “give away business.” Here are some hints: Create a message that speaks to your potential customers. When a customer is reading your message, you want to keep in mind how they are reading it; where they are reading; what will strike them to remember it; and did you get your information across. Also, smart placement is key to making your marketing work. Determine your most niche marketplace that will hit your potential customers. Niche because you can be more relevant in your message and your costs will likely be less. Finally, frequency. Be consistent with where you place your message(s). Your clientele will see the credibility of this and you will be there when they need you. Rick McCartney, Principal www.inmediacompany.com 480.588.9505
Q: How can I get more online exposure for my business?
A: All Greater Phoenix Chamber members are listed in our online business directory at www.phoenixchamber.com. It’s a great resource and one of the most-visited sections of our Web site. With our new Advantage Marketing Package, you can also have your directory listing upgraded with your logo, a discount offer and a link to your Web site, as well as banner advertising and e-newsletter advertising, for one low price. Call me to make the most of this special offer.
debbie drotar, Dir., Business Development www.phoenixchamber.com 602.495.6483
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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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 vents Calendar
Member Happenings
ribbon Cuttings
How to
New Members
Event Spotlight
Mayor’s State of the City Address and Luncheon Tuesday, March 9 In six years with Phil Gordon as mayor, Phoenix has seen tremendous growth and weathered the challenges of the early part of the 21st century. Mayor Gordon will highlight the City’s accomplishments of the past year while outlining the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead at his annual “State of the City” address on Tuesday, March 9. Now midway through his second term, Gordon will discuss the challenges of the current economic climate, jobs, the continued revitalization of downtown and more in his speech at the Phoenix Convention Center. Attendees will also have the chance to network with elected officials and City Council members during the event. Any members of the public wishing to hear Mayor Gordon's speech will be admitted at the start of his presentation at no cost. Also, limited free parking in the Convention Center's North Garage at 475 E. Monroe Street is available. Enter the garage from Monroe Street just west of 5th Street.
Mayor Phil Gordon’s annual State of the City address is a must-see event for Valley business people and an opportunity for networking.
RSVP TODAY! Mayor’s State of the City SAVE Address and Luncheon THIS Tuesday, March 9 DATE 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Phoenix Convention Center | North Building 100 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix 85004 > Chamber members: $70 for individuals $800 for table of ten
> Non-members: $85 for individuals $950 for table of ten
Free parking in North Garage Register online at www.phoenixchamber.com/stateofthecity
Save The Date! Chamber Events and Programs MARCH 5
MARCH 9
MAY 6
Phoenix Forum: Eco-Nomics Conference Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak
Mayor’s State of the City Address & Luncheon Phoenix Convention Center
23rd Annual IMPACT Awards Luncheon The Phoenician www.phoenixchamber.com
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March 2010 Calendar of Events BUSINESS FOR BREAKFAST 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
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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.
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
TUEs
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ANTHEM 7 - 8 a.m. Hampton Inn 42415 N. 41st Dr., Anthem 85086 ddrotar@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6483
TUEs
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DEER VALLEY 7:15 – 8:30 a.m. Speaker: Councilwoman Thelda Williams Cox Communications 1550 W. Deer Valley Rd., Deer Valley 85027 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461
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Professional Women’s Roundtable Speaker: Margie Traylor, CEO, Sitewire Topic: Social Butterfly: Growing Your Company Through Social Media 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 jmellody@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194 Green Roundtable Topic: Energy Efficient Home Building Speaker: Steve Leathers, President/CEO, Terraso, Inc. 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. Terraso, Inc. 819 W. Caldwell St. Phoenix 85042 jmellody@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194 Downtown Phoenix: Urban Heart of Arizona 5 - 7 p.m. monOrchid, LLC 214 E. Roosevelt St. Phoenix 85004 jmellody@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194
TueSday
Back to Business Series Speaker: Cindy Anderson, Great Biz Plans Topic: Fast Track Biz Pans: Do the 3 - Step! 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 jmellody@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194
TUEs
Valley Young Professionals Speaker: Ilana Lowery, Editor in Chief, Phoenix Business Journal Topic: Making the Most of the Media 5:30 – 7 p.m. Sidebar 1514 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix 85007 jmellody@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194
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Hispanic Business Leadership Council's “Bridging the Gap” Luncheon Speakers: Melissa Boyles, ADOT and Tony Hatcher, City of Phoenix Topic: How to Bid for Business 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hyatt Regency Phoenix 122 N 2nd St. Phoenix 85004 $20 includes lunch mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461
GET ORIENTED 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. WED
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Member Open House 8 - 9 a.m. Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461
ThurSday
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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.
Phoenix Forum: Sustainability & Your Bottom Line 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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South Mountain/ Laveen Business for Breakfast 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
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7:30 - 9 a.m. Mayor’s State of the City Address & Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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PHOENIX 7:15 - 8:30 a.m. AARP 201 E. Washington Ste. 1795 Phoenix, 85004 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461
IDEA EXCHANGES
PHOENIX 7:15- 8:30 a.m. KFNX - AM 1100 2001 N. 3rd St., #102 Phoenix, 85004 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461
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Business for Breakfast 7 – 8 a.m. Downtown Phoenix: Urban Heart of Arizona 5 - 7 p.m. Water & Agriculture Cmte. 1 - 2 p.m.
Public Affairs Committee Noon - 1:30 p.m.
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7:15 - 8:30 a.m. Economc Devel. Committee 11 a.m. - Noon After 5 Mixer 5 - 7 p.m.
Member Open House 8 - 9 a.m.
Back to Business Series 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Environment Committee 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Education Committee 2 - 3 p.m.
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Valley Young Professionals 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Hispanic Leadership Council’s “Bridging the Gap” Luncheon 11: 30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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7:15 - 8:30 a.m. Transportation Committee 3 - 4 p.m.
Budget and Tax Committee 2 - 3 p.m.
Public Affairs Committee Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Chamber at Deer Valley Mixer 5 - 7 p.m.
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www.phoenixchamber.com www.phoenixchamber.com
March 2010 Calendar of Events COMMITTEES 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. THUR
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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
THUR
Water and Agriculture Committee 1 - 2 p.m. Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 grushing@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497
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Health Care Committee 4 - 5 p.m. Chamber Boardroom grushing@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497
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Public Affairs Committee Noon - 1 p.m. Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 grushing@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497 Budget and Tax Committee 2 - 3 p.m. Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004
TUEs
Economic Development Committee 11 a.m - Noon Chase Conference Center, Canyon Room Lower Concourse, Chase Tower 201 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85004 jwilson@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6464
WED
Environment Committee 3:30 – 5 p.m. Chamber Boardroom grushing@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497
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Education Committee 2 - 3 p.m. Chamber Boardroom grushing@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497
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Transportation Committee 3 – 4 p.m. Chamber Boardroom grushing@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497
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LEADS GROUPS
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 at www.phoenixchamber.com to check availability or contact Debbie Drotar at ddrotar@phoenixchamber.com or (602) 495-6483.
BILTMORE AREA Half Moon Sports Grill 2121 E. Highland Ave. Phoenix 85016 Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.
NORTH VALLEY Black Bear Diner 2410 W. Bell Rd. Phoenix 85023 Fridays, 7 a.m.
SOUTHEAST VALLEY Mimi’s Cafe (@ Fiesta Mall) 1250 S. Alma School Rd. Mesa 85210 Fridays, 7:15 a.m.
NORTHWEST VALLEY Deer Valley Airport Restaurant 702 W. Deer Valley Rd. Phoenix 85027 Thursdays, 7:30 a.m.
SOUTH CENTRAL PHOENIX Raven Golf Club 3636 W. Baseline Rd. Laveen 85339 Wednesdays, 7:15 a.m.
NORTHEAST VALLEY Marie Callender’s 4573 E. Cactus Rd. Phoenix 85032 Tuesdays, 7:15 a.m.
CENTRAL VALLEY Scott’s Generations 5555 N. 7th St. Phoenix 85014 Wednesdays (except 1st Wed.) 7:15 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.
AFTER 5 MIXERS
SPECIAL EVENTS
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.
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.
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Mix it Up In conjunction with the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitor’s Bureau 5 - 7 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 85008 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461 Chamber at Deer Valley Mixer 5 - 7 p.m. Comfort Inn - Phoenix North 2641 W. Union Hills Dr. Phoenix 85027 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461
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Phoenix Forum - Eco-Nomics: Sustainability & Your Bottom Line 9 a.m – 1:30 p.m. $125/person - $1,200 table of 10 $65 luncheon only Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort 7677 N. 16th St. Phoenix 85020 events@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2182
TUE
Mayor’s State of the City Address & Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phoenix Convention Center 100 N. 3rd St. Phoenix 85004 events@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2182
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Chamber Highlight Opening Bids Large companies and government entities across the country are looking to outsource various projects and contracts for services to certified businesses. These contracts can be worth a few hundred dollars or more than $40,000. Would you turn down a potential contract that large? “Bid for Business: Increase Your Profits in 2010,” a special product and services procurement event, takes place on Wednesday, April 7 at Comedor Guadalajara in Phoenix. AT&T, APS, Enterprise Car Sales and Staples are just a few of the companies that will participate, giving more than 100 businesses a chance to connect and explore procurement opportunities. While each organization has its own requirements, there are recommended certifications needed to bid for business,
including Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Veteran Business. Visit our website to learn more about the requirements for our featured organizations. Get Connected Bid for Business: increase Your Profits in 2010 Presented by Hispanic Business Leadership Council Wednesday, April 7 7:30 – 10 a.m. Comedor Guadalajara 1830 S. Central Ave., Phoenix 85004 $20 pre-register price/$25 at the door Register at 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.
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Professional Women’s Roundtable 01 | Life Balancing Coach Bonnie Moehle spoke to the Professional Women’s Roundtable on “Reducing Fear & Stress and Living a More Peaceful Life” on January 5. Downtown Phoenix: Urban Heart of Arizona 04
02 | Business people gathered at TGI Friday’s Front Row at Chase Field for food, fun and networking at the first Downtown Phoenix: Urban Heart of Arizona event of 2010 on January 7. The regular series of events spotlighting the culture and activities downtown continues March 11 at monOrchid, LLC. Hispanic Business Leadership Council’s “Bridging the Gap” Luncheon 03 | The Hispanic Business Leadership Council brings small business owners together to support the growth and development of Hispanic businesses. These members enjoyed the January 27 program on “Establishing Alliances to Build a Sustainable Business.” The HBLC is also presenting a special procurement event, “Bid for Business: Increase Your Profits in 2010” in April (see page 17 for more information).
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Mentor Match 04 | Cathy Eckstein, chair of the ATHENA PowerLink® Governing Board was just one of the presenters at January 28's Mentor Match. The second annual event brought business owners together with five of the Valley’s leading business mentoring programs.
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
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Your Chamber is Your Goldmine 05 | New members found out how to make the most of their Chamber membership. Victoria Trafton of the Referral Institute of Central Arizona lends tips and expertise at the regular meetings, like this one on January 20. Green Roundtable
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06 | Things are looking up for the Green Roundtable, as Lisa Barnard of Brain Lab (with scarf, right) and other eco-friendly business people found out at the group’s January 12 meeting at the ASU Art Museum. Sustainability and your business is the subject of this month’s Phoenix Forum event (see page 8 for more details). Legislative Kickoff & Governor’s Reception 07 | Governor Jan Brewer mingled with business people before addressing the crowd at the annual Legislative Kickoff event January 21 at the Phoenix Art Museum. 08 | Despite one of the stormiest nights in recent memory, a good crowd of business people turned out for the chance to get up close and personal with elected officials at the event that celebrates the start of the new legislative session.
YOUR FULL-SERVICE HR DEPARTMENT
“We’ll help you grow!”
Choice HR
HR Choice is a full-service Human Resources answer to your small or mid-sized company needs. Quality and broad experience make up our team of professionals. Full SOluTiOnS pROviDing yOu: • Essential HR Toolkit • HR Audits • On-Call / On-Site HR • Employee Training Department • Recruitment / • Employee Handbooks Selection • Record keeping • Management Training and Development
Susan Williams President & Founder
www.hrchoice.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.
Stop micromanaging
It was a case of puppy love for the new CHASE BANK at the Shops at Norterra, 2430 W. Happy Valley Rd. in Phoenix.
+ www.chase.com
By Christia Gibbons
Micromanagers are people with trust issues.
If you invested time going to the ribbon cutting for financial planning firm McKENNEY & MONROE, LLC, no doubt you’ll return to their office at 2525 E. Arizona Biltmore Circle, Ste. 124 in Phoenix.
Jerry Houston, president and CEO of Surprisebased Houston Partners International – a performance improvement organization – says he’s a “recovering control freak.” He’s learned that by trusting people, you get better, more productive employees.
+ www.mckenneymonroe.com
All the big wheels turned out for the ribbon cutting at the new C&R TIRE location at 2010 W Parkside Lane #120 in Phoenix.
“I wasn’t always a non micromanaging manager,” Houston says. “I learned it.”
+ www.candrtire.com
Lack of trust comes from the history between people. Has the employee missed deadlines, embarrassed the manager, made a lot of mistakes? Has the boss allowed mistakes, given adequate directions, provided the right training?
Just like their clients, everyone who attended the ribbon cutting for PREFERRED PAIN & REHAB CENTER at 2813 E. Camelback Road, Suite 430 in Phoenix, left smiling.
To stop micromanaging, Houston says managers need to: n Let go. n Ask for feedback. n Provide resources. n Advocate for employees.
+ www.preferredpaincenter.com
To stop the boss from micromanaging, he suggests, employees should: n Be honest and open. n Ask for clarification. n Provide honest feedback. n Trust their manager.
Welcome to the Chamber!
Clarify expectations, establish mutual goals and get out of peoples’ way. Let them work.
The Chamber has a new Business Development Executive! Jeffrey Durbin joined the Chamber in February after three years as Senior Account Executive with the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and a year as Vice President of Chamber Enhancement Group. The Cleveland, Ohio native has a vast experience in sales and management and will help add to the growing list of GPCC members. Look for Jeffrey at the next Chamber event or email him at jdurbin@phoenixchamber.com to say hi!
“What we preach is: mutual benefit, respect and trust,” Houston says. Get Connected Houston Partners International www.houstonpartnersinternational.com
Jeffrey Durbin
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Welcome New Members We welcome these businesses who have seen the benefit of becoming a part of our Chamber.
Accountants - CPA
Child Day Care Services
Joy C. Cervantes CPA, P.C. 8712 E. Via de Commercio, Ste. 10 Scottsdale, AZ 85258 (480) 897-4400 www.joycervantescpa.com
Brighter Angels Learning Center 3320 W. Southern Ave., Ste.102 Phoenix, AZ 85041 (602) 276-3223
Advertising and Marketing HDE Agency 22 E. Victory St. Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602) 276-2499 www.hdeagency.com
Alternative Energy / Solar Arizona Power-Save 4111 E. Valley Auto Dr. Mesa, AZ 85206 (480) 347-5162 www.azpower-save.com
Apartments and Vacation Rentals - Corporate Housing 9920 Camelback 9920 W. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85037 (623) 877-3730 www.9920az.com
Architectural Services Harvey Unti 4430 N. 28th Pl. Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 329-4329
Art Dealers/Artists Wall Art Studios 2119 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 955-2110 www.wall-artstudios.com
Banks Wallick & Wolk, Inc. 5859 W. Talavi Blvd. Glendale, AZ 85306 (602) 298-1430 www.wvmb.com
Consulting Services Communications/Management/ Marketing Tech Biz Bridge, LLC 22636 N. Hance Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85027 (623) 580-1341 www.techbizbridge.com
Consulting Services Computer Hagen Business Systems, Inc. 3461 W. Jasper Dr. Chandler, AZ 85226 (480) 705-4241 www.hagenbusiness.com
Contractors - Construction ANDALE Construction, Inc. 23638 W. La Vista Dr. Buckeye, AZ 85326 (623) 322-4731 www.andaleci.com
Contractors - General Reliant Capitol, LLC 725 N. 73rd Ave., Ste. 124 Phoenix, AZ 85043 (623) 388-8889 www.reliantcapitolllc.com
Developers UEVEN, LLC 23449 N. 35th Dr. Glendale, AZ 85310 (623) 780-3836 www.ueven.com
Direct Title Insurance Carriers North American Title 3200 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 150 Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 280-7500 www.nat.com
Employment Placement Agencies Allied Forces Temporary Services 4636 E. McDowell Rd., Ste 101 Phoenix, AZ 85008 (480) 820-1234 www.alliedforces.com
Environmental Consulting Services Envirosure Solutions 1979 E. Broadway Rd. Tempe, AZ 85282 (480) 784-4621 www.envirosure.com
Floral Design Services and Instructions Teach Me Floral Design 10318 N. 65th Dr. Glendale, AZ 85302 (623) 326-6359
Food and Beverage Wholesalers Anytime Gourmet Coffee Co. 16032 W. Yavapai St. Goodyear, AZ 85338 (623) 734-2306
Gift, Novelty, and Souvenir Stores - Gift Cards Family of Faith, LLC 950 E. Pecos Rd., #11 Ste. 12 Chandler, AZ 85225 (480) 619-4076 www.fofgiftshop.com
Government Offices and Programs Arizona-Mexico Commission 1700 W. Washington St., Ste. 180 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 542-1345 www.azmc.org
Home Health Care Services Home Helpers 6363 S. Kyrene Rd. Tempe, AZ 85283 (602) 281-3357 www.homehelpers.cc/ valleyofthesun58468
Housekeeping Services Pop-Ins House & Carpet Cleaning PO Box 84046 Phoenix, AZ 85071 (602) 274-3658 www.popinsaz.com
Insurance Agencies and Brokerages Martha Bueti Insurance Agency 2445 E. Baseline Rd., Ste. 140 Phoenix, AZ 85042 (602) 243-9209 www.marthabueti.com State Farm - Eric Frederick 1820 N. 75th Ave., Ste. 106 Phoenix, AZ 85035 (623) 846-0240 www.insurephx.com Thomas Title & Escrow 16435 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 405 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 222-1116 www.thomastitle.com
Investment Services NADART 1100 E. Parkview Ct. Gilbert, AZ 85295 (703) 608-0945 www.nadart.org
Manufacturing Vista Control Systems 2001 W. Melinda Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85027 (602) 943-5700 www.vistasystems.net
Non - Profit Organizations Dress for Success Phoenix 1122 E. Buckeye Rd., Ste. A1 Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602) 489-7397 www.dressforsuccess.org
Non - Profit Organizations Business/Professional Arizona Self-Insurers Association 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ste. 70-F2 Phoenix, AZ 85048 (480) 706-5762 www.azselfinsurers.org www.phoenixchamber.com
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Welcome New Members We welcome these businesses who have seen the benefit of becoming a part of our Chamber.
Looking to improve your drive in 2010?
AZ Cancer Research Organization 1642 N. 24th St. Phoenix, AZ 85008 (602) 231-0505 www.azcancerresearch.org
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Mountain States Employers Council 3305 E. Greenway Rd., Ste. 10 Phoenix, AZ 85032 (602) 955-7558 www.msec.org American Cancer Society 4550 E. Bell Rd., Ste. 126 Phoenix, AZ 85032 (602) 224-0524 www.relayforlife.org/centralphoenixaz
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Real Estate Agents and Brokers - Commercial R.O.I. Properties 7310 N. 16th St., Ste. 180 Phoenix, AZ 85020 (602) 319-1326 www.roipropertiesaz.com
Restaurants - Catering Memphis Best BBQ 6260 S. 35th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85041 (623) 327-9700 www.bestofmemphis.com
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Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pasta 488 N. Acacia Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85233 (602) 437-0005 www.mrgoodcents.com
Professional Services Loffa Interactive Group 8426 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 664-6754 www.loffacorp.com
For the location nearest you, go to: communitytireaz.com or call 602-569-4930
Shuler Government Affairs, LLC 11515 E. Pine Valley Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (602) 509-8699 www.shulerllc.com
Netcor Transports, LLC PO Box 14449 Phoenix, AZ 85063 (480) 668-9497 www.netcortransports.com
NETtime Solutions 8840 E. Chaparral Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85250 (480) 296-0400 www.nettimesolutions.com
Dedicated To The Communities We Serve.
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Red Oak Technologies 2425 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 950 Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 253-0677 www.redoaktech.com
Check Into Cash 4212 W. Cactus Rd., Ste. 1115 Phoenix, AZ 85029 (916) 708-9781 www.checkintocash.com
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Athletes’ Performance 2629 E. Rose Garden Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85050 (480) 449-9000 www.athletesperformance.com
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www.phoenixchamber.com
Executive Q&A
MarCom Corner Your Answers to Marketing & Communication
Topic: Getting News Coverage for Your Company Have you ever wondered why the news media covers some stories and not others? To answer that, Peg Mulloy, manager, media relations for Republic Services, starts by defining “news.”
Connie Perez of Advanced Reimbursement Management is the Greater Phoenix Chamber’s 2009-2010 Board Chair.
Our series of bimonthly Q&A sessions that will help you get to know prominent Valley business people continues with Connie Perez, CEO of Advanced Reimbursement Management in Phoenix. Did you plan on being a CEO growing up? All I ever wanted to be was a pediatric nurse and to take care of kids. My eighth-grade class took a field trip to a hospital and a nursing school and I thought the nurses’ dorm was really cool and would be a lot of fun, so that’s why I wanted to become a nurse. When I was younger, I never thought I would be doing anything like what I’m doing. Eventually I realized that if you really want to make a difference, you have to have a diversified scope of responsibility. That’s how I wound up in nursing administration and, eventually, consulting for Advanced Reimbursement. Next thing I know, I’m the COO and then the CEO. It wasn’t planned at all. What’s the best part of your job? I love working with people. A lot of managers don’t really like managing people. That is the part of my job that I enjoy the most. I want people to wake up and say, “I get to go to work today!” and look forward to going to work. Creating that culture is great. What’s the best piece of advice someone has given you? Listening is the key component to management. And I’ve always been a really good listener. What was your first job? I think I started babysitting when I was about 11. My grandfather owned a dry cleaner, and my
father and my uncle bought it when he retired. I was probably about 12, and I used to go down and work at the shop. How do you juggle work and family? Balance has always been one of those key components and it’s part of the culture here. I’ve learned that once you determine what’s really important to your kids, you never miss those things no matter what. I always did my best to get to their soccer games and their events. We support that here, it’s just a part of what I think is good business. A woman CEO is no longer an oddity, though we’re a long way from gender equity. How different are things now than they were years ago? Because I grew up in health care and nursing, and that’s a female-dominated industry, I have always had a lot of female mentors, so I don’t think I had to experience as much of that as other people have. One of the things I struggle with is whether we’re at a point where it’s more difficult for a woman to start a business than it is for a man. And I’m not sure anymore. I know women CEOs still make less than men, but I think we’ve come a long way and I think we have to continue to make sure those opportunities are available for everyone.
News is local, timely, significant, trendy, may have a human interest angle and can change from day to day. A great news story can become useless if something else of major significance happens at the same time. On September 11, 2001, nothing else was news. News is a business. The goal of television and radio programming is ratings. Newspapers and magazines want to increase sales. Reporters look for controversy, sensationalism and negativity. It is up to us to provide them with positive news ideas. If you think you have an interesting story, ask yourself, “So what?” If you can describe why the audience would care about or be helped by your story, you may have a newsworthy story to tell. Examples of what could constitute news include: n
n employee performs a heroic act A (rescues a person, animal, etc.)
n
division/office/company A reduces the number of accidents
n
mployees support a local E charity, sponsor an event, etc.
n
An employee wins an award
Stay alert about what’s going on at your company; if you think you’ve got a story to tell, put together a compelling synopsis and call or email the news desk. If they are not interested in your idea, don’t be disappointed. Keep trying, but remember to be newsworthy. Get Connected Republic Services www.republicservices.com
Get Connected Advanced Reimbursement Management www.advancedreimbursement.com www.phoenixchamber.com
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Money Matters
Sales Iq Topic: Sales Call Reluctance Most sales people are good at retention and up-selling current customers, but many aren’t comfortable consistently prospecting for new customers. Why not? Connie Kadansky of Exceptional Sales explains why. There are only three ways to grow business: Sell to new customers, retain existing customers or sell more products/services to existing customers. Prospecting is not an intellectual exercise; it is an emotional exercise to initiate contact with prospective buyers. Focus on the value of your products or services when prospecting. Take the spotlight off yourself. There are only two ways to view initiating contact: as an opportunity to provide valuable products and services to a prospect or as an emotional threat. If you suffer from the fear of prospecting, just know that it is NOT prospecting that is causing you anxiety. It is YOUR thought about prospecting that is creating the fear triggering your self-doubt. When you are ready to prospect and, yet, you STOP, what is causing you to stop? Your freedom is your willingness to discover the true thoughts that keep you from prospecting. Write them down. Examples might be, “They already have a provider that they really like,” or “I don't want to bother them,” or “They get a thousand calls a day from salespeople.” Notice what you are projecting onto the call. Then shift your perspective to “I have a valuable product or service to provide that can help them.” Hiding, denying and suppressing Sales Call Reluctance is extremely costly to your wallet and your selfconfidence. The good news is that Sales Call Reluctance is nothing to be embarrassed about; living with it needlessly is. Get Connected Exceptional Sales www.exceptionalsales.com
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Why Open Book Management Pays Should You Share Financial Info With Employees? It’s easy to share good news about record profits or sales growth with employees. But during times of struggle, many entrepreneurs opt to keep the inner workings of their company’s finances hidden from employees— and they lose out on a golden opportunity. You may have heard the new buzzword “transparency” to describe open book management. The good news is transparency can do everything from boost sales growth to make your company more efficient, studies show. “Employees need a scorecard to know where they’re on target or falling short,” says Liz Montemayor, CPA and chief financial officer for Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGEN).
How can open book management work for you? hen employees see data for their W departments, they can see how specific actions impact the bottom line, making them more likely to offer valuable ideas on how to improve operations. “At the manager and leadership level, people can make more informed judgments,” says Todd LaPorte, senior vice president and chief financial officer for Scottsdale Healthcare. n When a company adopts an employee’s suggestion, it boosts the employee’s sense of worth and emotional ownership in the company. Montemayor adds, “It builds trust and loyalty.” n
n
I f you keep employees in the dark about your company’s financial performance, you force them to make assumptions (usually false ones) and believe water cooler rumors.
Ready to Open Up? our best practices of open F book management op-level management needs to decide T what financial information will be shared. n Mid-level managers should be educated first to determine the message and make it consistent. n The education and professional level of the audience must be considered when crafting the message. n Management needs to decide in advance how to deliver the message and how frequently to repeat it. “Timeliness is important,” Montemayor says. n
Get Connected Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGEN) www.tgen.org Scottsdale Healthcare www.shc.org
Safety First Why should you get involved in the Chamber’s Association Safety Program? Worker’s compensation insurance coverage is a must by state law. When you obtain your coverage through SCF Arizona and also enroll in GPCC’s safety program, your organization qualifies for a 10 percent discount on premiums, with the potential for a “bonus” safety dividend at the end of the year, if our group’s aggregate loss claims are kept low. But those are not the only reasons to be involved. “A safe workplace can have a big impact on a company’s bottom line,” said GPCC Vice President Ron McElhaney, who points out that workplace injuries cost society more than $128 billion in annual losses. “By being involved in the safety program, you not only help keep your own workplace safe, but you can have an impact on other members and the business community.”
“You can also learn details about safety initiatives GPCC and our other member businesses have implemented,” McElhaney added. “And if you actively serve on the GPCC Safety Committee, you’ll be able to network with your peers, contribute to the success of the program and have direct access to SCF Arizona to resolve problems.” GPCC’s Safety Committee meets quarterly to review loss claims of Chamber member companies, discuss new programs and plan semi-annual safety training seminars.
Get Connected Ron McElhaney (602) 495-6486 rmcelhaney@phoenixchamber.com SCF Arizona www.scfaz.com
www.phoenixchamber.com
Arizona Department of Transportation DBE Supportive Services Are you a minority or woman-owned business? Would you like to make your company more successful? To Find Out How You Can Become Certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Receive: Free Assistance and Training Opportunities ■ Networking Opportunities with Prime Contractors ■ Information About New Contracting Opportunities Information on How toBecome involved in State Contracting ■
■
Contact Jamie Graves
DBE Certification Program Manager at (602) 712-7761 or email her at: jgraves2@azdot.gov
It’s ElEmEntary
1515 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85014 602-279-9700 www.anthemcollege.com
to use the watsons for all your real estate needs
a division of Anthem College Phoenix
16404 N. Black Canyon Hwy, Suite 180, Phoenix, AZ 85053 602-889-2700 www.anthemcollegeonline.com
the Watsons don & Cheryl 2250 W. Peoria Avenue, Suite A-100, Phoenix, AZ 85029 602-274-4300 www.brymanschool.edu
Use The Watsons for all your residential real estate needs. John Hall & associates 11211 n. tatum Blvd. #200 thewatsons@johnhall.com www.thewatsonsaz.com don - 602.791.2830 Cheryl - 602.791.2554
Anthem Education Group 16404 N. Black Canyon Hwy, Suite 180, Phoenix, AZ 85053 602-328-2800 www.anthem.edu
C u s t o m e r s e r v i C e | C o m m u n i C at i o n | C o m m i t m e n t
www.phoenixchamber.com AEGimpactAd1.indd 1
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8/21/09 12:27 PM
Arizona in Focus Spotlighting the Chamber’s Legislative Advocacy and Economic Development Efforts
Get a Job! Chamber supports House Bill on Job Creation, Business Attraction and More The Chamber’s Board of Directors has taken a position in favor of HB 2595, the “Enterprise Zone Jobs Incentives” program. Proposed by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) and sponsored by Rep. Michele Reagan and Sen. Barbara Leff, the measure would change Arizona’s “enterprise zones” going forward. “Enterprise zones” are geographic areas (usually high-poverty, high-unemployment areas) whose businesses can receive tax credits as an incentive for creating jobs. With the state having lost some 200,000 jobs in the last 18 months, this bill is critical to accelerate our economic recovery. “As people lose jobs, there’s an increased strain on public services,” noted GPCC Vice President of Public Affairs & Economic Development Michelle Bolton. “Already there are about 1.2 million people using the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS, the state's "medicaid" program), including more than 276,000 children. That number will only grow unless we can put people back to work.” HB 2595 is designed to create high-wage jobs and diversify the state’s economy. Many of the jobs recently lost in Arizona are construction26
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State Representative Sam Crump was just one of the elected officials who met and mingled with business people at January’s Legislative Kickoff & Governor’s Reception at the Phoenix Art Museum.
related, so expanding the industry base will pay future dividends if one sector struggles. “This bill would help all businesses, regardless of size,” Bolton continued. “It’s not just aimed at helping a small group of businesses. Creating jobs benefits our entire economy.” You can read more about HB 2595, as well as the latest important information on the ongoing legislative session, in the new “Legislative Documents” section of our Web site at www.phoenixchamber.com/publicaffairs. Showcase Your Business The Chamber has begun a series of business tours with Phoenix City Council members designed to highlight the economic strengths and contributions of local businesses. The
series of “Councilmember Connect” tours began February 10 with Councilwoman Peggy Neely visiting Community Tire and Automotive Service Specialists, Central Arizona Project and HRD Architecture and Engineering. If you would like to give your City Councilmember some first-hand experience with your day-today operations and get to know your elected official better, contact the Chamber’s Public Affairs department. Get Connected Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs (602) 495-6497 or www.phoenixchamber.com/publicaffairs
www.phoenixchamber.com
Business Bios
Banking on Better Times First Fidelity Looks to Expand Relationships By Christina Estes Many Valley business owners - including First Fidelity Bank President Kevin Sellers consider 2009 to have been one of their most difficult years ever. “It’s been as challenging as any I’ve experienced,” Sellers says. “And I’ve been banking for thirty years.” First Fidelity has never stopped lending, but finding enough qualified clients has become tough. The recession and recovery have many credit-worthy clients exercising caution and putting off expansion plans. “The challenge is finding companies that wish to borrow and can demonstrate the capacity to repay the credit,” explains Sellers. As a privately held, community bank, First Fidelity provides clients with the products and services found at a large bank with the client-focused advantage of a family-owned organization. Rather than simply cut a check, First Fidelity focuses on the entire relationship. The manager oversees all the client’s needs from credit to cash management and investment services to personal banking.
“We have a group of very experienced commercial relationship managers,” says Sellers. “We make sure they truly understand the client’s business, the challenges they face and their objectives and needs so we can really partner with them.” First Fidelity has also taken steps to improve efficiency and dedicate more human resources to credit underwriting. This allows commercial relationship managers to spend more time with existing and prospective clients. Sellers expects his four Valley locations will add $30 million in commercial loans this year. “I think the more sophisticated business owner with more complex needs, yet still in a small to medium size range, is better suited with a community bank because we have experienced officers who can spend the time to get to know them,” he says. Get Connected First Fidelity Bank www.first-fidelity.com
First Fidelity President Kevin Sellers
Mutual Respect Insurance Company Builds Relationships By Kay Sperduti
Quick! Which Fortune 500 company with a strong Valley presence has not only avoided layoffs in recent years but also continues to hire? If the name Liberty Mutual didn’t jump to mind, it wouldn’t be a surprise to Phoenix Customer Response Center Manager Michael Corhn. “Many may not realize our presence here in Arizona, particularly in the Valley” said Corhn. The diversified global insurer employs nearly 1,000 Valley residents in area field sales offices as well as customer service, sales and claim centers in Ahwatukee, Glendale and Phoenix. Currently ranked 86th on the Fortune 500, Liberty Mutual offers car, home, life and personal liability insurance along with a complete range of commercial products. Their culture, according to Corhn, is based on responsibility to the client in times of need as well as community. In fact, volunteerism and outreach are embraced by the company’s 45,000 employees worldwide. As the country’s fifth-largest Property and Casualty insurer, Liberty Mutual takes hiring very seriously. “To fill a position at the call center will take me over two months,” said Corhn. “We invest in our people to make sure they’re prepared. This is a career, not just a job, and we
provide substantial training resulting in the employee being licensed with the state.” When it comes to their customer base, Liberty Mutual’s business model is one of long-term partnership. “We have customers who have been with us for 30 years,” said Corhn. “They often start with us for automobile coverage, move on to home and continue with us throughout their life stages. We want to prove one day at a time and one policy at a time our level of responsibility and commitment to customer service. It’s what has made us a success since 1912 and what continues to pave our future.” Get Connected Liberty Mutual www.libertymutual.com/careers See Business Bios on page 28 www.phoenixchamber.com
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Business Bios
Game (Almost) On in Glendale
New Resort Awaits Approval By Tom Trush The area surrounding Glendale’s Sports and Entertainment District could soon see an economic boost as possible construction of the Tohono O’odham Nation’s West Valley Resort draws closer. The 1.2 million-square-foot facility – planned on 135 acres adjacent to Northern Avenue between 91st and 95th Avenues – would feature about 150,000 square feet of gaming space; a spa hotel with 480 rooms and 120 suites; eight food and beverage options, including five restaurants, a food court, buffet and coffee shop; two bars and a nightclub; and 180,000 square feet of convention and meeting space. Holding up construction on the $500 million project is approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior to convert the unincorporated parcel to tribal reservation land. According to Scott Sirois, CEO of the Tohono O'odham Gaming Enterprise, there’s no timeline for a decision; however, the DOI’s regional office already backed the project. Once constructed, the West Valley Resort is projected to provide 3,122 permanent jobs and have an annual economic impact of more than $300 million. Construction would require an estimated 6,000 workers. Sirois said hiring locally will be an emphasis. “Hiring locally is not new to the Tohono O’odham Nation or its
Artist renderings of the $500 million West Valley Resort.
gaming enterprise,” he added. “It’s what has been done with every other project.” The Tohono O’odham Nation entered gaming business in 1983 and currently operates the Desert Diamond Casino near Sahuarita, the Desert Diamond Casino Hotel in Tucson and the Golden Hasan near Why. The West Valley Resort is expected to attract an estimated 1.2 million visitors per year. Get Connected West Valley Resort www.tonation-nsn.gov/west_valley_resort.aspx
Greater: PHX News & Notes From Around the Valley
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon (center) was just one of the dignitaries on hand for the groundbreaking for Cox Enterprises’ new Deer Valley Technology Center.
Cox Enterprises broke ground in January on its Deer Valley Technology Center, which is expected to be fully operational in early 2011. The 108,000-square foot computer data and network center will house some 50 personnel and will serve each of Cox’s major subsidiaries, including its local metro Phoenix operations (Cox Communications, 28
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Manheim Arizona and Kudzu). The Deer Valley Center, at 1550 West Deer Valley Road in Phoenix, will house network storage and technology equipment to support the company's current and future growth initiatives across the nation, including wireless phone and mobile high-speed Internet services.
ALSO: Wolz’s Florist in Glendale received a 2010 Bride’s Choice Award™ 2010 from the WeddingWire Network. The award, determined through extensive surveys and reviews of recent newlyweds, recognizes the top five percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism. Valley of the Sun United Way, the City of Tempe and the Arizona Department of Health Services have partnered to develop a permanent supportive housing pilot project that will provide 35 units of existing rental housing throughout Tempe to chronically homeless individuals. The project is a key strategy in United Way's goal to reduce homelessness by 75 percent by 2020 in Maricopa County. Get Connected Cox Communications www.cox.com/phoenix Wolz’s Florist www.wolzflorist.com Valley of the Sun United Way www.vsuw.org www.phoenixchamber.com
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EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE CENTER
at Phoenix Convention Center West Building - 200 Level
First Person Profile The Valley’s business community has a story to tell. We asked them to do just that.
I didn't think it would still be around 101 years later,
Imydon't think granddad did either!
“My granddad came through here as he was moving to California. He ran out of money when he hit Phoenix. So Ed Olsen, who was running a bar where our office is now, offered to help him set up a machine shop business. Valley Machine Works opened in 1909. I was going to be a dairy farmer. I studied livestock production at ASU. There was a price war on milk, and to get into the business, you had to buy someone else’s business out. That was too expensive for me. I had been working here since I was nine years old, in the summertime, so I knew the place. I just stayed in the family business. I’m the third generation and now there’s a fourth. It’s good to have my sons (Jeff, left and Steve) involved now. It’ll still be going a little while longer, I think, but we only have one grandson and he wants to do something else. The economy is hard right now, our crew is about half the size it was at its peak, but we’re still getting paychecks out. We’ve seen World Wars, the Great Depression, you name it. We operate 17 hours a day every day, five days a week. We’re here 24 hours if needed. We probably give as good a service as any shop in town. The secret to lasting 100 years is to just keep doing the same thing that you’ve been doing and try to get a little bit better as time goes on.”
Larry Johnsen
Valley Machine Works, Inc. Chamber Member Since 1942 (602) 254-4173
Have An inspirational Story to tell? 30
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Let us know about it. Send your ideas to editor@phoenixchambermagazine.com. www.phoenixchamber.com
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To invest in my dreams. To give it everything I have. To inspire people every day.
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