scottsdalechamber.com
MEMBER COMMUNIQUÉ March 2011 - June 2011
Scottsdale Airpark: The Economic Engine That Really Could An unassuming business park surrounding a former World War II training field in the desert has grown, matured and become the second largest employment center in the state of Arizona. Home to thousands of businesses of every size and type, the Scottsdale Airpark is now the amazing economic engine that could and will be the engine that Rick Kidder can for many decades to come as it undergoes redevelopment, identity building, transportation improvements and individual company growth. The Airpark, the envy of its type, has seen meteoric growth over the last twenty years. It is the embodiment of the diversity of the Scottsdale economy and a triumph of the importance of place — often in spite of itself. When it began, the Scottsdale Airpark lacked just about everything that economic development folks say is crucial to attracting business. It had no center. It had little infrastructure. It had no definable transportation routes. It had no gathering spots, no restaurants, no retail and no workforce for miles. The Scottsdale Airpark should not have worked, but instead it thrived, thanks to a lot of people who came before us who envisioned an economic development model that worked for Scottsdale. At the core of that model is a simple premise. Decisionmakers, all things being equal, will locate a business close to where they want to live. Businesses thrive there because of that simple fact. Business owners wanted to be close to their places of business but only if the amenities and livability were top-notch. Freeways and infrastructure came later. Restaurants, retail and gathering places followed. Improvements come every year. And the Chamber is working to unite the Airpark. It is remarkable to watch this engine go!
Inside the Scottsdale Airpark
There is a lot going on in the Scottsdale Airpark these days. Everyone has heard of the effects of the recession on the Airpark: employment is down from the record high four years ago, commercial vacancy is over 30%, even worse in the Perimeter Center area. The “great recession,” as they are calling it, has had a profound effect in the Airpark. Even so, there is much cause for optimism. Many firms have weathered the recession and come out stronger, ready to take advantage of improving market conditions. As a business owner and commercial property owner in the Airpark, I have developed a passion for promoting economic development in the area. I am honored to serve as the Chairman of the Scottsdale Area Chambers’ Airpark committee, which focuses on facilitating economic development and building community. Our committee has never been more vibrant, focused and energetic. The committee currently has five initiatives: 1) Airpark advocacy, Continues on pg. S@W 02
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Scottsdale providing business advocacy, education, networking, leadership and exposure opportunities to our member businesses. The Chamber actively works to maintain Scottsdale’s high quality of life and create an environment where business innovation, excellence and entrepreneurship can thrive. For more information visit www.scottsdalechamber.com or call 480.355.2700.
Rick Kidder, President/CEO
In Business Magazine
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2) Airpark vision and branding, 3) “First Friday Airpark Breakfast” monthly educational series, 4) “Meet Your Neighbors” quarterly networking lunch, and 5) “Run Around the Runway” fitness event. As chairman, I have spoken to many CEO’s in the Airpark about the area, advantages, disadvantages, and why they have chosen to be located in the Airpark. Interestingly, more than one business owner cited the desert beauty and unique Scottsdale lifestyle as a primary attractor over access to a specific resource, large company, or
A Vision for the Scottsdale Airpark The Scottsdale Airpark is the second largest economic engine in the state. However, it lacks the signage, definable boundaries, and sense of community that one would expect of an economic zone and does not promote a definable brand and vision. The Airpark Vision and Branding committee is working with the community to change that, and will ultimately provide direction to city and state leaders as well as communicate a strong position to those looking to investment in the Airpark. The Airpark vision must direct resources into the area that will bring high-paying jobs, retain and attract talent, be a magnet for investment and fuel our success for many years to come. The committee has drafted the following vision statement to achieve these goals: The Scottsdale Airpark is where business in Arizona takes flight. The vibrancy and amenities of our community provide for a live-work-play experience that is as rich as the surrounding beauty of the Sonoran desert. The Airpark will attract no less than 5,000 new jobs in the next five years with an average salary of $65,000. Based on centers of excellence currently under development, the Airpark “Districts” growth will come from the following industries: • Aerospace/defense • High tech • Health care and bio tech • Light manufacturing • Business services • Retail • Hospitality The Airpark encourages private/public partnerships that make sense to foster this growth in a responsible manner, extend the reach of our economy, and attract the finest talent possible. Follow the committee's progress or join the conversation on www.airparkbiz.com.
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educational institution. Many business owners also cite the ability to live close to work as being the main reason for locating in the airpark. Why commute when commercial space and first-class amenities are so close? Did you know that the Ice Den, practice facility for the NHL Phoenix Coyotes, was purposely located in the Airpark because of the proximity of players and coaches homes in North Scottsdale? Why commute to the stadium to practice when there is a world-class facility in the neighborhood? The outreach effort has uncovered other interesting characteristics of the Airpark. Some are surprising: • Safety — Business owners like the fact that their Airpark employees can work evenings or weekends without worrying about their personal safety. • Startups — Given the diverse mixture of business in the Airpark, there is something for everyone. Business can start small, prosper and grow amongst a group of visionary entrepreneurs. • Aesthetics — The “look and feel” of the Airpark is not one of a sterile, anonymous business park. Sprinkled in you’ll find retail (big box and local), restaurants and even a park. • Airport Access — Business adjacent to the airport property is tightly integrated into its operations. This time of year it’s fun to marvel at the level of activity at the airport and the variety of aircraft. • East/West access — The city has started to address traffic issues in the Airpark. A series of intersection improvements, rotaries, and a proposed new “Loop Road” will greatly improve traffic flow and support redevelopment in the Airpark for many years to come. • Transportation — Most businesspeople note that the Scottsdale Airpark is conveniently located off the 101, and can be reached easily from other parts of the Valley. • Sense of community — Aside from local retail and restaurants, many business owners report much of their revenue comes from out of state. Growing this sense of community within the Airpark will make it a stronger business community. To learn more about this outreach effort and connecting to the Airpark, please visit www.airparkbiz.com. I have written several times about developing a vision for the Airpark, along with a definable brand. Those two efforts are now in progress with the Chamber’s Airpark Committee. The committee has a definable mission: 1) build a sense of “community” — connect the resources that make this area such a desirable place to live, work play, 2) attract outside investment — nationally and internationally, there is a real opportunity here, let’s get the word out, 3) Develop publicprivate partnerships that make sense and give us a competitive advantage (or at least equal footing). These are lofty goals. You can make a difference in the community by helping us all achieve these goals. To learn more, contact me at abourne@mywaypoint.com. Andrew Bourne is the CEO of WayPoint Technologies. WayPoint provides unique and creative high-tech solutions to businesses seeking a competitive advantage for their business utilizing technology. Andrew has consulted and developed solutions for companies large and small including Qwest, Coors, Discount Tire, ING, Boeing, as well as many companies in the Airpark.
In Business Magazine
Scottsdale Airpark at a Glance The Scottsdale Airpark is the largest employment center in Scottsdale and the second largest employment center in the State. Zoning Aviation; Commercial Office; Commercial Retail; Hotel; Light Industrial
Mike Binder Editor Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce BETH BURNETT Editor Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce
Size ± 3,100 acres; ± 29M square feet of buildings Number of Businesses ± 2,500 Number of Employees ± 48,500 Area Includes The Scottsdale Airport; Mixed use areas surrounding the airport; Master-planned communities Annual Economic Impact on Region Airport: $182M; Airpark: $2.5-3.0B
For more information www.scottsdalechamber.com/airpark
In Business Magazine
Board of Directors Executive Committee Board Chair Kurt Zitzer Meagher & Geer, PLLP Vice Chair Eric Larson AVB Development Partners Immediate Past Chair Karen Wittmer-Jekel
Rick Kidder President & CEO rkidder@scottsdalechamber.com Cindi Eberhardt Vice President ceberhardt@scottsdalechamber.com 4725 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Ph 480.355.2700 fax 480.355.2710 www.scottsdalechamber.com
Treasurer Mark Eberle Henry & Horne, LLP
Public Policy Advisory Council Bill Heckman Heckman Marketing Associates Member Value Advisory Council Steve Helm Westcor / Scottsdale Fashion Square AT LARGE MEMBERS Jennifer Bongiovanni Karas, Green Ideas, Inc.
Economic Development Kurt Brueckner Advisory Council Titus, Brueckner, Levine & Bryce Lloyd Johnson, PC FirstBank of Arizona Emerging Issues Angela Creedon ASU Public Affairs Scottsdale Partnership Melinda Gulick DMB Associates
Judy Egan JRE Enterprises, LLC Dale Fingersh The Right Direction Rick Kidder Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce
© 2011 Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. A publication of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information or to join the Scottsdale Chamber, please contact us at www.scottsdalechamber.com. Section designed by InMedia Company, LLC.
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2011 Scottsdale History Hall of Fame Over the past 18 years, the Past Presidents’ Council of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce has selected 111 inductees into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame. Inductees have contributed immeasurably to the rich heritage of Scottsdale, dating back to its modern-day founding in 1888 by Army Chaplain Winfield Scott. Tom Sadvary, past president of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, serves as chair for this year’s induction, which includes the following honorees:
Chet Andrews Since retiring as an engineer with SRP and the U.S. Navy Reserve, Chet has volunteered countless hours as a community leader. He was the second president of the McDowell Sonoran Land Trust, continued to serve on its board for over a decade and was instrumental in creating and leading the Preserve Steward program, which now has hundreds of trained Stewards. Chet has personally conducted hikes, built trails and mentored many current and future Preserve leaders. He also served several terms as president of the Sertoma Club and participated in international exchange programs.
Bob Howard Graduate of Coronado High School, ASU and ASU Law School, Bob has been a partner in a Scottsdale law firm for over 30 years and serves as a Judge Pro-Tem for the City of Scottsdale. He has served as Patron of the Scottsdale Charros, and helped negotiate a long-term spring training contract with the San Francisco Giants. As President of the Partners for the Paiute Neighborhood Center, he initiated an annual fundraising breakfast and helped start a legal assistance program at the Center. He’s chaired the Scottsdale Airport Commission, Scottsdale Leadership, Scottsdale Bar Association and Scottsdale Education Foundation. His sideline is stand-up comedy; in 2001 he was named Funniest Person in the Valley.
Oliver Smith A certified gemologist and owner of Oliver Smith Jeweler in Scottsdale since 1985, Oliver is chair of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and a Preserve Steward, a past President of the Board of the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley YMCA, a life member of the Scottsdale Charros, a member of the Scottsdale Rotary Club, and a graduate of Scottsdale Leadership. He assists numerous charities in their fund-raising efforts, and has coached a basketball team at the Boys and Girls Club of Scottsdale for several years.
Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS) Founded as the Scottsdale Foundation for the Handicapped in 1973, STARS provides a lifetime support system for individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities. STARS, with fundraising and activities assistance from its auxiliaries, Las Madrinas and Los Patrinos, offers vocational work centers, community-based employment, day programs, life skills training and recreational activities with a goal of facilitating independent living. Growing from a small program held at the former Scottsdale Jaycees clubhouse in the 1970’s, STARS now has two facilities serving 180 of participants and their families. STARS is communityled, community-sponsored and community-spirited.
Nancy and Ralph Knight Since moving to the unincorporated Pinnacle Peak area in 1977, the Knights worked tirelessly to bring their neighbors in the then-sparselypopulated area together for social, charitable and civic activities. They were instrumental in forming the Greater Pinnacle Peak Homeowners Association, and worked with Maricopa County, and the City of Scottsdale after annexation, to preserve as much of the desert and mountains as possible while keeping an eye on planned development. They have been leaders in several fundraising campaigns for Our Lady of Joy, Notre Dame Prep and other Catholic schools in the area. Ralph Knight died in June 2010; Nancy continues their good work.
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18th Annual Scottsdale History Hall of Fame Dinner Tuesday, April 19, 5:30 p.m. Chaparral Suites Resort and Conference Center, 5001 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale Tickets: $60 per person; Corporate tables: $1,200 with proceeds benefiting the Scottsdale Historical Museum. For more information, Contact Leslie Nyquist at 480-949-2174 or lnyquist@scottsdalechamber.com.
In Business Magazine
Connect The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of networking opportunities to connect with customers and colleagues to help grow your business. Visit www.scottsdalechamber.com/connect.
Connect to a community of young professionals and emerging leaders throughout the Valley at the GET networking mixers and professional development workshops.
Join us in the best venues in Scottsdale and network in a relaxed social setting during our monthly Business After Hours evening mixers.
Get connected to Airpark business owners and professionals, and gain access to opportunities, information and insight at our First Friday Airpark Breakfasts.
Champions Breakfast is all about building relationships, generating leads and creating buzz. These popular breakfasts offer a variety of networking formats for maximum exposure for your business.
Inspire, the Chamber’s exclusive event for professional women, provides an opportunity to connect to a community of women for personal and professional development.
This unique, quarterly lunch, hosted by the Airpark committee, is all about building community and getting to know your Airpark neighbors!
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If you could have known, you SHOULD have known.® In Business Magazine
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News Bites Scottsdale Chamber Goes Mobile! The Chamber recently launched a powerful, robust and dynamic mobile website in partnership with Scottsdale-based Mobile Caviar. The site, accessible on all web-enabled cellular devices, offers a wealth of valuable information about Chamber members, events and initiatives and allows viewers on the go to easily connect with our members. We are the first Chamber in the state to offer this cutting-edge technology as a way to improve our service while also raising the profile and accessibility of our members. To access our mobile website, simply enter www. scottsdalechamber.com in your mobile browser or text the word "Scottsdale" to 99222 from your mobile device. You will receive a text back with a link that takes you to the site.
For more information visit the Mobile Caviar website or e-mail David Sonkin, david@mobilecaviar.com.
Connect with the Chamber
Chamber Partners with Police Association The Chamber’s Give It Forward committee is proud to announce a new partnership with the Police Officers of Scottsdale Association (POSA) Outreach to help raise awareness and provide fundraising assistance with their Help a Hero … Be a Hero campaign. “The Chamber is honored to partner with POSA Outreach, an organization that has such a tremendous impact on Scottsdale,” said Rick Kidder, president and CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber. “We are thrilled to help extend their outreach in the community.” The goal of the Help a Hero … Be a Hero campaign is to raise money for POSA’s 907 Fund, also known as the Officer Needs Assistance Fund. The 907 Fund was created in 2007 to provide financial assistance to the families of fallen or seriously injured members of law enforcement, both civilian and sworn. The numbers “907” represent the radio code used by law enforcement that indicates an officer needs emergency assistance.
Get Involved For more information about the initiative, getting involved or making a donation, contact the Give It Forward committee chair Jeff Jameson at 480.668.3676 or jeff@jamesonassociates.com.
Become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ ScottsdaleChamberFans
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/ScottsdaleChmbr
Join our Groups on LinkedIn
View photos from our events on our flickr page: www.flickr.com/photos/ scottsdalechamber/sets
New Economic Development Advisory Council Subcommittees Focus on Business Attraction and Retention Bryce Lloyd, President of FirstBank of Arizona and chair of the Chamber’s Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC), recently announced the formation of two subcommittees created to complement the City of Scottsdale’s efforts to attract and retain local jobs. The two subcommittees, Business Attraction and Business Retention, which support the Chamber’s economic development agenda, will operate for the foreseeable future with results reported regularly to the Scottsdale Area Chamber’s Economic Development Advisory Council. Part of the success of the Business Attraction subcommittee, chaired by former City Councilmember Wayne Ecton, will be based on 1) developing a plan that leverages our City’s assets to attract new Scottsdale jobs and 2) creating stronger metropolitan Phoenix and statewide ties to help implement initiatives that lead to new jobs being created in Scottsdale and the surrounding region. The Business Retention subcommittee, chaired by Scottsdale Vice Mayor Suzanne Klapp, will largely focus on activities that lead to identifying issues, evaluating opportunities and advancing solutions that will assist our local business community to be successful and thrive within Scottsdale. Joint activities and visits from other members within the business community will help foster a collaborative effort in “growing our own” while seeking opportunities to maximize expansion of individual businesses in Scottsdale.
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Check out our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/ scottsdalechamber
Connect with the Chamber on our Social Media sites
Do You “Like” the Chamber?
With a new year came a new Facebook page! We deleted our “Friends” page in favor of our “Fan” page. If you have not done so already, please go to www. facebook.com/ScottsdaleChamberFans and click the “Like” button to follow the Scottsdale Area Chamber. Look to us for news, information and events that impact the Scottsdale business community. See you there!
In Business Magazine
Featured Members The Chamber membership represents a diverse mix of business and individuals. We are pleased to welcome a few of our newest members: Aircraft Charters, Sales & Service
Management Consulting
AirSprint US (www.airsprint.com)
Vital Resources Int’l - Esther Michaels (www.vriconsulting.com)
Automobile Dealers
Marketing-Sales, Consulting
Spring has sprung and it’s time once again for the Scottsdale Area Chamber Open Golf Tournament! This is a great opportunity to entertain your best clients, enjoy our beautiful weather, and and play at one of Scottsdale’s Monday, May 16th most beautiful courses, Ancala Country Club Ancala Country Club. Following the tournament, the Chamber will be honoring our volunteers at the Business Volunteer Awards! Help us thank the people who make the Chamber possible through their tireless efforts!
Right Honda (www.righthonda.com) Mobile Caviar (http://MobileCaviar.com) Entertainment - Movie Theaters Publications
iPic Theaters (www.ipic.com)
Prime Prospects (www.primeprospects.com)
Scottsdale Area Chamber Open Monday, May 16th, 2011 Ancala Country Club $125 Per Player Register at: www.scottsdalechamber.com/golf Sponsorship Opportunities Available Contact Tina Miller at tmiller@scottsdalechamber.com or 480-949-6283
For the entire membership directory, visit scottsdalechamber.com
CONNECT with Scottsdale businesses on their turf.
Join the Chamber before March 31st to receive a special offer! Call 480.355.2700 or go to www.scottsdalechamber.com
In Business Magazine
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Infocus: The 2010 Sterling Awards and Red Carpet Fall Tradeshow Congratulations to this year’s winners: St. Mary’s Food Bank, Celebration of Fine Art, Human Capital Strategies and Scottsdale Fashion Square!
The Chamber recently celebrated the 25th Anniversary of one of the most coveted business awards in the Valley, the Sterling Awards. The program embodies the spirit of our organization by celebrating the people and companies that make our community a great place to live, work and play.It was followed immediately by the Red Carpet Fall Tradeshow.
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1. Rick Kidder opens the Sterling Awards. 2. 3TV’s Tara Hitchcock hosted the event. 3. Non-Profit finalists Pam Gaber (Gabriel’s Angels), Terry Shannon and Beverly Damore (St. Mary’s Food Bank-Winner), and Rob Perelka (Every Kid Counts). 4. A sumptuous Sterling lunch. 5. Finalists Charley Freericks and Melinda Gulick of DMB Associates. 6. Micro Business finalists Rudy Troisi (Reliable Background Screening), Susan Potje (Celebration of Fine Art-Winner), and Neil Schneider (Sonoran Studios). 7. Neil Schneider of Sonoran Studios celebrates. 8. Confetti Fun Sticks wrapped up the Sterling festivities. 9. Small Business finalists Margie Long (Hot Air Expeditions), Jason Knight (Human Capital Strategies-Winner), and Jason Roth (Payroll Experts). 10. The Best Themed Booth Award goes to Josh Gershweir of Hotel Valley Ho. 11. Scottsdale Fashion Square’s Steve Helm and the SFS Team. 12. Big Business finalists Steve Helm (Scottsdale Fashion Square-Winner), Marion Kelly (Mayo Clinic), and Melinda Gulick and Charley Freericks (DMB Associates). 13. Tradeshows mean Valuable Connections! 14. First Impression Security Doors makes a new customer!
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In Business Magazine