TEMPE CHAMBER
Advantage Spring cleaning tips for businesses By Sean Donovan Just like homes, businesses can benefit from a little spring cleaning. It’s a great opportunity for clearing out the cobwebs, shaking out the carpets and throwing open the windows to let in the fresh air. Here are a few quick and easy ways to reinvigorate your business with some basic housekeeping. 1. Clean up your online presence by getting more engaged in social media and keeping your website current. A website with old information tells people that you’re out of the loop. Instead, make sure that your news, event listings and contact information are current. The same goes for your Twitter profile and Facebook page. By sharing timely, relevant and interesting news and information, people will actually want to hear what you have to say. Online upkeep helps you pop up higher in the search rankings as well. 2. Polish up your networking skills. Go to mixers and events to meet new people and learn
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May – Aug. 2O11 • tempechamber.org
Hundreds participate in Tempe Cares workday event
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ore than 300 volunteers participated in Tempe Leadership’s 21st annual Tempe Cares workday event on March 10. Tempe Leadership is a program of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, whose purpose is to identify a diverse group of emerging leaders and foster their leadership skills through education, experience and exposure and service to the community. Mayor Hugh Hallman, along with Councilmembers Robin Arredondo-Savage and Corey Woods, greeted early morning volunteers as they registered for the event. Councilmember Joel Navarro visited busy wall painters on Rural Road to thank them for their service. The event brought families, social and service groups, neighbors, businesses and individuals together as teams to improve the community. Visitors to Benedict Park will now be shaded by new trees and will enjoy a cleaner park with the addition of 170 tons of granite rock. Tempe residents will see approximately 5,000 square feet of freshly painted walls along Rural and Kyrene roads, and Pepperwood neighbors now have cleaner alleys thanks to several dozen volunteers that walked the alleys picking up weeds and trash. Street numbers were painted
on the curbs of the Celaya Park Neighborhood to aide emergency response vehicles, and the Tempe Fire Department and volunteers from the Community Emergency Response Team installed or replaced smoke detectors in 180 houses. Tempe Cares would like to thank their dedicated group of volunteers: Architekton, Kiwanis Club, Tempe Youth Leadership, Tempe Leadership, Edward Jones, Del Rio LDS, Frontiers, Laura Kajfez and Group, Christ Life Church, Islamic Community Center, Faithfully City Church, Tempe High Key Club, Marcos de Niza High School I.C.E. and many other Tempe residents that assisted with the cleanup efforts. Tempe Cares would also like to thank the sponsors for all their donations without whose kind contributions this event would not have been possible: Tempe Leadership, Campus Corner, Wildflower Bread Company, Rosita’s Fine Mexican Food Restaurant, Islamic Community Center, Edward Jones, Caliente Construction, Home Co ACE Hardware, Chompie’s, Kaleidoscope Screen Printing, U.S. Waste, Quick Trip, City of Tempe, City of Mesa, Einstein Bros Bagels and Tempe Schools Credit Union. For more information about Tempe Cares, please visit www.tempeleadership.org.
Sean Donovan, Vice President Media and Program Development
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16th annual Women in Business Conference and Trade Show It’s that time of the year again! The Tempe Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with its Women in Business Council, is holding its 16th Annual Women in Business Conference and Trade Show on May 25 at The Buttes, a Marriott Resort. Each year, this powerful event brings together more than 300 business leaders in a setting that celebrates success, facilitates networking and offers incredible opportunities for personal and business growth. A trade show featuring local and national organizations, businesses and companies provides the backdrop to a wonderful luncheon and presentations by powerful keynote speakers. Our theme this year is “Reach, Achieve, Celebrate!” Keynote speakers are Lillian Coury, Executive Coach, PCC, CIC, Pegasus Pathways; Karen Leparulo, Senior Vice President, Guggenheim Funds; and Pam Gaber, CEO and founder of Gabriel’s Angels. The half-day event culminates with the presentation of the Business Woman of the Year award. This year's finalists are Linda Kalaf, Veolia Transportation; Kristine Kassel, Benefits by Design; and Vicki Kringen, The Centers for Habilitation. The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and includes a plated luncheon. This event helps to support many of the projects and services provided by the Tempe Chamber to the business community, including legislative representation, networking, seminars, workshops and special events. There are many ways to participate in this event. You can purchase an exhibitor booth, donate an item to the silent auction or simply attend! We hope you will join us. Please contact Sachiyo Ragsdale at the Tempe Chamber of Commerce via e-mail at sachiyo@tempechamber.org for more information or to reserve a booth.
2010 Business Woman of the Year recipient Margaret Hunnicutt, left, with Mary Ann Miller, president and CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce
Last year’s Women in Business Conference and Trade Show drew nearly 300 attendees.
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Continued From T.C.A. 1 Lillian Coury is a certified executive coach who founded Pegasus Pathways 10 years ago after two decades in sales and marketing. Coury ran her own company for 13 years, sold it to follow her passion for supporting business people to work smarter, live better and make a difference in the world through their work. Join her as she shares her experiences and the strategy that has enlightened and motivated so many business professionals to fly, and even soar, to their greatest achievements – achievements that are fulfilling, express their unique contribution and give meaning to their hard work.
about other companies in your niche, or in an area where you can provide (and accept) leads. Join a leads group and practice good karma with your generous sharing. Remember, people do business with people they like. Be liked. 3. Make sure that no dust gathers on your current customers. Follow up with clients once per month at a minimum, focusing on customer service and maintaining your client base. Options for reaching out include mailing notes, sending a personal e-mail or taking the time to call them directly. Invitations to lunch or coffee also show that you value them and their business. 4. Open the windows of your mind by continuing your education. Attend workshops and seminars relevant to your profession. Take classes to keep ahead of your competition. Online courses are available and allow the convenience of workplace or at-home study. Many companies are willing to pick up the tab for courses related to your field.
A director for the Academy Division of Guggenheim Funds, Karen Leparulo is a national speaker and trainer for wealth management professionals, financial advisors and executive management. She has over 27 years of experience based in strategic communication development; professional peak performance; and executive coaching. In addition, her expertise extends to television reporting and producing with a prior slot on Fox Philadelphia. She received a BA in psychology from Gordon College. As a member of the Advisory Board’s Star Program at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, she has great personal interest in cancer education awareness and is a motivational speaker for outreach opportunities and fund raising.
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Pam Gaber is the founder and CEO of Gabriel’s Angels, a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of neglected and abused children through the application of pet therapy. The triumph of Gabriel’s Angels is manifested by Gaber’s leadership position as CEO and her daily involvement in the development, growth and vision of the organization. Today there are 150 pet therapy teams serving over 100 agencies and reaching 13,000 children annually. Gaber was named one of the 2010 Women in Business by the Phoenix Business Journal and in 2011 was chosen as the YWCA Woman of Excellence and voted Most Influential Nonprofit Executive by Arizona Foothills magazine. She is the author of “Gabriel’s Angels: The Story of the Dog Who Inspired a Revolution”.
5. Put a fresh coat of wax on your reputation through testimonials and referrals. You’ll find that people are happy to give credit where it’s due. Ask your customers to write a sentence or two about what makes your service special. When you use this testimonial to enhance your reputation, it’s simple to reciprocate by including their name and business. Referrals from happy customers who have been treated honestly and well are priceless. For more tips, tools and resources, visit our website at www.tempechamber. org or connect with us through your social media. Sean Donovan is Vice President, Media and Program Development, at the Tempe Chamber of Commerce.
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As members of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, you and your employees have access to exclusive discounts and programs. Through a variety of partnerships and affiliations, we are able to provide our members with discounts on legal services, identity theft protection, workers’ compensation, e-mail marketing and more, as well as provide access to educational programs and services. Visit www.tempechamber.org to take advantage of these great benefits.
Passionate about Women in Business
By Enell Burney
The Women in Business Council is dedicated to benefitting the business community by providing the tools, training, education and motivational atmosphere to foster growth and success. Last year the Women in Business Council hosted its first Health and Wellness Fair with more than 150 participants, and earlier this year, it organized a four-part speaker series celebrating the life and career journeys of four successful women. Now the Council is busy planning the 16th Annual Women in Business Conference and Trade Show on May 25. Future goals of the committee include developing new educational programs, expanding its community outreach and creating new networking opportunities. Chairing the Women in Business Council Committee is Julie Armstrong, who has spent the last 18 years working in human resources. A Master Graduate of Rapport Leadership International with a BA in Organizational Communication from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, Armstrong strives to ensure the vibrancy and importance of the council by
facilitating the success of women in business and hosting dynamic networking opportunities. She said that the best piece of advice she was given is to always share your passion with others. She embraces this by sharing the mission of the Women in Business Council with those who are focused on leadership, community and success and who are interested in meeting and working with other like-minded individuals. To learn more about the Women in Business Council, contact Julie Armstrong at Julie@ tempechamber.org or visit www.tempechamber. org.
Dedicated to Government Relations and Transportation The Tempe Chamber of Commerce’s Government Relations and Transportation Committee serves an important role in policy making and in crafting legislative positions. By researching matters of relevance to the business community and seeking member input on city and state legislation, it makes recommendations on what positions to take in order to best serve businesses. In addition to maintaining and enhancing the Chamber’s presence at the Arizona legislature, the Government Relations and Transportation Committee has made successful endorsements for various local and state elections and transportation issues. It is an objective of this committee to meet with and develop relationships with Tempe Congressional representatives, most
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recently helping to coordinate the State of the District Address with newly-elected District 5 Congressman David Schweikert. Committee Chairman Jack Pisano is a general manager at Veolia Transportation, giving him valuable experience and insight in the transportation arena. Also serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Pisano has been actively involved with advancing local businesses during his tenure. Asked to share the best advice he was ever given, he replied, “Be truthful and be yourself.” Those interested in local government and transportation issues and how they affect business are encouraged to join the Government Relations and Transportation Committee. Learn more at www.tempechamber.org.
Chambers of commerce join forces for Los Tres Amigos mixer The Tempe, Phoenix and Scottsdale chambers of commerce join together on May 10 to host the annual Los Tres Amigos mixer. The casual social event provides an unequalled chance to network with hundreds of your colleagues from the chamber world and business community. Held just once a year, the evening features complimentary cuisine from Heidi’s Events & Catering, a cash bar and live entertainment from Ray the DJ as more than 1,000 expected guests mingle lakeside at the Phoenix Zoo. Although the zoo closes to the public at 5 p.m., guests at this event will be able to enjoy themselves after hours, as the zoo makes special accommodations for this exclusive event. “Los Tres Amigos offers an incredible opportunity to get out and mingle with hundreds of people who share an interest in growing their businesses and having a great evening,” said Sean Donovan, Vice President of Media and Program Development with the Tempe Chamber. “It’s a superb opportunity to make the connections that are so useful in growing your company and social network.” Los Tres Amigos is free for members of the Tempe, Phoenix and Scottsdale chambers of commerce. RSVP online at http://bit.ly/LosTres11 or through your chamber of commerce. The event will be held May 10, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix.
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Breakfast for Chamber Champions Honors Members, Community Leaders During our annual awards ceremony held in February at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel, we were pleased to honor several individuals and businesses that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make Tempe a thriving community. Honey Moon Sweets and Morrison Vein Institute received the 2011 Business Excellence Awards for their success in responsible business leadership in the community and their passion for excellence. Also recognized were four outstanding finalists: Benefits by Design, Brock Supply, IKEA Tempe and Veolia Transportation. Eric Adams of Alphagraphics was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedication in making the Tempe Chamber and its programs a success. Arizona State University was presented with the first ever Tempe Chamber Visionary Award, which recognizes the proactive role it has played in developing a dynamic business environment. Dave Cutty, President and CEO of The Centers for Habilitation, was presented with the Spirit of Tempe Award, which recognizes lifetime achievements of service, dedication and contribution to the community. Pen Johnson was honored with the Tempe Leadership Outstanding Community Leadership Award, which recognizes achievements and service that contribute to improving the quality of life in Tempe. Past recipients have included
Bobbie Cassano (1993); Steve Bauer (2003); Sharon Doyle (2008); and Margaret Hunnicutt (2010), just to name a few. Special thanks once again to our sponsors: Presenting Sponsor, APS; Print Sponsor,
Heritage Graphics; Copper Sponsors, ASU Alumni Association, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, SRP and TCH; and Business Excellence Sponsors, Telesphere, Heidi’s Events & Catering and Ernst & Young.
Business Excellence Awards recipient Morrison Vein Institute
Connect with the Tempe Chamber! Join us on Facebook: h ttp://www.facebook.com/people/ tempe-chamber/1762132500 Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tempechamber
Read our monthly e-newsletter: http://bit.ly/tccnews
Joan and Tim O’Connor, owners of Honey Moon Sweets, one of the recipients of the 2011 Business Excellence Awards
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Join the Tempe Chamber group on LinkedIn
All photos by Jay Mark
Check out our blog: http://bit.ly/tccblog
Board of Directors Chairman of the Board: Steve Bauer Chair-Elect: Dave Long Mary Ann Miller, President and CEO, maryann@tempechamber.org
Treasurer: Phil Howard
Sean Donovan, Vice President, Media and Program Development, sean@tempechamber.org
Vice-Chairs: Lorraine Bergman, Mark Thompson, RJ Orr
Renee Lopata, CAE, Senior Vice President, renee@tempechamber.org
Immediate Past Chair: Vicki Kringen
Sachiyo Ragsdale, Communications Director, sachiyo@tempechamber.org
Directors: Todd Christy, Margaret Hunnicutt, Kristine Kassel, Sharon Kausal, Jeff Mirasola, Clark Peterson, Jack Pisano, Jody Robertson, Stephanie Whyte
Heidi Santos, Bookkeeper, heidi@tempechamber.org
Ex-Officios: Chad Ackerley, Mark Duplissis, Charlie Meyer, Stephanie Nowack, Virgil Renzulli, Jackie Thompson
Magdalena Warecka, Director of Operations, magdalena@tempechamber.org
Committee Chairs: Julie Armstrong, Neil Chitel, Vicki Kringen, Lori Murphy, Laura Opstad, Jack Pisano, Curt Ritland, Hal Salem
Enell Burney, Volunteer Melissa Webster, Volunteer
Tempe Chamber of Commerce 909 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe, AZ 85281 • (480) 967-7891
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A R I Z O N A’ S P R I VAT E U N I V E R S I T Y S I N C E 1 9 4 9 Get started today! 855.287.0174 | www.gcu.edu/inbusiness Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. (800-621-7440; http://www.ncahlc.org/ ).
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Networking @ Noon with the Tempe Chamber
By Melissa Webster Photos by Meegan Tevebaugh-Adams
Joe’s Crab Shack in Tempe was packed for this Networking @ Noon event last January.
Although shopping online is convenient (you can see product pictures, descriptions and prices and make your purchase from the comfort of your own couch), you usually don’t know who you’re giving your money to or whether or not they can be trusted. In today’s instant-gratification world, it seems that people have lost sight of the personal touch. At the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, we still believe that making personal, meaningful connections is one of the most effective ways to promote one’s business. To that end, we hold our Networking @ Noon (N@N) event every month, which is designed to allow our members to do just that. This event provides members the unique opportunity to meet with other members of the Tempe Chamber and prospective clients in a fun, casual atmosphere. Eric Adams, general manager of Alphagraphics at Elliot and Kyrene, volunteers his time, skills and larger-than-life personality as moderator of N@N. “Networking @ Noon is a great event for veteran and new members, because it is a structured networking event that is designed for each attendee to meet everyone in the room and get their [contact] information,” said Adams. If you were to attend this event, one of the first things that you would notice is this structure. Throughout the event, attendees rotate through five tables, spending roughly eight minutes at each table. A table facilitator will
Frank Woertz, State Farm insurance agent with Judy AguilarWoertz State Farm Insurance Agency in Tempe, is a regular at N@N and always seems to walk away with a door prize and new business.
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then ask each person seated to answer a question, which could be personal in nature, though most are usually business-related. This type of networking event has often been referred to as “speed dating for businesses.” So why is this kind of event important? “Many people buy from people they feel comfortable with. When you meet someone in a face-to-face environment, you can create a powerful relationship that enhances your buying and selling experience. When people feel comfortable with you and your products and services, they are more likely to refer you to their friends, family and coworkers,” Adams stated. This has certainly proved to be the case for veteran participant Frank Woertz, State Farm insurance agent with Judy Aguilar-Woertz State Farm Insurance Agency in Tempe. Thanks to N@N, Woertz has seen an increase in business. To be specific, he has written up three auto insurance policies, a home insurance policy, as well as additional coverage for a realtor he met at N@N. When asked what his favorite part is about this event, Woertz replied, “For the most part, these are small business owners who have the same challenges and rewards as we do. This makes it much easier to communicate and solve problems.” Adams hears this kind of response from many regular N@N attendees, but emphasized that “the members that are the most successful at Networking @ Noon are the people that have a system to follow up with the people they had connections with.” We encourage our members and prospective members to pre-register for the event, as there is a limit on attendance. Also, knowing a headcount in advance helps us better coordinate with the host venue to be sure enough food is prepared. “I know it is hard to commit sometimes, but it is worth your time and energy to come and make connections. I have been doing this for several years, and I have only heard positive feedback on the event,” said Adams. Networking @ Noon is held the second Thursday of each month at a different member venue. Cost is $25 for members in advance; $30 for members at the door; and $35 for non-members. Attendees will also enjoy a fun pre-event icebreaker activity and the chance to win some great door prizes. Stop missing out and start building business relationships at the next Networking @ Noon! For more information or to register, please visit www.tempechamber.org or send an e-mail to sachiyo@tempechamber.org.
Randy Courtney of Courtney Valleywide Properties holds up his question for the table. Questions can be fun or businessrelated. Either way, you learn a lot about the people around you.