6 minute read
Seconds
Now in Arizona:
Hope Delivered Every 10 Seconds
by Pam Kehaly, President & CEO
By all accounts, Arizona has had a rough time through the COVID-19 pandemic. A staggering loss of more than 15,000 Arizonans, punctuated by devastating economic and mental health impacts, left our state reeling.
Vaccinations mean that hope is here, and Arizona’s recovery has been jump-started with one of the highest volume, 24/7 vaccination sites in the country at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. With more than 8,000 vaccines administered every day — about one every 10 seconds — Arizonans have come together in a colossal act of love.
This is exactly why when state leaders called on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona to get involved in early January, we said: “Yes.” In less than two
BCBSAZ employees have shared inspiration with friends, family and coworkers through photos and stories that capture what this experience has really been about, and that’s hope. weeks, we mobilized our team to join the single largest and most important public health effort our nation has seen during the pandemic.
We mobilized to assist. We mobilized to serve. And most importantly, we mobilized to deliver hope.
We anticipated the huge effort, and are humbled to be part of this highly-effective public-private partnership. What we did not anticipate was how much we would be touched by witnessing the absolute best of humanity in action. Thousands of individuals, most of whom are volunteers, have worked around the clock to help administer a dose of hope to more than 300,000 Arizonans in less than six weeks.
Working nine-hour shifts, some overnight, on their feet in the rain, sun, cold, and even desert hailstorms, these volunteers tell us how honored they are to serve in a role with so much purpose. They experience words of thanks and tears of joy and relief every day, along with being witnesses to a monumental time in our country’s history.
President Biden and Vice President Harris recently took a virtual tour of the vaccination operations at State Farm Stadium. Calling the 24/7 vaccination operation “amazing,” President Biden and Vice President Harris pointed to the teamwork as an example of unity, saying, “We have never failed as a country when we’ve done things together.”
Administering more than 20% of all COVID-19 vaccines in Arizona, the impressive vaccination results at State Farm Stadium to date would not have been possible without a tireless team.
Together with federal partners, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Guard, along with state leadership from the Governor’s Office, the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, and the Arizona Department of Health Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona employees and their families and friends have volunteered to help make this a national model of an efficient and streamlined vaccination clinic. We joined hospitals, the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona State University, Walgreens, the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation, the City of Glendale, and others in the shared goal of working together to win the COVID battle.
A true testament to the grit and resilience of our community, Arizona has managed to move from a time of hopelessness and uncertainty to becoming a role model of strength and unity. While we need to stay vigilant — and still have a long road ahead — standing shoulder to shoulder against an enemy we cannot even see will lead us to victory. This is genuine, authentic love in action, and it changes us all for the better.
Pam Kehaly is President and CEO at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
Chamber Events
ANNUAL AUCTION
As a not-for-profit organization, our annual auction is a critical tool helping us to support the chamber’s program of work throughout the year. Occurring in the last quarter annually, this is an excellent opportunity for members, invited guests and community patrons to enjoy an evening of fun and excitement prior to the holidays. This event showcases one-of-a-kind artisanal creations, dream vacations and hundreds of retail items and services all up for auction. To make a donation, please contact Jackie at info@glendaleazchamber.org For event details, contact us at 623-937-4754.
ANNUAL STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS & DINNER
Each March, the chamber hosts the Mayor of Glendale for the State of the City Address and annual dinner. This informative community event makes for an elegant evening as we recognize accomplishments, present a vision for the future and graciously acknowledge those individuals and businesses that play a pivotal role in our community.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Each month, the chamber holds a complimentary event where members meet in a relaxed atmosphere to connect, share ideas and referrals, and build their network.
BUSINESS OVER BREAKFAST
Every Wednesday morning, chamber members kick-start their day by attending this business building breakfast with a chance to speak to an audience about their business and listen to special presentations from neighboring businesses.
CHAMBER DAY OR NIGHT OUT
It’s important to set aside time for fun! The chamber holds outings at member locations purely designed for socializing and building stronger relationships with fellow members. Bring a family member, friend or business associate and enjoy great food, friends and fun in a relaxed atmosphere. Past events have been held at various casinos, Arizona Coyotes games, Chamber Day at Camelback Ranch, Gogh Paint and Comedy Night at Off the Cuff.
COFFEE AND CONNECTIONS
This special complementary quarterly networking event is a great way to meet with other members and make new connections, all before lunch! We encourage you and/or representatives from your company to join us for the entire time, 30 minutes or whatever fits into your schedule!
FUEL—A NETWORKING BREAKFAST
Come FUEL your business at this monthly event! This event showcases a featured speaker and an opportunity for members to introduce their company and/or products and services. We always close out the event with a great raffle.
GOLF TOURNAMENTS
The Glendale Chamber holds two golf tournaments annuall: Luke Shoot-Out and Excellence in Education Golf Outing. Both tournaments feature over 140 players while offering economical and impactful sponsorship opportunities.
RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY
Invite the chamber out for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate your business. The chamber team, along with City Council and various chamber members, will come out to show support. You’ll also get photos of your business and the event featured on our Facebook page, website and more.
WEST VALLEY BIZ 2 BIZ EXPO
The West Valley Biz 2 Biz Expo brings you the opportunity to strengthen your business connections with over 120 vendors and more than 500 attendees! Showcase your products and services by booking exhibit space, or simply attend to develop relationships with business throughout the West Valley. This event is produced in partnership with all six West Valley chambers (Buckeye, Glendale, Peoria, Southwest Valley, Surprise Regional and Wickenburg).
OTHER WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS
These events are held at various times on a number of useful topics designed to help our members gain access to industry experts and resources in an effort to grow their business.
