Music in the office can be a real hit—or a total miss. At our office, the speakers are always playing tunes, and, while some people love the background beat, others wish they could press “pause.” So, does music help or hurt productivity? Let’s break it down: Boosting the Beat: For some, music helps them focus, boosts their mood, and makes the workday feel less like work. … [More]
SugerJam The Southern Kitchen – Culture & Spice & Everything Nice
Dana Dumas has brought all the elements together to make “Southern hospitality” a palpable presence. At SugarJam The Southern Kitchen, good vibes from the wait staff and the eclectic décor combine with good food. The restaurant owes its start to Dumas’s “jammies” — her jam-filled sugar-cookie sandwiches she sold first at farmers markets and street fairs. But the menu’s … [More]
Are Cultural Divides Growing at Work? And Why Does It Matter?
Leapsome’s latest report reveals trends impacting company culture and challenging HR leaders
A recently released report from Leapsome, the AI-powered people platform for HR excellence, spotlights the growing pressure on People teams to juggle top-down mandates, widening cultural divides and the rapid rise of AI — all while being tasked with driving productivity and influencing key business decisions. From economic pressure to political polarization and AI … [More]
CEO & President’s Letter
A Glance at May 2025
As we navigate another quarter in the ever-evolving landscape of business, I want to take a moment to share some insights that directly impact our local economy and the businesses that drive it. The numbers tell a compelling story, one of resilience, challenges and opportunities that define today’s small business experience. Nationally, optimism among small business owners … [More]
What Happens if Prop. 123 Expires in July 2025
This has provided $3.5 billion to K-12 education within the first ten years of its enactment
Proposition 123 is an Arizona initiative approved by voters in 2016 and has been top of mind at the legislature as policymakers work to find a sustainable solution to fund Arizona’s public school system. Since the proposition is set to expire in July 2025, lawmakers have limited time to reach consensus and send a reauthorization to the voters. The History of Proposition … [More]
Arizona Works when Childcare Works
Like the rest of the nation, Arizona is experiencing a childcare crisis. Working parents face the obvious problem of being unable to find or afford quality childcare. Did you know that it’s also a problem for businesses? In Arizona, on average, businesses lose $2,020 per working parent annually through reduced revenue and extra hiring costs, according to a 2023 study funded … [More]
Southwest Gas Rate Increase Necessary for Businesses
Chandler has long been known as a hub of innovation in Arizona, but today that reputation extends around the globe. Our city stands at the forefront of the semiconductor revolution, with industry leaders like Intel investing billions in our community and a thriving supply chain of high-tech manufacturers choosing Chandler as their home. Our future is brighter than … [More]
How U.S. Tariffs Impact Chandler Businesses
Arizona’s economy depends on international trade, meaning that 1 in 5 jobs may be negatively impacted by tariffs Tariffs have become a hot-button issue as the United States has threatened economic action against international trade partners, ostensibly to increase domestic production and penalize countries for alleged unfair trade practices or even policies that have nothing … [More]
The Importance of Social Media Marketing in 2025 and Beyond
As we move further into 2025, social media marketing remains one of the most powerful tools for businesses to connect with their audience and drive growth. With billions of active users across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Facebook, social media continues to be essential for building brand awareness, fostering community and driving sales. Looking ahead, … [More]
Tempe Chamber State of the City with Mayor Corey Woods
Pictured (left to right): Mayor Corey Woods and Robin Arredondo-Savage President/CEO The Tempe Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 26th Annual State of the City Breakfast with Tempe Mayor Corey Woods in marking more than a quarter-century of collaboration between the Chamber and the city. This highly anticipated, sold-out event took place at the Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU, … [More]
Tempe Chamber Hops into the Craft Ale Ring with Local Tempe Brewery for Charity
Raise a glass for a great cause
Pictured: Toast at Tempe Chamber Beer for Career Ready Tempe On Tuesday, February 4th, local Tempe brewery Catalyst Crafted Ales began the brewing process for the Tempe Chamber of Commerce charity beer. Tempe Chamber President/CEO Robin Arredondo-Savage explains, “We’re thrilled to partner with Catalyst Crafted Ales to bring this special brew to our community in support of the … [More]
Tempe Chamber of Commerce Names Robin Arredondo-Savage President/CEO
Pictured: Robin Arredondo-Savage President/CEO The Tempe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced Robin Arredondo-Savage as the organization’s President/CEO in December of 2024. She had previously been serving in an interim capacity since July. Arredondo-Savage offers extensive experience, a deep understanding of the Tempe community and a proven leadership track … [More]
Looking forward to Career Ready Tempe 2025 Summer Internships
Career Ready Tempe (CRT) is a workforce program by the Tempe Chamber Foundation in collaboration with the City of Tempe Economic Development Department that connects low-income high school juniors and seniors with paid internships, bridging the skills gap and preparing them for in-demand careers. CRT provides students with hands-on experience, career pathway exploration and … [More]
2025 Economic Outlook
Pictured (left to right): Economic Outlook: Jim Rounds, Tim Bourcet, Robin Arredondo-Savage, Mike DiDomenico, Sandra Watson, Rosa Inchausti, Arlene Chin, Tom Binge Recently, the Tempe Chamber of Commerce presented a thought-provoking economic forecast packed with information and data business owners can use to navigate the coming year. The event presented expert insights into … [More]
11 Arizona Healthcare Innovators: The Leaders and Their Companies Making Healthcare Great in Arizona
It is so important to honor leaders in healthcare who are truly making a difference in Arizona for Arizonans. These individuals must be working to improve healthcare for Arizonans through innovation and forward-thinking efforts that will not only improve our health but may change healthcare overall. We have selected the individuals and companies featured on the following pages … [More]
Dr. Roderick Tung
Chief of Cardiology, Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix
Q: What most notably stands out about your organization as an innovation, opportunity or service that improves or better delivers healthcare to Arizonans? For the fifth largest city in the country, Phoenix has never had the traditional academic medical center landscape as NYC, Chicago and LA. Banner – University Medicine was designed through the integration with UA College of … [More]
Kevin Tulipana, D.O.
President & CEO, City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix
Q: What most notably stands out about your organization as an innovation, opportunity or service that improves or better delivers healthcare to Arizonans? City of Hope is transforming cancer care in Arizona by expanding access to world-class treatment, research and expertise. Our mission is to make hope a reality for all those affected by cancer, and our innovative approach … [More]
Dr. Karen Hoffman Tepper
President & CEO, Terros Health
Q: What most notably stands out about your organization as an innovation, opportunity or service that improves or better delivers healthcare to Arizonans? Terros Health has a passion for helping people and we save lives every day. Our inspired whole health model of care starts by ensuring access to care for anyone who needs it. We also create a deep connection and sense of … [More]
