You’ve built the business. You’ve secured the board seat. You’ve navigated mergers, signed the seven-figure contracts, and taken the mic on stages around the world. When you enter a room, the energy shifts — people pay attention not just because of your title but because you consistently deliver. And yet, there’s a moment of friction that happens long before you ever greet … [More]
The Leadership Gap No One Talks About — And Why It’s Costing Founders Their Freedom
Most founders don’t struggle because they’re unclear. They struggle because they’re carrying more than any one leader was ever meant to hold. Ask any seasoned entrepreneur how they built their company and you’ll rarely hear a clean, linear story. You’ll hear about grit, ingenuity, instinct and the pressure of building something bigger than yourself. You’ll hear about doing … [More]
What 50 Years of Closings Tells Us about Today’s Commercial Real Estate Market
As Arizona Escrow & Financial approaches our 50th anniversary in 2026, I find myself in a unique position. From the closing table, we see commercial real estate transactions in their most granular detail — not just the headlines, but how deals actually get done. And right now, how deals get done is changing significantly. Since founding AEF in 1976, we've facilitated … [More]
Putting Your Oxygen Mask on First: Why Working Professionals Need Respite Care for Aging Parents before Burnout
Most of us have that one moment we never forget. For me, it was sitting in my car with my laptop open, juggling calls from my kids, my parents and my team while trying to advocate for an aging family member who lived across the ocean from me and had just fallen home. I remember thinking, “This is not sustainable. For anyone.” If you are a working professional caring for an … [More]
Should You Do It Yourself or Hire an Accountant?
Editor’s note: The following is a verbatim excerpt from ASBA’s “Forge Ahead: Building an Accounting System for Your Business.” Hiring Help Versus Doing It Yourself: The Small Business Dilemma When it comes to your small business, it’s personal—and for good reason. You brought your small business to where it is today, from concept to execution. So, when it comes to things … [More]
Tax Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, marking one of the most comprehensive tax reforms in recent history. While the legislation encompasses a broad array of fiscal policies, its implications for small and mid-sized businesses are particularly significant. For entrepreneurs and business owners navigating today’s economic landscape, the … [More]
Affordable Healthcare Option for Small Businesses
Health insurance is one of the biggest financial challenges facing small businesses today. Premiums continue to rise, options are limited, and many plans simply aren’t designed with entrepreneurs, independent contractors or sole proprietors in mind. Recognizing this growing concern, the Arizona Small Business Association has partnered with CapCare to introduce a new ASBA member … [More]
2025 Holiday Freight Shipping
Challenges Every Shipper Faces This Peak Season
The 2025 peak season will be particularly complex due to rising holiday shipping volumes, mounting expenses and evolving tariff pressures. These factors create a fragile shipping environment where minor disruptions can cause significant delays and costs. With compressed timelines and heightened delivery expectations, effective management is crucial to maintaining margins and … [More]
The Insider’s Edge
Why the Smartest Business Plan Is the One You Keep
So, you’ve got the big idea. It’s the thing that keeps you up at night and gets you out of bed in the morning. Your first instinct is probably to crack open your laptop and start drafting that official, polished business plan for the bank, potential partners and investors. With 25-plus years of business experience, I’m here to ask you to slow down, just for a minute. The … [More]
Letter from the President & CEO
Strategic Growth: Planning Chandler’s Future with Intention
Chandler has grown into one of Arizona’s most dynamic cities, a place where businesses thrive and families choose to put down roots. But, with 94% of the city already developed, our new challenge is how to use the remaining land and transform existing spaces in ways that will shape Chandler for decades to come. With limited opportunities for traditional expansion, … [More]
Selective Elective: Career Inspiration Starts Early at Conley Elementary
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce has launched an exciting new partnership with Conley Elementary School designed to spark curiosity and build early career awareness in young students. The program, called Selective Elective, brings professionals from a wide range of industries directly into 5th- and 6th-grade classrooms each week to lead hands-on, real-world career exploration … [More]
Chandler Chamber of Commerce Earns Dual Honors from Arizona Chamber Executives
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is making waves in Arizona’s business community, recently receiving two prestigious awards from the Arizona Chamber Executives (ACE) that recognize both innovative programming and visionary leadership. The Chamber’s Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) program was recognized with the “Outstanding Program of the Year” award for its … [More]
Chandler Chamber: The Catalyst Behind Executive & Industry Roundtables
In today’s rapidly evolving economy, no single organization can solve workforce challenges or industry disruptions alone. True progress requires collaboration. In Chandler, that collaboration is being driven by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce through its Executive & Industry Roundtables. These sector-specific forums, which cover industries such as aerospace, healthcare, … [More]
Chandler 100: Where Business Leaders and Innovation Take Flight
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce will host its premier annual celebration, Chandler 100, at the stunning Quantum Helicopters (2401 S Heliport Way, Chandler, AZ 85286). This evening marks more than a gala — it’s a moment to recognize the businesses that are not only shaping Chandler’s economy but setting the standard for innovation, leadership and … [More]
‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ – What You Need To Know
Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act makes major changes to federal tax rules, tariffs and workforce policies. For Chandler businesses, these updates bring both new opportunities and potential challenges. Preparing early will help you take advantage of the benefits and avoid disruptions. The Act restores immediate expensing of domestic … [More]
From Campus to Cleanroom: Tempe’s Rise in the Semiconductor Race
Tempe, Arizona — best known as the home of Arizona State University — is quickly becoming a key location in the global semiconductor industry. While nearby cities like Chandler and Phoenix often grab headlines, Tempe quietly hosts several companies and research centers that are critical to the design, packaging and innovation of microchips used in everything from smartphones to … [More]
Tempe Chamber Presents the 2025 ASU Sun Devil Football Kickoff Luncheon
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 2025 ASU Sun Devil Football Kickoff Luncheon presented by San Tan Ford. The Luncheon was held at the San Tan Ford Club perched high above the Mountain America Stadium. Amidst a sea of maroon and gold, the event was packed full of fun and special guests as Sun Devil Football builds momentum for the start of Coach Kenny … [More]
Tempe’s Business Community Shines at Annual Excellence Awards Luncheon
Tempe is more than just a city — it’s a thriving hub of innovation, resilience and community spirit. That energy was on full display at the sold-out Business Excellence Awards Annual Luncheon, hosted by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and presented by Southwest Airlines. Held at Culinary Dropout and emceed by AZFamily’s Nicole Crites, the event celebrated the incredible … [More]
