Nancy Hetrick shares her recent move into larger space. “Smarter Divorce Solutions began in August of 2012, and by the end of the first year I had more business than I could handle on my own, mostly from word of mouth. I continued to struggle with the growth, and by August of 2013 knew that I had to develop a plan for expansion. Thanks to the NAWBO mentoring program and the … [More]
Let’s Get Down to Business
Five years ago, when I became a member of NABWO Phoenix, I never thought I would have the privilege and opportunity to serve as its president. I’m thrilled to have the good fortune to give back to the organization that has helped my business grow. One thing I did learn very quickly is that NAWBO Phoenix is the premier organization for women in business who are not just looking … [More]
Lead Us Not into Crisis
Crises are hard enough in any business. But there are a number of ways to turn a crisis into a catastrophe with very little effort. Unfortunately, some of the behaviors that increase the odds for failure are considered by many to be “leadership.” The following are some of those common leadership responses. Be overly optimistic. There is a vast body of literature out there that … [More]
Tech Policy in Arizona
In the course of the second regular session of the 51st Legislature, which began Jan. 13 and ended April 24, Arizona policymakers delivered some victories as well as some defeats for the Arizona Technology Council and its members. Here, we recap the key technology- and other business-related bills introduced during this legislative session. 2014 Tech-Related Legislative … [More]
High Voter Turnout in Primaries Critical to Sound Election Process
There are several things I can already tell you about Aug. 26 of this year. It’s a Tuesday. The average high temperature will probably hover around 104 degrees. And it’s primary election day. I can also tell you that, historically in Arizona, only about 28 percent of the people eligible to vote will actually vote in the primary. In Maricopa County, that number drops to a little … [More]
Return on Investment
Time and money are tight, so an investment in either one had better bring results. For visitors and collaborators of this year’s Arizona SciTech Festival, the numbers are in and they indicate each group gained the return it expected. The third annual SciTech Festival held Feb. 1 through March 29 was a statewide celebration of science, technology, engineering and math … [More]
Steven G. Zylstra Message: July 2014
This is the time of year that our thoughts typically focus on one thing: getting away from it all. At last, it’s time for the annual summer vacation. But if you’re a CEO, can you afford to get away? Any executive coach will tell you that getting out of the office to catch your breath and just think instead of react is necessary from time to time. And with an economic recovery … [More]
Tempe Leadership Class XXIX: Fresh Truck Project
Tempe Leadership Class XXIX donated two refrigerated food trucks worth $90,000 to United Food Bank at a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 25. Class XXIX, made up of 18 people who live and/or work in Tempe, raised $60,000 in three months to purchase the two vehicles as part of their Fresh Truck Project. The funds were coupled with a $30,000 Walmart grant given directly to United … [More]
Tempe Chamber Welcomes New Board Members
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome five professionals representing diverse organizations to its board of directors. The Nominating Committee believes that the following individuals will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Tempe Chamber. Kjell Andreassen, Managing Partner, Acceler8 LLC Kjell Andreassen is managing partner of Acceler8 LLC, a … [More]
