As the Arizona Technology Council ramps up for 2022, its board of directors and staff members already are setting their sights on their strategy to help guide the organization through the next three years. At an early November workshop, board and staff reviewed, revised and committed to the Council’s 2025 vision, which reads: The AZTC is the largest technology council in … [More]
On the Front Line
The two newest members of the Arizona Technology Council staff bring qualifications expected to benefit the group and its members. Bianca Buliga has been named director of marketing and communications while Darryle Emerson is the new director of programs and events. A marketing professional with experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Buliga joins the … [More]
From the President’s Perch …
For those of you who have indulged in branding, you know how tough this process is. We just finished a photo shoot that was highly stylized. You will see it on these pages. We all are wearing black with white button-down shirts and red shoes. It represents a shot of unity. And yet, each of us has our own spin on how we put this look together. We used knoodle. Full … [More]
Ask the Sales Trainer …
Dear Tish, I don’t want to make sales calls because I don’t want to come off salesy. From Squeamish salesperson Dear Squeamish, I believe “salesy” is a mindset. What I mean is that your fear, your experience, or your expectation may cause you to believe that others will perceive you as insincere and/or aggressive when you are presenting your products or … [More]
Looking to run a better business?
National Association has launched its mentoring program for current and aspiring business owners looking to increase general business knowledge. The program, run by seasoned entrepreneurs Ronit Urman and Suzi Glover, will take the select group of businesswomen in a program that teaches the fundamentals and pairs education with a support system. The program runs from November … [More]
Unexpected Gifts in the Ugliest Giftwrap
Over the past 20 months, small business owners and entrepreneurs have been on an ever-changing roller coaster ride of emotions, obstacles, victories and defeats. Some business owners’ tracks have run in parallel while others have sharply turned in a completely contrasting direction, but one factor remains true: As we continue to deal with all of the aspects of the Coronavirus, … [More]
Your Voice in D.C.
It is important that women business owners have their voices heard in Washington, D.C., and here in Arizona. According to the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, “Women-led small businesses help boost economic growth and create jobs. There are more than 11.3 million women-owned businesses in America — representing 38 percent of all firms and … [More]
5 Easy Ways to Protect Yourself in a Commercial Lease
The pandemic has created an influx of people looking into residential and commercial real estate investment. Here are some useful tidbits as you look for a commercial lease: Know your clauses. In most instances, a force majeure clause in a commercial lease allows for either a temporary delay or a complete excuse of certain landlord obligations and/or tenant obligations … [More]
Scottsdale Ahead
A big part of Scottsdale’s appeal is its unique geographic diversity, from its core urban setting in the south to the north with some of the most pristine desert in all of the Southwest. It didn’t happen by accident. It started with city residents agreeing to tax themselves to buy the land to create the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Now, 20 years and $1 billion later, the … [More]
Regional Impacts
The City of Scottsdale is nearing buildout and future land uses essentially are already established or soon will be. But there are three adjacent areas surrounding the city that will impact future uses in Scottsdale. -- The first is the “Rio Verde Foothills” area east of Scottsdale and north of the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. The 23-square-mile area is not incorporated … [More]
Economic Development Strategy
Decades of planning and long-standing partnerships have cultivated a business community in Scottsdale that supports innovation, welcomes diverse talent and celebrates business growth. Now, we are ready to continue building on that momentum with a new strategy to bolster Scottsdale’s economy. The past 18 months have been a trying time for everyone, especially businesses, yet … [More]
Airport a Billion-Dollar Lift
Scottsdale Airport is an economic driver for both the city and the region, located in a thriving airpark, one of three growth areas designated within the city. Aviation activity at the airport and the Scottsdale Airpark created $1 billion in economic benefits for the region in FY 2019 and supported nearly 6,000 jobs with incomes of $320 million. Visitors arriving at the … [More]
Bright Future
Recent city surveys show that the majority of residents are happy living in Scottsdale and like the direction in which the city is heading. They’ll get a chance to vote to confirm that this fall. Arizona requires cities to adopt a comprehensive long-range general plan every 10 years. In June, the City Council adopted the Scottsdale General Plan 2035 and it will go to … [More]
A Steady Base
From the 19th century well into the 21st century, tourism has been the backbone of Scottsdale’s local economy. Though it has diversified with the expansion of construction, high technology, healthcare and other industries, Scottsdale’s first industry, tourism, remains one of its largest — in jobs, tax revenue and economic impact. The industry’s beginnings were found at small … [More]
The Winning Formula
In light of the challenges from COVID-19 and the fact that Scottsdale’s economy is heavily supported by tourists who went missing for most of the year’s high season, this is a good time to consider what makes the city tick. To keep property values and amenities high and property taxes low, the city needs to generate economic activity from a variety of sources that produce … [More]
Career Ready Tempe
The City of Tempe and the Tempe Chamber Foundation want to help build our community’s workforce through a proven program that partners highly talented, lower income students with an internship that will show them career pathway opportunities to be successful professionals. Career Ready Tempe (CRT) provides students soft skills training throughout the program and covers their … [More]
Tempe Job Monsoon
On July 21 and 28, more than 100 businesses participated in the Tempe Job Monsoon, which brought together job seekers and businesses to “make it rain” for everyone. The Tempe Chamber of Commerce was proud to partner with the City of Tempe, Downtown Tempe Authority and the Tempe Tourism Office to help support our businesses with job hiring challenges, which has become even more … [More]
Tempe Business Academy
The Tempe Chamber Business Academy is a curriculum developed by the Chamber’s Business Innovation and Strategy Council designed to give businesses and business leaders the knowledge they need to grow their companies and strengthen our community. The six-month Business Academy will begin its next session in October 2021. If you would like to learn more about becoming a part … [More]
