The coronavirus pandemic has dramatically altered our economic landscape both nationally and here in Arizona. Climbing back onto the state’s perch as one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing economies in the country is going to take hard work and innovation. Fortunately, what remains constant is our foundation as a technology and innovation hub. This is especially true in … [More]
Time to enroll in Association Health Plan
October marks the period for renewing participation in the Arizona Technology Council’s Association Health Plan (AHP), as well as securing a quote for your company. The AHP was launched last year in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. It targets Council member employers with fewer than 100 employees. When multiple small businesses join together as one … [More]
Newest Board Member
Carol A. Stewart, associate vice president, Tech Park Arizona, The University of Arizona, has been elected to the Arizona Technology Council’s board of directors. She was elected unanimously to serve a three-year term at the Council’s quarterly board meeting held in July. “Her leadership, skill set and extensive experience will help advance our agenda, which is designed to … [More]
From the President
It is such an exciting and interesting time to be the President of NAWBO Phoenix. As we navigate uncharted waters, the sea of change has felt rough and wild as a storm, with brief moments of calm, only to stir up again in our constantly changing environment. One thing that will not change: NAWBO’s commitment to propelling women business owners — through advocacy, through … [More]
Technology in the Age of COVID-19 and George Floyd
Americans are dazed and confused. It is as if they got hit over the head from behind. They are hazily regaining consciousness, trying to figure out who clobbered them, wondering when their heads would stop hurting and they could return to work, and worried if the lack of taste is recurring or permanent. The pandemic, also, suddenly thrust technology to the forefront of their … [More]
Don’t Forget to Follow-Up
If you attended any large conference recently (virtual or in-person), you probably met many amazing people. You are, more than likely, in your office with a stack of business cards or a list of contacts sitting on your desk, with great intentions of calling, emailing and maybe even handwriting each of them. You probably have a thousand other priorities that could easily take … [More]
Yes, the System Is Failing Us
COVID-19 has changed the way we work, live and do business. In just a matter of days, the world was disrupted by the pandemic. As time progressed, it seemed like some businesses have excelled. Some industries ceased in just a matter of days. Others swiftly shifted their business model to stay afloat. While the world was still grappling with the changes that COVID brought, … [More]
Dude! We’re All on the Same Team
One of the challenges with having a sales team is building the right sales culture. Years ago, I was on a sales team — and there was an opportunity I was working on, with the goal of getting a particular deal closed. There were some questions from the prospect I was speaking to that I couldn’t answer. I knew there was another member of the sales team who had more expertise in … [More]
Tempe Chamber Recognizes Two Local Businesses with 2020 Business Excellence Award
During the virtual broadcast of the 2020 State of the Chamber on June 26th, the Tempe Chamber of Commerce awarded two outstanding Tempe businesses with the 2020 Business Excellence Award — Boulders on Broadway and Chasse Building Team. Each year, these awards are given in both the small and large category to businesses whose practice in business and employee development, … [More]
2020 Business Woman of the Year
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce recognized three outstanding women and announced the recipient of the 25th Annual Business Woman of the Year award at the 2020 State of the Chamber & Annual Awards, held virtually on June 26th. The Business Woman of the Year award recognizes an individual’s excellence in her industry and demonstrated leadership within the community. The award … [More]
Tempe Chamber Welcomes New Board and Committee Volunteers
As the Tempe Chamber ends its fiscal year, it is pleased to announce that five new individuals will be joining the board of directors, starting their terms July 1, 2020. Jenifer Midgett, Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital John Bauer, Dignity Health Josh Diker, Wells Fargo Tom Binge, Renaissance Financial Sarah Clifford, Davis Miles McGuire Gardner, PLLC Rustyn … [More]
Tempe Chamber Events Update
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tempe Chamber has made several adjustments to its programming to protect the health and safety of its members, staff and partners. Within just days of the stay-at-home order, the Chamber committed to serve its members by taking committee meetings, monthly mixers, signature events and training webinars to online platforms. The 11th … [More]
Tempe Chamber Joins National Initiative to Address Inequality of Opportunity
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce announced it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity. The Tempe Chamber participated in the U.S. Chamber’s national town hall event on June 25th, where business and community leaders from across the country discussed concrete actions that can be taken by government and the … [More]
VP of Marketing & Programs Receives Honor
On June 30, 2020, Sukki Jahnke, CMP and vice president of Marketing and Programs for the Tempe Chamber received the 2019-2020 Planner of the Year Award from the Meeting Professionals Internationals MPI Arizona Sunbelt Chapter (MPI AZ). The Chapter Excellence Award “Recognizes an active planner member who has demonstrated leadership, delivers exceptional meetings and has made … [More]
Expecting the Unexpected
Planning for the unexpected: Is there really a way to do that? It seems counterintuitive and darn near impossible. How do we as leaders even begin to start to plan for something we do not foresee ever happening? If you had told me in January that we would all be quarantined to our homes for several months, wearing masks when we got out in public and homeschooling our kids, I … [More]
Arizona Gives Day
Coming off a record-breaking Arizona Gives Day in 2019 that generated $3.6 million from donors statewide, expectations were sky high for the eighth annual Arizona Gives on April 7. And then came COVID-19. As the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Grantmakers Forum and presenting sponsor FirstBank moved closer to Arizona Gives Day 2020, the state — and the country — … [More]
Republic Bank of Arizona Steps Up for Nonprofits during Pandemic
When the Paycheck Protection Program launched amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Republic Bank of Arizona made a conscious decision to roll out the welcome mat and do its best to help every Arizona small business and nonprofit organization asking for help. The bank proactively reached out to its existing customers, but went a step further in contacting its fellow Alliance of … [More]
Expect More Arizona
The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare some of the most pressing issues that Arizona schools face every day. While our state’s amazing educators have made every effort to support students and avoid a feared COVID-slide, some challenges have been more daunting than others, making even small wins especially sweet. Food insecurity: While some schools were able to begin online … [More]
