Businesses of all types, take note: Decisions coming out of Washington, DC in the coming months will affect employment practices and business planning decisions for years to come. For-profit and nonprofit organizations have a vested interest in what comes of proposals from the U.S. Department of Labor on overtime pay and the Department of Commerce on the 2020 census. This is an … [More]
Not a Far Stretch
We have been conditioned that combining the words “stretch” and “dollar” is an overreach or unattainable. But what if we change the connotation of how the words are paired together? We have a mission at DollarDays to stretch your dollar so that any need is attainable. With nonprofits, we know an order for a case of soap it isn’t simply bars of soap. They may be part of hygiene … [More]
Leading Discussions about Unconscious Bias
As the EEOC Outreach & Education Coordinator for the Phoenix District Office, I am often called upon to lead discussions or provide training in the areas of diversity, EEO sensitivity and awareness, unconscious bias, and microaggressions. While not an expert in any of these areas, I believe I have found ways to lead these discussions so that by the end of a session, … [More]
Employers of National Service Program
Employers of National Service connects AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni with employers from the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Through this initiative, employers have increased access to a dedicated, highly qualified and mission-oriented pool of potential employees, and national service alumni have additional opportunities to apply their skills in the … [More]
April 2019 President Message
You might say Clyde Tombaugh was literally starstruck when he worked to help put Arizona on the map in the world of astronomy. What? You’ve never heard of him? His was a story filled with persistence and alertness. Although he wanted to pursue astronomy after an uncle loaned him a telescope, a lack of funds kept Tombaugh out of college and forced him to build his own … [More]
National Group Honors Schweikert for Tech Efforts
Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) is winner of a CompTIA Tech Champion Award given to leaders focused on driving innovation, job growth and advancements for the information technology industry. The Tech Champion Awards are given annually to a member of the House of Representatives, as well as a member of the Senate and an industry executive who has exemplified leadership in the … [More]
Grant Is Sign of SciTech Institute’s Stepping Into Its Own Spotlight
It’s one thing to take the lead on building Arizona’s STEM ecosystem, but it’s a plus when that recognition goes beyond the state’s borders. The SciTech Institute, a collaborative initiative of the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority, has been awarded part of a $1 million Southwest Airlines Charitable Grant, which focuses on building a stronger … [More]
Digital Goods Bill Threatens Heavy Taxation for Arizona
Paying your fair share of taxes. Members of the Arizona Technology Council recognize that is part of doing business. Consider Senate Bill 1460 in the Arizona Legislature. The measure was designed to create parameters for determining the taxable status of digital goods and services at state and local levels. The Council and its members fully support the original intent of … [More]
Global Impact in the Sights of Committee
With a focus on success, Optics Valley members have been working to capture the world’s attention for an industry that serves fields ranging from aerospace to telecommunications. A new workforce development program now gives this Arizona Technology Council committee the chance to influence others who are considering joining this cutting-edge profession. Formerly known as the … [More]
Increased Costs Bring Council Membership Dues Hike
Just as the roster of programs and services provided by the Arizona Technology Council has grown, so have the related costs. That’s why its board of directors has voted to institute an approximately 10 percent increase in annual membership dues. Existing members will see their increase when it’s time for renewal, while the increase for new members became effective April 1. … [More]
New Reader Experience Accompanies Magazine Update
Think of your favorite magazine. If it still exists after all this time, odds are it has been through some changes but is still a part of you. That captures what has happened with TechConnect magazine. Since its launch in 2005 by the Arizona Technology Council, the publication has gone through redesigns and evolved from print only to an online digital format. After 56 … [More]
Two Board Additions Bring Experience in Innovation
The Arizona Technology Council has appointed Kerri Zunkowski, vice president of People Operations at Infusionsoft, and Ken McMahon, senior vice president of Client Operations at Vonage, to its board of directors. The two technology executives were elected unanimously at the quarterly board meeting in January to serve three-year terms. “Kerri and Ken bring expertise, … [More]
Meet 3 Newest Members of Council Staff
Jill Brownley Director, Marketing + Communications Brownley’s experience includes public relations, marketing communications, social media, copywriting and technical writing, public affairs, internal communications, advertising and graphic design. Most recently, she was a public relations consultant serving bioscience clients. Previously, she was director of marketing and … [More]
Planner Becomes Critical Partner for Council Events
Chuck Smith still remembers his first experience with the Arizona Technology Council. He was invited to attend its annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation in November 2016 and was shocked to see people considered competitors actually getting along throughout the event. “We were just blown away by the camaraderie,” he says. “If we wanted to get into the pulse of the local … [More]
Staff Profile: Deborah Zack
For hundreds of members of the Arizona Technology Council, Deborah Zack is the Council. As senior director of membership services, Deborah Zack has been the one constant in the lives of many members. Whether it’s offering basic information about joining the group or responding to inquiries about how a company can become more involved in the Council, Zack is the go-to person. … [More]
My Secrets to Success: Negotiate, Close, Repeat
Why is there a gender pay gap? Could it be that 68 percent of women accept a salary without further negotiation? This figure is real and comes from Katie Donovan of Equal Pay Negotiations. This gap often drives women, such as those in NAWBO, to own their own businesses. And yet, we return to the fact that, in business, negotiation is necessary. Most business owners’ success … [More]
Five Extraordinary Leadership Lessons from Wonder Woman
Here are five extraordinary leadership lessons we learn from Wonder Woman. “You have been my greatest love.” A young Diana watches with excitement as General Antiope puts the Amazons through rigorous training. A young girl, Diana knows this is her calling, Despite being told “no” numerous times by the very people she loves and respects, she is drawn to the training. She … [More]
Digital Marketing Today
So you have a company website. Good for you!! Now you are thinking, “Whew, the work is over.” This is just the beginning. You have to get your business found by your ideal client/customer. Back in 2000 when we started our company, essentially all you had to do was have a website and life was simple. “Look at me, my company has a website,” and now all you had to do was print … [More]
