A small business owner I know recently discovered that one of his employees embezzled about $300,000 from his company over approximately eight years. The employee was responsible for some accounting functions that included payroll. Every payroll, he would create the information needed to be sent to their PEO, get it approved by the owner, and then submit a significantly … [More]
Local Group Launches App for Finding Woman-Owned Businesses
Looking for a plumber, printer or other products or services? Why not use a WOWOB (woman-owned, woman-operated business)? They’re different. WOWOBs have a big social impact as well as an economic impact. The local founders of the WOWOB movement recently launched a free app to make it easy for anyone to locate a WOWOB to meet his or her needs. “Go to the App store or Google … [More]
NAWBO Phoenix Presents Annual Desert Diamonds Awards
More than 100 members of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Phoenix Chapter, and their guests recently celebrated the success of the past year and recognized the contributions of its members and corporate partners. “All of our members deserve thanks and recognition for all they do throughout the year to support our chapter and other women in … [More]
Don’t Neglect the Follow-Up
I recently returned from a large conference. If you attended any large conference recently, you probably met many amazing people. You are, more than likely, back in your office with a stack of business cards sitting on your desk with great intentions of calling, emailing and maybe even handwriting to each person. You probably have a thousand other priorities that could easily … [More]
Understanding the Missing Piece in Your Rising Healthcare Costs Puzzle
In seeking a solution to a longstanding problem, it’s common to grasp the familiar pieces and reason that if they can be adjusted, adapted or shaved down surely the puzzle can be solved. When it comes to rising healthcare costs, there is a puzzle piece worth understanding that can significantly change the shape and direction of your company’s health and well-being. Many … [More]
Community Leaders, NAWBO Corporate Partners Meet to Discuss Issues Important to Women Business Owners
Group members commit to reinvigorate mentorship and apprenticeship to change the business culture The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Phoenix Metro Chapter, relies heavily on its corporate partners for in-kind and financial support for Chapter programs. Nearly 30 members of the NAWBO Phoenix leadership, its corporate partners and community leaders … [More]
Tempe Chamber of Commerce Supports School District Overrides, Bond in November Elections
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted August 22 to support the bonds and overrides proposed by the Kyrene Elementary School District and the Tempe Union High School District. The bond and override questions will be on the November ballot for Tempe voters to consider. The Tempe Chamber believes the money is needed and will enhance the education experience for … [More]
Tempe Chamber Announces New Members of the Board of Directors
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce has confirmed three new members to its board of directors. Their terms will begin July 1. The new members of the board are: Tina Lee OneAZ Credit Union Lee is a seasoned financial services professional and a former small-business owner. She has been with OneAZ Credit Union for more than 20 years, serving as a branch manager and loan … [More]
U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema to Receive U.S. Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award in Tempe (with photo op and Q&A)
U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, representing the Arizona ninth district in the House of Representatives, was honored with the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at a ceremony hosted by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce on August 31. “We are honored to be represented by a member of Congress who places a priority to continue positive economic growth and limited … [More]
Desirae Noonan Awarded Tempe Chamber Volunteer of the Year
Desirae Noonan has been named the Tempe Chamber Volunteer of the Year and was honored at the Chamber’s Annual Luncheon on June 29. Noonan, the branch manager of Express Employment Professionals in Tempe, was involved in another chamber of commerce in Illinois at another job before moving to Arizona. She had her office re-join the Tempe Chamber in October 2015, and soon … [More]
Robin Arredondo-Savage Honored with Spirit of Tempe Award
Robin Arredondo-Savage, Vice Mayor for the City of Tempe and a local small business owner, was honored by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce by receiving the Chamber’s annual Spirit of Tempe Award. The award recognizes a lifetime achievement of service, dedication and contribution to the community and honors hard work and a strong commitment to improving the quality of life in … [More]
The 2nd Shoe Has Dropped!
On November 8, 2016, Arizona voters approved Proposition 206, The Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act. So, on January 1, 2016, the minimum wage for non-tipped workers increased to $10/hour, and nearly all employers know that. However, effective July 1st, the 2nd shoe from Prop. 206 dropped. Every business with one or more employees must now provide all employees with … [More]
Before You Budget, Evaluate Your Expectations
When it comes to the fourth quarter, one hot item on everyone’s mind is budgets. Planning for next year provides an opportunity to reflect on how your 2017 financial goals are tracking and what has changed. An honest assessment helps you avoid creating an unrealistic budget. By assessing your current state in October, you give yourself enough time to make adjustments to your … [More]
Encouraging Employees to Save for Retirement Can Be Tricky, But It Doesn’t Have to Be
Does your small business offer an employee retirement plan? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. Only 14 percent of small-business owners with fewer than 100 employees offer a plan to help their staff save for retirement.1 Providing a retirement plan can be difficult for a small business. It can be expensive, challenging to manage and often come with confusing compliance … [More]
Benefits of Having a Networking Buddy
It’s a proven fact that most people would rather stay home than walk into a room full of strangers under the guise of networking. OK, I don’t actually have any stats on this, but I think most of you will agree with me :) There are, of course, a few of us who feel like we’ve won the lottery every time we get to chat it up with a complete stranger, but let’s face it, most … [More]
Finding Joy in the Midst of Stress
No matter what place in your career you find yourself, it is likely there has been a time when you just did not feel as passionate about what you are doing as you would like to. We hear about “burnout” so much that we almost expect to get to a point where we are no longer happy with our jobs. At the risk of sounding like I have rose-colored glasses permanently glued to my head, … [More]
Why the 4th Quarter Is Critical!
The sales year has four quarters in it — and the 4th Quarter is the most important of the year. “Q4” is the quarter that has a double impact to your performance. First, consider that sports coaches always teach their players to compete until the end of a play, a game or a season. Many sporting events are not won until the last minute or play of the game. Yogi Berra’s famous … [More]
Moving from a Bored Member to a Board Member
As a young professional 10 years ago, I was so excited to join my first board. It was one of those board positions that you just inherit when you get promoted, but you really have no clue what they are doing or why you should care. In my case, it was a city board for workforce development. My only training was a day-long session on Robert’s Rules of Orders. But, I did get to … [More]
