If there’s one thing every professional says they need more of, it’s time. The tag line of my formerly burned-out and overloaded life was, “I don’t have time.” High achievers — especially in the demanding fields of sales, leadership, law and healthcare — often feel they’re running a race they didn’t sign up for. They’re productive, yes. But fulfilled? Not always. Time … [More]
Is Your Digital Marketing Working for You – Or Just Running?
You hired a digital marketing agency, approved some ads, and now … crickets. Or maybe the reports show clicks, but no sales. So — is your marketing actually working, or is it just running in the background? Here’s the truth: Digital marketing isn’t a vending machine. You can’t drop in a budget, walk away, and expect magic. It takes time and strategy to truly grow. Whether … [More]
Breaking Free from Owner Dependency
How you can build a business that runs without you
If you’re a business owner, chances are you’re wearing a lot of hats in your business — probably too many — and you aren’t making those hats look good. You’re the one answering late-night emails, handling every client crisis and making every decision because, well, you’re the owner. But here’s a tough truth: If your business can’t run without you, it’s stuck. You want to … [More]
Wealth Wise Women: 50 Years of Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
In 1975, a group of pioneering women in Washington, D.C., led by Susan Hager, founded the National Association of Women Business Owners. Their mission was clear: to create a unified voice for women entrepreneurs and to advocate for policies that would enable women to own and operate businesses independently. At that time, women faced significant legal and societal … [More]
The Future of Grant Consulting: Expansion and Growth
Over the next 5–10 years, the grant consulting industry is expected to experience significant growth, fueled by funders’ increasing focus on equity, measurable impact and strategic capacity-building. Since 2020, more than $16.8 billion has been committed to racial equity initiatives, reflecting a sector-wide shift toward more outcomes-driven and inclusive funding strategies … [More]
Customer Loyalty Management Is a Must
On the critical importance of service marketing to be competitive
In today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, customer loyalty management is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity for every firm. As markets become increasingly saturated and products become harder to differentiate, businesses must shift their focus from customer acquisition to the deliberate cultivation of long-term customer relationships. Service marketing plays a central role … [More]
The Importance of Business and Community Resources for Small Businesses
Small businesses face numerous challenges, from financial struggles to competition and market fluctuations. During tough times, having access to business and community resources can be the difference between failure and survival and even growth. These resources provide essential support, helping entrepreneurs navigate obstacles and scale their businesses toward … [More]
Boosting Business Value: What Buyers Really Look For
For many business owners, exiting their company is a once-in-a-lifetime event — yet far too few prepare for it early enough to maximize value. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to build a stronger company, understanding what buyers look for is essential to achieving a successful transition. Key Value Drivers Buyers are most focused on profitability, … [More]
Automation and Efficiency, The Perfect Match
Small Business Advertising & SIMPLI.FI (simpli.fi): Whether you’re a local boutique owner, a neighborhood coffee shop guru or a hopeful entrepreneur turning ideas into reality, we understand the journey small business owners go through. Running a small business means wearing multiple hats, from CEO to marketer to customer service rep. It’s exhilarating, but let’s face it — … [More]
CEO & President’s Letter
A Glance at May 2025
As we navigate another quarter in the ever-evolving landscape of business, I want to take a moment to share some insights that directly impact our local economy and the businesses that drive it. The numbers tell a compelling story, one of resilience, challenges and opportunities that define today’s small business experience. Nationally, optimism among small business owners … [More]
What Happens if Prop. 123 Expires in July 2025
This has provided $3.5 billion to K-12 education within the first ten years of its enactment
Proposition 123 is an Arizona initiative approved by voters in 2016 and has been top of mind at the legislature as policymakers work to find a sustainable solution to fund Arizona’s public school system. Since the proposition is set to expire in July 2025, lawmakers have limited time to reach consensus and send a reauthorization to the voters. The History of Proposition … [More]
Arizona Works when Childcare Works
Like the rest of the nation, Arizona is experiencing a childcare crisis. Working parents face the obvious problem of being unable to find or afford quality childcare. Did you know that it’s also a problem for businesses? In Arizona, on average, businesses lose $2,020 per working parent annually through reduced revenue and extra hiring costs, according to a 2023 study funded … [More]
Southwest Gas Rate Increase Necessary for Businesses
Chandler has long been known as a hub of innovation in Arizona, but today that reputation extends around the globe. Our city stands at the forefront of the semiconductor revolution, with industry leaders like Intel investing billions in our community and a thriving supply chain of high-tech manufacturers choosing Chandler as their home. Our future is brighter than … [More]
How U.S. Tariffs Impact Chandler Businesses
Arizona’s economy depends on international trade, meaning that 1 in 5 jobs may be negatively impacted by tariffs Tariffs have become a hot-button issue as the United States has threatened economic action against international trade partners, ostensibly to increase domestic production and penalize countries for alleged unfair trade practices or even policies that have nothing … [More]
The Importance of Social Media Marketing in 2025 and Beyond
As we move further into 2025, social media marketing remains one of the most powerful tools for businesses to connect with their audience and drive growth. With billions of active users across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Facebook, social media continues to be essential for building brand awareness, fostering community and driving sales. Looking ahead, … [More]
Tempe Chamber State of the City with Mayor Corey Woods
Pictured (left to right): Mayor Corey Woods and Robin Arredondo-Savage President/CEO The Tempe Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 26th Annual State of the City Breakfast with Tempe Mayor Corey Woods in marking more than a quarter-century of collaboration between the Chamber and the city. This highly anticipated, sold-out event took place at the Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU, … [More]
Tempe Chamber Hops into the Craft Ale Ring with Local Tempe Brewery for Charity
Raise a glass for a great cause
Pictured: Toast at Tempe Chamber Beer for Career Ready Tempe On Tuesday, February 4th, local Tempe brewery Catalyst Crafted Ales began the brewing process for the Tempe Chamber of Commerce charity beer. Tempe Chamber President/CEO Robin Arredondo-Savage explains, “We’re thrilled to partner with Catalyst Crafted Ales to bring this special brew to our community in support of the … [More]
Tempe Chamber of Commerce Names Robin Arredondo-Savage President/CEO
Pictured: Robin Arredondo-Savage President/CEO The Tempe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced Robin Arredondo-Savage as the organization’s President/CEO in December of 2024. She had previously been serving in an interim capacity since July. Arredondo-Savage offers extensive experience, a deep understanding of the Tempe community and a proven leadership track … [More]
