WINTER 2014
SCOTTSDALECHAMBER.COM
Photo: Sergio Dabdoub Photography
MEMBER COMMUNIQUÉ
Scottsdale Spice turns up the heat on World Chef Competition Scottsdale’s newest culinary event crowned some of the “hottest” chefs in the Valley on Sat., Sept. 27, 2014, who showcased some of their spiciest dishes — and where one chef was selected to compete for the world title. More than 700 attended the inaugural Scottsdale Spice Culinary Event, presented by Comerica Bank, at the Venue in downtown Scottsdale to sample dishes with a variety of heat levels prepared by some 20 Valley restaurants. Not just a local foodie event, Scottsdale Spice was selected as a qualifying event for the World Chef Challenge in Las Vegas. At the Challenge, which took place in November 2014, one chef took home $25,000 in cash and prizes. Spicy Awards were also handed out at
Scottsdale Spice for favorite hot, medium and mild dishes, best overall dish and best booth décor. Kate Crowley, food reviewer for Phoenix New Times; Mike Wahlberg, executive chef at Vintage 95 in Chandler; and Joanie Simon, host of “Restaurant Live Arizona,” judged 20 dishes based on flavor and presentation to determine who would earn the Golden Ticket and the right to compete at the World Food Championship. “Scottsdale Spice is the first event of its kind for the Scottsdale Area Chamber,“ said Anna Mineer, vice president of business development for the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. “We give a huge thank-you to our sponsors, restaurant partners, SPICE — CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Message from the CEO
Rick Kidder
The 29th Annual Sterling Awards, which honored excellence in micro business, small business, big business and nonprofits, was a rousing affair. Themed by Merestone, the Valley’s finest event production company, this superhero event could not have been more appropriate. Twelve great firms were honored as finalists — and one finalist from each of the four categories was named an honoree. When one looks at what ends up separating the good from the great — and every finalist we can deem great — the word “stewardship” comes to mind. In many ways an overused word that has lost some of its meaning, stewardship in its truest sense has become a standard for Sterling and a standard for the best in business.
In a business context, stewardship takes many forms. Community stewardship is the commitment of a company to be “of” a place rather than simply “in” it. Employee stewardship implies that the leadership of a company is keenly interested in the well-being, success and general happiness of its employees. Financial stewardship means that company protects and enhances its value. Customer stewardship is demonstrated when the focus is less about transactions and more about forging relationships and building loyalty. These parts together remain the components for the broader term “stewardship,” but a truly successful company works on all four as priorities. So, from where does a complete sense of the culture of stewardship spring? In simple terms, stewardship comes from the top. Whether a tiny business or a major corporation, the person KIDDER — CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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