Impact Magazine - December 2009

Plan Ahead

Sticker Shock?

Referral Madness

Marketing Goals for 2010

Raise Revenue Right

Earn Your Customers’ Praise

Greater Phoenix Chamber Of Commerce

DEC.09

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What’s Ahead?

Five Business Trends for 2010

p. 11 Go-Go

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n Member News n Calendar of Events n Capitol Update

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board of directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair Connie Perez CEO Advanced Reimbursement Management Immediate Past Chair Andrew K. (Andy) McCain VP & CFO Hensley Beverage Company CHAIR-ELECT Steve Wheeler Exec. VP, Customer Service & Regulation APS Legal Counsel Anne Kleindienst Attorney Fennemore Craig, P.C. Secretary Treasurer Pam Conboy Arizona Regional President Wells Fargo Bank Vice Chair – PCCD Patricia Lee Refo Attorney Snell & Wilmer Vice Chair Small Business Tom Cooper CEO Desert Fleet-Serv, Inc. VICE CHAIR Public Affairs Susan Anable Director of Public Affairs Cox Communications VICE CHAIR Community Events Kathryn Murphy President & CEO Corning Gilbert, Inc.

A Year Behind Us, Challenges Ahead As we reach the end of 2009, many Valley business people might say “Boy, am I glad that’s over.”

This past year has shown us the worst of times while also bringing out the best in us. As a business community and as a Chamber, we have come together, gone back to basics and learned new ways to operate. This experience can only help us in the future as we tackle the challenges that are surely still to come in 2010 and beyond.

In this month’s cover story, we look at some business trends that could shape the coming year.

Changes in the workforce, the uncertain state of the economy and innovation in marketing are just three areas to keep an eye on in the year ahead.

On behalf of our more than 3,100 business members, our Board of Directors and our staff, I wish you Happy Holidays and a safe and successful 2010. Because of you, our Chamber is poised to continue our mission to keep our members informed, connected and prosperous. If you’re already a member, thank you. If you’re not yet a member, visit www.phoenixchamber.com/join today and start 2010 by being a part of the largest and oldest business organization in Arizona. Together, we can build a great future.

VICE CHAIR HBLC Gil Valadez Prudential Vice Chair MEMBERSHIP Rick Johnson Principal/Owner Executive Forums VICE CHAIR Audit and Governance Scott Celley VP, External Affairs TriWest Healthcare Alliance

Todd Sanders President & CEO Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

December Bulletin

VICE CHAIR Human Resources David Bruno Vice Chairman/Managing Partner DHR International VICE CHAIR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Richard Parker Vice President Sundt Construction Corp.

Executive Committee Members at Large Derrick M. Hall President & CEO Arizona Diamondbacks Peter Hayes Manager of Public Affairs SRP Dan Vermeer Waste Management Susan Williams President HR Choice Nancy Stone V Chair & Pres.

ILX Resorts Inc.

View the entire list of board members at: www.phoenixchamber.com

Women-owned businesses make up one of the fastest-growing sectors of our economy, but those businesses – like any other – can often benefit from some guidance from their peers. The Chamber’s ATHENA Powerlink® program, now in its tenth year, is accepting applications for mentees and looking for mentors to help women-owned businesses in the Valley reach new heights.

A qualifying business must be at least 51 percent owned by a woman or women, have been in business at least two years and meet staffing and annual revenue requirements. Last year’s program helped five mentees, and the target for this year’s class is also five.

The deadline to apply to be a mentee is Wednesday, February 3, 2010. Download an application and find out more information at www.phoenixchamber.com.

Get Connected ATHENA PowerLink® www.phoenixchamber.com/apl

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Contents

Get up | Get out | Connect

DECEMBER | 09

Rick McCartney | Publisher Media Publishers Group, Llc rmccartney@phoenixchambermagazine.com Jody Ryan | Editor-In-Chief Greater Phoenix Chamber jryan@phoenixchamber.com Kenn Tomasch | Editor Greater Phoenix Chamber ktomasch@phoenixchamber.com Lori K. Baker, Stephanie Conner, Sandy Des Georges, Christina Estes, Christia Gibbons, Jessica Keenan, David Lucas, Kay Sperduti, Allan Starr, Tom Trush Contributing Writers Dan Vermillion, Angela Cook, Kenn Tomasch Photography

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Stephen Gamble | Art Director Louise Ferrari | Operations Manager

Future Tense

Dee Dee Hixson, Cami Shore Account Executives

What’s in store for us in the year ahead? Our members weigh in on what to expect in 2010 in this month’s cover story.

Todd Sanders | President & CEO tsanders@phoenixchamber.com

Features

What’s Ahead?

Go-Go Gadgets

Event Spotlight

Ron McElhaney | V. P. rmcelhaney@phoenixchamber.com

As 2009 comes to a close, we look ahead to five business trends that will shape 2010. p. 8

By David Lucas

What’s the well-dressed business person going to accessorize with in 2010?

Lots of devices. Find out about a few. p. 11

By Lori K. Baker

Now is the time to nominate a deserving business for the 2010 IMPACT Awards! p. 15 SAVE

By Kenn Tomasch THIS

Michelle Bolton | V. P. Public Affairs/Economic Development mbolton@phoenixchamber.com

DATE

News, Notables & Updates

12 Ask Our Members Inquire Within

23 S mart Growth Step Up in Class

24 Money Matters Sticker Shock to the System?

24 HR IQ Be Cognizant of Religious Holidays

26 Capitol Voice Get With the Agenda

16 Events Calendar Ending the Year on a High

27 Pro: Files Clean Energy Prudential Real Estate Relocation Services

18 Member Happenings What’s Been Going On

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Increase referrals through customer appreciation

Published By

News & Notes From Around the Valley

30 First Person

21 New Members

Open Door Policies Abound

20 How To:

201 N. Central Avenue, 27th Floor Phoenix, Az 85004 P 602.495.2195 • F 602.495.8913 www.phoenixchamber.com

28 Greater: PHX

www.phoenixchamber.com

20 Ribbon Cuttings

Norma Macias | Director, Member Services nmacias@phoenixchamber.com

Debbie Drotar | Director, Business Development ddrotar@phoenixchamber.com

“I’ll miss the people the most.”

Member Resources

Katie Campana | Director, Community Relations kcampana@phoenixchamber.com

Daniel Ayala | Director, BidSource dayala@phoenixchamber.com

Departments 06 Member News

Jody Ryan | Director, Marketing & Communications jryan@phoenixchamber.com

*

WWW.PHOENIXCHAMBER.COM

This means Additional information is available online.

6360 E. Thomas Rd., Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 p 480.588.9505 • f 480.584.3751 info@mpgcompany.com www.mediapublishersgroup.com Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Impact Magazine is published monthly by Media Publishers Group, LLC. The publication is distributed to membership and made available to prospective members throughout the Greater Phoenix area. We appreciate your editorial submissions and news for review by our editorial department by e-mailing editor@phoenixchambermagazine.com. To subscribe to GPCC Impact Magazine, please send check or money order for $24.00 to Media Publishers Group, P.O. Box 32055, Phoenix, AZ 85064 or call (480) 588-9505. ©Copyright 2009, Media Publishers Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Media Publishers Group and the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce reserve the right to refuse certain advertising and are not liable for advertiser’s claims and/or errors. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Publisher or the Chamber.

www.phoenixchamber.com

Banner Cancer Center

Member News Highlighting achievements, awards, new hires, promotions and notes of interest from our members.

Developing Story Clifford Jones has joined Sindel Technologies as vice president of business development, where he will focus on driving all aspects of marketing and sales. Jones brings nearly 30 years experience in marketing and sales to his new position.

Clifford Jones

+www.sindel.com New VP Kevin Herbst has joined UMB Bank Arizona, n.a (UMB) as vice president of commercial banking.

Herbst will be responsible for various aspects of commercial banking, including clients in the subcontracting, not-for-profits, manufacturing and distributing industries. He comes to UMB with more than 14 years of experience in the financial services industry.

(L-R) Nichole Barnes, UMOM Chief Fund Development Officer; Ron Amstutz, Desert Schools Senior VP; Emma Garcia, DSFCU Community Development Director; Francisco Avalos, DSFCU Community Development Specialist; Darlene Newsom, UMOM President & CEO.

And It’s Surely To Their Credit Desert Schools Federal Credit Union awarded a $10,000 grant to the Phoenix-based UMOM New Day Centers, a local non-profit agency providing homeless and low-income families with food, shelter and tools to build self-sufficiency. Volunteers from Desert Schools recently paid a visit to UMOM to help paint, clean and tour the shelter’s new family housing development at 3333 E. Van Buren Street in downtown Phoenix.

+ www.desertschools.org New Leader

On the Move It’s been a busy fall for Dircks Moving Services.

The company has aquired McCollister’s Transportation Systems Southwest, bringing together Phoenix’s two largest Mayflower agents, and recently received Mayflower Transit’s “President’s Quality Award,” recognizing the top service performer in Mayflower’s US-based moving agencies.

+www.dircks.com Terrific Trio

Marcia L. Mintz has been named chief executive officer of John C. Lincoln Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the John C. Lincoln Marcia L. Mintz Health Network. Mintz joins the John C. Lincoln Health Network after four years as chief development officer of Valley of the Sun United Way in Phoenix.

She has spent more than 18 years in international and regional nonprofit and corporate work.

The Boy Scouts of America, Grand Canyon Council honored Eddie Basha of Basha’s, Speaker of the Arizona House Kirk Adams and Michael Bidwill of the Arizona Cardinals at their “Leaders for Tomorrow Luncheon.” Basha received the “Community Champion Award” for years of leadership and dedication to the community. Adams earned the “Public Service Leader Award” and Bidwill took home the “Leader for Tomorrow Award.”

+www.jcl.com

+www.grandcanyonbsa.org

+www.phoenixchildrens.com

Highest Level Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Trauma Center has been verified as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) Verification Review Committee. The accomplishment makes the Hospital’s program the state’s first and only ACS-verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

+www.umb.com Getting Satisfaction Cox Communications has received PCMag.com’s Readers’ Choice Award for its high speed internet service for the fifth time and earned its seventh consecutive JD Power Award in telephone customer satisfaction for the west region of the country. Cox’s customers gave the company the highest rating in overall satisfaction. The company also unveiled a new customer service Web site, www.coxarizonahelpdesk.com.

+www.cox.com Documenting Two Promotions After 21 years as president of ICM Document Solutions, Phil R. Harrington is now the company’s Chief Executive Officer and will concentrate on growing its core industries, including major manufacturing and aerospace Fortune 500 companies. Kevin Smith is ICM’s new president after serving for ten years as Vice President of Sales.

+www.icmdocs.com Naming Rights Dan McAuliffe, partner at Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., has been honored by having the State Bar of Arizona’s new continuing legal education (CLE) center Dan McAuliffe named after him. The Bar’s CLE center seats more than 60 people and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, enabling the organization to produce cutting edge seminars and webcasts. McAuliffe has been active in many of the Bar’s activities, including serving as president and on the Task Force on Technology.

+www.swlaw.com Contact Us | Send your member news and photos 45 days prior to publication to: editor@phoenixchambermagazine.com 6

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Some things never go out of date…

Some things never go out of date…

Some things never go out of date…

Some things never go out of date...

…Like making loans to creditworthy consumers and businesses. …Like effective regulation and supervision …Like strong capital and underwriting standards While non-bank companies were straying into dangerous waters, traditional banks like ours stuck to the basics. Suddenly, our strategy is looking pretty smart.

America’s businesses depend on a strong banking system. The nation’s FDICinsured banks are the foundation on which to rebuild the economy.

Traditional banking: Standing the test of time.

…Like…Like making loans to to creditworthy and businesses. making loans creditworthy consumers consumers and businesses. …Like…Like making loans to creditworthy consumers and businesses. …Like effectiveregulation regulation and effective andsupervision supervision …Like effective regulation and supervision …Like strong capital and and underwriting standards …Like strong capital underwriting standards

…Like strong capital and underwriting standards While non-bank companies were straying into dangerous waters, traditional banks America’s businesses depend on a strong banking system.

The nation’s While non-bank companies wereSuddenly, straying into traditional banks like ours stuck to the basics. ourdangerous strategy is waters, looking pretty smart. like ours stuck to the the basics.

Suddenly, our is looking pretty the smart.economy.

FDIC-insured banks are foundation onstrategy which to rebuild America’s businesses depend on a strong banking system. The nation’s FDICAmerica’s businesses depend on a strong banking Theeconomy. nation’s FDICinsured banks are the foundation on which to system. rebuild the insured banks are the foundation on which to rebuild the economy.

Traditional banking: the test of time.

Traditional banking:Standing Standing the test of time.

Traditional banking: Standing the test of time.

Come find out why so many businesses bank with Desert Hills Bank. www.deserthillsbank.com Phoenix 3001 E. Camelback Rd (602) 324-6700

Prescott 3027 Dollar Mark Way (928) 771-8801

Sedona 2785 W. Hwy 89A (928) 282-7440

Village of Oak Creek 7000 Highway 179 #A116 (928) 284-4150

Sun City 9745 W. Bell Road (623) 977-9200

Scottsdale 6970 E. Chauncey Ln #175 (480) 212-0070

What’s Ahead?

Five Business Trends for 2010

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n economic turnaround. Healthcare reform. Lower unemployment. A new calendar is at hand, so what’s in store for Arizona business heading into 2010?

We asked some experts to look at five key areas of the economy and make some informed predictions about the next 12 months.

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The Changing Workforce As businesses recover from the recession, they will be cautious about hiring willy-nilly. For this reason, expect to see more contract workers, leased employees and outsourcing in 2010. “As the economy recovers, we will see companies start to hire contractors to get the work done, but not hiring permanent employees because they are not yet willing to take this plunge,” says Brian Carlson, owner of Ambrion, a recruitment and placement firm.

The leased employee, one who receives compensation and benefits from a third-party company, could be one component of a new-look workforce.

“You’re going to see more of a hybrid labor force,” says Dick Lippert, managing partner of Leathers Milligan & Associates. “Companies are going to have their core of leaner, more efficient full-time people. In some areas, companies may be more heavily invested in the leased employee.”

He adds that certain functions, such as marketing, will be farmed out to third parties rather than performed by in-house staff.

A significant part of this workforce may be working from home next year as more companies are expected to allow employees to telecommute one or more days a week. Some may even experiment with the four-day workweek.

“If you have good employees and they are able to work out of the office, more people could work from home,” says Kim Edwards, CEO of

Walters warns. “If these or other unforeseen events happen, the economy could be in for an additional 12 to 18 months of recovery.”

Mergers & Acquisitions Owners of businesses that struggled during the recession and those looking for new opportunities may benefit from private equity firms that are chomping at the bit to invest money that is burning a hole in their pockets. These firms are looking to be active players in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) arena in 2010.

“During the recession, there has been a downturn in M&A activity,” says Steve Lawrence of Gallagher & Kennedy in Phoenix, which represents private equity and venture capital firms. “There remains a significant amount of private equity funds on the sidelines ready to deploy. Once the economy turns around, once lending constraints soften, there will be a breakout of M&A activity.”

Lawrence notes that many owners who sell their businesses will start up new ventures and create jobs as a result.

“In the first half of 2009 fundraising activity for private equity firms is down, but there still is money being raised and there are still transactions being done,” Lawrence says.

Michelle Bolton

Brian Carlson

Kim Edwards

Park Howell

Steve Lawrence

Dick Lippert

Dave Mcintyre

Andrea Norman

Bob Roth

Dale Walters

Scottsdale-based advertising firm Kim Conway and Associates. “If they have their computer, they can do it anywhere. As technology changes and with the workforce continuing to have the influence of younger generations coming up, they will have to look at those creative methods.

You don’t need to have 50 people in your office driving to and from work.”

The Economy: Which Way is Up? Many experts believe Arizona’s economy is on the mend; however, it may not be a painless recovery. Unemployment in 2010 will get slightly worse before it gets better, according to Dale A. Walters, CEO of investment firm Keats, Connelly and Associates. “I expect Arizona will take longer to recover than the U.S. economy because of the continued excess housing inventory and sluggishness in tourism,” Walters says. “Businesses have no incentives to come to Arizona, so don’t expect help from big business.”

He expects the Arizona economy will increase approximately 1.5 percent in 2010, whereas the U.S. economy should increase about 2.0-2.5 percent.

But if the unforeseen should happen, all bets are off. “The wildcard is the possibility of a double dip if a major natural disaster or terrorism occurs in the U.S., or if there is another major business bankruptcy,”

Smarter Marketing With marketing budgets stretched thin during the recession, businesses will continue to make the most of every buck even after the economy turns around. Arizona companies will do more to exploit the Internet and take advantage of social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn, and technologies like Twitter.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is proving to be an economical method to boost the power of Web sites by pushing them up to the first page results on the Google, Yahoo and Bing search sites.

Andrea Norman of Mind the Gap Marketing Solutions helped one client optimize a Web site with eye-opening results. “We did SEO and increased their Web site traffic by 200 percent in three months and also increased the time spent on the site five-fold,” she recounts.

Kim Edwards expects restaurants to be prime candidates to do more low-cost marketing through technology. “Restaurants are choosing days or times they are slowest and they are text messaging or e-mailing coupons for the days when they need business most. It is generating a great deal of business for them on their slowest days,” she says.

Some marketing efforts leveraged green projects to great success during

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PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR

PROFITABILITY.

the recession, but “sustainability” will be the watchword going forward.

“It’s no longer enough to simply measure your business success by how much money you make,” asserts Park Howell, president of Park&Co, a Phoenix-based marketing firm. “With progressive companies, ROI has expanded to a triple bottom line—people, planet and profit. Thriving companies are paying attention to the social, cultural and, of course, economic impacts they are having on communities.”

Howell notes Wal-Mart and other companies are flexing their retailing muscle to demand more environmentally-friendly products and these trends trickle down to the local level.

Healthcare Innovations

At Holmes Murphy, we think providing you with innovative answers to the ever-increasing challenge of rising healthcare costs is one of the most important things we can do to affect your company. That’s why we take the time to get to know your company’s challenges and consult with you to provide the highest-quality, lowest-cost solutions — tailored especially for your business.

If you are looking for an advisor who understands the complexities of Employee Benefits and a partner who helps you develop the right financial solutions, call Holmes Murphy — the nation’s 24th-largest* broker.

We’re for you.

14850 N. Scottsdale Road Suite 280 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 480-951-1776 | 877-951-1776 holmesmurphy.com DES MOINES | CEDAR RAPIDS | DAllAS DAvENPORt | DENvER | KANSAS CIty | MADISON OKlAhOMA CIty | OMAhA | PEORIA SCOttSDAlE | SIOux FAllS | St. lOuIS

Learn more about how Holmes Murphy will be a trusted advocate for you — visit holmesmurphy.com. © 2009 Holmes Murphy & Associates 10

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* Business Insurance, July 2009

While government grapples with healthcare reform, some Valley companies are exploring innovative methods of treating specific groups. Military families, who witness their loved ones moving to and from Middle-Eastern wars, will receive special attention.

“The behavioral health impact of these conflicts on those that are serving as well as on their families is on the increase,” says David McIntyre Jr., president and CEO of TriWest Healthcare Alliance. “We don’t see a reduction in the demand for healthcare services among that population in the near term. We think it will continue to climb.”

TriWest has helped to develop a Web-based program that allows soldiers and their families to consult face-to-face with therapists online 24/7. “In this behavioral health space, we are bringing tools and approaches that are going to help respond to issues in a more effective way,” McIntyre says. “It’s possible that some of that will have a spin-off benefit to civilian society.”

Consumers will continue to look for alternative treatment methods that are more affordable. One may be in the area of home care for seniors.

Bob Roth, managing partner of Cypress HomeCare Solutions, says many seniors no longer have one financial option when considering assisted living. Because the housing market crash depreciated the value of homes, many seniors are unable to sell their homes to make the transition to assisted living facilities. Their one viable option is home care. Cypress recorded a 26 percent increase in business during the recession by providing personal services to clients in private home settings.

The Arizona Legislature passed measures in the recent session to make it easier for small businesses to offer health insurance to their employees.

These “mandate light” bills are scaled-down policies that make it more affordable for small groups and individuals to access health insurance.

Michelle Bolton, vice president of public affairs and economic development for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, says carriers like Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona offer this kind of policy. “We wanted to give small business an option, that if they could only afford a scaled-back health insurance plan, they could access mandate light,” she says.

Bolton expects this kind of plan to be as popular as a measure passed in 2006, for which there is now a waiting list to sign up for coverage.

Cautious optimism may define the outlook for 2010. Arizona business will take any kind of positive news following the worst recession in memory.

Get Connected Ambrion www.ambrion.com Leathers Milligan & Associates www.leathersmilligan.com Kim Conway and Associates 480.477.8024 Keats, Connelly and Associates www.keatsconnelly.com Gallagher & Kennedy www.gknet.com

Mind the Gap Marketing Solutions www.mindthegapco.com Park&Co www.parkandco.com TriWest Healthcare Alliance www.triwest.com Cypress HomeCare Solutions www.cypresshomecare.com

www.phoenixchamber.com

Special Feature

Go-Go Gadgets You Can Be Left to Your Own Devices

By Lori K. Baker

If you’re the type that wants to be the first on your block with all the new electronics, it looks like 2010 will be a very good year. Our notso-high-tech crystal ball shows us that the gadgets you’ll be using will likely be faster, smarter, more portable and more fun with many blurring the lines between business and pleasure.

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obility is the key to most of the workrelated gadgets with speed and ease-of-use a close second and third on the list of desirable features. Challengers to Apple’s iPhone are becoming more sophisticated in the crowded smart phone category – possibly the most popular gadgets of 2010, as they were in 2009. The biggest advance in smart phones might be the Google operating system “Android.” Introduced just a few months ago, some predict it will become the dominant smart phone operating system in 2010.

Digital cameras and camcorders, which also sit on both sides of the business and pleasure divide, may be the next most popular type of gadget.

They are becoming add-ons to other devices and continue to shrink in size. In fact, one of the latest camcorder models now fits in a pen that can clip to your shirt pocket. Video can now be taken through sunglass camcorders; underwater camcorder models are getting smaller and cheaper.

Netbooks are bare bones laptops that typically have web browsing and email capabilities. Along with smaller processors comes a smaller price starting at under $300. The Amber Alert GPS 2G, which fits in a child’s pocket, allows parents to track their location in seconds. There are new applications planned for this type of technology to help track company laptops and other items that have a tendency to walk away.

The new 5G iPod Nano comes with features like a video camera and a built-in pedometer.

Wi-Fi networking, while not new, is getting better and cheaper.

As wireless becomes more prevalent, security devices become more important. Wireless security is being enhanced to keep key data and information safe.

Portable speakers put more high-quality sound into smaller spaces.

The next step appears to be wafer-thin flexible speakers, currently in development but not yet released. An item that might be particularly useful in Arizona is the portable air conditioning unit. Basically a small evaporative cooler, it serves as an electronic mini-mister.

With wireless reading gaining popularity, the price of Amazon.com’s Kindle wireless reader has come down in recent months. Competitor offerings include the new Sony Reader. A voice interactive alarm clock uses speech recognition technology that allows you to set time and

alarm with voice commands. It even verbalizes answers to questions like “What time is it?”

Still require an electrical outlet to charge your phone? New models of wireless phone chargers are now being introduced. Small businesses and homes can take advantage of a wheeled robotic security system that is internet-enabled and remotely controllable.

While the future selection of gadgets is anyone’s guess, one advantage of a soft economy is lower prices. Gadgetry’s future may largely lie in online or web applications, aka apps. Apple offers a few thousand for its iPhone.

We have yet to find one for new gadgets, but that, too, is probably just around the corner.

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Member Experts

Ask Our Members Impact Magazine offers advice from our ‘Member Experts’ to improve your business.

Business Banking

Healthcare Healthcare Solutions Centers, LLC

Q: How can a company begin to improve its cash flow?

A: Ultimately, even the strongest business model can be insufficient if your company’s cash flow is barely reaching your bottom line. M&I Bank has identified four main areas where easily implemented changes can help improve a business’s cash flow. First, speed up your receivables. A few simple changes in invoicing can improve collections. Second, slow down your payables. Your goal should be to adopt a “just in time” strategy. Next, automate the flow of information to reduce the risk of fraud. Finally, be more strategic.

Review your operational procedures to find ways to strengthen your financial position. For more detailed information about improving cash flow, visit mibank.com/mytoolkit.

Member FDIC

Dennis R. Jones, President and Chairman dennis.jones@micorp.com mibank.com 602.650.3886

Marketing

Q: Should my company include an on-site healthcare clinic in our business plan for 2010?

A: If your company has 500 or more employees, an on-site clinic would help to decrease your company’s healthcare cost by 20-55%. Most clients who implement a clinic realize a cost reduction in the range of 35% in the first year. Clinic visits for Urgent and Primary Care usually produce 20-30% savings, but the dollars are so much larger in this area that the actual dollars range is in the millions (in savings). Savings will be seen in claim reduction, avoiding catastrophic health illness and decreasing annual occurrence rates. Our clinics help employees identify and manage chronic disease and become happy, healthy, productive employees.

Frances J. Ducar, FNP-C, MSN, Owner frances@hcsonsite.com www.hcsonsite.com 602.424.2101

Your Chamber

Q: Given all of the world’s changes, how can I plan my marketing for 2010 and be effective?

A: If there is one thing that we learned in 2008 and 2009, it was to plan cautiously. In 2010, I am advising that you plan in quarterly increments. Although budgets will likely be annual, figure out your marketing dollars for 2010 and plan a quarter at a time to ensure you are getting the bang for your buck. While planning can save money - targeting your audience properly can make you money. Print, social media campaigns and minimal online should be your methods of choice, while niche markets and strong messages should be your tactic. Be sure you craft a message that will resonate given your marketing method.

All too often we just do a blanket message and hope it’ll penetrate. Be wise in 2010. Make 2010 a success.

Rick McCartney, Principal www.mediapublishersgroup.com 480.588.9505

Q: With the New Year approaching, what’s a good resolution I can make to help grow my business?

A: Resolve to get involved! Pick your passion and you’ll find an outlet for it through the Chamber. If environmental issues pique your interest, join our Green Roundtable for education and networking with other eco-friendly business people.

Up-and-coming professionals can get involved with our Valley Young Professionals group, which helps groom the next generation of leaders for our community. There are a number of groups for multiple interests and leads groups for referrals.

Call me and let’s find one that will work for you in 2010!

Debbie Drotar, Dir., Business Development www.phoenixchamber.com 602.495.6483

See Ask Our Members each month in Impact Magazine. To participate in Ask Our Members, please contact our publisher at 480.588.9505.

The Q&A advice above is not intended to be specific to any particular individual or business. This information is content provided by each business participant and is not the advice of the publisher or the GPCC. Each space is a paid advertisement intended to solicit business.

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FOLLOW THE CHAMBER ON TWITTER www.twitter.com/phxchamber

Capture Yo u r B e s t Side

It’s Pa i n l e s s ly Simple At Vermillion Photo vermillionphoto.com 602.253.6005

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AllisonChamberAd:Allison with copy-CMYK

7/21/09

10:54 AM

Page 1

What if

a mom’s second set of lungs gave her a first chance at life?

It happened. Not on the East coast. Not in the Midwest. But right here in the Valley ... at St. Joseph’s. Home of the region’s only lung transplant program. A gift for Allison.

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Plus a wide range of indoor and outdoor meeting space ideal for groups from 7 to 73,000.

For more information go to Headwestaz.com 14

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west valley events coalition

www.phoenixchamber.com

Resources G R E AT E R P H O E N I X C H A M B E R M E M B E R

Events Calendar

Member Happenings

Ribbon Cuttings

How To

New Members

Event Spotlight

Do you know a local business that can carry on the tradition of the IMPACT Awards? Nominate them today by going to www.phoenixchamber.com.

IMPACT Award Nominations Close January 13!

Nominate a deserving business before it’s too late The tradition of the Chamber’s annual IMPACT Awards continues next May, but you only have until mid-January to nominate a worthy business for recognition at the 23rd annual luncheon. Nominations are being accepted until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2010.

Last year’s awards featured a new category, celebrating Company Culture (which Keats, Connelly & Associates received in 2009). The other categories recognize excellence in Innovation (O’Neil Printing, Inc.), Response to Adversity (Advantage Urgent Care), Community Involvement (Tri-Lite Builders) and the IMPACT Business of the Year (Western National Bank).

Candidates for the IMPACT Awards must have been in business for at least three years, must be a member in good standing of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce or its affiliate chambers, and must have no more than 150 full and part-time employees combined.

NOMINATE TODAY! Visit www.phoenixchamber.com for a nomination form and to find out more information about what is required of a business considered for an IMPACT Award.

SAVE THIS DATE

The 23rd Annual IMPACT Awards Luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at The Phoenician.

Save The Date! Chamber Events and Programs DECEMBER 8

JANUARY 12, 2010

January 21, 2010

2009 Fall Business Expo & Luncheon Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa

FBR Open Tee-Off Luncheon Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa

Legislative Kick-Off Phoenix Art Museum

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December 2009 Calendar of Events BUSINESS FOR BREAKFAST

IDEA EXCHANGES

AFTER 5 MIXERS

Business for Breakfast events offer the early-bird networker an excellent opportunity to start their day by making valuable business contacts in an energetic atmosphere. Bring your business cards and get your day off and running!

These events, from roundtables to luncheons to special meetings, bring together like-minded business people for conversation, collaboration and education. Expert speakers and interactive educational presentations add to the benefit of the gatherings.

After 5 Mixers provide the perfect ending to the business day and let you make new contacts or renew familiar ones in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

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PHOENIX 7:15- 8:30 a.m.

Sam’s Club 1525 W. Bell Rd. mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461

tues

Professional Women’s Roundtable Fast Track Biz Plans: Do the 3-Step!

Speaker: Cindy Anderson, Great Biz Plans 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 jmellody@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194

tues

Valley Young Professionals Volunteer Opportunity 6:30 – 8:30 a.m.

St. Vincent de Paul 1075 W. Jackson St. Phoenix, 85007 jmellody@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194

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SOUTH MOUNTAIN/LAVEEN 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.

Bougainvillea Golf Club 5740 W. Baseline Rd., Laveen 85339 sglueck@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6469

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ANTHEM 7 - 8 a.m.

Hampton Inn 42415 N. 41st Dr., Anthem 85086 ddrotar@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6483

Sun

Monday

TueSday 1 Professional Women’s Roundtable 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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Downtown Phoenix: Urban Heart of Arizona 5 - 7 p.m.

Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery & Wine Bar 14 E. Pierce St., Phoenix 85004 jmellody@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2194

GET ORIENTED Okay, you’ve joined the Chamber. Now what? Find out how to make the most of your membership at regular orientation events. Members who have joined the Chamber in the last six months are welcome to attend. wed

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Member Open House 8-9 a.m.

Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor Phoenix 85004 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461

ThurSday 4

Ambassadors Committee 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Public Affairs Committee Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Downtown Phoenix: Urban Heart of Arizona 5 - 7 p.m.

Safety Training: Slips, Trips & Falls 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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Valley Young Professionals 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.

South Mountain/ Laveen Business for Breakfast 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.

Chamber at Anthem Business for Breakfast 7 – 8 a.m.

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for Breakfast 7:15 - 8:30 a.m.

Environment Committee 3:30 - 5 p.m.

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Happy Holidays

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2009 Fall Business Expo & Luncheon 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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WedneSday

WED

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Water Policy Committee 1 – 2 p.m.

Member Open House 8 – 9 a.m.

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December 2009 Calendar of Events COMMITTEES

LEADS GROUPS

Chamber Members have the opportunity to take on leadership roles with important committees that contribute time and energy to enhance the Chamber’s programming. Committees meet regularly for the benefit of members, who come together to discuss important issues and remain connected to each other and to the Chamber.

Leads Groups are free referral/lead generation groups designed to enhance member businesses. Membership is limited; only one person per industry in each group. Please view the rosters at www.phoenixchamber.com to check availability or contact Debbie Drotar at ddrotar@phoenixchamber.com or (602) 495-6483.

THUR

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FRI

4

MON

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THUR

10

Ambassador Committee 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. (meets every 1st Thurs.)

Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor, Phoenix 85004 mlaw@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6461 Public Affairs Committee Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor Phoenix 85004 grushing@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497 Environment Committee 3:30 - 5 p.m.

Guest Speaker: Ben Grumbles, director, Arizona Dept. of Environmental Quality Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor Phoenix 85004 grushing@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497 Water Policy Committee 1 – 2 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom 201 N. Central Ave., 27th Floor Phoenix 85004 grushing@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6497

SPECIAL EVENTs The Chamber offers numerous special events throughout the year. From luncheons to business expos to legislative events, these get-togethers serve to enlighten, educate or entertain while connecting the membership. thur

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Safety Training: Slips, Trips & Falls 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Phoenix Zoo Stone House Pavilion 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix 85008 Lunch provided, First 30 RSVPs get $10 gift card Door prize: Two Southwest Airline tickets rmcelhaney@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.6486 2009 Fall Business Expo & Luncheon Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix 85016 Expo: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

FREE to attend with business card Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Individuals: $65 Table of 10: $600 Speaker: Rick Smith, CEO, TASER International events@phoenixchamber.com or 602.495.2182

NORTH VALLEY Black Bear Diner 2410 W. Bell Rd., Phoenix Fridays, 7 a.m.

SOUTHEAST VALLEY Mimi’s Cafe (@ Fiesta Mall) 1250 S. Alma School Rd., Mesa Fridays, 7:15 a.m.

NORTHWEST VALLEY Deer Valley Airport Restaurant 702 W. Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix 85027 Thursdays, 8 a.m.

SOUTH CENTRAL PHOENIX Allen’s Bistro 1301 E. Broadway Phoenix 85040 Wednesdays, 7:15 a.m.

NORTHEAST VALLEY Marie Callender’s 4573 E. Cactus Rd. Phoenix 85032 Tuesdays, 8:00 a.m.

CENTRAL VALLEY Scott’s Generations 5555 N. 7th St., Phoenix 85014 Wednesdays (except 1st Wednesday), 7:15 a.m.

BILTMORE AREA Half Moon Sports Grill 2121 E. Highland Ave. Phoenix 85016 Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.

LOOKING FOR MORE INFO? Unless otherwise noted, all events are FREE to GPCC members. Remember, you can always find out more information on any event, including speaker bios, directions and program descriptions, at www.phoenixchamber.com. There you can also register for any event or contact us to get answers to any other questions you may have.

Chamber Highlight

Just A Short Drive Away

Beat a Cart Path to the FBR Open Tee-Off Luncheon Fans of “The Greatest Show on Grass” can get a few practice swings in at the FBR Open Tee Off Luncheon on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. The luncheon previews the Feb. 22-28, 2010 tournament at the TPC Scottsdale, and features a guest speaker who has helped grow some of the world’s most successful brands, including Southwest Airlines, Wal-Mart and Hallmark.

Roy Spence is co-founder and chairman of marketing communications and advertising company GSD&M Idea City, which created the famous “Don’t Mess With Texas” ad campaign in 1985. He is also co-founder and CEO of The Purpose Institute, a consulting firm that helps people and organizations discover and live their purpose, and co-authored the Wall Street Journal bestselling book, It’s Not What You Sell, It’s What You Stand For: Why Every Extraordinary Business is Driven

by Purpose.

Always the best-attended event on the golf calendar, the FBR Open is also one of the five longest-running events on the PGA Tour and celebrates its 75th year in 2010. The Thunderbirds, a group of Valley business people who have hosted the event since 1939, have raised nearly $65 million for local charities over the years.

Kenny Perry is the defending champion after beating Charley Hoffman on the third hole of a playoff last February 1.

Reservations for this exciting event are just $75 per person and $750 for a table of ten, and you can register online at www.phoenixchamber.com no later than Tuesday, December 29.

Golf legend Arnold Palmer will attend the FBR Open Tee Off Luncheon as a special guest to celebrate the tournament’s 75th anniversary.

Photo courtesy www.arnoldpalmer.com.

Get Connected 2010 FBR Open Tee Off Luncheon Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010 11:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m.

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix 85016 www.fbropen.com

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Member Happenings Chamber members have the opportunity to attend numerous interesting and exciting events. From luncheons and mixers to expos and professional development sessions, they’re all part of the Chamber experience. Here’s a look at what your fellow members have been up to recently.

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03

Back to Business Series 01 | Major Williams of Kukura Business Solutions (right) chats with Jaime Gomez of Units Mobile Storage of the Valley after the October 15 Back to Business seminar on “Competitive Advantage Through Strategic Thinking.”

Professional Women’s Roundtable

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02 | She’s got the look: Janice Hurley-Trailor spoke on “The Power of Your Professional Image” to members of the Chamber’s Professional Women’s Roundtable on October 6.

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Downtown Phoenix: Urban Heart of Arizona 03 | (L-R) GPCC Business Development Executive Dawn Carmichael, Chamber Ambassador Rozanne Hird and Ginger Hughes and Kelly Whallon of First Community Bank visited the refurbished Orpheum Theatre on October 20 and learned about its 80 year history as one of the jewels of Downtown Phoenix.

Business For Breakfast 04 | These members got an early start on their business day and their networking goals at the Phoenix Business For Breakfast event at the Matador Mexican Restaurant on October 7. Business for Breakfast events are held throughout the month at locations around the Valley.

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Cost-effective marketing with our clients’ interests in mind.

This is no time to be absent.

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480.588.9505 INFO@MPGCOMPANY.COM

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Member Happenings 05

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HBLC Golf Clinic 05 | Dozens of members and guests took advantage of a cool Fall day to get in some networking and golf instruction at the Hispanic Business Leadership Council’s golf clinic at Stonecreek Golf Club.

06 | Through events like the golf clinic and its monthly Bridging The Gap Luncheon, the HBLC strives to support the growth and development of Hispanic businesses and keep them informed, connected and prosperous within our community.

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Green Roundtable

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07 | Members of the Green Roundtable (right) toured Phoenix’s Northern Gateway Transfer Station and Materials Recovery Facility on October 13. The new recycling plant is expected to accept about 1,600 tons of solid waste per day from Phoenix residents.

Valley Young Professionals

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08 | Shaun Breese of Urban Cookies addressed the Valley Young Professionals meeting on October 27 on the topic of achieving work/life balance. VYP meets monthly, and aims to promote and preserve business growth and contribute to the betterment of our community while developing the Valley’s next generation of leaders.

“Family Secrets: How the Valley’s Best Succeed” 09 | Members representing Valley family-owned businesses discussed their unique challenges at this interactive workshop on November 10 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Attendees watched a professional production of a drama, “The Perils of Pauline’s Family Business,” and shared their experiences and success stories at the half-day event. The Chamber partnered with the Human Side of Enterprise, The Thunderbird School of Management and the Arizona Community Foundation on the presentation.

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Ribbon Cuttings

How To:

Contact us if you are celebrating a grand opening, anniversary or relocation at 602.495.2194.

Increase Referrals Through Customer Appreciation

By Christia Gibbons It’s all about referrals for Angela and Mario Lepore, who own Arizona Air Boutique, and Andrea Aker, president of Aker Ink Public Relations. And to get referrals, it’s all about customer service.

“We don’t want to compete on price,” Angela Lepore says. “We want to compete on customer service.”

The Lepores’ business has more than 2,000 clients and supplies balloons and helium tanks for such Valley events as Andrea Aker the graduation balloon drop at Arizona State University graduations. They offer all clients comment cards and take their top 10 to 20 customers out to thank-you lunches, usually during the holidays.

Aker says 90 percent of her clients come from referrals.

“Customer appreciation is extremely important for your bottom line, and to being a decent person,” she says.

Angela Lepore n

The UMOM NEW DAY CENTER’s move to to its new home at 3320 E. Van Buren brought out many dignitaries and volunteers, including (L-R) Andy McCain of Hensley Distributing, Doug Parker of US Airways, Preston McMurry of McMurry, Inc., Larry Butler of Kitchell Custom Homes and retired Arizona Supreme Court Justice the Honorable Frank Gordon.

+ www.umom.org

Everything was safe and secure at the ribbon cutting for BENSON SYSTEMS’ new IT department. The company, at 2065 W. Obispo Ave., Suite 101 in Gilbert, provides integrated security solutions and monitoring for commercial and residential customers.

+ www.bensonsys.com

GABRIEL’S ANGELS has a mission to deliver healing pet therapy to abused, neglected and at-risk children. The non-profit held an open house at their new location at 1550 E. Maryland Ave., Suite 1 in Phoenix.

+ www.gabrielsangels.org

Lepore and Aker offer these dos and don’ts:

Do: Treat the 20th call the same as the first.

Be friendly and accommodating. Keep a calendar of birthdays, anniversaries and such important events as a client’s child being born.

“Use your social networking,” Aker says. “If you see someone talking about an anniversary dinner, run to the store and get a card.” Be genuine. Don’t let an assistant make the phone call or sign the card for you.

SCHLOTZSKY’S DELI has been serving up great food since 1971 and it has a new Valley location at 9016 N. Black Canyon Freeway in Phoenix.

+ www.schlotzskys.com

n Don’t:

Reduce customers to a number. Play favorites – preferring bigger clients over smaller ones. Ignore mistakes. Own up to them.

As Aker says, “The way and how you show appreciation is a reflection of your brand. People talk about who they like and who they don’t like.”

Get Connected Arizona Air Boutique www.azairboutique.com Aker Ink Public Relations www.akerink.com

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Everyone at the ribbon cutting for IMAGINATION AVENUE was a kid at heart. The facility, under new management at 10614 N. 32nd Street in Phoenix, features a child-size town, party room and café.

+ www.imaginationavenue.us

www.phoenixchamber.com

Welcome New Members We welcome these businesses who have seen the benefit of becoming a part of our Chamber.

Advertising - Display, Exhibits and Outdoor

Consulting Services Coaching/Networking

Firefly Graphics, Inc. 2613 W. Birchwood Cir., Ste. 6 Mesa, AZ 85202 (480) 968-1322 www.fireflygraphics.net

The Rosenberg Group 11778 E. Mariposa Grande Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (480) 538-1614 therosenberggroup.com

Advertising and Marketing

Consulting Services - Communications/ Management/Marketing

Financial Services - Planners Suburban Mortgage, Inc. 8476 W. Thunderbird Rd., Ste. 101 Peoria, AZ 85381 (623) 344-6203 www.submort.com/llilley

Non - Profit Organizations Business/Professional Arizona Charter Schools Association 7500 N. Dreamy Draw Dr., Ste. 220 Phoenix, AZ 85020 (602) 944-0644 www.azcharters.org

Glass Repair - Full Service American Outdoor Advertising 1702 E. Highland Ave., Ste. 304 Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 266-2187 www.americanoutdoor.net Keane Creative 21 E. 6th St., Ste. 517 Tempe, AZ 85281 (602) 904-6478 www.keanecreative.com Aerospace Components American Aerospace Technical Castings, Inc. 2950 W. Catalina Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85017 (602) 268-1464 www.aatcinc.com Architectural Services Architectural Impressions Exhibit Design & Fabrication 117 W. Boca Raton Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023 (480) 753-0148 www.architecturalimpressions.com Auto Repair/Maintenance Dick’s Ace Auto Repair 5010 S. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602) 268-0454 Automotive - Emergency Services 101 Towing 21818 N. 21st Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85027 (623) 374-9406 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services Hospitality Services, Inc. 4001 E. Hearn Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85032 (602) 569-2100 www.hsiphoenix.com Consulting Services RISC, LLC 210 E. Morris Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 277-7472 www.risc-llc.com

The Fluent Agency 206 E. Morris Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 274-4707 thefluentagency.com Contractors - Commercial/Residential/ Residential Remodelers Affordable Home Improvements 5845 N. 2nd Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 274-1336 www.affordablehomeimprovementsnow.com Contractors - General Old World Communities, LLC 5125 N. 16th St., Ste. B226 Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-953-8480 www.berkanahomes.com Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services - Website Hosting Carpathia Hosting, Inc. 43480 Yukon Dr., Ste. 200 Ashburn, VA 20147 (703) 740-1730 www.carpathiahosting.com Distributors Black Star Networks 16000 N. 80th St., Ste. E Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (877) 220-0259 www.blackstarnetworks.com Distributors - Liquor Escorpion Negro 8750 E. Shawn Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (877) 867-4106 www.escorpion-negro.com Document Imaging Services Arizona Office Technologies 4320 E. Cotton Center Blvd.

Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602) 346-3000 www.aot-xerox.com Employment Placement Agencies Full Service Staffing/Temporary Belcan Corporation 2075 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Ste. 100 Phoenix, AZ 85027 (623) 581-2015 www.belcan.com

ABC Glass 15054 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85032 (602) 971-3440 www.abcglassaz.com

Office Furniture Corporate Interior Systems, Inc. 3311 E. Broadway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602) 304-0100 www.cisinphx.com

Health and Wellness South Phoenix Healthy Kids Partnership 635 E. Baseline Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85042 (602) 323-3158 www.mphc-az.org

Package Materials & Services Quick Product Solutions, LLC PO Box 18105 Phoenix, AZ 85005 (602) 861-2121 www.qps4u.com

Insurance Agencies and Brokerages Focus Benefits Group, LLC 4539 N. 22nd St., Ste. 100 Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 381-9900 www.focusbenefits.com International Trade Consulate of Canada 2415 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 700 Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 508-3576 www.phoenix.gc.ca Investment Services New England Financial 5050 N. 40th St., Ste. 100 Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 956-0956 www.pfc.net.com Lab Testing Services Construction Products Culpepper Testing Lab 540 W. Iron Ave., Ste. 116 Mesa, AZ 85210 (480) 962-0307 www.culpepperlabs.com Landscape Architectural Services Outdoor Lighting Perspectives - Phoenix 9620 W. Van Buren St. Tolleson, AZ 85353 (480) 419-4008 www.outdoorlights.com Locksmiths ACME Locksmith 2735 E. Main St., Ste. 10 Mesa, AZ 85213 (480) 380-2263 www.acmelocksmith.com

Pest Control and Exterminating Services Stormin’ Norman Pest Control 20987 N. John Wayne Pkwy., Ste. B104, PMB313 Maricopa, AZ 85139 (520) 568-0426 www.azpestcontrol.com Photography Mimi Jae Photography 14914 N. 86th Lane Peoria, AZ 85381 (602) 751-2222 www.mimijaephotography.com Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors Stevens Plumbing, Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning 5440 S. 43rd Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85041 (602) 923-0275 www.stevensplumbingac.com Professional Services Aldama Life Coaching 2506 W. Piedmont Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85041 (602) 424-5758 www.yourgreatestself.com Real Estate Agents and Brokers C & N Investments, LLC 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ste. 70-A30 Phoenix, AZ 85048 (480) 584-6407 www.wehelpaz.com Keller Williams Platinum 2920 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 100 Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 553-4400

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Welcome New Members We welcome these businesses who have seen the benefit of becoming a part of our Chamber.

RE/MAX New Heights Realty Victor Vidales 6427 S. Central Ave., Ste. 100 Phoenix, AZ 85042 (602) 296-0100 www.phoenixnewheights.com Real Estate Agents and Brokers - Residential Keller Williams 9500 E. Ironwood Square Dr., Ste. 101 Scottsdale, AZ 85258 (480) 797-3000 Recyclable Materials We Buy Scrap 2903 W. Broadway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85041 (602) 243-3181 www.rushautorecyclers.com Research & Development in the Physical, Engineering & Life Sciences Arizona Research & Development, Inc. 21615 N. 2nd Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85027 (623) 582-4484 www.ard-mfg.com

SM

Restaurants - Catering Olive Garden - Metro Center 10223 N. Metro Pkwy. E. Phoenix, AZ 85051 (602) 943-4573 www.olivegarden.com Restoration Services - Fire, Mold and Water Premier Contractors, Inc. 8104 E. LaJunta Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (623) 247-0000 www.premier-contractors.net Security Systems and Services APG Security 2211 E. Highland Ave., Ste. 140 Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 368-8911 www.apgsecurity.com Short Term Consumer Credit Advance America Cash Advance 11800 Emerald Falls Dr. Austin, TX 78738 (512) 426-3017 www.advanceamerica.net

Speedy Cash 3527 N. Ridge Rd. Wichita, KS 67205 (602) 628-4018 www.speedycash.com Signs

Web Design and Marketing IT Outsourcing Sandlot Studios Creative Group 3718 E. Windmere Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85048 (602) 366-5589 www.sandlotstudios.com

Signworks 3222 E. Briarwood Terrace Phoenix, AZ 85048 (480) 772-2331 www.sign-works.biz Telecommunications ACN Telecommunication Brokers 1431 W. Behrend Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85027 (623) 377-0129 www.wearewinners.acnrep.com Waste Collection Weinberger Waste Disposal 3425 S. 43rd Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85043 (602) 278-9155 www.gwwd.com

Drive. Passion. Commitment.

NOMINATE A BUSINESS TODAY! The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is looking for enterprising owners and executives whose approach to business deserves special recognition. We’re looking for a company that has made an impact through Community Involvement, Innovation, Company Culture or Response to Adversity, as well as the 2010 IMPACT Business of the Year.

Nomination form available at: www.phoenixchamber.com/IMPACT 602.495.6461 or mlaw@phoenixchamber.com

Deadline: 5pm, Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Winners will be announced at the Impact Awards Luncheon, May 6, 2010

2009 Impact Award Recipients

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Smart Growth

MarCom Corner

Step Up in Class Going After an Entrepreneurial Education

Your Answers to Marketing & Communication

Topic: Setting Marketing Goals for the New Year

By Sandy Des Georges

With the end of 2009 quickly approaching, many business people will set goals for the New Year. Don’t let your marketing strategy suffer from a post-holiday hangover – plan now with these tips from Allan Starr of Marketing Partners, Inc: Here are some suggested goals for what promises to be another particularlychallenging year for the economy: n Set your sales sights high, and

announce them, at least internally. If you don’t have a staff, write them in a place you see every day (like next to your computer screen). n Budget for a savings account of at least 10% of gross sales. You’ll need the cash if even the most optimistic recovery projections are realized. n Take a good look around you. See

Difficulty breeds opportunity.

With a nasty economy nibbling at your personal welfare, you may be thinking of starting your own business, being the boss, controlling your own fate.

From college courses to Web sites, from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to your social and professional networks, help is here.

“We’ve seen an increase in those interested in starting a business,” says Robert Blaney, district director of the Arizona SBA. “People have lost jobs; many people inherently want to be their own boss.”

SBA is one place to turn. Its Small Business Development Centers offer free one-onone counseling on start-up and growingbusiness issues.

Arizona State University, like other local higher education programs, offers hope and help for those who are seeking their own business card and ready to enroll in coursework.

“Identify an opportunity for which you have a chance to profitably provide a best-in-class product or service using your team’s unique core competencies,” says Dan O’Neill, ASU SkySong director of entrepreneurship and research initiatives.

From no-cost assistance to an entrepreneurial diploma – and everything in between – your start-up idea has lots of places to go, grow and

mature. Grab your interest, harness your idea, and leave no opportunity-stone unturned.

Get Connected Small Business Administration www.sba.gov Arizona State University entrepreneurship.asu.edu

Ready to Start Your Own Biz?

what the other guys are doing to combat the recession, and develop your own “beat-the-recession” plan. n Create at least one strategic alliance

with a complementary business.

Target one former customer each month, and try to revive the relationship.

n

n Commit to being newsworthy and

send out at least two press releases on your accomplishments during the year.

Freshen-up and optimize your Web site.

n

Don’t detour from these business road-map stops as you consider being your own boss:

n Join the social media revolution

Start with an idea: New or existing, your service or product must deliver

It’s long been said that if you don’t care where you’re going, any road will take you there. If you don’t have a good road map for 2010, you risk getting lost without realizing it – except on the bottom line.

Get a plan: What do you need to enter the market?

Financing: How do you pay the costs to start and run your own business?

Move and start: Establish accounts and clients ahead of time The Web: Use technology to research

(no, it isn’t merely a fad).

Get Connected Marketing Partners, Inc. www.markpart.com

www.phoenixchamber.com

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Money Matters

HR Iq Topic: Be Cognizant of Religious Holidays Religion can become a hot topic around the office this time of year.

Employers face the ever- present threat of religious discrimination or harassment stemming from holidays for multiple faiths in December. Jessica Keenan of Auto HR has some advice: n Potentially dicey issues are whether to allow employees to decorate their workspaces with religious symbols and whether the company itself should decorate. If you allow employees to decorate, the key is not favoring one religion over another. If you’re going to allow one employee to put up Christmas decorations, you shouldn’t ban another from putting up Hanukkah decorations.

If you’re decorating the overall office, try to pick a general holiday theme rather than focusing on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc. The more you try to recognize specific groups, the greater your chance of offending someone who has been left out.

n

Sticker Shock to the System Customers Don’t Have to Go Out When Prices Go Up

By Christina Estes

You may not think your business has much in common with the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, but if you’re at a point where you feel you need to raise your prices, read on.

Faced with big drops in tax collections, the City was forced to raise fees. Instead of rushing, however, they held public hearings to explain the citywide budget shortfall and the proposed cuts. In the case of parks and recreation, the city heard from people willing to pay more.

“Many residents argued that our fees were so low that we should attempt to offset budget reductions by raising fees,” Public Information Officer David Urbinato says.

Admission for open swimming doubled to $3 for adults, $1 for kids. After school programs and community classes now cost more. Non-residents also pay extra fees.

The City not only opened its ledger to make its case, but also gave residents advance warning through written and online notices, public hearings and media coverage.

Urbinato says they’ve seen a decrease in participation, but they don’t know if that’s

n

Get Connected

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Phoenix Parks and Recreation www.phoenix.gov/recreation/rec/

How to (Gently) Raise Prices n Make your case to customers. n Charge more for a new product or service. n Hide the hike by using a new pricing model. Offer a fixed price, rather than hourly fees. n Provide plenty of warning n Make it gradual! A few smaller increases are often easier to accept than one big hike. n Plan for some lost customers.

and bonus dividends that can be earned by companies that obtain their workers compensation coverage through SCF Arizona, enroll in the Chamber’s safety program and minimize losses.

The same considerations apply to the office holiday party.

Generic decorations to put your office in the holiday mood can include gingerbread houses, snowflakes, snowmen or candy canes.

Auto HR www.autohr.com

Get Connected

A Word About Safety From SCF Arizona

n

When dealing with an employee and his or her religious beliefs, use common sense and be reasonable.

Don’t force employees to participate.

due to higher fees or a drop that would have happened anyway during a recession. They’re conducting a survey to find out.

Phoenix Zoo Chief Financial Officer Bonnie Mendoza (center) recently accepted a check for nearly $24,000 from Greater Phoenix Chamber Vice President Ron McElhaney (right) and SCF Arizona Association Coordinator Tod Dennis.

Mendoza is an active member of the GPCC Safety Committee, and helped the zoo keep its workers compensation losses low during calendar year 2008 through ongoing attention to safety in the workplace. This strong performance paid off in regular

When it comes to worker safety, the Chamber reminds you that even if you have just one employee, you’re required to have worker’s compensation coverage. When you obtain such coverage through SCF Arizona and also enroll in the Chamber’s safety program, your organization qualifies for a 10 percent discount on premiums.

Get Connected Ron McElhaney (602) 495-6486 or rmcelhaney@phoenixchamber.com SCF Arizona www.scfaz.com

www.phoenixchamber.com

for y a t S d n , Play a

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. kage e Pac Suite p a c Es tudio 2010 ard S , liday e Ho lies to a stand9 – January 17 h t r p 0 fo p 0 a 2 s , d u Ask t minimum anNovember 15

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Holiday Escape to Arizona’s Christmas City STAY: Package includes a two night stay at either Residence Inn or SpringHill Suites by Marriott.

SHOP: $50 American Express Gift card compliments of Prescott Gateway Mall, a Westcor Shopping Center.

DINE: And that’s not all – you will also receive a Complimentary Chef’s Surprise for 2 at participating Prescott Area restaurants. Some of those unique restaurants include Prescott Brewing Company, Larry and Hy’s Bare Bones BBQ ,, Giovannis Pizza, 129 An American Jazz Grille, El Gato Azul and the brand new Monks!

The entire list of participating restaurants and your $50 Gift Card will be provided at check-in.

(Across from the Prescott Gateway Mall) 3599 Lee Circle Prescott AZ 86301 928-775-2232 www.marriott.com/prcri

(Two Blocks from Historic Downtown Prescott) 200 East Sheldon Prescott AZ 86301 928-776-0998 www.marriott.com/prcsh

www.phoenixchamber.com

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Capitol Voice

Get With The Agenda Chamber Sets Goals for 2010 The Chamber’s Board of Directors has approved the 2010 Public Policy Agenda that defines the short-term and ongoing policy initiatives of the GPCC and serves as a guide for its efforts to advocate on behalf of member businesses at all levels of government.

Highlights include: n

Focusing on job creation and business stability;

n

llowing Arizona businesses to compete on a A state, national and global level;

n

educing burdensome employer mandates R that inhibit job growth/business expansion;

n

sking lawmakers to be strategic in providing A sensible short term budget solutions combined with long term growth;

n

stablishing best budgeting practices, E dynamic budget forecasting, and a fiscal early alert system upon a substantial decline in revenues;

n

S triving to make thoughtful reductions in state spending that result in long-term savings and that do not jeopardize federal funds;

n

Reforming the initiative/ballot system; and

n

ncouraging lawmakers to stay away from E budget gimmicks, dedicated fund sweeps, and hidden taxes.

The 2010 Public Policy Agenda is online at www.phoenixchamber.com.

PAC Men Two candidates endorsed by the GPCC’s Super Political Action Committee won their races for Phoenix City Council seats on November 3. Bill Gates won a special election in District 3 over Greg Tripoli with 76 percent of the vote. That seat became available when Maria Baier was appointed state land 26

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The Chamber’s Public Affairs Committee meets regularly to chart the course of the GPCC’s advocacy efforts.

commissioner, and Gates will complete Baier’s original term. Meanwhile, Sal DiCiccio defeated Dana Marie Kennedy, 56 percent to 44 percent, in the runoff for the District 6 seat after none of the four candidates received a simple majority in the September 1 election.

The Chamber PAC, established in 1978, helps elect pro-business candidates to state, county and local offices with the intent of improving the overall business climate in Greater Phoenix. In 2003, the committee earned Super PAC status, meaning it can make the maximum contributions allowable by law. To contribute to the PAC, visit www.phoenixchamber.com/pac or call (602) 495-6497.

Terrific Tracking During the Legislative session, the Chamber’s Public Affairs team works hard to track each and every bill that could have a potential impact on Arizona business. For the next session beginning in January, the chart will utilize new technology to update bills’ progress much more quickly, making it an invaluable resource to business people wishing to track important legislation.

Look for the new and improved Bill Tracking Chart at www.phoenixchamber.com in 2010.

Sal DiCiccio won a runoff for the Phoenix City Council District 6 seat.

Get Connected Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs (602) 495-6497 or www.phoenixchamber.com

www.phoenixchamber.com

Pro: Files

The Low-Carbon Diet The Company Behind a Lean, Green Phoenix

By Lori K. Baker Phoenix has embarked on a low-carbon diet, with the city now deploying the largest fleet of clean-burning, liquefied natural gas transit buses in the nation. It’s one of a growing number of U.S. cities and businesses pulling the plug on foreign oil and opting for natural gas supplied by Clean Energy Fuels Corp., founded by the flamboyant octogenarian oilman turned green wildcatter, T. Boone Pickens. The company, which has offices in Phoenix, is the nation’s leading provider of natural gas—both CNG, or compressed natural gas, and LNG, liquefied natural gas.

To turn down the heat on global warming, the company advocates the use of natural gas for fleet vehicles, including airport, transit, refuse, taxi, shuttle and trucking fleets. According to Clean Energy general manager Chad Lindholm, natural gas is one of the best ways to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions because it burns cleaner than diesel fuel. “It’s always been cheaper at the pump—from 50 cents to a dollar less per gallon than diesel or gasoline,” he adds.

Natural gas can be purchased at four fuel stations in Phoenix operated and maintained by Clean Energy.

Here’s another fact that isn’t just hot air: “There’s a 120-year supply of proven reserves of natural gas in the United States,” says Lindholm, pointing to new technology developed over the last 10 years he says easily and safely recovers natural gas from huge shale deposits under Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and elsewhere.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) fuel delivered by Clean Energy powers more than 400 busses in the City of Phoenix’s Public Transit Department fleet.

While Clean Energy did report $129 million in revenues for 2008 with anticipated growth in 2009, the company’s low-carbon plan isn’t exactly a national craze. Only 150,000 natural gas vehicles operate in the United States today out of 10 million worldwide.

Lindholm chalks it up to the absence of a strong energy policy and leadership in Washington, D.C., a situation he sees improving, with new federal tax credits now available for businesses purchasing natural gas vehicles.

Get Connected Clean Energy Fuels Corp. www.cleanenergyfuels.com

Smooth Movers Relocation Without Trepidation

By Stephanie R. Conner

Prudential’s agents of change take the stress out of employee relocations.

When employees achieve great results, your instinct is to take full advantage of their talents — maybe even in another office.

But the steps involved in transferring an employee out of state can be intimidating.

That’s where Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services comes in. Based in Scottsdale, this division of Prudential has about 1,200 associates worldwide who are committed to helping companies transfer employees.

“We try to take away from the employee as much of the hassle as possible of relocating themselves,” explains Jimmie Gonzalez, executive vice president of operations & systems for Prudential’s Real Estate and Relocation Services.

That means helping an employee sell their home, find a moving company, manage their company’s reimbursement process, find a new home, assist their spouse in finding a new job and more. For those looking to sell and buy homes, Prudential’s real estate business has a network of 62,000 sales professionals and nearly 2,000 offices in North America. The company helps move about 42,000 people a year — 6,000 of them internationally. Regardless of where your firm is based and where employees are moving, Prudential helps take the burden off the employee and the company.

While Prudential has been in the Phoenix area for decades, the Relocation Services division set up shop in Scottsdale in 2001.

And the company is committed not just to its corporate mission, but to the community. In Arizona last year alone, the company donated 1,300 service hours and gave financial grants to local organizations.

Get Connected Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services www.prudential.com www.phoenixchamber.com

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Greater: PHX

SONY Electronics to Award Computers to Local Students, Faculty

By Tom Trush district for student use. Two computers as well as additional equipment and software will also be awarded to faculty members.

“We’re delighted that SONY and Intel are stepping up to provide this equipment,” said Dr. Rufus Glasper, chancellor of the Maricopa Community Colleges. “Contributions such as these can make a huge difference in the lives of our students.”

The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation is working with financial aid officers at the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges to recruit applications from students who have demonstrated financial need, do not own a personal computer, have completed at least one semester of college studies, are fulltime students (taking 12 or more credit hours per semester or more), and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.

Get Connected The Maricopa Community Colleges are among several institutions chosen by SONY Electronics, supported by Intel, to participate in a new scholarship program called SONY Scholars. Students chosen for the honor will receive new computers and electronic equipment.

During each of the next five years, SONY is donating five laptop computers plus peripheral equipment and software to the

Maricopa Community Colleges www.maricopa.edu

Intel www.intel.com

SONY Electronics www.sony.com

CMG CareToday Clinics Open in Laveen and Tolleson Cigna Medical Group recently announced the opening of two CMG CareToday walk-in medical clinics in Tolleson and Laveen.

Staffed with nurse practitioners and physician assistants, the clinics offer walkin medical care for unscheduled patients with conditions such as colds, flu, sore throat, lower back pain, ear aches, bladder infections and pink eye. In addition, the clinics offer pregnancy tests and child and adult immunizations, including flu shots. School, sports and camp physicals are also available.

“CMG CareToday is a convenient alternative that can accommodate local residents who may be unable to see their primary care doctor because of time or other issues,” said Corinne Bell, D.O., medical director for Cigna Medical Group’s East Region and CMG CareToday clinics.

CMG CareToday Tolleson is in the Pecan Promenade Shopping Center, 9870 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Suite 140. The Laveen clinic is in the Laveen Village Center, 3535 W. Southern Ave., Suite 128. The facilities are open to the public seven days a week and most holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and most holidays.

Appointments are never necessary and no insurance is required.

Get Connected

CMG CareToday www.caretoday.com

Community: Glendale

Glendale Community College Opens Adapted Fitness Center With the opening of Glendale Community College’s Adapted Fitness Center, people with special needs now have easier access to specialized equipment that isn’t often found in traditional health clubs and gyms.

The equipment at the facility, which is open to the public, includes upright and semi recumbent stationary bicycles, an upper body ergometer, a NuStep, a Lite Gait (assistive walking device), a treadmill, free weights, a standing frame, and wheelchair-accessible weight machines.

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Instructors are also available to design individualized fitness programs.

The cost for using the Adapted Fitness Center is one college credit, plus registration fees – or approximately $85 for four months. Scholarships are available for those who qualify. A medical release form may be required before participating.

Get Connected

Glendale Community College www.gccaz.edu

Glendale residents are pumped up about GCC’s new Adapted Fitness Center. Photo by Mary Lea.

www.phoenixchamber.com

& SM

Legislative Kick-Off Governer’s Reception

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2010 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Arizona Department of Transportation DBE Supportive Services Are you a minority or woman-owned business?

Would you like to make your company more successful?

To Find Out How You Can Become Certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Receive: Free Assistance and Training Opportunities ■ Networking Opportunities with Prime Contractors ■ Information About New Contracting Opportunities Information on How toBecome involved in State Contracting ■

PHOENIX ART MUSEUM 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004 ■

RSVP TODAY!

Contact Jamie Graves

www.phoenixchamber.com

DBE Certification Program Manager at (602) 712-7761 or email her at: jgraves2@azdot.gov

Helping Arizona businesses make a good impression For over 80 years, employers have relied on SCF Arizona for their workers’ compensation needs.

For a quote, call our New Business Hotline, 1.888.706.4070. Or visit www.scfaz. com to learn how employers can meet workers’ comp requirements and more. www.phoenixchamber.com

602.631.2600

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1.800.231.4453

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En español 602.631.2302

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First Person Profile The Valley’s business community has a story to tell. We asked them to do just that.

There’s no question I’ll miss the

people the

most.

“People are what our business is about. Banks all sell the same products. The money’s all green. It’s how we deliver the service, and how our people treat our customers.

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than being able to pat someone on the back because of a complimentary call from a customer. I’m going to miss that. ( Jones will step down as president March 1, 2010 after 37 years with the bank.)

“I’ll be 65 in November of next year. I could do it longer, but I don’t want to lose that energy in the job. Steve ( Johnson, pictured here, who will succeed Jones next March) is going to be a terrific guy in this job. The timing for me is good.

Have An Inspirational Story To Tell?

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“I moved down here (from Wisconsin) almost 10 years ago, and it’s been a great ride. We’ve had great success, we’ve grown a lot and built a great franchise in this market.

And it’s been a lot of fun. But, now, it’s time.”

Dennis R. Jones Chairman & President, Arizona Region M&I Bank www.mibank.com

Let us know about it. Send your ideas to editor@phoenixchambermagazine.com. www.phoenixchamber.com

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FPO

To resist the expected. To embrace the unusual. To explore the possible.

When you’re running a small business, there is no such thing as a small decision. And when it comes to health insurance, smart decisions begin with smart options. That’s why Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona offers flexible and affordable plans that make sense for small business.

Now, add our network of over 16,000 health care providers along with our trusted local customer service and you have a health care plan that means business. Health insurance that makes sense for your business, yourself and your family — that’s Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

You’re the boss.

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Decide now to contact your broker, call (877) 391-2227 or visit azblue.com/Impact