Tempe Chamber Advantage – September 2011

TEMPE CHAMBER

Meeting the needs of our membership

By Renee Lopata, Senior Vice President, Tempe Chamber of Commerce The Tempe Chamber is always looking for programs, events and opportunities that provide value to its membership. After a comprehensive survey of our members, a need was apparent to connect business owners with each other; the outcome was the monthly Business Owners Forum. This meeting/ committee provides a confidential, open dialog that allows business owners to share ideas, solve problems and gather opinions from other decision makers. Meeting the fourth Thursday of each month at local businesses, this is free for our members and all participants must be the business owner.

The success of the Business Owners Forum is in part due to the leadership of Committee Chair Kelly Lorenzen of Morrison Vein Institute, who facilitates the discussion and makes sure all participants have an opportunity to share their ideas, questions and business challenges. Lorenzen also attributes its success to “business owners Continued on T.C.A. 5

Renee Lopata, Senior Vice President, Tempe Chamber of Commerce

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Advantage Sept. – Dec. 2O11 • tempechamber.org

Creating Chamber Connections

By Connor McBride On Saturday, July 2, Tempe Chamber member quickly diagnosed the problem as a bad power Boulders on Broadway experienced extended supply on the server and left to get replacement power outages as they approached one of their parts. “I would consider this an emergency, and busiest times of the week – Saturday night and in those situations, we do whatever it takes to team trivia. It was vital that they get their pointget the systems back online again,” Douglas of-sales systems back up and running as soon said. He returned with a new power supply as as power was restored.

As luck would have it, two other Chamber members happened to be conducting a meeting at Boulders on that particular day.

Robert Douglas of Red Key Solutions, a technology, web and marketing firm that provides custom technology and web solutions for clients, was looking to purchase a Photo cap: From left: Robert Douglas, Red Key Solutions; Jeff Christian, home with the assistance of Courtney Valleywide Properties; and Erick Geryol, Boulders on Broadway Jeff Christian of Courtney Valleywide Properties. After a long day of house hunting, they decided to go well as a battery back-up device to help prevent to Boulders for a cold drink and to begin the such an incident from recurring. “From the time paperwork. Upon their arrival, they ran into Rob I diagnosed the problem, I had the Boulders’ Knutsen, head of marketing and catering at system up and running again within two hours.”

Boulders, and Erick Geryol, owner of Boulders, The new battery back-up system was put to who informed them that their power was out, the test again the following Tuesday, which led meaning the kitchen was down but that they to four power outages at Boulders. The system, could still get that cold drink. however, remained up and running during these As they were finishing up the paperwork, additional outages.

Geryol approached Douglas and mentioned In the end, all of these members were able that their server was down and asked if to benefit from the transaction. Christian was he could take a look at it. It was crucial for able to assist Douglas in finding a new home.

Boulders to get their computer systems up Meanwhile, deciding to have drinks at Boulders and running quickly, as they were expecting proved to be fortuitous. Not only were the a large group that night. Christian felt that two members supporting another member’s Geryol approaching Douglas for help was the business, but Boulders was able to benefit from only natural thing to do. “Being part of the Douglas’ expertise.

Chamber sort of feels like a family of sorts,” To learn more about Boulders on Broadway, Christian said. “I would expect another member Red Key Solutions or Courtney Valleywide to ask for my help if needed, and I would feel Properties, please visit the Tempe Chamber comfortable asking as well.” of Commerce membership directory at www.

Douglas immediately jumped into action, tempechamber.org.

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Algebra Academy helps struggling students succeed With increased science and math acumen in high demand, the Algebra Academy was designed to improve algebra skills in struggling eighth-grade graduates and motivate students to persevere in their math education by exposing them to “realworld” applications of their learning. The Algebra Academy is a program of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, which will be funding the majority of the program, in partnership with the Tempe Elementary School District and the Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD). The TUHSD has the tools to track the students as they progress through high school so that we can verify that the program is having the intended results.

“This is a wonderful community program that gets to the heart of showing students why STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math) is critical to their future success. The Tempe Chamber had been looking for a program that would bring businesses and schools together without adding work to an already-crowded school day. When I heard about a similar program in California, I knew we had to bring it to Tempe,” said Mary Ann Miller, president and CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce.

The program kicked off with one class of 15 students last month. The invited students are those whose seventh-grade test scores indicate

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a high risk for obtaining a C or D in Algebra 1-2.

Currently, the TUHSD has identified 233 such students. It is the Chamber’s desire to grow the program each year so that all identified students have the opportunity to participate.

Kevin Thompson, Administrator/Corporate Public Affairs at Southwest Gas Corporation, one of the participating businesses, said, “What a great opportunity Southwest Gas had to host this group of future leaders. We applaud these kids for dedicating themselves to becoming better students and taking time out of their summer break to strengthen their math skills. Congratulations to all!”

The program ran for four weeks, concluding on June 30. The students spent their mornings in a classroom setting at Connolly Middle School reviewing algebra. After lunch, they were transported to participating businesses where representatives showed the students just how the general math objectives taught in the morning are used in the “real world.” Different types and sizes of businesses participated ranging from graphics and utility companies to construction and automotive companies. Students had the chance to see how important mathematics are to problem solving in the workplace.

“The students were interested and engaged,” said Roger Melcher, Process Technology Manager

at Microchip Technology Inc. “We enjoyed their visits to Microchip, and we look forward to participating in this program again in the future.”

By making the program fun and interesting, we hope the students will learn that math is nothing to fear. As an added motivation, the TUHSD will grant each student completing the program half of a high school math credit, as well as a calculator that will be required in high school.

“The Algebra Academy has given me an opportunity as a teacher to really show students the mathematics in a meaningful way. Students learn and review with me in the morning, then every afternoon they see a practical use of the knowledge they’ve just acquired. Students are engaged and interacting with the mathematics in ways that are interesting and unique. This experience has been one of the best adventures I’ve been a part of as a teacher. I’m happy to have been given the chance to support this venture, and I hope that the students realize how lucky they are to have this opportunity as well,” said Alexandria Wiltjer, an eighth-grade math teacher.

If your business is interested in participating in next year’s Algebra Academy, please contact Tempe Chamber President and CEO Mary Ann Miller at (480) 736-4280 or maryann@ tempechamber.org.

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As members of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, you and your employees have access to exclusive discounts and programs. Through a variety of partnerships and affiliations, we are able to provide our members with discounts on legal services, identity theft protection, workers’ compensation, e-mail marketing and more, as well as provide access to educational programs and services.

Visit www.tempechamber.org to take advantage of these great benefits.

East Valley Business Expo Profits Businesses

By Sean Donovan Companies looking for a proven, cost-effective and fun way to promote their products and services have the ideal opportunity at the Oct. 5, 2011, East Valley Business Expo. As the largest annual event of its kind in the East Valley, the expo provides a dynamic setting for both business-to-business and business-to-consumer outreach and sales.

Hosted by the Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert chambers of commerce, the Expo is set to welcome more than 1,000 attendees who meet and network with exhibitors from every business category imaginable. While your business will benefit greatly from simply attending (at no cost!), the best way to capitalize on all the potential profits is to become an exhibitor.

“For us, the return on our costs has been dramatic, with orders directly from Expo contacts covering our booth costs for the next 30 years,” said Craig Henry with Express Employment Professionals. “I think it is also reassuring to our prospective customers to come to an event with such a positive business message for those of us doing business here.”

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The East Valley Business Expo offers an organized, efficient way to connect with potential customers and clients in a short amount of time in one location. In fact, more than 1,400 people – each representing untapped revenue – walked through its doors last year.

And those people are ready to do business.

By their presence alone, they have already shown that they’re serious about making connections, buying and selling and engaging your company in a businesslike fashion. Expo-based contacts, leads and sales outweigh those of other forms of marketing, something any business likes to see.

Plus, with four chambers of commerce engaging in a powerful combined marketing strategy, exhibitors get an incredible amount of bang for their investment.

“Not only was it well organized, but it gave us such a great opportunity to network with other businesses in the Valley,” said Souan Thannao, career services director at Brookline College.

“We met so many different types of businesses that we didn’t know existed. What a great way to market your business!”

Door prizes, an emcee, complimentary food from onsite restaurants and a cash bar keep the event exciting and engaging for exhibitors and attendees alike.

The mayors of Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa will appear and give presentations during the event. Professional trainer and motivator Stacy Stack also will offer free workshops on managing conflict and change at work and on leadership’s role in creating a fulfilling workplace.

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being able to discuss successes, hardships and ideas with other owners without feeling like they are going to be judged or sold something.” She continued, “It’s a great peer-to-peer group.”

Coffee Connection is the Chamber’s leads group. Now filling its second group in south Tempe, Coffee Connection was specially designed by the Tempe Chamber and its Business Resource Advantage Committee to develop groups that will advocate and promote the businesses of members by passing qualified business leads to other members. Coffee Connection is open to any member of the Tempe Chamber, and membership in each group is limited to one person or business in any category.

Networking is still the most requested benefit of membership. With free Business Before Hours and Business After Hours mixers each month, the Chamber continues to provide a forum that best suits our members. Morning mixers are fast, effective and allow each participant to give a 30-second commercial of their business while still having time to connect after the introductions. Business After Hours is less structured and provides a fun atmosphere while showcasing local member restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues. This is a great opportunity to bring your staff and team build while promoting your company. The Networking @ Noon Luncheon is speed networking at its best! Meet 40 to 50 Chamber members on one afternoon while learning something interesting about them and their business. Members are also given tips on connecting with new leads and contacts after the luncheon.

To learn more about the Tempe Chamber, visit www.tempechamber.org.

The East Valley Business Expo takes place Oct. 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Mesa Convention Center, 201 N. Center St. Online registration is open at www.eastvalleybusinessexpo.com, and booths are on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission for attendees is free with a business card.

“Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities Together” Banking and Credit Relationships Establishing complete banking and loan relationships for small to mid-size business clients.

Financial Acumen Assist businesses to properly produce accurate financial information for their company and to understand what the financials tell them.

Expense Reduction Review and recommendations to reduce operating expenses.

Accounting/Bookkeeping Services Our accounting service provides businesses with accurate and timely financial accounting and bookkeeping services tailored to the individual client’s needs.

Stoney-Wilson Business Consulting, LLC www.stoneywilson.com Julie Stoney

6501 E. Greenway Pkwy #103-583 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

(602) 370-1776 juliestoney@stoneywilson.com

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Robert S. Wilson

(602) 696-1060 robertwilson@stoneywilson.com

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Annual Luncheon Ushers in New Year, New Leadership

Photos by Jay Mark

Thank you to all of our members who attended our Annual Luncheon at the Fiesta Resort Conference Center. Board Chairman Dave Long of Edward Jones was unable to attend but shared his vision for the future of the Chamber in a prerecorded message.

The Chamber was also happy to honor those who have worked with us over the past year and introduce the incoming Board of Directors and committee chairs.

The event concluded with a presentation by Andrew Walter, former ASU quarterback.

Thanks again to our generous sponsors: Silver sponsors - Cox Communications, Edward Jones and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport; Copper sponsors - SRP, State Farm and US Airways; Print sponsor - AlphaGraphics; and AV Partner - Sonoran Studios.

Keynote speaker Andrew Walter addressed a crowd of over 200 attendees.

Tempe Chamber members were recognized for their anniversaries. From left, with plaques: 40-year members Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital, State Farm and CenturyLink and 25-year members Apartment Hunters, Jack’s Ticket Agency and Henry & Horne

Connect with the Tempe Chamber!

Chairman of the Tempe Chamber Board of Directors Dave Long, Edward Jones, addressed the audience via a pre-recorded video message.

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/ tempe-chamber/1762132500

Check out our blog: http://bit.ly/tccblog

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tempechamber

Join the Tempe Chamber http://linkd.in/tempechamber

Read our monthly e-newsletter: http://bit.ly/tccnews

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Tempe Chamber President/CEO Mary Ann Miller with Immediate Past Chair Steve Bauer, The Kinetic Companies

Board of Directors Chairman of the Board: Dave Long Chair-Elect: Jack Pisano Treasurer: Phil Howard

Mary Ann Miller, President and CEO, maryann@tempechamber.org

Vice-Chairs: Margaret Hunnicutt, Kristine Kassel, Jeff Mirasola

Sean Donovan, Vice President, Media and Program Development, sean@tempechamber.org Liz Garlieb, Membership Development, liz@tempechamber.org Renee Lopata, CAE, Senior Vice President, renee@tempechamber.org Sachiyo Ragsdale, Communications Director, sachiyo@tempechamber.org Heidi Santos, Bookkeeper, heidi@tempechamber.org

Immediate Past Chair: Steve Bauer Directors: Todd Christy, Steve Eberhart, Margaret Hunnicutt, Kristine Kassel, Sharon Kausal, Mark Masten, Jeff Mirasola, R.J. Orr, Laura Robertson, Tim Ronan, Jackie Thompson, Mark Thompson, Stephanie Whyte Ex-Officios: Chad Ackerley, Jayson Matthews, Charlie Meyer, Stephanie Nowack, Virgil Renzulli Committee Chairs: Kjell Andreassen, Steve Bauer, Neil Chitel, Mark Duplissis, Linda Kalaf, Sharon Kausal, Vicki Kringen, Kelly Lorenzen, Truman D. Plainer Tempe Chamber of Commerce 909 E. Apache Blvd. Tempe, AZ 85281 • (480) 967-7891

Magdalena Warecka, Director of Operations, magdalena@tempechamber.org

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Free workshopsby bybusiness business expert Free workshops expertStacey StaceyStack Stack

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