Mayor Mitchell to Address Community at Inaugural State of the City Address

10/29/2012 By Leave a Comment

The Nov. 9 State of the City Address provides a unique opportunity for the public to hear from new Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell during what will be his first appearance at the annual event.

“The annual State of the City is an opportunity for us to let residents and business leaders know what the city is doing to maintain our quality of life and build Tempe into the strong regional partner that we know a prosperous future requires,” said Mitchell. “This is an excellent opportunity for us to evaluate where we’ve been and get the community involved in where we’re going.”

Members of the community have always been treated to an informative and compelling presentation by the mayor at this event. This year, Mitchell will be sharing his thoughts on the local social and economic climate along with his vision for the growth and future of Tempe and Arizona.

This event provides a valuable opportunity to enjoy a breakfast with civic, business and political leaders of the Valley. The event takes place Friday, Nov. 9, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Tempe Mission Palms, 60 E. 5th St. in Tempe. The public is invited to attend.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and Mayor Mitchell will begin his speech and presentation at 8 a.m.

Advance RSVP is required. Tickets are $50 for members, $70 for the public and $500 for a table of 10. RSVP online at www.tempechamber.org or by calling (480) 967-7891.

State of the City is presented by Edward Jones. Platinum sponsor: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport; Gold sponsors: Allstate, US Airways and Waste Management; Silver sponsors: Arizona State University Office of Public Affairs, CenturyLink, PMT Ambulance, Silicon Valley Bank andTempe Tourism Office; Copper sponsors: Cox Communications, Southwest Airlines and SRP; Print sponsor: AlphaGraphics at Kyrene and Elliot; and Media sponsor: Republic Media.

 

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Tempe Chamber Releases Ballot & Candidate Endorsements

10/10/2012 By Leave a Comment

The Tempe Chamber is pleased to annouce its endorsements for the Nov. 6, 2012 elections. After diligent research, fact-finding and candidate interviews, the following endorsements have been made, each which the chamber believes will have the most positive impact on business.

“These candidates best understand the challenges of our member businesses,” said Mary Ann Miller, president and CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. “We believe they will represent us well as we continue to strengthen the economy.”

To learn who and what we’ve endorsed, and why, please visit http://tempeaz.usachamber.com/blog/?p=1342

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My Pledge to Help Feed the Hungry

09/06/2012 By 2 Comments

by Mary Ann Miller, President/CEO, Tempe Chamber of Commerce

While most of us were relaxing, camping and barbequing over Labor Day weekend, United Food Bank was providing food for more than 130,000 meals.  That’s about 44,000 meals a day.  Every day. 

I can’t even fathom that.  If I go hungry, it’s because I’m dieting.  And because of the kind of job I have, I’m booking business lunches three weeks out.  In fact, I have so many meetings, seminars and conferences over meals that I only go to the grocery store when I’m out of coffee.

So here’s what I’m going to do:  every time I have a meal I didn’t pay for, I’m going to donate $1 to United Food Bank.  That means anytime I’m invited to sit at a corporate table, every time someone treats me to lunch, every time I take someone out and expense it, and any time someone invites me to their house for dinner, I give a dollar to United Food Bank. 

I’m going to keep track of this by placing a penny in this jar on my desk for every free meal, then every other month I’ll write a check.

And I challenge you all to do the same.  Maybe you don’t have an expense account, but you eat at your mom’s once a week.  That’s $52 a year.  And you ask five friends to do the same.  That’s $312.  And they each enlist five people to donate to their local food bank.  Well, you get the idea. 

A dollar a meal is pretty easy for most of us.  So join me in combating hunger, one dollar at a time.  Let me know if you’re in.

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A New Election Pledge

08/02/2012 By 3 Comments

In just a few days, early voting for the primary elections will begin. While we can see a blessed end to the incessant politicking, right now it’s just gearing up to hit a crescendo in the fall. Come November, I will no longer come home to nine voicemail messages from robodials (do people actually listen to those things?), I won’t have to wonder how I got on an e-mail list for someone running in Sierra Vista, and my mailbox will once again be blissfully empty.

And I’m a political junkie.

Trust me, there are few people who enjoy a political and philosophical discussion more than I do. Pick a side, and I’ll take the opposite side, and through the discussion we’ll be able to flesh out our respective opinions and identify holes in arguments. But this constant attack mode is exhausting and drags everyone down in the mud. Is it any wonder that voter turnout is pitifully low?

And then there are my FaceBook “friends.” Good Lord, folks, do you teach your kids to talk that way? If you want to attach something that you support, good for you, but nothing hateful, please.

A lot has been made of the “pledge” to not raise taxes driven by Grover Norquist. I propose a new pledge for both voters and candidates:

• I pledge to believe that those who disagree with me are good people.
• I pledge to understand that someone who disagrees with me is not out to get me.
• I pledge not to judge soundbites, but to determine the full context of a statement.
• I pledge to acknowledge that just because you don’t support one candidate (or congressman or president) it doesn’t mean you like his/her opponent/predecessor.
• I pledge to show respect to the office and whoever holds it, even though I may be working the other side of an issue.
• I pledge not to say anything about a candidate that I wouldn’t want said about my mother or child.
• I pledge not to use “the other candidate started it” as an excuse for my own behavior.
• I pledge not to do anything I berated another administration or candidate for doing.
• I pledge to recognize the difference between flip-flopping and having a reasoned change of opinion based on information and experience.
• I pledge to acknowledge that compromise does not mean having everyone agree with you, and that voting with another party takes courage and is not caving.
• I pledge to realize that legislation is often so complex that there are multiple understandable reasons to oppose it.
• I pledge to prove wrong the people who say that going negative works.

I’ll be the first to sign.

Mary Ann Miller
President/CEO, Tempe Chamber of Commerce

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THE HIDDEN TRUTHS BEHIND AMERICA’S FOUNDING

07/13/2012 By Leave a Comment

We’re pleased to present historians from the Revolutionary War Veterans Association as they shed light on some common misconceptions about our nation’s founding. Come hear what you likely didn’t learn in school about the most important days in America’s creation.

Three engaging speakers will present a performance and AV program that is entertaining, engaging and perfectly timed to help you celebrate America’s 236th birthday. 

Learn what you thought you knew about:

1. When and where was the American Revolution won?

2. When and where did the Revolutionary War actually start?

3. What caused the professional British Army to break and run after a two minute encounter with colonial farmers and shopkeepers?

4. Who fired the first shots of the Revolutionary War?

5. Did Paul Revere “warn the British?” 

 This special Hot Topics and Lunch event takes place on Thursday, July 19 at the Arizona Historical Society. Lunch will be catered by Special Moments. Learn more or RSVP here or at http://bit.ly/Lfy3dJ

The Hidden Truths Revealed

The Hidden Truths Revealed

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Tempe Chamber Welcomes New Members to Board of Directors

06/19/2012 By Leave a Comment

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome the following five individuals to its 2012-13 Board of Directors. They will be honored at our July 13 Annual Luncheon. They are Joe Hughes, Kelly Lorenzen, Mary Palomino. Aqeel Shahid and Brian Wood. Please read more below to learn about these exciting new additions to our leadership.

Joe Hughes
Joe Hughes comes to US Airways with a strong background in lobbying at the federal, state and city levels of government and on a range of issues from construction to transportation. Before joining US Airways, Hughes held a number of positions in government affairs, the most recent being the State Director for GoRail, an organization created to support transportation solutions that include rail. His experience includes positions as Vice President of Public Affairs for the Associated General Contractors, Government Relations Coordinator for the Town of Gilbert and several years as a City Councilman and Vice-Mayor for the City of Safford. Hughes is a graduate of Northern Arizona University and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Kelly Lorenzen
Kelly Lorenzen is the Director of Business Development and Managing Editor of Social Media at Morrison Vein Institute, a world renowned medical practice specializing in vein disorders. She is the proud wife of a Phoenix firefighter and the mother of two children. Since joining Morrison Vein Institute in 2009, Lorenzen has implemented a flourishing marketing strategy, helping grow the practice by 10% per year. She also promotes public awareness about vein health to local, national and international communities. Lorenzen received her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, and prior to joining Morrison Vein Institute, she owned and operated a successful real estate practice. She has been an active member of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce for over five years and has served as chair of the Women in Business Council and Small Business Council. She is currently serving as Chair of the Business Owners Forum.

Mary Palomino
Mary Palomino is a Senior Key Account Manager at SRP, working with high energy usage customers in the telecom and warehouse/distribution segments. She graduated from Arizona State University with degrees in liberal arts and secondary education. Palomino, who has lived in Tempe for the last 35 years, has seen Tempe evolve from a small agricultural and college town to a thriving, vibrant city. As part of Tempe Leadership Class XXIV, she is aware of the city’s functions and the many organizations that work together to meet its diverse needs. Palomino volunteers for many SRP community projects and as a loan executive for the United Way. She is also a member of SRP’s Booster Club, which solicits donations from SRP employees, which are distributed to human and health services agencies in the Valley. She is married and has five children and four grandchildren.

Aqeel Shahid
Aqeel Shahid has resided in Arizona for 18 years. He attended Arizona State University where he earned his undergraduate degree in marketing and his MBA in technology management. During his time at ASU, he was the president of an international student association and also was the Vice President of Marketing for the Business College Council. He is still an active member of the ASU Alumni Association and an avid supporter of the Sun Devils. As a student, he also worked as an intern for Sprint selling telecommunications services to businesses in Tempe. Following graduation, he was offered a full-time position as an account executive for Sprint and was later promoted to Data Sales Manager where he managed and supported their business-to-business sales teams. Shahid then moved to Eschelon Telecom/Integra Telecom where he spent over six years as a Senior Sales Manager. In February of 2008, he joined Telesphere and is currently General Manager of the Arizona market. He has won numerous awards in sales including being a part of the “Presidents Club” for several years in his career. During his career, he has been very involved in the business community and has worked closely with business owners and executives in recommending communications solutions that have been critical to the success of their organizations. He has volunteered at several local charities, including the Habitat for Humanity and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Brian Wood
Brian Wood has been employed with Waste Management for nine years and is currently the director of operations for Arizona. Prior to joining Waste Management, Wood worked in various operational leadership positions with American Airlines for 14 years. He is a board member with The Partnership for a Drug Free America (Arizona affiliate), Mesa Arts Center Foundation and Valley Leadership. Additional community involvement includes working as a mentor with Phoenix At-Risk Youth. A graduate of William Paterson University, New Jersey, where he earned a bachelor’s in communications, he enjoys spending time with his wife Vivian and children Taylor and Isaiah.

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Learn to Land Big Sales at Chamber Procurement Workshop

04/09/2012 By Leave a Comment

Everybody wants the big contract, but learning how to secure it can be a daunting task. The Tempe Chamber of Commerce, always looking for new ways to help our members grow and succeed, is offering the “Doing Business With” Series to teach attendees how to work with some of the largest institutions in the state.

During this event, attendees will learn how to provide services and products to the State of Arizona; the City of Tempe; Arizona State University; and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Learn how the bid and RFP processes work, how you can be included in them, who to talk to, best practices for securing contracts and more. The half-day workshop is broken into four 45-minute sessions, each featuring a representative from the purchasing or contracting departments of each institution. Presentations will include Q&A and practical advice and procedures for getting more business for your company.

The “Doing Business With” Series will take place April 18, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Four Points by Sheraton Tempe, 1333 S. Rural Rd., in the conference room adjacent to the Tempe Chamber of Commerce.

The cost of the program is $20 for members and $30 for the general public. Interested guests may learn more or RSVP at www.tempechamber.org or (480) 967-7891.

8:00 – Registration and Breakfast
8:10 – Welcome by Tempe Chamber and Four Points by Sheraton
8:15 – 9:00 – City of Tempe -  Michael Green, Procurement Administrator for the City of Tempe
9:15 – 10:00 – State of Arizona – Ms. Susan Bayer, Strategic Contract Manager for the State of Arizona
10:15 – 11:00 – Sky Harbor International Airport – Valerie Churchwell, Community Outreach Manager
11:15 – 12:00 – ASU – John Riley, Executive Director of Purchasing for ASU

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Children’s Dental Village and Four Peaks Brewing Company Receive Tempe Chamber’s 2012 Business Excellence Awards

02/22/2012 By Leave a Comment

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce presented Children’s Dental Village and Four Peaks Brewing Company with the 2012 Business Excellence Awards at the 15th annual Breakfast for Chamber Champions held today at the Fiesta Resort Conference Center.

“The Business Excellence Awards recognize outstanding businesses in our community,” said Mary Ann Miller, President/CEO of the Tempe Chamber. “Both Children’s Dental Village and Four Peaks Brewing Company are amazing companies dedicated to their customers and their staffs. We are proud they’re part of the Tempe Chamber, and we celebrate their continued success.”

Recipients must demonstrate a record of business success and growth, community involvement, dedication to employees, leadership, reliability and commitment to customer service.

Children’s Dental Village has been providing dental and orthodontic services for children and teens since 1973. It started out with only two dental chairs, one office manager and one dental assistant when it was established by Dr. Alan Longfellow. By applying the best practices of successful corporations to the small entrepreneurial business of children’s dentistry and implementing new ideas, techniques and technology it has grown to more than quadruple its original office size and now employs 22 people.

Children’s Dental Village also is well known for its volunteer projects. The staff donates their services and supplies during Dentistry from the Heart Day, providing services to more than 40 children at no charge. In an ongoing relationship with the Tempe Elementary School District the team also provides dental treatment to children who have no avenues for quality care.

From the moment children walk through their very own kid-sized door and see the two-story playhouse they know that this is their place.

Four Peaks Brewing Company’s mission is to provide consistent, high quality beer, food and service in a community based atmosphere. Founded in 1996, this regional brewery and brewpub is among the largest and most recognized and respected breweries in Arizona. Enjoying double digit growth in sales and volume, today it brews over 72,000 kegs each year and owns and operates two restaurants in the Valley. Later this year, it will open a new brewery and tasting room in Tempe.

Local growth is the focus of Four Peaks, and all of its beer is distributed solely in Arizona. With bottled and canned beer, plus the standard and seasonal varieties on tap, it distributes to more than 2,200 accounts statewide. On the community level, the brewery is very active in many causes and its annual golf tournament raises $30,000 for local charities, including the Tempe Community Action Agency and the Arc of Tempe.

Driven to excel in customer service, the owners and staff strive to ensure that every patron’s experience is rewarding and refreshing.

The Tempe Chamber would also like to recognize the other five finalists: AlphaGraphics at Kyrene and Elliot, Assured Security Document Destruction/TCH, Friendship Village, Michael Pollack Real Estate Investments and The Santa Barbara Catering Company.

For photographs or contact information of the award recipients, please contact Sachiyo Ragsdale at sachiyo@tempechamber.org.

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Tempe Chamber Endorses Monti for Mayor; Foreman, Granville, Woods for Council

02/06/2012 By Leave a Comment

A Message from Mary Ann Miller, President/CEO, Tempe Chamber of Commerce

Tempe is poised for change. Electing a new mayor and filling council seats this spring will shape Tempe’s ability to grow out of this economic downturn and remain a hub for jobs and education in the state. It will take elected officials with vision – who can look at the big picture, work with people with competing interests and make far-reaching decisions – to ensure Tempe’s place as an innovative, vibrant and enviable community.

We at the Tempe Chamber believe the best candidates to represent the business community are Michael Monti for Mayor, and Dick Foreman, Kolby Granville and Corey Woods for City Council.

Our endorsement process is not taken lightly. Candidates are directly interviewed on a variety of topics directly related to Chamber public policy. Campaign materials are studied, and incumbents’ past decisions are reviewed. Information is gathered from multiple trusted sources. Recommendations are discussed by three Chamber committees, with the final determination of endorsements being made by the Tempe Chamber Board of Directors.

It is our policy to endorse one candidate for every available seat. While other organizations may choose to endorse multiple people for a given position, you – the voters – do not have the luxury of voting for more than one person. Our endorsed candidates possess the qualities we believe are most necessary to further our economic prosperity.

Tempe’s primary election is Tuesday, March 13, and early voting begins Feb. 16. It’s never been easier to have a say in the future of our community, so be sure to take advantage of your right to vote.

And remember: Monti, Foreman, Granville and Woods. Sincerely, Mary Ann Miller President/CEO

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Discover Cuba with the Tempe Chamber!

01/23/2012 By Leave a Comment

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Cuba with a special offer through the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Explorations. Chamber Explorations has been issued a license by the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, which authorizes registered guests of this program to visit Cuba legally. There are no applications to complete, and your travel with us is fully authorized.

This nine-day trip starts on August 23, 2012 and will take you from Miami to Havana, Cuba. Upon arrival at Jose Marti International Airport, we’ll meet our Cuban host, an experienced bilingual guide who will give us an orientation of Cuba’s capital city.

Some of the many sights you’ll see in Havana include the Cathedral de la Havana; the Museo Fine Arts; the beautiful Museo de la Revolucion that displays documents and artifacts telling the country’s history; La Marketa de Havana in Old Havana, a collective association of small craft workers where you will meet local merchants and artists; and much more.

During this trip, you will also enjoy Pinar Del Rio Vinales, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Playa Giron/Bay of Pigs Museum, Hemingway’s Farm and so much more.

The trip includes roundtrip airfare from Phoenix; Cuban travel visa; eight nights of first class hotel accommodations; 19 meals; and more.

For complete details click here.

To register, contact Mary Ann Miller at (480) 967-7891 or maryann@tempechamber.org.

The Capitolio building in central Havana, built in 1929, was inspired by the United States Capitol building.
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