In Episode 25 of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Steve Wyett, Chief Investment Strategist, BOK Financial, discusses recent changes in the U.S. economy, including shifts in interest rates and government policies and the effects on consumer confidence and spending behavior. What strategies should businesses consider to remain agile and resilient in the current economic landscape marked by volatility and uncertainty? How can companies effectively pivot their operations to adapt to changing market cond...
May 22, 2024•47 min
In Episode 24 of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Don Opatrny, Phoenix Art Museum’s Board Chairman , joins us to discuss business and the arts in Phoenix. Learn about the role of the Phoenix Art Museum within the local community and broader art world, alongside recent initiatives, and projects the museum has undertaken under his leadership. What challenges and opportunities does he see for the Phoenix Art Museum in the current cultural and economic landscape? What role do partnerships and collaborat...
May 08, 2024•44 min
In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix , hear from Congressman Greg Stanton , former Phoenix Mayor from 2012-2018. He discusses his interesting political career journey and the changes he’s seen in the Valley over the years. How does he approach bipartisan cooperation and finding common ground on important issues? How is the congressman working to find adequate resources and thoughtful policy solutions to secure our border? Listen to get these answers and more!
Apr 24, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In Episode 22 of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix , Derrick Hall, President & CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks, joins us as we wrap up Spring Training and head into the regular season after making it to the MLB World Series last year. Hear how the Diamondbacks World Series appearance influenced the Valley’s economy and how the organization as a whole contributes to the economic development and growth of the local business community. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from one of Arizona’s ...
Apr 10, 2024•37 min
Tune in for a special episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix , featuring Jay Parry, President and CEO, 2024 Men’s Final Four Host Committee . What measures have been taken to assess the economic impact of the tournament on the Greater Phoenix region? What projections or estimates are available regarding the boost to local businesses and tourism during the tournament period? How can the business community collaborate and take advantage of the national spotlight the tournament brings to the region...
Apr 03, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In Episode 20 of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix , we celebrate Women’s History Month by featuring Rear Admiral Maria Aguayo with the U.S. Navy, who discusses being a female trailblazer and how she sees the role of women in the Navy evolving in the coming years. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear about the Navy’s contributions to national security and defense efforts, how the Navy’s presence resonates with residents in Arizona, and how it impacts the state’s economy following Navy Week, recent...
Mar 27, 2024•48 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Tune in for this exciting episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix to hear from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shawn Walsh, Luke Air Force Base Program Integration Office, and Major Bethany Blackburn ahead of Luke Days, the annual world-class airshow taking place Saturday, March 23rd – Sunday, March 24th. This dynamic episode gives listeners an inside look at the mission and work happening at Luke Airforce Base alongside the capabilities and skills of the pilots and aircraft stationed there. Listen to he...
Mar 13, 2024•48 min
In Episode 18 of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix , Sal Bracale, Vice President and Director of Operations of Moon Valley Nurseries, joins us to discuss this local company’s origins and long history in the Valley and what sets them apart from the competition. Hear about Moon Valley Nurseries community engagement, initiatives, and partnerships to give back to the Phoenix community it serves.
Feb 28, 2024•34 min
Tune in for the next episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix to hear from Jill Buschbacher, Director of Workforce Innovation for the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, and De Anne Russell, System Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Common Spirit Health . In this episode, you will learn more about the Foundation’s newest initiative, Connect to Work AZ , its goals, and its influence on the state’s workforce development. You will also hear about some of Dignity Health’s most pressing challenges...
Feb 14, 2024•35 min
In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix , hear from Fran Mallace, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona, ahead of the 2024 IMPACT Awards nomination deadline on Friday, February 2nd. Make-A-Wish Arizona was the recipient of the 2023 Small Business IMPACTful Nonprofit Award, and Fran shares their experience and the influence it has had on their organization. Additionally, tune in to hear more about Make-A-Wish Arizona’s mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical ...
Jan 24, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Kicking off the first Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast episode in the new year, is Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. In this episode, the Attorney General discusses her top priorities for her office and protecting businesses. Hear the latest on immigration and border security, addressing the fentanyl crisis, the latest scams affecting the community, and organized retail theft. As we kick off a major election year, the Attorney General goes on to discuss voting rights, election integrity, a...
Jan 10, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 15
For the final Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast episode of 2023, we highlight our ElevateEdAZ program with Tony Finn, Vice President of ElevateEdAZ. Hear about the main focuses for ElevateEdAZ, improving education with partner schools, and the program’s growth throughout the Valley. As you consider your end-of-year giving contributions, please don’t forget about the impactful work the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation is doing for education and the workforce in Arizona. Donate today!...
Dec 27, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 14
For the final Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast episodes of 2023, we highlight our ElevateEdAZ program with Thea Andrade, Superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District (PXU). Hear about the partnership between ElevateEdAZ and PXU, and efforts toward ensuring students have equitable opportunities to prepare for their future in college or career. As you consider your end-of-year giving contributions, please don’t forget about the impactful work the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation i...
Dec 27, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Tune in to the Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast to hear from Peter Fine, CEO of Banner Health in Phoenix, AZ. Peter discusses a range of topics, including the evolution of Banner Health during his many years of leadership. Additionally, hear about healthcare workforce shortages, the healthcare affordability crisis, and his vision for the future of Banner Health in the Greater Phoenix region.
Dec 13, 2023•48 min
In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix , hear from Paul Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation, as he discusses dual enrollment in Arizona and their partnership with ElevateEdAZ ahead of Giving Tuesday. Paul discusses the state of education in Arizona, how we are succeeding, and where we can improve. Throughout the season of giving, consider donating to the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and support our work in the community. All gifts made to the Foundation (midnight...
Nov 22, 2023•49 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Tune in to listen to this week’s episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix with our latest guest, Tanya Wheeless, President and CEO of the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation. The December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor and the sinking of the USS Arizona battleship marked the beginning of World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River in Scottsdale opened in 2020 to honor the brave U.S. forces who were attacked aboard the battleship that day. Learn what inspired the creation of the Foundat...
Nov 08, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In the latest episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, hear from Carrie Masters, CEO of St. Joseph the Worker , a Phoenix organization connecting the Valley’s disadvantaged, homeless, and transitioning individuals to quality jobs. Alongside telling her own personal story of experiencing homelessness, Carrie breaks down common challenges job seekers, especially those facing barriers, typically encounter and how St. Joseph the Worker is addressing these challenges.
Oct 25, 2023•47 min
In this episode of the Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast, hear from Jessica Mefford-Miller, CEO of Phoenix’s Valley Metro. Jessica discusses the challenges Valley Metro is facing today and the strategies they are implementing to address them. Listen to get the latest updates on increasing transportation demand, funding from Prop 400, and the measures taken to ensure all members of the community can benefit from their services.
Oct 11, 2023•31 min
In the latest Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast episode, meet Stella O-Rourke, Director of Philanthropy and Special Events for the Arizona Coyotes and Chair of the Valley Young Professionals. Why would you recommend a young professional in the Valley join VYP? What sets VYP apart from other young professional groups? What opportunities do you see in the future for young professionals in the Valley? Listen to hear the answers and more!
Sep 27, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode of the Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast, hear from Phoenix City Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington. Kesha discusses the City of Phoenix’s Go Bond Program campaign, supported by the Greater Phoenix Chamber, which will be on the ballot this November. Listen to other key challenges, initiatives, and policies impacting Phoenix today and its economic development and growth.
Sep 13, 2023•25 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In the latest Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast episode, we hear from Jaime Molera, Partner at Molera Alvarez and former Public Affairs Chair at the Chamber. After serving two years as the Arizona State Board of Education President, Jaime describes the importance of dual enrollment in our school system and his work alongside the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation to support SB1717 this past legislative session. Furthermore, Jaime discusses the main political challenges impacting the business c...
Aug 23, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Hear from Vice Chief Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer, as she shares her background, experience, and journey to becoming an Arizona Supreme Court Justice. Justice Timmer breaks down challenges currently facing Arizona’s Judicial System and solutions to addressing them. Furthermore, hear what the business community can do to support our justice system.
Aug 09, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode, hear from Stacy Derstine, Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation’s Chairwoman and Vice President of External Affairs at APS. Stacy discusses the Foundation’s impactful achievements in FY23 and goals for the new fiscal year. Hear how her leadership is helping the Foundation maximize workforce development and key issues Phoenix is facing today.
Jul 26, 2023•44 min
In this episode, hear from Scott Smith, Greater Phoenix Chamber Chairman and Managing Partner of TowerHunter. Scott discusses goals for the Chamber’s fiscal year 2024, and how he plans to lead the organization in maximizing business memberships. As a long-time leader in human resources and executive recruitment, Scott addresses key issues he believes Phoenix is facing today and shares his thoughts on how the Chamber is helping to address these challenges.
Jul 26, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Tune in today for the first episode of Season 2 of the Greater Phoenix Chamber's podcast, Let's Talk Business Phoenix, with host Todd Sanders, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber. In the kick-off to Season 2, hear the latest from Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone with updates on public safety, school safety, border control issues, homelessness, and more. The Sheriff also discusses his journey to lead the nation’s fourth-largest county law enforcement agency and how he suggests bu...
Jul 12, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode, hear from recently retired Mike Hummel, former General Manager and CEO at SRP, as he reflects on his time and leadership. Mike discusses his thoughts on the future of water conservation and utility usage in the Valley alongside advice for other business leaders impacting the region’s economic prosperity.
Jun 28, 2023•45 min
In this episode, hear from Chad Makovsky, City of Phoenix Director of Aviation Services, as he shares his leadership style and vision for the future of aviation services in the City of Phoenix. Find out how he is addressing the increasing demand for air travel while managing issues such as congestion, capacity limitation, and infrastructure constraints at regional airports.
Jun 28, 2023•31 min
In Episode 25, hear from Daniel Cervantes, Senior Vice President, National Expansion & Strategic Initiatives, Skills for America’s Future , as he discusses the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation’s new initiative, Connect to Work AZ. The jobs-first program will help unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved communities connect with careers in healthcare and financial services.
Jun 14, 2023•33 min
Ahead of the 2023 IMPACT Awards, hear from Kevin Danzeisen, Owner of Danzeisen Dairy, the 2016 IMPACT Awards Small to Medium Community Champion Business of the Year. Hear how Danzeisen Dairy has become an Arizona staple for 60 years and is attributing and benefiting from being a part of the “5 Cs of Arizona”, specifically cattle, as a driving force behind the state’s economy and overall economic security.
Jun 14, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode, the Chamber honors Mental Health Awareness Month by featuring Erik Osland, Co-Founder of evolvedMD . According to Mental Health America , Arizona ranks 49th in the nation for higher prevalence of mental illness and lower rates of access to care. Hear how evolvedMD is tackling this harrowing statistic head-on by being a radically different “disruptor” in the behavioral health industry. Osland makes the business case for prioritizing mental health and explains how business leaders...
May 24, 2023•41 min