The Business of... podcast by the Tucson Metro Chamber

TOPIC: The Business of CYBER INSURANCE GUEST: Jack Clements | President, Arizona Operations at HUB International Jack shares information about the importance of businesses having cyber insurance to protect their network of computers from hackers, identity theft, and ransomware. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: cyber security, threat actors, hackers, identity theft protection, multi-factor authentication...

The Business of CULTIVATING MUSHROOMS Guest: Julie Trotta | Owner of Fungirl's Fungi Topic: Julie shares her passion for cultivating mushrooms, their medicinal benefits, and interesting seasoning hacks to make some varieties taste like bacon or lobster! Mentioned in this episode: lion's mane, oyster mushrooms, tinctures, neuropathway regrowth, polysaccharides, cholesterol, mycelium, spores, liquid...

The Business of EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAMS Guest: Arturo Garcia-Montano | Engagement Director for Cigna Arturo shares the importance of Cigna's resources they offer employers so their employees have the best physical, emotional, environmental, financial and social well-being to increase productivity and the overall bottom line. When employees feel they are taken care of the retention rates increas...

The Business of SURVIVING BURNS Guest: Rex Albright | CEO of the Arizona Burn Foundation Rex shares how the Arizona Burn Foundation has been helping families impacted by the trauma of burn since 1967. The Foundation acts as a bridge to help families financially, lodging, re-engaging in the community, and much more.

TOPIC: The Business of COLLABORATIONS GUESTS: Natalie Fernandez, President of Meridian Wealth Management, and Joe Parsons, President & CEO of Parsons Steel Natalie and Joe share how their initial business relationship turned into a long-term friendship that led to many collaborations over the years.

The Business of ARIZONA'S HISTORY Guests: Kyle Morey, Development Director, and Jayne Adams, Director of Outreach and History Engagement Coordinator for the Arizona Historical Society Topic: Kyle and Jayne share how the rich history of Arizona has been preserved as well as how the public can view and become involved in the exhibits at the Arizona Historical Society.

The Business of Empowering Tucson’s South Side Guest: Elizabeth Soltero, CEO of Sunnyside Foundation Description: Guest Elizabeth Soltero shares how Sunnyside Foundation advocates for Tucson’s Southside residents ensuring that they have equitable access  to educational and employment opportunities to thrive and prosper in our community. Mentioned in this episode: Sunnyside Foundation, equity,...

The Business of MEAL DELIVERY GUESTS: Luke Smith, Development Director, and Roxanna Mendoza, Program Director, for Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona Luke and Roxanna share how Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona delivers more than 300 meals a day throughout Tucson to those in need of short-term or long-term needs. The reorganization offers meals for folks with dietary restrictions as well.

The Business of EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS Guest: Kimberly Kirschner | Executive Director | Institute for Better Education Kim shares how the Institute for Better Education accepts tax credit donations for Arizona students in need who want to attend private schools. She also explains how businesses, including C-Corps and S-Corps, are eligible.

TOPIC: The Business of ANIMAL CARE GUEST: Torre Chisholm | Executive Director of Friends of Pima Animal Care Center Torre shares important information about what to do if a stray animal is found, PACC's foster system, volunteer opportunities, and much more. The capacity meter reflects how necessary it is for cats and dogs to get adopted.

TOPIC: The Business of EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT GUEST: Tremain Ravenell | Community Outreach & Development Manager for the Educational Enrichment Foundation (EEF) Tremain shares how EEF has made significant impacts in helping students and teachers in need with programs that assist with classroom grants, basic needs support, sports equipment, eyeglasses, scholarships, and more. He discusses the e...

Guest: Khris Dodge | Executive Director | Tucson Jazz Festival Topic: The Business of JAZZ FESTIVALS Khris shares the incredible lineup of jazz artists in the 2023 Tucson Jazz Festival which runs from January 13-22, 2023. He also discusses community partners, educational outreach, and how music brings people together. Mentioned in this episode: University of Arizona, The Century Room at Hotel Cong...

Guest: Renee Stucklen | Owner and Licensed Acupuncturist at Tucson Acupuncture and Wellness Renee shares how Chinese medicine and acupuncture may help clients with ailments such as peripheral neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, and more. She takes a holistic approach when making recommendations for her clients to help them balance Western and Eastern medicine to feel and look their best.

Guest: Jeff Ronstadt | Owner of Ronstadt Insurance Mr. Ronstadt breaks down the sometimes complicated aspects of Medicare, long-term disability, and co-insurance. He also discusses what he enjoys about helping people figure out their specific needs and what characteristics make a good insurance agent.

GUESTS: Pat Risner | President | South32 - Hermosa Project Retired Major General Ted Maxwell | President & CEO | SALC TOPIC: Risner and Maxwell discuss the importance of minerals such as manganese and zinc in relation to electric vehicles and cell phones as well as the Hermosa Project's sustainable and carbon-neutral mining practices. Geo-political threats related to such domestically produced...

TOPIC: The Business of COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOLS GUEST: Dave Mason | President | CEO of San Miguel High School Mr. Mason shares how San Miguel High School, part of the Cristo Rey Network, uses a Corporate Work Study Program for students to gain practical work experience through paid internships with local companies.

TOPIC: The Business of LEARNING WITHOUT LIMITS GUEST: Abbie Wallen | Marketing & Fundraising Manager | Accelerated Elementary & Secondary Schools Ms. Wallen shares how Greenfields School uses a mastery-based educational platform to educate students in such a way that they excel regardless of background or prior learning success. Often students receive full-ride scholarships to prestigious...

TOPIC: The Business of FOOD GUEST: Shane Reiser | Owner | Tucson Foodie Shane shares his passion for food, his recent purchase of Tucson Foodie, Sonoran Restaurant Week, and more. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Visit Tucson, UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Falora, Art of Plating, GUT, Tucson Food subscription, food events.

The Business of COMMERCIAL SPACE TRAVEL Guest: Grant Anderson | President, CEO, Co-Founder of Paragon Space Development Topic: Mr. Anderson shares the lengthy history of Paragon's involvement in life support systems, the company's stellar company culture, business growth, and more.   Mentioned in this episode: human factors, space travel, Elon Musk, the Space Station, anti-gravity, Kevlar, mi...

TOPIC: The Business of ASSISTED LIVING GUEST: Terri Waldman | Executive Director at St. Luke's Home Terri shares information about St. Luke's Home, a 64-room, assisted-living facility in Central Tucson that caters to low-income residents. This 104-year-old organization serves delicious food, provides fun opportunities, and cares greatly for its residents. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: University of A...

The Business of Government Affairs and Workforce Initiatives Guests: Alexa Scholl, Director of Government Affairs and Frank Velasquez Jr., Director of Workforce Initiatives at the Tucson Metro Chamber Description: Get to know Tucson Metro Chamber Directors Alexa Scholl and Frank Velasquez Jr. and how their respective journeys brought them to the Chamber. They will also share the priorities for Gov...

The Business of YWCA of Southern Arizona Guest: Magdalena Verdugo, CEO of YWCA of Southern Arizona Description: Guest Magdalena Verdugo shares how YWCA of Southern Arizona is addressing the labor shortage through the launch of the Women’s Economic Advancement Center as well as its advocacy efforts to ensure women and their families have the resources to thrive in Tucson. Mentioned in this episode:...

TOPIC: The Business of CREDIT UNIONS: Part 2 GUEST: Matthew Gaspari | CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) Mr. Gaspari talks about the history of TFCU and how it is celebrating its 85 anniversary this year. He shares the path he took from being a part-time bank teller up to multiple positions before he ultimately became the CEO. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Wealth management, loans, Tucson, com...

TOPIC: The Business of EDUCATION AND TUITION REIMBURSEMENT GUESTS: Chancellor Lee Lambert from Pima Community College and Howard Stewart from AGM Container Controls Heather and her guests discuss how offering tuition reimbursement not only benefits employees but also benefits organizations. They share why workforce development will positively impact the community as a whole. MENTIONED IN THIS EPIS...

TOPIC: The Business of MAGAZINE PUBLISHING GUEST: John Hudak | Publisher of Tucson Lifestyle Magazine John Hudak discusses the history, growth, and 40th anniversary of Tucson Lifestyle Magazine as well as recent updates in creating a more content-rich book, an updated logo and format. Mentioned in this episode: Madden Media, Arizona Public Media (AZPM), home and garden, social and community issues...