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

GUESTS: Tucson Metro Chamber's Alexa Scholl | Director of Government Affairs and Frank Velazquez Jr | Director of Workforce Initiatives TOPIC: The Business of GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS and WORKFORCE INITIATIVES Alexa and Frank share what connections and advancements they have already made in their new roles at the Tucson Metro Chamber as well as their plans for the coming year. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:...

GUEST: Todd Rockoff | President & CEO of Tucson Jewish Community Center aka The Tucson J TOPIC: The Business of JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS Todd Rockoff shares the variety of programs the Tucson J offers to the community including a recent collaboration with Arts for All, after-school child care, cultural classes, and other programs that promote diversity and inclusion.

GUEST: Kathy Prather | Superintendent and CEO of Pima JTED TOPIC: The Business of CAREER and TECHNICAL EDUCATION Kathy shares a myriad of programs that Pima JTED offers, dual college credit, workforce development, and the future of workforce needs, technology, career pathways, professional skills, and more.

TOPIC: The Business of LIBRARIES GUESTS: Jason Lazarow, Board President and Tom Cashman, Executive Director of The Pima Library Foundation | Cashman and Lazarow discuss the importance of funding the 27 libraries in Tucson beyond what tax dollars afford. The Pima Library Foundation helps libraries fund new technologies, community-focused programs, interesting author talks, and much more.

The Business of AIR CONDITIONING & PLUMBING | GUEST: Dave Wick | General Manager at Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing | Dave discusses how Goettl "does things the right way, not the easy way" as well as the company's history, future plans, workforce development, growth within the organization, the importance of having heart and more. | Mentioned in this episode: Pima JTED, Pima Community...

Guest: Mark Taylor, Central Arizona Project Board Member, Pima County | Topic: Mark shares interesting information related to the history of the CAP, how CAP water supplies 80% of the main water usage for the state of Arizona, and what is important to make sure Arizona does not have water issues in the future. | Mentioned in this episode: Colorado River, Maricopa, Pima and Pinal Counties, Tucson W...

GUEST: Iwona Ash | Owner of Iwona Ash Designs | Iwona shares the inspiration and sustainable sources for her handmade leather purses, belts, and more. She uses cactus leather from Mexico and specialty leathers from Italy to create lightweight, durable, and fashionable purses and more. | Mentioned in this episode: Startup Tucson, Community Investment Corporation's BIPOC Loan Fund, Poland, Italy, Me...

Guest: Sharon Lurtsema | Founder & CEO of CorporateCARE Solutions | Sharon discusses the ease and importance of using CorporateCARE Solutions (CCS) for backup child, adult, and pet care as well as tutoring support services. CCS's national database matches vetted care providers to help in homes. Businesses can offer this benefit to attract and retain employees. | Mentioned in this episode: Empl...

GUEST: Alice Streight | Program Manager at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health | TOPIC: Alice shares information about the requirements for therapeutic foster parents, the success stories of individuals in the program, and partnerships with local organizations. Mentioned in this episode: Therapeutic foster care, mental health, behavioral health, Cafe 54, Beacon Group, La Frontera Center, and CODAC...

GUEST: Julie Euber | CEO of SARSEF | TOPIC: The Business of Science Fairs | Julie shares how SARSEF has grown over the years and how students have benefited from being involved in this outstanding science fair. She also talks about how the event is funded and the need for volunteers. | Mentioned in this episode: STEM, science fairs, equity and inclusion, ISEF, student research

TOPIC: The Business of CONNECTIVITY | GUEST: Natasha Gamboa | Security Solutions Consultant for COX Business | Natasha shares the many ways that COX engages with the community

GUEST: Sandra Sagehorn-Elliott | CEO at Vantage West Credit Union | TOPIC: Sandra shares the benefits of dealing with a credit union as well as the philanthropic efforts Vantage West does throughout Arizona. | Mentioned in this episode: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ronald McDonald House, Youth on Their Own, Barrio Bread, Bookmans, Brink Media, auto loans, home loans, PPP loans

Guest: Katrina Calderon | CEO of Regal Fierce Media | Topic: Heather Wuelpern and Katrina Calderon discuss the video production, commercials, social media, photography, website services, graphic design, and SEO projects that Regal Fierce Media creates. | Mentioned in this episode: Community Investment Corporation, BIPOC Community Managed Loan Fund, University of Arizona, Youth on Their Own, Blaire...

Guest: Akanni Oyegbola | Acting Mayor of the City of South Tucson | Topic: Akanni Oyegbola shares the vibrant culture and history of the City of South Tucson. He also discusses some common misconceptions and challenges the area faces. | Mentioned in this episode: Tucson Tamale Company, Crossroads Restaurant, Mi Nidito, El Torero, Pima Community College, Mayor Regina Romero, Pico de Gallo, Extreme...

The topic of Leaving a Legacy ties into the theme for Tucson Metro Chamber’s next Chamber Edge magazine, which will celebrate the Chamber's 125th anniversary!  GUEST: Charles Holman, a retired businessman who just celebrated his 88th birthday. He had a successful career in banking in Maryland, was always active in the community and raised four daughters on his own. | TOPIC: He shares his opin...

Guest: Don Guerra | Owner & Baker at Barrio Bread | Topic: Heather Wuelpern and Don Guerra talk about the art and science of artisan bread. Barrio Bread carries 30 varieties of bread and uses locally sourced grains, such as white Sonoran wheat. | Mentioned in this episode: University of Arizona College of Education , Gary Nabhan from Native Seeds/SEARCH , Bill McDorman from Seed Savers Exchang...

Guest: Dr. Julie Funk | Dean of University of Arizona Veterinary College | Topic: Dean Funk shares the innovative "flipped classroom" a student-centered curriculum in the University of Arizona Veterinary College. She also discusses how veterinary students learn how to deal with pet owners to ensure future success when the students have their own practice. The college is gearing up to welcome their...

Guests: Cody Lewallen | CEO/Co-owner and Basilio Avila | Sales Manager/Co-owner of Adaptogen Superfoods, LLC. Episode Topic: The co-owners of Adaptogen Superfoods share how their clients have benefited from using medicinal mushrooms. The Fantastic Fungi documentary, Dr. Andrew Weil, and magic mushrooms are also discussed.

Guest: Keneshia Raymond | Program Director at Startup Tucson | Episode details:  Heather and Keneshia talk about Tucson’s inaugural BIPOC Community Managed Loan Fund and its recipients. They discuss the innovative application process for the 16 microloans that were awarded as well as the diversity of the types of businesses that are represented.

Guest: Richard A. Rose | President & CEO of Film Creations, Ltd. | Episode details: Rick Rose shares the history of Film Creations and how it has evolved since its creation in 1976. From the innovations over the last four decades to fun stories about working with celebrities and local Tucson companies, Rick and Heather have a great conversation about this longstanding business.

Guest: Kameron Norwood | Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer at PackDash | Episode details: Heather Wuelpern and Kameron Norwood talk about how PackDash, a 3PL company, makes storing, packing and shipping products for business owners efficient and easy. PackDash handles the logistics for a wide range of products including those from Etsy, eBay, Amazon, and more. Norwood also shared how Tucson...

Guest: Heidi Yribar | Founder & CEO at Antsy Nancy | Episode details: Heather Wuelpern and Heidi Yribar chat about how Antsy Nancy offers in-person and online classes to empower its participants with new skills, such as roasting the perfect turkey, etching wine glasses, proper etiquette, and more. Private classes are perfect for family reunions, American Girl parties, cheerleading squads, etc.

Guest: Paul Meecham | President and CEO of Tucson Symphony Orchestra | Episode details: Heather Wuelpern and Paul Meecham talk about Mr. Meecham’s history with the Baltimore and Utah Symphony Orchestras as well as his plans in his new role with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Meecham shares upcoming events, outreach to students, and his easy collaboration with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s conduc...

GUEST: Jamie Williams | Owner of That Girl Productions | Episode details: Heather Wuelpern and Jamie Williams talk about the evolution of the projects That Girl Productions has done in photography and video over the past 30 years, including a documentary called Mustang Moments. Jamie shares tips for being behind and in front of the camera as well as how to persevere to get the jobs and clients you...

Guests: Susan Petrus and Tom Kittle | Co-owners of Kittle Design and Construction | Episode details: Heather Wuelpern speaks with Susan Petrus and Tom Kittle, the co-owners of Kittle Design and Construction, about the phenomenal projects they have managed in Tucson, the history of the company, the many nonprofits they have assisted, the rewards of working in construction, and tips they have for ot...