Let's Talk Business Phoenix

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. 

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 legi...

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. 

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...

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. 

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 als...

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. 

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.

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 s...

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. 

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 indus...

In this episode, hear from Northern Arizona University’s President, Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera. After two years as the 17th President of NAU, Dr. Cruz describes the University’s vision as the “leading engine of opportunity, the vehicle of upward mobility, and driver of social impact” and the steps taken to fulfill it. In addition, hear about NAU’s focus on allied healthcare education to face Arizon...

In this special bonus episode, hear from Governor Katie Hobbs as we kick off National Small Business Week and hear her priorities for Arizona following her first 100 days in office. How do we get past political polarization? What does “building an Arizona for everyone” mean to the Governor? Why is extending the Prop 400 transportation tax and investing in essential infrastructure crucial for our r...

In this episode, hear from Leslie Meyers, Chief Water Executive and Associate General Manager of Water Resources, Salt River Project. The US Bureau of Reclamation recently declared a Tier 2a shortage for the Colorado River, with changes taking place in January of 2023. How will this directly impact Phoenix businesses? What can businesses do to support water conservation efforts? Listen to hear the...

In this episode, hear from Matt Clyde, Founder, President & Chief Strategist of Ideas Collide. During this time of economic fluctuation, high inflation, and a possible recession, we know no matter what happens in the year ahead, there will be some challenges. How do you consult and counsel brands, marketers, and companies to prepare for the many unknowns? How do you continue to invest and evol...

In this episode, hear from Christina Noble, Chief Growth Officer of Sonora Quest and Immediate Past Chair of the Greater Phoenix Chamber . More than ever, employers are investing in their employee benefits beyond standard insurance plans. Christina discusses the challenges businesses face in the health care industry and how workplace wellness is critical to attracting and keeping talent healthy an...

In this episode, hear from Dr. Steven Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa County Community College. Dr. Gonzales was appointed Chancellor in September 2022. Maricopa County Community College is a partner of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation’s ElevateEdAZ initiative, which aims to strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways for students, ultimately leading to high-wage, high-demand c...

Alongside the Chamber’s Valley Voices: The State of Higher Education on February 22nd, hear from Arizona State University President Dr. Michael Crow. In this episode, hear about ASU’s adoption of the three-pillar structure and what academic enterprise, knowledge enterprise, and learning enterprise have to offer the business community. You’ll also receive an update on ASU’s contributions to the New...

Tune in today for the 15th episode of the Greater Phoenix Chamber's podcast, Let's Talk Business Phoenix, with host Todd Sanders, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber.   Ahead of Super Bowl LVII hear from Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee Chairman David Rousseau. Hear about the 4 pillars of focus the committee has designated for the big game: Education, DEI & Social Justi...

Hear from Ray Schey, Market President & Publisher at the Phoenix Business Journal, on economic trends in the Valley. With the ever-changing local and national economy, how is the Phoenix Business Journal responding to the needs of the Valley’s business community? Economy-wise, compared to the rest of the United States, how is Phoenix positioned differently? 

In episode 14, hear from Susan Anable, Vice President of Public Affairs South West Region at Cox Communications and Public Affairs Chairwoman for the Greater Phoenix Chamber. What key legislation are the Chamber’s Public Affairs Committees discussing and working on this session? What are the main legislative challenges in 2023, and what are the solutions? How are the recent election results affect...

Tune in today for the 11th episode of the Greater Phoenix Chamber's podcast, Let's Talk Business Phoenix, with host Todd Sanders, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber.   For the first episode of 2023, hear from Erin Mettille, Public & Social Impact Leader at Slalom, and Greater Phoenix Chamber’s Chairwoman. Erin discusses leadership, goals, and maximizing Chamber membersh...

Tune in today for the 12th episode of the Greater Phoenix Chamber's podcast, Let's Talk Business Phoenix, with host Todd Sanders, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber.   Hear from Frank Reid, Greater Phoenix Chamber’s former Board Member, and DEI Committee Chair, on implementing DEI practices in the workplace. As one of the founders of the Chamber’s DEI Program & Toolkit,...

Tune in today for the tenth episode 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 final episode of 2022, hear from Jim Rounds, President at Rounds Consulting Group, Inc., on economic predictions heading into the new year. In Metro Phoenix, inflation rates are among the highest in t...

Tune in today for the ninth episode 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 this episode, hear from T.J. Mitchell, Chair of the Valley Young Professionals (VYP) and Land Use & Zoning Attorney at Quarles & Brady LLP . Get an update on goals and upcoming VYP events, along wi...