Rethink

As the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee approaches its 100th anniversary, Chair Fernando Flores joins us to reflect on its proud legacy and bold next chapter. From supporting airmen at Davis-Monthan to strengthening Tucson’s role as an aerospace and defense hub, the MAC continues to be a vital bridge between business, community, and military service. Learn how this century-old committee is rei...

Tucson, like many American cities, is wrestling with the realities of chronic unsheltered homelessness. What happens when mental health, substance abuse, and public disorder collide in our parks, neighborhoods, and business districts? Tucson Ward 4 Councilmember Nikki Lee and Pima County's Department of Justice Services Director Kate Vesely join  Rethink  to unpack how Tucson and Pima County c...

After years of gridlock and uncertainty, regional leaders came together under the guidance of interim PAG Director Michael Ortega to move the next 20-year Regional Transportation Authority plan forward. In this episode, we explore how " RTA Next"  aims to reshape the way Southern Arizona moves—balancing roadways, transit, and growth for a stronger regional future. Hear how collaboration,...

On this episode, Zach sits down with General Ted Maxwell to talk about one of the biggest policy issues facing our desert region: do we have enough water? Besides his role as the CEO of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (along with many other community hats he wears), Maxwell represents Pima County on the Arizona Reconsultation Committee that is working to make sure Arizona gets a fair shake...

On this episode, Zach sits down with Dr. Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships at the University of Arizona. Coming off transformational stints at Purdue University and the University of Oklahoma, he shares more about his and President Garimella's vision for effective private and public sector partnerships with the University that tackle our biggest human...

When we talk to businesses large and small, local and national, about the greatest challenges they face, we always hear about their need to find and retain a ready workforce with the skills needed. At the same time, Tucson's labor force participation rate is lower than regional peers and lower than the U.S. average. So what do we do about this? On this episode, Zach sits down with Daune Carden...

Come to most any Chamber event where CEO Joe Snell is speaking, and you’re almost guaranteed to hear him talk about the issue of affordable and accessible childcare as a Chamber priority.  And he’s not alone.  “The ability to recruit and retain top talent is more important than ever and childcare is key to solving many of the workforce challenges that Arizona businesses face.”  That’s Danny Seiden...

Data centers. The backbone of the internet and the modern world.  These physical buildings hold the computer systems and information technology needed to store and use data that we use in our daily lives, and are ever more important and needed in the era of AI.  Today, there are 5,400 of them around the United States, making us the power-broker in the data and information age. It's estimated t...

What does it truly take for Southern Arizona to compete—and win—in today’s economy? Host Zach Yentzer and Susan Hyatt Dumon, Chief Economic Development Officer at The Chamber of Southern Arizona, unpack: - The 5 Pillars of Economic Competitiveness  - The top opportunities poised to transform our communities - A bold “Competitiveness Agenda” for public policy action - A shared vision of victory—wha...

To kickoff the podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the boldest moves in Southern Arizona’s business history — the merger that created  The Chamber of Southern Arizona . President and CEO, Joe Snell, joins Zach to walk through the why , the vision, and what this means for our region’s future. What drove the decision to bring these legacy institutions, the Tucson Metro Chamber and Sun...

We’ve rebranded our podcast! Formerly  The Business Of , our new show is called  Rethink —where we challenge business as usual, explore bold solutions and imagine a region built to win. Same mission, fresh name and even bigger conversations. In every episode, we dig into the policies, partnerships and people reimagining what’s possible for our economy, our communities and our future. Southern Ariz...