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

On this episode of The Business Of, Melissa sits down with long term Chamber member and local business, Santa Rita Landscaping. In this episode, you can expect to hear about Santa Rita's commitment to workforce development, and the partnerships they've created over the years to help beautify Tucson.

On this episode of the Business Of, Zach chats with Eloho Okeze, a dynamic business and technology professional with a track record of success across diverse industries including finance, high-tech, consulting, travel, and healthcare. His latest venture, Bin Masters, is an innovative waste compaction company in Tucson, and Zach and Eloho discuss how Bin Masters supports businesses and the Tucson e...

Join Zach on The Business Of as he sits down with Sultan Stipho, a seasoned restaurant worker, to discuss Proposition 138, the Tipped Workers Protection Act. Sultan shares firsthand insights into the challenges faced by tipped workers, detailing his experiences and the urgent need for this legislation. Learn why Sultan and his fellow workers are rallying behind Proposition 138, and discover the po...

On this episode of The Business Of, Zach sits down with Todd Hanley from Watershed Management Group. Bringing his background as a businessman and a passion for conservation, Todd talks about the intersection of business and the environment, the state of our water resources locally, WMG's resources for businesses, and how the community can support their work in creating a vibrant and sustainabl...

In this week’s episode of  The Business Of , we sit down with Sarah Smallhouse of  Make Elections Fair Arizona  to discuss  Prop 140,  the  Make Elections Fair Act . This initiative aims to change Arizona’s primary elections, creating a single open primary system for all races. Listen in to learn why the Tucson Metro Chamber is endorsing this proposition and how it could benefit businesses. Tune i...

On this episode of "The Business Of," the Chamber's own Director of Workforce Advocacy, Frank Velasquez, Jr., joins Zach and Melissa to talk about how the rapidly rising cost of childcare is creating difficulties for today's workforce, as well as employers, and what both businesses and public policymakers can do about it! Tune in to hear how the Chamber is engaging this issue for...

On this episode of The Business Of, Zach and Melissa catch up with Sherry Harrison, who heads up Law Matters. They discussed the opportunities and challenges for law enforcement today, Law Matters' various programming to bridge community with law enforcement personnel, their big video project to help kids stay safe in schools, and more. 

In this episode of The Business Of, Zach connects with Teresa Hill, the new CEO of Tucson Values Teachers. In this wide-ranging conversation, they talk about the challenges facing teachers today, and retaining and attracting them in Southern Arizona. Getting it right has crucial implications for our workforce of the future. Tucson Values Teachers aims to raise awareness, provide professional and f...

On this episode of "The Business Of," the tables turn! Longtime radio and podcast personality across two continents, Mark Bishop, becomes the interviewee! A Chamber member with media expertise across platforms, his passion is to help businesses navigate this shifting landscape for success and profit. Tune in for a vibrant, fun, and informative conversation with this Wonder from Down Unde...

In this episode of The Business Of, Zach sits down with Lara Iacobucci Paris, Director of Development for More than a Bed, to talk about the state of kids in Arizona and Pima County. With close to 14,000 Arizona children in foster care, but only 2% of them likely to go to college, this is not only a social crisis but also a major workforce challenge looming. One of the newest Chamber nonprofit mem...

On this episode of The Business Of... Melissa and Zach talk with Kimberly Smith from Fry's Food & Pharmacy about Fry's commitment to our community. Learn how Fry's is investing in workforce development, giving back through impactful initiatives, making it easier to access important healthcare services, and hear an update about their long-awaited location opening in Marana!

In this episode of The Business Of, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona joins Zach for a conversation about how mentorship produces a strong workforce. Veronica Saiz and Tori Perrin bust myths about mentoring young people, why young men especially need mentors, how this kind of social capital boosts economic mobility and connectedness, and more. 

In this episode of The Business Of, Zach sits down with Barbra Coffee, Director of Economic Initiatives for the City of Tucson. In this wide-ranging conversation, Zach and Barbra discussed five pillars of economic competitiveness that all communities should be striving for, some initiatives and projects her office has been working on and some recent economic wins, what needs to happen for business...

This episode features special guest, Douglas Riegger, from Southwest Investment Advisors (SIA). Whether you're saving for a dream home, planning for retirement, or simply looking to get a handle on your finances, this episode dives into: Building a budget Financing options Smart money management Southwest Investment Advisors goes beyond mere information. Their team of experienced advisors crea...

In this episode of The Business Of, we sit down with Bob Hoffman, President of the Tucson Roadrunners, to discuss how the community rallied to keep the team in Tucson after the Arizona Coyotes relocated to Utah. We'll hear about the Roadrunners' history in Tucson, the importance of minor league sports to the community, and the economic benefits of having a successful team. We'll also d...

This episode features Kate Shinaberry, HR leader at Banner University Medical Center. Kate discusses Banner's role in Tucson's healthcare landscape, highlighting its comprehensive services, collaboration with the University of Arizona, and commitment to patient care. She also details Banner's recruitment efforts and unique employee benefits like on-site support, self-scheduling, and re...

Janay Arenas, Picture Rocks Cooling/Heating and Plumbing | Pima County Small Business Commission On this week's The Business Of, Zach and Melissa catch up with member Janay Arenas, owner and business manager of Picture Rocks Cooling/Heating and Plumbing. Janay is also the Chair of the Pima County Small Business Commission. Listen as the three delve into the opportunities of doing business in T...

Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Pima County Economic Development Department On this week's The Business Of, Zach and Melissa sit down for a conversation with strategic Chamber partner Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, director of the Pima County Economic Development Department. The three discuss Pima County Economic Development Week, some big economic wins in the region lately, Heath's vision for regional eco...

Howard Stewart, AGM Container Controls On this week's The Business Of, one of Tucson's very best civic entrepreneurs and businessmen, Howard Stewart, drops by. Howard is the CEO of manufacturing company AGM Container Controls and has led AGM through exponential growth while also investing in his employees through their ESOP program (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) and maximizing little-know...

This episode of The Business Of... dives deep into the world of critical minerals with South32's Hermosa Project. Join us as we chat with Garrett Workman, Government Affairs Manager, and Skylie Estep, Human Resources Director for North America, about: How Arizona is positioned to be a leader in the clean energy revolution. South32's recent $2.16 billion investment in Southern Arizona and t...

Empowering Women and Girls: A Conversation with Katia Jones, CEO of the Women's Foundation for Arizona This episode of "The Business of" dives into the impactful work of the Women's Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) with its newly appointed CEO, Katia Jones. Katia shares her background and passion for working in the nonprofit sector, particularly her focus on empowering...

In this episode of The Business Of..., we hear from Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Arizona's only member of the House Appropriations Committee. Congressman discusses his efforts to secure funding for Arizona's priorities in the FY2024 appropriations package, including $26 million for his district. He also dives into his successful advocacy for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) V...

Guest: John Kmiec, Director of Tucson Water Guest: Natalie DeRook, Senior Public Information Officer, Tucson Water Synopsis: This episode of The Business Of..., dives into Tucson's water story. Key Points: Tucson has a rich history of water management, utilizing the Santa Cruz River and later groundwater. Tucson Water responsibly manages water resources through a multi-pronged approach includi...

This episode of The Business of Tucson features John Winchester, Senior Director of Government and Community Engagement at Arizona State University (ASU) and a member of the Tucson Metro Chamber Board. John discusses ASU's contributions to the Tucson community, highlighting its lesser-known 40-year history in the city. The conversation starts with John revealing his background as a University...

This episode of The Business of Tucson dives into the world of agave with Todd Hanley, founder of the Agave Heritage Festival. Tune in to learn about the festival's exciting evolution, from its humble beginnings as a tequila fest to a comprehensive celebration of agave's cultural, economic, and environmental significance. Discover the wide range of activities offered at the festival, inclu...