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In Business Magazine in collaberation with Tempe Chamber of Commerce present Tempe Chamber Advantage.
Citation preview
Happy New Year!A Message From the Chairman of the BoardWhere has the time gone? The presents have
been opened, the holiday decorations are
back in storage and the Time’s Square New
Year’s Eve Ball has dropped ushering in a new
year. I hope everyone finished 2011 strong
and is well-positioned, both personally and
professionally, for a very successful 2012.
The month of January gets its name from
the Roman mythological god Janus. Janus is
the god of gates and doors, beginnings and
endings. He is very aptly depicted with two
faces, one which looks backward into the old
year and the other which looks forward into
the new. The practice of making resolutions to
start the year began in Rome during the time
of Julius Caesar. Originally, resolutions focused
on common courtesy and being kind to others.
In many cultures New Year’s resolutions are
viewed as a way of wiping the old, cluttered
slate clean and positioning one’s self for a year
of happiness, good health and prosperity.
TEMPE CHAMBER
AdvAnTAgEFeb. – May 2O12 • tempechamber.org
Dave Long, Board Chair,Tempe Chamber of Commerce
CONTINuEd ON T.C.A. 5
Chamber Policies for a Strong EconomyAs the Arizona Legislature enters its 2012 session, the Tempe Chamber will work to develop an
economy where your business will thrive. Our 2012 Arizona Policy Agenda creates a roadmap for
the best ways of partnering with our elected officials and other organizations to create a healthy
environment in which to do business.
1T E M P E C H a M b E r a d v a N Ta g ETe m p e C h a m b e r. o r g
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
EDUCATION/WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS
The long-term viability of the state is
dependent upon the successful development
of new and existing business and industry.
Government should establish policies that
provide incentives to foster a competitive
business environment to increase growth and
development opportunities.
Economic Development Tools
The Tempe Chamber supports allowing
local governments to use economic
development tools to attract new business
and implement redevelopment programs,
including tax increment financing,
establishment of special districts to coordinate
and implement economic redevelopment
plans, creation of public/private partnerships,
and targeted local incentives.
Educational Economic Development
Our educational institutions produce
graduates for local businesses and bring a
significant return to the Tempe and Arizona
economy. The Chamber recommends lawmakers
consider the economic impact of funding for our
educational institutions when drafting legislation.
Liability Insurance
Frivolous liability claims against business
insurance drive up the cost of operating a
business. The Tempe Chamber supports
legislation that reduces frivolous lawsuits,
requires claimants to prove that businesses
were negligent prior to claim settlement, and
reduces the number of frivolous malpractice
suits brought against licensed professionals.
Tourism Funding
Tourism is integral to Arizona’s economy.
The Chamber supports continued funding for
Arizona tourism and exploration of alternative
funding methods.
Workforce Development
The Tempe Chamber supports full funding
for job training and workforce development,
with priority funding given to training and
development of the current Arizona workforce.
A quality education system is an essential
part of a productive workforce. Working
relationships between students, educators,
administrators, government officials and
businesses will build the most effective K-20
educational system to provide the business
community with a workforce that is prepared
to meet the challenges and demands that
face business.
High Technology
The Chamber urges a greater emphasis
on science, technology, mathematics and
engineering in the Arizona public education
system to enable greater competition in the
global economy.
Higher Education Funding
The Tempe Chamber supports an »
2 T E M P E C H a M b E r a d v a N Ta g E
equitable adjusted higher education formula
funding based on student enrollment, retention
and graduation rates.
K-12 Funding
The Tempe Chamber supports development of
a simpler, transparent educational funding formula
that maximizes the use of the taxpayers’ money.
Management Services
The Tempe Chamber supports incentives
for joint purchasing among school districts that
result in cost savings.
State Universities
The Chamber supports the current
structure of the Arizona Board of Regents
and opposes efforts to break Arizona State
university’s Polytechnic campus off as a
separate university.
Workforce Preparedness
The Chamber supports a greater emphasis
on preparation for post-graduation employment.
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
ENVIRONMENTGOVERNMENT
An educated, well trained work force is
essential to maintain a vibrant economy. A
supportive regulatory environment that provides
the flexibility to explore and formulate ways for
our workplace policies to create an “economy
of opportunity” can address today’s challenges
to both the employee and the employer and
keep our state competitive into the future. State
employment statutes and the state regulatory
environment should foster, rather than mandate,
such things as access to affordable workers’
compensation and unemployment compensation,
while maintaining entrepreneurial innovation.
Immigration
The Chamber believes that immigration
issues should be resolved at the federal
level. The Chamber supports programs that
provide for an adequate legal workforce while
maintaining the integrity of our national borders,
provide protection of the rights and benefits
of legal residents, and protect businesses that
operate in an open, above-board manner.
Right-to-work
The Tempe Chamber believes that it is critical
that Arizona remains committed to being a “Right
to Work” state in order to give us a competitive
advantage in attracting new businesses.
Unemployment Compensation
The Tempe Chamber believes that current
Arizona unemployment compensation laws
adequately address the needs of the unemployed
by providing temporary income replacement for
workers who involuntarily become unemployed
and are actively seeking full-time re-employment.
unemployment compensation should encourage
individuals to seek employment.
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce
is committed to economic development
and environmental protection. Economic
development goals should not be achieved at
the cost of our environment. Environmental
preservation adds to the quality of life in the
region and thus positively benefits the economy.
Business and environmental organizations
share a common vision of public policies that
protect the environment as well as the economy.
Appropriate environmental policies can enhance
the diversification of Arizona’s economy and
expand the state’s growing biotech sector.
Working cooperatively with all stakeholders in
the evolution of environmental protection will
not only share the responsibilities, but also
benefit the environment.
Air Quality
The Tempe Chamber believes that any
legislative measures to improve our air quality
should provide businesses and citizens with
incentives and a variety of practical options.
Cost-Based Energy
The Chamber supports low-cost power
and recognizes the need for additional cost-
based energy sources. Any energy efficiency
legislation should provide incentives and
practical options for businesses.
Environmental Permit Process
The Tempe Chamber supports streamlining
the environmental permitting process with an
emphasis on faster application review.
State Regulatory System
The Tempe Chamber supports a state
regulatory system that encourages voluntary
compliance and incentives as an alternative to
mandates whenever possible.
Water Conservation
The Chamber urges the department of
Water Resources to promote statewide water
conservation and ensure coordination between
active management areas.
Western Climate Initiative
The Chamber is opposed to Arizona’s
participation in the Western Climate Initiative.
Any greenhouse gas emission regulations
should be addressed at the federal level.
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce believes
that governments at all levels should strive to
streamline processes and provide maximum
service at minimal cost. The Chamber encourages
State government to eliminate debt financing, in-
crease oversight of agency budgets and to make
the public reporting of state spending transparent.
Ballot Referendums and Initiatives
The Tempe Chamber supports efforts to
reform ballot referendums and the initiative
process, including permitting legislative
changes to initiatives with voter ratification and
requiring legislative council to review and title
initiatives prior to signature collection.
Formula Review
The Chamber supports a legislative review
and modernization of budgetary formulas,
including those for AHCCCS and education.
Four-Year Senate Terms
The Tempe Chamber supports the concept
of four-year terms for Arizona senators in order
to provide continuity in the state budget and
other processes.
Primary Election Date Changes
The Chamber supports moving Arizona’s
primary election to a minimum of ninety days
prior to the General Election.
Privatization of Services
The Tempe Chamber encourages
subcontracting appropriate public services
to private industry in an effort to increase
service, reduce expenditures and avoid unfair
competition with the private sector.
Sunset Legislation
The Tempe Chamber advocates enforcement
of an automatic termination mechanism (sunset)
on new and existing programs to provide
ongoing examination and evaluation of state
agencies, policies and programs.
3T E M P E C H a M b E r a d v a N Ta g ETe m p e C h a m b e r. o r g
HEALTH INSURANCE
TRANSPORTATION
TAXES
Unfunded Mandates
The Chamber recommends that a fiscal
analysis accompany mandated legislation that
affects local and regional governments, and
that provisions for funding be included as part
of such legislation.
The passage of a federal health care bill has
left much uncertainty in the business community;
the future cost of care and its effect on opera-
tional budgets are dependent on as-yet
unwritten rules. While we will monitor federal
developments in order to educate businesses,
there is aspects of health insurance costs and
availability that are within the purview of the State.
Health Care Coverage Mandates
The Tempe Chamber opposes legislation
that would require mandatory employer-
provided health insurance benefits.
Health Care Exchange
The Chamber supports efforts to establish
a state market based health care exchange
as required in the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act.
Liability Reform
The Chamber urges significant tort reform
measures to reduce the costs of health care
and health insurance and encourage retention
of a qualified health care workforce.
The Tempe Chamber advocates for fair and
cost-effective tax policies that are a part of
a comprehensive tax plan to reduce the cost
of doing business, thereby making the region
more competitive for private investment and
spurring economic growth.
Business Personal Property Tax
The Tempe Chamber strongly encourages
increasing the business personal property tax
threshold.
Business Tax Credits & Exemptions
The Tempe Chamber opposes legislation
that would rescind credits and exemptions that
currently support Arizona businesses.
Cost Shifts
The Tempe Chamber opposes shifts
in State budgeting to local governments,
businesses and individuals resulting in
increased fees.
Contractor Tax Collection
The Tempe Chamber supports the current
means of contractor’s tax collections at the
construction location, which allows growth to
pay for itself.
Designated Funds
The legislature should honor the integrity
of and restore revenues to special funds that
were used over previous budget cycles to
mask the shortfall in state revenue. If tax-
supported funds are found not used for the
intended purpose during frequent review, the
tax and fund should be abolished.
Internet Taxes
The Tempe Chamber supports the
exploration of a transaction privilege/sales tax
on out-of-state Internet sales.
State Equalization Tax
The Tempe Chamber strongly urges the
Legislature to permanently eliminate the state
equalization property tax.
State Shared Revenues
The Tempe Chamber strongly opposes any
effort to reduce the amount of state shared
revenues to Arizona municipalities.
Transaction Privilege Tax Expansion
The Tempe Chamber opposes legislation
that would expand the transaction privilege tax
base to include activities currently not taxable
in Arizona or a majority of the 50 states,
including taxes on services.
Federal Funding
The Tempe Chamber strongly encourages
state government to work with the Arizona
Congressional delegation to ensure that
Arizona receives its fair share of federal
transportation funding.
The Chamber is opposed to shifting or
repealing funds currently designated for
the development and maintenance of the
East Valley regional transportation system.
Transportation project construction should
be based on congestion relief, air quality
compliance and should be multi-modal.
High Capacity Transit
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce
supports establishing a new, permanent,
dedicated, state-wide funding source for public
transportation.
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce
supports the efforts to identify, fund and
implement a commuter rail system as an
effective solution to an overburdened road
infrastructure.
Sky Harbor Governance
The Tempe Chamber opposes legislation
which would create additional state oversight
of Sky Harbor International Airport. The
Chamber supports a centrally managed
regional airport system that leverages the
opportunities of metro airports capable of
commercial service.
Public/Private Partnerships
The Tempe Chamber supports using public/
private partnerships in building a statewide
transportation system that ensures the
growing needs of the state’s infrastructure are
maintained over time.
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce
is a leading advocate for multi-modal
transportation system. The efficient
transportation of goods and people is
critical to growing our economy. A balanced
transportation system reduces pollution,
relieves traffic congestion and increases the
quality of life, availability, and efficiency of the
area workforce.
Equitable Representation
The Tempe Chamber supports true equity
in the distribution of resources and metro area
representation on the State Transportation Board.
The Tempe Chamber represents more
than 72,000 people employed by nearly
1,000 businesses. The Chamber works
to create a strong local economy,
represent business interest to
government, promote the community,
provide networking opportunities, and
advocate for business.
For more information, contact
Mary Ann Miller, President/CEO, at
(480) 736-4280.
As members of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, you and your employees have access to exclusive discounts and programs. Through a variety of partnerships and affiliations, we are able to provide our members with discounts on legal services, identity theft protection, e-mail marketing and more, as well as provide access to educational programs and services. Visit www.tempechamber.org to take advantage of these great benefits.
Stan and Jan Nicpon to be Honored with Spirit of Tempe awardStan and Jan Nicpon will be
presented with the Tempe
Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit
of Tempe Award at the 15th
Annual Breakfast for Chamber
Champions on Feb. 21 at the
Fiesta Resort Conference
Center. The award recognizes
lifetime achievements of service,
dedication and contribution to
the community and honors hard work and strong commitment to improving the quality of life
in Tempe.
The married couple has been active in Tempe for decades, working to better the community
and the lives of its residents. A restaurant owner and businessman for more than 20 years,
Stan has been a champion for locally owned businesses and their impact on the success of
downtown Tempe.
Jan is deeply engaged with a number of local causes and organizations, including Friends of
the Tempe Public Library and Tempe Connections, and was a driving force in the development
and implementation of many of the city’s homelessness assistance programs.
“Stan and Jan Nicpon have contributed enormously to our community. Always active in local
issues, charities and causes, they have made a powerful impact on Tempe, and we are proud to
honor them,” said Mary Ann Miller, president and CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce.
To attend the Breakfast for Chamber Champions where the Nicpons will be recognized, please
call (480) 967-7891 or visit www.tempechamber.org.
4 T E M P E C H a M b E r a d v a N Ta g E
Connect with the Tempe Chamber!
Join us on Facebook facebook.com/people/tempe-chamber/1762132500
Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/tempechamber
Read our monthly e-newsletter: http://www.tempechamber.org/advocateonline
Check out our blog http://tempeaz.usachamber.com/blog/
Join the Tempe Chamberhttp://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=1621547
Have you made your resolutions for 2012? Research shows that
almost half of American adults make at least one resolution each year,
but sadly only about 10% actually achieve what they set out to do.
Common resolution themes include:
• Health – losing weight, eating better, exercising more, getting
more rest;
• Financial – spending money more wisely, paying off debts, getting
a better job; and
• Self Improvement – becoming better organized, watching less
television, volunteering more.
In setting goals for the year, we should emulate Janus and look back
at the previous year and ask some pertinent questions. What did we do
well? What were the reasons behind our successes? Are there areas
upon which I can improve? Based upon this review, we can set some
goals for the upcoming year. Experts recommend small goals that can be
tackled in steps versus huge “shoot for the sky” goals. First, we should
identify the goal we would like to achieve. Next, we need to formulate
a step-by-step plan to accomplish our objective. Third, we should write
down our goal and the steps we plan to take. For many, keeping a journal
helps accomplish this objective. Fourth, realize that your plan should be
a process. While we may be able to set our resolution in one day, it may
take hundreds of small steps throughout the year to actually achieve it.
Next, it is important to remain flexible. It is impossible for us to predict
the “curveballs” life will throw at us, so we may need to adjust our
goals accordingly. Finally, we should recognize and celebrate the small
successes we make throughout the year.
On that theme, I have identified a couple of simple goals for myself
for the new year. First, I want to be a better listener – both in the office
and at home. Sometimes, I may find myself reaching a conclusion to a
particular issue prior to hearing all of the details. Other times, I may not
give my full attention to the speaker as I find myself distracted by other
issues. Second, I want to help the Chamber enhance its financial stability.
This includes helping grow membership through highlighting the benefits
of Chamber membership, as well as helping identify and hold successful
events. On a more personal level, I need to eat a little bit better…
specifically, lay off the salty snacks and sweets. I would love to end the
year 10 pounds lighter than I started it. Now I just need to put together a
plan to accomplish these goals!
Happy New Year and best of luck in achieving all of your goals
during 2012!
until next time…
5T E M P E C H a M b E r a d v a N Ta g ETe m p e C h a m b e r. o r g
A R I Z O N A ’ S P R I V A T E U N I V E R S I T Y S I N C E 1 9 4 9
Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Nor th Central Association of Colleges and Schools. (800-621-7440; ht tp://www.ncahlc.org/ ).
Get started today! 855.287.0174 | www.gcu.edu/inbusiness
Ken Blanchard College of Business | College of Education | College of Nursing | College of Arts & Sciences | College of Fine Arts & Production
Campus • Evening • Online
CONTINuEd FROM T.C.A. 1
2012 business Excellence awards Finalists announced
Michael Pollack Real Estate Investments
Four Peaks Brewing Company
The Tempe Chamber is pleased to announce the finalists for the
2012 Business Excellence Awards. These awards promote the
advancement of responsible business leadership in the community
and publicly recognize local businesses demonstrating a passion
for excellence.
Through the awards, the Tempe Chamber identifies companies
whose practices in business growth, employee development,
community involvement and customer service exemplify excellence.
This year’s seven finalists admirably embody those characteristics and
are being recognized for that distinction.
The recipients of the 2012 Business Excellence Awards will be
announced and honored at the Breakfast for Chamber Champions
on Feb. 21 at the Fiesta Resort Conference Center. Please call
(480) 967-7891 or visit www.tempechamber.org for details or to register.
6 T E M P E C H a M b E r a d v a N Ta g E
The 2012 finalists are:
FOUR PEAKS BREWING COMPANYFour Peaks’ mission is to provide consistent high-quality
beer, food and service in a community based atmosphere.
Founded in 1996, this regional brewery and brewpub is
among the largest and most recognized and respected
breweries in the state of Arizona. It brews over 72,000 kegs
each year and owns and operates two restaurants in the
Valley. In 2012, it will open a new brewery and tasting room in
Tempe. www.fourpeaks.com
ASDD / TCHAssured Security document destruction (ASdd), a division of
The Centers for Habilitation (TCH), offers support to individuals
with disabilities, including behavioral or intellectual problems.
TCH has been offering services, including in-home service, day
treatment and employment services, to their customers since
1967. Employing disabled individuals, ASdd provides certified
shredding and document destruction that has grown from
5,000 pounds in its first month of operation to 750,000 pounds
monthly today. www.tch-az.com/
MICHAEL POLLACK REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTSIn 1973, Michael Pollack started off in real estate in his teens
by building single family homes. Today, the company has 100
employees and has become one of Arizona’s largest privately
held shopping center owners and operators. In addition, it owns
a movie theater which often sees its guest count reach upwards
of 4,000 on the weekends. www.pollackinvestments.com
Assured Security Document Destruction (ASDD), a division of The Centers for Habilitation (TCH)
Friendship Village
Santa Barbara Catering CompanyChildren’s Dental Village
7T E M P E C H a M b E r a d v a N Ta g ETe m p e C h a m b e r. o r g
ALPHAGRAPHICS AT KYRENE AND ELLIOTSince its founding in 1997, this AlphaGraphics location has grown to
become a successful communications and printing firm which, through its
services, customer support and dedication, is constantly adapting to the
changing needs of its customers. The business has seen annual growth over
the past 14 years and is expanding its services to include business solutions
and marketing communications. www.us436.alphagraphics.com
AlphaGraphics on Elliot & Kyrene
CHILDREN’S DENTAL VILLAGEChildren’s dental Village has been providing dental and orthodontic services
for children and teens since 1973. Starting out with only two dental chairs,
one office manager and one dental assistant when it was first established
by dr. Alan Longfellow, this business has grown more than quadruple its
original office size and practice in order to more effectively serve the needs
of a rising number of patients. www.ChildrensdentalVillage.net
FRIENDSHIP VILLAGEFriendship Village is a life care and retirement community located in Tempe.
Since 1980, it has created a safe and friendly environment for seniors and has
provided them with the services and amenities that they need for their overall
well-being and happiness in the community. Their mission is to become a
leader in senior lifestyle, and they continue to refine what their concept of “life
care and worry-free retirement living” is. www.friendshipvillageaz.com
SANTA BARBARA CATERING COMPANYThe full-service catering company offers services for weddings, gala
dinners and other large or small events. In 1992, Pat Christofolo began the
business with only three employees. Success came very quickly, and now
the business has 150 employees along with multiple venues and family
restaurants which promote local farmers and seasonally inspired menus.
www.santabarbaracatering.com
Last year’s recipients of the award were Honey Moon Sweets and The Morrison Vein Institute.
8 T E M P E C H a M b E r a d v a N Ta g E
Mary Ann Miller, President and CEO,
Sean donovan, Vice President, Media and Program development,
Liz Garlieb, Membership development,
Shari Hodziewich, Membership development and Retention,
Renee Lopata, CAE, Senior Vice President,
Sachiyo Ragsdale, Communications director,
Heidi Santos, Bookkeeper,
Magdalena Warecka, director of Operations,
Board of directors
Chairman of the Board: dave Long
Chair-Elect: Jack Pisano
Treasurer: Phil Howard
Vice-Chairs: Margaret Hunnicutt, Kristine Kassel, Jeff Mirasola
Immediate Past Chair: Steve Bauer
directors: Todd Christy, Steve Eberhart, Margaret Hunnicutt,
Kristine Kassel, Sharon Kausal, Mark Masten, Jeff Mirasola,
R.J. Orr, Laura Robertson, Tim Ronan, Jackie Thompson,
Mark Thompson, Stephanie Whyte
Ex-Officios: Chad Ackerley, Jayson Matthews, Charlie Meyer,
Stephanie Nowack, Virgil Renzulli
Committee Chairs: Kjell Andreassen, Steve Bauer, Neil Chitel,
Mark duplissis, Linda Kalaf, Sharon Kausal, Vicki Kringen,
Kelly Lorenzen, Truman d. Plainer
Tempe Chamber of Commerce
909 E. Apache Blvd. Tempe, AZ 85281 • (480) 967-7891
www.inbusinessmag.com • [email protected] • (480) 588-9505
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