Let’s Talk Business Phoenix

New podcast episodes will be added to our website, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and Spotify on the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday of each month. Each episode addresses important issues and subjects affecting businesses, our community, and Arizona today. Through relevant, timely topics, this podcast serves as the business community’s voice with the mission of championing business growth, identifying problems that restrict economic development, and convening community leaders to move Phoenix forward.

In the next episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, we have an insightful conversation with Oliver Yandle, the President & CEO of the Arizona Society of CPAs. The discussion covers the evolving role of CPAs, the challenges and opportunities they face in Arizona, and the crucial skills needed for success in the profession. Additionally, Oliver shares valuable advice for small businesses on maintaining financial health and stability, highlighting how technology, including AI and automation, shapes the future of accounting. He also addresses the issue of tax delays given the new administration and federal changes, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and adaptable in the face of evolving regulations.

In the next episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, we sit down with Rusty Bowers to explore his fascinating career journey and the inspirations that led him into politics. Rusty shares how his background in art and construction has uniquely influenced his political career, providing a fresh perspective on leadership and governance. We delve into the key challenges and opportunities Rusty faced during his tenure as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, highlighting some of the most significant legislative achievements during his time in office. One of the pivotal moments discussed is Rusty’s crucial role during the 2020 presidential election, where he upheld the election results process in the face of immense political pressure. In a thought-provoking discussion, Rusty offers insights into the current political climate, addressing the rise of populism and the potential for bipartisanship among elected officials.

In this Let’s Talk Business Phoenix podcast episode, we hear from Jill Buschbacher, Director of Workforce Innovation at the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, who provides an insightful overview of Arizona’s current workforce landscape, highlighting the industry’s most in-demand talent and how the Foundation is bridging the gap. Jill shares valuable information for employers about Arizona’s workforce, what they should be aware of or implement, the advantages for job seekers working with the initiative, and how it has benefited both organizations and job seekers.

In this Let’s Talk Business Phoenix podcast episode, Tami Bohannon, President and CEO of the Foundation for Senior Living (FSL), shares insights about her journey to becoming the CEO and her inspiration for focusing on senior living and aging advocacy. She discusses how FSL has adapted to the changing needs of seniors over the past 50 years and explores the concept of the “silver tsunami” and its implications for the future of senior living. Additionally, hear about the evolving role of caregivers, innovative programs launched by FSL, and the importance of community and business support in achieving FSL’s mission today and in the future.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, we sit down with Jim Currier, President & CEO of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, to explore his journey to leadership and Honeywell’s current strategic priorities and vision for growth in the coming years. Jim shares insights on how Honeywell meets its environmental and sustainability goals and the values he prioritizes in the company’s organizational culture. Plus, hear about Honeywell’s involvement in ElevateEdAZ’s internship program and its impact on fostering local talent. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from a top executive of a Fortune 100 company!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, we dive into Jim Pratt’s journey as he shares his path to becoming the General Manager & CEO of SRP and provides valuable insights into the energy sector and SRP’s vision for the future. We explore how SRP balances its rich history with the need for innovation in today’s energy landscape and discuss the company’s efforts to meet the growing demand for renewable energy while prioritizing reliability, affordability, and sustainability. Jim also addresses SRP’s recent price increase announcement, explaining its reasons and impact on customers. Additionally, we cover SRP’s role in helping Arizona prepare for summer heat challenges, the technological advancements shaping SRP’s approach to energy production and distribution6, and the company’s community-focused initiatives. Tune in to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing one of Arizona’s leading utility providers.

In the next episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Shannon Clancy, the CEO of St. Vincent de Paul Phoenix, shares her journey to becoming the organization’s first female CEO and discusses the mission of St. Vincent de Paul in serving the Phoenix community. She highlights the importance of mentorship as the 2024 ATHENA recipient in the public sector during National Mentoring Month and offers advice on leveraging mentorship for career advancement. Shannon also addresses the biggest challenges faced by the community and how St. Vincent de Paul works to overcome them through innovation and collaboration.

To kick off the new year, Let’s Talk Business Phoenix features Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Timmer. Justice Timmer discusses her role and her goals to increase public awareness of the judicial system. She explains the judicial retention process and the mechanisms in place to ensure checks and balances. Additionally, she touches on the extensive caseload the Court has been handling and offers advice to students considering law school and current lawyers thinking about becoming judges. Don’t miss this inside look into Arizona’s judicial system!

In the of 2024 of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, we wrap up the year with an inspiring conversation. Isabel Gonzalez, Vice President of ElevateEdAZ, discusses ElevateEdAZ’s mission and the powerful work of the initiative. From incredible growth and partnerships with local schools and businesses to impactful student success stories, Isabel reveals the exciting goals ahead, surprising statistics, and the importance of providing students with work-based learning experiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear how ElevateEdAZ is shaping futures, impacting Arizona’s students, and how you can support this work through your end-of-year giving.

The next Let’s Talk Business Phoenix episode features Judge David B. Gass, Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One. Learn more about his extensive experience within Arizona’s law system, the legislature, and his current role in the Arizona Court of Appeals. Judge Gass discusses the appeals process and his role as Chief Judge and gives advice to those skeptical of the judicial system.

In our latest episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, we are joined by Jay Kaprosy, GPCF Board Chair and Director at Veridus for an insightful conversation ahead of Giving Tuesday Jay highlights the Foundation’s most impactful achievements this year and what he looks forward to in the upcoming year. We explore how Jay’s leadership is helping the Foundation maximize workforce development strategies and discuss the key issues Phoenix is facing today.

In the next episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Shawn Bradford, Senior Vice President of Regulated US Water at EPCOR, discusses various aspects of EPCOR’s operations, including their mission and impact in Arizona. Hear about the unique opportunities and challenges of water infrastructure in Arizona, the importance of water reuse and recycling, and key legislative proposals. Shawn also outlines EPCOR’s future priorities, relationships with municipalities, and goals for community involvement and growth. Don’t miss this insightful episode to stay updated on the future of water infrastructure in Arizona!

With the 2024 General Election less than a week away, tune in to the final episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix’s “Election Insider Series: Voices of the Vote.” Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes joins the conversation to share his perspective on key election updates. From recent changes to the recount margin in the state legislature to his office’s collaboration with international trade offices, Fontes covers critical topics shaping the future of Arizona’s elections. The episode also dives into the primary election results in Maricopa County, where a shake-up on the Board of Supervisors and the County Recorder’s Office is shifting the political landscape. Hear how Secretary Fontes plans to address these evolving dynamics in Arizona’s largest county. Stay informed, stay engaged, and get ready to vote with this essential episode!

The 2024 General Election is fast approaching, and in this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix’s “Election Insider Series: Voices of the Vote,” we sit down with Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer. As election integrity continues to dominate public discourse, Recorder Richer shares his office’s proactive measures to enhance transparency, foster community engagement, and ensure smooth election administration. From lessons learned during the recent primary election to the new initiatives, such as the Maricopa Title Alert, Richer offers an inside look at the strategies that will shape the upcoming general election. Tune in for a firsthand account of what’s being done to safeguard your vote and improve voter experience.

With the 2024 General Election just weeks away, this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix’s “Election Insider Series: Voices of the Vote” spotlights the perspectives of key influences in the upcoming vote. Join John Moody, Attorney at Peters, Cannata & Moody PLC and Greater Phoenix Chamber PAC Board Chair, alongside Mike Huckins, Sr. Vice President of Public Affairs and IT Operations, as they dive into the Chamber’s role in endorsing pro-business candidates across Arizona. They explain the PAC’s rigorous candidate vetting process and its commitment to fostering a strong business climate and share key insights into the most competitive races this election cycle. Discover which candidates earned the Chamber’s backing and why their Voter Guide is a must-read for Arizona voters.

In the next episode of its Let’s Talk Business Phoenix’s Election Insider Series: Voices of the Vote, we hear from Pam Kehaly, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Co-Chair of Connect Maricopa. Learn more about Prop 479 and why funding transportation infrastructure, roads, and freeways is important for Maricopa County and Arizona. What are some of the future projects that will be funded by Prop 479 if passed this November? How will Prop 479 impact residents in Maricopa County and economic development in the region? What is at risk if Prop 479 fails? Tune in to hear those answers and more as we head into the final few months ahead of the General Election.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Chad Makovsky, Aviation Director for the City of Phoenix, gives us an inside look into the current state of air travel in the Valley and how his experience has evolved since becoming the City of Phoenix’s Aviation Director in March 2021. Hear details about the capital improvement program and the recent Economic Impact Study results. We also dive into how Phoenix Sky Harbor’s new concourse and Southwest Airlines’ new hangar facility impacted overall customer experience and economic impact. Tune in to hear the strategies they are implementing to enhance the passenger experience at Phoenix airports.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Latasha Causey, President, at NASCAR’s Phoenix Raceway, gives us an insight into racing in the Valley alongside her professional journey and leadership style. How is Phoenix Raceway contributing to the region’s economic impact and the growth and popularity of motorsports in the U.S.? How does Phoenix Raceway engage with the local business community, and what impact do they hope to achieve? Tune in to hear those answers and more!

As the Greater Phoenix Chamber kicks off its Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Election Insider Series, Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates joins us to discuss Maricopa County’s growth and his impact as the county’s Supervisor. What is the significance of elections and ensuring their integrity? What measures has the County implemented to ensure transparency in this year’s elections, encompassing investments in electoral infrastructure, procedural enhancements, and staffing initiatives? Tune in to hear those answers and more!

In episode 5 of Season of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Laura Lynn Smith, Division Vice President and General Manager at ADP and the Chamber’s new Board Chairwoman, discusses her goals for the Chamber’s new fiscal year and why your Chamber membership is vital for businesses.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Sharon Harper, Chairman & CEO of Plaza Companies, joins us to discuss their operations, including ownership, development, leasing, management of nearly 13 million square feet of Arizona urban transformational projects, medical healthcare companies, senior living communities, and bioscience centers. Tune in to hear more about Plaza Companies’ role in Arizona’s economic development, community engagement, and future growth and expansion efforts.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, hear from Jessica Pacheco, CEO & Co-Founder at Horizon Strategies. Find out more about the inspiration that started the company and how they are working to help businesses and organizations around the Valley through their strategy, public relations, and policy work.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Jennifer Mellor, Chief Innovation Officer for the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, shares key accomplishments of the Foundation that are significantly impacting Arizona’s workforce. Hear more about the Arizona Economic Insights Dashboard, the latest resource offered to the community, and how companies are using it to grow their businesses.

The Greater Phoenix Chamber is proud to announce the launch of season 3 of our podcast, Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, with host Todd Sanders, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber. In the first episode of the season, released on Wednesday, July 3^rd, hear the latest from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego as she discusses key initiatives and goals halfway through the year. As election season approaches, hear the mayor’s thoughts on how she is making investments in Phoenix to ensure it remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Mayor Gallego also discusses the city’s expenditure limitation (Home Rule), which Phoenix voters will be asked to vote on this November.