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 this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, hear from Congressman Greg Stanton, former Phoenix Mayor from 2012-2018. He discusses his interesting political career journey and the changes he’s seen in the Valley over the years. How does he approach bipartisan cooperation and finding common ground on important issues? How is the congressman working to find adequate resources and thoughtful policy solutions to secure our border? Listen to get these answers and more!

In Episode 22 of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Derrick Hall, President & CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks, joins us as we wrap up Spring Training and head into the regular season after making it to the MLB World Series last year. Hear how the Diamondbacks World Series appearance influenced the Valley’s economy and how the organization as a whole contributes to the economic development and growth of the local business community. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from one of Arizona’s top sports leaders!

Tune in for a special episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, featuring Jay Parry, President and CEO, 2024 Men’s Final Four Host Committee. What measures have been taken to assess the economic impact of the tournament on the Greater Phoenix region? What projections or estimates are available regarding the boost to local businesses and tourism during the tournament period? How can the business community collaborate and take advantage of the national spotlight the tournament brings to the region? Listen to hear those answers and more as we head into an exciting weekend with Arizona in the national spotlight!

In Episode 20 of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, we celebrate Women’s History Month by featuring Rear Admiral Maria Aguayo with the U.S. Navy, who discusses being a female trailblazer and how she sees the role of women in the Navy evolving in the coming years. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear about the Navy’s contributions to national security and defense efforts, how the Navy’s presence resonates with residents in Arizona, and how it impacts the state’s economy following Navy Week, recently hosted in Phoenix.

Tune in for this exciting episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix to hear from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shawn Walsh, Luke Air Force Base Program Integration Office, and Major Bethany Blackburn ahead of Luke Days, the annual world-class airshow taking place Saturday, March 23^rd – Sunday, March 24^th. This dynamic episode gives listeners an inside look at the mission and work happening at Luke Airforce Base alongside the capabilities and skills of the pilots and aircraft stationed there. Listen to also hear how Luke Airforce Base contributes to the local economy and collaborates with regional businesses. Don’t miss this interesting episode which highlights one of Arizona’s key military bases!

In Episode 18 of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Sal Bracale, Vice President, and Director of Operations of Moon Valley Nurseries, joins us to discuss this local company’s origins and long history in the Valley and what sets them apart from the competition. Hear about Moon Valley Nurseries community engagement, initiatives, and partnerships to give back to the Phoenix community it serves.

Tune in for the next episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix to hear from Jill Buschbacher, Director of Workforce Innovation for the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, and De Anne Russell, System Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Common Spirit Health. In this episode, you will learn more about the Foundation’s newest initiative, Connect to Work AZ, its goals, and its influence on the state’s workforce development. You will also hear about some of Dignity Health’s most pressing challenges today in finding and keeping talent, and how their partnership with Connect to Work AZ aligns with the company’s talent acquisition goals.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, hear from Fran Mallace, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona, ahead of the 2024 IMPACT Awards nomination deadline on Friday, February 2^nd. Make-A-Wish Arizona was the recipient of the 2023 Small Business IMPACTful Nonprofit Award, and Fran shares their experience and the influence it has had on their organization. Additionally, tune in to hear more about Make-A-Wish Arizona’s mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses in the state. You won’t want to miss this heartwarming episode!

Kicking off the first Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast episode in the new year, is Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. In this episode, the Attorney General discusses her top priorities for her office and protecting businesses. Hear the latest on immigration and border security, addressing the fentanyl crisis, the latest scams affecting the community, and organized retail theft. As we kick off a major election year, the Attorney General goes on to discuss voting rights, election integrity, and her office’s formal opinion on prevailing wage. Stay updated with this informative, dynamic episode!

For the final Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast episodes of 2023, we highlight our ElevateEdAZ program with Tony Finn, Vice President of ElevateEdAZ. Hear about the main focuses for ElevateEdAZ, improving education with partner schools, and the program’s growth throughout the Valley. As you consider your end-of-year giving contributions, please don’t forget about the impactful work the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation is doing for education and the workforce in Arizona. Donate today!

For the final Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast episodes of 2023, we highlight our ElevateEdAZ program with Thea Andrade, Superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District (PXU). Hear about the partnership between ElevateEdAZ and PXU, and efforts toward ensuring students have equitable opportunities to prepare for their future in college or career. As you consider your end-of-year giving contributions, please don’t forget about the impactful work the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation is doing for education and the workforce in Arizona. Donate today!

Tune in to the Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast to hear from Peter Fine, CEO of Banner Health in Phoenix. Peter discusses a range of topics, including the evolution of Banner Health during his many years of leadership. Additionally, hear about healthcare workforce shortages, the healthcare affordability crisis, telemedicine, and his vision for the future of Banner Health in the Greater Phoenix region.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, hear from Paul Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation, as he discusses dual enrollment in Arizona and their partnership with ElevateEdAZ ahead of Giving Tuesday. Paul discusses the state of education in Arizona, how we are succeeding, and where we can improve.

Throughout the season of giving, consider donating to the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and support our work in the community. All gifts made to the Foundation (midnight to midnight) will be MATCHED dollar for dollar, up to $5,000 by generous donors!

Tune in to listen to this week’s episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix with our latest guest, Tanya Wheeless, President and CEO of the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation. The December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, and sinking of the USS Arizona battleship, marked the beginning of World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River in Scottsdale opened in 2020 to honor the brave U.S. forces who were attacked aboard the battleship that day. Learn what inspired the creation of the Foundation and the role it plays in preserving the memory of the battleship and celebrating the forthcoming USS Arizona SSN-803 Virginia Class fast-attack submarine.

In the latest episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, hear from Carrie Masters, CEO of St. Joseph the Worker, a Phoenix organization connecting the Valley’s disadvantaged, homeless, and transitioning individuals to quality jobs. Alongside telling her own personal story of experiencing homelessness, Carrie breaks down common challenges job seekers, especially those facing barriers, typically encounter and how St. Joseph the Worker is addressing these challenges.

In this episode of the Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast, hear from Jessica Mefford-Miller, CEO of Phoenix’s Valley Metro. Jessica discusses the challenges Valley Metro is facing today and the strategies they are implementing to address them. Listen to get the latest updates on increasing transportation demand, funding from Prop 400, and the measures taken to ensure all members of the community can benefit from their services.

In the latest Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast episode, meet Stella O-Rourke, Director of Philanthropy and Special Events for the Arizona Coyotes and Chair of the Valley Young Professionals. Why would you recommend a young professional in the Valley join VYP? What sets VYP apart from other young professional groups? What opportunities do you see in the future for young professionals in the Valley? Listen to hear the answers and more!

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 episode of the Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast, 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 legislative session. Furthermore, Jaime discusses the main political challenges impacting the business community today and possible solutions moving forward.

In this episode, 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 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.

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 on how the Chamber is helping to address these challenges.

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 also discusses his journey to lead the nation’s fourth-largest county law enforcement agency and how he suggests businesses support his office.