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

TOPIC: The Business of PREPARING EVERY CHILD FOR SUCCESS

GUEST: Dr. Melissa Hernandez | Associate VP at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona's Cradle to Career

Frank Velasquez Jr and Dr. Hernandez discuss how Cradle to Career works to increase the economic vitality of the community through programs that help students love to learn, become leaders in literacy, and create a thriving future.

Mentioned in this episode: Pima JTED, Pima Community College

TOPIC: The Business of TREATING BRAIN CANCER

GUEST: Dr. Richard Austin, President & CEO at Reglagene

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Flinn Foundation, Desert Angels, wet macular degeneration, pharmaceutical chemistry, brain tumors, biotech, Tech Launch Arizona, the University of Arizona, cytokine storm, medicinal chemistry, communicating technology, Laurence Hurley PhD

GUEST: Jansen Azarias-Suzumoto | CEO/President/Founder of Higher Ground

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Pistor Middle School, Sunnyside School District, Stone Canyon Community Foundation, United Way, I Am You 360, La Frontera, SARSEF, Tucson Police Department, Banner University Health, Arizona Serve, Boys to Men, Restart SMART, professional development, life coaching, Former Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, State Senator David Bradley, David Bradley Wellness Center, nonprofit donations, BeMapt app

GUEST: Helen Gomez | Executive Director at Ben's Bells

Helen shares how a tragic event 20 years ago has evolved into a mission of spreading kindness throughout Tucson and beyond.

TOPIC: The Business of LEISURE & GROUP TRAVEL

GUEST: Daniel Padilla, Director of Sales and Marketing at JW Marriott at Starr Pass Resort & Spa

Mr. Padilla shares how JW Marriott at Starr Pass Resort & Spa, nestled in the Tucson Mountain just west of Downtown Tucson, offers amazing conference facilities, restaurants, spa services, and a daily tequila toast.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Larry Redhouse, Mitakuye Oyasin ceremony, Tucson Mountains, Pancho Villa, Salud tequila toast, convention space, leisure travel, bleisure travel, destination management, Southwest Conference Planners, Visit Tucson, Hashani Spa, massage, alternative therapies, reiki, Arnold Palmer golf course, Gates Pass, Bowen House, petroglyphs, Signature Grill, posole, Catalina BBQ, Passaggio Restaurant, staycation, lazy river, All Souls Procession, Dia de los Muertos.

The Business of COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CASINOS

GUEST: Treena Parvello | Director of Government and Public Relations for the Tohono O'odham Enterprises

TOPIC: Ms. Parvello shares the expansion of Tohono O'odham Nation's Desert Diamond Casinos across Arizona and how that growth has helped in economic development, community impact, gaming and more.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: gaming, slot machines, poker, bingo, employee retention, Prop 202, craps, baccarat, sponsorships, community, Chicanos Por La Causa, Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, Chambers of Commerce, University of Arizona Athletics Mixer, Alan Jackson, John Tesh, Cheap Trick, Felipe Esparza, Sheena Easton, Taylor Dayne, Glendale, Desert Diamond Arena, Diamond Rewards app, and Tohono O'odham Nation's culture, law enforcement, social services, health care, scholarships, and education.

TOPIC: The Business of CYBER INSURANCE

GUEST: Jack Clements | President, Arizona Operations at HUB International

Jack shares information about the importance of businesses having cyber insurance to protect their network of computers from hackers, identity theft, and ransomware.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: cyber security, threat actors, hackers, identity theft protection, multi-factor authentication, end-point detection, bricking, ransomware, virus, dark web, phishing, contingent business interruption, workforce development, and Lynn Marvel's custom suits.

The Business of CULTIVATING MUSHROOMS

Guest: Julie Trotta | Owner of Fungirl's Fungi

Topic: Julie shares her passion for cultivating mushrooms, their medicinal benefits, and interesting seasoning hacks to make some varieties taste like bacon or lobster!

Mentioned in this episode: lion's mane, oyster mushrooms, tinctures, neuropathway regrowth, polysaccharides, cholesterol, mycelium, spores, liquid culture, health benefits

The Business of EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Guest: Arturo Garcia-Montano | Engagement Director for Cigna

Arturo shares the importance of Cigna's resources they offer employers so their employees have the best physical, emotional, environmental, financial and social well-being to increase productivity and the overall bottom line. When employees feel they are taken care of the retention rates increase.

The Business of SURVIVING BURNS

Guest: Rex Albright | CEO of the Arizona Burn Foundation

Rex shares how the Arizona Burn Foundation has been helping families impacted by the trauma of burn since 1967. The Foundation acts as a bridge to help families financially, lodging, re-engaging in the community, and much more.