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

Kat Stratford | Arizona House of Representatives |LD 18 | Democrat

For more than 125 years, the Tucson Metro Chamber has been the voice of business. This year, the Chamber is focused on showcasing candidates that not only understand the needs of business, but will also work to introduce and support legislation and policies that address and solve challenges businesses face. The Chamber’s candidate evaluation committee interviewed Arizona state legislative candidates on their thoughts and perspectives on issues important to the Chamber membership and creating a pro-business environment. Our candidate evaluation committee, made up of business owners, executives, major employers, and community partners, crafted five questions focusing on key business issues. We invite you to visit our Candidate Evaluation page on our website at tucsonchamber.org, review the scorecard, listen to the interviews, read the questionnaires submitted by many of the candidates and share with your colleagues and your neighbors who you think will support a pro-business environment as an Arizona State legislator.

On this episode, our Candidate Evaluation Committee interviews Sanda Clark, a Democrat running for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 19

For more than 125 years, the Tucson Metro Chamber has been the voice of business. This year, the Chamber is focused on showcasing candidates that not only understand the needs of business, but will also work to introduce and support legislation and policies that address and solve challenges businesses face. The Chamber’s candidate evaluation committee interviewed Arizona state legislative candidates on their thoughts and perspectives on issues important to the Chamber membership and creating a pro-business environment. Our candidate evaluation committee, made up of business owners, executives, major employers, and community partners, crafted five questions focusing on key business issues. We invite you to visit our Candidate Evaluation page on our website at tucsonchamber.org, review the scorecard, listen to the interviews, read the questionnaires submitted by many of the candidates and share with your colleagues and your neighbors who you think will support a pro-business environment as an Arizona State legislator.

On this episode, our Candidate Evaluation Committee interviews Nancy Gutierrez, a Democrat running for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 19

For more than 125 years, the Tucson Metro Chamber has been the voice of business. This year, the Chamber is focused on showcasing candidates that not only understand the needs of business, but will also work to introduce and support legislation and policies that address and solve challenges businesses face. The Chamber’s candidate evaluation committee interviewed Arizona state legislative candidates on their thoughts and perspectives on issues important to the Chamber membership and creating a pro-business environment. Our candidate evaluation committee, made up of business owners, executives, major employers, and community partners, crafted five questions focusing on key business issues. We invite you to visit our Candidate Evaluation page on our website at tucsonchamber.org, review the scorecard, listen to the interviews, read the questionnaires submitted by many of the candidates and share with your colleagues and your neighbors who you think will support a pro-business environment as an Arizona State legislator.

TOPIC: The Business of FOOD

GUEST: Shane Reiser | Owner | Tucson Foodie

Shane shares his passion for food, his recent purchase of Tucson Foodie, Sonoran Restaurant Week, and more.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Visit Tucson, UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Falora, Art of Plating, GUT, Tucson Food subscription, food events.

The Business of COMMERCIAL SPACE TRAVEL

Guest: Grant Anderson | President, CEO, Co-Founder of Paragon Space Development

Topic: Mr. Anderson shares the lengthy history of Paragon's involvement in life support systems, the company's stellar company culture, business growth, and more.  

TOPIC: The Business of ASSISTED LIVING

GUEST: Terri Waldman | Executive Director at St. Luke's Home

Terri shares information about St. Luke's Home, a 64-room, assisted-living facility in Central Tucson that caters to low-income residents. This 104-year-old organization serves delicious food, provides fun opportunities, and cares greatly for its residents.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: University of Arizona, Southern Arizona Roadrunners, Rio Nuevo, Lloyd Construction, MSA Annex, Baile de Gracias, Silver Chef Culinary Competition, and the Cross Country Classic.

The Business of Government Affairs and Workforce Initiatives

Guests: Alexa Scholl, Director of Government Affairs and Frank Velasquez Jr., Director of Workforce Initiatives at the Tucson Metro Chamber

Description: Get to know Tucson Metro Chamber Directors Alexa Scholl and Frank Velasquez Jr. and how their respective journeys brought them to the Chamber. They will also share the priorities for Government Affairs and Workforce Initiatives, the value propositions at the Chamber.

Mentioned in this episode: Government Affairs, Workforce Initiatives, Workforce Blueprint, Candidate Evaluations

The Business of YWCA of Southern Arizona

Guest: Magdalena Verdugo, CEO of YWCA of Southern Arizona

Description: Guest Magdalena Verdugo shares how YWCA of Southern Arizona is addressing the labor shortage through the launch of the Women’s Economic Advancement Center as well as its advocacy efforts to ensure women and their families have the resources to thrive in Tucson.

Mentioned in this episode: YWCA of Southern Arizona, Women’s Economic Advancement Center, education, Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona, livable wages, childcare

TOPIC: The Business of CREDIT UNIONS: Part 2

GUEST: Matthew Gaspari | CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU)

Mr. Gaspari talks about the history of TFCU and how it is celebrating its 85 anniversary this year. He shares the path he took from being a part-time bank teller up to multiple positions before he ultimately became the CEO.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Wealth management, loans, Tucson, community impact, conscious capitalism, philanthropy, Multicultural Empowerment Center, Tucson High School

TOPIC: The Business of EDUCATION AND TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

GUESTS: Chancellor Lee Lambert from Pima Community College and Howard Stewart from AGM Container Controls

Heather and her guests discuss how offering tuition reimbursement not only benefits employees but also benefits organizations. They share why workforce development will positively impact the community as a whole.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Section 127 of the IRS Code, tuition reimbursement, TuSimple, Tucson, AGM Container Controls, Pima Community College, University of Arizona, education, investing in employees