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

On this episode of "The Business Of," the Chamber's own Director of Workforce Advocacy, Frank Velasquez, Jr., joins Zach and Melissa to talk about how the rapidly rising cost of childcare is creating difficulties for today's workforce, as well as employers, and what both businesses and public policymakers can do about it! Tune in to hear how the Chamber is engaging this issue for our community's success.

NOTE: Make sure to register for our next webinar, "All about the Wages: A Key to Workforce Solutions" >>>

On this episode of The Business Of, Zach and Melissa catch up with Sherry Harrison, who heads up Law Matters. They discussed the opportunities and challenges for law enforcement today, Law Matters' various programming to bridge community with law enforcement personnel, their big video project to help kids stay safe in schools, and more. 

In this episode of The Business Of, Zach connects with Teresa Hill, the new CEO of Tucson Values Teachers. In this wide-ranging conversation, they talk about the challenges facing teachers today, and retaining and attracting them in Southern Arizona. Getting it right has crucial implications for our workforce of the future. Tucson Values Teachers aims to raise awareness, provide professional and financial support to teachers, and bring the business community alongside the effort.

On this episode of "The Business Of," the tables turn! Longtime radio and podcast personality across two continents, Mark Bishop, becomes the interviewee! A Chamber member with media expertise across platforms, his passion is to help businesses navigate this shifting landscape for success and profit. Tune in for a vibrant, fun, and informative conversation with this Wonder from Down Under! 

In this episode of The Business Of, Zach sits down with Lara Iacobucci Paris, Director of Development for More than a Bed, to talk about the state of kids in Arizona and Pima County. With close to 14,000 Arizona children in foster care, but only 2% of them likely to go to college, this is not only a social crisis but also a major workforce challenge looming. One of the newest Chamber nonprofit members, More than a Bed provides essential items to foster, kinship and adoptive families for the children in their homes including those in a congregate care setting at no cost to them.

On this episode of The Business Of... Melissa and Zach talk with Kimberly Smith from Fry's Food & Pharmacy about Fry's commitment to our community. Learn how Fry's is investing in workforce development, giving back through impactful initiatives, making it easier to access important healthcare services, and hear an update about their long-awaited location opening in Marana!

In this episode of The Business Of, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona joins Zach for a conversation about how mentorship produces a strong workforce. Veronica Saiz and Tori Perrin bust myths about mentoring young people, why young men especially need mentors, how this kind of social capital boosts economic mobility and connectedness, and more. 

In this episode of The Business Of, Zach sits down with Barbra Coffee, Director of Economic Initiatives for the City of Tucson. In this wide-ranging conversation, Zach and Barbra discussed five pillars of economic competitiveness that all communities should be striving for, some initiatives and projects her office has been working on and some recent economic wins, what needs to happen for business to continue to be successful in the region, and the partnership that the Chamber has with her office to ensure members can easily navigate the resources provided. 

This episode features special guest, Douglas Riegger, from Southwest Investment Advisors (SIA).

Whether you're saving for a dream home, planning for retirement, or simply looking to get a handle on your finances, this episode dives into:

Southwest Investment Advisors goes beyond mere information. Their team of experienced advisors creates personalized financial plans tailored to your unique needs. This tailored approach empowers you to make sound financial decisions, ultimately contributing to a stronger local economy. Tune in and discover how Southwest Investment Advisors can partner with you on your journey towards financial success, and in turn, contribute to a more prosperous Tucson.

Contact SIA:

In this episode of The Business Of, we sit down with Bob Hoffman, President of the Tucson Roadrunners, to discuss how the community rallied to keep the team in Tucson after the Arizona Coyotes relocated to Utah. We'll hear about the Roadrunners' history in Tucson, the importance of minor league sports to the community, and the economic benefits of having a successful team. We'll also discuss how Tucson can continue to be a great sports town.

Learn more about the Tucson Roadrunners: https://www.tucsonroadrunners.com/schedule/schedule-list/