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

This episode features Kate Shinaberry, HR leader at Banner University Medical Center. Kate discusses Banner's role in Tucson's healthcare landscape, highlighting its comprehensive services, collaboration with the University of Arizona, and commitment to patient care.

She also details Banner's recruitment efforts and unique employee benefits like on-site support, self-scheduling, and recharge rooms. Learn more about Banner and its career opportunities in Tucson!

Janay Arenas, Picture Rocks Cooling/Heating and Plumbing | Pima County Small Business Commission

On this week's The Business Of, Zach and Melissa catch up with member Janay Arenas, owner and business manager of Picture Rocks Cooling/Heating and Plumbing. Janay is also the Chair of the Pima County Small Business Commission. Listen as the three delve into the opportunities of doing business in Tucson, what she and the Commission are hearing are the challenges business owners are facing, and her entrepreneurship journey growing Picture Rocks!

Heath Vescovi-Chiordi,

On this week's The Business Of, Zach and Melissa sit down for a conversation with strategic Chamber partner Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, director of the Pima County Economic Development Department. The three discuss Pima County Economic Development Week, some big economic wins in the region lately, Heath's vision for regional economic development, and the strategic partnership the Chamber has with the Department and the benefits it provides to Chamber members. 

Howard Stewart, AGM Container Controls

On this week's The Business Of, one of Tucson's very best civic entrepreneurs and businessmen, Howard Stewart, drops by. Howard is the CEO of manufacturing company AGM Container Controls and has led AGM through exponential growth while also investing in his employees through their ESOP program (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) and maximizing little-known Section 127 of the IRS code that allows business owners and employees to give and receive tax-free educational assistance. Zach and Howard discuss all this and more, as well as his successful stint in the Tucson ice cream business (!!). 

This episode of The Business Of... dives deep into the world of critical minerals with South32's Hermosa Project.

Join us as we chat with Garrett Workman, Government Affairs Manager, and Skylie Estep, Human Resources Director for North America, about:

Don't miss this insightful conversation about innovation, sustainability, and creating a brighter future for Arizona!

Empowering Women and Girls: A Conversation with Katia Jones, CEO of the Women's Foundation for Arizona

This episode of "The Business of" dives into the impactful work of the Women's Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) with its newly appointed CEO, Katia Jones.

Katia shares her background and passion for working in the nonprofit sector, particularly her focus on empowering women and girls of color. She details the mission and vision of WFSA, emphasizing their commitment to dismantling systemic barriers that prevent women and girls from thriving.

The conversation highlights WFSA's unique approach. They combine grantmaking with advocacy and program piloting to achieve long-term solutions. Katia discusses their shift towards a more community-centered approach, prioritizing authentic dialogue and collaboration.

A successful example of this approach is the Pathways for Single Moms program. This program equips single mothers with certifications and childcare support, enabling them to pursue higher-wage careers and achieve financial independence.

If you're interested in learning more about how WFSA is making a difference in the lives of women and girls in Arizona, tune in!

https://womengiving.org/

In this episode of The Business Of..., we hear from Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Arizona's only member of the House Appropriations Committee. Congressman discusses his efforts to secure funding for Arizona's priorities in the FY2024 appropriations package, including $26 million for his district. He also dives into his successful advocacy for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) VET-TEC program, which received $45 million in funding and recently passed the House thanks to his reauthorization bill.

Guest: John Kmiec, Director of Tucson Water

Synopsis:

This episode of The Business Of..., dives into Tucson's water story.

Key Points:

Resources:

This episode of The Business of Tucson features John Winchester, Senior Director of Government and Community Engagement at Arizona State University (ASU) and a member of the Tucson Metro Chamber Board. John discusses ASU's contributions to the Tucson community, highlighting its lesser-known 40-year history in the city.

The conversation starts with John revealing his background as a University of Arizona alumnus who eventually came to appreciate the value of ASU in the community. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between universities for the betterment of Tucson.

John then dives into ASU's presence in Tucson, mentioning their social work program as the first and longest-running initiative. He details how the program serves the community by training social service providers and partnering with local government entities. Other ASU contributions highlighted include executive education programs for local governments, research projects focused on mental health and social services, and digital classes offered to Tucson school districts.

The second half of the episode explores ASU's role on a statewide level. John mentions the university's involvement in creating more healthcare professionals and physicians in Arizona. ASU's new medical school focuses on a marriage between engineering and medicine, aiming to make medical delivery more efficient and cost-effective. John concludes by emphasizing ASU's data-driven approach to creating medical professionals prepared for the future of medicine in the 21st century.

This episode of The Business of Tucson dives into the world of agave with Todd Hanley, founder of the Agave Heritage Festival.

Tune in to learn about the festival's exciting evolution, from its humble beginnings as a tequila fest to a comprehensive celebration of agave's cultural, economic, and environmental significance.

Discover the wide range of activities offered at the festival, including food and beverage experiences, educational panels, cultural performances, and more.

Todd also shares his vision for the future of the festival, highlighting its potential to promote sustainable agave farming and economic growth in Southern Arizona.

Listeners interested in attending the festival can learn more at https://www.agaveheritagefestival.com/.