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

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

By The Business of... Tucson Metro Chamber's podcastBusiness
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The Business of... podcast by the Tucson Metro Chamber episodes

  • The Business Of...Tucson Metro Chamber Advocacy in Action (featuring Frank Velasquez Jr.)

    This episode of "The Business Of," focuses on the Chamber's advocacy efforts in the Tucson community.

    Hosts:

    • Zach Yentzer, Vice President of Business Advocacy
    • Frank Velasquez Jr., Director of Workforce Advocacy

    • Discussion Topics:

      • Workforce Development:
        • Healthcare Roundtable discussion about collaborative efforts to address workforce shortages.
        • Importance of addressing childcare options to improve workforce participation.
        • Call to action for healthcare and health science businesses to get involved in the Chamber's roundtables.
          • Fair Free Transit:
              • The Chamber's advocacy around the City of Tucson's Fair Free Transit policy.
              • A future member engagement campaign encouraging people to join the Chamber's efforts.
              • Key takeaways:

                • The Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce actively addresses workforce development challenges in Tucson.
                • Collaboration between businesses and educational institutions is crucial to address workforce shortages.
                • Affordable childcare options are essential for supporting workforce participation.
                • The Chamber advocates for common sense solutions to Fair Free Transit that benefit the Tucson community and businesses.
                • Call to Action:

                  • Healthcare and health science businesses are encouraged to participate in the Chamber's roundtables.
                  • Listeners interested in supporting the Chamber's advocacy efforts are invited to become members.
                  • Additional Information:

                    • Contact Frank Velasquez Jr. for more information on workforce advocacy: [email protected]
                    • 30 min
                    • The Business Of... Mining and Sustainability in Arizona

                      The Balancing Act: Mining and Sustainability in Arizona

                      In this episode of the Tucson Metro Chamber podcast, we explore the often complex and misunderstood world of mining. Our guest, Misael Cabrera, brings a unique perspective having worked in both the field and policy making.

                      Misael dives into the realities of modern mining, highlighting its role in technological advancements and the creation of high-paying jobs. We also grapple with the environmental impact and community concerns often associated with mining.

                      This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:

                      • The future of responsible mining practices in Arizona
                      • How mining supports our everyday lives
                      • Career opportunities in the modern mining industry
                      • Tune in and learn how Arizona can strike a balance between a sustainable future and a thriving mining sector.

                        46 min
                      • The Business Of... Tucson Metro Chamber Update

                        Key topics covered:

                        • Public Policy:

                          • Coalition Against Retail Theft: This group focuses on coordinating efforts among businesses, government, and law enforcement to address organized retail theft. They advocate for information sharing, best practices, and legislative changes to increase crime detection and prosecution.
                          • Example bill: HB 2435 which proposes to increase penalties for repeat offenders.
                          • Marketing & Communications: (mentioned later in the episode)

                            • Partnership to be revealed later in the show.
                            • Workforce Development:

                              • Roundtable discussions: The Chamber hosts quarterly roundtables with industry leaders, educators, and government representatives to discuss workforce development challenges and solutions.
                                • 2024 focus areas:
                                  • Mining & Construction
                                  • Aerospace, Space & Defense, Space Sciences
                                  • Health Sciences & Healthcare Economy
                                    • Goals:
                                      • Identify current and future workforce needs
                                      • Address workforce gaps
                                      • Facilitate collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, and government
                                      • 30 min
                                      • The Business Of.. Navigating the Restaurant Industry with Grant Krueger

                                        Join us on this episode of The Business Of as we chat with Grant Krueger, owner and founder of Union Hospitality Group. Grant brings his expertise to the table to discuss the current challenges facing restaurant owners and operators in Tucson. We'll also delve into the Tucson Restaurant Advisory Council, a chamber initiative advocating for the local restaurant industry. Tune in for insights, challenges, and a glimpse into the future of Tucson's vibrant dining scene.

                                        25 min
                                      • The Business Of...Empowering Families with School Choice through IBE

                                        This episode of The Business Of explores the Institute for Better Education (IBE), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing school choice options for Arizona families. Host Melissa Rosciano interviews Kimberly Kirschner, Executive Director of IBE, to discuss how the organization uses tax credits to fund scholarships for students attending private schools.


                                        Key points:

                                          IBE is a school tuition organization (STO) that allows Arizona taxpayers to direct their state tax dollars towards scholarships for students in private schools.

                                        • The program has been around for 27 years and prioritizes low-income families, vulnerable populations, and children with special needs.
                                        • Families can easily apply for scholarships through IBE's website or by contacting the organization directly.
                                        • IBE not only empowers families with school choice but also keeps tax dollars within the Tucson community.

                                          • Who should listen:

                                              Parents interested in learning about private school options for their children

                                            • Individuals curious about how tax dollars can be used to support education
                                            • Anyone passionate about empowering families and improving educational outcomes

                                              • Listen to the episode to learn more about:

                                                  The specific process of applying for IBE scholarships

                                                • The impact of IBE on Tucson families and the community
                                                • The future of school choice in Arizona

                                                  • Tune in to Arizona Lotus Corp stations every Sunday morning for new episodes of The Business of Tucson!

                                                    25 min
                                                  • The Business Of... Planning the Future of Transportation in Tucson: A Conversation with the RTA

                                                    Guest: Amanda, Community Affairs Administrator at Pima Association of Governments (PAG) and key player in the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)

                                                    Episode Summary:

                                                    This episode of The Business Of Radio explores the future of transportation in Tucson, Arizona, with a focus on the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and its 20-year plan. Host Melissa Rosciano interviews Amanda Bruno, from the RTA, to discuss the current state of the plan, the challenges involved in developing it, and how public input is incorporated.

                                                    25 min
                                                  • The Business Of... Coworking Spaces and Remote Work

                                                    Welcome to another episode of "The Business of," your go-to podcast for insights into the people and businesses shaping the vibrant community of Tucson.

                                                    In this episode, Krystal Popov, founder, and sole owner of the L offices and Proper Shops, joins us as a special guest. We explore the concept behind the L offices and Proper Shops, both spaces driven by Krystal's passion for supporting small business owners. Krystal shares her journey from a corporate job in Phoenix to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration for small business success.

                                                    Proper Shops, a unique venture, caters to retailers looking for low-risk, high-visibility spaces in downtown Tucson. Krystal provides a glimpse into the diverse offerings within Proper Shops, featuring local artists, a tattoo artist, a woodworking artisan, and even the University of Arizona store.

                                                    Tune in to gain valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of workspaces, the support networks for small businesses, and the exciting ventures within Proper Shops. Don't miss this engaging conversation that sheds light on the future of work and community collaboration in Tucson.

                                                    25 min
                                                  • The Business Of... Building Community Through Storytelling

                                                    Empowering Nonprofits and Building Community Through Storytelling: A Conversation with Brittany Battle

                                                    This episode of The Business Of, hosted by Melissa Rosciano, features a special guest: Brittany Battle, a community leader and the Fast Pitch Director at Social Venture Partners (SVP) Tucson.

                                                    Brittany shares her passion for Tucson and her dedication to supporting local nonprofits. She dives into the impactful work of SVP, a network of philanthropists focused on building the capacity of local nonprofits.

                                                    The conversation explores the organization's annual Fast Pitch program, which empowers nonprofits to amplify their fundraising and messaging skills through storytelling. Brittany highlights the importance of storytelling in connecting with donors and building community.

                                                    Melissa and Brittany discuss how SVP and the Tucson Metro Chamber can collaborate to further support nonprofits and businesses within the community. They emphasize the importance of creating spaces for businesses and nonprofits to connect and work together for a thriving Tucson.

                                                    30 min
                                                  • The Business Of... Sports, Tourism, Film, and Workforce Development

                                                    Guest: Blake Eaker, Executive Director, Southern Arizona Sports Tourism & Film Authority (SASTFA)

                                                    Summary:

                                                    This episode dives into the heart of what makes Southern Arizona thrive, with a focus on four key areas: sports, tourism, film, and workforce development. Blake Eaker, Executive Director of SASTFA, joins the conversation to discuss:

                                                    • SASTFA's role in promoting and supporting these industries across six counties and tribal nations.
                                                    • Balancing the needs of large-scale events like the Arizona Bowl with grassroots initiatives like youth sports leagues.
                                                    • How SASTFA's "I love Southern Arizona" campaign and regional collaborations are boosting tourism.
                                                    • The exciting potential of the new film incentive program and its connection to workforce development.
                                                    • Partnerships with community colleges and tribal communities to build a skilled workforce for the future.
                                                    • This episode is perfect for listeners who are:

                                                      • Interested in learning more about Southern Arizona's economy and its potential for growth.
                                                      • Passionate about sports, tourism, film, and education.
                                                      • Looking for ways to get involved in their local community.
                                                      • Tune in to hear Blake Eaker's insights on how SASTFA is working to build a bright future for Southern Arizona!

                                                        25 min

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

                                                      From the publisher's feed

                                                      The Business of... podcast showcases members of the Tucson Metro Chamber. A different topic is discussed each week from a business perspective.