The Future of Tempe with Donna Kennedy and Jill Buschbacher E30
On this episode of The Future of Work: Water Cooler Conversations we welcome Donna Kennedy and Jill Buschbacher from the City of Tempe. We explored all of the exciting things that are coming to the city and the bright urban future of this historic town. Donna and Jill also discussed the programs the city put into place to help support businesses and their residents through the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are a business owner and are looking to relocate or add a new location, this episode is a great one to listen to! It highlights many of the reasons why Tempe is a wonderful place to work, live and grow a business. Also, we may have got a little preview of some fun things coming to town. Can you say zip line?! Tune in to hear what the future of work looks like in Tempe, AZ! 
Tempe makes waves as a technology and business magnet, an inclusive, caring community and a hub for recreation and adventure.
The City of Tempe’s Economic Development Department’s mission is to lead the region for sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth fueled by the diversity of the community and to enhance the competitive position by attracting, retaining and growing high quality jobs and investment.
Donna Kennedy’s career experience includes two professional fields one in Urban Planning and the other discipline of Economic Development.
Donna has experience within Metropolitan Phoenix; first as Principal Planner in the Town of Buckeye, then went on to the City of Phoenix as a Senior Planner / Hearing Officer then represented Economic Development as Program Manager.
Currently, Donna is with the City of Tempe as Economic Development Director.
Donna has served on various Boards, including LISC, Discovery Triangle, Tempe Community Action Agency, Urban Land Institute Advisory Board and Valley Partnership Board of Directors.
Notable award received: Most Influential Woman in Arizona 2017; Az Business and AZRE magazines
Jill Buschbacher has worked in workforce and economic development in the Valley for the last 20 years – with Maricopa County, City of Phoenix, and now with City of Tempe.
She is a member of the Arizona Association for Economic Development, past Chair of the AAED Professional Education Committee, a graduate of the Aspen Institute’s Sector Skills Academy, and a certified Arizona ED Pro. She has experience serving a variety of industries and especially enjoys helping clients connect with local resources and business connections.
In her current role, Jill manages Tempe’s Business Retention and Expansion Program, entrepreneurship and small business services, and leads a commute solutions initiative with major employers.
Over the last year, she’s led the city’s efforts to assist small businesses hardest hit by the pandemic, coordinating closely with Tempe Chamber, Tempe Tourism, and Downtown Tempe Authority.
Follow Tempe Ecomonic Development on Facebook.
ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WORK: WATER COOLER CONVERSATIONS
Welcome to Future of Work: Water Cooler Conversations Radio Show and Podcast – where business leaders share how they integrate humanity and technology through innovative approaches, healthy culture, flexible workspaces and seamless virtual technology.
ABOUT YOUR CO-HOSTS
With a background in marketing, in various for profit and not for profit companies, Kyle McIntosh wondered, “How can I pair the passion and commitment to community progress of a non-profit with the sustainability and reach of a for profit company?” From this question and perspective a mission evolved to tear down the false distinction between the two sectors and to promote companies with Conscious Capitalism® business models through MAC6.
Kyle is the President and Creative Excitant of MAC6. Day to day, his main operational role is on the “spaces” side of the business, focusing on creating thriving communities in the commercial office buildings, the co-working space, and the co-manufacturing space. The other role that he plays is that of EOS implementer, working with clients to bring the Entrepreneurial Operating System, from the book Traction® to their businesses. Additionally, he sits on the boards of Conscious Capitalism Arizona, telling the stories of good businesses in Arizona, and The Tempe Chamber of Commerce, sustaining Tempe’s quality of life and keeping our community and economy vibrant.
Kyle loves Arizona and wants to see us all collectively find great success based on the awesome things that are happening here every day.
Follow MAC6 on Facebook and Twitter.
Jennifer Burwell, joined MAC6 in 2013. Jennifer is their VP and Director of Programs.
She uses her experience in real estate, team development and management to seamlessly integrate each of the MAC6 business units to assure they are all focused on the long-term company vision. She is also a student of human behavior.
As a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst, she uses her knowledge to facilitate culture-focused leadership programs with organizations of all sizes to integrate the company’s values and create higher-performing teams.
To learn more about MAC6 Communities, call 480-293-4075 or find them on Facebook
ABOUT OUR SPONSOR
MAC6 offers flexible spaces and programs to help your team grow, and a community of thriving businesses, just like yours. Advocating Capitalism as a Force for Good, MAC6 is Accelerating the shift to Conscious Capitalism (where Purpose and Profit Unite) through Creativity, Collaboration, Community and Change.
