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GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit 2025: Scottsdale and Mesa

November 20, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit 2025: Scottsdale and Mesa

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GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit 2025: Scottsdale and Mesa Through North Fulton Eyes (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 110)

On this edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider, host Rebekah Anderson recaps the Strategic Leadership Visit 2025 to Scottsdale and Mesa, Arizona, through the eyes of two key North Fulton leaders, Chris Burnett of the City of Sandy Springs and Kristin Winzeler of True North 400. Each year, the Chamber convenes elected officials, business leaders, and civic partners for an in-depth look at another high-performing region, then brings those lessons home for North Fulton. Chris and Kristin share why trips like SLV matter for long-term economic competitiveness, relationship building, and a shared vision across city and county lines.

The conversation walks listeners through highlights of the Arizona visit, including Mesa’s approach to incubators and entrepreneurship support, higher education and workforce partnerships, library and mall redevelopments, and the role of intentional placemaking in creating vibrant districts. They also explore how sports-anchored assets such as spring training facilities can drive tourism, community identity, and volunteer engagement, and which ideas might translate most directly to North Fulton.

Chris and Kristin talk about the sessions that surprised them, the off-agenda moments that helped North Fulton leaders build relationships with each other, and what they learned most from seeing Scottsdale and Mesa up close. They close by updating listeners on current economic development priorities in Sandy Springs and major mobility and infrastructure projects along the Georgia 400 corridor and how regional collaboration can turn SLV insights into concrete wins for North Fulton.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

The importance of the GNFCC Strategic Leadership Visit in fostering relationships and a shared vision among North Fulton civic and business leaders cannot be overstated.
Mesa’s business incubators and education partnerships offer valuable insights that could guide talent and entrepreneurship initiatives in North Fulton.
The redevelopment of SkySong’s dead mall serves as a model for innovative mixed-use projects and has a significant long-term economic impact.
The insights from Scottsdale’s placemaking and the Chicago Cubs spring training complex shed light on tourism, volunteer engagement, and community identity.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

0:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
00:28 Annual Strategic Leadership Visit (SLV) Overview
01:13 Meet the Guests: Chris Burnett and Kristin Winzeler
01:34 Understanding Economic Development and Community Improvement Districts
04:35 Insights from the SLV Trip to Scottsdale and Mesa, Arizona
07:37 Mesa Business Builder and Economic Impact
10:27 SkySong Innovation Center and Regional Collaboration
15:32 Arts and Culture: A Surprising Economic Driver
22:02 North Fulton’s Entertainment Scene
22:30 Strengthening Relationships on the SLV Trip
23:49 The Value of Personal Relationships
25:15 Organic Moments and Key Takeaways
26:24 Fanboy Experience and Baseball Stories
28:09 The Importance of SLV Trips
32:53 Economic Development in Sandy Springs
35:13 Exciting Developments in North Fulton
38:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kristin Winzeler, Executive Director, True North 400

Kristin Winzeler is the Executive Director of True North 400, an organization dedicated to enhancing the North Fulton business district that includes Alpharetta, Roswell, and Milton. She originally joined the organization in 2012 and has played a pivotal role in its growth and rebranding from the North Fulton Community Improvement District to True North 400 in 2023. As Deputy Executive Director, she helped generate more than $30 million in infrastructure improvements that spurred over $217 million in new investments throughout the district. Winzeler manages and oversees both small and large projects, focusing on increasing area investment and improving mobility and access in the North Fulton region.

Her deep commitment to sustaining organizational growth and advancing regional development marks Winzeler’s leadership. She resides in Woodstock, Georgia, with her husband and three daughters. Her extensive experience in managing civic improvement projects and community economic development makes her an influential steward for True North 400’s vision of fostering a vibrant and accessible business environment in the North Fulton area. Kristin is known for her hands-on approach and strategic vision, which continue to benefit the region’s ongoing development and prosperity.

Website | LinkedIn

Chris Burnett, Director of Economic Development, City of Sandy Springs

**Chris Burnett, City of Sandy Springs**

Chris Burnett is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Sandy Springs, appointed in 2024. With over 40 years of experience in community banking, he has served as President and CEO of multiple Atlanta-area banks, including founding the Bank of Sandy Springs in 2013. Burnett has played a key role in the city’s economic growth initiatives, focusing on redevelopment projects such as the North End and City Springs Phase II. He previously served on the Sandy Springs City Council from 2016 to 2021 and remains actively involved in local organizations like the Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce and Special Olympics of Georgia. A longtime resident, he brings extensive knowledge of the community’s business environment and a strong commitment to its continued prosperity.

Before joining city government, Burnett dedicated decades to building and leading financial institutions, leveraging his expertise to foster business development and support local entrepreneurs and real estate ventures. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Georgia State University and completed graduate banking studies at Louisiana State University. His leadership combines financial acumen with community engagement, aiming to enhance Sandy Springs’ economic vitality and quality of life through strategic planning and collaborative initiatives with businesses and local stakeholders. Burnett’s blend of banking experience and civic service uniquely positions him to advance the city’s economic development goals.

Website | LinkedIn

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) — **Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.

Strategic Hiring and Data-Driven Decisions: Business Success with Jackie Lord and Michael Erath

January 25, 2024 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Strategic Hiring and Data-Driven Decisions: Business Success with Jackie Lord and Michael Erath

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Strategic Hiring and Data-Driven Decisions: Business Success with Jackie Lord and Michael Erath

In this Phoenix Business Radio episode, Karen Nowicki explores the key to business success with Jackie Lord, CEO of Elevate Consulting Group, and Michael Erath, Founder of Next Level Growth. The conversation delves into strategies in hiring an A-Player Team, Culture Index integration, defining success for all employees within the organization, and the critical need for proven measurement tools. Michael and Jackie highlight the importance of data, clear expectations, and a people-first approach in driving successful business transformations, expressing their shared passion for positive change, navigating tough conversations, and strategically focusing on people and data for organizational growth.

Ready to transform your business with a strategic focus on people and data? Tune in to this episode with Karen, Jackie, and Michael for insights into driving organizational success.

Today’s CEOs report 80% of their company’s challenges are people related, taking up critical time, money, and resources.

With the mantra of Analytics over Instincts, Jackie Lord is passionate about guiding Chief Executives, Presidents, and high-performance Visionaries to exponentially grow and streamline their talent strategy and the trajectory of their businesses.

Her insights and strategies have transformed businesses worldwide and changed the way leaders think about people for the rest of their lives. Leveraging laser-accurate data, Jackie uses a process she calls Aligning People with Profit™ to get the right people in the right seats to make businesses more productive and profitable.

She specializes in revitalizing employee engagement, reducing turnover, uncovering hidden talent, and increasing bottom-line revenue. But most importantly, she makes businesses unstoppable.

Jackie is a well-respected and sought-after trusted advisor to CEO’s and leadership teams of growth-focused businesses. She has over 20 years of experience working with Fortune 100 companies including Amazon, Boeing, and JP Morgan Chase to over 60 mid-size companies and start-ups.

She is the Founding Principal & CEO of Elevate Consulting Group, a firm dedicated to infusing the human element back into business. Leveraging laser-accurate data, she uses her personally developed process to get the right people in the right seats for radical scalability and growth.

Jackie attended UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, and USC Marshall School of Business. She holds multiple degrees in Statistics, Business, and Entrepreneurship.

Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn.

Most entrepreneurial leaders achieve success, to some degree, at the expense of their relationships, their time with family, their physical health, or emotional health. We believe it doesn’t have to be this way. We believe you deserve more than a return on investment from your business, you deserve a meaningful Return on Life.

This belief drives our daily purpose of Helping Entrepreneurial Leaders Build Elite Organizations™ through what we refer to as the Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations®.

The entrepreneurial world is full of “Business Operating Systems” that do some things well but often fall short in other key areas. The problem is that they typically offer a one-size-fits-all approach and are more about the system than the user. When you’re growing, one size doesn’t fit well for very long.

The Next Level Growth approach focuses on YOU and RESULTS over purity to a prescriptive, one-size-fits-all system. We meet you where you are and help bring the right tools and concepts, at the right times, regardless of the source.

We do this based on YOUR individual needs, to help YOU and YOUR team excel at each of the Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations®, to ensure YOU reach the summit of the mountain YOU are climbing.

In the first 15 years of his career, Michael Erath took over an $8M family manufacturing business which he grew to $45M in revenue with over 200 employees during his 15 years as President & CEO.

Being tied closely to the housing market and due to a significant betrayal from a business partner who eventually served prison time for embezzlement and fraud, during the financial collapse of 2009 Michael lost it all.

Late in 2010, Michael leveraged all that he had and started a new business. It was during the startup of his new business that Michael was introduced to the book Traction®. Shortly thereafter, Michael began implementing EOS® as the basic foundation in his new business.

With EOS® as the foundation, Michael then used his past experience with other systems to plug the holes that he found to exist in EOS®, layering on strategy and cash management tools from Scaling Up; recruiting and hiring A-Player playbooks from Topgrading; and other advanced business tools he had learned over his career and from his time in YPO. This customized approach allowed him to grow the business rapidly and in 2015 make the Inc. 5000.

Running the business on a complete and custom-tailored system gave Michael the entrepreneurial freedom to eventually exit the business and focus on his true passion: Taking all that his entrepreneurial life has given him, sharing it openly and vulnerably, and in doing so giving it all back as a full-time business guide.

Since 2015, Michael has been a record holding Certified EOS Implementer®, a Certified Scaling Up Coach and a Certified Pinnacle Business Guide. As the only business guide in the US to have simultaneously held all three certifications, Michael shares from his vast knowledge as well as his more than 20 years of experience in the trenches of the entrepreneurial world to help his clients bring their dreams to reality.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Michael guides them in implementing a customized, holistic operating system that can only be done by someone who has lived through it all.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn and follow Next Level Growth on Instagram.

David Martinez III with Vitalyst Health Foundation and Paula Cullison with Arizona Women’s Partnership

November 27, 2023 by Karen

David-Martinez-with-Vitalyst-Health-Foundation-and-Paula-Cullison-with-Arizona-Womens-Partnership-feature

Phoenix Business Radio

David Martinez III with Vitalyst Health Foundation and Paula Cullison with Arizona Women's Partnership

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David Martinez III with Vitalyst Health Foundation and Paula Cullison with Arizona Women’s Partnership

Vitalyst Health Foundation is on a mission to connect, support, and inform efforts to improve the health of individuals and communities in Arizona.

Established following the sale of the St. Luke’s Health System to a for-profit corporation in 1996, the foundation operated as St. Luke’s Charitable Health Trust (1996–1999) and St. Luke’s Health Initiatives (2000–2016).

Over its history, Vitalyst has invested more than $130 million into Arizona health, in areas ranging from statewide health policy to local community gardens. Along the way, the organization has established itself as a thought leader, convener, framer, and catalyst of key health initiatives and coalitions.

David Martinez III serves as Director of Strategic Community Partnerships, working with community-based leaders, organizations, and coalitions to increase capacity and civic participation.

Prior to Vitalyst, Martinez was project manager for the Center for the Future of Arizona, and community engagement manager for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. He is a Flinn-Brown Fellow with the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership, and involved with the Arizona Community Foundation’s Center for LGBTQ Philanthropy and the Desert Botanical Garden.

Originally from Marana, Arizona and one of six children, David is a first generation college student earning a B.A. in Secondary Education, Political Science and Journalism from The University of Arizona. He served as Student Regent on the Arizona Board of Regents, worked at the UA Office of Institutional Equity, and interned with Congressman Raul Grijalva.

Martinez currently lives in Central Phoenix and as a localist, loves to explore Arizona.

Connect with David on LinkedIn and follow Vitalyst Health Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Arizona Women’s Partnership was formed in 2002 as an all-volunteer philanthropic 501 c3 nonprofit to award grants to small Arizona based charities that assist disadvantaged women and children in Arizona. To this end, two fundraising events which focused on females in the culinary industry were created: Getting Our Just Desserts and Wine, WoMEN & Jazz. To date AZWP has awarded over $600,000 to over 90 nonprofits – most of which are multi-year grant recipients. They deal with critical issues: domestic violence, child abuse, youth at risk, ESL, literacy, food insecurity, refugee families, homelessness, work readiness, services for the elderly, crisis counseling, etc.

Paula Cullison has an extensive background in marketing, nonprofit management, public relations and social work, A native New Yorker, she has lived in Phoenix since 1974. As President of Women in Management for a major national corporation, Paula created an extensive statewide project – The Year for All Arizona Women – which hosted over 100 events. Paula was involved in the First Earth Day event through Citizens for a Better New York.

She has traveled to over 50 countries, worked in Switzerland, and has attended several UN and other international conferences. Paula’s international travel articles and over 80 photography exhibits have been enjoyed by many. She is the recipient of several prestigious award: YWCW Tribute to Leadership Award, MLK Service Award, Susan B. Anthony Award, Macy*s Heart & Soul Award, Susan G. Koman Ribbon of Hope Award, etc.

Paula served on the Phoenix Women’s Commission and the Futures Forum. In 2002 Paula created the Arizona Women’s Partnership, an all-volunteer nonprofit, in order to award grants to small charities that served disadvantaged women and children. To date, AZWP has awarded over $600,000 in grants to over 90 charities that assist over 250,000 annually. In 2020 she created and curated a statewide art exhibition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment and trade-named it ‘In Celebration of Women’. 38 artists were selected by a jury reflective of the cultural diversity in AZ.

This year she curated another juried art exhibit ‘In Celebration of Women II – Making HERstory’. The 37 featured artists will be at the AZ Capitol Museum until Dec 16th. An avid hiker, Paula has hiked numerous trails in AZ as well as the Grand Canyon 7 times – including Rim2Rim in a day. She enjoys reading internationally focused historical fiction. Paula is active with several international organizations.

Follow Arizona Women’s Partnership on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Mycal and Nicole Anders with Next Level Performance Consulting

August 22, 2023 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Mycal and Nicole Anders with Next Level Performance Consulting

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Mycal and Nicole Anders with Next Level Performance Consulting

Mycal Anders is Founder of Next Level Performance Consulting with 3700+ leaders coached since 2011. Mycal is a Performance Consultant, Marine Corps veteran, husband & father of two.

As a Marine Corps veteran with nearly 25 years of strategic leadership experience backed by multiple graduate degrees from Arizona State and Thunderbird School of Global Management, he realized the plight of leaders, people of influence, and high achievers is losing themselves in pursuit of momentous achievement.

In 2011 Mycal founded Next Level Performance Consulting to build the fittest leaders by empowering Next Level men & women to prioritize their health, eliminate stress and create alignment between their habits and behaviors! Making space to be present for the things that matter: health, wealth, relationships and time.

Mycal has been featured on the Radio Business X Podcast, Barbell Shrugged, Barbell Business, Gym Lords, Theta Wave, Paradise Valley Lifestyle Magazine, Team Red, White & Blue’s “The Eagle” Podcast, and is a regularly featured speaker for Charles Schwab and Amazon.

The Next Level mantra is “Progress Always” because the journey is ongoing and the greatest stories are told through the process that is life. The story is in the logo. Why the 4th Star incomplete? Firstly, the stars are representative of Mycal’s military roots and service to others before self. The highest rank one can achieve in military service is symbolized by 4 stars.

The Next Level stars also represent what we should all be trying to achieve: our highest and best self. Stacked upon the foundation of your physical body, emotional, mental and spiritual states of being. The 4th star is broken because we will forever be a work in progress. This is a never ending journey.

Nicole Anders, CEO of Next Level Performance Consulting, excels in leading the organizational process, coordinating the chaos, and assisting her husband and business partner to help executives and high performers make themselves a priority again by using the Next Level Method. Her value is in her exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to take a vision and project from the starting line to the finish line.

For the past 10 years in various executive and personal assistant roles, Nicole coordinated and managed everything from travel, corporate meetings and conferences to cocktail and dinner parties, to founder’s dinner’s for top donors at multi-million dollar charity galas, by executing a discovery process of a team’s ultimate vision and making it become a reality.

Nicole is a former Division 1 basketball athlete and graduate from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee with a degree in Elementary Education.

Connect with Mycal and Nicole on LinkedIn and Instagram, and follow Next Level on Facebook and Instagram.

Support at Every Turn E42

March 28, 2023 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Support at Every Turn E42

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Support at Every Turn E42

Are you looking for ways to support local businesses or get support as a small business? How about mindset or entrepreneurial tips? Or do you have someone you love living with Dementia?

If so, then check out this episode of Collaborative Connections Radio Show and Podcast with host, Kelly Lorenzen.

She was on-air with Michelle Zipser, owner of Cognitive Care and Counseling, Thomas Barr, Vice President of Business Development at Local First Arizona, and Carla Reeves, owner of Carla Reeves, LLC.

They gave amazing insights, resources, and tips for all of the above and more.

Cognitive Care and Counseling provides counseling, education, and consultations to care partners/caregivers and family members of people living with dementia as well as older adults going through a life transition. They help you care for yourself, so you can care for your loved one.

Michelle Zipser worked as a medical social worker in hospice and palliative care for the last 20 years and has been a caregiver herself.

She knows and understands that this caregiving journey can create many emotions that we could never anticipate.

Having a counselor who understands this can make all the difference. Michelle focuses on meeting her clients where they are at and understands that everyone is on their own journey.

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn.

Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization committed to community and economic development throughout Arizona. Our work connects people, locally-owned businesses, and communities for meaningful actions that build a diverse, inclusive and prosperous Arizona economy, including:

Educating consumers about the interconnectedness of the economy — how and where they spend matters.

Training small businesses to be more resilient, while helping our larger partners tell their story as champions of Arizona.

Creating programs and events that make it fun and easy to discover local businesses and buy local.

Targeting systems of inequity and building prosperity for all Arizonans by proactively identifying comprehensive solutions and taking action.

Thomas Barr is the Vice President of Business Development for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state.

A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.

Thomas steers the strategic direction of LFA’s major programs and initiatives as well as the engagement of over 3000 businesses across Arizona. As Vice President, Thomas guides the direction and execution of LFA’s major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of 40 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, environmental sustainability, urban development, local food systems, and community building.

He frequently speaks to groups locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First Arizona and the importance of local economy work in building prosperity.

Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas contributes his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square Foundation, Phoenix Legal Action Network, and ONE Community.

Additionally, he serves as a director on the board of the American Independent Business Alliance, the leading national organization supporting the growth and development of local business alliances across the country. Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine and 2021 Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and alumni of Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.

Most recently, Thomas has been appointed to the Small Business Advisory Council for the Arizona Secretary of State’s office.

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

At Carla Reeves Coaching, they believe people are far closer than they realize to what they deeply desire, but trapped by an outdated way of thinking that prevents them from achieving their most important goals.

For over a decade they have been helping ambitious leaders identify their blind spots and overcome the internal barriers that keep them from taking their life to the next level.

For over a decade, ambitious leaders and hyper-achievers have been relying on Carla Reeves to call out their blind spots, challenge their thinking and expand their perspective.

She is known for her compassionate, direct, and truth-telling candor.

Carla believes in ditching the illusion that life will be great “someday” in the future and teaches leaders how to move out of survival and forward with intention, now.

She is the host of the podcast, Differently. Journaling changed her life and she’s now changing other people’s lives by coaching with a journal. It has proven to deepen and accelerate the impact for her clients.

She is the mother of two, was born and raised in a sleepy beach town in California and now lives in AZ on a small farm with cows, chickens and her beloved husband.

Connect with Carla on LinkedIn.

About Collaborative Connections

The purpose of Collaborative Connections Radio Show and Podcast is to build a connected community, one collaborative show at a time. We highlight local non-profits, associations, small and family-owned businesses.

By bringing 4 like-minded people together for an hour of in-depth conversation, our hope is that they connect and collaborate in life and business in the future.

About Our Sponsor

KLM is a business development firm helping entrepreneurs, small and family-owned businesses start, grow and scale through consulting, marketing and project management. Combining those three things has been a trifecta, or triple advantage to business owners.

Entrepreneurs & small business owners come to KLM for support in all areas of business. If you need to duplicate yourself in any area of your business, we can help. If we don’t do exactly what you need, we know someone who can.

Business owners can continue to do what they love while having the support they need when they need it, with the help of KLM. We help you figure out what needs to get done AND DO IT FOR YOU!

About Your Host

Kelly Lorenzen, CEO of KLM, is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 15 years of business-ownership experience. She is also a certified project management professional.

Kelly’s expertise is in business development, customer service, marketing, and sales.

Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn, and follow KLM Consulting on Facebook.

Building the Pipeline of STEM Talent for Tomorrow’s Workforce Needs E29

August 29, 2022 by Karen

Building-the-Pipeline-of-STEM-Talent-for-Tomorrows-Workforce-Needs-E2Building-the-Pipeline-of-STEM-Talent-for-Tomorrows-Workforce-Needs-feature

AZ TechCast

Building the Pipeline of STEM Talent for Tomorrow’s Workforce Needs E29

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Building the Pipeline of STEM Talent for Tomorrow’s Workforce Needs E29

It’s no secret that Arizona is an attractive place for technology companies to call home. But with more technology companies being founded locally and relocating to Arizona from out-of-state, how can we ensure we have enough qualified technology talent to fill highly technical positions?

The August 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council’s AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Julie Bonner, director of communications at FreeFall Aerospace; Claire Conway, Arizona STEM ecosystem programs manager at SciTech Institute; and Betsy Hargrove, superintendent of the Avondale Elementary School District. These leaders joined Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, and Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council and SciTech Institute, in discussing the importance of STEM education in building the pipeline of technology talent for today and tomorrow’s workforce needs.

Throughout this hour-long episode, this panel of STEM experts spoke about how the growing number of technology companies calling Arizona home is creating an intensified demand for qualified talent to fill technical roles. But to hire talent effectively, our panel of experts recommended shifting the conversation away from “developing the pipeline of STEM talent” and towards focusing on students and their career pathways.

FreeFall Aerospace is developing innovative antenna solutions for space and ground systems. Expertise derived from radio astronomy at the University of Arizona and planetary exploration research from NASA JPL provides a new perspective on the challenges of high-frequency satellite communication.

FreeFall is proud to have received the Startup Innovator of the Year Award from the Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona Technology Council.

Julie Bonner, Director of Communications for FreeFall Aerospace, connects partners, vendors, and investors to FreeFall’s innovative antenna systems. She’s developed branding and marketing campaigns for national corporations like Mister Car Wash and Clear Channel Outdoor to more Arizona-based start-ups and non-profits.

She has been awarded the Tucson AdFed Next Generation Award for significantly impacting the advertising industry through leadership, career achievements, and personal qualities. She is the Chair of the Women in the Workforce of the Arizona Technology Council, an organizer for CreativeMornings/Tucson, and is active in Local First Arizona and Start-Up Tucson.

Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from Drexel University and an MBA.

Follow FreeFall Aerospace on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

The Avondale Elementary School District was established in 1894. We have the highest percentage of A rated schools in the Southwest Valley. Located west of Phoenix, our district is home to nine schools ranging from preschool through eighth grade with several magnet programs.

We have been recognized at the national and state level for our passion and commitment for educational excellence. Having obtained numerous A ratings for our schools, we continue to be a leader in public education. We are proud to be the district of choice.

Dr. Betsy Hargrove has been the Superintendent of the Avondale Elementary School District (AESD) since 2012 after having served as the Assistant Superintendent since March 2009. She provides ongoing leadership in creating a positive climate of high expectations for all involved with the educational programs of the district.

She also works to engage in the continuous improvement of the Avondale educational community by implementing and monitoring the achievement of district goals and mission for every student to grow as a thinker, problem solver and communicator to pursue a future without limits. Ensuring this mission is reached, Dr. Hargrove and her team actively seek opportunities to build relationships with community stakeholders, business people and civic leaders to make connections within the district and sites.

The Avondale Elementary School District has embedded continuous improvement focus in all systems throughout the organization. Layering of high yield instructional practices, job embedded professional development, focused and collaborative accountability, and teacher and leader empowerment has demonstrated ongoing success. The result is that AESD has outperformed the state in growth in achievement four years in a row.

Dr. Hargrove has presented at the American Educational Research Association, Character Education Forum, National Staff Development Council Mega Conference, TAP National Conferences, 21st Century STEM Conference, Arizona School Administrators, National School Board Association, U.S. News STEM Solutions National Leadership Conference, School Connect Summit and American Association of School Administrators to share this approach and highlight the successes of the Avondale Elementary School District. Beyond the shared professional and academic accomplishments of the entire AESD community, Dr. Hargrove is most proud of her two daughters, Morgan and Clare.

Follow The Avondale Elementary School District on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SciTech Institute™ was established as the Arizona Technology Council Foundation as the conduit for collaboration among STEM industry, academia, civic, and non-profit organizations in Arizona. Now, rebranded and named the SciTech Institute™ the goal centers around aligning assets and resources to motivate individuals to pursue STEM-related educational and career paths or find a passion while engaged in community events during the SciTech Festival.

The Chief Science Officer program highlights the 6th-12th graders that have been selected as leaders in their schools and communities to receive training to build a world-class community of diverse STEM-literate workers and knowledgeable, engaged citizens. Science For All allows for tax credit donations to provide engaging experiences for students while RAIN (Rural Activation Innovation Network) focuses on resources for the rural areas of Arizona.

As a STEM Learning Ecosystem, SciTech Institute™ focuses on collaboration and connecting individuals with opportunities! STEM Professionals are encouraged to engage with the future workforce by serving as a mentor, leadership coach, panelist, keynote and session trainer during a variety of conferences hosted or sponsored by SciTech Institute™ and The Arizona Technology Council.

Teachers and Administrators are invited to connect with the resources available while activating a large network of STEM champions for student projects, judges at events, volunteers, exhibitors and more. SciTech Festival Event Coordinators are supported during the planning and execution of community STEM events around the state by the SciTech STREET Team Members and the growing network of volunteers. The possibilities are endless! SciTech Institute™ looks forward to connecting with you today. Visit SciTechInstitute.org today for more information.

Claire Conway serves as the Arizona STEM Ecosystem Programs Manager at SciTech Institute. In her role, she collaborates with STEM partners in industry, education, nonprofit, government, and community organizations across Arizona to develop regional STEM hubs that connect and align efforts in our local communities. She also coordinates statewide working groups on the future STEM workforce and STEM programming in Arizona libraries. As a facilitator of the Arizona STEM Ecosystem, she is a connection point between students such as the Chief Science Officers, educators, out-of-school programs, workforce opportunities, and industry experts.

Claire holds a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Southern California, where she conducted research in biomaterials and nanomedicine and coordinated volunteer programming for the university. An Arizona native and lifelong STEM enthusiast, she is passionate about fostering a STEM community where ALL students are able to chase their passions and access the many opportunities our state has to offer.

Follow SciTech Institute on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About AZ TechCast

AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.

Through the art of connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s guests will share their expertise, success stories, news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling the state’s growing technology ecosystem.

About Your Hosts

Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.

Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.

Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.

Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.

Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.

In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.

Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Bianca Buliga is a trilingual first-generation American of Romanian ethnicity. A marketing professional with experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Bianca currently works as Director, Marketing & Communications for the Arizona Technology Council.

Previously, Bianca worked as Marketing Communications Lead at Proctorio, a learning integrity platform that offers remote proctoring software ensuring exam integrity for learners around the world.

Bianca also worked as Senior Marketing Manager at SEED SPOT, a social impact incubator that educates, accelerates, and invests in impact-driven entrepreneurs creating market-based solutions to social problems. In January of 2020, Bianca was selected as an awardee of the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Exchange Program and traveled to the African island of Mauritius to run entrepreneurship programming for 15 impact-driven ecopreneurs on behalf of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Bianca has also completed comprehensive consulting projects for IBM, ESAN Business School, and the Peruvian government, and interned at the Arizona House of Representatives and U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania.

Bianca earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Northern Arizona University in 2014 and her Master’s degree in Global Affairs and Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in 2017. She is an avid reader, yogi, and world traveler always planning her next trip.

Connect with Bianca on LinkedIn.

About Our Sponsor

The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.

A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.

Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Proptech’s Role in Innovating AZ’s Real Estate Market E26

June 1, 2022 by Karen

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AZ TechCast

Proptech's Role in Innovating AZ's Real Estate Market E26

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Proptech’s Role in Innovating AZ’s Real Estate Market E26

Arizona’s business-friendly environment, weather and affordability have made it a hot spot for tourism and inbound migration for decades. But in a post-pandemic world where an estimated 269 people are moving to Arizona each day, the real estate market is experiencing an unexpected surge in demand that is affecting the availability of affordable inventory.

The May 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council’s AZTechCast podcast featured proptech experts including Ryan Egan, founder and CEO of Stackhouse; Bill Gleason, vice president of business development at ApostleTech; and Dusty Parsons, chief marketing officer at Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona. These leaders joined Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, and Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, in exploring technology’s role in discussing the innovative technology solutions that are helping to stabilize Arizona’s housing market.

Throughout this hour-long episode, this panel of experts spoke about the pandemic’s unprecedented impact on the national and local real estate market. With the rise in remote work, workers were no longer tied to a physical office space and could disperse across the country, moving from urban metropolises like New York City and San Francisco to more affordable states more commonly known as “flyover states.”

This influx of new residents into Arizona, combined with the hesitancy to overbuild left over from the 2009-2010 recession, means that the state is still severely lagging in housing stock, particularly affordable housing stock. This shortage has inevitably pushed technologists and innovators into reimagining the real estate solutions that can help alleviate this social problem.

Stackhouse is a patent pending technology that allows you to take your container home with you no matter where you move.

Ryan Egan has been working in real estate since the age of 9 when his father started taking him to property showings. His first “real job” was filing for Larsen Baker. He worked for Bank of America but in 2008 he left banking and moved to the other side of the table negotiating short sales for his clients and other agents.

In 2009 he joined Heights properties, the real estate arm of Brake Masters. Starting in property management he quickly added site selection and construction management to his list of responsibilities.

In 2012 he was acquiring and repositioning non-performing assets in San Francisco when the idea for Stackhouse first came to him. Since starting the company in 2017 Stackhouse has been a first-place graduate of the UofA Forge incubator, and UACI.

In 2021 Stackhouse graduated from the Highly selective TechStars Anywhere program. He is currently scouting for property in Austin Texas with his solar-powered shipping container model home and his 3 Humane Society Specials.

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn.

ApostleTech boasts a team of talented consultants with expertise in implementing, extending, connecting and supporting Salesforce solutions for the homebuilder industry.

For more than a decade, they’ve delivered successful enterprise level solutions that drive organizations to become more efficient and agile. As a premier Salesforce partner, ApostleTech has built its reputation on its long-term collaborative approach, working with homebuilding and construction companies throughout the US and Canada.

Bill Gleason built his career helping companies add new clients and customers to their roster. As an expert in B2B sales, he has worked in a variety of industries including financial services and healthcare solutions, prior to joining the ApostleTech team.

Bill has worked as the vice president of business development at ApostleTech since 2017. During that time the company has solidified its position as a leading solutions provider of homebuilding CRM implementations and marketing automation solutions.

Bill’s prior experience as a CRM user gives him a unique perspective to better understand the challenges and struggles many of ApostleTech’s clients face. This shared understanding enables Bill to approach clients with empathy, which in turn, allows him to build trust.

Follow ApostleTech on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona – Since 1985, with the help of generous donors and volunteers, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona has been privileged to build more than 1,180 homes, affect more than 3,000 repairs, and improve a place called home for more than 4,000 Arizona families.

Dusty Parsons, Chief Marketing Office at Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, is a highly organized – tech savvy – business minded – forward thinking – creative, with proven ability to influence partners, processes, and procedures to ensure organizational success.

With a combination of direct communication, humor, and technical expertise, as well as an eye for operational consistency, Dusty has had significant impact on the companies and people he has worked with. He values relationships and results.

Dusty specializes in integrated marketing, community outreach and strategic partnerships.

Follow Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About AZ TechCast

AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.

About Your Hosts

Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.

Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.

Previously, Bianca worked as Marketing Communications Lead at Proctorio, a learning integrity platform that offers remote proctoring software ensuring exam integrity for learners around the world.

Connect with Bianca on LinkedIn.

About Our Sponsor

The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.

Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Before and After E11

March 10, 2022 by Karen

Mind Well

Before and After E11

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Before and After E11

On this episode of Mind Well, host Michelle Jones interviews her partner Julie Gustafson. We talk about generational trauma and the fundamental importance of healing your inner child.

Listeners who have experienced generational trauma will want to tune in to this episode.

At one point, we were adapting our lives to unprocessed trauma. Most of us didn’t understand our responses or why we couldn’t move forward in the way we wanted to. We were introduced to this holistic approach for mindfully connecting to trauma response and releasing intensity while creating wholeness within.

It isn’t an exaggeration to say that this process fundamentally changed our lives. We are now able to be mindfully present with our bodies, find self compassion and acceptance and release the intense physical response connected to unprocessed trauma.

We started this company as a way to bring this healing method to those who desire to include it on path to healing. We created a framework with the tools, strategies and principles needed to safely guide clients on their healing journey. We offer support and individual sessions for clients. In addition, we offer training to coaches and other practitioners who have a desire to be part of this holistic approach to healing.

As a Certified Trauma Integration Practitioner, Julie Gustafson mindfully guides people through trauma. She is passionate about helping people identify and resolve issues, past and present, that create anxiety, depression, and unhappiness in their lives.

Julie helps people develop self awareness through a variety of strategies. This includes anger and grief awareness, mentoring, creative visual imagery, meditation, and relaxation exercises.

Julie’s goal is to provide a safe place to talk and inspire balanced thinking, so you can make clear decisions.

About Mind Well

Mind Well radio show and podcast is all about connecting with wellness professionals and individuals with unique perspectives about developing wholeness and well being.

We recognize that every individual has the ability to connect to wholeness.

About Our Host

Michelle Jones is the President and Co-Founder of Trauma Integration, LLC.

Michelle is an educator and Certified Trauma Integration Practitioner. She loves truly connecting with people.

Michelle firmly believes in the inherent resiliency within each of us and loves uncovering the light and strength in the people she meets.

About Our Sponsor

Mind Well is sponsored by Trauma Integration LLC. Trauma Integration is an educational company that is passionate about helping people understand their own response to trauma.

We provide resources to individuals and train practitioners to guide clients to mindfully integrate their trauma response and find wholeness within. You can find us at www.integratetrauma.com.

Follow Trauma Integration on Facebook and Instagram.

Tucson’s Economic Forecast: Poised for Growth E5

September 1, 2020 by Karen

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AZ TechCast

Tucson’s Economic Forecast: Poised for Growth E5

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Tucson’s Economic Forecast: Poised for Growth E5

Known for its plentiful sunshine, natural beauty and diverse culture, Tucson also is home to world-class universities and unique resources that make it an ideal place to launch a startup or operate a business. While it’s no secret that Tucson has long led the way for pioneering developments in the aerospace and defense sector, this Southern Arizona city is also a leader in bioscience, healthcare, optics and mining. And with a close proximity to Mexico, Tucson holds a special geographic position for businesses engaged in international trade.

In the Arizona Technology Council’s recent podcast, distinguished Tucson economic development leaders Joe Snell, President & CEO of Sun Corridor Inc. and Kevin Burke, City of Tucson Economic Initiatives Deputy Director, discussed the key drivers strengthening Tucson’s competitiveness, how Sun Corridor and the City of Tucson have been instrumental in accelerating economic growth in the region, the initiatives to attract, expand and retain businesses in Southern Arizona, and the factors fostering the innovation, technology and creativity needed to be a world-class tech hub.

If you want to learn exactly why Tucson was recently named as one of the top 10 U.S. cities best positioned to recover from the pandemic, as well as the programs, strategies and initiatives guiding and impacting Tucson’s long-term regional economy, this podcast episode is for you!

Sun Corridor Inc. brings together the interests of a broad range of private, public, academic and nonprofit groups to promote Southern Arizona as a single economic entity.

Dedicated to coordinating all economic development activities and programs within the Southern Arizona mega-region under one umbrella, Sun Corridor facilitates job and investment growth in the region. The organization’s work also includes creating a competitive environment that allows primary employers to flourish and succeed.

As the President & CEO of Sun Corridor Inc., Joe Snell brings over 30 years of experience leading regional private economic development organizations in communities of various sizes. His knowledge on building strategic, competitive and balanced economic-development efforts have resulted in Snell being nationally recognized for creating strong economies. In 2015, Snell led the re-engineering of the organization resulting in a name change, new brand and expanded mission.

Snell is a frequently requested speaker and lecturer on economic development and competitive issues. He is a former faculty member of the Arizona Economic Development Course and the International Economic Development Council. In 2019, Snell received the Global Visionary Award from BizTucson Magazine. In 2017 and 2018, Snell was recognized by Arizona Business Magazine for his leadership and contributions to the Arizona economy.

Follow Sun Corridor on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

At the forefront of innovation, Tucson has become increasingly attractive to new corporate expansions and relocations as companies shy away from large, urban areas. To strengthen its position, City of Tucson’s Economic Development leaders are working to ensure the right assets are in place for future economic growth.

City leaders are leveraging Tucson’s advantages and appeal to strategize across all industry sectors on emerging trends and changes. With its lower costs, business-friendly environment and talented tech workforce, it’s clear that Tucson is growing as an innovative, tech powerhouse.

As Economic Initiatives Deputy Director for the City of Tucson, Kevin Burke serves the Tucson community by promoting sustainable, high-quality growth and economic development to positively impact the economic vitality and long-term success of the city.

In his role, Burke focuses on collaboration with regional partners, including Pima County, Sun Corridor, and the local business community. Prior to joining the City of Tucson team in 2019, Kevin’s professional experience includes positions in state and local government management in Texas and Arizona.

Born and raised in Tucson, he earned a Master of Science in City and Regional Planning from the University of Arizona and Bachelor of Arts in Business and Public Administration from the University of Puget Sound.

Follow City of Tucson on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Show

AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.

About Your Hosts

Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.

Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.

About Our Sponsor

The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.

Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.