Surviving COVID19 as a Business Owner with Local First Arizona Tempe Chamber and Better Business Bureau
While these are unprecedented and uncertain times, we have professional organizations advocating for your business and success. Listen in as host, Karen Nowicki, connects with Thomas Barr with Local First Arizona, Anne Gill with The Tempe Chamber of Commerce, and Kimberly Roland with the Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest, as they share their tips, resources, support and a few inspiring stories from local business owners.
Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization that celebrates independent, locally owned businesses. We support, promote and advocate for a strong local business community and raise public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by strong local economies. Local businesses contribute to a sustainable economy for Arizona and build vibrant communities we’re all proud to call home.
Thomas Barr is the Executive Director 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 Executive Director, Thomas guides a team of statewide senior directors overseeing the execution of LFA’s communication strategy, major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, local food initiatives, sustainability, urban development 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 has participated in volunteering his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Additionally, Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and current participant in Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Kimberly Roland is the Director of Entrepreneur Programs for Better Business Bureau serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB).
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Humanistic Studies from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame and her Master of Arts in Social Justice and Human Rights with a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Management from Arizona State University.
Kimberly is responsible for the design and implementation of entrepreneur programming at BBB, including the development of new services for both accredited businesses and small business startups. She recently directed the buildout and launch of ignite sparked by BBB, a community coworking and collaboration space in Central Phoenix.
Prior to joining the BBB, she served as the Manager of Partner Relations in Entrepreneurship + Innovation at ASU where she managed programs and external partnerships in the greater business and startup community. Kimberly also serves on the Greater Phoenix Chamber Valley Young Professional Board of Directors and Phoenix Suns Charities 88 Board in addition to being the City Organizer for the House of Genius Phoenix Chapter.
She is a native Arizonan with a passion for serving and supporting local businesses.
Anne Gill, President and CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, is a highly-regarded, community and business advocate with visionary executive leadership and a purposeful approach to delivering results. She has a passion for making a difference through collaboration and influence to achieve creative yet attainable impact. 
Anne has a demonstrated expertise in financial management, strategic planning, inspiring and empowering teams, business advocacy, economic development, communication and media relations and event partnerships.
She has effective organizational skills, proactive stakeholder involvement, and independent decision making resulting in development and program expansion.
Connect with Anne on LinkedIn.
More Resources:
Local First is Committed to Arizona Businesses
