Thomas Barr Executive Director with Local First AZ and Karen Nowicki CEO with Phoenix Business RadioX
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.
Phoenix Business RadioX amplifies the voice of business, helping local business and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.
For over 20 years, Karen Nowicki has been helping organizations and the people who lead them drive their business strategies more effectively and as a result her clients are happier, healthier and more successful. As studio partner for Business Radio X ® and host for the metro Phoenix network shows, Nowicki has the pleasure of working with the most innovative, passionate and driven people who make a difference in their community and are willing to help others do the same. She is also a published author, accomplished speaker, and trusted advisor to business owners, senior executives and educational leaders.
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and Twitter, and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook.
Our Guest Host
Deb Caron is the owner and principal consultant of Anahata Marketing, a Phoenix-based marketing and brand communication consultancy that focuses on empathic listening and content creation to foster real connection between businesses and the customers they serve. She hosts Culture Crush Rx as part of her personal passion for helping people live healthier, more fulfilling, well-rounded lives. Deb is also a registered yoga teacher and she truly enjoys sharing her knowledge and love for the practice with her community. Deb can be reached at deb@anahatamarketing.com and on Linkedin.
