ASBA Announces the Hire of Rick Murray as Chief Executive Officer

The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Rick Murray as its new chief executive officer, effective February 27, 2012.

The announcement concludes an extensive national and local search for a professional with association management, public policy and small business ownership experience. Murray will have the responsibility of managing ASBA’s business operations, directing the staff, and continuing to build upon the tremendous growth and success the organization has experienced in the last three years.

Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, Murray’s previous experience includes heading up the New Mexico State Fair, managing a $13 million annual budget and 400 staff; as well as leading the New Mexico Dental Association. In 2002, he was recruited by the Arizona Dental Association (AzDA), which he led for six years until 2008. Under his leadership, the AzDA’s income grew from $800,000 to $2.8 million annually and he spearheaded the development of one the nation’s premiere dental conventions.

"I am ready to help move ASBA forward and build on the incredible momentum thanks to my predecessor Donna Davis and a very capable and dedicated staff,” said Murray. "I look forward to sharing my knowledge and past experiences in order to help our 11,000+ small business members thrive and succeed."

"On behalf of the ASBA Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Rick Murray as our new CEO,” said ASBA 2012 Board Chair, Joe Higgins. "Rick brings personal small business experience, public policy acumen and successful association management experience to the organization. Over our 40-year history, ASBA has been committed to serving and advocating on behalf of all of Arizona's small and mid-sized businesses. Rick is the perfect person to carry that legacy into the future”

Rick is also an avid entrepreneur having run several of his own businesses including an advertising agency, a production company and, most recently, a dental consulting business. His diverse professional background also includes careers as a news photographer and television news reporter.

Murray was selected to fill the role of ASBA’s chief executive officer from an original field of more than 60 candidates.

About ASBA – The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is the largest trade association in the state representing 11,000+ member businesses, and over ½ million employees in all 15 counties. ASBA members enjoy access to significant group discounts, countless opportunities to do business with each other, a wide array of insurance products, and active advocacy efforts on public policy issues to protect their businesses. Discover more at www.asba.com. Join ASBA. Be amAZed®

Employers Looking for Great Recruits Need to Attend the ASU Career & Internship Fair - March 28, 29 & 30

ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus - Mar 28

This is the largest recruiting event of the semester at the Downtown Phoenix campus! Meet and speak with 600-700 undergraduate and graduate students from each of ASU's four campuses. For a breakdown of majors that attended this event in Spring 2011, click here. All ASU students seeking full-time positions, as well as internship opportunities are invited to participate. Click here for a list of the colleges and schools located on the Downtown Phoenix campus.

Downtown Phoenix Campus
AE England Building (Civic Space Park), 424 N. Central Avenue
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

ASU Polytechnic Campus - Mar 29

Serving more than 9,700 students exploring engineering, computer studies, business and education programs, the Polytechnic campus in the fast-growing East Valley, is home to the College of Technology & Innovation as well as the Morrison School of Management & Agribusiness, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, and School of Letters & Sciences.  Click here for a detailed description of programs offered at the Polytechnic campus.  All ASU students seeking full-time positions as well as internship opportunities are invited to participate, and more than 250 students attended in Spring 2011.  To see the list of majors attending this event in Spring 2011, click here. 

Polytechnic Campus

Student Union Cooley Ballrooms

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

ASU West Campus - Mar 30

Reach out to hundreds of ASU students at the West campus’ largest recruiting event of the spring 2012 semester!  Meet with undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent alumni seeking career and internship opportunities and highlight the advantages of working for your organization.  The West campus is home to the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, the W.P. Carey School of Business, and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, but all students from ASU’s four campuses are encouraged to attend.  To learn more information about the West campus and ASU’s degree programs, click here.

ASU West Campus

Fletcher Lawn

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

To learn more information about the West campus and ASU’s degree programs, visit http://campus.asu.edu/west/about.

Registrations are being accepted through your Sun Devil CareerLink account,

https://asu-csm.symplicity.com/employers/.

Registration Fees: Corporate - $350; Nonprofit, Gov't & Healthcare - $200. Total fees if attending this event and West or Downtown campus Spring event: Corporate - $400; Nonprofit, Gov't & Healthcare - $250. Total fees is attending all 3 Spring events (West and Downtown Phoenix campuses): Corporate - $450; Nonprofit, Gov't & Healthcare - $300.

If you would like to set-up a Sun Devil CareerLinka account or have questions about the event, please contact Brandee Popaden-Smith at 480-965-8973 or bpopaden@asu.edu

Brandee Popaden

Arizona State University

480-965-9873

bpopaden@asu.edu 

Saturday, March 10th is Passport Day in the USA!

Planning travel outside the United States?

First, get your U.S. passport! 

We invite you to participate in Passport Day in the USA! On Saturday, March 10 only, apply for your U.S. passport at a Regional Passport Agency without an appointment. You will be able to apply for standard processing (4-6 weeks) or pay an additional $60 for expedited processing (2-3 weeks, door-to-door). Passport Day in the USA events are being held at Regional Passport Agencies and many Passport Acceptance Facilities across the country. If you’ve been waiting to get your passport, this is the time!

Residents of Scottsdale and the Valley can go to:

City of Scottsdale Customer Service Tax & License
7447 East Indian School Road, Suite 110
Scottsdale, AZ 85251      

8:00AM - 1:00PM            

PLEASE NOTE: This location does not have photo capabilities,

so please obtain your passport photo ahead of time.

For a complete list of Arizona locations for Passport Day, CLICK HERE.

Chamber Adds New Manager of Member Opportunities

The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Anna Mineer as Manager of Member Opportunities. Anna will focus on providing tailored sponsorship and exposure opportunities to our membership, as well as coordinating a number of Chamber events.

Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the Chamber said, “We are very pleased to have Anna on board, adding fresh perspective and solid credentials to an already high performing team. Anna will be instrumental in helping our members find even more value in their memberships.”

Prior to joining the Scottsdale Chamber, Anna was a Membership Development Specialist at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce responsible for membership sales, retention and sponsorships. She also started the Chandler Chamber Young Executive Series.

Before joining the Chandler Chamber, Anna started her own destination management company, High Impact Promotions & Events, which is still in business today. She has extensive event planning and management experience and worked in the industry for over 10 years.

Anna’s career in events was preceded by a position working for the United States Senate in Washington D.C. where she was the Director of Constituency for the late Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina.

Contact Anna at amineer@scottsdalechamber.com or 480-355-2708.

Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival Moves to Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater

Scottsdale location to attract more craft beer enthusiasts on Saturday, May 19, 2012.

The Second Annual Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 19, at a new venue–the Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater. Presented by Whole Foods, the Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival concludes with American Craft Beer Week, a nationwide homage to craft beer.

Ameri-CAN is the brainchild of Anthony Canecchia and SanTan Brewing Company, the leader in Arizona’s canned craft beer revolution. More than 60 local and national breweries will crack the tabs on their finest brews and thousands of craft beer fans will relish the frosty cold suds. The event runs from 1-6 p.m. Doors open at noon for VIP ticket holders. The Scottsdale Civic Center is located at 3939 North Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

The Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival will celebrate the craft beer movement with an awards ceremony, live music, food, a VIP tent, Beer Science Garden and Beer Olympics activities.

“Last year, we celebrated the canned craft beer revolution and we were impressed at the resoundingly positive feedback from festival goers,” said Anthony Canecchia, owner and head brewer of SanTan Brewing Company. “Beer fans are beginning to appreciate that the can is the superior package for craft beer, and it is our intention to continue educating the world of this fact.”

The championship portion of the festival will include Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded in nine categories including IPA, American Pale Ale, English Pale Ale, Wheat Beers, Stouts and Porters, Ambers and Browns, Golds, Blondes, Pilsners and Light Lagers, Fruit, and Specialty Beer. Last year, more than 76 beers were submitted in the competition and participants included an impressive lineup from 31 national and local breweries. A total of 19 gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the following breweries. Gold medal winners included Grand Canyon Brewing, Leinenkugel Brewing and Lumberyard Brewing. Oskar Blues Brewing took home medals in all three categories: gold, silver and bronze. HDE expects most of the 31 breweries that participated last year to return this year as well as new contenders from local and national breweries.

Presale general admission tickets for the Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival are available for $25. General admission on the day of is $35. General admission includes entry into the festival with collectible 4 oz. sample can, which can be used to sample up to 20 beers from participating breweries. This is a 21 and over event, no exceptions. Ticket purchasers and all guests must be 21 or over and must present a valid picture ID upon admission.

VIP tickets are $100 (presale only, while supplies last), and include general entry with a 4 oz. souvenir can, VIP lanyard for all access and exclusive entry into VIP Beer Garden, unlimited catered food and treats, Richard Susa book signing with free copy of The Beer Can, private restrooms, meet and greet with brewers, and a seat at the Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Championship Awards Ceremony.

Designated driver tickets are also available for $10 and include non-alcoholic beverages. A portion of event proceeds will benefit Ear Candy, a 501c3 Phoenix charity that provides youth access to music education.

For more information, visit www.cannedcraftbeerfest.com.

EVCCA March Update

Arizona celebrated its 100^th Birthday last month. Amid the centennial festivities, the Arizona Legislature was hard at work debating nearly 1,400 bills and proposed changes to the state constitution. Similarly, the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA) was working with lawmakers on issues that impact business.

Revenue Allocation Districts

From changes to the Rio Nuevo District in Tucson to the creation of Revenue Allocation Districts, several bills dealing with tax increment financing are at play in the legislative process. Of particular interest is HB 2649. The bill authorizes municipalities to establish districts to undertake projects for economic development, reducing the loss of commerce, or increasing employment.

Ballot Reform

The EVCCA has been working with State Representative Chester Crandall (R-Heber) on HCR 2005. The bill would place a question on the ballot asking voters to reauthorize ballot propositions every few years. The EVCCA believes ballots propositions should undergo reauthorization just as state agencies go through a sunset review process every ten years.

Unemployment Insurance

State Representative Karen Fann (R-Chino Valley) introduced HB 2519 which is supported by the EVCCA. The bill addresses fraud and abuse in the unemployment insurance system. Reducing abuse within the U.I. system will lower costs for employers. The EVCCA has been working to get it passed.

Economic Development

HB 2815 establishes an individual and corporate income tax credit for the creditable costs and expenses of “excessive regulation”. The credit is capped at $1,000 for individuals and $4,000 for corporations in tax years 2014 and 2015, and $2,000 for individuals and $8,000 in tax years 2016 and after. The bill also includes a capital gains tax phase-out and a net loss carry forward increase from five years to 20. The bill was introduced by East Valley State Representative J.D. Mesnard (R-Chandler).

Should you have questions about these or any other issues impacting business, please feel free to contact the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance contract lobbyists (Tom Dorn, Eric Emmert and Heather Bernacki) at (602) 606-4667.

Crescent Crown Distributing Installs One of Arizona’s Largest Rooftop Solar Installations with Help From Green Choice Solar

Crescent Crown Distributing to offset nearly 75 percent of energy needs with solar power at its Surprise Distribution Center.

SURPRISE, Ariz. – February 1, 2012 – Crescent Crown Distributing, one of the five largest beer distributors in the country, made the decision to go solar in 2011 at both of its Valley locations, distribution center in Surprise and new corporate headquarters in Mesa, Ariz.  Green Choice Solar, the leading commercial solar integrator in Arizona, was selected to procure the incentives and complete the rooftop installations for both locations.

“This is an exciting project for CCD. We have seen a growing number of our suppliers and fellow distributors across the country making significant investments in green technologies, and we felt it was important to our standing as a leader in the industry and the community to make a similar investment,” said Neil Baier, Vice President of Finance for Crescent Crown Distributing.

Crescent Crown Distributing has long been committed to the environment and sustainable practices. “Not only does the new solar system make sound financial sense,” said James Moffett, Jr., President of Crescent Crown Distributing, “but more importantly it’s the ‘right’ thing to do for the future of our environment.” The solar system will offset over 107 million pounds of carbon emissions over the next 25 years, which is equivalent to taking over 8,800 cars off the road.

The Surprise CCD facility installation was completed in December 2011.  The installation only took 7 weeks, with expedited service by Green Choice and the rapid turn-around on the permit process by City of Surprise officials.  A total of 6,840 Schott Poly-235 panels using a specialized ballasted racking system from Applied Energy Technologies were put on the roof of the 240,000 square foot building and will produce 1.6 megawatts of clean renewable electricity. 

Important tax incentives were a major factor in driving the rapid installation.  Government incentives in the form of a 30 percent grant towards the cost of the solar system and 100 percent bonus depreciation in the first year were just some of the strong selling points for Crescent Crown executives.

“We are always looking for companies like Crescent Crown, that see the future of rising energy rates and want to lock in lower solar rates now,” said Tony Doran, CRO and Co-Founder for Green Choice Solar.

Contact:

Kim Kaiser

Green Choice Solar

P: 480-398-2740

F: 480-398-2761

E: kkaiser@greenchoicesolar.com

www.greenchoicesolar.com

Promote Your Business with SUSD Mobile Advertising!

Scottsdale Unified School District has over 81 full-size school buses and 58 utility vehicles which drive through the local communities each and every day. Our vehicles cover 2 million miles a year and receive about 40,000 impressions daily.

By advertising on the exterior of SUSD school buses, you can increase awareness of your business and target specific demographics and neighborhoods. The highly visible mobile billboards not only promote your company, but also provide much needed educational revenue to SUSD schools and programs.

For Advertising Inquiries, please contact:

SUSD Communications Department at 480-484-6182

e-mail: advertising@susd.org

Website: advertising.susd.org

CLICK HERE to download Informational Packet.