Buy and Shop Local This Week for the Holiday Season
December 8—14 is Buy Local Week in Phoenix … we can be our own economic stimulus!

ASBA partners with Arizona Local First to promote this worthy initiative. As a citywide initiative, Mayor Gordon has proclaimed this week as a buy local week to encourage people to shop locally. Did you know that for every hundred dollars spent with a local retailer or restaurant, $42 remains in the community? For the same hundred dollars spent with a national chain only $13 remains in the community. Buying locally is healthier for the economy, for our environment and diversity. This is an important time to show your pride with local businesses and let them know you care about their sustainability. Small and Local business is the backbone of our economy. Local First, Arizona Executive Director, Kimber Lanning reminds people that they will be surprised at the cost to shop locally  … “it is often comparable or less.”

For more information visit http://www.localfirstaz.com/

The 2008 Comerica Bank Arizona Companies To Watch was a smashing success. 

Connections were popping like champagne corks all over the room as growing companies came together to celebrate success. 

 A selection of photos taken by ASBA member mark Goldstein of the International Research Center are up on Flickr.

Check out all the connections that were being made at ASBA’s Comerica Bank Arizona Companies To Watch Awards on 11/11/2008.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mg-irc/sets/72157609162238476/

Link: http://www.asba.com

ASBA’s Hiring

With all the negative press about the economy, we have good news -  ASBA’s Hiring.

That’s right, ASBA (the Arizona Small Business Association) is looking for a few good men (or women) who share our passion for  proactively Connecting Arizona Business to the People, Information and Resources they need to Grow their business.

For more information or to explore if you or someone you know has what it takes to be part of our Proactive Connectivity Team, check out this link on Jobing.com. http://phoenix.jobing.com/Job_Details2.asp?JobID=1767898&SearchID=164760669&Position=0&CameFrom=Job 

It’s economic stimulation – ASBA style.

Want more good news?

How about the opportunity to connect to and be inspired by 50 exciting, growing, successful companies who are being recognized for their contributions to growing their business and the economy of our state.   Sound good?  Then mark your calendars for the evening of November 11^th and reserve your ticket today for the 3^rd annual Comerica Bank Arizona Companies to Watch.  For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit http://www.asba.com/.

Link: http://www.asba.com

My Grandma Marie will turn 99 years old this week.  That did not stop her from researching the candidates, making her decision, and mailing in her absentee ballot.  (She explained to me that she is not up to standing in those long lines anymore so she voted early!)  She did not want to miss out on this important time in history. 

If you have not voted yet, don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of shaping our state’s and our nation’s history.

Please Vote!

Link: http://www.asba.com

On my way in to the office one morning last week, I tuned in to Darrell Ankarlo on KTAR, who amongst other things, discussed the challenging economy and job cuts here in Arizona. Like most CEOs, I do a lot of reading, surfing the web and listening to news and talk radio so that I have a balanced and current view of what’s happening in the world. Balanced. We hear a lot about balance- balanced reporting, achieving work-life balance, balance, balance, balance.

Unfortunately, I just don’t see balance in the media right now. Don’t get me wrong- I like Ankarlo, and I am genuinely interested in his point of view. But I just cannot sit back anymore, watching and listening to the “gloom and doom” stories on the TV and radio, and reading about it in newspapers and magazines these days. A lot of Arizona businesses are not only surviving in this economy, they are thriving in this economy, experiencing growth and creating new jobs!

I don’t mean to sound like a Pollyanna, our country’s economic struggles are difficult and problematic. It will take time and hard work for our economy to recover and for small businesses to make it through this challenge. But tough times also require business owners and CEOs to get very hands on, get creative, and discover new innovative solutions. It’s what Small Business does best!

Yes, there is inspirational news in Arizona’s small business community- With over 300 great companies nominated, we had our greatest challenge this year in pairing down to 50 awardees for the Comerica Bank Arizona Companies to Watch.  They will be  honored at our awards ceremony on November 11th (http://www.asba.com/programs/az_companies.aspx).  If you need a little positive inspiration - check it out at ASBA.com - tickets are still available. 

The “Success Stories” of successful ASBA members roll in every day, written by business owners who wish to share their tips, achievements and support with other business owners.

So, I issue this challenge to the media- how about a little balance. Gloom and doom sells papers and gets viewers’ attention, but offer both sides of the story. Feature the businesses that are adding jobs, doing great things for our community and experiencing growth. Times are tough but Arizona businesses know how to take a bull by the horns, and create their own good fortune!