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

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!

Executing your companies mission and strategy takes a team.

How do you find the right people?  How do you keep them?

Link: http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2008/09/05/news/small_business/doc48c18ce0250b1472871697.txt

 http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2008/09/05/news/small_business/doc48c18ce0250b1472871697.txt

ASBA’s own Charlie O’Dowd now has a recurring column at Inside Tucson Business.  Follow the link above to learn why ASBA is the Best Kept (business) Secret in Tucson and how you can put ASBA to work for YOUR business!

 Way to go Charlie!

Link: http://www.asba.com

My friend Dave Horne has done a fabulous thing. He has published his 9 secrets for a winning career into a new book - Career Secret Sauce.

Not only is the book now up on Amazon.com, (just type in ‘Career Secret Sauce’ in the searchbox)  but Dave has a great video on YouTube that really gets to the heart of the matter when it comes to young people landing and keeping that first job after college. You can see the YouTube video on Dave’s blog at http://careersecretsauce.wordpress.com/

Dave wrote the book for his own kids, but mine and yours can benefit too. Check it out - it even has great ideas for ‘old folks’ like yours truly. :-)

I’m going to ask Dave to add a few hints here on the jobing blog - so stay tuned for some great information.

ASBA is committed connecting you to the people, information, and resources you need to grow. I hope you will check this out and use the information, and share it with others you know who need their own Career Secret Sauce.

Joan Koerber-Walker

CEO, ASBA, the Arizona Small Business Association