Getting the Wheels Turning: Is Arizona Poised to be a Logistics Hub?

valley-partnership-2015-recipient-scottsdale-girls-ranch-campusValley Partnership panel to discuss state’s role as manufacturing ramps up across U.S.

Phoenix, AZ – Valley Partnership has announced the topic for the August 26 breakfast. This month’s panel will discuss Arizona’s future as a hub for manufacturing and logistics and what business and economic development leaders are doing to ensure viability in these industries going forward.

The logistics and manufacturing panel will feature Nicholaus Fischer, Merit Partners; Mark Lashinske, Vice President, New Product Development, Modern Industries; and Kevin Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Business Attraction, Arizona Commerce Authority.

Moderating the panel will be John Werstler, Senior Vice President, CBRE.

“Manufacturing and logistics industries are playing a significant role in the U.S. economy,” said Cheryl Lombard, CEO and President of Valley Partnership. “As the growth of international trade continues to put pressure on American seaports and their immediate markets, other regional markets will emerge as hotspots for the production and movement of goods in and out of those ports. Arizona is poised to be a key commerce corridor.”

In addition to the panel, Valley Partnership is pleased to welcome U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz. Congressman Flake will open the breakfast with an update on Congress and will discuss water and tax issues.

Registration begins at 7 a.m.; program begins at 7:45 a.m. To register, please visit www.valleypartnership.org and click on the “Monthly Breakfast” tab. For more information, please contact Carrie Martin at 602.266.7844 or cmartin@valleypartnership.org.

 




Resort Revival: Hospitality resurgence transforming Paradise Valley

Ritz-Resort
Ritz Resort

Valley Partnership panel to discuss new Ritz-Carlton, redevelopment of Mountain Shadows resort

 Phoenix, AZ – Valley Partnership has announced the topic for the April 29 breakfast. The program will feature a look at two major hospitality projects under construction in Paradise Valley – a new Ritz-Carlton and redevelopment of the iconic Mountain Shadows resort.

The panel will feature Christopher Klecka, CFO of Five Star Development (Ritz-Carlton); Scott Lyon, Founder and Managing Partner of Westroc Hospitality (Mountain Shadows); and Jeff Mongan, Principal and Senior Vice President of The Athens Group. Moderating the panel will be Joe Blackbourn, President and CEO of Everest Holdings.

The breakfast will also feature guest speaker Sharon Harper, President and CEO of Plaza Companies. Harper is Chair of “Let’s Vote Yes for Arizona Schools,” which is supporting Proposition 123 in the May 17 statewide special election.

“Valley Partnership is pleased to bring these speakers together for our April breakfast,” said Cheryl Lombard, CEO and President of Valley Partnership. “The hospitality and resort industries are a major driver of Arizona’s economy, and our partners will benefit from the informative presentation the panel has planned.

“Additionally, we are honored to have Sharon Harper address members about Proposition 123. As business and community leaders continue the work of building towards a strong economic future, education is a critical keystone issue that needs to be at the forefront of our plans,” Lombard said.

Registration begins at 7 a.m.; program begins at 7:45 a.m. To register, please visit www.valleypartnership.org and click on the “Monthly Breakfast” tab. For more information, please contact Carrie Martin at 602.266.7844 or cmartin@valleypartnership.org.

 




The Heart of the Matter: Creating a Thriving, Sustainable Downtown Phoenix

Luhrs Building 450x250
Luhrs Building, Downtown Phoenix (courtesy photo)

Monthly panel to discuss challenges, leadership and growth opportunities in Downtown Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ – Valley Partnership has announced the topic for the March 18th breakfast. This month’s program will feature a discussion by city leaders on the evolution of downtown Phoenix. They will share insights into how both public and private leaders are addressing the challenges that are unique to downtown.

The panel will feature a discussion between Vice Mayor Kate Gallego, City of Phoenix; David Krumwiede, Executive Vice President of Lincoln Property Company, which recently purchased the historic Luhr’s building; and Matt Silverman, Vice President and Managing Director of R&R Partners in Phoenix. Kevin Calihan, Senior Vice President with CBRE will lead the panel.

“A vibrant downtown is critical to the health of any metropolitan area; downtown Phoenix is no different,” said Cheryl Lombard, CEO and President of Valley Partnership. “The history of downtown Phoenix is definitely one of challenges, but in recent years we’ve seen innovative leadership and the creation of great opportunities for growth. Valley Partnership is pleased to bring together these leaders to discuss the evolution of the heart of our city.”

In addition to the panel, Valley Partnership is pleased to welcome Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-6th District), who serves on the Financial Services Committee and Joint Economic Committee of the House of Representatives. Congressman Schwiekert will kick off the breakfast meeting with a federal update.

“I am honored to attend the Valley Partnership Friday Morning Breakfast; it is a key organization in the Valley that I work with in support of Arizona’s vibrant economy,” said the Congressman. “I look forward to speaking at the March breakfast about burdensome regulations and how they stop the entrepreneurial spirit and cost time and money and how practical solutions based on technology can create jobs.”

Registration begins at 7 a.m.; program begins at 7:45 a.m. To register, please visit www.valleypartnership.org and click on the “Monthly Breakfast” tab. For more information, please contact Carrie Martin at 602.266.7844 or cmartin@valleypartnership.org.