Podcasts about local first arizona

On Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg, Dani speaks with Kimber Lanning, Founder and CEO of Local First Arizona. They discuss the value of desert-friendly crops in a changing climate, the fear that many immigrant business leaders are living with, and the power that communities can build through place-based, local economies. Plus, hear about the limited U.S. response to the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that killed more than 2,000 in Myanmar and the devastating effects that a reduction in aid from countries in the Global North will have on hunger and child mortality. While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg” wherever you consume your podcasts.

Welcome to the final episode of 2024! In 2024 Highlights from the Urban Core: A Year of Resilience and Revival, we take a reflective journey through Tucson's vibrant year. From groundbreaking business initiatives to awe-inspiring art projects, this episode showcases the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that shaped the urban core. Join us as we revisit compelling conversations with leaders like Jessica Barfield from Local First Arizona and discover how initiatives like the Navigator Grant are driving local economic growth. Explore stories of innovative spaces like High Wire's newest venue, The Grand, and hear about the creative repurposing of Tucson's historical structures. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the people, businesses, and organizations that make downtown Tucson a thriving hub of art, culture, and enterprise. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the journey, this is a perfect opportunity to reflect on and celebrate our community's achievements over the past year. ✨ Listen, share, and comment below to let us know your favorite moments from 2024!

a taste of az sits down with Gabe Gardner, Director of Food Programs at Local First Arizona, at their fourth community kitchen, Eastlake, in Phoenix. Local First is Arizona's Community for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. Gabe shares insights into the history of the organization and recording at their kitchens we learn more about how they provide fully equipped, licensed spaces for food entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and grow and eventually “leave the nest”.   subscribe to our magazine: https://www.atasteofaz.com/subscribe a taste of az instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atasteofaz

People First to Build Great Businesses E49 In this episode of “Arizona Good Business Radio,” host Thomas Barr introduces Niki Ramirez, the founder of HR Answers.org, highlighting her deep-rooted connection with Local First Arizona. Her passion for fostering positive work environments and supporting small businesses through tailored HR solutions is evident as she discusses common […] The post People First to Build Great Businesses E49 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

People First to Build Great Businesses E49 In this episode of “Arizona Good Business Radio,” host Thomas Barr introduces Niki Ramirez, the founder of HR Answers.org, highlighting her deep-rooted connection with Local First Arizona. Her passion for fostering positive work environments and supporting small businesses through tailored HR solutions is evident as she discusses common […] The post People First to Build Great Businesses E49 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Fund Your Business for the Future E46 In this episode of Arizona Good Business, Jason Lowry, with Local First Arizona, and Melissa Harlan, owner of Drink Me Tea Room in Tempe discuss opportunities for local businesses to access the Green Loan Fund. Melissa shares her journey becoming a small business owner. Despite the challenges of […]

Fund Your Business for the Future E46 In this episode of Arizona Good Business, Jason Lowry, with Local First Arizona, and Melissa Harlan, owner of Drink Me Tea Room in Tempe discuss opportunities for local businesses to access the Green Loan Fund. Melissa shares her journey becoming a small business owner. Despite the challenges of […] The post Fund Your Business for the Future E46 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Join us on this exciting episode of "Life Along the Streetcar" as we delve into the incredible work of Local First Arizona and their Southern Arizona Director, Jessica Barfield. Discover how this dynamic organization has been transforming Tucson by empowering local businesses and fostering community growth. From securing multi-million dollar grants to implementing sustainability programs, Local First Arizona is making a significant impact on our local economy. In this episode, Jessica shares inspiring stories of success, including the establishment of the Arizona Economic Recovery Center and the innovative Navigator Grant program. Learn about their groundbreaking efforts to support small businesses, promote environmental sustainability, and drive economic recovery post-pandemic. Key Programs and Initiatives: - Arizona Economic Recovery Center: Helping to secure grants and bring funds into the state, including $21 million for the Hopi tribe's solar energy project. - Navigator Grant: Providing $12 million to support small businesses, with over $2 million allocated to Tucson. - Sustainability Programs: Assisting businesses in reducing their environmental impact and saving money through operational improvements. - Forza Local: A business accelerator program for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs, offering comprehensive training and support. - Good Food Forum and Expo: An upcoming event on August 27th to connect local food entrepreneurs with buyers and restaurateurs. Tune in to hear how Local First Arizona is building a better Tucson, one business at a time! Don't miss out! - Follow us on SoundCloud to stay updated with the latest episodes. - Like, share, and comment to join the conversation. - Visit our Facebook page at Life Along The Streetcar for more community stories. - Listen to more episodes and subscribe on SoundCloud. Let's celebrate Tucson together!

Good Food Expo is a yearly industry event hosted by the fine folks at Local First Arizona. It brings together some incredible producers, from jam makers, to brewers, to chocolatiers. We have the pleasure of taking part in 2023, and chatting with many of the people sharing their products. Join us on this episode of a taste of az podcast as we flashback to the last Expo and those conversations! . subscribe to our magazine: https://www.atasteofaz.com/subscribe a taste of az instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atasteofaz

According to the American Indian Policy Institute, 18 percent of reservation residents lack internet access, 33 percent rely on cell phone service only, 49 percent utilize a land-based internet provider and 31 percent have spotty internet connection. The limited access to services presents major barriers to access to innovative healthcare solutions to improve health disparities such as diabetes, chronic liver diseases and more.With native american and indigenous territories spanning across the nation, the data depicts the breadth of the impact that the digital divide plays in exacerbating existing disparities. During this conversation, Rafael Tapia, Director of Tribal Community Connections at Local First Arizona, will speak with John Achoukian, healthcare management consultant with CWH Advisors, to discuss the role of the digital divide in Native American and indigenous communities, how to increase access to innovative solutions to improve health outcomes and share strategies for innovators who are developing solutions to support Native American and indigenous communities while respecting and preserving their rich cultural heritage.For more information, visit matter.health and follow us on social: LinkedIn @MATTERTwitter @MATTERhealthInstagram @matterhealth

Growing a Green Business in Arizona E38 In this episode of the Arizona Good Business Podcast, host Thomas Barr, Vice President of Business Development at Local First Arizona, welcomes two distinguished guests, John Mittman, CEO of Obodo Energy Partners, and Kyler Colin, Operations Director at Phoenix Water Solutions. John Mittman, with a background in mechanical […]

Growing a Green Business in Arizona E39 In this episode of the Arizona Good Business Podcast, host Thomas Barr, Vice President of Business Development at Local First Arizona, welcomes two distinguished guests, John Mittman, CEO of Obodo Energy Partners, and Kyler Colin, Operations Director at Phoenix Water Solutions. John Mittman, with a background in mechanical […] The post Growing a Green Business in Arizona E39 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

The holiday shopping season begins this weekend, and Thomas Barr with Local First AZ joins the show to talk about how you can support local businesses during the holidays.

Thomas Barr, Vice President of Business Development for Local First Arizona discusses how much your Thanksgiving ingredients come from Arizona

The Good Food Expo is a B2B focused convention bringing together all sorts of businesses from across Arizona's food and beverage scene. Industry professionals will have a chance to explore products including local beer, snacks, services, and so much more. We've had the pleasure of finding locally made vegan wings, fine tequilas, and cookies! Join us as we chat with the event coordinator Gabe Gardner of Local First Arizona. . subscribe to our magazine: https://www.atasteofaz.com/subscribe get tickets to our festival: https://atasteofaz.com/food-and-drink-festival-in-scottsdale-arizona/ a taste of az instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atasteofaz

Carol Berry, retired Phoenix municipal court judge, and Elaman Rodriguez, Senior Manager of Spanish Programs at Local First AZ join Mike O'Neil to discuss the Arizona Town Hall's report on equity, how attainable is equity in the eyes of the law, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thank you so much for Listening to ON THE DELO - Please share and subscribe. I am so grateful for all of you. I love doing this and do it so you can hear great stories in the valley. Follow me on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dZjagieHTs5FLcTXFz5cQ and Instagram for more DELO antics @iamthedelo Meet Thomas Barr ! Check out localfirstaz.com Thomas Barr is the Vice President of Business Development 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 the Vice President of Business Development, Thomas guides the direction and execution of LFA's major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, environmental sustainability, urban development, local food systems, 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 contributes his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals - Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square Foundation, Phoenix Legal Action Network, and ONE Community. Additionally, he serves as a director on the board of the American Independent Business Alliance, the leading national organization supporting the growth and development of local business alliances across the country. Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and alumni of Valley Leadership Institute's 40th cohort. 

We all know that it is important to spend where we ride .... to support the local economy. But do all dollars spent have the same impact? In this podcast, we explore that premise with Thomas Barr, the Vice President of Business Development for Local First Arizona. Local First Arizona is a nonprofit working to build equitable systems for Arizona's local businesses, those businesses that create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Arizona economy. We think this is one of the most important podcasts we have recorded in the last 18 months. Give it a listen! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dirty Freehub is a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling route guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces. Our Podcast Channel / The Connection Our Route Guides / Dirty Freehub Our Ask / Donate

On this week's show, we're going to speak with Jessica Barfield. She's recently been hired as the Director of Tucson Business Development for Local First Arizona. They've had lots of developments so we're going to catch up with her about how she came to the role and what Local First has been up to. Today is December 18th, my name is Tom Heath and you're listening to "Life Along the Streetcar". Each and every Sunday our focus is on Social, Cultural and Economic impacts in Tucson's Urban Core and we shed light on hidden gems everyone should know about. From A Mountain to UArizona and all stops in between. You get the inside track- right here on 99.1 FM, streaming on DowntownRadio.org- we're also available on your iPhone or Android using our very own Downtown Radio app. Reach us by email contact@lifealongthestreetcar.org -- interact with us on Facebook @Life Along the Streetcar and follow us on Twitter @StreetcarLife--- And check out our past episodes on www.lifeAlongTheStreetcar.org, Spotify, iTunes or asking your smart speaker to "Play Life Along The Streetcar Podcast." Our intro music is by Ryanhood and we exit with music from Everything But The Girl, "The 25th December."

We're back with an all-new Click Vortex, featuring record store owner, local business advocate, and shoegaze drummer Kimber Lanning. With her underground-centric shop Stinkweeds and Local First Arizona, she's dedicated to telling under-discussed stories. Joining Sam and Jason in the 850 Lincoln loft studio, she discusses record store life, her beloved indie rock venue Modified Arts, and her crucial '90s band Half String and some legendary shows they opened for–including a run-in with infamous Gallagher bros and their and Oasis. Plus, Kimber weighs in on Sam and Jason's clicks, including Ben Folds Five, Suede, Elastica, dream pop vs. shoegaze, AR Kane, Tim and Jeff Buckley, This Mortal Coil, and lots more. Do you have a memory about Modified Arts? A purchase from Stinkweeds? Something else? Ring us up at 1-877-WASTOIDS and leave a message—we'll feature your calls on a future episode of Click Vortex. Consider leaving a review and/or rating on our podcast and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Kimber Lanning with Local First Arizona and Angela Hughey with ONE Community Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona (LFA) is a community and economic development organization working to strengthen local economies. LFA's areas of focus include developing entrepreneurship, rural and urban community development, racial equity, environmental action, and food access. LFA is the largest local […] The post Kimber Lanning with Local First Arizona and Angela Hughey with ONE Community appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

The Good Food Expo is a B2B focused convention bringing together all sorts of businesses from across Arizona's food and beverage scene. This year's standouts include the award-winning brewery Wren House, local powerhouse Hayden Flour Mills, and many more! Listen in as we chat with TEN different local businesses each interview about five minutes long! Timestamps below! . SW Grilled Coffee - 0:07 Hayden Flour Mills - 7:23 Carolina's Chocolates - 12:53 Everlicious - 17:57 Vintage Oats - 22:56 Gabe Gardener of Local First Arizona - 27:04 Simple Soda Company - 32:36 Tucson Tamale Co. - 38:07 Hot Sauce and Pepper - 43:07 Heartquist Hollow Farm - 48:45 Copper State Forge - 53:29 Hot Sauce and Pepper PT2 - 56:48

As a consumer, what can you do to help restore your local economy? Shop local!!! As a local business owner, what is important to keep moving forward for future success? Brad and Bree talk with Thomas Barr from “Local First AZ” about supporting small, local businesses, developing partnerships, seasonality, social media and much more. If you're an entrepreneur and creative thinker or if you just like to shop… this is a must listen to podcast! www.localfirstaz.com #homanityteam

Down to Earth: Tucson, Episode 54, Building powerful partnerships are key to establishing resilient communities – cultivating collaboration, cooperation and community. Join us to hear the dynamic story of how a group of local leaders came together with a shared mission to be of service to their community and get EV chargers installed in downtown […]

Randy Spencer is the Partnerships and Development Director at Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers. In his tenure with the 501(c)(3) non-profit teen centers in Phoenix and Mesa, he has created revenue generating partnerships and programming with City of Mesa, City of Phoenix, City of Goodyear, Arizona Bike Week, Arizona Lottery, Taco Bell, Danzeisen Dairy, Sweet James, Arizona Cardinals, Mesa Public Schools, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Los Sombreros, Arizona State University, Local First Arizona, Fiesta Bowl Charities, Safeway/Albertson's, Aioli Gourmet Burgers, Arizona Coyotes and many others. In the music industry he has represented many well known recording artists such as Brian Setzer, Marcos Curiel of P.O.D., Jason Newsted of Metallica and as a music supervisor, he has negotiated music rights for many national television commercials for brands such as Ryka, Wienerschnitzel, Taylor Made, Toyo Tires, Hilton Hotels and Callaway Golf. Randy SpencerPartnerships/DevelopmentAlice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers

Change Starts Locally.To strengthen Arizona's local economy, first we need to build a community that feels accountable for it.Strong, inclusive economies begin with hometown pride. We are passionate and committed to introducing locals and newcomers to our state's amazing culture. A culture that is best represented by our communities, local businesses, and their unique experiences. We are on a mission to build equitable systems that earn that hometown pride and create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Arizona economy.Founded in 2009, Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization committed to community and economic development throughout Arizona. Our work connects people, locally-owned businesses, and communities for meaningful actions that build a diverse, inclusive and prosperous Arizona economy, including:Educating consumers about the interconnectedness of the economy -- how and where they spend matters.Training small businesses to be more resilient, while helping our larger partners tell their story as champions of Arizona.Creating programs and events that make it fun and easy to discover local businesses and buy local.Targeting systems of inequity and building prosperity for all Arizonans by proactively identifying comprehensive solutions and taking action.https://localfirstaz.com

From rock stars to entrepreneurs, Denise and Jeff have created a successful business, Americano Foods. They sell delicious and healthy nut butters and give back to the community by working with many social and economic development agencies. Denise and I talk about how her journey to get to Americano Foods. Her experience in teaching and psychology has made her a great partner in the business because she uses her experimental, research and people skills to make a difference. She is all about serving others. Go check it out wherever you hear podcasts! Connect with DeniseAmericano Foods: https://eatamericano.com/Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanofoodsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanoFoodsResources Mentioned in this EpisodeFairytale Brownies: https://www.brownies.com/Local First Arizona: https://localfirstaz.com/MEP -Manufacturing Extension Partnership: https://www.nist.gov/mepTECHO: https://www.techo.org/You can connect with me as well! Website: https://www.jennextdoorpodcast.com/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennextdoorpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennextdoorpodcastBe crazy enough to start it! 

Episode 8 from victim to VICTOR Malaun is a survivor and a THRIVER! From experience Malaun KNOWS there is life after trauma! She is passionate about helping other women who have experienced sexual crimes get back on their feet and to reclaim back their power! Malaun does this by helping women globally through her personal development programs and providing transitional homes that promote healing as well as economic programs. Get in touch with Malaun via the following media platforms: Facebook: Malaun Rice, Book a chat with her via: https://calendly.com/malaunrice Malaun's Full Bio Malaun Rice injects passion in everything she does.  As a thinker and a doer, she flourishes in anything that she does; bringing her commitment to delivering results to corporate and non-profit organizations.  For ten plus years, Rice built a record of success  producing events, developing partnerships, and creating  campaigns for influential brands such as Walt Disney World, Allstate Insurance, Clear Channel, McDonald's and the United States Census Bureau.  On this path, she learned a great deal about managing clients and celebrities with a deft touch, the importance of consistent innovation, and the value of her natural ability to build mutually-beneficial relationships.     After 10 years in Corporate America, Rice gave into her entrepreneurial leanings and founded M-Drive, a company specializing in transforming lives and changing mindsets  in order for people to discover how to live their best lives .  Not only did this move allow her to bring her complete portfolio of expertise to the marketplace - but it also provided the opportunity to do something that has been important to her since she was very young: lend spiritual and professional support to women.  To this end, Rice started Lioness Den, the non-profit arm of M-Drive that focuses on building up women who have been victims of sexual crimes and abuse, may have damaged self-esteem due to numerous attempts to render them powerless, or need mentorship to help them walk fully in their purpose.  Rice knows there is life after trauma; and is wholeheartedly dedicated to her goal to extend a helping hand to women globally via transitional homes that promote healing as well as economic and professional development programs.     Rice is a sought after speaker who has captivated audiences at engagements held by organizations such as National Council of Negro Women, Morton College, Local First Arizona, Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence and DuSable Museum and has been a guest contributor for media outlet WJYS-TV.  Rice has a BA in Business Administration with a Marketing Concentration from Governors State University in University Park, IL  and a Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL.  She is a proud Chicago native, currently residing in Phoenix, Arizona, who enjoys indulging her fashionista tendencies by shopping at local boutiques in between client meetings and doing good for womanhood.

When visualizing a "family-owned" business, what comes to mind? Add Del Sol Furniture to your list moving forward. The Macias family has been committed to community for years, including contributing to the launch of Fuerza Local, Local First Arizona's initiative providing education and assistance to Latino entrepreneurs. Hear from Alex Macias on how his family's business grew to be a Valley-wide staple and an ideal option when looking to furnish your home.

You know what the pandemic did to your business. Now imagine what it would have been like for you if your business is to help thousands of other businesses. Thomas Barr is vice president of business development for Local First Arizona. He says as soon as business emergency funds became available, LFA organized members for a letter-writing campaign to the governor saying, “We need federal aid for small businesses.” Moving fast was critical because the bureaucratic hurdles are high. Arizona was one of the first states able to access federal disaster loans, Thomas says, “but we had to be on it right from the beginning.” ______ Rise Grind Repeat Podcast powered by EIC Agency ______ Hosted by Dustin Trout Produced by Andrei Gardiola __________ Check out the full video episode at: https://bit.ly/3dlwjnJ https://spoti.fi/2Mgfpe6 https://apple.co/2MiQdUv For more information visit our website at https://eic.agency/ We are also on Instagram @EveryImpressionCounts

Kevin and his wife, Margie, have been married for over 35 years and have 3 grown children. In their early years of marriage, Kevin served our country in the military in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm where he earned 8 medals. He was Mayor of Carl, Georgia, and started and operated several businesses, the most recent being Odysseyware, Inc, an educational software company focused on reaching at-risk students. This company was founded in 2001 and sold to a Venture Capital Fund in 2016 for over $100 million. For the last few years, Kevin has been investing in the Phoenix startup community by way of coaching and/or financial investment. He has served on the Advisory Board at the Arizona State University Center for Entrepreneurship, coaching MBA candidates as they pitch their ideas to investors. Most recently, he's been helping Grand Canyon University launch their Canyon Ventures program – an innovation center for startups in the valley – where he serves as the Entrepreneur in Residence. The goal is to help these businesses grow from a napkin idea to sustainable revenue as quickly as possible. Through this process, Kevin realized that a lot of startup founders struggle with selling their ideas, selling their products, and getting in revenue. To respond to this need, he launched Youngblood Works, which provides sales training and mentoring to startup founders and executives, with the goal of preparing business leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to generate sustainable revenue. Kevin also serves as Chairman of Local First Arizona and Entrepreneur in Residence at Grand Canyon University.

In this episode, I talk with Dorie Morales of Green Living Magazine about sustainability and its impact on her life, why less can actually be more, and how to live a healthier life. | Brought to you by The Mindful Method.Dorie Morales is the Publisher and CEO of Green Living magazine, Arizona's premiere eco-conscious lifestyle publication. The monthly publication aims to educate, inspire and empower readers to make eco-conscious choices for a healthy life and a healthy planet. Their Vision is a world where we leave the earth a better place today and for future generations.A magazine veteran, Dorie has been in magazine publishing since 1997. She started at Apartment Guide magazine as a sales representative and was quickly promoted to publisher.Dorie Morales left Apartment Guide in 2004 to embark on a new business venture as a partner in the start-up print publication Apartment Showcase. Three years later, at the height of Apartment Showcase's success, The Apartment Finder purchased the magazine, and Dorie Morales continued as publisher.In 2010, Dorie Morales partnered in her second start-up magazine, Green Living Magazine. The magazine was met with a warm reception when it debuted, as it provided a functional and fun approach to leading a sustainable life, and continues to do so today.Dorie Morales is deeply rooted in the Phoenix “green scene.” She is involved in many organizations that focus on sustainability, including the Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Forward, Local First Arizona, Arizona Foundation for Women, and USGBC Arizona.Dorie has exceptional knowledge in not only the marketing space but in all areas of sustainability as well, and I'm stoked to be able to share this actionable information-packed episode with you today.--The complete show notes can be found at https://www.kevinwathey.com/podcastConnect with Dorie Morales:Facebook | Instagram | Website --Connect with Kevin Wathey:Website: https://www.Synchronicity.YogaBlog: https://www.KevinWathey.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/SynchronicityLLCFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SynchronicityLLCTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/synchstationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/synchronicityllc--Subscribe to, 'The Weekly Mindful Memo,' our VIP newsletter to receive exclusive updates, access, and giveaways: https://www.Synchronicity.Yoga/VIP--If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading the reviews!Is there someone you'd like to see us interview on the podcast or know someone who would be a great fit for the show? Let us know in the show note comments at https://www.kevinwathey.com/podcast or by clicking here. 

Helping us move from awareness to action this week is Thomas Barr, Vice President of Business Development with Local First Arizona.  We talked about how Local First helped to support business during the pandemic, how they interfaced with the government, what the future holds, and the upcoming Good Business Summit.   Listen to learn what each of us can do in order to support local business.  Learn more about Thomas at LocalFirstAZ.com and LinkedIn.

Jeremy sits down with Kevin Youngblood this week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers. Kevin served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm and won eight medals. He was the mayor of Carl, Georgia, and has started several businesses, including Odysseyware, an educational software company focused on reaching at-risk students. Most recently, he helped Grand Canyon University launch their Canyon Ventures program—an innovation center for startups in the valley—where he serves as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence. The goal is to help these businesses grow from a napkin idea to sustainable revenue as quickly as possible. Through this role, Kevin realized that a lot of startup founders struggle with selling their ideas, selling their products, and bringing in revenue. To respond to this need, he launched Youngblood Works, which provides sales training, mentoring, and customer acquisition services to young entrepreneurs.Jeremy and Kevin chat about creating sustainable solutions and innovations from scarcity, the importance of planting trees, businesses, and churches within civil society's poorer communities, as well as his work with Local First Arizona and the impact of local banks on economies. Kevin is truly a jack of all trades, and as Jeremy notes, he might be Phoenix's most interesting man.After that: Why is visual identity important? How do nonprofits benefit from it? What are a few easy ways you can improve your nonprofit's branding? American Philanthropic's director of creative services, Emma Baugher, addresses these questions and more during this week's practicality segment. You can find Givers, Doers, & Thinkers here at Philanthropy Daily, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Buzzsprout, and wherever you listen to podcasts.We'd love to hear your thoughts, ideas, questions, and recommendations for the podcast! You can shoot Katie Janus, GDT's producer, an email anytime!

Mike Peel is no stranger to our show. He is the Southern Arizona Director and Statewide Sustainability Director for Local First Arizona and those 2 positions have put him at the forefront of so many changes over the years. We caught up with him by phone to discuss the LFAZ efforts to keep small businesses open and growing during the pandemic.

This week we speak with Mike Peel, the Statewide Sustainability Director for Local First Arizona and the efforts underway to help local business owners find their path forward while leaving the smallest footprint. Today is February 21st my name is Tom Heath and you're listening to "Life Along the Streetcar". Each and every Sunday our focus is on Social, Cultural and Economic impacts in Tucson's Urban Core and we shed light on hidden gems everyone should know about. From A Mountain to UArizona and all stops in between. You get the inside track- right here on 99.1 FM, streaming on DowntownRadio.org- we're also available on your iPhone or Android using our very own Downtown Radio app. Reach us by email contact@lifealongthestreetcar.org -- interact with us on Facebook @Life Along the Streetcar and follow us on Twitter @StreetcarLife--- And check out our past episodes on www.lifeAlongTheStreetcar.org, Spotify, itunes or asking your smart speaker to play our podcast Our intro music is by Ryanhood and we exit with Miss Olivia and the Interlopers We start today with your chance to impact the climate direction of Tucson

Mike Peel, Southern Arizona Director Local First Arizona and Local First Arizona Foundation Impact Earth: Innovation, Episode 4,  When we consider the many challenges facing humanity in the dawn of this new year – climate, health, social justice, economic and more, the solutions may seem to be out of reach. If we continue to promote […]

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 statThey created a platform called the small business marketplace that has been a great resource for helping local companies get more exposure and become equipped for the digital age we fell into in 2020. Today we talk about: How to support local businesses Fundraising for small businesses How small businesses can set themselves up for success Shop the marketplace! http://www.shop.localfirstaz.com  Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrthomas/  https://www.localfirstaz.com 

Tony Felice is the founder of the Felice Agency. He is named "One of 20 People to Know in Advertising & Marketing" by the Phoenix Business Journal and Ranking Arizona awarded his agency one of the Top 10 PR Firms and Top 10 Advertising Agencies in Arizona in 2020. His multiple decades career has taken him from the halls of the U.S. Congress to Hollywood California and now Phoenix and San Diego. His clients have included Microchip, the Arizona State Fair, Adopt Technologies, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and many others. Appointed by Mayor Stanton, he was a member of the Ad-Hoc Committee for FastTrack Cities. His volunteer work includes serving as Chief Communications Advisor to former Phoenix First Lady Nicole Stanton and serving as board member on many non-profits including Local First Arizona, Arizona Community Foundation, Phoenix Art Museum and many others. Tony recently overcame a six month life ending diagnosis and the resulting experience led him to understand how mindfulness can overcome any challenge and can be harnessed to transform a business' bottom line. He holds a Bachelor’s in Operations Management, summa cum laude from Arizona State University and most recently completed the pandemic crisis communication course from Harvard University where he intends to finish his Masters degree.

Fresh Start and Big Ideas with Brett Thomas and Steve In 2020, businesses of all shapes and sizes were stretched and pulled in ways we never thought imaginable. On this podcast, we recap the year with a focus on what s made us stronger and more resilient – with a solid look ahead to 2021. Join […] The post Fresh Start and Big Ideas with Brett Thomas and Steve appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Fresh Start and Big Ideas with Brett Thomas and Steve In 2020, businesses of all shapes and sizes were stretched and pulled in ways we never thought imaginable. On this podcast, we recap the year with a focus on what s made us stronger and more resilient – with a solid look ahead to 2021. Join […]

More than ever before, local businesses and small business owners need your support. If you’re a business owner, I’m sure you know this by now; if you’re a consumer, you’re probably wondering what you can do to help your community and stop big chains from taking over even more of the landscape. For the last 15 years, Thomas Barr has been helping communities answer these questions. Thomas is the executive director of Local First Arizona, an organization here in Phoenix that provides business owners with networking, education, and guidance on how to operate more efficiently.   Today, Thomas joins the podcast to talk about why the odds have always been stacked against small business owners, how the COVID-19 pandemic has made things that much tougher, and what you can do to support your favorite businesses in this precarious time. In this podcast interview, you’ll learn: Why shopping locally as opposed to with a chain store has such a big impact on your community. How seemingly unrelated local businesses can innovate and collaborate to lift each other up and create new opportunities. Why local businesses permanently lose customers when they underperform or fail to satisfy them. How the COVID-19 pandemic and the availability of PPP loans emphasized the fact that small business and big business are constantly at odds with each other in America. How Local First is building infrastructure and creating opportunities to help local businesses grow, scale, and deliver customer experiences that can compete with global retailers.   Interview Resources Local First Arizona Local Learning Lab Good Food Finder Fuerza Local Business Accelerator Changing Hands Bookstore Duck and Decanter Modified Arts Entrepreneurs’ Organization Arizona Hensley Beverage Company #yesphx

What would it be like for the businesses near us to be owned by our friends and neighbors? What would it be like if the money we spent in those businesses stayed in town and enriched our whole community? What if we all felt like partners in our economy instead of just customers? Today’s guest, Thomas Barr, is the Executive Director of Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. 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’s work is fueled by his values. In this episode, he reveals some of the personal and family stories that forged his values around justice and inclusion. He also explains how his advocacy for a strong local business community contributes to building vibrant, equitable prosperity across the state. In his free time, Thomas volunteers with many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals, Equality Arizona, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square Foundation and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Thomas was honored in 2018 as one of Phoenix Magazine’s 40 Under 40, he’s an alumnus of Arizona Leading for Change, and the Valley Leadership Institute's 40th cohort. We were so happy that Thomas Barr was able to join us this week to share his passion and plans for a thriving economy. He also shared the sometimes wrenching stories of businesses and business owners that Local First Arizona is working to keep afloat during Covid, the biggest challenge to small business in a century. Keep listening to the end when Thomas reveals his secret “smell test” to find out instantly whether a business is locally owned or not, and for his powerful vision for the next 20 years. For comprehensive show notes with links to Local First AZ programs, tips for shopping local, and resources for local business, go to www.rocketfeather.com/pod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rocketfeather/message

Lauren Bailey is the CEO & co-founder of Upward Projects. Named to the Nation's Restaurant News “Power 50” list in 2019, Lauren focuses on strategy, conceptualization and development for 15 restaurants over five brands in three states. Five additional locations are currently in development. Recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of the nation's fastest-growing companies for the fourth year in a row, Upward Projects places an emphasis on preparing high-quality food and adapting and reusing historically relevant buildings that are an integral part of the neighborhoods they serve. The brands are comprised of Postino, Joyride Taco House, Windsor, Churn Ice Cream and Federal Pizza. Collectively, Lauren is responsible for growth and vision of the existing company as well as future projects. Recently named to the Arizona State University Foundation's Board of Directors, Lauren helps to oversee the nearly $1B endowment for this university, named the most innovative school in the U.S. for the fifth year in a row by U.S. News & World Report in its 2020 college rankings. A proud ASU graduate, Lauren is also the first alumna to study under current ASU president Michael Crow to now serve alongside him at the Foundation. Lauren also sits on the Grand Canyon University Colangelo College of Business Advisory Board, and is a proud “big sister” with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. Lauren previously completed a five-year term as a board member of Local First Arizona, is a former Steering Committee Member for Devour Phoenix, and a former board member of the Entrepreneurs Organization. Inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame as “Restaurateur of the Year”, Lauren has been honored as a “Food Pioneer” by the Arizona Restaurant Association, named by the Phoenix Business Journal as the “Outstanding Women in Business” and selected as a finalist for the Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award. Lauren was raised in the state of Indiana and has inhabited a fair amount of cities up and down the East Coast, including New York City and Nantucket. She attended Arizona State University, graduating in 2002 with dual degrees in Communication and Fine Art. In her spare time, Lauren travels the world, chases her 6-year-old, hunts for vintage treasures, creates art, cooks dinner for friends, and spends time with the most important people in her life.

Local First Arizona is an organization who puts what is being done right here in our amazing state as their main focal point. The food & beverage scene here in Arizona continues to grow and a piece of that foundation are the "hustlers" out there trying to introduce their family recipe or killer homemade gem to the masses. A major hurdle to this is finding the commercial kitchen space to make it happen as well as having the business know-how to keep the ship afloat. Enter Gabe Gardner at Local First Arizona's Community Kitchen in Mesa. Gabe and his team work tirelessly to help dreams become a sustainable business while continuing to add to this already talented Arizona food community. Enjoy!

To leave the corporate world at the beginning of a financial recession to start a company requires big thinking and even bigger action—and Rebecca Clyde has both in spades. Add that to her ability to outhustle and outwork her competitors and it's no wonder Rebecca was able to quickly find innovative paths to revenue and growth for her clients despite all odds. Today, Rebecca has built one of the most highly sought after marketing communications agencies in Phoenix, Ideas Collide, in addition to co-founding her newest venture Botco.ai, a platform that offers chat-nurturing solutions for businesses. How does she do it? By leading with value and operating under the mentality that if you pay it forward, the rest will follow. In this episode, we talk with Rebecca about the forces that drive her enterprising spirit, the hard lessons she's learned along the way, and how she creates channels for paying it forward.   Read on for a selection of questions, and listen to the entire interview by clicking the player above. What led you to leave the corporate confines to build your own company, Ideas Collide? At the time, I worked at a good company and really enjoyed everything I did while I was there. But I wanted to take more control of my destiny and my income and I realized the corporate world had a lot of limitations. I realized I had outgrown my ability to work for somebody else and was ready to spread my own wings.  In those early days, what were some of the challenges you had to overcome to achieve growth? We started the company in the middle of the recession in 2008. The very beginning years were scrappy. Our goal was to help our clients find a path to revenue and growth despite all of those downward forces. We were also lucky that we were a startup. We didn't have the overhead of a big agency so we could charge less, be nimble, try different things and experiment without a lot of risks. Our clients really appreciated that and as a result, some of our fastest growth years were during that period where most other companies in our industry were contracting. What was the turning point when you realized you had stumbled onto something viable with Botco.ai? My co-founders and I had a hypothesis that the world has shifted to become on-demand. Everyone was struggling to keep up with that on-demand world because the marketing technologies, processes and frameworks that have been built were not designed for it. If we could shift that, and make businesses really responsive, then they would be able to attract more customers and retain them for longer. Last year, one of my customers at Botco.ai A/B tested a campaign where half of their customers were driven to a ‘chat with us' experience in which they got to interact with the Botco.ai chat. The other half went to their typical landing page to book an appointment. What we learned was when people have a chance to ask questions and get an instant answer, they're twice as likely to convert and become customers. As soon as I saw the results from that effort, I knew we were onto something. Was it tough to make the decision to leave Ideas Collide and go full time with Botco.ai? It was a transition I had to plan over a good amount of time. I couldn't just walk away from it without being very thoughtful. One of the things I did was make a list of all of my duties and responsibilities and slowly began training people to take on each one of those tasks. It was a way to be able to step away from that business so I could start a new company, but it was also a really great way to develop my team. It created that growth trajectory for many of the team members to step up, take on ownership, and truly have an opportunity to run the business, not just be an employee. It was also a growth opportunity for me because it was time for me to build a new company. There was a lot I needed to learn. I needed to have that space to be able to fully give Botco.ai the attention it deserved.  What was one of your darkest moments and how did you emerge from it? With both companies, it had to do with the loss of a major customer or client. With Ideas Collide, there was one particular client that was doing a lot of work with us until they essentially shut down and disappeared. I felt like a punch in the stomach. We had all these outstanding payments with this one client and I had not put in good measures to protect ourselves against that. It was a good lesson. Sometimes these learnings can cost a little bit from a dollar standpoint, but we recovered.  With Botco.ai, we also had one client that was hit really hard with the pandemic. Unfortunately, their business contracted almost down to zero overnight. They had to go dark and having to deal with that again was a big blow. Very quickly we had to pivot our value proposition to target customers and industries that were not affected by the pandemic, or at least were affected in a different way. We realized that everything we had put in place could be easily adapted into other sectors. We took those knowledge bases and workflows we had created for our old industry and customers and pivoted those for the sector that was going to be having a lot of movement and activity as a result of COVID.  What's one of the best things you've done for Botco.ai to help propel its growth? Getting really plugged into the Arizona startup ecosystem. Phoenix is a very young scene for the startup world. Many people would say we're largely underdeveloped, but because of that, there's a lot of desire to help and a lot of great resources. What specifically helped us was winning last year's Arizona Innovation Challenge. We were one of 10 companies to receive a $150,000 grant. It also came with incredible wraparound services that I am incredibly grateful for. We got to participate in a 500-startup entrepreneurship bootcamp that was really transformational for the business. It's resources like that that have helped us get more visibility and teach me things that I didn't know.  Are there one or two connections along your journey that made a big impact? I could write a list of the people in my life to whom I am deeply grateful. Mike Denning has been my coach for many years and has been instrumental for me in terms of my leadership development. Meghan Bednarz, one of my first bosses at Intel, was one of those people who believed in me and my abilities and presented opportunities to me that propelled my career in many ways. Dorothy Dowling at Best Western has also been an incredible mentor and opportunity provider. She's super visionary and an incredible leader that I admire hugely. Gina Corley is one of those quiet forces here in Arizona who is doing a lot to move businesses forward and to modernize the state of digital marketing in this town. Zack Ferris over at Coplex has been an incredible mentor and friend. Eric Miller at the Arizona Tech Council.  One of the big things I really believe in is surrounding myself with positive, high energy, experienced leaders because they have so much they can share and if I'm willing to listen and pay attention, then maybe some of that will rub off onto me. What's one piece of advice you would give to fellow entrepreneurs looking to make impactful connections? The most important thing is to always give and provide value first. For every ask I make, I give 10 times. In my case, I do a lot of giving back through Girls In Tech. I also get asked to support a lot of other organizations here, whether it's teaching a seminar for Local First Arizona and helping small business entrepreneurs, or helping a friend that just wants to learn a little bit about software or sales. Or supporting a fellow founder that just needs a friend to listen to or confide in. There's so many ways we can give back, but unless we're willing to do that on a pretty regular basis, I think the asking will fall short and we'll ring hollow. Make sure you have channels for paying it forward, and then the rest will just take care of itself.    Speed round:   Coffee drinker, yes or no? Sometimes One business tool you're geeking out over right now? Botco.AI, obviously.  Favorite piece of technology? The Hypersphere. It's a workout ball that helps loosen up your muscles so that you're not so tight.  What's one book you'd pass along to a fellow entrepreneur? Pitch Anything One person you'd like to make a connection with? The founder of Infusionsoft/Keap, Clate Mask. What's your favorite ice breaker when introducing yourself to someone? I would say, “My name is Rebecca Clyde. I'm the CEO of Botco.Ai and I'm helping businesses double their conversion rates with intelligent chat.”  How many hours of sleep do you get each night, on average? Not enough. Probably about five.  How can people connect with you and Botco.ai? It's probably best on LinkedIn. Just mention in your note about how you heard about me, whether it was on this podcast or at a conference or wherever. Just include a little note because I'm most likely to see it that way. You can always email me at rebecca@botco.ai

Ten55 Brewing Company in Tucson, Arizona.

Diann talks with Helene Tack of Local First Arizona.Support the show (https://www.truceclean.com/)

COLLABORATIVE CONNECTIONS City of Tempe Mayor Corey Woods Thomas Barr with Local First Arizona and Jihan Cottrell with Cox Business Are you a business leader in Arizona, Tempe resident, or small business owner? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you will definitely want to listen to this episode of Collaborative Connections […] The post COLLABORATIVE CONNECTIONS City of Tempe Mayor Corey Woods Thomas Barr with Local First Arizona and Jihan Cottrell with Cox Business appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Zach talks with AZ House Democratic Minority Whip Reginald Bolding and Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier about the local and national conversation around police reforms, accountability, and Defund Police. Then, Kimber Lanning, founder of Local First Arizona discusses Main Street ecosystem, housing affordability and small scale development.

Our featured guest today also represents hundreds of businesses across the state, including many right here in the urban core. Mike Peel and his staff from Local First Arizona were supposed to take over my show for a Sunday in March, but that got scrapped when Coronavirus safety protocols mandated social distancing. We didn't know until a few days before that our plans would have to re-worked and, oh how times have changed. Like the businesses they represent, LFAZ, has had to quickly adapt to a new environment, create a path for survival and still keep their eye on the post pandemic goals as they relate to the organizations overall mission. Mike joined us by phone yesterday to catch us up.

This week we speak with Mike Peel, State wide sustainability Director for Local First Arizona. Today is April 26th my name is Tom Heath and you're listening to "Life Along the Streetcar". Each and every Sunday our focus is on Social, Cultural and Economic impacts in Tucson's Urban Core and we shed light on hidden gems everyone should know about. From A Mountain to UArizona and all stops in between. You get the inside track- right here on 99.1 FM, streaming on DowntownRadio.org- we're also available on your iPhone or Android using our very own Downtown Radio app. Reach us by email contact@lifealongthestreetcar.org -- interact with us on Facebook @Life Along the Streetcar and follow us on Twitter @StreetcarLife--- And check out our past episodes on www.lifeAlongTheStreetcar.org Our intro music is by Ryanhood and we exit with Calexico We start today with getting back to getting back to business

Danny Knee, Executive Director Community Investment Corporation Community Support for Local Business during COVID-19 and Beyond, Danny has nearly two decades experience in the public and non-profit sectors including 11 years in executive management. He earned a BA in writing from Johns Hopkins University where he was captain of the nationally ranked Division III men’s […]

Please welcome Thomas Barr, Executive Director of Local First Arizona (@localfirstaz) to the show! Thomas is an Arizona native, speaker, philanthropist, champion for locally owned businesses and committed to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. If you are interested in supporting small businesses during this time (whether you’re in AZ or not), you’ll find this conversation interesting, informative and inspiring. In this interview we cover:The benefits of shopping local (and common misconceptions about it)Different ways you can support small businessesObstacles small businesses face that you may not have thought about beforeWays that independent operators are pivoting and adapting during this unprecedented timeI would love to hear what you think of this interview — let me know on Instagram @heypreslie. Enjoy! Resources mentioned in this episode:Local First Arizona website: localfirstaz.comLocal First Arizona business searchU.S. Small Business Administration websitePlease consider leaving a rating + review in your podcast app or sending this episode to a friend. Your feedback and support helps get this show out to more people. :) Thank you!

Surviving COVID19 as a Business Owner with Local First Arizona Tempe Chamber and Better Business Bureau While these are unprecedented and uncertain times, we have professional organizations advocating for your business and success. Listen in as host, Karen Nowicki, connects with Thomas Barr with Local First Arizona, Anne Gill with The Tempe Chamber of Commerce, […] The post Surviving COVID19 as a Business Owner with Local First Arizona Tempe Chamber and Better Business Bureau appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

March 5, 2020 Celebrating Partners in Sustainability: 2019 Go Green Award Spotlight Series, Episode 3 Mike Peel, Southern Arizona Director Local First Arizona and Local First Arizona Foundation Business Development Partner Award: Local First Arizona earned this award for its Scale Up program, a six-week workshop developed to help small businesses save water, energy and […]

This week we have Mike Peel live in studio with us- he's a man with many local interests including a leadership role with Local First Arizona--- much to catch up on. Today is Jan 26th my name is Tom Heath and you're listening to "Life Along the Streetcar". Each and every Sunday our focus is on Social, Cultural and Economic impacts in Tucson's Urban Core and we shed light on hidden gems everyone should know about. From A Mountain to the U of A and all stops in between. You get the inside track- right here on 99.1 FM, streaming on DowntownRadio.org- we're also available on your iPhone or Android using our very own Downtown Radio app. Reach us by email contact@lifealongthestreetcar.org -- interact with us on Facebook @Life Along the Streetcar and follow us on Twitter @StreetcarLife--- And check out our past episodes on www.lifeAlongTheStreetcar.org Our intro music is by Ryanhood and we exit with Miss Olivia and the Interlopers We start today with a fun night out

Our guest is Mike Peel, Southern Director for Local First Arizona. He's helped usher in the Roadshows, business accelerators, sustainable practices and an emphasis on local commerce. 2019 was a transformative year and 2020 is shaping up to be an impactful one.

Mike Jones is the CEO and Managing Partner of Resound, a creative agency that helps companies develop their own compelling story. MIke is a professional brand junkie who excels at strategic thinking and execution to help his clients’ brands become remarkable hence his twitter handle, @remarkamike. He was named one of Arizona’s top 35 entrepreneurs under the age of 35 by the Arizona Republic and he’s a member of the AIGA, Founder Society, Conscious Capitalism Arizona, Local First Arizona. He just got back to Arizona as co-lead of StartUp Phoenix. In this episode… How ready do you think you are in making your ask for your business? According to Mike Jones, co-lead of PHX StartUp Week and CEO of Resound, there are somethings that you need to consider before making your ask because if you’re not careful, you may be leading your investors and potential clients into a promise that you may not be able to keep. On this week’s episode of What’s Your Ask, Stephanie Sims is joined by Mike Jones where they talk about the importance of having brand credibility and the value of sharing just enough vision of where your company or brand is headed to get people excited about what you have to offer. It’s a great episode filled with insights and wisdom based on personal experiences so make sure to tune in!

“We are addressing the problem of communications, being able to provide big data from small spacecraft.”  -Doug Stetson from FreeFall Aerospace   When we travel through and explore space, we’re going to need to communicate, and gather a LOT of data.  Fast, reliable, low-cost access to large volumes of data is one of the most critical capabilities that will define the future. So the folks at Freefall provide some pretty neat technologies that help move data and help us communicate  effectively and quickly. Julie Bonner and Doug Stetson sat down with Beth at SpaceCom Expo in Houston, Texas and highlighted these new technologies, why and how they will “disrupt” and improve communications, and what some of the challenges their company, Freefall Aerospace, will have to overcome, including a LAUNCH later this year. Freefall’s technologies include an All-Sky Antenna (think of an antenna for things on the move like vehicles and ships), an INFLATABLE Cubesat Antenna (think of a small, thin, skinny balloon) and a Smart City Antenna, all enabling data to move quickly- which is going to be important in the space-based communication systems we’ll use.  “We are developing some very innovative technologies. That’s a good thing, but one of the challenges is that when you have something that’s what we call disruptive, it has to be not just a little bit better, but a LOT better than the other systems that people and companies are used to using…and it’s a question of proving to the community that the rewards of using this type of new system are worth the additional risk to implement something new.” -Doug Stetson About Doug Stetson: Doug Stetson is President and CEO of FreeFall Aerospace, a small business dedicated to advancing and developing innovative antenna technology for satellite communications and 5G internet applications. Prior to founding FreeFall in 2016, Doug spent nearly 30 years at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in a variety of technical and management positions including several assignments at NASA Headquarters. At JPL, he had lead roles in systems engineering and mission design for a number of high-profile missions to Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and was responsible for the development of new planetary mission concepts and programs. Doug led the development of a number of mission and technology “roadmaps” for the national science community and NASA, and established new initiatives for mission and system innovation and cost assessment. During his three tours at NASA Headquarters, Doug served as the deputy manager of the NASA Advanced Planning and Integration Office, coordinated development of the Agency’s 2003 Strategic Plan, and served as acting chief of Planetary Advanced Studies in the early 1990’s After leaving JPL in 2008, Doug established the Space Science and Exploration Consulting Group and was project manager for the LightSail mission, a privately-funded Cubesat that successfully deployed and tested a solar sail in Earth orbit. Doug holds a B.S. in Physics and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University.He is the recipient of a number of local and national awards, including the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal and the JPL Award for Excellence in Leadership.   About Julie: Julie Bonner, Marketing Director for FreeFall Aerospace, connects partners, vendors, and investors to FreeFall’s intelligent antenna systems. She’s created marketing campaigns and collateral for national corporations like Mister Car Wash and Clear Channel Outdoor, to Tucson-based start-ups and non-profits. She has been awarded the Tucson AdFed Next Generation Award for making a significant impact on the advertising industry through leadership, career achievements and personal qualities, which also inspire others to excel. She is also active in Start-Up Tucson, Arizona Technology Council and Local First Arizona. Julie holds a Bachelors of Science in Graphic Design from Drexel University and a Masters in Business.   For more information about FreeFall: www.freefallmovingdata.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/freefall-aerospace/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FreeFall5G Did you know… FreeFall Aerospace received the 2019 Innovator of the Year Startup Company award https://freefallmovingdata.com/innovator-of-the-year/ Listen to more! Julie was recently interviewed about marketing for FreeFall: https://youtu.be/20kvGzZ0bt8

Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? If you’ve been to any of The Haunted Group restaurants you know the answer is no. We have yet to find a Haunted Group restaurant concept that we have not loved. The same is also true for this episode which we had the pleasure of welcoming two guests. We met Author Roger Naylor for breakfast along with his good friend and co-founder of The Haunted Group Eric Jurisin. The food and drink at Crema in old town Cottonwood was not the only memorable thing had this morning. We had the pleasure of chatting with both Eric and Roger for the better part of an hour. Eric shared some of the background of The Haunted Group and why they choose the Verde Valley for their restaurants. The question of what ghosts inhabit the ‘Haunted Hamburger’, restaurant which is featured in Roger Naylor's book ‘Boots and Burgers’, is answered. Enjoy the conversation and make sure you say hi next time your in Cottonwood and Jerome. Special Guests: Eric Jurisin and Roger Naylor.

Hey there Local480 fam - welcome to the Bar & Restaurant Podcast… Our in-depth, up close and personal behind the scenes look at some of the most interesting people in food, fun and hospitality around the Phoenix Valley and the state of Arizona. On this episode of BRP hosted by the Delo, come and meet Kimber Lanning... ...Executive Director of Local First Arizona and the Local First Foundation! Let’s find out: A little bit about her background growing up in local business... How did Local First begin and evolve?.. What is the Local First Foundation doing now?.. Information about Devour, For(u)m and Fureza which are programs from Local First... What the Arizona Good Food Expo is - formerly Farmer Chef Connection... ... and so much more! Now let's meet Kimber Lanning the Executive Director of the Local First Arizona. ————————————————— Catch full episodes and more here:

Meet Karen & Randy Mettler, Duck & Decanter. Randy's family has been in business for over 40 years and was the original location of the first Arizona Fall Fest 15 years ago! Randy and Karen reflect on the changes made at "the Duck", like going from imported products to supporting more local vendors, having a line around the corner in the late '70s, and the very first Arizona Fall Fest where Randy realized, "This is what community feels like."Today, Randy and Karen continue to forge innovation on the breadboard and have found a community among Local First AZ members... as he puts it, "The best thing about running a local business is Local First."To commemorate the 15th anniversary of Arizona Fall Fest, we're bringing you local stories from those who will be celebrating with us on Nov. 2nd! www.localfirstaz.com/fall-festival 

We sit down for food, drink and conversation at Red's Bar and Grill located at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park. Reds has become the regular stop for each of our season’s final episodes. Next time you stop at Reds, make sure you ask for our new friend Rhianna who took great care of us! Season 3 brought with it some great guests and stories from all corners of the Valley. One meal is not nearly enough time to share all that we loved about this past season. We simply scrape the surface and highlight each episode from this past season. Thanks to all the guests that spent time with us this season and of course thanks to our great season sponsors MLR Pro Tax Service and Credit Union West for making this possible. Both are great local businesses that love the state and community they serve. Be sure to check out our sponsors and all our great guests from this season. Cheers!

Rob along with our special guest host from LocalFirst AZ Kendall Jones enjoy a cup of coffee with Stephanie Vasquez at her Fair Trade Coffee shop on Roosevelt Row in Phoenix Arizona. At Fair Trade ‘coffee with a conscience’ is not simply a phrase or a marketing piece rather its a way of life. Stephanie is a former education and after some travels she felt led to open a coffee shop. A shop that focuses on the fair trade of coffee beans, organic ingredients and quality above all else. The shop is located in the downtown Phoenix Roosevelt Arts District and upon entering the shop you’ll be greeted by the sweet aroma of organic coffee and your eyes will be graced with the wonderful works of local AZ artists. Fair Trade holds a rotating art gallery supporting local up and coming artists which are all a part of the shops desire to support and build the local community. Their conversation started on the patio among the backdrop of passing automobiles and light rail train cars. The summer heat then moved them inside where you’ll hear the workings of a bustling coffee shop. Enjoy this conversation with Stephanie and be sure to make the trip downtown for a cup of coffee and community. Special Guests: Kendall Jones and Stephanie Vasquez.

“If you’re living here you have  responsibility to make this place what you want it to be.” - Thomas Barr It's one thing to shop local, another thing to be a local business, but what's it like being an organization who's mission is reinventing how it's local economy works? Listen to Local First Arizona's Executive Director, Thomas Barr share what this big idea is and where it's going. 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. 

Eve Picker: Hey, everyone, this is Eve Picker, and if you listen to this podcast series, you're going to learn how to make some change. Thanks so much for joining us on this podcast. I'm Eve Picker, and my life revolves around cities, real estate, crowdfunding, and change. In this podcast series, we'll be digging deep to discover how we can build better cities by building better buildings. LISTEN TO THE EPISODE AND FIND THE SHOWNOTES AND OTHER LINKS BY CLICKING RIGHT HERE. Eve Picker: Today's feisty guest is Kimber Lanning. Kimber is dedicated to making Arizona a world-class destination and is fiercely proud of the culture of the region. Specifically, Kimber hates injustice. She wants to leave Arizona a better, and more just place than she found it. To this end, Kimber founded both Local First Arizona, and Local First Arizona Foundation - two statewide organizations that work together to strengthen Arizona's economy.   Eve Picker: She's grown Local First Arizona into an organization with five statewide offices and 28 employees, who work on a diverse array of programs, ranging from healthy local food access, entrepreneurial development in under-served communities, and rural community development - each of which plays a part in building sustainable and resilient local economies. If that's not enough, Kimber open Stinkweeds, a record store, when she was just 19 years old, and has moved the store four times over the past 27 years.   Eve Picker: If you want to know more about Kimber after you've listened to this podcast, please visit EvePicker.com, where you'll find links and other goodies on the show notes page, and where you can subscribe to my newsletter on all things real-estate impact. Hello, Kimber, how are you?   Kimber Lanning: I'm doing very well this morning. How are you?   Eve Picker: Good. Good. I would love you to tell us a little about what you've built in Arizona to support your passion.   Kimber Lanning: Absolutely. My background is as a small-business owner. I've had a small business for 32 years now, here in Phoenix. It's a music store, of all things. I started Local First in 2003. Initially my orientation was simply corporate versus local. I wanted to build a better economy by educating and informing people about why the local economy matters and why local businesses matter.   Kimber Lanning: We've really been an organization that has evolved over time, so today we look very different than when we started. We do have the business coalition that I originally envisioned, which is now 3,600 businesses strong - small, medium, and large. In addition, we run some very specific programs that are creating a more diverse and inclusive economy.   Kimber Lanning: The first one is we run a business-accelerator program called Fuerza Local, which is Spanish for, essentially, Stronger Together Local First. It's a business-accelerator program that we teach in Spanish that helps community members not only build successful businesses, but to become bankable, to gain a credit score so they can access capital at fair market rates, and essentially pulling them out of the predatory lenders.   Kimber Lanning: We also run a sustainability department, which is focused on a Green Business Certification program. We run a program called Forum that I think you'd be very interested in that's focused on helping the developing community wrap their arms around the social determinants of health, and better understand health equity, and how the built environment plays a role in that.   Kimber Lanning: The final two programs are food and farming. We do a lot to build healthier food systems in Arizona, and finally, we are the Rural Development Council for the state. We have five statewide offices, and we work diligently in communities of all sizes to help them create entrepreneurial ecosystems and build opportunities for all. That says it, in a nutshell. There's a lot going on.   Eve Picker: Wow. You've built quite an organization I know you have 17 employees and four different offices now.   Kimber Lanning: We actually even have grown bigger than that. We're at 28 today. Yeah, it's been quite a remarkable run. The good news is I'm still as fired up as ever, so who knows what else will happen in the next 10 years.   Eve Picker: Great! That's really great news. Tell us just a little bit about your favorite project at the moment that you're working on.   Kimber Lanning: You know what? I'm going to frame it a little bit differently than 'favorite,' because it's the hardest work I've ever done, and it's in an area in Phoenix called South Phoenix. Like many big cities, this is a part of town that was very racially segregated. The very-much 'white power' control of the city, here, relegated people of color into this area that is south of the river bottom. This is a story that can probably resonate in many cities across America. The river bottom, we use it as a dump, and there's all sorts of toxic sludge in there.   Kimber Lanning: Just recently, the city won funding through a federal grant to expand the light rail into South Phoenix, which, on the one hand, is absolutely fantastic. We want these folks that live here to be able to access high-quality public transportation. It will minimize air pollution, and all the other benefits that come with that.   Kimber Lanning: I happen to live in a city that doesn't have a lot of power in terms of ... I should say they do have the power, but they're refusing to use their power to create zoning regulations that will minimize displacement. While the community is supportive of the light rail, they're very opposed, and fearful of the gentrification that comes with light rail, when there's no transit justice involved, and, clearly, rightfully so. Many of them feel like this is the third time 'you've come for my family to move us out of here.'.   Kimber Lanning: I'm very much involved with a business-assistance plan to try to strengthen, and shore up the businesses that are there, and I'm very active in trying to help those businesses figure out how to buy their own buildings, because, as you know, when wealth moves in, ownership matters. We need to make sure that as many families that have lived there for a long time own their properties as [inaudible] possibly can. That's a big project I'm working on right now. I wouldn't describe it as my favorite, but it's the most challenging thing I've done in my career.   Eve Picker: That's very challenging. What sort of success are you having in helping these business owners purchase the buildings?   Kimber Lanning: So far, we've only been able to help one, and that's just very honest. There's many different facets here. We've had more than one that could qualify, but they don't trust banks enough, so they wouldn't go for the loan. They want to do a cash deal, and they're struggling to find ways to make that happen.   Kimber Lanning: There's a lot of situations where we've actually found people that believed they were purchasing a building, but when they were making their payments, the landlord had actually never sold them the building. He was just collecting the payments [cross talk] There's quite a lot of ... Yeah, there's quite a lot of  unlawful activity in terms of abuse and victimization of people who don't know the laws. We do have one success story. He actually owned his building and he was able to acquire a parking lot that he was using that he had never owned before.   Kimber Lanning: We have a long way to go. I'm looking at models, community land trusts, and other such things. You and I talked about crowdfunding; trying to figure out a way to make that work in a community that doesn't have a lot of collaboration, and certainly a lot of historical trauma that causes justified mistrust.   Eve Picker: Be sure to go to EvePicker.com and sign up for my free educational newsletter about impact real-estate investing. You'll be among the first to hear about new projects you can invest in. That's EvePicker.com. Thanks so much.   Eve Picker: Yes, that's a pretty painful story. The person who purchased the land, can that person help reach others who might be mistrustful?   Kimber Lanning: Yes, we're doing a lot of work to get the word out about that. We actually have submitted 'thief' to the attorney general's office, and we're seeing what legal recourse there might be, so that's in progress.   Eve Picker: Wow, that's really quite a project. Your world does really intersect with real estate quite a lot. Do you think that crowdfunding could help, or do you think that would just be more difficult for these people?   Kimber Lanning: No, I believe it would help. The challenge is there's language barriers. This is a Spanish-preferred part of town. Then, there's certainly trust.   Kimber Lanning: One thing that I find quite interesting in our business-accelerator program, which I mentioned, called Fuerza Local, the way we help people earn a credit score is that they participate in what's called a money pool; in places around the world it's called a tanda, or a cadena. It's been used for centuries around the world, and the way I describe it to people - largely those of us in privilege, who have never faced these kinds of situations - it's a way that families have saved money without paying interest by leveraging friends and family.   Kimber Lanning: Let's just say my car broke down, and I need $1,200 by tomorrow to get it fixed, or I face losing my job, because it's the only transportation that I have. I would call 12, well, 11 friends and family together, and I would ask them each to put $100 into a kitty.   Kimber Lanning: Then, if you can imagine, going around, like on a dial, each of us would put $100 into the kitty in the center each month and a different person in my family would get to take the whole kitty each month. I would take first position and take the whole $1,200; my aunt's getting married next month, she'll take the next $1,200, and we would all continue to pay, for the year, $100 a month.   Kimber Lanning: We've digitized that through a program called eMoneyPool. We put our students, our classes of business owners, into pods of twelve. They're very familiar with a tanda, so we don't have to teach them what a tanda is.   Kimber Lanning: We have to teach them to trust the digital aspect of it - that they'll put their money in, and we're reporting those payments over six months to Experian, so that when they graduate - Experian, the credit bureau - they have an actual credit history. We have relationships with two credit unions that will accept that six-month payment history in lieu of any either bad-credit, or no-credit history to extend them a line of credit for their business.   Kimber Lanning: With crowdfunding, the challenge is not that I don't think it would be helpful; the challenge is how do we build trust? When we first started Fuerza Local, the hardest part was recruiting those first 12 businesses.   Eve Picker: I'm sure.   Kimber Lanning: They had to trust us. They had to believe it was going to work; that it mattered; that a credit score mattered - all of those things; even that access to capital mattered. They were so used to just doing business on a cash basis, and not buying what they couldn't afford, even if it meant inventory that they then couldn't sell. They were hindered significantly in their business.   Kimber Lanning: With crowdfunding, it's a matter of how do we get in there, and show them that this works? Now that we're going, we have about 60 students each semester that we can afford to put through the program, but over 150 apply, now that the word is out that we're a trustworthy organization, that this works, that credit works, that banks are not going to steal all your money - all of those rampant rumors are not true - and that we can actually be a provided, and trusted resource. I think if we can get over that hurdle, Eve, the crowdfunding for real estate will be huge.   Eve Picker: I also wonder, although it doesn't sound like you have great neighbors there who are helping, I wonder if there are people across the nation who might contribute to a fund that a trustworthy group like yourself could control.   Kimber Lanning: Right. I'd be interested in having that conversation. I think that this is a classic case of a very deliberately marginalized community that's not being listened to, and it very much needs support.   Kimber Lanning: I think that if we can get that story out, people would- it would resonate, because whether we're talking about East Chicago, or are certainly communities like New Orleans, and others, where a recovery has been slow, the investment has been slow, and people have been essentially left on their own, and now, we're coming to take their land, essentially ... This is how the system works, and we need to stop it.   Eve Picker: Wow! It's quite a story. When you talk about this, I can't even really think about the buildings. For you, impact is all really all about the people, right?   Kimber Lanning: It's all about the people. This particular place, the one thing we have going is that the real estate was all developed in the '30s, '40s, '50s, so there's a lot of very small-footprint buildings that are stacked up very close to one another with unique ownership. Some of them might have five or six buildings in one parcel.   Kimber Lanning: My point is it will be harder for developers to do massive land acquisitions because there's so many deals that need to be done, and that will perhaps save some of the older buildings, so that we can keep local and independent businesses in them.   Eve Picker: Interesting. Have you thought about recreating new buildings, or a new set of buildings like this, as well? Have you thought about actually finding some land on this corridor, and doing a project? I gather you're a nonprofit, so that could be helpful.   Kimber Lanning: I love that idea. I don't know how to make that work, but what's interesting is the City of Phoenix owns a lot of land in this area, so I'm very curious about getting involved in an RFP process that is putting in, for example, not just commercial space, but affordable housing with local businesses on the ground floor.   Kimber Lanning: I'm really intrigued by this new model that I found in Portland that you may be familiar with, where a nonprofit went in, bought affordable housing; refurbished it, and then had allowed themselves to be bought out of it, as the community members that lived there had bought into it. Residents run businesses on the ground floor, and it's a very healthy and active development. I'm very interested in that model, as well.   Eve Picker: Yeah, it'd be really interesting to see if it would translate, but it sounds like you need to move pretty fast, if that train is coming, right?   Kimber Lanning: That's exactly right. We have to move fast, and the pressure is intense.   Eve Picker: Right. Are there any other current trends in real-estate development that you think could be helpful to you in that area? You see, for example, a lot of market-restaurant trends, which allow small businesses to start in a curated- like incubated space ... Co-working, which shares office space.   Kimber Lanning: Right, right.   Eve Picker: There are people I'm talking to who are building ... I don't even want to call them co-working spaces, but small-.   Kimber Lanning: Almost like an incubator space, yeah.   Eve Picker: Incubator space, but for hands-on businesses, not tech companies [cross talk]   Kimber Lanning: Right, yeah. That's a project that we run in a town called Mesa, which is in the East Valley, here, of the greater Phoenix area. We partnered with community development partners. They were real-estate developers who were very interested in place-based development.   Kimber Lanning: This is an affordable-housing complex. Everyone there is qualified, living below the poverty line, so it's very affordable. It's a new-market tax-credit deal that's right on a light-rail line. They've partnered with us to run a commercial kitchen on site. We teach our Fuerza Local classes there. They invested in a commercial kitchen, which we never would have been able to afford.   Kimber Lanning: We are programming it in ways that are beneficial to their residents. We teach cooking classes for kids, and adults. We have 29 gardening beds so that families can grow their own food on site. There's shared, fun playground area with barbecues, so that families can have indoor/outdoor opportunities, and really build community there.   Kimber Lanning: We're also incubating small businesses. Some of the residents, as well as other people in the neighborhood, are growing catering companies, or foods that they can sell at the farmer's market, which is just down the road, so there's a variety of food-related things happening.   Kimber Lanning: We just started a business-accelerator boot camp that is designed specifically for food entrepreneurs. When they get out of the broad business development, they can go through six courses that are on managing food cost, and mitigating food waste, and very specific to restaurants [cross talk]   Eve Picker: -you're digging in and helping these people build businesses, and learn how to build businesses, and then, the last piece of it is the real estate. When they find something affordable, when gentrification comes, it all kind of falls apart, so ownership becomes really critical, doesn't it?   Kimber Lanning: It does. It really does, and the other piece of that, Eve, is that what we're trying to do is demonstrate a model so that we can encourage the City of Phoenix to include in their RFP ... When they put out an RFP for a city-owned parcel, they could be requiring a ground-floor commercial kitchen, specifically to incubate food entrepreneurs; they could require on-site gardening beds.   Kimber Lanning: We're trying to use that as a model, and then apply pressure to the city on certain parcels - not all of them, obviously, but certain parcels - that we think are important for maintaining affordability, and health equity; we would make that requirement. We've done tours of this property to show the city officials how this is different, and why it matters.   Eve Picker: Wow. So, in the world of real-estate impact and real-estate impact investing, how do you think it might be improved?   Kimber Lanning: For impact investing, I feel that ... I see some impact investing that is focused on systems change, and some that's focused on projects that perhaps are temporary fixes. As good as they are, absent that particular project, it hasn't really implemented long-term change.   Kimber Lanning: I think that this is the million-dollar question. We have so much inequity in the US. There are really great people with a lot of money trying to find ways to invest it. Again, we're going to have to rattle some cages here.   Kimber Lanning: I'm not picking on any particular organization but let's just say you have a giant- some of these giant nonprofit organizations that might be working with kids in communities of color, as an example ... We can, of course, invest in those communities, and we can demonstrate that with the proper education, more of them will be successful.   Kimber Lanning: But, what are we really doing to change the racism that put the system in place that marginalized them in the first place, and limits their ownership? We shouldn't be focusing on the few success stories. We should be focusing on the equity that enables everyone to have an equal opportunity to succeed. That's my point.   Kimber Lanning: What we're doing, essentially, with a lot of philanthropic money in America, is we're buying more pool tables to placate the time of the children who are suffering through the indignities of a racist system. That is unconscionable.   Eve Picker: How do we start to fix that?   Kimber Lanning: Well, I think we need to have an honest conversation around race. I think that many white people that are doing well in this country are very slow, if not opposed to recognizing the privilege that got them there. We need to get there before we can start coming up with actual solutions, because, in order to create equity, we need to be willing to give some things up.   Eve Picker: Yes. It's a very, very difficult conversation, and I think very hard for people to hear each other. I think maybe that's the first step, just getting them to listen to each other.   Kimber Lanning: Agreed. There's a lot of pain. It's escalating. If anybody's not recognizing that it's escalating right now [cross talk].   Eve Picker: Oh, it is escalating. Yeah, I agree. It's escalating very quickly. I don't know if we're going to solve that here, today, Kimber.   Kimber Lanning: We're definitely not going to solve it here, today.   Eve Picker: At least we're talking about it, right?   Kimber Lanning: I think it's the first step. We have to talk about it, and it really ... When you start talking about real estate, and equity, another thing I just would like to touch on is that the financial systems in the United States are very rapidly alienating communities of color, as well.   Kimber Lanning: When you look at the redlining, or specifically, the Big Banks not lending in communities that are primarily people of color, then we have to hold ourselves accountable, as the people who have deposits; that we move our money into places where those deposits will best help support those communities. That may look like community banks, or credit unions, or certainly banks that are owned by people of color.   Kimber Lanning: What I've done is I've moved all of my money into banks that I can see are demonstrating in the communities that I want to preserve, and support, and uplift. We can't simply scratch our heads, and say, "Well, look at all this inequity," if our money is sitting in Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, or JP Morgan Chase.   Kimber Lanning: We need to acknowledge that our money is doing harm. It's invested in private prisons; it's invested in perpetuating the inequities that we see in this country. That would just be one thing that I would ask your listeners to consider is to move their money into smaller, locally owned community banks, or credit unions, where they can be accountable for their money.   Eve Picker: I think it's a great first step; a really great first step. Let's move on. It's hard to know where to move on after this conversation. It's a pretty deep conversation. How do you think we need to think about our cities, and neighborhoods to build better places for everyone?   Kimber Lanning: I think that we need to always be willing to ... The phase that I call peeling back the layers of the onion. A typical analysis might go in, and say this neighborhood is underemployed. There's a high percentage of unemployed, as well as people that are working part-time, or not maximizing their education - whatever that might look like, but sometimes there's an indicator that we completely overlook, like lack of affordable childcare.   Kimber Lanning: When I talk about building great communities, we need to look at all aspects, because when you don't have affordable, quality childcare, you are taking a parent out of the workforce, or putting them in a part-time position, or whatever that might be just to try to be the supportive parent that they need to be.   Kimber Lanning: Especially when we work in rural areas, every worker counts in some of these smaller towns. When we go in, and do an assessment, sometimes they're surprised to hear that the problem is not workforce training; it's not, "Well, these people just don't want to work," which I've heard.   Kimber Lanning: It's that you need to invest in quality childcare, in order to maximize the workers that are there. Believe me, they would love the opportunity, but they don't currently have it. Peeling back the layers of the onion is really important as we begin to think about how to build better places.   Eve Picker: Yeah, I agree. I was somewhere yesterday, where the city's working on a rather large project, and they were talking about a prisoner-release center nearby, and people drifting over to a McDonald's, and hanging out there, and causing all sorts of problems.   Eve Picker: The discussion we had ... They're basically using McDonald's as a safe place to hang out. There isn't anywhere else for them to go. They don't have money; they don't have a job. Perhaps looking at what the work-release center provides is the first step. Not tearing down the McDonald's, right?   Kimber Lanning: Exactly right. That's exactly it. It's a perfect example for when I say peeling back the layers of the onion to look at what are the original causes; what are we dealing with, before we react?   Eve Picker: That's right. I totally agree with that. You've worked a lot in community work, and I'm wondering what community engagement tools you've seen that have worked best, because clearly that's a big struggle [cross talk] to the table?   Kimber Lanning: I'm going to answer that in a few different ways. In rural communities, it's about convening people, talking to them, and really listening to what their needs are, so that you can accurately assess what the challenges are.   Kimber Lanning: I think that in the Latino community, where we're working, you don't need to convene them all in a room. You need to find a few champions, and let those champions tell the story, and it will reverberate. I guess the first step is knowing your audience; knowing the community where you're working, before you implement any sort of strategy.   Kimber Lanning: In rural communities here in Arizona, the opioid crisis has spread out into the rural areas, so much so that we have private-sector employers who will put out an entry level position at, say, $35,000 a year, which, in rural Arizona, is a good wage for a living, and for an entry level position.   Kimber Lanning: They'll say if they get 10 applicants, that five of them won't pass a drug test, and of the remaining five, three of them, on average, will no-show the interview. Of the two that actually show up, if they just hire them because they showed up, essentially, the average length of time they can keep them is six months.   Kimber Lanning: This is a massive workforce crisis, and I don't think that our rural communities are an exception. There's a major problem just under the surface in the US that's workforce-related. You're starting to see more, and more people starting to say, "Wait, we need more people in the trades."   Kimber Lanning: Well, for 20 years, young people were told if you don't go get a four-year degree, you basically should move into the alley, and become a heroin addict, right? Everybody ran and got a four-year degree, and now we don't have people hanging drywall. It's important that we recognize we need people in the trades. Not everyone is going to have a four-year degree.   Eve Picker: Oh, I so agree with you. I so agree with you. Are you going to start a trade school next?   Kimber Lanning: Don't get me started [cross talk]   Eve Picker: -both my children went to trade school, and they were not ready ... They were not ready for college. They both love learning, and they both said it was the best educational experience they had. They loved it.   Kimber Lanning: I have a dear friend whose son knew, in high school, he wanted to be a welder, so he went to a trade school for the last year of high school; got out of that, and landed a job at $45,000 a year, as a welder, that he absolutely loves, and he's doing better than any of his friends who are struggling through community college, and everything else. I think that-   Eve Picker: The interesting things was that when my kids were finishing high school, there wasn't one counselor who would talk to us about trade schools.   Kimber Lanning: Right. Yeah, no, it is a huge bias, and it's going to cost our country mightily.   Eve Picker: You know, I totally agree with you. Not everyone is cut out for college, and not everyone learns very much in college. I think the next step of the problem is the debt they're burdened with. I've hired people with liberal-arts degrees, who can't write a letter, and I really wonder how they ever going to pay back their college debt.   Kimber Lanning: Right.   Eve Picker: It's a crisis.   Kimber Lanning: It's a crisis. That doesn't even touch on the fact that there's not enough of those jobs to go around. Meanwhile, the jobs that actually require hands-on knowledge are available. I can't find a roofer in this city to save my life, right now. They are spread too thin, because there's not enough of them.   Eve Picker: Wow.   Kimber Lanning: One thing I do want to mention that I think that people would be curious to hear about is we have one small town here that's 1,300 people. They suddenly realized that everyone in their town that knew how to be a plumber, an air-conditioning repairman, or a heavy equipment operator was over 65. and just moments away from retirement.   Kimber Lanning: They started a journeyman program, where they took six high-school juniors, and seniors, and, for a year- I think it was actually 18 months, they shadowed, in the field, these professionals, so that by the time the older gentlemen were ready to retire, the younger gentlemen were ready to step into those roles. It was very successful.   Eve Picker: It's like an apprentice program, right?   Kimber Lanning: It is, yeah.   Eve Picker: That's fabulous. Well, we're straying from real-estate impact, but it's very interesting.   Kimber Lanning: Well, yes, and no. We can't develop what we need to develop without the trades. So, to me-.   Eve Picker: It's true; it's true. I'm going to challenge you to start that trade school. It sounds like an opportunity in the making. You'd probably [inaudible] from that. Okay, well then, I have one wrap-up question. Actually, one wrap-up, and then three others that I'd like to ask you, so four questions. Where do you think the future of real-estate impact investing lies, knowing what we know today, and the gaps that exist?   Kimber Lanning: I think it has to lie in a community land trust. I think that we can't retain ownership, as impact investors, in communities that need that ownership. The Portland model that I mentioned ... I think the original acquisition, whether that's done by a group of individuals, or nonprofits, I think they need to allow themselves to be bought out of it by the people who live there so that it becomes a self-reliant entity.   Eve Picker: That sounds like what you're going to be working on next, right?   Kimber Lanning: That's right. That's right.   Eve Picker: Very good. I have three sign-off questions for you. What's the key factor, or what are the key factors that make a real-estate project impactful to you?   Kimber Lanning: I think it has to be acculturated, meaning in the community where you are building, it has to be responsive to that community. El Rancho is 90-percent Latino, and it's responsive to that in that the programming is done in Spanish. The foods that are encouraged, and the equipment, even, that we installed was for people that are going to be making foods like tamales, and other foods that that community enjoys. I also think that-   Eve Picker: And the rest of us enjoy.   Kimber Lanning: Well, the rest of us enjoy, but Grandma that lives there knows how to make the best ones known to mankind, so, it's important that the younger kids be able to learn those heritage foods, and traditions. Providing a space for them to convene, and share is important. I also think the shared space for the kids to play after school, and the barbecues outdoors are very acculturated, as well.   Kimber Lanning: Another thing I will say, in real estate, Latino families tend to be larger, so this is an affordable-housing complex that has two-, three-, and four-bedroom, which you rarely see in affordability. It's usually one-, and two-bedrooms only, because they always say it can't be done. But it can be done, and it must be done. I think place-based would be my first one, and culturally appropriate for the communities that are living there.   Kimber Lanning: Then, the third, that'd be comprehensive and holistic. We need to think about health very broadly. Are there opportunities for the residents to learn new skills, or advance themselves economically on-site? Are there after-school programs for the kids to continue their learning after school? Those questions need to be answered.   Eve Picker: Very good. Other than by raising money, in what ways can involving investors through crowdfunding benefit the impact real-estate developer?   Kimber Lanning: Outside of raising money? I think influence; just influence. I think there are a lot of impact investors that are influencing others' behavior, and perhaps they're not even aware. I think to shine a light, to share, to show what an impact investment they've made has done ... To share those stories, I think, is important.   Eve Picker: Okay. This is my really big one that I have to ask everyone. How do you think real-estate development in the US can be improved?   Kimber Lanning: Oh, my goodness! That-.   Eve Picker: That's a whole podcast, right?   Kimber Lanning: Yeah, it is! I'm in Phoenix, Arizona, where the developers have ruled the earth like the dinosaurs for my entire lifetime. They control the policies; they control our state legislature. If they don't want to build sustainably, they don't have to, because they'll just go and fight the laws, and they always win. They're a powerful bunch.   Kimber Lanning: For me, I think that what I would ask is that they actually are accountable for the outcomes of what they develop. That means that they are accountable for the displacement; that they are accountable for the environmental degradation; that they are accountable for the unaffordability, or their role in crisis.   Kimber Lanning: I think, too often, developers have been trained to build what they want, and they drop new developments in like spaceships from outer space, without even looking around at what was actually needed. Too often, they just replicate what they've done that's been profitable for themselves, rather than considering the rest of us who have to live with the crap they turn out.   Kimber Lanning: Understand walkability. Dropping in an apartment complex that doesn't have any ground-floor activation, in a walkable district, is a crime, and they need to be held accountable for that. I could go on ... I've seen some really [cross talk]   Eve Picker: That's pretty good. That's really holding people accountable. Well, I've really enjoyed talking to you, and thank you very much for joining us.   Kimber Lanning: Same to you!   Eve Picker: And I'm sure we'll be talking again soon, because I really want to talk to you about crowdfunding in your community. I think there's something we could cook up together. I'm sure.   Kimber Lanning: I think so, too. Absolutely. Thanks so much for having me.   Eve Picker: Thank you, Kimber. Bye.   Kimber Lanning: Take care; bye-bye.   Eve Picker: That was Kimber Lanning. I really enjoy talking to her. Kimber gave me three great takeaways. First, the odds are stacked against small businesses. They are not bankable. Second, she's working to stop displacement that she expects will happen with a new light rail in a racially segregated section of South Phoenix. Third, women should rule the world. What did you learn?   Eve Picker: You can read more about Kimber on the show notes page for this podcast at EvePicker.com. While you're there, please consider signing up for my newsletter to find out more about how to make money in real estate, while making some change. Thank you so much for spending your time with Kimber and I, today. We'll talk again soon, but for now, this is Eve Picker signing off to go make some change.  

Kimber Lanning was born on Okinawa, Japan but has spent the majority of her life in Phoenix, AZ. In 1987 she started a music store, called Stinkweeds which she still runs today.  Since then she has started Modified Arts, a gallery and performance space, to give young Arizonan artists an outlet and is best known for starting Local First Arizona, a coalition of Arizona based local and national businesses.  

Time: ~27 min Recorded June 26, 2019 Happy to have Psyko Steve back in the studio to talk about this awesome indie scene in Phoenix! We get some background on how he began this journey in promotions and eventually ownership of The Rebel Lounge, and also all about the Independents Bowl happening on July 7th! This is a fundraiser benefiting Local First AZ, but it has other benefits as well if you are a local musician or business.  The 9:39 Local Spotlight is from Paper Foxes, enjoy!    KWSS 93.9FM The Alternative http://kwss.org The Dani Cutler Show Weekdays 6a-10a / Dani's Diner Retro Hour 12p-1p Facebook: KWSS Facebook: The Dani Cutler Show

“Awareness, action, and appreciation. Being aware of who you are, taking action — if you’re not taking action, you’re dying. And appreciation, it’s so significant yet so easily forgotten.” — Michela RicciMichela Ricci (@michelaricci) is the founder and business owner of Early Bird Phoenix (@earlybirdphx), a speaker, blogger, and a lover of the local Phoenix scene. Topics discussed in this episode include:Supporting local businessesThe power of daily routines and self-careMental HealthFinding and changing your purpose 4:30- Discussing Michela’s journey of opening up her mobile coffee business (hint: it's not as linear as you might think!)10:49- Giving people an experience vs. a product.13:47- Awareness, action, and appreciation; Michela's mantra, and how it came to be.15:54- The book The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson.16:47- Local First Arizona, and why it is so important to support local.23:23- Ask for the things you need, especially in the areas where we are not as strong or qualified.26:13- Mental health; how does Michela navigate entrepreneurship and the highs and lows of mental health?37:01- What habits or routines help Michela on a daily basis? Journaling, meditating, yoga and visualization exercises. 52:50- What Michela is excited about right now, and how storytelling is changing the world.If you love this episode, please share it with a friend and then leave a review on iTunes! When you’re listening, post a screenshot on social media and make sure you tag me @heypreslie, so I can thank you. :) Topic or guest suggestions for the podcast? Drop me a line on my website.—This episode is brought to you by the unique, sustainable and personal approach to reaching your goals: Hey Preslie Nutrition. Signing up for personalized, one-on-one coaching is quick and simple, and you'll be on your way to a healthier, happier you. For a free consultation, visit heypreslienutrition.com.

Michael Peel and team talking about the great work Local First Arizona is doing in Tucson.

Kimber Lanning, Founder of Local First Arizona In this episode, host Stacy Mitchell speaks with Kimber Lanning, founder of Local First Arizona. A seasoned entrepreneur and community development expert, Kimber has made it her life's mission to cultivate self-reliant communities. Her work focuses on implementing systems and policies to ensure a level playing field for entrepreneurs. Currently only 7% of Arizona's total deposits are in Arizona-owned banks and credit unions, well below the national average. Kimber started the “Move Your Money” campaign to encourage cities, businesses and individuals in Arizona to bank with local banks. Stacy and Kimber discuss how crucial access to credit is for small businesses and how community banks play an important role in providing that credit. Kimber's record store. They also discuss land use policies and Phoenix's innovative approach to turning vacant buildings into great spaces for local businesses. Thanks to shifts in zoning policy, more than 125 new businesses have moved into and renovated formerly blighted and abandoned buildings in Phoenix. Local First Arizona built a strong case for preserving, rather than tearing down, older building stock, in part by showing how historic mixed use areas provide a better environment for local entrepreneurs than new development. Because of their efforts, Phoenix has the most effective adaptive reuse program in the country. Kimber also explains how Phoenix's government decided to spend no money with Amazon — in contrast to many cities that have turned over much of their procurement to the online giant. Instead, Local First has built a database of local business to help Arizona cities spend their money locally. Listen in to hear more about how Arizona First is leveling the playing field for small businesses and how other states can follow suit! We aren't going to put our money into a company that extracts wealth from our communities. We are going to invest in the companies that are here, investing in our future together with a shared vision.   Related Resources Local First Arizona Older, Smaller, Better Report from Preservation Green Lab Adaptive Reuse of Commercial Buildings Report: Amazon's Next Frontier: Your City's Purchasing Guide to Policy Tools that Expand Opportunity for Independent Businesses Local Policy Matters: How to Grow Independent Businesses in Your City Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas Transcript Stacy Mitchell: Hello and welcome to Building Local Power. I'm Stacy Mitchell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Today on the show we have Kimber Lanning. Kimber is founder of Local First Arizona and Local First Arizona Foundation, two distinct state-wide organizations working in tandem to strengthen Arizona's economy. Under Kimber's leadership Local First Arizona has grown to a membership of more than 3,000 independent businesses across the state. Kimber herself is an entrepreneur and she's also a community development specialist who works to cultivate strong, self-reliant communities and inspire a higher quality of life for people across Arizona. Kimber, welcome to Building Local Power. Kimber Lanning: Thank you so much for having me. Stacy Mitchell: I want to start by asking you what led you to found Local First Arizona. Tell us a little bit about the conditions and the state, what it is that you're trying to change? Kimber Lanning: Sure. It's a really interesting place in that we were the last of the continental states to actually become a state. It wasn't until 1912 that we had statehood, and we grew very rapidly after the 1950s. Phoenix is very much built after the advent of the automobile and we grew in such a way that there wasn't a lot of sense of place because two-thirds of the people living here came from somewhere else and so therefore there's not a lot of loyalty to old school companies that you might see in a place like Philadelphia or Boston. To have a company here in Arizona that's been here more...

We talk with Kimber Lanning, founder of Local First Arizona, about her organization's pioneering work to strengthen Arizona's entrepreneurs and its local economy. … Read More

Helping us move from awareness to action this week is Thomas Barr.  Thomas is the Executive Director of Local First Arizona.  Listen to learn about the future of Local First, the three things he’s learned over the past three years as well as the one plea he’d like to make to the world.  You can find out more about Thomas and what he’s working on at LocalFirstAZ.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  For templates of letters/emails and or talking points referenced in the show, or simply to say “hi” click here.

Kimber Lanning is Founder and Executive Director of Local First Arizona, a statewide organization implementing innovative strategies for new models of economic development that create vibrant local economies. Lanning is an entrepreneur, business leader and community development specialist who works to cultivate strong self-reliant communities and inspire a higher quality of life for people across Arizona. Watch Kimber's TEDx talk HERE.  Connect with Kimber HERE.  BeTheTalk is a 7 day a week podcast where Nathan Eckel chats with talkers from TEDx & branded events. Tips tools and techniques that can help you give the talk to change the world at BeTheTalk.com !

Kimber Lanning is Founder and Executive Director of Local First Arizona, a statewide organization implementing innovative strategies for new models of economic development that create vibrant local economies. Lanning is an entrepreneur, business leader and community development specialist who works to cultivate strong self-reliant communities and inspire a higher quality of life for people across Arizona. Watch Kimber's TEDx talk HERE.  Connect with Kimber HERE.  BeTheTalk is a 7 day a week podcast where Nathan Eckel chats with talkers from TEDx & branded events. Tips tools and techniques that can help you give the talk to change the world at BeTheTalk.com !

Check out the Interview with Mike peel of Local First Arizona, and Downtown Radio Tucson. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thorradio/message

Kimber Lanning might be the quintessential On the Grid guest. She's spent most of her life in the Valley and from a young age she started contributing to the character of our metropolitan area. At 15, her first job was Zia Records, and at 19, she opened local independent record store Stinkweeds, later opened venue/art gallery Modified Arts and then formed nonprofit Local First. And she is our guest for the 18th episode of On the Grid. Come with us on her journey from music to economic development. You'd be surprised to learn how flawlessly connected these things are. Oh, and we have an announcement about the rescued Wurth House.

Mrs. Green’s World host Gina Murphy-Darling and Local First Arizona (LFA) Southern Arizona Director Michael Peel discussed the 2nd Annual…

Kimber Lanning is the founder and executive director of Local First Arizona, a nonprofit that supports, promotes, and advocates for a strong local business community here in Arizona.  In our conversation, Kimber shares how this passion for locally-grown businesses and her connection to "place" developed.  Additionally, Kimber owns both Stinkweeds new and used record store and Modified Arts gallery and performance space. Kimber discusses the foundations of Local First Arizona's mission, and explains how she engages with employees and communities/neighborhoods to advance that mission.  Additionally, she discusses how she views entrepreneurship through the lens of hometown pride and connection to the individuals in your community and neighborhood.  She also mentions several former podcast guests whose companies exemplify those locally grown businesses, such as Infusionsoft, U-Haul, Upward Projects, and PING. Learn more about Arizona Originals at www.azoriginals.net Give us feedback at: contact@azoriginals.net Find out more about the Arizona Chamber at: www.azchamber.com SELECT LINKS FROM THE PODCAST: Older, Smaller, Better kimber@localfirstaz.com  

This week Lauren Bailey, CEO of Upward Projects, joins us for a great conversation about entrepreneurship, being in the people business, collaboration, parenting, and so much more. Lauren is a co-founder of Upward Projects - a locally focused group of restaurateurs in Phoenix.  Their brands include Postino WineCafe, Joyride Taco House, Windsor/Churn and Federal Pizza.  She serves on the boards of both Local First Arizona and the Entrepreneurs Organization, as well as serving as a steering committee member for Devour Phoenix.  Additionally, she has received recognition for her accomplishments from such diverse entities as the Arizona Republic, the Phoenix Business Journal, the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame, and the Arizona Restaurant Association.

Kimber Lanning has operated an independent record store in downtown Phoenix for 30 years. Her experience as a small business owner led her to start Local First Arizona, advocating for self-reliant, unique downtowns that can support the little guy.Learn more about Kimber Lanning and Local First Arizona

Kimber Lanning has operated an independent record store in downtown Phoenix for 30 years. Her experience as a small business owner led her to start Local First Arizona, advocating for self-reliant, unique downtowns that can support the little guy.

Helping us move from awareness to action this week is Kimber Lanning. Kimber is the Founder and Executive Director of Local First Arizona. You can find out more about Kimber and what she’s working on at LocalFirstAZ.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Kimber Lanning is an intrepid entrepreneur and community builder. At a young age, after realizing college just wasn't for her, she started her first business - Stinkweeds - an alternative music record shop in Phoenix. That was 28 years ago. Along the way she has had her share of challenges and has had to pivot many times to keep the business relevant. In 2003, she launched Local First Arizona, a nonprofit working to strengthen the local economy by supporting locally owned businesses throughout Arizona. In this episode we talk about how she has pivoted to keep both businesses thriving and how she finds the time to manage it all - she operates two other businesses. She also shares a few tips every entrepreneur should hear. Biz Hack: SocialRank helps brands find and manage their followers. You can sort your followers by most valuable (your higher-profile followers), most engaged (based on how much they engage with you), best followers, most followed, and so on. You can also filter your followers based on keywords in their bio, geographic location, interests, activity. Just think how you could tailor your tweets and even your advertising campaigns on Twitter. This does come with a cost though. Their basic tier is $49 per month, and then it jumps up fairly significantly. Quote of the Week: “If you really want to get ahead, you've got to keep your eyes focused on the path.” ~Russell Simmons.

Tom Hopkins carries the standard as a master sales trainer and is recognized as the world's leading authority on selling techniques and salesmanship.Over 4 million people on five continents have attended Tom's high-energy live seminars. Tom personally conducts 30+ seminars each year traveling throughout the world. Tom Hopkins is the author of 17 books, including “How to Master the Art of Selling™,” which has sold over 1.6 million copies worldwide Jan Stringer Founder of PerfectCustomers, Inc. She is the Author of two global best-selling books, an International Speaker, as well as, Founder of Strategic Attraction Certification and Training program. Jan delivers practical, solid ways for you to work smarter, build stronger alliances, and improve the quality of your business and personal relationship  Ed Cohen global leader who has conducted business in more than 60 countries. Ed is a compassionate, relationship centered executive coach who has worked with leaders around the world helping them to maximize their strengths and grow their leadership. He is the author of several books including Leadership Without Borders Kimber Lanning entrepreneur and economic specialist who works to cultivate strong, vibrant, creative communities and inspire a higher quality of life across the state of Arizona. Lanning owns three small businesses: Stinkweeds, Modified Arts, and SilverPlatter and in addition, Lanning founded Local First Arizona, a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to raising public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by locally owned businesses. She works to inform, educate, and motivate consumers to support local enterprises, and encourages public policy that enables locally owned and operated businesses to thrive