Blog: Julie Armstrong

What does it mean to “sell yourself”? It’s ensuring that your resume makes it to the top of the stack, or that your name is on the short list of preferred candidates. Sure it starts with a good cover letter. But does it really start there? It’s having confidence in yourself and your abilities in order to convince others that you are the perfect person for that incredible job that you really want.

In order to be the best, you have to know that you’re the best, and that means you have to do your homework. That’s right, education. There are many jobs out there but you may not have the right background. Well get it. You may be busy with a job that you don’t really want, but it pays the bills. Or you may be collecting unemployment for the time being, but that won’t last forever. Take a big tug on those bootstraps and earn the education that you need to better position yourself, professionally.

Going back to school… the idea is quite inspiring, really. But where will you find the time? You have it… you just need to carve it out of your schedule. The good news is that you live in the day-in-age of the Internet and what an awesome tool that is. Because of its widespread access, there are some really great online education options out there that offer you the opportunity to study wherever and whenever you want. The fact of the matter is, online education is booming right now and because of the competition, you have some excellent options.

So here’s the drill: finish your bachelors, get your masters, differentiate yourself with a specialized certificate in an up-and-coming field like Sustainability Leadership, Software Engineering and Networking, or go global with an international business doctorate. Do your homework. Research your options. You may be surprised at the educational opportunities that exist today within our pivotal global economy.

Sell yourself with confidence, knowing you have the right education. Research your educational opportunities at JobingEducation or learn more about one of our sponsored schools, UC Irvine - Extension or California{LOCALMARKET..jobing.com/company_profile.asp?i=127019} (online certificate programs) or California Intercontinental University {http://LOCALMARKET.jobing.com/company_profile.asp?i=127036}  (CalU – online master’s and doctorate degrees). Use your time wisely to better your life and let the bidding begin!

The Diversity Leadership Alliance is proud to present the 8 th Annual Diversity Leadership Alliance Conference, October 22nd, 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel, downtown Phoenix. The theme for the 2009 DLA Conference is “Engaging an Inclusive Community: I Can and We Will,” with Roderick Miller as Keynote Speaker.

Date: Thursday, October 22
New Location: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
New Time: 7am – noon

This conference will feature exceptional workshops hosted by world speakers, guided dialogue sessions focusing on emerging issues and best practices, and the opportunity to network with other professionals in an inclusive environment. Of course, DLA’s Youth partners from various High School Districts in the state will add their energy and enthusiasm to the conference’s experience for all.   We expect 1000 professionals from around the State at this extraordinary event to learn about “Engaging an Inclusive Community: I Can and We Will”. We invite you to join this exciting event, and experience being a part of this Inclusive Community”!     CONFERENCE AGENDA

7:00am – 7:30am              Registration, Breakfast Buffet

7:30am – 9:00am              Welcome, Keynote, Award Program

9:15am – 10:30am             Workshops:   Diversity 101: Roderick Miller  Diversity 202: Jermaine Davis - The Diversity Competent Leader   Executive Forum: Michael Welp   Youth Track: Emmanuel Ngomsi-Yankaloba

10:30am – 10:45am           Break

10:45am – 12 noon            Workshops:   Diversity 101: Jermaine Davis - Oops! What Do I Do Now?   Diversity 202: Michael Welp   Executive Forum: Ellis Carter   Youth Track: Calvin Terrell

Plan to attend the event or showcase your company by being a sponsor.  For more details, visit www.diversityleadershipalliance.org 

Let a Jobing.com Jobs-by-Email Agent do the work for you! Enter searchable key words for the job you're looking for in the categories you'd like to work And we'll email when jobs are posted that match your search criteria. You'll have the option to choose how often your search agents alert you to new jobs!

For instance you could set up an agent for the key word  "sales" and receive regular emails on the results of that search. To set up a Jobs-by-Email Agent:

1. Log in at My Jobing account

2 Click on Jobs-by-Email

3. Click on the Add a Jobs-by-Email Agent button.

4. And, you can make changes whenever you want, just click on Manage Search Agents to bring you Jobs-by-Email

Go ahead and set yours up today, the job you want, could be posted tomorrow!

Need Work? Make it Happen Through Volunteerism!

Boomer Volunteer Engagement Workshop and Volunteer Fair @ GateWay Community
College  - Main Building, Lower Cafeteria

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Workshop Speaker, Jill Friedman Fixler
8:30 AM to 12 Noon

Volunteer Fair
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

How Volunteering Can Enhance Your Job Search:
-Experience can be used for your resume!
-Gain Unique Work Experience!
-Increase Job Opportunities

Registration fee for Workshop: Volunteer Fair:
$10.00 (Includes Lunch) Free and Open to the Public

To register contact the Center for Workforce Transition at (602) 286-8158
or (602) 286-8500.

20 Vendors available to discuss volunteer opportunities! Jill Friedman
Fixler is a nationally known leader recognized for her innovative approaches
to strengthening nonprofit organizations.

We're located on the 38th Street Light Rail Stop
108 N. 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 (Northwest Corner of Washington & 40th Street)

Are you an HR professional?  If the answer is "Yes", you do not want to miss the AZSHRM State Conference, being held September 1-4 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

3 Great Reasons to attend:

1.  There will be tons of HR professionals, just like you.  You will have an opportunity to network and get to know everyone at the conference, including vendors. 

2.  There will be excellent HR content, breakout sessions and keynote speakers who will present on HR "hot topics" and other related topics of interest for HR professionals.

3.  If you are PHR or SPHR certified there will be a lot of opportunities to receive HRCI recertification credits throughout the conference.

If you have not yet registered for the Arizona SHRM State Conference, there is still time.    Register today at www.azshrm.org.

You must register for the conference to attend!!  Hope to see you there!

Thank you to all attendees of our pre-event Webinar for tomorrow's job fair (8/12/09). Published below are all of the questions and answers from the end of our session. We hope that each of you is able to join us at the job fair and we wish you the best of luck.

Q: Can you tell me a place where you can recommend me to help me do a free resume.. because it happens to me that i look at my resume and don't find mistakes but it's always good when someone helps you so they find your mistakes
A: Please check out the free resume review at the Job fair - or if after the event
Maricopa Workforce Connections: http://www.maricopaworkforceconnection.com/locations.asp

Q: ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL PROGRAMS THAT ASSIST CONVICTED FELONS IN OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT?
A: There are not specific programs however you could research the employers prior to
attending and check out their jobs if they are posted on Jobing.com or on their company
site. They should have their hiring requirements listed on their company page. You might
also check out http://www.azcrc.com/. They are a community org designed to help.

Q: As an older employee, I have alot of transferable skills but am concerned about my age.
What advice to you have for a candidate in my position?
A: Emphasize your strengths and skills - and come prepared with a great attitude.
Employers tell us again and again that what they are focused on isn't a number - it is who
is the best resource/fit for their organization.

Q: Can my wife come along with me ?
A: Yes, however anyone coming will have to register at the door. It is an easy process and only takes two minutes. I would encourage you to be professional even if your wife/spouse/friend is with you. Employers want to see you making your best impression.

Q: What if I want to change career but not sure to what?
A: Be sure to attend Eric Knott's presentation on What's Hot and What's not at the expo on August 12th (and check out his blogs on our site). Also - you may want to look in to educational opportunities both with schools attending our job fair and on our education resources tab at the top of the page.

Q: Could you please repeat when the ""What's Hot and What's Not"" workshop begins?
A: 3:30 in the Workshop area.

Q: Have not interviewed for 30 yrs. any help at the expo
A: My suggestion would be to visit resume review and ask for a mock interview as well as
practicing with your friends/family the night before. I would suggest the pre-event
workshops that Maricopa County is hosting. Also - check out all of the workshop listings
in the online version of the program - http://img.jobing.com/ce/PCE_eProgram.pdf

Q: How large can a salary range gap be? For instance, is $40K-$55K too big of a gap?
A: Salaries can really vary by type of company, the region you live in, and a persons
level of experience - so $15K is not too wide of a range.

Q: How many attendees do you expect to be at this job fair?
A: It should be a well-attended (in the thousands) event so plan accordingly with plenty
of rest, comfortable (yet professional) shoes and take your time to be sure you get to
speak with each employer.

Q: I am willing to take a lower job than what am I qualified for. How do I go about when
they say you have a lot of education. This might job not keep you satisfied. What do I
say to that?
A: This is a great question. Take the time to tailor your resume to the type of job you
are looking for now. If your career goals aren't obvious from your experience (especially
in the case of a transition) - clarify your goals by including a summary or objective
statement at the top of your resume. This will give your experience and skills a context
for a recruiter to review it with.

Q: Is it OK to talk to employers about experience that is not directly related to the job,
but that you feel helps to define yourself positively. Or should you just stick to job
related experience.
A: Our best advice for the job fair is to stay as focused and respectful of a recruiters
time as possible. You have a short window of time to make a good case for yourself as a
candidate and to learn more about opportunities with the employer - so use it wisely.

Q: Is this presentation available online? If yes, where? Thanks!
A: If you would like a copy of the presentation, just send us an email at
resumereview@jobing.com and we would be happy to send it to you.

Q: If employers are not accepting resumes and we are to use the usual method of
contact,i.e., email, etc, what is the ""significant"" advantage attending the job fair
for the prospective employee?
A: That is a great question. In today's competitive environment it is more crucial than
ever to take advantage of as many face-to-face opportunities as possible. If you are
solely applying online you may be missing out on the opportunity to make contacts and ask
questions that could help you in the application process. Conversely, if you don't follow
up online after meeting employers in person, you risk getting lost in the paper shuffle.
You double your chances of success by pairing online and offline networking in your job
search.

Q: I was wondering about Etelecare
A: They are doing presentations from 2pm with their last workshop at 5:15pm, they also
have a booth so they will be meeting people throughout the day.

Q: I missed the website to register for the pre workshop - what is it again?
A: http://jobpal.com/v1xw

Q: If we go to an early morning workshop will we be able to meet with employers before 2
pm?
A: The Expo Opens at 2pm. That is when the employers are prepared to meet you. If you go to a workshop we will have a staging area for you line up in and will be the first ones in
the event at 2pm. If you attend the morning 10am event you will be able to exit and
return however you will have to get back in line.

Q: We received an electronic Expo program. Will you provide a hard copy of this program at
the Expo?
A: Yes, they will be at gate 3 when you enter the event.


Thank you again to all of the attendees for your excellent questions and for joining us this afternoon.

Best wishes to all of you at the job fair, be sure to visit us at our booth. We will be happy to answer any questions you have at the event and you can enter to win a free resume package worth between $99 and $349 from Jobing Career Services.

RSM McGladrey 2009 Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution Survey finds companies optimistic about economic recovery.  Companies are focusing on revenue growth to survive recession; those with international manufacturing activity fare better than domestic-only manufacturers

PHOENIX – (July 6, 2009) – RSM McGladrey, the nation’s fifth largest accounting, tax and business consulting firm, today released the results of its fourth annual Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution (MWD) National Survey. Respondents to the survey say they expect their companies to rebound from the current recession beginning in late 2009 and early 2010. In general, companies predict an earlier rebound for their own businesses than for their industry or the U.S. economy.  The 2009 RSM McGladrey survey results did, however, indicate a significant year-over-year decline in the reported health of companies. Forty percent of companies reported their business as “declining” this year, as compared to 12 percent in 2008. Some industries appear to be faring better than others. Medical Devices and Food and Beverage executives, for example, reported favorable growth prospects and stronger-than-average business conditions, following a trend seen in previous years.  More than 920 manufacturing and wholesale distribution executives completed the survey, answering questions on topics such as current business conditions, growth strategies, operations, technology costs and risk management.

Businesses React to Recession by Reducing Costs, Capacity and Reliance on Bank Financing
“Executives are reporting tough business conditions and as a result they have taken direct actions to reduce costs,” said Carrie Pavano, RSM McGladrey’s Phoenix audit practice leader and partner responsible for manufacturing and wholesale distribution. “The survey also found companies are responding to the current economic conditions by implementing lean principles and streamlining operations. This should make businesses stronger and more competitive as we climb out of the recession.”   The 2009 RSM McGladrey MWD survey finds that a significant number of companies are planning capacity modifications this year. Twenty-six percent plan to reduce capacity and 25 percent plan to consolidate operations, while only 15 percent plan to expand capacity.  As companies try to strengthen their balance sheets and offset the impact of tighter credit requirements, they are relying less on bank financing and more on cash flow as a primary means to fund capital expenditures.

Businesses Find Stability in Global Markets
Companies with global business activities are likely to fare better this year than companies focused only on domestic sales, according to survey results. Of the companies reporting sales declines for the year, only 37 percent expect declines for international markets, compared with 62 percent predicting sales declines for domestic markets. Correspondingly, sales increases are projected to be higher in international markets than domestic markets.   “The significant difference between anticipated domestic and international sales underscores the importance of pursuing international market opportunities. Survey analysis indicates that companies with global strategies benefit through improved margins,” says Pavano.  Revenue-Generating Strategies, Product Innovations and Minimal Supply Chain Disruptions Critical  “Companies can’t cost cut their way to growth,” Pavano noted. “With the recession slowing demand for products, companies recognize the need for topline revenue growth. This is reflected in their focus on revenue-generating growth strategies.”   The top four 2009 growth strategies cited in the survey were to acquire new customers, increase sales in domestic markets, increase sales to current customers and increase brand recognition.

Additionally, 95 percent of companies surveyed have plans to innovate products or processes, with new product development and product line extensions reported most frequently. Green initiatives are also a growing priority. More than half of the respondents have implemented or will implement green initiatives in 2009, with most (62 percent) reporting concern for the environment as the driving force behind such initiatives.  “Companies that innovate generate new revenue, improve differentiation from competitors and drive down costs. They also enhance their customers’ experience through better products, decreased lead times and lower costs,” says Pavano.  Survey results suggest executives feel they are at low risk of supply chain disruptions. This runs contrary to risk management theory, where the more complex a business process becomes, the higher the risks. With current inventories at low levels, companies need to ensure supplier disruptions are minimized.

Workforce Reductions Continue; Demand for Skilled Labor Remains
Workforce reductions have been widely reported, as companies cut costs to stay competitive in the current market conditions – a trend reflected in the 2009 RSM McGladrey MWD survey results. Approximately twice as many survey respondents (52 percent) plan reductions in their U.S. workforces in 2009 as did in 2008. However, the outlook for 2010 appears brighter, with only 11 percent of respondents projecting cuts in their U.S. workforces and 44 percent planning to add employees.

Despite the recession and reductions planned, survey respondents continue to struggle to find workers with the skills required by today’s advanced manufacturing environment. Engineers, manufacturing technicians, supervisors and entry-level workers are needed by around 30 percent of companies surveyed. Sales persons are in high demand, according to survey results, reflecting the revenue-generating growth strategies reported by company executives.  “The demand for skilled workers in the face of current levels of unemployment underscores the lack of technological skills in the current workforce. Companies need to partner with the educational community, government, industry associations and organizations to identify the necessary skill requirements and develop training programs to fill this gap,” says Pavano.

Red Flags, Missed Opportunities
RSM McGladrey’s 2009 MWD survey results yielded key opportunities for manufacturing and wholesale distribution companies.

·         Tax Planning – Tax planning is a critical tool for companies seeking to manage cash flow. Although the tax planning strategies identified in the survey are available to companies of all sizes, less than half report taking advantage of allowable tax breaks.

·         Information Technology – Ninety percent of companies consider information technology (IT) a critical component of business operations, yet 50 percent of companies are deferring costs to upgrade or enhance systems due to business conditions. This type of short term action may prevent companies from realizing the benefits IT systems can offer.

·         Risk Management – Despite the critical role that risk management should play for companies in this economic environment – only 56 percent indicate they have a risk management function in place. In addition, enterprise-wide disaster recovery plans are in place at just 35 percent of the companies. 

Research MethodologyRSM McGladrey’s 2009 Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution National Survey was conducted from March 11 to April 13, 2009. The survey analysis includes the results of more than 920 executives and managers of U.S.-based manufacturing and wholesale distribution enterprises. The online survey was designed to assess the current state of the industry and to ascertain what steps CEOs, CFOs and other executives are taking to grow their business and stay competitive. More information on the RSM McGladrey 2009 Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution National Survey Report is available at http://www.rsmmcgladrey.com/Manufacturing-Wholesale-Distribution/Welcome-to-RSM-McGladreys-2009-Manufacturing-and-Wholesale-Distribution-Survey?itemid=166&mid=166http://www.rsmmcgladrey.com/Manufacturing-Wholesale-Distribution/Welcome-to-RSM-McGladreys-2009-Manufacturing-and-Wholesale-Distribution-Survey?itemid=166&mid=166

About RSM McGladreyRSM McGladrey is a leading professional services firm providing accounting, tax and business consulting. RSM McGladrey operates in an alternative practice structure with McGladrey & Pullen LLP, a partner-owned CPA firm that delivers audit and attest services. Through separate and independent legal entities, they work together to serve clients’ business needs. Together, the companies rank as the fifth largest U.S. provider of accounting, tax and business consulting services (source: Accounting Today), with close to 8,000 professionals and associates in nearly 100 offices. RSM McGladrey Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen LLP are member firms of RSM International, an affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms. RSM McGladrey is the official accounting, tax and business consulting firm of The PGA of America.

The Tempe Chamber is proud to host the 14th annual Women in Business Conference and Trade Show on May 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Buttes, a Marriott Resort, 2000 Westcourt Way in Tempe.

Participants will celebrate success, learn from powerful speakers, enjoy an awards luncheon and share in a variety of trade show exhibits. With a fantastic assortment of exhibitors, an energetic crowd of attendees and celebrity speakers addressing the audience, this event presents an amazing opportunity to be visible among the movers and shakers of the business community.

The event features guest speakers Jay Parry, President and COO of the Phoenix Mercury; Kay McDonald, founder and CEO of Charity Charms; and Mary Jo West, Communications Director of Arizona First Things First.

The event culminates with the presentation of the prestigious Business Woman of the Year Award. The 2009 finalists will be announced shortly.

Tickets are $65 for Tempe Chamber members and $99 for the general public. Tickets include a reserved seat and plated lunch. Exhibitor booths start at $400 and are available by calling (480) 967-7891.

Click here for more information or to register now

The Tempe Chamber is proud to host the 14th annual Women in Business Conference and Trade Show on May 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Buttes, a Marriott Resort, 2000 Westcourt Way in Tempe.

Participants will celebrate success, learn from powerful speakers, enjoy an awards luncheon and share in a variety of trade show exhibits. With a fantastic assortment of exhibitors, an energetic crowd of attendees and celebrity speakers addressing the audience, this event presents an amazing opportunity to be visible among the movers and shakers of the business community.

The event features guest speakers Jay Parry, President and COO of the Phoenix Mercury; Kay McDonald, founder and CEO of Charity Charms; and Mary Jo West, Communications Director of Arizona First Things First.

The event culminates with the presentation of the prestigious Business Woman of the Year Award. The 2009 finalists will be announced shortly.

Tickets are $65 for Tempe Chamber members and $99 for the general public. Tickets include a reserved seat and plated lunch. Exhibitor booths start at $400 and are available by calling (480) 967-7891.

Click here for more information or to register now

As I continue to hear the news of thousands of graduates preparing for their commencement ceremonies throughout our valley High Schools, Colleges and Universities, it made me take a moment to reflect on my journey with my own high school graduate, Taylor, in the Class of 2009.

For Taylor the last year has been full of laughter and tears.  Piled on was the homework, projects, field trips to college campuses, web searches for scholarships, an increase in junk mail, senior pictures, dances, prom, varsity softball practice and games, the part-time job that sometimes felt like an inconvenience and all the last things (the last softball game, the last test, etc.)  She has experienced little stress from our current economy.

Taylor is just days away from graduation.  She has completed all the homework, taken her final exams, decided where she will begin her college career in the Fall with a little bit of money in her pocket to cover some of the expenses and a collection of memories to last her a lifetime.  She has a great out look for her future!

For those of you who are sitting on the other side receiving your undergraduate degree, you are saying, “she has no idea” and you are probably right – she does not.  However, there are people talking about you in the same manner as you make the decision to continue your education or go out into the workforce and face the world of work.

Taylor will definitely have to find her way in the world and determine at the end of her 4 to 5 years in college, what she wants to be!  But, that is all a part of developing into the person she will be, discovering what she wants out of life and what she wants to do for a career.  Sometimes people figure out right away what they want to be and sometimes it takes others longer and years of experience under their belt to discover their true passion. 

No matter where you sit today as a graduate and no matter what direction your life is about to take, remember these three things:  you are in control, pursue your passion, never give up - and you will succeed!  The current economy could make you think that there is not a lot of control, passion, what passion? I just need a paycheck and succeeding is just survival.  But you are wrong, you have worked to hard and come too far to let someone stand in your way – so go out there and find your way – find your passion!  I wish each and every graduate in the Class of 2009 the best of luck in all your future endeavors!

This article is dedicated to Taylor who has been a great role model for so many and continues to share her passion in her community, family and with her friends.  She will be a great role model to those entering “college life”, as they discover together what it is all about! As they discover their passion!

I love you, Taylor!  Thanks so much for being such a “huge” part of my life!

The Tempe Chamber is proud to host the 14th annual Women in Business Conference and Trade Show on May 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Buttes, a Marriott Resort, 2000 Westcourt Way in Tempe.

Participants will celebrate success, learn from powerful speakers, enjoy an awards luncheon and share in a variety of trade show exhibits. With a fantastic assortment of exhibitors, an energetic crowd of attendees and celebrity speakers addressing the audience, this event presents an amazing opportunity to be visible among the movers and shakers of the business community.

The event features guest speakers Jay Parry, President and COO of the Phoenix Mercury; Kay McDonald, founder and CEO of Charity Charms; and Mary Jo West, Communications Director of Arizona First Things First.

The event culminates with the presentation of the prestigious Business Woman of the Year Award. The 2009 finalists will be announced shortly.

Tickets are $65 for Tempe Chamber members and $99 for the general public. Tickets include a reserved seat and plated lunch. Exhibitor booths start at $400 and are available by calling (480) 967-7891.

Click here for more information or to register now

Take the 2009 Getting Paid In America Survey

Speak your mind on the latest issues affecting how you get paid! Take the 2009 Getting Paid In America survey for a chance to win a free paycheck and a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Take the Getting Paid In America survey.

Share your opinions on topics like the economy's impact on your 401(k), identity theft, the economic stimulus tax credit and more. The American Payroll Association uses the survey results to gauge worker's opinions of current payment methods and to promote payroll to big media outlets like USA Today, CNN and Yahoo!

Take the survey at www.NationalPayrollWeek.com.

Don't forget to pass the survey along to your friends and family so they can weigh in on their paycheck. The survey only takes five minutes and all participants will be entered to win a free paycheck and a trip to Las Vegas!

Are you heading to Long Beach, Calif. for the 27th Annual Congress? Take the NPW survey at Congress in the Cyber Pavilion!

Have you taken advantage of these resources?

The city of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department along with its state and county partners recognize May as Workforce Development Month.

During the month, the Phoenix Workforce Connection will provide tours at the city's three One-Stop Centers to job seekers and businesses.

The PWC provides job seekers with skill development activities such as staff-assisted and focused job search, comprehensive skill assessments, career exploration, research on training opportunities and other resources.

For businesses, PWC offers solutions, at no cost, designed to grow and sustain the talent pipeline necessary for a qualified and job ready workforce.  Services include assistance with linkages to industry and labor market information, resources for training assistance, applicant recruitment, pre-screening and referrals, employee assessments, advertising of job openings and more.

For more information on Phoenix Workforce Connection or to visit one of the city's three One-Stop Centers visit phoenix.gov/phxwc or call 602-262-6776.

 

 The Tempe Chamber of Commerce has announced three finalists for the 2009 Business Woman of the Year award.  The recipient will be honored at the 14 th Annual Women In Business Conference & Trade Show on Thursday, May 21 at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort at 2000 Westcourt Way in Tempe.

The award was established to recognize an outstanding business woman who has positively impacted the Tempe community.  The finalists have achieved excellence in their fields, displayed leadership in the community, served as positive role models, and are active in programs within the community and Tempe Chamber. They have received numerous awards and accolades for their professionalism and spirit of service. 
“The Business Woman of the Year award recognizes the valuable contributions that the candidates have made to the business community and to the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. Their hard work and dedication have made an admirable and positive impact that we are proud to recognize,” said Mary Ann Miller, President and CEO of the Tempe Chamber. 

The three finalists are Lorraine Bergman, President/CEO of Caliente Construction; Angela Leavitt, Director of Marketing at Telesphere; and Elaine Ralls, Ph.D., President of Air Marketing 
Lorraine Bergman has led Caliente Construction to achieve 30- to 60-percent growth in three consecutive years, maintaining revenues and employees by implementing a diversification strategy. She is a founding member of Advancing Women in Construction and is a graduate of both the Gilbert and Tempe Leadership programs. She helped found the East Valley Branch of Fresh Start, which assists women who have been impacted by a traumatic event or whose lives are in transition.

Angela Leavitt manages a national team and drives all marketing strategies for Telesphere which has tripled revenue and created 84 new Valley jobs. She has taken the lead on comprehensive new product development and scheduling. She also owns her own baton twirling business that coaches girls, helps them overcome fears, and builds their self-esteem. She is the President of AZ Baton Twirling Council, an Omega Vector graduate and past Vice President of Public Relations for Dobson Ranch Toastmasters.

Elaine Ralls has started five businesses since 1971 and is part of the Women’s Financial Group Leadership Committee for the National Bank of Arizona. She is Chairman of the Board of the Better Business Bureau and has done significant pro-bono work including serving on the Board of Directors for GMarie Group, a privately held woman-owned company.

Past recent recipients of the award include Angela Creedon in 2008, Kim Webb in 2007, Julie Jakubek in 2006 and Stephanie Nowack in 2005.

The finalists are available for interviews. Please call Sean Donovan at (480) 736-4285 if you need headshots or contact information.

 

The Tempe Chamber is proud to host the 14th annual Women in Business Conference and Trade Show on May 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Buttes, a Marriott Resort, 2000 Westcourt Way in Tempe.

Participants will celebrate success, learn from powerful speakers, enjoy an awards luncheon and share in a variety of trade show exhibits. With a fantastic assortment of exhibitors, an energetic crowd of attendees and celebrity speakers addressing the audience, this event presents an amazing opportunity to be visible among the movers and shakers of the business community.

The event features guest speakers Jay Parry, President and COO of the Phoenix Mercury; Kay McDonald, founder and CEO of Charity Charms; and Mary Jo West, Communications Director of Arizona First Things First.

The event culminates with the presentation of the prestigious Business Woman of the Year Award. The 2009 finalists will be announced shortly.

Tickets are $65 for Tempe Chamber members and $99 for the general public. Tickets include a reserved seat and plated lunch. Exhibitor booths start at $400 and are available by calling (480) 967-7891.

Click here for more information or to register now