Saturday, January 17, 2009

Colin Christie of MxSecure at next AZIGG

On February 2nd, AZIGG Presents:

Colin Christie, CEO of MxSecure
"Doing Business in Asia: Crossing the Cultural Divide"
Monday, February 2nd, 7:30am - 9:00am


Location: Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Auditorium
(205 W Jefferson, Phoenix - - - parking garage at Washington & 4th Avenue)
Investment $10 includes coffee, water and juice

Colin Christie is a business owner with vision, smarts and experience. With an engineering degree from UC Berkeley, he honed his skills at technology giants like Motorola, Philips, and Symmetricom. More recently he saw an opportunity to revolutionize how healthcare providers and clinics created and processed transcriptions and managed their records. And Scottsdale-based MxSecure was born www.mxsecure.com. Colin has extensive experience working in Asia - and he will share his special perspectives on being successful there.

RSVP: www.azigg.com



All the best, Doug
AZIGG and Growth Nation
Scottsdale, AZ USA

Resources in Phoenix to Grow Globally

This Valley of the Sun list has been compiled by Doug Bruhnke of AZIGG and Growth Nation as part of AZIGG Global Business Fair events. Please forward any input to Doug at info@azigg.com.

Sponsoring Organizations

Squire, Sanders & Dempsey
www.ssd.com; Contact: Judy Neuman at jneuman@ssd.com 602-528-4852
Whether you conduct business in Arizona, throughout the Southwest, across the nation or around the globe, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. offers outstanding legal services backed by the resources of one of the world’s most prestigious law firms. With lawyers in 32 offices and 15 countries, we provide exceptional legal counsel in corporate transactions and securities, reorganizations and restructuring, real estate and hospitality, environmental, intellectual property, labor and employment, legislative affairs, litigation and dispute resolution, public finance and taxation. Squire, Sanders and Dempsey is a founding sponsor of AZIGG.

Other Arizona-based Resources

Arizona Department of Commerce
www.azcommerce.com
Contact: Mu-Tin Huang at 602-771-1239
Through leadership and collaborative partnerships, our mission is to create vibrant communities and a globally competitive Arizona economy. The International Trade and Investment Division of the Arizona Department of Commerce assists small and medium sized Arizona companies with their exporting efforts. We also help market Arizona to foreign companies as an excellent location for their U.S. expansion.

Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
www.azchamber.com

Arizona District Export Council
www.azexport.net
The Arizona District Export Council (DEC) assists the Phoenix and Tucson Export Assistance Centers of the U.S. Commercial Service, implementing the Commerce Department’s export promotion programs and directives. The council is composed of business and trade experts from Arizona companies who are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and serve without compensation.Some of the council's activities include educational seminars, one-on-one counseling to assist companies enter new markets, trade show promotions and coordination of export promotions activities at the local and national level. Together with assorted state and local organizations throughout the state, both public and private, we pool our resources in promoting Arizona products and services throughout the world.

Arizona Small Business Association
www.asba.com

Arizona State University at SkySong
www.asu.edu; Contact: Alison Bendler at alison.bendler@asu.edu and 480-884-1654
With its combination of ASU research units, multinational corporations and individual innovators, SkySong is Arizona's global portal to the international knowledge economy. To help your company take advantage of the possibilities SkySong creates, a number of business services and programs are offered or facilitated by ASU. SkySong is an international business and innovation center that serves as a global focal point for technological innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration and expansion of world trade. SkySong builds vital networks between university innovations, regional progress and the global technology industry.

Arizona Technology Council
www.aztechcouncil.org; Contact: Deborah Zack at 602-343-8329
The Arizona Technology Council is a non-profit trade association founded to connect, represent and support the state's expanding technology industry. To promote economic growth and professional development in Arizona's technology sector, the Council provides members networking opportunities, business support and access to educational forums.

Asian Bank of Arizona
www.asianbankaz.com; Contact: Les Gin at les.gin@asianbankaz.com
Asian Bank of Arizona specializes in offering customized financial solutions for businesses and consumers in a friendly banking environment. We get to know you and develop a trust that allows you to feel comfortable when we discuss your banking needs. It is our passion to serve our diverse community, and we are proud to offer our clients the comfort of doing business in several Asian languages in addition to English.

Berlitz
www.berlitz.us; Contact: Maria Luisa Gay at 602-468-9494 and ml.gay@berlitz.us
Berlitz, a worldwide leader in global training and development services, offers customized language and cultural consulting through more than 500 locations worldwide. Berlitz specializes in global employee development through language acquisition and testing services, cultural orientation, repatriation workshops, intercultural team-building seminars, and country-and region-specific business briefings for managers doing business abroad.

BizLogic Technologies
www.bizlogictech.com; Contact: Sharad Mankapure at sharad@bizlogictech.com
BizLogic Technologies is an IT solutions provider. We deliver custom software development services precisely tailored to your needs. Our uniqueness is in providing value added Business Aligned-IT solutions in a Global Delivery Model. Our IT Solutions yield high ROI and enable your business to explore new opportunities. Our global delivery model facilitates low-cost high-quality resources and fast turnaround time, which can reduce your IT spending by 40% to 60%.

City of Phoenix
www.phoenix.gov
Contact: Michael Shelton at 602-495-5509 and Michael.Shelton@phoenix.gov
The City of Phoenix has various programs to help companies that plan to open offices or to expand their facilities in Phoenix. The business assistance programs range from issuing Industrial Development Authority bonds, to creating duty-free Foreign Trade Zones, to providing worker training grants. The International Program of the Community and Economic Development Department markets Phoenix to potential foreign investors and then helps them locate offices or manufacturing plants in Phoenix.

Eclectic Communications
www.swlocalization.com
Contact: Margaret Latham at 602-510-3781 and margaret@swlocalization.com
Since 1985 Eclectic Communications has provided the international business and scientific community with high quality technical translation and localization services. Our network of highly qualified professional translators and top notch technology allow us to provide you with highest quality translation. We cover a full array of linguistic services: translation, localization, website translation, quality assurance and branding research. We make sure you are correctly understood and represented in foreign markets.

Enterprise Network
www.en.org

ESI Global Logistics
www.esilogistics.com; Contact: Neil Nisbet at 602-431-6839 and nnisbet@esilogistics.com
ESI Global Logistics is a fully multi modal freight company that provides air. ocean, road & rail service, customs clearance, warehousing, distribution, logistics, pick and pack. We have offices on both coasts and 25,000 overseas agents in all parts of the world handling everything related to EXPORT to IMPORT. We provide instant access to our system via our website for tracking, booking or any other communication.

Eupath
www.eupath.com; Contact: Abhay Jajoo at abhay.jajoo@eupath.com
Eupath helps you reduce cost and protect proprietary business processes by setting you up with your own offshore office and employees to do work less expensively and “in-house”. The team at Eupath has extensive experience and deep understanding of the financial, legal, technical, operational and cultural aspects of setting up and integrating offshore offices. With Eupath, you extract optimum value from offshoring while minimizing risk, allowing you to focus on your core business and exceed your business objectives. You'll also avoid the risks of traditional outsourcing.

Franchise Integration
www.franway.com; Contact: Jack Eberenz at 602-279-1980 and jack@franway.com
If someone says “franchising” you say “call Jack.” Franchise Integration organizes the complex elements of franchising into manageable long term successful systems. Making use of Jack Eberenz’ 30 years of leadership experience with franchisors worldwide, the company provides services that include strategic planning, advising new franchisors and turning-around existing franchise systems.

Global Events in Arizona
www.GLOBALArizona.com; Contact: Kim Kubsch at 480-720-8566
GLOBALArizona.com was founded by Kim Kubsch in 2007 to enhance global awareness of Arizona business people and investors. Kim's online "Global Event Calendar throughout Arizona" provides fellow globalists the knowledge of events focusing on foreign direct investment (FDI), import, export, outsourcing, trade missions, international distributorships, and global diplomacy. Having worked in twelve countries of Asia for ten years, Kim is an International Business Connector of people, product and services.

Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)
www.gpec.org; Contact: Rod Miller at 602-206-0957 and rmiller@gpec.org
The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) attracts quality businesses to the Greater Phoenix region from around the world and advocates and champions foundational efforts to improve the region’s competitiveness. GPEC provides expert support in streamlining site searches for businesses, connecting decision-makers who can expedite the process and leveraging knowledge assets that spur innovation.

Since 1989, GPEC’s unique structure and solid partnerships have supported a sustainable, high-performance economy. Today, GPEC is comprised of 18 communities, Maricopa County and more than 140 private-sector companies, serving as the catalyst that strengthens the region’s economic base, ensuring it is both diversified and competitive.

Greater Phoenix SCORE
www.scorephoenix.org; Contact: Dick Weiss at dick@gustare.com
A resource partner of the United States Small Business Administration, SCORE® is a nationally organized nonprofit association dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small business enterprises nationwide. Here in the Valley of the Sun, Greater Phoenix SCORE® has approximately 100 Counselors -- each of whom is a real-world professional with time-tested knowledge. Counselors donate thousands of hours to help small businesses in Arizona succeed by providing personal business counseling and seminars on every important business subject.

GROWTH NATION www.growthnation.com; Contact: Doug Bruhnke at doug@growthnation.com
Growth Nation helps firms under $50 million in annual revenue reach their global growth potential by developing and implementing successful marketing strategies and plans. We've created over US$1 billion of new revenue and $500 million of new earnings in nearly every industry segment including technology, healthcare, energy, engineering, manufacturing, franchising and professional services. With Growth Nation, business owners either don't need to ask for investor money, OR it's a much better conversation when they do. Marketing Solutions to Grow™

Indo-American Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Carmo Ferrandez at 480-756-1425 and environtech@juno.com
We help you in several ways:
  • Facilitate access to the Indian Consulate, Ministry and Indian regulatory agencies and facilitate resolution of issues where needed.
  • Create industry-focused consortiums with our members and those from partner chambers and facilitate the creation of India-focused Industry Groups in Energy, IT, BPO and Healthcare.
  • Help your business obtain Minority Certification with subsidized support through the Houston Minority Business Development Center and Houston Minority Business Council.
  • Help you apply for SBA and other subsidized loans and benefits through outreach events.
    Work to enhance member representation in local, state and national advisory councils and boards.

InXpress USA
www.inxpressusa.com; Contact: James Peacock at jamesp@inxpressusa.com
InXpress provides innovative freight solutions. The parent company of InXpress, Express Worldwide, was founded in 1999 and now has over 30 operating units producing 10’s of millions in revenue. This makes Express Worldwide the largest reseller outside the United States. We’re pleased to partner with world-class carriers including DHL®, Roadway® and Watkins®. Our customers receive unparalleled service along with the reliability from the top carriers in the industry, all at a discount.

Jobing.com
www.jobing.com; Contact: Holly Schor at holly.schor@jobing.com
Jobing.com is a leading provider of online, locally focused employment information in Arizona. Serving Phoenix, the United States and Canada, Jobing.com utilizes the latest cutting edge technology and branding tools to connect local employers and local job seekers. It’s our philosophy that to be a strong employment leader in the local community we need to also be an involved leader in the community. That’s why Jobing.com takes a proactive approach of providing services to and partnering with professional associations and organizations in Arizona like ASBA, AZIGG, Greater Phoenix SCORE and Scottsdale Job Network.

Maricopa County Small Business Enterprise www.maricopa.gov/mcbiz
Contact: Andres Chagolla at 602-506-8707 and achagolla@mail.maricopa.gov
MCbiz is Maricopa County’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program. It is charged with easing procurement processes and promoting the growth of the small business community in Maricopa County. Its strategic plan, a four-pronged approach, includes training, building awareness, initiating opportunities, and promoting growth via internal and external partnerships with various public and private entities such as: SCORE, SBDC, SBA, Governor’s Small Business Advocacy Group, AZIGG, community organizations and local Economic Development entities.

marketRx
www.cognizant.com; Contact: Patrick Brundage at pbrundage@cognizant.com
marketRx, Inc. is a leading provider of analytics and related software services to global Life Sciences companies in the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices segments. marketRx is now part of Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH), a leading provider of global IT and business process outsourcing services.

Maricopa Small Business Development Center www.maricopaSBDC.com; Contact: Susan Lentz at susan.lentz@domail.maricopa.edu
The Maricopa Small Business Development Center is a non profit organization funded by the SBA and the Maricopa Community Colleges. The program has been in operation since the mid 1980s and has assisted thousands of small businesses in Maricopa County. We offer free one-on-one counseling, low cost training and free technical assistance. We have 3 offices in Maricopa County which are located in Central Phoenix, Mesa and Surprise. The Center is part of the AZSBDC Network which has eleven Centers in Arizona.

Michigan State University Global Edge www.globaledge.msu.edu

MSS Technologies
www.msstech.com; Contact: Francesco Dedaj at 602-387-2113 and fdedaj@msstech.com
Operating in a global environment creates complexities that stress an organization’s supporting IT business applications. Phoenix-based MSS Technologies is an expert in helping companies plan and implement business application solutions that provide a solid foundation to manage business globally. MSS guides you through the requirements created by operating in a multinational environment.

New Global Citizens
www.newglobalcitizens.org; Contact: Mai Crone at mai@newglobalcitizens.org
New Global Citizens educates, equips and mobilizes young people to help solve the greatest challenges faced by communities around the world by partnering with grassroots organizations that are finding local solutions to local problems. NGC supports these young leaders as they work to create sustainable change.

Phoenix CEO-CFO Group www.phoenixCEOCFO.com

Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations www.pcfraz.org; Contact: Conni Ingallina at conni@sossolutions.org
The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations is an independent and nonpartisan membership organization designed to assist leaders in Metro Phoenix to respond more effectively to a rapidly changing world. The Committee is dedicated to furthering the position of Metro Phoenix as a major regional and international policy center.

Phoenix Sister Cities www.phoenixsistercities.org

Renaissance Executive Forums
www.executiveforums.com
Contact: John Cosgrove or Rick Johnson at rjohnson@executiveforums.com
We support your firm’s "Top Executive", and our programs are designed to help Chief Executives get from where they are now to where they want to be, both personally and professionally. Executive Forums is a membership organization that, through our local Business Partners, invites qualified top executives to participate in our process. We offer several programs designed to serve the specific needs of our members. Programs are based on the "peer advisory process" whereby we provide an environment that facilitates peer exchange leading to improved business performance and enhanced quality of life.

RSM International and RSM McGladrey
www.rsmi.com; Contact: Michael Swiszcz at michael.swiszcz@rsmi.com
RSM International is the 7th largest accounting, tax and business consulting organization worldwide. We have offices in 72 countries, including nearly all of the key markets of the world. With over 30,000 professionals in 732 offices we make a positive difference in the futures of our clients. Services we provide include:
· Global tax structuring
· Income tax compliance
· U.S. state and local tax
· Tax research performed by in-country experts
· Transfer pricing
· IC/DISC and other tax credits
· Expatriate returns

RSM McGladrey Inc. (a member of RSM International) is the 5th largest professional services firm in the U.S. and 2nd largest among tax, accounting and business consulting firms in Phoenix. We have over 8,500 employees focused on serving middle market clients from nearly 100 offices nationwide.

SLK Holdings
www.slkholdings.com; Contact: Sarit Kommineni at sarit@securemt.com
SLK Holdings provides “Helping Hands for Small Business”. We develop e-Learning Systems and Business Collaboration Systems for small and medium sized businesses. We also provide domestic and offshore services for custom software development and business process outsourcing for companies of all sizes. Our eLearning System “inLeap” costs only a fraction of the cost of most commercial eLearning systems and is also available as a hosted solution.

Solugenix Corporation
www.solugenix.com
Contact: Shashi Jasthi at 602-432-8308 and shashi.jasthi@solugenix.com
Solugenix® Corporation, a Microsoft® Gold Partner, has been defining excellence in consulting for forty years. That's how long we've been pioneering and delivering integrated solutions for manufacturing, professional services and financial firms that help them reduce costs and grow globally. Based in Scottsdale and with office in the US, Canada and Asia, Solugenix has the most skilled, business-savvy and driven consultants that get projects done right - including full life-cycle management of Microsoft Dynamics AX - today and tomorrow.

Sonoran Bank
www.sonoranbank.com; Contact: Frank Coumides at fcoumides@sonoranbank.com
Sonoran Bank, N.A. is based on a foundation of relationship banking. We serve emerging and existing businesses and non-profit organizations. Sonoran Bank specializes in commercial and international banking services for small to medium-sized businesses. With a mission of delivering value and respect for its customers and employees, Sonoran Bank provides each customer with superior service that creates trust and focuses on total financial relationships.

Sonoran Integrations
www.sonoranintegrations.com; Contact Dan Coulter at dcoulter@sonoranintegrations.com
Sonoran Integrations is a technology partner that has been setting the standards for providing high quality communication solutions in Arizona since 1981. Sonoran takes the time to first understand your needs and requirements before offering a solution that is custom-tailored to your business environment. Because we offer only the top level business solutions which include, VOIP Technology, Wireless and Remote Offices, we are able to address any challenges that your business might face and implement a solution that enhances and streamlines your business environment.

SYNERGY HomeCare of the East Valley
www.synergyhomecare.com; Contact: Mike Endredy at 480-377-6770
SYNERGY HomeCare - East Valley is the premier provider for non-medical home care needs. We give you peace of mind while you work (including living and traveling internationally) by caring for seniors in your life that refuse to give up their independence despite their ailments. We also care for children with developmental disabilities needing continuous direction and attention.

SYNERGY HomeCare provides professional caregivers that you can trust who help with daily living activities like meal preparation, laundry and light housekeeping. You're busy - and so we're there at the times you can't be with the most professional caregivers to provide independent and fulfilling living for the people you most care about.

TechOne IT
www.techoneit.com
Contact: Leanne Kinnard at 480-449-3333 and lkinnard@techoneit.com
Tech One IT™ finds precisely the right IT talent for your needs. We provide Information Technology consultants and direct hire placements to world-class companies on a project or contract basis. Our clients are results-oriented hiring managers who value strong relationships with their IT talent partners. They appreciate that Tech One is operated by IT professionals committed to IT and their success. In this unpredictable world economy, we provide our clients with the ability to quickly expand or reduce IT overhead and resources while mitigating the risks associated with rapidly changing technologies and business conditions.

The John Adam Show (KFNN, 1510)
www.thejohnadamshow.com
Contact: John Adam Kowalski at 602-319-3190 and john@thejohnadamshow.com
The John Adam Show is “The Most Entertaining Business Radio Show in America!” and broadcasts live every Friday morning from 9 to 10am on 1510 KFNN and over the internet. John and his cast of business experts and community leaders offer advice and resources to help entrepreneurs and small business owners increase revenues and profits. Each week we talk about Marketing, Sales, Finance, Technology, Leadership and current business news to inform, inspire, and entertain our small business audience.

The Lavidge Company
www.lavidge.com; Contact: Ben Smith at 480-648-7586
The Lavidge Company is a marketing, communications and interactive firm that has helped develop and market some of the most successful brands in the country. With over 26 years in the valley, we offer full service or a la carte services.

Thunderbird School of Global Management
www.thunderbird.edu; Contact: Joseph Babcock at joseph.babcock@thunderbird.edu
Founded in 1946 here in Arizona, Thunderbird is the first and oldest graduate management school focused exclusively on global business. It is regarded as the world’s leading institution in the education of global managers and is ranked No. 1 in international business by the Financial Times, U.S. News & World Report and The Wall Street Journal/Harris Interactive Business School Survey.

TransPerfect Translations
www.transperfect.com; Contact: Ross Abramson at rabramson@transperfect.com
TransPerfect is a family of companies providing global business services in over 100 languages. TransPerfect is headquartered in New York, with offices in Phoenix and over 60 cities on 4 continents. We provide a full range of language and business services including translation, interpretation, website globalization, subtitling, voiceovers, multicultural marketing, diversity and inclusion consulting, deposition services, and litigation support to multinational companies.

TrueCloud
www.truecloud.com; Contact: Dave Rice at drice@truecloud.com
TrueCloud provides the IT and services and implementation that emerging and medium-sized companies need to grow in the new economy. We offer value-added IT services grounded in cloud computing and based on a ‘less is more’ methodology, allowing you to more rapidly and effectively grow your business. Our offerings include Netsuite™ business management software. We help you:

  • Significantly reduce IT complexity and expenses
  • View critical, multi-functional data to provide better business understanding
  • Increase productivity across your business

US Chamber of Commerce www.uschamber.com

US Export Assistance Center www.buyusa.gov/arizona; Contact: Sally Chambers at sally.chambers@mail.doc.gov
The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion unit of the International Trade Administration. U.S. Commercial Service trade specialists in 107 U.S. cities and in more than 80 countries work with your company to help you get started in exporting or increase your sales to new global markets. Our services include:

  • World class market research
  • Trade events that promote your product or service to qualified buyers
  • Introductions to qualified buyers and distributors
  • Counseling and advocacy through every step of the export process

Vistage
Contact: Harvey King at hkingdacoach@cox.net
Vistage International is the world's leading chief executive organization. Vistage helps CEOs become better leaders, make better decisions, and achieve better results through monthly problem-solving meetings with peers, individual coaching, expert speaker workshops, web-based best practices and access to a worldwide network of more than 14,000 executives.

Weber Advantage Consulting
Contact: Kevin Weber at 480-294-4923 and weberadcon@cox.net
Weber Advantage Consulting, LLC provides the highest quality bioscience strategic marketing consulting services at a competitive price. Since you only get one shot to make your bioscience product a commercial success, we give you the best possible chance to make it a success. We focus on helping small and medium-sized pharmaceutical and medical device companies with strong products and technologies but lacking the critical mass of business resources and experience to give their products the best chance to maximize results.

World Affairs Council of Arizona www.wacaz.org; Contact: Sharon Wilkinson at swilkinson3@cox.net
The mission of the World Affairs Council of Arizona is to develop citizen diplomats in public and business sectors through education and awareness of international issues and by providing a broader understanding of world cultures and global affairs through the hosting of foreign leaders.
The local community benefits from our lecture series, mixers and receptions, and foreign policy discussions. Our members engage with visitors invited to America by the United States Department of State and other federal government agencies by:

  • Arranging their appointments with local government officials and business leaders
  • Scheduling their visits to educational and cultural institutions
  • Hosting receptions and dinners with community and corporate leaders
  • Providing home hospitality with volunteer host families

All the best, Doug (AZIGG and Growth Nation)

A Magical Global Business Fair in Phoenix

What happens when global business executives get together at AZIGG on another perfect night in Phoenix? Magic!


Thank you to our table sponsors and for everyone who attended the AZIGG Global Business Fair on Monday night. Special thanks go to AZIGG sponsor Squire Sanders & Dempsey www.ssd.com for hosting and organizing the event.

Thank you, too, to Rod Miller of GPEC and Glenn Williamson of CABC for their special comments on where Phoenix is internationally and where it could be.

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke
AZIGG and Growth Nation
Scottsdale, AZ USA

ps: Photography by Laird Brown (www.smallbusinessphoto.com)