AZIGG (Arizona International Growth Group)

Arizona-Canada Growth Opportunities

2012-01-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

AZIGG: Arizona-Canada Business Opportunities

Brad Niblock - Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner

Sally Taylor - Director at KeatsConnelly

Monday, February 6, 2012

7:30am – 9:00am

SkySong 1475 N Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale

$20 in advance ($25 @ the door)

Breakfast Snacks and Beverages. Free Parking.

Who should attend: Business leaders looking to export and grow globally.

Brad Niblock is the new Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner for the Canadian Consulate. He will be reviewing opportunities for Arizona companies to expand in Canada and sharing success stories. We'll also have Sally Taylor of KeatsConnelly sharing information for Americans and Canadians as they look to increase wealth and save on taxes with cross-border business and living.

Thank you to Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., a top international law firm in Arizona, for supporting these international events. Also thanks to Growth Nation, a top international marketing and sales firm based in Scottsdale.

Welcome internationalists!

RSVP

More Info: At AZIGG or Growth Nation

Exhibitors and Sponsors

Arizona Council for International Visitors (AZCIV)

Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)

Canadian Consulate Phoenix

CQ Coach

Growth Nation

Eight / Arizona PBS April 2012 Auction

Henry & Horne L.L.P.

KeatsConnelly

Scottsdale Sister Cities Association

Shape Up US "Fit City Scottsdale" 2/18/12

Snell & Wilmer

"The Great Canadian Picnic" 2/4/12

World Trade Forum IV - January 18, 2012

2011-12-10T13:35:00.000-08:00

Join us for the annual World Trade Forum moderated by Snell & Wilmer partner Brett W. Johnson. This is an opportunity to hear top government officials from local, state and national levels reflect on what has happened in 2011 and discuss the outlook for 2012 with regard to global trade, government efforts and programs to stimulate international trade, and how all this will impact Arizona businesses.

World Trade Forum IV

Wednesday, January 18, 2012
8:00am - 8:30am Registration
8:30am - 10:00am Program

Wells Fargo Conference Center
100 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Parking is discounted to $3 with validation. 303 N 2nd Avenue.

RSVP to rsvp@swlaw.com

Arizona Mexico Business Opportunities 12/5

2011-11-20T06:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome to AZIGG.

Our Monday 12/5/11 event features ways for Arizona companies to be more successful in Mexico and Latin America. Join us at 7:30am to hear how from several perspectives.

First Vice Consul Jeff Austin will provide an overview of successful companies and how you can follow in their footsteps.

Then Alejandro de la Maza of GoNet USA, based in Scottsdale, will describe how GoNet has been successful on both sides of the border - - - and share how you can be, too.

We'll hear from our friends at Tec de Monterrey who have a variety of business programs for U.S. companies. We will conferencing in by Skype.

Finally Carlos Sugich of Snell & Wilmer will discuss legal aspects of doing business in Mexico and points south.

CLICK HERE for more info and sign-up.

Arizona-Mexico Business Growth Opportunities

Jeff Austin - Vice Consul at the U.S. Consulate

Alejandro de la Maza - EVP at GoNet USA

To Be Announced - Tec de Monterrey

Carlos Sugich - Snell & Wilmer

Monday, Dec 5, 2011 (Cinco de Diciembre)

7:30am – 9:00am

Networking at 7:15am

SkySong 1475 N Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, Convergence Room

$20 online in advance ($25 @ the door)

Complimentary Coffee, Pastries, Juice and Water. Free Parking.

Who should attend: Arizona business leaders looking to export and grow in Mexico.

Special thanks for Snell & Wilmer and Growth Nation for their support of AZIGG and international business growth in Arizona.

A Global Journey - November 7 at AZIGG

2011-10-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

We are very fortunate to have Jim Ratcliff, CEO of Rowpar Pharmaceuticals, as our guest speaker at AZIGG on November 7th, 7:30am - 9:00am at ASU SkySong in Scottsdale. The journey by Rowpar has been MOST INTERESTING - - - you'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll learn. Join us - and read more on the sign-in page: http://aglobaljourney.eventbrite.com/. See you on the 7th!

AZIGG Grow Globally Phoenix Fair 2011

2011-10-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the globally-minded people who came out to the 2011 Grow Globally Phoenix Fair in Scottsdale, Arizona on October 3, 2011. Special thanks to all the exhibitors - all the global resources you need to grow globally from Arizona.

Watch for pictures on the Arizona International Growth Group Facebook page.

Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Arizona Commerce Authority

Arizona Council for International Visitors (AZCIV)

Arizona District Export Council

Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)

Arizona SCORE

ASU SkySong

Arizona Technology Council

AZ4Solar

City of Phoenix

The Canadian Consulate Phoenix

Compass HR

Consular Corps of Arizona

Dunlap Stone University

Go Green Phoenix '11

Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)

Greater Phoenix SCORE

Growth Nation

Invest Southwest - VCIR Fall 2011 Capital Conference

Eight / Arizona PBS

Maricopa Community Colleges International Programs

Malaysian Industrial Development

Mesa Community College Prague Study Abroad Program

Opportunity International

Organization of Women in Trade - Phoenix (OWIT-Phoenix)

Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR)

Phoenix Sister Cities

Phoenix SkyHarbor Airport

Polsinelli

Province of Ontario, Canada

Renaissance Executive Forums

Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.

Scottsdale Community College - Global Programs

Scottsdale Sister Cities

Scottsdale - Haikou Trade Mission Nov 9-14

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Snell & Wilmer

Solarpraxis PV Power Plants USA 2011

Southern Arizona SCORE

SPRING Singapore

Surprise Regional Chamber

The Great Canadian Picnic

The Green Chamber of Greater Phoenix

Thunderbird Global Business Dialogue 11-11-11

Thunderbird School of Global Management

UPS

US Commercial Service

US Export Assistance Centers

ValuCorp

Vistage International

World Affairs Council of Arizona (WACAZ)

World Trade Forum (Snell & Wilmer)

AZIGG Events 9/12 & 10/3/11

2011-08-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to announce the next two Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) events, both located at SkySong.

First it's Grow Globally, Responsibly on Monday, September 12th 7:30 - 9:00am at SkySong featuring Melissa Sanderson, VP at Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold.

Melissa Sanderson is responsible for international affairs at the mining giant - the world's largest publicly-traded copper company. She will be discussing how global companies can and should be good local partners in the communities they serve.

More info - and sign-up here by clicking here.

The annual AZIGG Grow Globally Phoenix Fair 3 is Monday, October 3rd from 4:30-6:30pm at SkySong. The event will feature top global executives in Arizona and visitors from Southern California and across the Southwest. It's a unique walking tour of global business resources - a Who's Who of Arizona Global Business together in one place, one time a year. This year we will also be presenting several international awards to people and companies doing great things globally.

More info - and sign-up here for the 10/3 event by clicking here. A smaller amount of tables are available this year - reserve early.

Grow Globally!

Toby Rolt Discusses Solar Power in Arizona at AZIGG

2011-08-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

On August 1, 2011 at Arizona International Growth Group, Toby Rolt of Brilliant Green Energy joined Patrick O'Grady of the Phoenix Business Journal and Jim Vogt of ECOtality at AZIGG to discuss the future of sustainability industries in Arizona. Mr. Rolt's informative and entertaining presentation is shown below in its entirety. Thanks to Toby and all the speakers! For more information, see AZIGG.

- - - - -

My Name is Toby Rolt, I am the Co-founder & CEO of C corp Brilliant Green Energy. We launched our new corporation at the apex of global economic panic in 2008! We are developers and integrators of renewable energy systems, principally solar. We have designed, built, often financed and connected to the national grid close to 50 power plants. In addition to our projects here in Arizona, we have multi MW projects in development in Hawaii, New Jersey and California.

First let me look BACK: Every school boy knows that in 1879 Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. BUT lesser known and far more important is his creation of all the systems to support its practical use. (Durability, conductor network, insulation, switches, fuses, the dynamo, light sockets & voltage regulators)! ….. because of that at the close of the 19^th century electric power plants were cropping up all over the world and networks of transmission lines were being installed. Today an uninterrupted supply of electricity is absolutely essential to the most rudimentary operation of modern society.

Myth buster 1. “I’m waiting for technology to improve”

The electricity observed by Henry Gilbert in 1600 is exactly the same as is produced by Paloverde Nuclear power plant, is the same as comes out of one of our inverters is the same as lit Edison’s incandescent light for the first time. It will not change EVER.

Now let’s look FORWARD: Can we all agree? At a point in the future we will not be able to spare 30% of all our fresh water for cooling down our Coal, Gas & Nuclear power plants as we do today. Population growth and the demand on fresh water will push the cost up. Consequently vaporizing it by the hundreds of thousands of acre feet a year will simply not be viable.

SECURITY: If the Navajo power plant was made inoperable water would stop pumping through the arterial systems of Arizona, The Central Arizona project. If Paloverde was crippled by a cyber attack simultaneously, Arizona would cease to be viable almost immediately!

This same security exposure was pointed out in 1990 by Hermen Shere to the German chancellery. Germany checked the data in a German way and immediately took action. Leading the way in home generation and renewable energy’s; wind, solar, biomass and geothermal. ALL of Germany’s naysayers were silenced when Georgia was invaded by Russia in 2008. State controlled Gazprom cut the power to Georgia and in so doing Belgium, Austria, east and south France and parts of Switzerland had their power cut too! Germany almost entirely was unaffected. So Hurrah for forward planning!

Let me be clear before I rant on, in my view the incumbent 19^thand early 20^th century electrical generation technologies are absolutely needed. We should take pride in what has been achieved. We should be proud of the men and women that were part of that achievement. However, our justifiable pride must not blind us from the facts.

Myth buster 2. “Coal and Nuclear are cheap”. They are not!

Nuclear Power

1) We the people guarantee its capital construction costs,

2) We have agreed to take care of one hundred years of janitorial services and when one day we discover how to deal with nuclear waste (a problem we have been unable to solve in 100 years since Rutherford first identified an electrical discharge from an atom),

3) We will take care of it,

4) We made all our R&D work from the 2^nd World War available very cheaply or free,

5) We guard the transport of the fuel rods,

6) We train our army and our air force to be ready to protect the Nukes in minutes if needed (or at least I trust we do!),

7) AND greatest help of all we the people, insure all nuclear plants because no private insurance company in the world will. We charge about 1% of operating costs! (If anyone has fully comprehensive no cash limit car insurance at 1% of operational cost let me know.)

Coal Power is only cheap because we the people made it so.

1) We built and maintain the railways that transport it,

2) We clean up the acrid lakes poised by runoff from slag heaps,

3) We restore the national parks damaged by rain picking up the dust partials made airborne by blasting mountains apart.

4) We pay for the ER departments of hospitals who deal at vast expense with bronchiole problems that coincidentally are higher than normal around mining communities nationally,

5) AND congress has bestowed many tax breaks in addition.

I repeat, I do not object to any of these de-facto subsidies; but do not expect me to accept that it is cheap as well!

Myth Buster 3: “Renewable energy and solar is more expensive”. It is not!

THE PERCEVED COST IS A FACTOR OF INAPPROPRIATE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND MECHANISMS; NOT OF ANY INHERENT COMPONENT COSTS AND NOT OF ENGINEERING LIMITATIONS.

In 50 years our Scottsdale Christian Academy (SCA) plant will still be producing at 75% of its original output. SCA will have enjoyed 20 years of below retail electricity rates and have benefitted from 30 years of free production…. In 100 years there is no technical reason why it should not be producing 50% of its original output.

All our costs are known on day one. In stark contrast to traditional plants that have no way of knowing what costs they will incur during a plants operational life.

Renewable (in particular Solar) never needed subsidy what we need is access to cheap long term capital.

Mythbuster 4. “Renewable energy is a fringe issue”

The International Energy Agency says that global power demand will rise from 15 Terawatts today to 30 Terawatts by 2050. A $26 Trillion market. Not so fringy considering the hysteria in Washington over a $13 Trillion operational debt.

The Chairman of Royal Dutch Shell told the London business school that 30% of all power would be from renewable energy by 2050. (So 66% of today’s entire energy sector globally. Fringe issue? I think not. Small brain issue!)

My industry, Solar installed 875 MW of capacity in 2010. This would be amazing if we were Estonia and not the United States of America. The world needs more than that every 2 weeks for 40 years just to meet demand, let alone replacing the existing system.

This is the equivalent of replacing ALL Europe’s entire electrical generation capacity in 10 years.

Arizona’s Market Opportunity

The macro problems we face here in Arizona of:

1. Water management,

2. Electrical demand increase,

3. Population growth

4. A need to shift to more sustainable methods of generation,

…are repeated across the United States and across the world and facing every local and national government, communist or democratic, Kingdom or dictatorship. It is necessarily and correctly political, but it need not and should not be partisan.

Arizona is better placed to hitch a ride on history than anywhere on earth.

We have ...

1) Lots of developable space,

2) Access to easily retrained labor,

3) 1^st world technology and support,

4) A disproportionate per capita allocation to potable water from the Colorado pact,

5) An excellent free flowing transport system,

6) AND 6.4 daily hours exposure to the largest fuel source in our galaxy!

Arizona can and should leverage what may become known as the ‘sun rush’.

...but whether the state does or does not; whether the Country does or does not, the energy revolution IS empirically the largest economic opportunity in history, and Arizona is an ideal location to take advantage of it.

Toby Rolt

CEO, Brilliant Green Energy

AZIGG Summer Sustainability Lunch August 1st

2011-06-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

Arizona International Growth Group Presents

Green, Global and Greek

Arizona's Sustainability Opportunities (at Greekfest)

Toby Rolt, CEO at Brilliant Green Energy

Jim Vogt, Global Accounts at ECOtality

Patrick O'Grady, Report at Phoenix Business Journal

Monday, August 1, 2011

11:00am - 1:00pm

$38 includes an Extraordinary Greek Lunch with Beverage

Networking 11:00am / Food 11:30am / Program 12:00noon

Greekfest Restaurant

1940 East Camelback, Phoenix (NW Corner Camelback/20th)

Reservation Required; Park Behind the Building, Please

It's the 3rd Annual AZIGG summer lunch at Greekfest. Learn about the current state of cleantech and sustainability in Arizona and the global opportunities for the future. Our expert speakers will cover solar, electric vehicles and much more. Come in from the Phoenix heat and enjoy hot food and info with cool drinks and people.

Arizona International State of the State 6/6/11

2011-05-22T06:57:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the next AZIGG event - June 6th at SkySong!

Arizona International Growth Group Presents

4th Annual

International State of the State

Featuring: Rudy Vetter, SVP with GPEC
"Greater Phoenix Economic Council"

Monday, June 6, 2011

7:30am - 9:00am

$15 includes Coffee, Juice, Fruit and Pastries; $20 at the door.

1475 N Scottsdale Road, SkySong Building, Convergence Room

Scottsdale, Arizona (SE Corner of Scottsdale Road and McDowell)

It's the 4th Annual International State of the State featuring a Key Leader Directly Involved in Attracting International Business to Arizona

ps...We also welcome you to the "Build Your Business with BRICS" event by Growth Nation on June 16th. Learn more here about the opportunities in Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia (and Malaysia), China and South Africa. There will also be a special presentation by the Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles with an update on the Japanese situation. Learn more here.

Celebration of International Trade in Arizona

2011-04-26T01:10:00.000-07:00

There are several global business events coming up in Phoenix and Tucson that could be of interest if you're looking for ideas to grow globally.

The first is networking event on Thursday co-hosted by Phoenix CEO-CFO Group, ACG Arizona and AZIGG. Network at the global business table in centerfield and watch the Dbacks versus Cubs.

The global trade month celebration really kicks off in Tucson, Arizona when area exporters gather with the Arizona District Export Council at the Lodge on the Desert. More information here.

Some additional global business events are:

Growing Globally, Buying Locally - May 10 in Tempe

The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce features a unique panel of speakers on important business issues: Lori Singleton, Salt River Project; Kimber Lanning, Arizona Local First; Doug Bruhnke, Growth Nation and AZIGG. Info and sign-up.

Global Threats to Trade Secrets - May 12 in Scottsdale

National security presentation by the extraordinary Tom Liffiton, sponsored by the World Affairs Council. Joined by international visitors from Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. Unique venue (The Napoleon), $20. Contact Sue

AZIGG "International State of the State" - June 6 in Scottsdale

Rudy Vetter of GPEC gives us the lowdown on what's happening with international business in Arizona. Always popular, first Monday at SkySong - sign-up today!

All the best, Doug

Arizona International Growth Group

Scottsdale, Arizona

Thanks to International Logistics Speakers April 2011

2011-04-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express, Dr. Arnie Maltz, Professor at ASU and Frank Meijers, CEO of Dutch American Business Accelerator for sharing their words of wisdom on international logistics at the April 2011 AZIGG event in Scottsdale. Check out the photos by Laird Brown of Small Business Photo here. Photos in Facebook.

The full house of attendees at SkySong learned about the increasing US exports from the US, how the world is adapting to the recent Mideast unrest and Japanese earthquake, and that the Netherlands is an important logistics destination for Arizona businesses.

Our next meeting is the homerun networking event on April 28th in Phoenix followed by the International State of the State (of Arizona) on June 6th. Grow globally!

Import, Export and International Logistics April 4th

2011-03-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) Presents:

Import, Export and International Logistics

"Foreign Trade, Arizona Logistics and Future Outlook"

Monday, April 4, 2011

7:30am - 9:00am

Networking Starts at 7:05am

$15*, Includes Light Continental Breakfast, Coffee, Juice and Water

* $20 at the door

At ASU SkySong, 1475 N Scottsdale Road (SE Corner of McDowell)

Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express US: "Foreign Trade Logistics Status and Outlook"
Dr. Arnold Maltz, Professor at ASU in International and Trans-border Logistics: "Foreign Trade and Arizona Logistics"
Frank Meijers, Executive Director of Netherlands-American Business Accelerator: "Importing and Exporting via the Netherlands"

Featuring success story examples and practical 'how to' import, export and deliver international logistics as part of successful global business strategies.

Next AZIGG Event April 4th

2011-03-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

The next AZIGG event is on International Logistics and will feature the CEO of DHL Ian Clough, head of international logistics at Arizona State University Dr. Arnold Maltz and two other importing and exporting experts. Stay tuned for additional information and visit AZIGG or AZIGG Upcoming Events for more information. See you in April!

All the best, Doug (Arizona International Growth Group and Growth Nation)

Cross Cultural Success for Global Entrepreneurs March 7th

2011-02-26T12:42:00.000-08:00

Arizona International Growth Group Presents:

Cross Cultural Success for the Global Entrepreneur

"All I Learned NOT to Do I Learned in Junior High" - A discussion of growing international business by being culturally aware.

Monday, March 7, 2011

7:30am - 9:00am

Networking Starts at 7:05am

$18*, Includes Continental Breakfast, Coffee, Juice and Water

* $20 at the door

At ASU SkySong, 1475 N Scottsdale Road (SE Corner of McDowell)

Gloria Petersen, CEO of Global Protocol: "Global Cross Cultural Protocol - Getting it Right for Greater Success"
Doug Bruhnke, CEO of Growth Nation: "Cross Cultural Success Made Easy - Asia, Europe, Arizona and the World"

Featuring success story examples and practical 'how to' grow your business across borders by being more culturally aware. Whether you're growing across the globe or simply into a new market in your own country, it pays to understand the expected protocol. The presentation will include a report card and recommendations on the cross-cultural performance of Arizona business and political leaders.

Gloria Petersen is a world-reknowned global business protocol expert now based in Arizona. She was host of the Fox Television series "Images of Success" and has made frequent contributions to print media, television and radio including CNBC and the Learning Channel. Gloria is a "Certified Protocol Professional" obtained at the Protocol School of Washington(R).

Doug Bruhnke has 25 years of international business experience including living in Asia for 6 years. Doug is founder of AZIGG and owner/CEO of Growth Nation, a Scottsdale-based services firm that helps US companies grow sustainably across town, across the country and across the globe. Growth Nation also helps companies based outside the US grow in North America.

MORE INFO AND RSVP

Arizona Canada Opportunities Event: Photos

2011-02-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who attended the last Arizona International Growth Group event February 7, 2011 on business opportunities between the US and Canada.

Pictures from the event can be seen here: PHOTOS

Our next international business event is Monday, March 7th at SkySong, 7:30-9:00am on the cross cultural information you need to succeed more with global business.

March 7th event: MORE INFO and RSVP

Oh Canada, We Love Your Business

2011-02-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the many expert speakers at AZIGG on March 7th who discussed success stories and how Arizona-based companies can be more successful Growing in Canada.

Rick Stephenson, Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner of Consulate of Canada, opened by discussing trade numbers: over $3 billion per year in two-way trade between Canada and Arizona every year. The trade supports 150,000 jobs in Arizona.

Alison Harris, International Trade Compliance Manager at Avnet, discussed their success and some of the logistical and compliance issues that any business should consider when they step over the border.

Eddy Jimenez, VP of International at Kahala Corporation, discussed opportunities and some success stories - including the Cold Stone Creamery and Tim Horton's partnership, likely coming at some point to Arizona.

Trevor HIll, CEO of Global Water Resources, is an unsung Arizona hero that is the darling of the Toronto Stock Exchange after just raising over $60 million in the great white north. Trevor discussed how they did it, and how they continue to grow globally.

Glenn Williamson, CEO of Nest Ventures & Canada Arizona Business Council and Chairman of Kinetx, supported Trevor's success and had other supporting comments for Arizona-Canada trade growth.

Thanks to all! Pictures from the event are on the AZIGG Facebook page - click here or here. If neither of these links work, try finding it on my facebook account.

All the best, Doug Bruhnke

Happy New Year with AZIGG: Upcoming Events

2011-01-03T02:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2011 - Happy New Year! Let's make it a great one for Arizona companies growing internationally!

Here are the upcoming events for AZIGG. Watch for more details on the February 7th, March 7th and April 4th events.

AZIGG January: "World Trade Forum III"

Wednesday, January 19th, 8-10am

At Snell & Wilmer in Phoenix

Free. Visit this link to sign-up and for directions. RSVP

AZIGG February: "Cold Weather, Hot Business: Arizona-Canada Growth Opportunities"

Monday, February 7th, 7:30-9am

At SkySong in Scottsdale

$20. Sign-up information available soon on EventBrite.

In conjunction with the Phoenix Great Canadian Picnic.

AZIGG March: "International Entrepreneurial Success from Arizona"

Monday, March 7th, 7:30-9am

At SkySong in Scottsdale

$20. Sign-up information available soon on EventBrite.

Presentation by an extraordinary Arizona-based entrepreneur who has had global success.

AZIGG April: "International Logistics: Designing and Implementing Success"

Monday, April 4th, 7:30-9am

At SkySong in Scottsdale

$20. Sign-up information available soon on EventBrite.

Special presentations by logistics experts who are getting it right internationally. This program is in conjunction with several other international and logistics organizations.

All the best, Doug

AZIGG February

Next AZIGG Event: World Trade Forum III January 19th

2010-12-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

Join us for this annual international trade forum moderated by Snell & Wilmer partner Brett W. Johnson and sponsored by Arizona International Growth Group.

The January 19, 2011 event is an opportunity to hear top government officials from local, state and national levels reflect on what has happened in 2010 and discuss the outlook for 2011 with regard to global trade, government efforts and programs to stimulate international trade, and how all of this will impact Arizona.

The event will take place from 8-10am in Phoenix, Arizona, with a video link to Tucson. There is no fee for this event. RSVP here: rsvp@swlaw.com. More info here: http://www.azigg.com/.

Doug Bruhnke, AZIGG and Growth Nation

AZIGG Events December 2010 & January 2011

2010-11-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the next events by Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) on December 1, 2010 and January 19, 2011.

Wednesday, December 1st, 7:30am – 1:30pm

“Global Arizona 100”

This special event at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel will bring together Arizona leaders to assess the state’s strengths and identify concrete steps to enhance the state’s global competitiveness. The conference will employ interactive discussions, panels, and action groups to help set the agenda and position the state for global readiness as it approaches its 2012 centennial. Doug Bruhnke of AZIGG will be a moderator. Two keynote speakers will be James Fallows and Clyde Prestowitz. The half-day event is sponsored by Science Foundation Arizona and presented by ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy. The cost is $95.

Sign-up: http://globalarizona100.org/

Wednesday, January 19th
“World Trade Forum III”
Snell & Wilmer is hosting this special global trade event sponsored by AZIGG and Growth Nation. Watch for more information at www.growthnation.com and www.azigg.com.

Because of a scheduling conflict, AZIGG is rescheduling the International State of the State event featuring speaker Rudy Vetter of GPEC (Greater Phoenix Economic Council). We'll have that rescheduled soon.

All the best, Doug Bruhnke

Arizona International Growth Nation

Growth Nation

AZIGG Grow Global Phoenix Fair Wrap-up

2010-11-07T08:10:00.000-08:00

The 2nd annual AZIGG Grow Globally Phoenix Fair last Tuesday featured Arizona's premier global companies and organizations at the Valley's top international law firm Snell & Wilmer. Wow - that was fun! Thanks to the 230+ participants for showing up and contributing to the global business of Phoenix and Arizona. See plenty of pictures here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Growth-Nation/121479391217755#!/album.php?aid=34137&id=121479391217755

Photography by Laird Brown http://www.smallbusinessphoto.com/

See you next year! All the best, Doug Bruhnke

Arizona International Growth Group

AZIGG Grow Globally Phoenix Fair - 10/26

2010-10-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

AZIGG Grow Globally Phoenix Fair
Who's Who of Global Business in Phoenix
Make the Connections You Need to Grow Globally

Tuesday, October 26, 2010
4:00pm – 6:00pm

Phoenix Offices of Snell & Wilmer
One Arizona Center
400 East Van Buren Street
Free Parking at the Filmore / 5th Street Garage
$40 investment includes entrance fee, international food, wine and beer

Sign-up: http://growgloballyphoenixfair.eventbrite.com/

Who should attend: International business leaders looking to make additional global connections in Arizona for their business.

The second annual AZIGG Grow Globally Phoenix Fair will feature top global executives in Phoenix. It's a unique walking tour of global business resources - a Who's Who of Arizona Global Business together in one place, one time a year.

Thank you to our host Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., the top international law firm in Arizona, for supporting the event. Park at the Arizona Center Filmore/5th Street parking garage and have your parking validated by Snell & Wilmer.

The Grow Globally Phoenix Fair is a signature event for AZIGG (Arizona International Growth Group). Last year's sold out event featured 200 attendees, and we have the same number signed up this year.

Welcome internationalists!

2010 Exhibitors and Featured Guests
Arizona Angels
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Arizona Commerce Authority
Arizona District Export Council
Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)
Arizona Manufacturing Forum November 16
Arizona Mexico Commission
ASU SkySong
Avnet
Axosoft
AZ100 Expo 2012
AZ4Solar
Canada Arizona Business Council
China Media Strategies
City of Phoenix
Consulate General of Canada
Consular Corps of Arizona
DNA Golf
East Valley Partnership
Enterprise Network
Global Arizona 100 Conference December 1
Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)
Greater Phoenix SCORE
Growth Nation
Honeywell
iLinc
Indo-American Chamber of Commerce
InXpress
Intel
Invest Southwest Capital Conference December 8-10
Junior Achievement
KAET Channel 8 Business Hub
Mayor's Multi Chamber Mixer October 26 (5:30pm - 7:30pm)
Mesa Community College Prague Study Abroad Program
Organization of Women in Trade - Phoenix (OWIT-Phoenix)
Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR)
Phoenix Sister Cities
Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport
Phoenix SkyHarbor Airport
Project CURE
Province of Ontario, Canada
Qameleon Technologies
Russian Science and Technology Consortia (RUSTEC) Nov 15-19
Scottsdale Community College - Global Programs
Scottsdale Sister Cities
Snell & Wilmer LLP
SYNERGY HomeCare of the East Valley and Phoenix
The Great Canadian Picnic, 59th Year February 5 (2011)
Thunderbird Angel Network
Thunderbird School of Global Management
Trax Technologies
US Export Assistance Center (USEAC)
Valley Forward
World Affairs Council of Arizona (WACAZ)
World Trade Forum III January 19 (2011)

September 14 Dean Hiram Chodosh on Iraqi Law System

2010-08-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

Iraqi Rule of Law Reform:
Untold Reflections of Risk and Promise

Dean Hiram Chodosh, University of Utah
Tuesday, September 14th at Snell & Wilmer in Phoenix, 4-6pm

Arizona International Growth Group presents Hiram Chodosh, Dean of the University of Utah College of Law. Dean Chodosh will provide an assessment of the design and implementation of the new legal system in Iraq from his personal involvement. He will provide untold accounts of the challenges of US/international assistance and the accomplishments and frustrations in the reform of the Iraqi law system. The session will be moderated by Snell & Wilmer attorney Barb Dawson. The event is cosponsored by Snell & Wilmer, AZIGG, Grow Globally Phoenix and the U of U Alumni Association in Arizona.

9/14, 4-6pm. RSVP at rsvp@swlaw.com or 602-382-6599.
Snell & Wilmer, One Arizona Center, 400 E Van Buren, 19th Floor, Phoenix

Other upcoming AZIGG events:

September 27th: 2010 Phoenix Green Business Forum with Greater Phoenix SCORE
October 26th: Grow Globally Phoenix Business Fair

More information: www.azigg.com

Upcoming International Events in Phoenix

2010-08-03T02:42:00.000-07:00

We look forward to seeing you on Monday, August 9th at Greekfest in Phoenix with the "Bond, James Bond in Arizona" lunch on global corporate spying and surveillance. More info below.

AZIGG Monday, August 9th: "Bond, James Bond in Arizona"

William Papazian, CEO of Lightstone Solutions
Bill Williams, CEO of Williams KDI Systems
Brett Johnson, Partner at Snell & Wilmer, LLP

Date: Monday, August 9th, 11:00 - 1:00pm, program starts at 11:30am
More info here http://www.azigg.com/

China: The Rising Dragon - August 11 at Golden Buddha in Phoenix
Discussion on how entrepreneurs can access the growing Chinese economy, featuring Sally Chamber (US Commercial Service). $35. 5:30 - 9:00pm. TiE-AZ

Using Social Media to Grow Globally - August 12 in Scottsdale
Lon Safko (The Social Media Bible) and Growth Nation team up in an advanced global marketing seminar for today's economy. 9:00am - 12:00 noon. Register

Invest Southwest Get Ready Seminar - August 12 in Scottsdale
Invest Southwest Capital Conference gives entrepreneurs a chance to pitch for capital. Free "Get Ready" seminar 8:30 - 10am; Application deadline 9/1. Register

Newsmaker Luncheon, Surprise Regional Chamber - August 20 in Surprise
Global business topics and networking with Doug Bruhnke (Growth Nation & AZIGG) & Dave Moss (CEO, Surprise Regional Chamber) with lunch, 11:30am $20. Register

Establishing the New Legal System in Iraq - September 14 in Phoenix
Hiram Chodosh, Law Dean, University of Utah, will discuss developing and implementing the new Iraqi legal system. 4 - 6pm at Snell & Wilmer. Sign-up soon.

A more complete list of international business events in Phoenix can be seen here:

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Arizona-Gets-a--C--on-Global-Business.html?soid=1101792080909&aid=uZcRkrJA4ug

All the best. AZIGG

August 9th AZIGG: Bond, James Bond in Arizona

2010-06-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

The next Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) event is Monday, August 9th: "Bond, James Bond in Arizona: Global Corporate Spying" at Greekfest Restaurant in Phoenix. It's a panel discussion about global business surveillance and corporate spying by experts based here in Phoenix. Is your board room bugged? Could be.

Panelist 1: William Papazian, CEO of Lightstone Solutions

Panelist 2: Bill Williams, CEO of Williams KDI Systems
Panelist 3: to be announced
Special Guest: Arizona's own Sean Connery, if the Queen permits

Monday, August 9th

11:30 - 1:00pm, networking begins at 11:00am

Investment $35 includes the best Greek lunch this side of Athens
Greekfest Restaurant, 1940 E Camelback, Parking in the Rear

Menu to be announced
Sign-up here: http://www.azigg.com/.

World-class hosts Tony & Sue Makridis once again have a delicious lunch planned for Phoenix-area globalists looking for a business edge, information about corporate espionage and the best Greek food this side of Athens.

This event was sold out last year. Come a little early to network and so that we can be seated at by 11:30am.

Thanks, Doug Bruhnke

June 7th AZIGG: New Product Development

2010-05-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

Products the World Wants, from Arizona

Panel Discussion of Global New Product Development Experts

Monday, June 7th, 7:30 - 9:00am
Networking starts at 7:00am

ASU-SkySong, Global Suite 200
1475 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale (at McDowell)

Jim Foxworthy - President, Pragmatic Marketing
David Zuckerman - President, Raytech Design & Development
Hamid Shojaee - CEO, Axosoft
Moderator: Doug Bruhnke

Join new product design and development business leaders who run companies that contribute world-class consumer, industrial and technology products to over 10,000 large and mid-sized companies around the world, from their headquarters right here in Arizona. You should attend if new products are important to your business strategy or if your business sells to large and mid-sized global companies.

Investment $15 includes coffee and continental breakfast, at SkySong
RSVP at AZIGG, then click on 6/7/10

Jim Foxworthy is President at Pragmatic Marketing, Inc. He is an industry veteran with more than 30 years in the computer industry and has been using the Pragmatic Marketing Framework since the early ‘90’s. Prior to joining Pragmatic Marketing, Jim was president of a consulting firm focused exclusively on implementations of the Pragmatic Marketing Framework. In that role he helped nearly 100 organizations become more tuned in to their markets. Jim attributes his success to a strong balance of technical, sales, and executive knowledge.

David Zuckerman is co-founder and President of Raytech Corporation, a full-service product design and development firm based in Phoenix. Raytech provides holistic, user and client-centered services that help product managers get new products to market with higher positive impact and lower risk. David has been in the product development field for over 15 years. As an Industrial Designer and a project manager for engineering programs, David and his team at Raytech have worked with clients in solar technology, specialty audio equipment, GPS equipment, automotive accessories, and other consumer and industrial products.

Hamid Shojaee is founder and CEO of Axosoft, a Scottsdale-based software company that specializes in tools to help software development teams Ship Software On-Time. Prior to starting Axosoft, Hamid was a Senior Consultant with Microsoft and helped Microsoft's enterprise customers become more efficient at managing their software development projects. As an expert in the field of Software Development, Hamid has developed the world's #1 video for learning the popular Scrum software development methodology. The 8-minute intro to Scrum has been viewed more than 200,000 times on YouTube.

Doug Bruhnke, Growth Nation and AZIGG

The Importance of Respect in Global Business

2010-05-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

We all know business people who don’t have a strong sensibility about cultural differences and the impact they have on business dealings. They are the “I’ll-do-it-my-way ugly Americans” (or whatever their nationality) who are good fodder for stories of global business opportunities lost.

Often these folks with cultural blind spots blame others for their failures because they think they did everything right, and that those foreigners needed to wise up to their ways.

Unfortunately we're seeing something like this play out with Arizona's Governor Jan Brewer and Education Director Tom Horne. Whether the bills they've championed are the right or wrong action on critically important issues for Arizona almost doesn't matter. The problem became that these folks failed to do what was necessary to be perceived as being respectful to the entire community. The result was completely predictable: it created an emotional backlash.

In global business as soon as you think it doesn't matter what other people think, it does.

We're left with both the Governor and Mr. Horne trying to educate people to their logic. It's a classic mistake that those of us in international business have seen played out over and over again on hot topics. We know how it ends: not well, because logic almost always loses to emotion.

Here's a link to an article I wrote earlier this year that discusses being respectful in global business. Arizona would have been better served if a few folks had embraced the basic ideas discussed here:
http://www.globalprotocol.com/03a%20PassportToPower.htm

As Jerry Colangelo said last week on this topic, unfortunately damage has already been done against Arizona business. So now we need less 'education', and more respect and empathy in order to minimize the damage and get back on track with the economic recovery.

We also need folks around the US to realize that boycotts of Arizona hurt good people who mean well and want to do the right thing for Arizona and the US.

And we need Arizona businesses to stick together - as the Arizona Chamber has articulated with their 'no boycott' stance - and stay calm and measured, not getting in to the tit for tat game.

So to the global CEO who this week is deciding to expand his or her company into Arizona or elsewhere: please choose Arizona as a destination versus New Mexico, Utah, Colorado or California. It's still a great place to live and do business, and we'll work through these issues successfully.

It's amazing what can be done when people listen, and how we can end up butting heads when people don't. In global business, listening is essential.

It's why not everyone is cut out for international business.

My mother used to say, it's not what you say, but how you say it. You know what? She was right then, and it still matters. In global business and beyond.

Mom also said that you could solve problems without stirring up a hornet's nest. Well somebody wacked that hornet's nest with a big ole stick. Now let's solve these real problems calmly, inclusively and successfully. That style works well in international business and it will serve us well here, too.

Doug Bruhnke
Arizona International Growth Group

AZIGG Events May 19, May 25 and June 7

2010-05-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

There are three upcoming events with the Arizona International Growth Group that as a member of the international business community of Arizona you should enjoy.

May 19th: Phoenix Forum: Business Beyond Our Borders, 11am - 1:30pm
The Phoenix Chamber is presenting this lunch discussion 11am - 1:30pm on the topic of growing your Arizona business globally. Features Dr. Angel Cabrera (Thunderbird), Kai Ryssdal (Host of Marketplace), Margie Emmerman (Arizona Mexico Commission), Rick Stephenson (Canadian Consulate) and Doug Bruhnke (AZIGG). RSVP for May 19th

May 25th: The Green Business Forum, 8am - noon at Nat'l Bank of Arizona
Networking starts at 7:00am at National Bank of Arizona, 6001 N 24th Street in Phoenix. With AZIGG, Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Technology Council, APS, SRP, AZ4Solar, Southern Arizona SCORE, ASU-SkySong, ASBA, Arizona Department of Education and Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce.

MC John Adam Kowalski of the John Adam Show will guide business owners through a morning of presentations from Arizona's green leaders on how to tap-in to solar, cleantech and green opportunities in Arizona. The focus will be on how Arizona businesses can realize tangible economic benefits. We'll hear from experts and business owners who have already tapped-in. Speakers include Glenn Hamer of the Arizona Chamber, Steve Zylstra of AZ Tech Council, Patrick O' Grady of the Phoenix Business Journal, Craig Hughes of Total Transit, Michael McClure of Honeywell, Lynn Singleton of SRP, Lynn Paige of Perfect Power, Dr. James Powers of iLinc and many more. Read the agenda here: Agenda. Investment $25 includes coffee and continental breakfast. RSVP at The Green Business Forum, then click on 5/25

June 7th: Products the World Wants, from Arizona, 7:30am - 9:00am
Panel Discussion of Global New Product Development Experts. Networking starts at 7:00am at ASU-SkySong, Global Suite 200, 1475 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale (at McDowell)

Featuring:
Jim Foxworthy - President, Pragmatic Marketing
David Zuckerman - President, Raytech Development & Design
Hamid Shojaee - CEO, Axosoft
Moderator: Doug Bruhnke

Join new product design and development business leaders who run companies that contribute world-class consumer, industrial and technology products to over 10,000 large and mid-sized companies around the world, from their headquarters right here in Arizona. You should attend if new products are important to your business strategy or if your business sells to large and mid-sized global companies. Investment $15 includes coffee and continental breakfast. RSVP at AZIGG, then click on 6/7/10

The Green Business Forum Speaker Biographies

2010-05-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

For the next AZIGG event we are pleased to welcome you to the The Green Business Forum on May 25th from 8am to 11:45am at the National Bank of Arizona in Phoenix. Networking starts at 7am. Full details are located here: www.azigg.com and in our previous post. You may register here: http://www.scorephoenix.org/default.asp?S=eA by clicking on May 25th.

The speakers for the May 25th event - hosted by National Bank of Arizona and presented by Greater Phoenix SCORE - are some of the top entrepreneurs and business leaders in "green". Here is more information.

Patrick O'Grady - Reporter, Phoenix Business Journal
Patrick O’Grady covers technology, manufacturing and sustainability for the Phoenix Business Journal. He has been in the Valley for 14 years and has covered a range of issues throughout the years including growth and economic development. His latest focus has been on, among other things, the burgeoning solar industry in the Valley and Arizona and its attempts to ramp up to provide another area of growth for the state.

Dr. James Powers - Chairman, President and CEO of iLinc. His vision and leadership have transformed iLinc into a leading provider of innovative software and services that solve customer problems through web & video collaboration. Dr. Powers is a successful entrepreneur having founded several successful high-growth companies prior to iLinc, one of which grew to over 3,000 employees and another that went public in 1998.

He received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery Degree from The University of Tennessee, a B.S. degree from the University of Memphis and an MBA from Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management.

Dr. Powers has a long history of involvement in philanthropy and community service and currently serves as an executive committee member and Vice Chairman of the Arizona Technology Council’s Board of Directors. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Camp Soaring Eagle, a medically-based camp for seriously ill children in northern Arizona.

Robert Shatz - CFO, Innovative Technologies Development Center
Bob Shatz has been involved in alternative finance research and sales for the past 25 years. Fluent in Japanese, he became the first foreign analyst to be trained in Tokyo at Nomura Research Institute and sent to sell Japanese debt and equity research to institutional investors in the US. After setting sales records and nurturing a $5 billion joint venture, he was promoted to top management of Nomura and played an instrumental role in facilitating the first mortage-backed securities mutual fund between Japanese investors and Trust Company of the West ($750 million). Bob retired to Tucson to raise his family and to develop interesting investment opportunities in sustainable ventures.

Craig Hughes - Founder and CEO, Total Transit
When Craig Hughes started the Discount Cab division of Total Transit 26 years ago, he dedicated himself to insuring that each customer receives the cleanest, most courteous and timeliest transportation service possible. Hughes developed Discount Cab’s dispatch center into the largest in Arizona and one of the largest in the United States. The Taxicab, Limousine and Paratransit Association (TLPA), a national trade group, named Discount Cab their 2009 Large Operator of the Year – a prestigious honor that demonstrates his commitment to hard work, excellence, and integrity. He was also named one of the Phoenix Business Journal's "2010 25 Most Admired CEOs & Top Level Executives"

Hughes realizes he runs a business that is notorious for its negative impact on the environment. Challenged by his youngest daughter, Hughes decided to clean up his business, which now has the largest Prius cab fleet in the country. Moreover, he recently installed one of the largest solar arrays in Arizona on the Glendale headquarters building. Total Transit is proud to save a million gallons of fuel per year and reduce its carbon footprint.

Glenn Hamer - President and CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Glenn Hamer has held important posts at several large organizations, including serving as Director of Business Development and Government Relations for First Solar, Executive Director of the Solar Energy Industries Association, Chief of Staff to then-Congressman Matt Salmon and Executive Director of the Arizona Republican Party. He spent six years working on Capitol Hill in both the House and Senate. Glenn worked as a legislative assistant for Senator Jon Kyl and while on Capitol Hill worked on many important issues including identity theft, efforts to fight violent crime and methamphetamine abuse, and intellectual property issues.

When Glenn was the Director of Government Relations for First Solar, he earned a prestigious appointment to the Western Governors Association's 30 GW Clean and Diversified Energy Advisory Committee and chaired the Solar Task Force. Glenn also served on Governor Janet Napolitano's Solar Energy Task Force.

Steve Zylstra - President and CEO, Arizona Technology Council
Steven G. Zylstra is responsible for policy, development, approval and accomplishment of business goals, objectives, and all financial matters related to the Council. He previously served as president and CEO of both Catalyst Connection and the Pittsburgh Technology Council. He concurrently served as president and CEO of the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center and the Doyle Center for Manufacturing Technology, both tech-based economic development-focused organizations. Additionally, Zylstra was president of the Pittsburgh Biomedical Development Corporation, an affiliated organization of the Pittsburgh Technology Council that invests in start-up biomedical and biotechnology companies.

Zylstra has successfully served in a variety of additional business, technology and economic development roles including as General Manager of General Pneumatics Corporation, Western Research Center (WRC) in Scottsdale when the firm was awarded 19 Small Business Innovative Research programs. He is currently a member of the Council on Competitiveness and is a member of the industrial advisory committee at the University of Arizona College of Engineering and Mines. He serves on the Arizona Aerospace Institute Advisory Committee as well as the Arizona Bioscience Roadmap Steering Committee.

Mike McClure – Energy Services Account Executive, Honeywell International
Mike’s responsibility within Honeywell is promoting energy conservation and energy saving upgrades with Arizona customers. He works with commercial, governmental and educational entities to help them manage and control energy costs. Solutions include both traditional upgrades (New HVAC, lighting, controls, etc) as well as installation of renewal energy technologies (Solar, Wind, etc).

Mike has been active in the renewable energy field for several years. He also has been a strong advocate for these technologies and is a member of American Solar Energy Society and the Southern Arizona Solar Partnership. As a consumer of green technology; Mike has installed a 2.6 kW Solar PV system; a Solar Thermal system and energy computer at his home. This has lead to an (approx) 40% reduction on his energy bills. Mike has been a Valley resident since 1985.

Lynn-Paige - CEO of Perfect Power
Perfect Power is one of only a few certified Women Owned Businesses in the solar energy industry. Lynn-Paige brings an MBA, an accounting degree and thirty years of business experience to her role as CEO. Perfect Power has been awarded multiple awards including Business of the Year (NAWBO) and is the only solar company in Arizona to receive an Ethics Award from the BBB.

Lynn-Paige’s Professional Achievements include:

- “Women Who Move the Valley” Award, AZ Foothills Magazine
- IMPACT Award, Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
- Chief Financial Officer for a commercial mechanical contractor
- Co-Founder of Solutions Forum, LLC, a CEO consulting firm
- Co-Founder, International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture
- Former Owner - Private General Accounting Practice firm

Lynn-Paige is the Board Vice-Chair at ASBA and is involved with many other community non-profits, professional associations and chambers of commerce.

Craig Kennedy – President, Estrella Environmental Design, Inc.
Estrella Environmental Design, Inc. is a landscape design/build firm celebrating 17 years in business serving clients seeking unique commercial and residential landscapes. Craig’s design background spans 25 years and includes eco-friendly projects like the Luke AFB Housing rehab and the Estrella Mountain Ranch Golf Course. Craig emphasizes proper xeriscape techniques and micro-climate adaptation.

The most recent growth area of Estrella Environmental Design is in low and no water dust control and water extenders for increased crop yield and erosion control. This division promotes a biodegradable line of products under the Xerisource name. Craig is working with the United States Department of Agriculture testing both of these areas.

Kirk Busch, CEO of AZ4Solar
Az4Solar is a non-profit trade association whose mission is to help create a solar energy economy in Arizona that will support thousands of high-wage jobs. We are collaborating with economic & workforce development agencies, municipalities, educational institutions, private industry and other business organizations to create a vibrant and sustainable solar energy ecosystem. More information at www.az4solar.org.

Tim Precourt, CEO of Salt River Solar & Wind
Tim Precourt is the CEO of Salt River Solar & Wind, a renewable energy system integration and consulting firm. The company provides a full portfolio of turnkey solar and wind solutions for residential and commercial customers. Their solutions include energy audits, weatherization, energy efficiency, solar thermal water heater and solar photovoltaic (PV) power array installations as well as project management and consulting, site evaluations, outsourced solar design and engineering, installation, and commissioning of distributed generation solar power plants. Tim joined the firm in sales, and now he and his team provide expert guidance on how to transform empty rooftops into energy producing assets with solar power.

Other speakers include Dr. James Powers of iLinc, William Carey of Dixon Golf, Michael McClure of Honeywell Building Solutions, Lori Singleton of SRP and Craig Robb of National Bank of Arizona. Our MC will be John Adam Kowalski of the The John Adam Show.

We hope you'll join us!

All the best, Doug Bruhnke

The Green Business Forum May 25th in Phoenix

2010-04-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) is pleased to announce:

National Bank of Arizona Hosts the Greater Phoenix SCORE®

The Green Business Forum

Tuesday, May 25th 7am – 11:45am
National Bank of Arizona
6001 N 24th Street, Phoenix
www.azigg.com

With AZIGG, APS, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Arizona Department of Education, ASBA, ASU SkySong, Arizona Technology Council, AZ4Solar, Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, SRP

Introductions at 8:00 am by Master of Ceremonies
John Adam Kowalski – The John Adam Radio Show

National Bank of Arizona Remarks
Craig Robb, Executive Vice-President
Finance and Administration

Kick-Off Remarks
Local Official

Keynote Speaker
Lori Singleton – Manager of Environmental Initiatives, SRP

Special Green Expert
Patrick O’Grady – Reporter, Phoenix Business Journal

First Panel: Providing Green
Introduction by Glenn Hamer – CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce
Panelists:

Tim Precourt – CEO, Salt River Solar & Wind
Kirk Busch – CEO, AZ4Solar
Lynn Paige – CEO, Perfect Power
Bob Shatz – CFO Innovative Technologies Development Center

Questions and Answers Panel #1 Moderated by John Adam Kowalski

Ten minute break

Special Green Expert
Michael McClure - Mgr. Energy Services, Honeywell Building Solutions

Second Panel: Growing Green
Introduction by Steve Zylstra, CEO, Arizona Technology Council
Panelists:

William Carey – President, Dixon Golf
Craig Kennedy – President, Estrella Environmental
Dr. James Powers – CEO, iLinc Communications
Craig Hughes - CEO, Total Transit

Questions and Answers Panel #2 Moderated by John Adam Kowalski

Adjourn Approx 11:45am

All the best, Doug Bruhnke

Best International Restaurants in Phoenix Arizona

2010-04-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Here's the updated list of best international restaurants in Phoenix Metro. Please let us know if we've missed your favorite. Check out this list soon on the AZIGG website www.azigg.com.

You can see more details on Yelp or Urban Spoon: http://www.urbanspoon.com/u/profile/11259/Doug-Bruhnke.html. If you like international food I encourage you to connect to my profile there.

The restaurants marked with '*' are highly recommended.

Best International Restaurants in Arizona

Afghan: Flaming Kebob (Mesa)

African: Blue Nile Cafe (Tempe)

British: Codfather (Phoenix), Cornish Pasty Company (Tempe)

Burmese: Little Rangoon (Scottsdale)

Caribbean: Chino Bandido* (Phoenix), Havana Cafe (Phoenix)

Chinese: China Chile (Phoenix), George & Son* (Scottsdale), Golden Buddha (Phoenix), Great Wall Hong Kong Cuisine (Phoenix), Szechuan Palace* (Phoenix)

Dutch: Rokerij (Phoenix)

French: Amuse Bouche Bistro (Surprise), Au Petit Four* (Phoenix), Coup des Tartes* (Phoenix)

German: Haus Murphy's (Glendale)

Greek: Greekfest* (Phoenix)

Indian: Indian Delhi Palace (Phoenix), Maharaja Palace (Glendale), Tandoori Times (Glendale and Scottsdale)

Italian: Andreoli Italian Grocer* (Scottsdale), Alexi's Grill*(Phoenix), Avanti's (Phoenix), Cibo (Phoenix), Giuseppe's on 28th* (Phoenix), Marcellino Ristorante (Phoenix), Pasta Brioni (Scottsdale), Pizzeria Bianco* (Phoenix), 'Pomo (Scotttsdale), Sassi (Scottsdale), Tomaso's (Phoenix and Chandler), Tutti Santi (Scottsdale), Voce Ristorante (Scottsdale)

Japanese: Dozo (Scottsdale), Hana Japanese (Phoenix), Hiro Sushi (Scottsdale), Roka Akor* (Scottsdale), Shimogamo* (Chandler), Sushi Ken* (Chandler), Yasu Sushi Bistro (Phoenix)

Korean: Chodang Tofu and BBQ (Chandler)

Kosher: Segal's Oasis Grill* (Phoenix)

Mexican: Barrio Cafe* (Phoenix), Carolina's Mexican Food (Phoenix), El Guero Canelo (Tucson), Elote Cafe* (Sedona), La Tolteca Mexican Foods (Phoenix), Mi Nidito* (Tucson), Spotted Donkey Cantina* (Scottsdale)

Middle Eastern: Al-Hana at Baiz Market* (Phoenix), Pars Persian Cuisine (Phoenix), Persian Room (Scottsdale)

Filipino: Karey's Kitchen (Phoenix)

Russian: Bon Appetit (Phoenix), Restaurant Samarkand (Phoenix)

Spanish: Lola Tapas* (Phoenix)

Thai: Malee's on Main (Scottsdale), Swaddee (Scottsdale), Thai Spices (Mesa), Wild Thaiger* (Phoenix)

Vietnamese: Cyclo Vietnamese Cuisine (Chandler), Fresh Mint (Scottsdale)

We also have world-class resorts in Arizona with great restaurants inside - some of which are international and all of which cater to international visitors. All of these are highly recommended.

Best Arizona Resort Dining

Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa (Phoenix)
Camelback Inn (Scottsdale)
Enchantment Resort (Sedona)
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (Scottsdale)
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch (Scottsdale)
Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa (Paradise Valley)
L'Auberge de Sedona (Sedona)
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort (Tucson)
Ritz-Carlton Phoenix (Phoenix)
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa (Paradise Valley)
Talking Stick Resort and Casino (Scottsdale)
The Boulders (Carefree)
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort and Spa (Scottsdale)
The Royal Palms Resort and Spa (Phoenix)
The Phoenician (Phoenix)
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (Scottsdale)
The Westin LaPaloma Resort & Spa (Tucson)
Westward Look Resort (Tucson)

And finally for visitors to Arizona who would like to enjoy a great American or Southwestern meal, here are some of our favorite other restaurants in the Valley of the Sun, Tucson and beyond. All of these are highly recommended.

Other Best Restaurants in Arizona

Arcadia Farms Cafe (Scottsdale)
Baby Kay's Cajun Kitchen (Phoenix)
Binkley's Restaurant (Cave Creek)
Cafe Bink (Carefree)
Cafe Roka (Bisbee)
Donavon's Steak & Chop House (Phoenix)
Durant's (Phoenix)
Joe's Farm Grill (Gilbert)
Joe's Real BBQ (Gilbert)
Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles (Phoenix)
Mastro's Ocean Club (Phoenix)
Richardson's Cuisine of New Mexico (Phoenix)
Roaring Fork (Scottsdale)
The Farmhouse (Gilbert)
Quiessence, The Farm at South Mountain (Phoenix)

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke, AZIGG

Wrap-up of AZIGG: The World's Data is Coming To Arizona

2010-04-10T14:33:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the dedicated internationalists who came out to AZIGG on April 5th to hear Phoenix-area IT business experts discuss Data Centers in Arizona and how they are increasingly attracting companies from all over the world.

The pictures from the April AZIGG event taken by Laird Brown of Small Business Photo are posted in Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=202855&id=699598645&ref=mf#!/album.php?aid=202855&id=699598645&ref=mf. Watch the AZIGG site this week for a summary www.azigg.com

Thanks to all the expert speakers...

Steve Zylstra - CEO, Arizona Technology Council
Rick Crutchley - VP and GM, CoreLink Data Centers
Greg Davit - Channel Business Development Officer, i/o Data Centers
Brad Smidt - VP, GPEC (Greater Phoenix Economic Council)
Joe Ingram - Partner, Tenzing Corporation
Dave Rice - CEO, TrueCloud

Thanks to our sponsors...

Snell & Wilmer www.swlaw.com
SYNERGY HomeCare of the East Valley http://synergyhomecare-eastvalley.typepad.com/
ServerLIFT www.serverlift.com
SRP Telecom http://www.srpnet.com/telecom/

Thanks also to Bart Butler, Michael Charap and Julie Vasquez for helping with sign-ups. Thanks to the AZ Tech Council and SIM-Arizona for copartnering with AZIGG on this event.

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke
Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)

AZIGG April 5th Sponsored by ServerLIFT and SRP Telecom

2010-03-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

In addition to our annual Chairman and CEO sponsors, two important companies based in Arizona serving the data center industry are sponsoring our April 5th event. Welcome to ServerLIFT Corporation and SRP Telecom!

"The World's Data Is Coming to Phoenix: Data Centers in AZ"
A Discussion with Arizona IT Business Leaders
Monday, April 5th, 7:30am - 9:00am

Rick Crutchley - VP and GM of CoreLink DataCenters
Brad Smidt - VP of Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)
Greg Davit - Channel Business Development Officer of i/o Data Centers
Also Featuring Dave Rice - CEO of TrueCloud
and Joe Ingram - Partner at Tenzing Corporation

Sponsored by ServerLIFT Corporation www.serverlift.com
and SRP Telecom www.srpnet.com/telecom

With Arizona Technology Council Critical Facilities Group and SIM Arizona

On April 5th at ASU-SkySong in Scottsdale we'll discuss the data center industry in Arizona from the perspective of GPEC and leading data center and technology executives in the Valley. The event is sponsored by Tempe-based SRP Telecom and Phoenix-based ServerLIFT Corporation. ServerLIFT supplies data center server lifting devices for Google, Cisco, IBM, Wells Fargo, Scotland Yard and many other corporations, government organizations and institutions worldwide.

Thanks also to AZIGG Chairman sponsors including Snell & Wilmer LLP www.swlaw.com.

Date: April 5th

Time: 7:30 - 9:00am (networking starts at 7am)

Location: ASU Skysong in Scottsdale, 1st Floor Conference Area

Investment $15 includes coffee and pastries
RSVP at www.azigg.com

Defense and Aerospace Jobs in Arizona Are Worth Fighting For

2010-03-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

Defense and Aerospace Jobs Are Ones Worth Fighting For, by Glenn Hamer *

With two wars being waged and with an economy struggling to gain strength, perhaps no other industry finds itself in a position of importance like the defense and aerospace industry does right now.

In Arizona, companies like Honeywell, Boeing, General Dynamics and Raytheon are playing a critical role in equipping our nation's men and women who are serving in harm's way. They are also responsible for employing tens of thousands of Arizonans and making significant contributions to the state's economy.

A new policy brief by the Arizona Chamber Foundation looks closely at the importance of defense and aerospace to Arizona and shows why our state's leaders should unite to protect and promote the industry's growth in the state.

According to the analysis, defense and aerospace is responsible for over 35,000 jobs in the state and represents 21% of total manufacturing jobs in Arizona. And defense and aerospace jobs are desirable ones too, paying an average annual salary of $85,000, which is more than double the average Arizona salary across all industries.

But we shouldn't be satisfied with these encouraging statistics. If anything, they should spur us to act to ensure that defense and aerospace companies continue to grow in the state. If we take these jobs for granted, we stand to see them slip away as other states present a united front of a Congressional delegation, governor, legislature and business community committed to attracting these highly sought employers to their state.

Arizona's legislative leaders recognize the challenge ahead of us. Speaker of the House Kirk Adams has made a bold play by introducing a sweeping job-creation bill, HB 2250, which seeks to attract and retain companies like those in the defense and aerospace sector. The bill, which has already passed the House, may be the boldest and most aggressive set of tax reform and economic development tools ever proposed to attract and retain base industries.

The effect defense and aerospace companies can have across numerous industrial sectors cannot be overstated. When a large prime contractor wins a major federal contract, it doesn't only mean increased hiring and growth for the winning company. The prime contractor then connects with a supplier for parts and labor, creating jobs downstream. That supplier then creates demand from yet another supplier for parts and labor, and the process continues.

But the positive economic effect isn't just felt in the defense and aerospace sector. As companies connected to the prime contractor grow, so do other businesses in the community - from homebuilders to drycleaners - to meet the consumption demand of the prime contractor and their suppliers' employees. For example, consumer spending initiated by Boeing employees and the subsequent multiplier effect supported an additional 4,100 jobs and generated $15 million in state and local tax revenue.

We've all seen the push in policymaking and economic development circles to promote the growth of export-based industries in our state. Perhaps no industry fits that bill better than defense and aerospace, which is responsible for attracting millions of dollars from outside the state. Boeing's out-of-state operations alone spent $643 million on products from Arizona suppliers.

All of this affects real companies and real people.

Pivot Manufacturing is a Phoenix-based company with 18 employees headed by Steve Macias, a third-generation Arizonan. Steve's company's annual revenues average over $2.5 million and it counts as its customers respected companies like General Dynamics, Raytheon and BAE Systems.

The fight to keep and attract defense and aerospace companies, ranging from Fortune 500 prime contractors to companies like Pivot, is intense. And it's one that's being waged across the country as states are employing every economic development strategy at their disposal to grow their way out of this Great Recession.

It's a battle that calls for a K-12 system that turns out the best and brightest and a university system that provides a steady flow of qualified workers. These sensitive Defense Department programs can't simply outsource their work overseas or import workers into the U.S. A commitment from state and local government leaders is essential to foster an environment that ensures our state remains a desirable place to set up shop.

If we don't use every tool in our toolbox, from tax reform, to increased education standards, to regulatory reform, we stand to lose companies with a long history of contributing to our economy and our communities. And even worse, we'll fail to create an environment for the next entrepreneur to build a company here in Arizona.

* Glenn Hamer is President and CEO of the The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an organization based in Phoenix that is committed to advancing Arizona's competitive position in the global economy by advocating free-market policies that stimulate economic growth and prosperity for all Arizonans http://www.azchamber.com.

Join the Arizona Chamber and subscribe to the Bottom Line: http://www.azchamber.com/news/view_article.cfm?ID=570

For more information on Defense and Aerospace in Arizona, read the article: "Industry accounts for over 35,000 jobs, 21% of total manufacturing jobs in state"
http://www.azchamber.com/news/view_article.cfm?ID=566

All About Data Centers in Arizona April 5th

2010-03-10T03:12:00.000-08:00

"The World's Data Is Coming to Phoenix: Data Centers in Arizona"
A Panel Discussion with Arizona IT Business Leaders
Monday, April 5th, 7:30am - 9:00am

Rick Crutchley - VP and GM of CoreLink DataCenters
Brad Smidt - Vice President of Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)
Greg Davit - Channel Business Development Officer of i/o Data Centers

Sponsored by Phoenix-based ServerLIFT Corporation
Also Featuring Dave Rice - CEO of TrueCloud
and Joe Ingram - Partner at Tenzing Corporation

With Arizona Technology Council Critical Facilities Group and SIM Arizona
Networking starts at 7:00am in the first floor conference room.
ASU SkySong, Room 150, Scottsdale (SE Corner Scottsdale/McDowell Roads)

On April 5th at ASU-SkySong in Scottsdale we'll discuss the data center industry in Phoenix and Arizona from the perspective of GPEC and leading data center and technology executives in the Valley. The event is sponsored by Phoenix based ServerLIFT Corporation www.serverlift.com, which supplies data center lifting devices for Scotland Yard, the Royal Mounted Police and public and private firms like Citibank, IBM, Google, Cisco and many others worldwide. Not to be missed if you're a business in IT.

Investment $15 includes coffee and pastries
RSVP here: www.azigg.com

All the best, Doug Bruhnke

Thank you Phoenix Business Journal

2010-03-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Mike Sunnucks, Patrick O'Grady and Ilana Lowery of the Phoenix Business Journal for editing my quotation referenced in the previous blog posting. It's an online story and they immediately responded to my concerns. That goes to the total professionalism of the Journal - thank you for all you do for our business community.

The Journal didn't change the 'Creep In' comment, but I figure that's editorial license. I think it's the wrong connotation, but I'm glad they're covering international business in Arizona!

All the best, Doug

ps update 3/13/10...The story in the print version deleted the 'Creep In' comment. The title became "Most Chinese solar investments in US fly under the radar".

Anti-Foreigner Sentiment Has No Place in the Business Press

2010-03-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

Make no mistake: we love the Phoenix Business Journal. Don Henninger, Patrick O'Grady and Ilana Lowery are heroes for Arizona and Arizona business. They are strong supporters of growth in the Valley of the Sun and beyond.

Sometimes there are missteps, however, and Saturday's online article entitled "China's influence creeps into Arizona's solar" is one of them. No one is 'creeping in' to Arizona except criminals under the radar of the law. China is not a criminal, and neither are the companies like Suntech that are locating here - at least not any more or less than American companies. The Chinese like Americans are people - for better and for worse. Broad brushing a country or set of companies as 'creeping in' to our state is just creepy, and wrong.

We need investment by foreign companies in our state. You can find out more why it's so important at www.gpec.org. GPEC like others in economic development for Arizona are heroes for our future. And they're certainly not allowing anyone to creep in. All companies and countries are welcomed with open arms.

You can read more about the positive impact that GPEC and others are having attracting companies to Arizona from around the US and the world on their website. And you can read Saturday's article in the Phoenix Business Journal and more commentary here: http://dougbruhnke.blogspot.com/2010/03/avoiding-anti-foreigner-sentiment.html

More good news: the anti-foreigner sentiment that I'm sure was unintentional in the Phoenix Business Journal article is fading away year-by-year in Arizona and the US. We're focused on long-term sustainable growth and increasing jobs with a broad industrial base that includes foreign direct investment (FDI).

All the best, Doug Bruhnke

Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)

Canadians at AZIGG Discuss Arizona-Canada Trade

2010-03-02T04:59:00.001-08:00

We enjoyed the presentations and discussion with Rick Stephenson, Chantal Ramsay and Glenn Williamson at the Arizona International Growth Group on Monday.

Rick Stephenson (Consul and Senior Trade Commisioner of Consulate of Canada) kicked things off and discussed progress and opportunities with trade, investment, R&D partnerships and foreign direct investment (FDI). He mentioned that there are approximately 126 Canadian companies in Arizona that employ over 16,000 Arizonans. The largest is Circle K, headquartered in Montreal, but also includes Stantech Engineering and Bombardier Aerospace.

Rick pointed out that the these 'foreign' companies end up employing mostly local people and pull in other investment dollars from around the US. For instance the rail system being built at the airport is being managed by a Canadian company but the rail cars are being designed and built in Pennsylvania.

Chantal Ramsay (Consul at the Ontario International Marketing Centre in the Canadian Consulate General - Los Angeles) talked primarily about the leading edge clean energy initiatives going on in Ontario. They are phasing out coal energy in 2014, and Ontario is taking 4 coal plants off line in 2010, earlier than anticipated. Ontario's energy mix includes nuclear and hydroelectric power and it is growing the renewable energy portfolio, including wind and solar in order to make up for the loss of coal. Ontario has the most aggressive feed-in tariff in North America, and so companies that are green are very welcome. Also Ontrario encourages and attracts conservation and energy efficiency companies.

Glenn Williamson (CEO of Nest Ventures and Founder/CEO of The Canada Arizona Business Council) wrapped things up with an excellent summary of successes and opportunities. The number one need: international lift in Phoenix. We need more direct international flights, and Glenn pointed out that the City - including Mike Shelton who was present - are working hard with the airlines to get this done. Phoenix is the #5 city in the US and does not have a direct flight to Montreal the #1 city in Canada. And so much work needs to be done to increase from the current 80 direct flights between Canada and Arizona today.

Glenn also pointed out that Canada is over-capitalized and Arizona is under-capitalized, and that disparity drives a lot of the success between the two regions. The Toronto Stock Exchange is active in Arizona through a relationship with ACG.

Thank you to Rick, Chantal and Glenn. Canada is so much more than curling and hockey! The trade success between Canada and Arizona is a tremendous model for other regions to study and learn from. And we can make so much more progress, too - let's keep it going.

Our next AZIGG event is April 5th: "The World's Data Is Coming to Phoenix". We'll be talking about how Phoenix continues to successfully attract companies and data centers into the region and what the future holds. Panelists and participants will include Rick Crutchley, COO of CoreLink Data Centers, Brad Smidt, VP of GPEC and Ray Zuckerman CEO of ServerLIFT. We are also finalizing who from i/o datacenters will attend. Our April 5th event is put on in cooperation with the Arizona Technology Council and SIM - the Society of Information Management.

All the best, Doug Bruhnke

Arizona-Canada Discussion at AZIGG March 1st: Speaker Bio's

2010-02-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

We're pleased to present a distinguished trio of speakers on trade between Canada and Arizona at the next Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) event. For more information on the March 1st morning event, please visit www.azigg.com.

Rick Stephenson
Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner of Consulate of Canada

Rick Stephenson was appointed on June 1, 2008 as the Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Consulate in Phoenix, Arizona.

Prior to this assignment, Rick has served as Trade Commissioner in Kingston, Jamaica, Dallas, Texas, Oslo, Norway, Los Angeles, California and Tucson, Arizona.

Rick's Canadian home is Vancouver where he holds a mortgage brokers’ license and served on the Curriculum Advisory Board of the British Columbia Institute of Technology where he was also a lecturer in international business development.

Rick has also held positions with the Bank of Montreal, Bank of Nova Scotia, the Canadian International Development Agency and the Treasury Board of Canada.

Rick has extensive experience in investment and export promotion through his experience abroad as well as through previous positions held at the International Trade Center in Vancouver.

Born in Montreal, Canada, Rick Stephenson graduated with degrees in Business Administration (with Honors) in Marketing and Finance from Concordia University. He is married with 3 adult sons all living in Vancouver, Canada.

Glenn Williamson
CEO of NestVentures, & Founder/CEO of The Canada Arizona Business Council

Glenn Williamson is founder and CEO of The Canada Arizona Business Council, a private sector group sanctioned by the Canadian Government and the State of Arizona to work on increasing bilateral trade between Canada and Arizona. He is also Chairman of the Board of Kinetx, a 100-person aerospace firm, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Big Sky Group, an international travel industry company with over 150 associates in 38 countries around the world that handles the international operations of Helms Briscoe, the words largest conference resource company.

Since 2000 Mr. Williamson has been CEO of Nest Ventures L.L.C., a private equity firm with offices in Montreal Canada and Phoenix Arizona. He has also held series 7 and 63 NASD securities licenses and acted in the capacity of an international Investment Banker in NYC and LA. He is also an active registered member of the National association of Corporate Directors, trained in U.S. and Canadian Corporate Governance.

Mr. Williamson has more than 28 years of entrepreneurial executive level experience, primarily in the financial and operation aspects of companies. During the last four years, he has been involved in dozens of business engagements ranging from a world-class fractional yacht ownership program in the Cayman Islands to a world-class film animation production company based in Montreal, Quebec Canada.

Mr. Williamson has also been a member of the Board of Directors of Inexus Biotechnology, a public life sciences company and was President and on the Board of Directors of Sweet Success, a publicly traded consumer beverage company.

Mr. Williamson’s extraordinary career can be further tracked here. You will be amazed: http://www.nestventures.com/index.asp?from=glenn_williamson

Mr. Williamson has received six coveted gold and silver National Telly awards for executive production of non-broadcast video and film productions, and is an avid skier, scuba diver and video gamer. He also was an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona home to the 56th Fighter Wing of the U.S. Air Force, which is comprised of some 220 F-16 fighter aircraft.

Mr. Williamson, was born in Montreal and is fluent it French, a graduate of Rothsey Collegiate Military Academy in New Brunswick, Canada, he currently resides in Phoenix with his wife and three children.

Chantal Ramsay
Consul at the Ontario Int’l Marketing Centre in the Canadian Consulate General

Chantal Ramsay is the Consul (Economic Affairs - Ontario) at the Ontario International Marketing Centre (OIMC) in the Canadian Consulate General in Los Angeles. The International Marketing Centre’s territory includes California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Hawaii. The role of the OIMC is to work with Ontario based companies wishing to do business in the territory, to attract investment from US and multinational companies into Ontario and to raise awareness of the Province in the region.

Prior to this posting, Ms Ramsay was a Senior Manager with the Investment Branch of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ontario in Toronto, Ontario.

Ms Ramsay is a graduate of the Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario - Honours Bachelor of Science in Language with a minor in Economics. She speaks Spanish, French and Italian.

Thank you! Doug Bruhnke - AZIGG

AZIGG Monday March 1st: O Canada! Canada-Arizona Trade

2010-02-06T13:32:00.001-08:00

The Next AZIGG event is Monday morning March 1st and features Glenn Williamson, Rick Stephenson and Chantal Ramsey discussing Arizona-Canada Trade Success and Opportunities. Not to be missed!

O Canada! Trade Successes and Opportunities with Arizona

Glenn Williamson, CEO of NestVentures, and Founder/CEO of The Canada Arizona Business Council (CABC)

Rick Stephenson, Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner of Consulate of Canada

Chantal Ramsay, Consul at the Int'l Marketing Centre in the Canadian Consulate General

Monday, March 1st, 7:30 - 9:00am

ASU SkySong, Auditorium 150 in Scottsdale

Doors open at 7:00am for networking

1475 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Investment $15 includes coffee and pastries

RSVP and more info: www.azigg.com

On March 1st at ASU-SkySong in Scottsdale, fellow Canadians Glenn Williamson, Rick Stephenson and Chantal Ramsey will discuss the progress made in Arizona-Canada trade, and the near and long-term opportunities still available. Business owners with a connection or potential connection in Canada will appreciate hearing more about how Arizona businesses can and will succeed moving forward. Those with connections into other countries and regions will enjoy hearing about ways they can improve trade with some best practices already implemented.

All the best, Doug Bruhnke

Arizona International Growth Group - AZIGG
Scottsdale, Arizona
www.azigg.com

AZIGG Monday, February 1st with Don Burton

2010-01-17T05:56:00.000-08:00

The next strategic industry sector for Arizona that we'll be discussing at AZIGG is education. Our speaker on Monday, February 1st will be Don Burton, President of Dunlap-Stone University and the International Import-Export Institute. Attendees will hear a global business success story based in Phoenix and receive an update from Thunderbird School of Global Management and on education in Arizona from Suzanne Taylor, Senior VP of Public Policy at the Arizona Chamber.

Thanks to Phil Clouse and Stanton Knight of MTD Products for discussing manufacturing at AZIGG on Monday. Their presentation and pictures can be found on the AZIGG site here: http://www.azigg.com/events_pages/201001-event.html.

"Education in Arizona Can Compete Globally If..."
Monday, February 1st, 7:30am - 9:00am
Networking starts at 7:00am in the first floor conference room.
ASU SkySong, Scottsdale (SE Corner Scottsdale/McDowell Roads)
Investment $15 - Coffee and Dunkin Donuts Served

RSVP: www.azigg.com

On February 1st at ASU-SkySong in Scottsdale, President Don Burton of Dunlap-Stone University and the International Import-Export Institute will discuss how he and his team have successfully grown their education business. It's a global growth success story that is applicable for any business owners growing globally online.

The International Import-Export Institute based in Phoenix provides specialized accredited international trade education programs globally via an "asynchronous" online format. The Institute works with governments, individuals and companies worldwide to provide practical training. The Import-Export Institute is recognized worldwide as the global authority for professional international trade certification.

See you on February 1st! All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke

Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)

info@azigg.com

Next AZIGG on Global Manufacturing in Arizona January 11th at SkySong

2010-01-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

MTD Consumer Products, a global manufacturer of outdoor power equipment founded in 1932, maintains their global headquarters for handheld products in Chandler, Arizona. The MTD family of brands includes Cub Cadet, Cub Cadet Yanmar, Troy-Bilt, White Outdoor, Yard-Man, Yard Machines, Bolens, Arnold, GardenWay and MTD Pro.

President of MTD Southwest Phil Clouse will be discussing how the Arizona division was able to successfully put together a business case for manufacturing outdoor power equipment in their plant here and in Nogales instead of in China. Many of those success factors can be translated to other manufacturers in Arizona looking to compete and win in the global marketplace. Phil will be joined by Director of Manufacturing Stanton Knight, and he will be sharing his overall perspective on how manufacturing here can be more competitive.

Sign-up for AZIGG here: www.azigg.com.

Keep up with AZIGG on Twitter www.twitter.com/AZIGG

February event: 2/1/10 at ASU-SkySong to be announced

March event: 3/1/10 at ASU-SkySong to be announced

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke
AZIGG (monthly meetings at ASU SkySong)

Global Manufacturing in Arizona: MTD Products at AZIGG Jan 11th

2009-12-21T03:24:00.000-08:00

The next AZIGG event is January 11th at ASU-SkySong and will feature the Chandler-based President of MTD Southwest Phil Clouse. MTD Products manufactures well known brands of power equipment like Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt and MTD. Phil will discuss how their manufacturing in Arizona and Nogales beat an alternative plan to manufacture in China.

"Global Manufacturing Can Succeed in Arizona If..."

Phil Clouse - President of MTD Southwest

Arizona International Growth Group

Monday, January 11th, 7:30 - 9:00am

Networking starts at 7:00am

ASU SkySong

Investment: $15 includes coffee and pastries

RSVP Here: www.azigg.com

MTD maintains their global headquarters for handheld products in Chandler, Arizona. The MTD family of brands includes Cub Cadet, Cub Cadet Yanmar, Troy-Bilt, White Outdoor, Yard-Man, Yard Machines, Bolens, Arnold, GardenWay and MTD Pro.

President of MTD Southwest Phil Clouse will be discussing how the Arizona division was able to successfully put together a business case for manufacturing outdoor power equipment in their plant here and in Nogales instead of in China. Many of those success factors can be translated to other manufacturers in Arizona looking to compete and win in the global marketplace. Phil will be joined by Director of Manufacturing Stanton Knight, and he will be sharing his overall perspective on how manufacturing in Arizona can compete.

Phil Clouse has 20 years of diverse manufacturing and management experience with multi-site, multi-functional and P&L oversight in sophisticated, global operations. He has a CPIM certification and MBA from the University of Akron. Before MTD, Phil held senior executive positions at Newell Rubbermaid and The Little Tikes Company

Dec 7th AZIGG Photos; Next AZIGG Jan 11th

2009-12-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

At the December 7th Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) event at ASU-SkySong, Haru Yamasaki, CEO of TechBA (Technology Business Accelerators) presented on the new program. Arizona has one of six TechBA locations in the world - joining Madrid, Montreal, Michigan, Silicon Valley and Austin last year.

TechBA is a program supporting top-tier companies based in Mexico so that they can bring their innovative technology, products and services to global markets. TechBA works with companies in Information Technology and Telecommunications, Automotive, Aerospace, Food, Advanced Materials, Alternative Energy, Multimedia, Gaming and Life Sciences.

Picture above: Hector Correa of Orinoco Systems. To his right, Leonardo Hernandez (Grupo Hergo), Haru Yamasaki (TechBA) and Arturo Freydig (ECN Automation). More pictures coming soon to the AZIGG website. All photography at AZIGG is by the best business photographer in Metropolitan Phoenix: Laird Brown of Small Business Photo www.smallbusinessphoto.com

Additional pictures are posted on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=168242&id=699598645&saved#/album.php?aid=168242&id=699598645

The next AZIGG event is January 11th at ASU-SkySong and will feature the President of MTD Products Phil Clouse. MTD Products manufacture high profile power tools like Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt and MTD, and they are based in Chandler. Phil will discuss how their manufacturing in Arizona and Nogales beat an alternative plan to manufacturer in China.

Thank you! All the best, Doug (AZIGG)

AZIGG, Inman, China, Solar and More Dec 2009

2009-12-01T04:11:00.001-08:00

This next week is a busy one for internationalists in Arizona. It starts with Admiral Bobby Inman at PCFR with "Inman's View of the World". When he spoke a couple years ago here it was the most extraordinary discussion because he KNOWS the world - the history, the current state and a well-grounded view of the future.

Here is a summary of global info in Arizona courtesy of AZIGG, followed by additional information on Bobby Inman.

Enjoy "Inman's View of the World" December 2nd in PV
Admiral Bobby Inman circles the globe in about an hour. Not to be missed. At Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations www.pcfraz.org

"Hola Arizona: Technology Business Accelerator (TechBA)" at AZIGG 12/7
Haru Yamasaki, CEO of TechBA, is responsible for establishing and growing the Arizona division of TechBA, a program supporting top-tier companies based in Mexico to bring their innovative technology, products and services to global markets. There are 14 companies in the first group based at SkySong. RSVP at www.azigg.com

China Town Hall with Sidney Rittenberg December 8th in Scottsdale
Sidney has known every Chinese leader in the past 50 years. RSVP to Sue (see below) and more info www.wacaz.org

Invest Southwest December 9-11 in Scottsdale
This is the premier capital conference in Arizona, since 1992. Keynote speaker Michael Moe Finding the Next Starbucks and much more. See below.

SRP Announces a New Project, More Solar for the Valley
Salt River Project will build a 20-megawatt photovoltaic facility southeast of Phoenix with Iderdrola Renewables. SRP and Iberdrola have a partnership that extends to the Dry Lake Wind Farm, a 63-megawatt wind farm built on a combination of public and private land. SRP to Build 20-megawatt Solar Facility Near Phoenix

More on the Admiral Inman event December 2nd:

Jules Verne took eighty days to go around the world. Admiral Bobby Inman will make that happen for us in a little less than an hour. His unique encyclopedic eagle's eye view of every hot spot on the planet was sharpened during his domestic and global naval career from 1951 until 1982, and culminated when he served as Director of the National Security Agency, and Deputy Director of Intelligence.

After his retirement from the U.S. Navy with the rank of Admiral, he became Chairman and CEO of the Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation (MCC) in Austin, Texas for four years, and then Chairman, President and CEO of Westmark Systems, Inc, a privately owned electronics industry holding company for three years. In addition Admiral Inman also served as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 1987 through 1990.

He continues to be influential in strategic advisory roles, notably as Chair of the Commission on Improving Security at the U.S. Foreign Installations, following the bombing of the Marine barracks and the April 1983 U.S. embassy bombing in Beirut, Lebanon. His commission's report has been influential in setting security design standards for U.S. Embassies worldwide.

Since 1990, one of Admiral Inman's primary activities has been investing in startup technology companies in the role of Managing Director of Definor Ventures and Limestone Ventures. He is a member of the board of Directors of Massey Energy Company, as well as of several privately held companies, and serves as a Trustee of the American Assembly of the California Institute of Technology. He is an elected Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Admiral Inman graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1950 and from the National War College in 1972. In 1987 he returned to Austin as adjunct professor at his alma mater. In 2001 he was appointed as a tenured professor, holding the Lyndon B. Johnson Centennial Chair in National Policy. Subsequently he served as Interim Dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs from January to December in 2005, and again was appointed Interim Dean for a second time in 2009.

The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations is honored to host Admiral Inman whenever he is here in Phoenix. Please Join Us! Cost: $48 for Members, $58 for Non-Members (by 11/30/09 after add $10) PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE at www.pcfraz.org Or call 602-494-4198.

All the best, Doug Bruhnke

Hola! Next AZIGG Event December 7th 7:30am - 9:00am

2009-11-07T19:17:00.000-08:00

Hola Arizona: Technology Business Accelerator at AZIGG 12/7

On the morning of December 7th Haru Yamasaki will discuss the Technology Business Accelerator program that is based at ASU SkySong - one of 6 programs like it around the world. We'll be joined by many of the 14 companies that are involved in this unique technology initiative.

"Hola Arizona: Technology Business Accelerator (TechBA)"
Monday, December 7th, 7:30am - 9:00am
Networking starts at 7:00am
ASU SkySong, Scottsdale (SE Corner Scottsdale/McDowell, 1st Floor)

Haru Yamasaki, CEO of TechBA, is responsible for establishing and growing the Arizona division of TechBA, a program that supports top-tier Mexican companies to bring their innovative technology, products and services to global markets. There are 14 companies going through the program in Arizona. Haru holds a Masters in Science and Technology Policy from University of Sussex, UK and a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering from the National University of Mexico. She has held consulting and internal leadership positions in both private and public organizations across a broad range of industries including health care, government, higher education and petrochemical manufacturing.

Special guests: Tech BA company leaders such as Arturo Freydig of ECN Automation.

TechBA is a program operated by the US - Mexico Foundation for Science. The mission is to find the most innovative technology companies and take them to global markets. To accomplish that, TechBA has branches in the most innovative business ecosystems in the world: Silicon Valley, Austin, Montreal, Madrid, Michigan and Arizona. TechBA works with companies in Information Technology and Telecommunications, Automotive, Aerospace, Food, Advanced Materials, Alternative Energy, Multimedia, Gaming and Life Sciences.

Investment $15 includes coffee and pastries. RSVP: www.azigg.com

Finding and Serving Global Customers from Arizona - AZIGG 11/2

2009-10-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to have an expert panel of Phoenix-area business leaders who are growing their companies by finding and serving large global customers. The discussion is Monday, November 2nd.

Jon Enwiller - Executive Director of The AIT Group

"Finding and Serving Global Customers from Arizona"
Monday, November 2nd, 7:30 - 9:00am
Networking starts at 7:00am
ASU SkySong, Scottsdale (SE Corner Scottsdale/McDowell)

Jon Enwiller - Executive Director, The AIT Group
Shashi Jasthi - President and CEO, Solugenix Corporation
Susan Cordts - President and CEO, Adaptive Technologies

Shashi Jasthi - President and CEO of Solugenix Corporation

Moderator: Doug Bruhnke - AZIGG and Growth Nation
Investment $15 includes coffee and pastries
RSVP for 11/2

Susan Cordts - President and CEO of Adaptive Technologies

Join Susan Cordts, Shashi Jasthi and Jon Enwiller on November 2nd at ASU SkySong for our next Arizona International Growth Group event. Thank you. Doug Bruhnke (AZIGG and Growth Nation)

Recap of Rod Miller at AZIGG

2009-10-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Rod Miller of The Jiao Group delivered his 3rd Annual Report Card for International Business in Arizona. You can see his presentation soon at http://www.azigg.com/events.html

A primary theme of Rod's presentation was that Arizona needs to more effectively plan and coordinate efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment.

Most recent data has Arizona ranked #18 in the US for global trade and #26 for Foreign Direct Investment. If Arizona could improve Foreign Direct Investment to be #18, it would mean 80,000 more jobs with approximate average wages 30% above the current average.

Rod suggested that local group work in a more integrated way, including: The Governor's office, GPEC, AZIGG, Arizona Department of Commerce, ASU and the University of Arizona.

Thanks to Bart Butler for helping with the event. Check out the pictures below from our group photographer Laird Brown (www.smallbusinessphoto.com).

Thank you Rod Miller! Have you heard about his new firm The Jiao Group? Here's more information:

The Jiao Group is a management consulting firm specializing in economic development strategies, public and private partnerships, workforce development strategies, business development solutions, strategic planning, international deal brokering and market penetration approaches. Whether your firm is an organization seeking to work with local government to develop real estate, a small business growing revenues from $5 million to $10 million, a local government building international partnerships for economic development, or a non-profit assessing how to better deliver on your mission regardless of the macroeconomic condition, The Jiao Group can focus, clarify, and assist you in implementing your vision immediately.

Jiao is the Mandarin symbol for interaction and connectivity. We pride ourselves on our high level of interaction with our clients, connectivity to the right resources, balanced thought in our approach to problem-solving, and ability to garner unquestionable results. With The Jiao Group you can rest assured that your vision, dedication, and goals will be earned through specific, actionable plans and strategies built for your success.

The Jiao Group is poised to handle complex situations with skill and leadership. We bring additional perspective and fresh viewpoints gathered from senior level management in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. We want you to be successful and believe that our success is inextricably linked to yours.

Connecting with Global Companies from Phoenix - 11/2

2009-10-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for Rod Miller for a wonderful AZIGG event on 10/5 - we'll have more information and pictures shortly. Also his presentation will be posted at www.azigg.com soon.

In November we have another interesting international program.

Next AZIGG Event - Monday, November 2nd, 7:30 - 9:00am
"Finding and Serving Global Clients from Arizona"
Panel Discussion Featuring:

Jon Enwiller, Executive Director of The AIT Group
Shashi Jasthi, President of Solugenix Corporation
Susan Cordts, CEO of Adaptive Technologies, Inc (ATi)

Moderator Doug Bruhnke
Doors open 7:00am for Networking
Investment $15 includes coffee and pastries.

Phoenix, Arizona is not known for having its share of large global companies. Jon Enwiller (The AIT Group), Shashi Jasthi (Solugenix Corporation) and Susan Cordts (ATi) discuss successfully finding and serving global customers from the Valley of the Sun on Monday, November 2nd from 7:30am to 9am at ASU SkySong.

RSVP at www.azigg.com
Arizona State University – SkySong, Suite 1391475 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Jon Enwiller (The AIT Group)
Jon Enwiller is a founding member and Executive Director of The AIT Group. Jon has successfully implemented over 30 Lean implementations in aerospace, automotive and consumer products industries resulting in significant client savings. Clients include DuPont, Exxon Mobil, Siemens, Honeywell, Avery Dennison, Sanofi Aventis, Delphi Automotive and many other global companies.

Prior to founding The AIT Group, Jon was Operations Manager for AlliedSignal Aerospace where he led Lean production implementations in machining areas, assembly and test areas, and supporting administrative process areas, and was part of the initial work to integrate Lean and Six Sigma for AlliedSignal. Jon has an MBA with emphasis in operations management from Arizona State University (ASU) and a BS in mechanical engineering from ASU.

Shashi Jasthi (Solugenix Corporation)
As President and CEO of Solugenix Corporation, Shashi Jasthi is responsible for driving global client and partner value through innovative technology and business solutions. Shashi has over 20 years of experience managing Information Technology and Consulting organizations. He built IT organizations and turned around loss-making acquisitions in Chicago, IL, Phoenix, AZ, Provo, UT, Wellington, New Zealand, and Sydney, Australia. He joined Solugenix in 1992 and after a brief hiatus in early 2000, he came back to lead the company. Solugenix is a global technology services company with major clients in North America and beyond.

Shashi holds an MBA from the University of Chicago in Chicago, IL, an MS in Computer Science from Northwestern University, in Evanston, IL, and a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electronics Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai, India.

Susan Cordts (Adaptive Technologies)
Susan Cordts provides the leadership and vision that enables Adaptive Technologies, Inc. to continuously exceed global customer expectations. ATi has been providing expert solutions to customers across industries in the area of advanced analytics and technologies since 2001. Susan’s management and leadership demonstrate a continuous track record of success helping businesses repeatedly achieve their goals. Examples of projects she has led have resulted in increased performance, often times reaching triple digit improvements.

Prior to joining ATi, Susan was CEO and Managing Director of Universal Robot Systems, LLC. She has extensive international business experience and more than 15 years healthcare senior management experience. Susan was responsible for directing the marketing activities of one of the largest cardiovascular programs to all physicians, patients, providers and the community through a campaign of direct marketing and mass media. Her accomplishments also extend to creating one of the top CV programs in the nation for hospitals of like size, while leading market share in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. She received her AD in Nursing, a BA in Marketing from Midwestern State University, and a Masters in International Management (MIM) from Thunderbird, The Garvin School of International management.

Rod Miller at AZIGG on October 5th

2009-09-23T06:24:00.000-07:00

Rodrick Miller returns to AZIGG for the 3rd year to tell us what's really happening with global trade and how business owners in Arizona can benefit. He will deliver a report cards on how Arizona is doing with Foreign Direct Investment and global commerce.

Rodrick Miller
Managing Partner, The Jiao Group

Raising Arizona - Growing Globally
An International Report Card

Monday, October 5th, 7:30am - 9:00am
Networking starts at 7:00am
ASU-SkySong, Scottsdale
Investment $15 RSVP
www.azigg.com

All the best, Doug Bruhnke (AZIGG)

Thank you - US Asia Expo Arizona

2009-09-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the US-Asia Expo Arizona. We featured a litany of top notch speakers including CEO Shashi Jasthi of Solugenix Corporation and Andy Bogdanoff of Remington Financial Group.

Here is a wrap-up by Max Jarman of the Arizona Republic:

http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2009/09/18/20090918biz-expo0919.html

And some initial comments about the Expo held September 17-18th in Scottsdale:

"Thank you for including me in the Arizona-Asia Expo! It was a remarkable program, and the organizers deserve enormous credit. I thought it represented a milestone in Phoenix’s evolution." - Dee Harris, President of Arizona Angels

"I had a wonderful trip, this conference is a very successful one, thank you for your great effort. Thank you very much for having me in the conference, if there is anything that I can be of helpful in the future, please do not hesitate to let me know." - Dr. Lin Yang, President of YL International, Shanghai

"The US-Asia Expo Arizona was a highly successful program...I believe that this event will foster friendship, commerce and profit for many Arizona citizens whether they were in attendance today or not...Thank you all!” - Greg Marks, President of Intramedia Solutions

"Great event. I can always count on meeting a diverse group of area leaders and the last two days didn't disappoint." - Paul Kingsley, Principal at Kingsley Law

"Thanks to the US-Asia Arizona Expo I am planning to move my business to Arizona within two years." - Lanny Louie, Owner, ICG Connect

"I am very impressed with the solar-energy technology, and I see opportunities to invest. I would like to see more collaboration between US and Chinese Companies." - Zhu XinYuan, President of Renhe New Technnology Company, Zhonglu, China

All the best, Doug Bruhnke

US-Asia Expo Arizona Final Agenda

2009-09-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the US-Asia Expo Arizona Thursday, September 17.

11:30 - 12:30 Registration and Exhibitor Tables
Location: Camelback Inn- Cholla and Sunshine Rooms
Presentations and Panel Discussions through 4:45pm

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Expo Opening Ceremony
Emcees- John Adam and Doug Bruhnke
Welcome - City of Phoenix
Special Introduction - Barry Broome, GPEC
Recap - Sept 6-8 China Mission: Don Cardon, AZ Commerce
Recap - Sept 10-12 LA Forum: Brent Barker, Strata Capital

1:00 pm - 1:55 pm "Growing Global Commerce to/from Arizona"
Glenn Hamer, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Barry Broome, Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Steve Zylstra, Arizona Technology Council
Don Cardon, Arizona Department of Commerce
Moderator: Susan Shultz, Oakbridge/SSA & The Board Institute

Special Contributors:
Dennis Cornelius, Cornelius, Korte & Shum
Dr. Lin Yang, YL International & GPITA

1:55 pm - 2:40 pm "Learning from Arizona's Global Business Leaders"
Shashi Jasthi, Solugenix Corporation
Kiyoko Toyama, NKK Switches
Frank Neville, Thunderbird Global School of Management
Eric Nielsen, US Commercial Service
Moderator: Haru Yamasaki, Technology Business Accelerators

2:40 pm - 2:55 pm Break

2:55 pm - 3:50 pm "Investing in Successful Global Commerce"
Terree Wasley, ASU Technopolis and Invest Southwest
Dee Harris, Arizona Angels
Andy Bogdanoff, Remington Financial Group
Jay St. Clair, Windstone Capital Partners
Moderator: Chet S. Ross, SCORE Arizona

3:50 pm - 4:40 pm "Legal Implications for Going Global"
Karen Dickinson, Quarles & Brady, LLP
Brett Johnson, Snell & Wilmer, LLP
Ezequiel Hernandez, Fragomen, LLP
Steve Beaver, TPI Composites
Moderator: Ed Bull, Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A.

4:45 Expo Ends

5:30pm - 8:00pm VIP Networking

US-Asia Expo Arizona
The Expo is presented by Arizona Asia Commission and will feature the top business, investment and community leaders in the Valley. More: http://www.azigg.com/events_pages/200909-event.html

Expo Chairman Level Sponsor
Hypercom

Expo CEO Level Sponsors
First American Stock Transfer
EIGHT, Arizona's PBS KAET TV
Interstate Bank Developers
Focus One Entertainment
Growth Nation

Expo Presidential Level Sponsors
RSM McGladrey
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
Snell & Wilmer, LLP
Strata Capital Group
Laird Brown Photography

Program Sponsors
P.F. Chang's

Expo Partners
Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)
US Commercial Service
Arizona District Export Council
Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)
Thunderbird School of Global Management
City of Phoenix
City of Scottsdale
Arizona Department of Commerce
Arizona Technology Council
Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations
World Affairs Council of Arizona
The John Adam Show
Networking Phoenix.com
Greater Phoenix SCORE

Exhibitors
Alpha Group Administrators
Arizona State University
EIGHT – Arizona’s PBS, KAET TV
First American Stock Transfer
Focus One Entertainment
Fragomen, Del Reg, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
Go1099.com
Greater Phoenix SCORE
Hypercom
ICG Connect
Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations
Rowpar Pharmaceuticals
RSM McGladrey
Singapore
Sonoran Bank
TechBA
The Social Media Bible
US Commercial Service
US Distressed Debt Fund
Vietnam Trade Office
World Affairs Council of Arizona

All the best, Doug (Growth Nation and AZIGG)

China and India at the US-Asia Expo Arizona Sept 17-18

2009-09-12T14:38:00.000-07:00

Focusing on the ever-growing India and China markets as key sources of new capital for Arizona economic expansion, the US-Asia Expo Arizona will be held on Thursday and Friday September 17-18, at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale.

In cooperation with local organizations and businesses for the exchange of ideas and the development of global business opportunities and strategies, the US-Asia Expo Arizona points out the Valley of the Sun to Asian investors as the most attractive and effective location to do business in the United States.

The Expo also presents an opportunity to business owners in Arizona who are either looking to grow globally or would like to take advantage of business coming to the State. Arizona is competitive in aviation and aerospace technology, biotechnology, renewable energy, energy conservation, and environmental protection and offers targeted incentives and a business friendly operating environment.

Early this week, an U.S.-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum was held in Phoenix with over 200 government officials and business representatives from China and the U.S., revealing China as Arizona's third largest trading partner ($1.2 billion in 2008), with electrical machinery, aerospace products, optics and cotton headed out.

“The State’s ever-increasing role in the global economy sends a message to the world that Arizona means economic opportunity and high-tech innovation,” said Donald E. Cardon, Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce, at the Forum. “Significant opportunity exists in the international ties and investment taking shape.”

The US-Asia Expo Arizona looks to collaborate on important business issues and merge thousands of known strategic alliances with Asian entrepreneurs, business owners and investors from 45 countries.

The US-Asia Expo Arizona is presented by Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) and will feature business, investment and community leaders including Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Barry Broome (Greater Phoenix Economic Council, GPEC), Don Cardon (Arizona Department of Commerce) and Glenn Hamer (Arizona Chamber).

"In cooperation with GPEC and other entities working hard to build business in Arizona, we expect the US-Asia Expo Arizona to help business here grow globally and benefit from Asian companies investing in Arizona," said Doug Bruhnke, Founder/President of Arizona International Growth Group.

When: September 17th and 18th (Thursday and Friday)
Where: Camelback Inn, 5402 East Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale (Az)

For more information:
http://www.azigg.com/events_pages/200909-event.html

Contact: Growth Nation
Doug Bruhnke
CEO, Growth Nation and President, AZIGG

US Asia Expo Confirmed Speakers

2009-09-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

We welcome the best and brightest business and community leaders to the US-Asia Expo Arizona on September 17-18 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Info at http://www.azigg.com/events_pages/200909-event.html

Confirmed speakers are:

Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon
Dana Garmany, CEO at Troon Golf
Barry Broome, President/CEO at GPEC
Scarlett Spring, EVP/COO at GPEC
Glenn Hamer, President/CEO at Arizona Chamber
Steve Zylstra, President/CEO at Arizona Technology Council
Don Cardon, President/CEO at Arizona Department of Commerce
Shashi Jasthi, CEO at Solugenix Corporation
Kiyoko Toyama, President at NKK Switches
Mahasen Samaravijaya, CEO at GVR Technologies
Ed Bull, President at Burch & Cracchiolo P.A.
Karen Dickinson, Partner at Quarles & Brady
Andrew Bogdanoff, Founder/Chairman at Remington Financial Group
Norman E. Clarke, Founder/Sr Managing Partner at Windstone Capital Partners
Dee Harris, Managing Director at Arizona Angels
Daniel T. Shum, Partner at Cornelius Korte Shum
Chet S. Ross, Chairman at SCORE Arizona
John Adam, Media Personality at The John Adam Show
Doug Bruhnke, CEO at Growth Nation and President at AZIGG
Susan Shultz, President, The Board Institute
Eric Nielsen, US Commercial Service
Haru Yamasaki, CEO at TechBA
Terree Wasley, ASU Technopolis and Invest Southwest
Steve Beaver, General Counsel at TPI Composites
Raymond C. Wiley, Aide Solar

Arizona doesn't border an ocean, and so we have to try a little harder to be global.

All the best, Doug (AZIGG and Growth Nation)

US Asia Expo Arizona Near-Final Agenda

2009-09-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

The US-Asia Expo Arizona September 17-18 in Scottsdale, Arizona will offer expert information and high-level connections to help business owners grow their company – globally or locally. The Expo will feature the top global business and community leaders in Arizona along with an exhibition of global companies and organizations. Register at www.usasiaexpoarizona.com.

Thursday, September 17th Program

7:00 am - 9:00 am
9/17 Enterprise Network Executive Forum Breakfast
Arizona Business Goes Global
Location: Marriott Camelback Inn Golf Resort, Scottsdale

Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane
Dana Garmany – CEO of Troon Golf
Scarlett Spring – EVP and COO of GPEC
Raymond C. Wiley – Director of Aide Solar
Doug Bruhnke – CEO of Growth Nation
Sign-up at http://www.en.org/. $65

12:30pm – 4:45pm
US-Asia Expo Arizona Meeting. $55
Location: Camelback Inn – Cholla and Sunshine Rooms

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Welcome and Opening Ceremony
Emcees – John Adam and Doug Bruhnke
Opening – Mayor Phil Gordon, Barry Broome (GPEC)
Welcome Guests, Consulates, Dignitaries, Ambassadors, Speakers
Recap of Sept 6-8 China Mission: Don Cardon, AZ Commerce
Recap of Sept 10-12 LA Expo: Brent Barker, Strata Capital

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
“Growing Global Commerce to Benefit Arizona”
Glenn Hamer, Arizona Chamber
Barry Broome, GPEC
Steve Zylstra, Arizona Technology Council
Daniel Shum, CKS Partners
Susan Shultz, Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations

2:00 pm – 2:50 pm
“Learning from Global CEO’s in Arizona”
Shashi Jasthi, Solugenix Corporation
Kiyoko Toyama, NKK Switches
Mahasen Samaravijaya, GVR Technologies
Eric Nielsen, US Commercial Service
Haru Yamasaki, Technology Business Accelerators (TechBA)

2:50 pm - 3:05 pm
Break

3:05 pm – 4:05 pm
“Investment Sources for Arizona’s Global Success”
Terree Wasley, ASU Technopolis and Invest Southwest
Dee Harris, Arizona Angels
Andy Bogdanoff, Remington Financial Group
Norman E. Clarke, Windstone Capital Partners
Chet S. Ross, SCORE Arizona and Greater Phoenix SCORE

4:05 pm – 4:45 pm
“Legal Implications for Going Global”
Karen Dickinson, Quarles & Brady
Steve Beaver, TPI Composites
Ed Bull, Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A.

4:45 pm
End Expo Meeting

5:30 pm - 8.00 pm
Global VIP Networking
Location: Camelback Inn – Cholla and Sunshine Rooms
Networking with Very Special Guests

8:00 pm
End VIP Networking

Friday, September 18th Program

7:30 am - 10:00 am
9/18 Global Recap Breakfast
Location: Camelback Inn – Cholla and Sunshine Rooms

o Recap the Expo
o Discuss Next Steps with Global Business in Arizona
o Formulate Questions for Governor Jan Brewer’s 9/22 Talk
o Plan for the Next US-Asia Expo February 24 - 25, 2010

10:00 am
End 9/18 Global Breakfast

All the best, Doug Bruhnke (AZIGG and Growth Nation)

US Asia Expo Arizona Overview

2009-09-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

The US-Asia Expo Arizona September 17-18 in Scottsdale, Arizona will put business owners in Arizona in touch with the resources, leaders and organizations they need to grow their business.

Attendees will gain from new ideas and connections to grow globally and grow locally (from global business and companies coming to Arizona).

INFO HERE: http://www.azigg.com/events_pages/200909-event.html

This special event will be held on Thursday and Friday September 17-18, 2009 at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale. The US-Asia Expo Arizona is presented by Arizona Asia Commission and Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) and will feature business, investment and community leaders including Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Barry Broome (Greater Phoenix Economic Council, GPEC), Don Cardon (Arizona Department of Commerce) and Glenn Hamer (Arizona Chamber).

Check out the confirmed speakers on the website – it may be the most distinguished group of local leaders ever assembled to speak on global business in Arizona.

Primary Expo Events
Thursday, 9/17/09 7:00 – 9:00am 9/17 Enterprise Network Breakfast $65
Thursday, 9/17/09 12:30 – 5:00pm US-Asia Expo Arizona Main Program $55
Thursday, 9/17/09 5:30 – 8:00pm Global VIP Networking $55
Friday, 9/18/09 7:30 – 10:00am 9/18 Global Recap Breakfast $40

More info at www.azigg.com.

Who should attend the US-Asia Expo Arizona:

Arizona business owners and leaders interested to learn how to grow globally or to benefit from global business coming to Arizona.
Business owners of Asia-based companies attending the Los Angeles US-Asia Business Forum Sept 10-12.
Sponsoring companies in Arizona who seek to gain from global commerce between Arizona and Asia (and other countries).
Expert speakers to address the audience of business and community leaders for discussions that increase commerce for Arizona companies.

All the best, Doug Bruhnke

US Asia Expo Arizona Sept 17-18

2009-08-31T03:07:00.000-07:00

The US-Asia Investment and Business Expo Arizona will be held on Thursday and Friday September 17-18, 2009 at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The US-Asia Expo Arizona is presented by Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) and will feature Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and leaders from Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), Arizona Department of Commerce, Arizona Chamber and global business and investment experts from across Arizona.

Primary Expo Events
Thursday, 9/17/09 7:00 – 9:00am Enterprise Network Executive Forum breakfast.
Thursday, 9/17/09 12:30 – 5:00pm US-Asia Expo Arizona main program.
Thursday, 9/17/09 5:30 – 8:00pm Global VIP Networking.
Friday, 9/18/09 7:30 – 10:00am Global Recap Breakfast

REGISTER NOW at http://www.azigg.com/events_pages/200909-event.html

Who should attend the US-Asia Expo Arizona:

Business owners of Asia-based companies who are attending the Los Angeles US-Asia Business Forum Sept 9-13.
Arizona business owners who are interested to learn about and engage in global business.
Arizona community leaders who are looking to support global growth and partnerships.
Sponsoring companies in Arizona who seek to gain from commerce between Arizona, Asia and the world.
Expert speakers to address the audience of business and community leaders for discussions that increase commerce.

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke, AZIGG (Arizona International Growth Group)

Update on US-Asia Expo Arizona Sept 17-18

2009-08-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

The US-Asia Expo Arizona will be held Thursday and Friday Sept 17-18. It is presented by Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) and will feature Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, GPEC, Arizona Chamber, Thunderbird and dozens of Arizona organizations and business VIP’s.
Visit www.azigg.com for more information.

US-Asia Expo Arizona Event Summary

Thursday, 9/17/09 7:00 – 9:00am: Enterprise Network Executive Forum breakfast.
Thursday, 9/17/09 12:30 – 5:00pm: US-Asia Expo Arizona main program.
Thursday, 9/17/09 5:30 – 8:00pm: Global VIP Networking.
Friday, 9/18/09 7:30 – 10:00am: Global Recap Breakfast

US-Asia Expo Arizona Event Details

The US-Asia Expo Arizona will be held at the Camelback Inn on September 17th and 18th with an exhibition of global companies and presentations by local investment and business leaders on topics important to overseas visitors and local business owners.

Events include the Executive Forum breakfast from 7 – 9am, the US-Asia Expo from 12:30 to 5pm, the Global VIP Networking from 5:30 to 8pm, and the Global Recap Breakfast from 7:30 – 10:00am on Friday the 18th.

Who should attend the US-Asia Expo Arizona:

Business owners of Asia-based companies who are attending the Los Angeles US-Asia Business Forum Sept 9-13.

Arizona business owners who are interested to learn about and engage in global business.

Arizona community leaders who are looking to support global growth and partnerships.

Sponsoring companies in Arizona who seek to gain from commerce between Arizona, Asia and the world.
Expert speakers to address the audience of business and community leaders for discussions that increase commerce.

US-Asia Expo Arizona Agenda

Thursday, Sept 17th, 7:30 – 9:00
Enterprise Network Executive Forum

Marriott Camelback Inn Golf Resort, Scottsdale

Introduction by Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane
Dana Garmany – CEO of Troon Golf
Scarlett Spring – EVP and COO of GPECAdditional Special Guest CEO’s
Moderator Doug Bruhnke, CEO of Growth Nation

“Arizona Grows Globally and Welcomes International Companies”
$55 members of EN. Sign-up at http://www.en.org/

Thursday, Sept 17th, 12:30 – 5:00
US-Asia Expo Arizona

Camelback Inn – Cholla and Sunshine Rooms

$55 for the Expo only
$55 for the VIP Networking only
$90 for the Expo + VIP Networking together
$40 for the Global Recap Breakfast only
$125 for the Expo + VIP Networking + Global Recap Breakfast on 18th.

Sign-up at http://www.azigg.com/events_pages/200909-event.html

12:30 – 1:00
Welcome and Opening Ceremony

Emcees – John Adams and Doug Bruhnke

Opening – Mayor Phil Gordon, Barry Broome, Others

Welcome Asia Guests, Consulates, Dignitaries
Recap of Sept 6-8 China Mission & Sept 9-13 LA Expo

Series of Global Panels Throughout the Afternoon

1:00 – 2:00
“Thinking Strategically About AZ’s Global Future”

2:00 – 3:00
“What We Can Learn from Companies Already Here”

3:00 – 3:20
Break

3:20 – 4:00
“Legal Implications for Going Global”

4:00 – 5:00
“Making Your Global Investment in Arizona"

5:00 – 5:30
Close the Expo and Transition to VIP Networking

5:30 – 8:00
Global VIP Networking

Camelback Inn – Cholla and Sunshine Rooms
Special Guests and Announcements

Friday, Sept 18th, 7:30 – 10:00
Global Recap Breakfast

Camelback Inn – room to be announced

Expo planning team, members of AZIGG and other local global leaders
Formulate questions for Governor Jan Brewer’s talk on 9/22
Planning for next US-Asia Expo Arizona in February, 2010

Sign-up at http://www.azigg.com/events_pages/200909-event.html

Confirmed Speakers for September 17-18
Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon
Dana Garmany, CEO at Troon Golf
Barry Broome, President/CEO at GPEC
Scarlett Spring, EVP/COO at GPEC
Glenn Hamer, President/CEO at Arizona Chamber
Steve Zylstra, President/CEO at Arizona Technology Council
Shashi Jasthi, CEO at Solugenix Corporation
Kiyoko Toyama, President at NKK Switches
Mahasen Samaravijaya, CEO at GVR Technologies
Ed Bull, President at Burch & Cracchiolo P.A.
Karen Dickinson, Partner at Quarles & Brady
Andrew Bogdanoff, Founder/Chairman at Remington Financial Group
Norman E. Clarke, Founder/Sr Managing Partner at Windstone Capital Partners
Dee Harris, Managing Director at Arizona Angels
Daniel T. Shum, Partner at Cornelius Korte Shum
Chet S. Ross, Chairman at SCORE Arizona
John Adam, Media Personality at The John Adam Show
Doug Bruhnke, CEO at Growth Nation and President at AZIGG

All the best, Doug

AZIGG Continues to Grow - New Logo

2009-08-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to announce the new logo for the Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG). Many thanks to our friends at Affordable Image for their designing prowess and continued support of the Arizona business community. If you run a business near Phoenix, Arizona, Mike Shoun and Lisa Minzey at Affordable Image should be on your speed dial.

Thank you to the global business community's support of AZIGG. Let's keep raising the water level and the bar for global business in Arizona.

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke

President, AZIGG

US Asia Investment and Business Expo Sept 17-18

2009-08-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

“Arizona International Week” in Phoenix is brought to you by AZIGG and dozens of local business and educational organizations. It will run September 17th through September 22nd.

The US-Asia Investment and Business Expo coming to Los Angeles has been extended to Phoenix on Thursday and Friday Sept 17-18. It will be presented by Arizona Asia Commission and AZIGG at the Phoenix Convention Center, hosted by Mayor Phil Gordon and GPEC.

The week will kick off with a breakfast at Enterprise Network (EN) on September 17th (www.en.org). The event will spotlight international economic development and feature local international business success stories.

Governor Jan Brewer will present the 6th annual "PCFR International State of the State" hosted by PCFR and supported by AZIGG for lunch on the 22nd at the Arizona Biltmore.

Also on September 22nd, Arizona's own Lon Safko, world-famous author of the best-selling 'Social Media Bible' will cap the week's events with a "The Social Media Conference - Where the Best of Education Meets the Best of Business" at East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Mesa. This social media event will also feature Tom Horne, State Superintendent of Public Instruction for Arizona and many special guests.

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke - President/Founder AZIGG; CEO/Founder Growth Nation

Sustainability in Arizona Discussed at AZIGG

2009-08-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Sue and Tony Makridis for hosting AZIGG August 3rd at Greekfest - the best Greek restaurant in Phoenix by far. Ask my wife (her maiden name is Stamos, related to John Stamos).

The event was sold out and we completely filled the restaurant. Our speakers were magnificent. Thank you to Bob Shatz and his team from ITDC (Innovative Technology Development Center, http://www.inno-tech.org/) for their wonderful contributions and their ongoing efforts to grow the Sustainability sector in Arizona.

Also special thanks to Dee Harris (Arizona Angels) and Chet S. Ross (Greater Phoenix SCORE and SCORE Arizona) for contributing their views of the investment in Arizona around Sustainability, Green Tech and technology.

Thanks also to all our attendees. And sorry for all those who signed-up in the last 2 weeks to find out that we were full. Next month we'll be back in larger venues to be able to accommodate all of you.

Our next event is the US-Asia Investment and Business Expo Sept 17-18. It will start on the 17th morning with a breakfast at Enterprise Network. It's all part of Arizona International Week.

Watch for more pictures and event information at www.azigg.com.

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke, President/Founder of AZIGG

Arizona International Week in Metro Phoenix September 17-22

2009-07-26T05:59:00.000-07:00

Arizona International Week is coming to Phoenix and will run from September 17th through September 22nd. There are several key events planned that are designed to help companies in Arizona and from Asia grow globally.

The week will kick-off on Thursday, September 17th at 7:30am with a breakfast in Scottsdale at Enterprise Network www.en.org that celebrates international economic development and will feature key economic development and business resources.

Then on Sept 17-18 the US Asia Investment and Business Expo (US Asia Expo Arizona) will be in Phoenix after a week-long run in Los Angeles. For our Asia visitors, in between events we have information for you to enjoy the best Arizona has to offer - including the Grand Canyon, golf and our world-class resorts.

The US Asia Expo Arizona is presented by AZIGG at Camelback Inn and will feature dozens of local organizations, dozens of business and political dignitaries and hundreds of companies from Arizona and Asia. Here's a preview: http://www.fosaac.tv/us-asia-expo-2009.htm

Arizona International Week will be capstoned by two significant international, business and education events on Tuesday, September 22nd.

At lunch on September 22nd Governor Jan Brewer will present the 6th annual "International State of the State" hosted by PCFR and supported by AZIGG on the 22nd. Governor Brewer's presentation will be a the Biltmore Resort.

Also on September 22nd and running all day, Arizona's own Lon Safko, world-famous author of the best-selling 'Social Media Bible' will present "The Social Media Conference - Where the Best of Education Meets the Best of Business" at East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Mesa.

The global social media event will feature a live feed from the Governor's lunch presentation. Other business and education leaders will be attending including Tom Horne, Superintendent of Public Education in Arizona.

Watch these websites for more information, along with our partners' websites.

www.azigg.com

http://www.azigg.com/events_pages/200909-event.html

All the best, Doug

Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)

Growth Nation

ps...the AZIGG event 8/3 at Greekfest is sold out. You may visit www.azigg.com to add your name to the waiting list. We'll have a full announcement of Arizona International Week then.

AZIGG August 3rd: Nurturing Sustainability in Arizona

2009-07-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

Next AZIGG Event

Monday, August 3rd 11:30am – 1:00pm
"Nurturing Sustainability in Arizona”
Bob Shatz, Ron Richman & Richard McKinney – ITDC (Tucson)
Dee Harris – Arizona Angels

$27 Includes Lunch (Greek Specialties). RSVP Here: www.azigg.com

After a successful investment career in New York and Tokyo, Bob Shatz wanted to live in Tucson and make a difference. So he went about researching what industries to work in and to grow. His conclusion: Sustainability. Today his work with Ron Richman, Richard McKinney and the team at ITDC (www.inno-tech.org) is an Arizona success story that few below Ina Road know about. Now you will.

Bob, Ron and Richard will be joined by the one and only Dee Harris, long-team leader of the of Arizona Angels Investor Network. Dee is the definitive knowledge source for tech investing in Arizona.

Also joining the discussion will be Chet Ross - Director, SCORE Arizona District. Chet will update us on recent funding developments for small businesses including SBA and ARC loans.

Bob Shatz - Innovative Technologies Development Center
Bob is CFO at ITDC. He has been involved in alternative finance research and sales for the past 25 years. Fluent in Japanese, he became the first foreign analyst to be trained in Tokyo at Nomura Research Institute and sent to sell Japanese debt and equity research to institutional investors in the US.

After setting sales records and nurturing a $5 billion joint venture, he was promoted to top management of Nomura and played an instrumental role in facilitating the first mortage-backed securities mutual fund between Japanese investors and Trust Company of the West ($750 million). Bob retired to Tucson to raise his family and look for interesting investment opportunities in sustainable ventures.

Dee Harris - Arizona Angels Investor Network
Dee has held a senior leadership position at Arizona Angels (www.arizonaangels.com) since 2002. He has 25 years of legal and regulatory experience and 7 years of investment banking experience. Dee was Chairman, Arizona Bio Industry Association and served on the Arizona Bioscience Road Map Committee. Among his many prestigious prior roles, Dee was formerly the Director of Securities for the Arizona Corporation Commission in addition to being President of the North American Securities Administrators Association and Director of Enforcement of the Michigan Corporation and Securities Bureau. Dee has been serving on the Executive Commitee for Invest Southwest www.investsouthwest.org.

Ron Richman - ITDC and University of Arizona
Ron is CEO at ITDC and Co-Director of Arid Lands Bioenergy Institute at the University of Arizona. He has over 30 years of strategy, business development, marketing and technology transfer experience at IBM. Ron has many accomplishments in his leadership roles for the Service Provider, e-Business, e-Intrastructure and Industrial Sectors.

Richard McKinney - ITDC
Richard is COO of ITDC and his leadership experience includes supply chain management, manufacturing and general management. His past company experience includes Teledyne Divisions of Water Pik, Metal Forming, Aero-Cal, CB, Casting Services and Rodney Metals. Richard was President/CEO of IMI/Timet Castings.

All the best, Doug

Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)

Arizona Dept of Commerce Faces Catastrophic Cuts

2009-06-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

AZIGG is an important partner of the Arizona Department of Commerce. We wanted to provide you with an important budget update. This content is supplied by the Arizona Dept of Commerce.

During this unprecedented time of financial hardship for the state, when Arizona is facing a budget deficit of roughly $4 billion, the budget released by Governor Brewer on June 1st reflects a commitment to the health and welfare of Arizona’s business community, while continuing to be sensitive to the financial realities of our state.

The Arizona State Legislature recently passed a budget that slates Commerce for a $2 million general fund reduction as well as additional line item reductions. This cut would be crippling to Commerce and would mean an immediate ceasing of many programs vital to the business of Arizona and our ability to recover from this economic downtown.

In fact, the Legislature's reductions result in over a 50% reduction in staff and resources, including those from business attraction, community development, innovation and technology, and tax credit programs. This essential “shut-down” of services would mean that Arizona is the ONLY state in the country without a state level business attraction team dedicated to recruiting companies and creating jobs.

In stark contrast, although the Governor’s budget requires Commerce to forego $2 million, the managerial constraints of funds are removed and the $2 million comes from various funding streams, not just the general fund. This flexibility allows Commerce to continue to staff and fund its important programs. Also included in the Governor’s budget is a requirement that Commerce continue to look for cost-savings by renegotiating existing contracts, continue vacancy savings and begin to reduce its reliance on the General Fund.

The Governor’s budget also streamlines and modernizes the agency. Specifically, under the direction of the new Director, Don Cardon, Commerce will look at its internal processes and programs to ensure that they are in line with the mission of Commerce – to spur and grow economic development for all of Arizona. The Executive budget also lays out a plan for long term fiscal planning and stability.

In total, the Executive budget proposes over $1 billion in spending cuts, maximum utilization of federal stimulus funds, including those for the State Energy Office housed in Commerce, and a temporary one percent sales tax increase. This sales tax increase is expected to garner approximately $1 billion in additional revenue, that when paired with other fiscal tactics, not budgetary gimmicks, will help Arizona recover.

As a key stakeholder, we ask for your support of the Governor’s budget proposal as this process moves forward. The timing of your support is crucial, as there are only a few days left before the beginning of the fiscal year.

For additional information on the impact of the Governor’s budget to the State of Arizona, please visit: http://www.governor.state.az.us/ and click on the “Building a Better Arizona” link.

Also, if you are interested in contacting your legislator, please visit the Arizona Legislature’s website at : http://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp for contact information. If you are unsure of your elected officials, you can easily find your legislators by visiting the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission website at: http://azredistricting.org/mapping/default2.asp?tname=Interim.2009.Legislative.Map&service=ircmaps&Layer4=on&Layer1=on&action=zoomin&ActiveLayer=16
As always, thank you for your continued support of the Arizona Department of Commerce. We look forward to working with you during these rough times and for the future ahead.

Kerri Morey
Director of Public Policy
Arizona Department of Commerce
602-771-1175

Karla Castro Teixeira
Arizona Department of Commerce
International Business Development Manager
International Trade and Investment Division
1700 W. Washington Street, Suite 220
Phoenix, Arizona 85007

AZIGG June 26th Event at D'Backs

2009-06-02T05:03:00.000-07:00

Homerun Networking Event - AZIGG and the D'Backs - June 26th

Annual networking event with Cullen Maxey, SVP, Corporate Partnerships and Marketing, Arizona Diamondbacks. Watch the D'Backs play the Anaheim Angels with 200 new friends. Investment $55.

Thanks to Michael Swiczsz of the Phoenix CEO-CFO Group. In cooperations with CEO-CFO Group, ACG-Arizona and AZIGG.

Annual Networking with the Diamondbacks

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke - Growth Nation and AZIGG

Grow Globally Using the Internet - AZIGG June 1st at ASU SkySong

2009-05-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

AZIGG in June Presents:

Panel Discussion
"Grow Globally Using the Internet'

Omar Sayed - Founder and CEO of Succeed Corporation

Lon Safko - Entrepreneur & Author, The Social Media Bible

Vijay Kapoor - Founder and CEO of TCC247
Robert Wilkinson - Founder and CEO of Abacus 24/7

Monday, June 1st, 7:30am - 9:00am
Location: ASU SkySong, 1475 N Scottsdale Road, 1st Floor (SE Corner)
(Southeast corner of Scottsdale and McDowell)

Moderator: Doug Bruhnke - CEO of Growth Nation & President of AZIGG
Investment $15 includes coffee and juice

Omar Sayed (Succeed Corporation), Lon Safko (The Social Media Bible), Vijay Kapoor (TCC247) and Robert Wilkinson (Abacus 24/7) are four of the top experts in the US on web marketing for your business. They'll be at ASU - SkySong to discuss growing business online, and answering your questions. For early sign-up: www.azigg.com

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke

AZIGG and Growth Nation

Scottsdale, AZ USA

Green Events with Global Implications in Arizona

2009-05-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Arizona Competes Globally, in Green Workshops
Scottsdale-based Green Street Development is turning the desert green. They're offering 2-hour Green Remodel Workshops at Arizona's first LEED-certified single-family remodel in Phoenix. For more info and to sign-up: http://www.greenstreetdev.com/green-remodel-workshop/. The Workshops are offered to professionals May 12, May 14 and June 9, and to homeowners June 11.

Arizona Competes Globally, in Solar Decathlon
The University of Arizona's Solar Decathlon Team was elected by the US Department of Energy to compete in the 2009 Solar Decathlon. The competition is a showcase for sustainable architecture, with the goal of increasing awareness in the general public of the immense opportunities for solar powered innovation, applicable today for a reduced, if not carbon-neutral, way of living. Congrats U of A, and more info here: http://www.uasolardecathlon.com/

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke
AZIGG and Growth Nation
Scottsdale, AZ USA

AZIGG Draws Overflow Crowd for Solar

2009-05-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

At AZIGG on Monday, our expert panel sent a uniform message: call your legislators and city officials to get them to support Arizona business initiatives in solar, NOW. See these links for more info. Thanks Chris.

http://www.gpec.org/News_-_Events-Renewable-energy-news-updates.aspx

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1179/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26947

Special thanks to John Balfour (PerfectPower), Patrick O'Grady (Phoenix Business Journal) and Chris Camacho (GPEC) for great information.

The event was sold out and standing room only. Thanks to Glenn Hamer (Arizona Chamber), Chet Ross (SCORE) and Steve Zylstra (AZ Tech Council) for their contributions.

Thanks to Lon Safko for the pictures and sharing the launch of The Social Media Bible at AZIGG. Watch for Lon at our next AZIGG on June 1st that discusses growing your business globally on the internet.

Thanks to Bart Butler, Julie Vasquez and Maria Gryskiewicz for helping with the event. Watch for more pics from our group photographer Laird Brown (www.smallbusinessphoto.com).

All the best, Doug

AZIGG and Growth Nation
Scottsdale, Arizona

Arizona's Solar Energy Future at AZIGG May 4th

2009-04-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)

Features a Panel Discussion...

"Global Solar in Arizona: The Future's So Bright, If..."

John Balfour - President of PerfectPower
Patrick O'Grady - Reporter for Phoenix Business Journal
Chris Camacho - VP of Business Development for GPEC

Monday, May 4th, 7:30am - 9:00am

Location: ASU SkySong, 1475 N Scottsdale Road, 1st Floor (SE Corner)
(Southeast corner of Scottsdale and McDowell)
Moderator: Doug Bruhnke - CEO of Growth Nation & President of AZIGG
Investment $10 includes coffee and juice

John Balfour (Perfect Power), Patrick O'Grady (Phoenix Business Journal) and Chris Camacho (Greater Phoenix Economic Council) each understand the dynamics of the solar industry in Arizona. Together they can speak to the realities, challenges, opportunities, possibilities and probabilities of solar. We're in a critical phase on the future of green in Arizona, and this month we'll be discussing what it takes to win, and if we can.

Please RSVP: www.azigg.com

John Balfour - BS, MEP, Ph.D. and LEED Accredited Professional

John is the president of PerfectPower Inc. which he founded in 1998. PerfectPower was developed out of "The Energy Doctor" an active solar and energy consulting firm which he founded in 1977 and trademarked since 1981. PerfectPower is the most award-winning Solar Company in North America and is the only solar company in the US to win a Better Business Bureau "Business Ethics Award". John has two degrees from ASU including a BS in Science in Political Science (1977) and a Masters of Architecture in the Masters of Environmental Planning (MEP) Program (1982), which was ASU's solar program in the 1970's and 1980's. In 1992, he received a Ph.D. in Management funded by the Daimler Benz Corporation. John has been an active proponent of the application of high performance PV systems (systems that perform well in desert regions like Arizona) and aesthetically pleasing PV design and installations. As a result, PerfectPower is the only US solar company that designs for performance in high temperature locations.

Chris Camacho - Vice President of Business Development

Chris is Vice President of Business Development for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), focusing on GPEC's business attraction efforts in emerging technology and international economic development. He is former president and CEO of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation (GYEDC). During his three and a half year tenure there, GYEDC helped with the location of 35 companies to Greater Yuma representing the creation of over 3,500 new manufacturing and service jobs and $450 million in new capital investment.

Chris has also served as a financial incentives consultant for Madison County, Illinois, and a research associate for the TheAlliance, an economic development partnership in Metro St. Louis. He attended Southern Illinois University where he earned a master's degree in Public Administration and Public Policy and studied psychology and business administration as an undergraduate.

Patrick O'Grady - Technology Reporter

Patrick covers technology, manufacturing and sustainability for the Phoenix Business Journal. He has been in the Valley for 13 years and has covered a range of issues throughout the years including growth and economic development. His latest focus has been on, among other things, the burgeoning solar industry in the Valley and Arizona and its attempts to ramp up to provide another area of growth for the state.

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke

AZIGG

Growth Nation

Scottsdale, AZ

AZIGG Global Funding Panel Delivered to Full House at ASU SkySong

2009-04-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

AZIGG Panel on Global Financing - April 2009 at ASU SkySong

Photography by Laird Brown (www.smallbusinessphoto.com)

Four experts who understand every angle of finding financing for global business delivered information to a full house at SkySong.

Norman E. Clarke of Windstone Capital covered options through private capital groups for an existing business.

Havana-born and now Phoenix's own Carlos Emmermann spoke on financing your business through international sales and provided information on the Export Import Bank.

Chet Ross provided financing information for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Chet leads SCORE in Arizona and is in his own right an extraordinary business resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses as they look to grow globally.

Tucson-based Sy Rotter has over 30 years experience in Washington and globally with for-profit and non-profit international financing. Sy provided additional financing information from this panel containing over 100 years of global funding experience.

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke
President, AZIGG
Scottsdale, AZ USA

Funding Your Global Growth at AZIGG April 6th

2009-03-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

NEXT EVENT for AZIGG:

Monday, April 6th morning 7:30am – 9:00am

”Funding Your Global Growth”

Expert Panel:
Norm E. Clark - Founder & Sr. Managing Partner, Windstone Capital
Carlos Emmermann - Banking Consultant & Advisor to Sonoran Bank
Chet S. Ross - Director SCORE Arizona District & Chair Greater Phoenix SCORE
Sy Rotter - Founder & President of Washington Liason Office LLC

Location: ASU SkySong, 1475 N Scottsdale Road

(SE Corner Scottsdale and McDowell in Scottsdale)

$10 at the door, includes coffee, water and juice
RSVP: www.azigg.com

These four experts understand every angle on finding financing for your business. The idea for this funding panel was inspired by Havana-born and now Phoenix’s own Carlos Emmermann, who will speak on financing your business through international sales. Norm Clark of Windstone Capital will cover mergers and acquisitions and many more financing options if you have an existing business. Chet Ross leads SCORE in Arizona and is in his own right an extraordinary business resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses as they look to grow globally. Finally Tucson-based Sy Rotter has on his own over 30 years experience in Washington and globally with for-profit and non-profit international financing.

Norm E. Clarke

Norm has 25 years experience in global telecommunications, electronics, software and venture capital financing. He moved to Phoenix with Three-Five Systems (TFS) where he led sales and marketing, assisted on the Company's public offering and established the Company's Motorola account. TFS went from $6 million to $120 million in sales and was the fastest growing company on Wall Street for two consecutive years. He later went on as a senior executive in several different venture capital backed companies, including President of Capdata Systems Inc. Norm has been an active member of Arizona's venture capital community for the past 18 years including 4 years as a partner with the venture capital firm Blackwater Capital Group. He is credited with numerous private financings and several public offerings.

Carlos Emmermann
Carlos leads Emmermann and Associates LLC, which is an Arizona-based international trade and finance consulting firm that helps small and mid-size companies succeed in international business. Areas of expertise include accessing U.S. export credit agency programs to obtain pre- and post-export working capital financing to help businesses grow international sales, using trade finance tools to mitigate foreign payment risks, performing due diligence on foreign clients, assessing country economic and political conditions that may impact the business environment, and helping companies develop and implement international business strategies.

Chet S. Ross
Chet Ross leads SCORE in Arizona. He is a former corporate CEO and retired US Navy Commander. He has 37 years of senior executive global business experience in manufacturing, marketing and operations. He is a director of Micro Industries, LLC and serves on the advisory board of New Micro Holdings, LLC, Service West Delivery Services, Elixir Interactive and Create-A-Flag, LLC. He retired from the Navy with the rank of Commander, following 18 years of air reserve duty and 3½ years active duty. Because SCORE is partially funded by the SBA, Chet is connected to current funding opportunities from the US Stimulus Package.

Sy Rotter
Sy has more than thirty years of experience in international and domestic economic and social development programs, as staff, consultant and administrator. His international financial experience has included the U.S. Government’s Foreign Aid program, non-government organizations, development-focused foundations and Owner/President of the Washington Liaison Office, LLC based in Tucson.

All the best, Doug

Arizona International Growth Group

Chairman Jeff Morhet Delivers at AZIGG

2009-03-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

Photography by Laird Brown (www.smallbusinessphotos.com)

Jeff Morhet, Chairman and CEO of Scottsdale-based InNexus Biotechnology (www.ixsbio.com) provided an outstanding presentation to a full house at Jobing.com on March 3rd on how to grow a biotech firm globally.

If you missed it, in an answer to the question about how limiting is it that Arizona doesn't have a built-out VC community, Jeff answered, "Money finds good ideas". He used InNexus as an example of an Arizona-based company that has been funded from funding sources outside Arizona.

Thank you, Jeff!

All the best, Doug Bruhnke

AZIGG - Arizona International Growth Group

AZIGG Features Jeff Morhet March 2nd

2009-02-08T12:27:00.000-08:00

Monday, March 2nd morning 7:30am – 9am

"Building Biotech: The Science of Doing International Business”

Jeff Morhet, Chairman, CEO and President of InNexus Biotechnology, Inc.

Location: Headquarters of Jobing.com, 4747 N 22nd Street, Phoenix
(just south of Camelback on the east side of 22nd)

$10 at the door, includes coffee, water and juice

Jeff Morhet is Chairman, CEO and President of InNexus Biotechnology, Inc. (www.ixsbio.com) and is a 2008 Phoenix Business Journal “Global Power Player”. His vast global experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry includes positions at Baxter Healthcare, Merck and AstraZeneca. Jeff has launched multiple companies and is highly experienced in the areas of investor relations and corporate finance, participating in raising over $100 Million in public offerings, venture capital, equities and mergers.

Jeff has also founded the life science organizations THIRDBIOTECH and ThirdBiotech Research Group. On March 2nd he’ll be presenting his ideas on the science of doing international business taken from many years of successful experience.

AZIGG events occur monthly to provide information and resources to Arizona-based business owners as they look to grow internationally. Welcome internationalists!

AZIGG is sponsored by Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. www.ssd.com. Visit our blog: http://growglobally.blogspot.com/

More info and RSVP at www.azigg.com

AZIGG Article in Arizona Business Magazine

2009-02-08T12:15:00.001-08:00

Article in the January Arizona Business Magazine
Read it online at: http://azbigmedia.com/content/global-business-report-expanding-horizons

Expanding Horizons, Global Gains
By Doug Bruhnke is CEO/Founder of Growth Nation and President/Founder of the Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)

Most Arizona legislators and business leaders now recognize the value of international commerce to the state. It hasn’t always been that way, but today there is broad agreement that exports from Arizona to the world and Foreign Direct Investment into Arizona from the world create jobs and community growth. After all, 95% of the world’s population is outside the US and 70% of the world’s purchasing power. Why not tap in to that power?

Arizona has made relatively slow progress with international trade compared to states like California and Texas. Those states have each made greater per capita investments to both encourage local companies to export and foreign companies to invest locally. Arizona is ranked in the bottom of US states for Foreign Direct Investment - number 31 - according to the Department of Commerce. This creates an excellent opportunity for improvement.

With exports the picture is a little better. Arizona businesses have done a reasonably good job of selling their goods overseas. Exports from Arizona-based companies increased to $19.2 billion in 2007, contributing to good job and tax revenue growth. These figures rank Arizona as the 17th leading state for exports.

People all over the world know about the Grand Canyon, but fewer know about businesses within Arizona. Exports can help build global awareness of Arizona business, making the state a more viable candidate for foreign investment. That’s important because foreign companies investing in Arizona pay higher wages than local companies, and with today’s sputtering economy, the state’s economy needs all the help it can get.

According to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), if Arizona could increase Foreign Direct Investment to be the 17th ranked state as it is with exports, Arizona would attract 84,000 more jobs and $12.5 billion more in capital investment. How’s that for an economic shot in the arm?

“We need investment to capture strategic industry growth for Arizona like Germany-based solar companies,” according to Rod Miller, VP of International for GPEC. Miller spoke at a recent AZIGG meeting discussing Arizona’s ‘State of the International State’. “In the current environment, increasing our investment in economic development initiatives will support a quicker and stronger economic recovery.”

Miller’s data shows a return in capital spending and taxes of as much as $110 for every dollar spent attracting companies to Arizona. GPEC is making progress despite Arizona’s low per capital investment. The good news is that many know what’s needed. The bad news is that Arizona, like other states, faces a challenging budget crisis.

It has been against this backdrop of both opportunity and challenge that the Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) was founded in 2007. AZIGG (pronounced A-zigg) was created to provide the place for Arizona-based business owners to gain all the international information and connections they need to be successful overseas. Each of the existing business support organization like GPEC has a piece of the international puzzle, but none has a full view of importing, exporting, international company attraction and international company retention. AZIGG brings it all together including forums to attract and retain foreign companies.

AZIGG has quickly attracted over 1,000 members from the Arizona business and business support community. The group meets monthly to hear international business speakers and discuss ways to help Arizona-based businesses to export or to attract Foreign Direct Investment.

AZIGG encourages cooperation between local international business and cultural groups including the consulates, the Department of Commerce, GPEC, other city economic development resources, Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, World Affairs Counsel of Arizona, financial institutions working with the US Export-Import Bank, trade associations such as the Arizona Technology Council and international business service providers such as accounting, insurance, marketing and legal firms. AZIGG allows each resource to address the group monthly to keep business owners aware of the most recent ideas, news and opportunities.

In the same spirit of cooperation, the global law firm Squire, Sanders and Dempsey is stepping forward as the first business sponsor for AZIGG. In January the firm is hosting the AZIGG International Business Fair at their law offices in downtown Phoenix in order to make local businesses aware of all services available for companies to grow internationally. Arizona and Arizona-based businesses need to be especially creative to compete against other states for opportunity dollars.

AZIGG encourages both government and private business actions to grow international development. Monthly meetings feature Arizona-based entrepreneurs like Lee Knowlton of Kahala Corporation (including Cold Stone Creamery), Colin Christie of MX Secure and Omar Sayed of Succeed Corporation, all of whom are pioneers for Arizona in connecting their companies to the global market place. Similarly global service firms like Squire, Sanders and Dempsey show leadership to help others succeed internationally.

Business owners now have more choices with less risk to grow their business internationally. Their success ultimately will result in a more balanced and sustainable economy for Arizona. Besides AZIGG, the US Commercial Service Export Council and foreign consulates like that for Canada are available as resources to Arizona-based business owners. Additional resources are available on the AZIGG website, in AZIGG monthly meetings and as part of the AZIGG International Business Fair.

Besides international sales growth, there are other initiatives that all residents of Arizona can support to create a more level playing field for companies based in Arizona.

Gain more direct international flights to Sky Harbor
Send a clear message that Arizona is a state open to legal immigration
Improve education in Arizona from below average to above average in the US
Provide tax incentives to attract capital-intensive industries like solar to Arizona
Support international sales with education and infrastructure to increase exports

Find out more about international business by attending a monthly event at AZIGG. Meetings are typically held in Phoenix, Scottsdale or Glendale on the first Monday morning of the month. More information can be obtained at www.azigg.com.

AZIGG Global Business Fair - More Pictures

2009-02-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

Rod Miller of GPEC (www.gpec.org)

Glenn Williamson of CABC (www.canaz.org)

Harvey King of Vistage and Friends

Mike Endredy of SYNERGY HomeCare (www.synergyhomecare.com)

Carmo Ferrandez of the Indo-American Chamber, and Friends

Our host Bob Matia of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey (www.ssd.com)

Thank you to our table sponsors and the 250+ attendees at the inaugural AZIGG Global Business Fair. Our special thanks go to AZIGG sponsor Squire Sanders & Dempsey for hosting and organizing the event.

Thank you, too, to Rod Miller of GPEC (www.gpec.org) and Glenn Williamson of CABC (www.canaz.net) for their special comments on the status of Phoenix internationally, and where we could (and should) be.

Thanks to our photographer Laird Brown (www.smallbusinessphoto.com) for capturing the global crowd of Phoenix.

See the final picture above for AZIGG sponsor and Managing Partner Bob Matia of Squire, Sanders and Dempsey (www.ssd.com). He's talking global business with John from the John Adam Show, the team at Solugenix Corporation, Steve Zylstra of the Tech Council and others listening in.

Other pictures include Carmo Fernandez of the Indo-American Chamber, Mike Endredy of SYNERGY HomeCare, Harvey King of Vistage, Glenn Williamson of CABC and Rod Miller of GPEC.

Thanks to all the participants of the AZIGG Global Business Fair!

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke
Growth Nation and AZIGG
Scottsdale, AZ USA

Colin Christie of MxSecure at next AZIGG

2009-01-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

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