AZIGG April 1st: Arizona Arizona Aerospace

Arizona Aerospace: Continued Flight or Grounded?

Regional and Global Industry Review

Featuring: Glenn Williamson - President/CEO, KinetX Aerospace

Stephane Frijia - Senior Research Analyst, GPEC

Birgitte Santaella - Vice-President, Arizona Commerce Authority

 

   

Monday, April 1, 2013

7:30am – 9:00am

RSVP Here

SkySong 1475 N Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, Global Room (2nd Floor)

$20 in advance ($25 @ the door)

Includes coffee, juice, water, breakfast pastries. Free parking.

Arizona is a top-ranked Aerospace Industry state (#6 for DOD funding), contributing over $15 billion to the state's economy every year. With the Sequester, defense industry changes and global supply chain shifts, what can we expect to happen next?

We are honored to have three experts on the Aerospace Industry - Defense and Civil - to discuss the new GPEC study, the Sequester and global developments that will be impacting everyone involved with the segment - directly or indirectly.

Who should attend: Arizona business leaders looking for more international success including education and connections. 

Welcome internationalists!

Questions? Contact Yvonne Luker @ 480-595-5000 (info@azigg.com)

Our 6th Year of International Business in Arizona

Mayor Jim Lane (Scottsdale) at 'Grow Globally 2012'

space
The Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) is an Arizona-based organization that provides information to executives as they look to grow their business globally. We collaborate with over a dozen organizations to support the economic development of Arizona. 

AZIGG holds monthly events featuring business leaders successfully conducting international business. Anyone may attend these events - and there is no 'membership' per se. Attendance fees and sponsorship cover operating costs such as event space, food/beverage and the web. 

Thank you to all our sponsors especially Chairman and CEO Sponsors CQ Coach, Polsinelli Shughart and Snell and Wilmer. Their financial support sustains our events and gets international success stories and information to Arizona businesses. We all appreciate you!

Learn more about AZIGG at ... www.azigg.com, www.twitter.com/azigg, www.facebook.com/AZIGG and www.growthnation.com/azigg.  

In the first quarter of 2013 we have four exciting events planned!

First we are supporting Snell and Wilmer's annual Trade Forum V on January 15th - always an outstanding event! There are two more open events that will feature a highly successful importer (QDI Stone) and a long time international leader with NKK Switches (Kiyoko Toyama).

AZIGG is also hosting a private event with sponsors and local international leaders that will feature dialogue with some key Arizona political leaders. Let me know if you'd like more info.

My name is Doug Bruhnke, founder of AZIGG - and also founder/CEO of Growth Nation. For more information on AZIGG visit our home page or contact us at info@azigg.com. 

Happy New Year! 

AZ Accelerate 2012 - Grow Globally!

This week there is a business acceleration seminar at Growth Nation in Scottsdale on Tuesday, May 15th from 8am to 12 noon featuring Lee Benson, CEO of Able Engineering. Additional speakers include Lon Safko (The Social Media Bible and Fuse Marketing), Ira Cohen (Mojo Video) and Doug Bruhnke (Growth Nation).

Jack Welch has commented in Lee Benson's success and called it "the best management system I've ever seen." Read more about the event and sign-up by 5pm on Monday to make sure you have a seat for this event.

Other participants in the event include Vistage Arizona and Arizona Commerce Authority.

Click here for more information on AZ Accelerate 2012.

AZIGG Into Africa: Opportunities to Grow

Monday, May 7, 7:30am – 9:00am

Into Africa: Opportunities to Grow

Lee W. Clegg, President of CommerceGhana.com

Erika Amoako-Agyei, Founder/Writer of African Business Review

Dr. Innocent Abiaka – EVP of AMI Consultants

RSVP

Who should attend: Business leaders looking opportunities in Africa and around the world to grow their business.

Our speakers provide tips and real world examples of Arizona organizations succeeding in their global growth initiatives.

This month, we're honored to have Lee Clegg, Erika Amoako-Agyei and Dr. Innocent Abiaka to share their expertise about expanding your business in Africa.

 

AZIGG Grow Globally Phoenix Fair 2011

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)

Celebration of International Trade in Arizona

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

Cross Cultural Success for Global Entrepreneurs March 7th

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

Happy New Year with AZIGG: Upcoming Events

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

AZIGG Events December 2010 & January 2011

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

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

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)

Upcoming International Events in Phoenix

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

The Importance of Respect in Global Business

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

Best International Restaurants in Phoenix Arizona

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

All About Data Centers in Arizona April 5th

"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

Anti-Foreigner Sentiment Has No Place in the Business Press

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

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

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

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

Dec 7th AZIGG Photos; Next AZIGG Jan 11th

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)