Sunday, January 20, 2013

AZIGG February 4th: Be a #1 Importing Business


Becoming a #1 Importer: Tips from the QDIStone Success Story, by CEO Arif Surmen
 
QDIStone    Inc 5000

Monday, February 4, 2013
7:30am – 9:00am

RSVP 
SkySong 1475 N Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale (2nd Floor)
$20 in advance ($25 @ the door)
Includes coffee, juice, water, fruit / breakfast pastries. Free parking.

QDIStone has had an extraordinary run of importing and B2B (and B2C) selling success. Learn more from CEO Arif Surmen on how they became an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing firm while being HQ'd in Phoenix.

Who should attend: Arizona leaders looking for international success tips and to network with the business Arizona global business community. 

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

Sunday, January 6, 2013

World Trade Forum V January 15, 2013



Join us for the the annual international "World Trade Forum" organized by Snell and Wilmer on January 15, 2013 - this year featuring AZ Commerce CEO Sandra Watson, US Commercial Service Director Eric Nielsen, and Phoenix Councilman Bill Gates. 

World Trade Forum V is a town hall style conversation sharing perspectives on Arizona’s international business scene. The expert moderator is Brett Johnson of Snell and Wilmer. The event is free and is being held at ASU's SkySong in Scottsdale.

To reserve your spot, please send an e-mail request to rsvp@swlaw.com or call 1.855.793.8368. Join AZIGG, Arizona Council for International Visitors (AZCIV), U.S. Commercial Service, The Global Chamber of Commerce and other international groups at this important event. 

See you January 15th for Snell and Wilmer's World Trade Forum!

For more information including other international events, click here.


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! 

Saturday, December 15, 2012

China Forum 2: Opportunities for Growth in China


China Forum 2: Opportunities for Medical Device and Tech Companies in China
Featuring Jay Biggs, Principal Commercial Officer, US Consulate General, Guangzhou

Learn more about accessing the Chinese market, including planning your intellectual property strategy, finding sales prospects and growing your business. We'll have a special emphasis on medical devices and life sciences. 

Additional speakers will be Kristian Richardson of US Commercial Service, Mario Martinez of 360 Vantage and Doug Bruhnke and XY Sun of Growth Nation. Also learn more about a life sciences trade mission to China in April, 2013.


Tuesday, December 18th, 10:00am - 1:30pm

This event is free of charge and includes presentations from 10am to noon, and then a lunch reception 12:00noon to 1:30pm.
251 W Washington, Calvin Goode Bldg (10th F, CGB 10 East), Phoenix, AZ 85004
Parking 305 W Washington


Sunday, December 9, 2012

Best International Restaurants in Phoenix and Tucson 2013


There are many good restaurants around Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona to enjoy life's pleasure of eating! The focus of AZIGG is international, and so find below our international favorites.

There are a few American-style restaurants sprinkled in at the bottom to make this a more complete "Best of" restaurant list. Also the restaurants marked with "*' are highly recommended.

Continue to send in feedback by adding comments or e-mailing to info@azigg.com. We need more good Indian and Chinese restaurants.

You can see more details including reviews on Yelp or Urban Spoon. Also follow real food reviewers at the New Times "Chow Bella" blog on Twitter.

Best International Restaurants in Arizona

Afghan: Flaming Kebob (Mesa and Tempe), Kyber Halal (Phoenix)

Bosnian: Caffe Sarajevo (Phoenix)

Brazilian: Fogo de Chao (Scottsdale)

British/Irish: Codfather (Phoenix), Cornish Pasty Company (Tempe and Mesa), George and Dragon (Phoenix), Rula Bula (Tempe), Skeptical Chymist (Scottsdale)

Cambodian: Reathrey Sekong (Phoenix)

Caribbean: Chino Bandido (Phoenix and Chandler), Havana Cafe (Phoenix), Millie's Cafe Puerto Rican Cuisine (Mesa)

Chinese: China Chile (Phoenix), China King (Chandler), China Magic Noodle House (Chandler), Chou's Kitchen (Chandler), George and Son (Scottsdale), Great Wall Hong Kong Cuisine (Phoenix), Szechuan Palace* (Phoenix)

Dutch: Rokerij (Phoenix)

Ecuadorian: Mi Comida Restaurante Latino (Phoenix)

El Salvadorian: Restaurant Salvadoreno (Mesa)

Ethiopian: Cafe Lalibela (Tempe), Gojo Ethiopian (Phoenix)

Filipino: Hey Joe! (food truck)

French: Amuse Bouche Bistro (Surprise), Au Petit Four (Scottsdale), Coup des Tartes (Phoenix), La Petite France (Scottsdale), Sophie's (Phoenix), Vincent's on Camelback (Phoenix), Vincent Market Bistro (Phoenix)

German: Brat Haus (Scottsdale), Europa Pastry Cafe (Phoenix), German Sausage Company (Phoenix), Haus Murphy's (Glendale), Zur Kate (Mesa)

Greek: Greekfest* (Phoenix) - see picture above of chef Tony Makridis

Indian: Al Hamra (Scottsdale), Indian Delhi Palace (Phoenix), Jewel of the Crown (Scottsdale), Maharaja Palace (Glendale), Tandoori Times (Glendale and Scottsdale), The Dhaba (Tempe), Udupi Cafe (Scottsdale)

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

Japanese: Dozo (Scottsdale), Hana Japanese Eatery (Phoenix), Hiro Sushi (Scottsdale), Nobuo at Teeter House* (Phoenix), Roka Akor* (Scottsdale), ShinBay (Scottsdale), Shimogamo (Chandler), Sushi Ken (Chandler), Toyama (Scottsdale), Yasu Sushi Bistro (Phoenix)

Korean: Cafe Ga Hyang (Glendale), Chodang Tofu and BBQ (Chandler), Takamatsu* (Chandler)

Kosher: Segal's Oasis Grill (Phoenix)

Mexican: Barrio Cafe* (Phoenix), Carolina's Mexican Food (Phoenix), Comedor Guadalajara (Phoenix), El Guero Canelo (Tucson), Elote Cafe* (Sedona), Javelina Inferno (Scottsdale), La Tolteca Mexican Foods (Phoenix), Los Dos Molinos (Mesa and more), Los Reyes de la Torta* (Phoenix), Mariscos Playa Hermosa (Phoenix), Mi Nidito* (Tucson), Spotted Donkey Cantina* (Scottsdale)

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

Pakistani: Curry Corner (Tempe)

Peruvian: Inca's Peruvian Cuisine (Scottsdale)

Polish: Polish Goodies (Phoenix)

Russian/Uzbek: Bon Appetit (Phoenix), Golden Valley (Phoenix), Restaurant Samarkand* (Phoenix)

Somali: Juba Restaurant (Phoenix)

Spanish: Tapas Papa Fritas (Scottsdale)

Swedish: Beaver Choice* (Tempe)

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

Vietnamese: Cyclo Vietnamese Cuisine (Chandler), Davang (Phoenix), Fresh Mint (Scottsdale), Khai Hoan (Tempe), Noodles Ranch (Scottsdale), Tea Lite Cafe (Scottsdale)


In Arizona there are many world-class resorts with great restaurants inside - some of which are international and all of which cater to international visitors. There are also local favorites that are not necessarily focused on international - and they are listed below. Enjoy!

Best Arizona Resort Dining

Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa (Phoenix)
Camelback Inn (Scottsdale)
Enchantment Resort (Sedona)
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort and Spa (Scottsdale)
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)
Royal Palms Resort and Spa (Phoenix)
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa (Paradise Valley)
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort (Chandler)
Talking Stick Resort and Casino (Scottsdale)
The Boulders a Waldorf Astoria Resort (Carefree)
The Hermosa Inn (Phoenix)
The Phoenician Resort (Scottsdale)
The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa (Scottsdale)
The Westin LaPaloma Resort and Spa (Tucson)
Westward Look Resort (Tucson) 

Other Top 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)
Eddie's House (Scottsdale)
Eddie V's Prime Seafood (Scottsdale)
FnB (Scottsdale)
Joe's Farm Grill (Gilbert)
Joe's Real BBQ (Gilbert)
Kai at Wild Horse Pass (Chandler)
Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles (Phoenix and Scottsdale)
Mastro's Ocean Club (Phoenix)
Richardson's Cuisine of New Mexico (Phoenix)
Roaring Fork (Scottsdale)
Tarbell's (Phoenix)
The Farmhouse (Gilbert)
Quiessence, The Farm at South Mountain (Phoenix)

Friday, November 23, 2012

Rudy Vetter of GPEC December 3, 2012 at AZIGG


Global Arizona: Are We There Yet?
A Frank Assessment and Outlook by Rudy Vetter, Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Rudy Vetter
Monday, December 3, 2012
7:30am – 9:00am
 
SkySong 1475 N Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, Global Room (2nd Floor)
$20 in advance ($25 @ the door)
Includes coffee, juice, water, fruit and breakfast pastries. Free parking.

Who should attend: Arizona leaders looking to understand the state of international business in Arizona and to network with the business community.
Welcome internationalists!
Questions? Contact Yashu Chen @ 520-895-9668 (yashu@growthnation.com)

World Trade Forum V - January 15, 2013

Snell & Wilmer is hosting (at SkySong) the World Trade Forum V on January 15, 2013.

This year's event is again co-sponsored by Arizona Council for International Visitors and Arizona International Growth Group. Watch for further sponsors.

Also check the details and sign-up soon from the Growth Nation "In the Community" international business page: http://growthnation.com/seminars/in-the-community/

The event will include: (1) Arizona's 2012 year in review, (2) the outlook for 2013 and (3) what government is doing to stimulate trade in Arizona.

See you in January!