Looking for a Few Good Folks for the Global Chamber

 

We're looking for some talented movers and shakers at both the Global Chamber and Growth Nation. Please review the latest open positions here: Join us.

Learn more about the Global Chamber here: www.globalchamber.org

Learn more about Growth Nation here: www.growthnation.com

Thank you. Doug Bruhnke

AZIGG Grow Globally PHX 2013 October 7th

Grow Globally PHX 2013

 

 RSVP

  

"All of Metro Phoenix's Global Resources, All in One Place, All at One Time"

Who's Who and What's What of Global Business

5th Annual Grow Globally Phoenix Fair

Monday, October 7, 2013

3:00pm – 5:00pm

SkySong 1475 N Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, Convergence Auditorium

$30 in advance ($40 @ the door)

Exhibitor tables are available.

Includes international walking dinner and beverages. Free parking.

Who should attend: Arizona business leaders looking to export and grow globally. This is your annual best chance to connect to the global business community. Growing globally truly is 'the road less traveled'. Come with us on the journey!

Grow Globally Phoenix Fair is a signature event for AZIGG. Pictures from previous events are shown here for 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Welcome internationalists!

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

Exhibitors and Sponsors

 

Asia Arizona Business Council

Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Arizona Commerce Authority

Arizona Consular Corps

Arizona Council for International Visitors (AZCIV)

Arizona District Export Council (ADEC)

Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)

Arizona State University and ASU SkySong

Arizona Technology Council

Canada Arizona Business Council

Chinese Chamber of Commerce

City of Scottsdale

CQ Coach

Galbut & Galbut PC

Global Chamber

Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)

Growth Nation

Juras Law Firm

Korean Chamber of Commerce of Arizona

Lamson Consulting

Mesa Community College Study Abroad Program

Mojo Video Marketing

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

PCFR International State of the State

Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR)

Phoenix Sister Cities

Polsinelli

RUSTEC - Russian Science Technology & Education Consortia

Scottsdale Sister Cities

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Snell & Wilmer

The Great Canadian Picnic

Thunderbird Executive Education

Thunderbird Online

US Commercial Service

US Export Assistance Centers (USEAC)

Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition

VerdeXchange

VerdeXchange Arizona

Vistage International

Welcome to America Project

World Trade Forum January (2014)

How "Buy Locally" and "Grow Globally" Come Together

In 1986 I was walking through the airport in Pusan, South Korea and a billboard struck my eye. It was a visual image of a Korean buying a foreign product, and currency flying overseas. At the time Hyundai in nearby Ulsan made one of the world's worst-built vehicles, and subsequent years became an example of poor quality. And then things changed - and today Hyundai and Kia through investment have improved dramatically, and people all over the world buy and admire their cars and trucks. Plenty of dollars fly into Pusan, Ulsan and South Korea today.

Fast forward 14 years to 1996 when living in the Detroit area and listening to Mayor Dennis Archer talk about how the region needed to transform to survive - that the auto industry needed to get better, and that Detroit needed new technology industries to start and flourish for diversification. He left soon afterwards, and we all know what's happened to Detroit without fulfilling that vision. Some good news is that after years of horrible economic news, the auto industry has come back slightly, and all is not lost quite yet. But it's on life support, and the next actions will determine survival.

Fast forward 17 years to Phoenix, Arizona and the region faces a similar cross-roads to Korea in the mid-1980's and Detroit in the mid 1990's. Will the companies, people and state invest in industries critical to sustaining life on the desert, and will the locals support those industries?

How does 'buy local' go with 'grow global'? Both are important, and are intertwined. I think in terms of five areas to increase the wealth of a region, and here they are for Arizona...

1) Buy Local. Yes you can support globalization AND 'buy local', and vice-versa. Buying local keeps currency in the state, and reduces currency 'leakage', just like Korean's buying Hyundais and Detroiters buying Grand Cherokees rolling off Chrysler's Jefferson North assembly line.

2) Export. Companies that create products and services here that have value in other states and countries bring dollars in to Arizona, increasing wealth. The key is creating competitive products that surpass other states and countries - and that takes innovation, education and inspiration.

3) Encourage Investment. When there is something good here to invest in, Americans and Foreign Nationals will invest here, again bringing wealth to Arizona. There is a competition for dollars - what does Arizona have that attracts investment here versus Texas, California and Utah?

4) Welcome Visitors. The sad legacy of SB1070 is that people around the world have gotten the sense that Arizona does not welcome visitors. Nothing could be further from the truth - the state needs and desires visitors of all (legal) types with conventions, medical tourism and others. We need to transform the legacy into a better reality and message.

5) Sustain Arizona. Create an ever-improving life and lifestyle in the state - with investments in education, the arts, diversity, freedom, family, the environment, infrastructure, et al . . . to encourage talented people of all persuasions to live and enjoy life here.

It's quite simple, really, and Arizona has the attributes for significantly more wealth creation locally and globally.

It's as easy as one, two, three, four and five.

It ain't over till it's over - join in - in one or more of the 5 areas.

Lon Safko World Winning Marketing November 5

Lon Safko: World Winning Marketing

Conquer the World with Fusion Marketing, Social Media and Magic

AZIGG on Monday, November 5, 2012

7:30am – 9:00am

RSVP

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 business leaders looking to export and grow globally. Lon Safko's marketing magic extends beyond the U.S. borders. How should your marketing change to face the new global realities? Lon educates and entertains!

Click here for more about AZIGG and upcoming events. 

Grow Globally 2012 - October 8th

Grow Globally 2012

"All the Global Resources in Arizona, All Together, Once Per Year" 

It's also the 5th anniversary of AZIGG! Special guests and awards!

Monday, October 8, 2012

4:00pm to 6:00pm
SkySong, 1475 N Scottsdale Road, Convergence Room 
$30 online  

Who should attend: Executives in Arizona looking for opportunities to grow globally.

Info and RSVP Here

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: Be Able, Be Funded, Grow Globally

This month, we're honored to have Lee Benson kick-off the AZIGG event, CEO of Able Engineering & Component Services. Able Engineering received the 2011 Excellence in Global Business award at the annual PCFR Global State of the State event from Arizona District Export Council.

Based in Phoenix, Able Engineering counted sales of $33.5 million in 2010, 33% of which were with international customers.

AZIGG: Be Able, Be Funded, Grow Globally

Be More Successful with Exports and Global Growth

Lee Benson - President/CEO, Able Engineering

Kevin O'Shea - STEP Program Manager, Arizona Commerce Authority

Pellson Lau - Regional Manager, Export Solutions Group, U.S. SBA

Doug Bruhnke - CEO, Growth Nation

Monday, March 5, 2012

7:30am – 9:00am

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

$20 in advance ($25 @ the door)

Dunkin' donuts, Dunkin' coffee, O.J. and free parking.

Who should attend: Leaders looking for tips to grow globally.

RSVP

Oh Canada, We Love Your Business

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

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 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)

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

AZIGG Continues to Grow - New Logo

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

Arizona's Foreign Direct Investment

This article by Doug Bruhnke appeared in the November 7, 2008 Phoenix Business Journal. http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/

For every $1 Arizona spends on attracting non-US companies to establish operations in the state, it gains more than $37 in Foreign Direct Investment, according to Rod Miller, VP of International for Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC). Miller told an October Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) audience that payback can be higher than 100 to 1, and there are other benefits like ongoing tax revenue.

“In 2007-2008, GPEC found ways to keep Foreign Direct Investment in Arizona improving despite last year’s spending cut by the legislature,” says Miller. “We need investment to capture strategic industry growth for Arizona like Germany-based solar companies. In the current environment, increasing our investment in economic development initiatives will support a quicker and stronger economic recovery.”

Yet Arizona is in the bottom half of US states in attracting Foreign Direct Investment because it spends less on marketing per capita than the national average. GPEC and the Arizona Department of Commerce are making progress, but more opportunity is available. Nonetheless there are positive indicators that Arizona’s global profile is improving, and other investment mechanisms are supporting globalization of Arizona-based businesses.

Firms are taking unilateral action to invest in the global economy. That’s not an option for everyone, and those proceeding to enter the global market should take carefully considered actions that are well-funded. Arizona has funding resources available to support growth.

Early-stage firms presenting to investors at the Scottsdale-based Invest Southwest Capital Conference sponsored by The Miller Group (www.investsouthwest.org) have raised over $300 million. This year there’s a higher level of interest by companies to participate, and the conference will include a company based outside the US for the first time.

“Submissions by early-stage firms increased this year by 20%,” says Dave Bittner, Chairman of Invest Southwest and CEO of Beanstalk CFO. “In addition to Arizona-based companies, the Invest Southwest selection committee chose companies from two other states and Mexico, indicating that word about funding opportunities in Arizona is getting out”.

Arizona companies looking to grow globally are well advised to seek out experts who have “been there, done that” with international operations, marketing and funding. One community asset that small and medium-sized businesses can turn to is SCORE, which in addition to being an alliance partner for Invest Southwest, offers business seminars and free counseling.

“Experienced volunteers at Greater Phoenix SCORE mentor and counsel small businesses in each aspect of global expansion”, says Chet Ross, Chairman of Greater Phoenix SCORE and District Director for SCORE in Arizona (www.scorephoenix.org). “A large portion of our funding comes from the US Small Business Administration (SBA), making SCORE the ideal source for guidance on loans – including export loans – guaranteed on behalf of the US government by the SBA.”

Several options for export loans exist. The United States Export-Import Bank was established in 1934 to guarantee payment to American businesses on exports, handling the financial risk that commercial lenders will not assume. This reduces the overall risk for US firms selling globally. A variety of export credit insurance and loan guarantee tools exists to encourage US exports.

“International risk management tools for getting paid and for growing sales have high value and complexity”, says Carlos Emmerman, Trade Banking Director at Sonoran Bank. Carlos headed international banking offices for Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase before joining Sonoran Bank. “We sort through the complexity and help small and medium-sized businesses with decisions like when to approach the Export-Import Bank. We’re positioned as the premier community bank for the growing international business market in Arizona.”

The over-riding goal of the Export-Import Bank is to support the growth of US businesses by insuring against non-payment, offering open account payment terms and eliminating the need for expensive letters of credit or pre-payment requirements. The key for any business is selecting the right tool to support their needs.

“Exporting presents a unique set of challenges”, says Adam Keck, Vice President for Bibby Financial. Bibby is a provider of business cash flow solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises, including factoring, export receivables and purchase order financing. The company has been around for over 200 years.

“An exporter often must wait 90 days or more for payment from their international customers,” Keck continues. “In addition, foreign banking systems can be nearly impossible to navigate, with check clearance days and additional bank charges creating unwanted surprises. These issues are easier to recognize and mitigate with a knowledgeable and trustworthy export financing partner.”

FUNDING YOUR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH

When thinking about investing in your global growth, learn from the experts.

1) Don’t take unnecessary risks. Use tools like those at the Export-Import Bank to help you sleep better at night.

2) Use experienced resources. Don’t reinvent the wheel or get run over by global surprises. Experts are available here in Arizona.

3) Ensure that your business is well capitalized. Enter global trade knowing there will be the occasional surprise, and that the journey is well worth it when you’re prepared.

4) Spend a dollar to make at least two. The old adage “spend money to make money” is true for Arizona attracting Foreign Direct Investment, and for Arizona-based firms looking to grow internationally. Invest wisely.

Phoenix Business Journal
Global Section Article
November 7, 2008

Doug Bruhnke
Scottsdale, Arizona
www.growthnation.com

www.azigg.com

Doug Bruhnke is CEO/Founder of Growth Nation and President/Founder of the Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)

Thunderbird - AZIGG Event November 3rd

On the first Monday in November at AZIGG we have a special evening event jointly organized by the Thunderbird Alumni Phoenix Chapter and the Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG). It starts at 5:30pm on November 3rd (the night before election day).

We’re bringing together business owners in the Valley who have the desire to grow internationally with the number one ranked school of international business. International professionals will have the chance to network, exchange ideas and talk about global development and expansion for Arizona.

Five speakers and panelists with roots to Thunderbird School of Global Management will discuss ideas on how to stay current with international business practices and how to grow your business internationally.

Purpose
1. Inform on ways to keep up-to-date on the latest international business practices.
2. Share the value of Thunderbird for local companies with global ambitions.
3. Facilitate networking between the Thunderbird and the AZIGG communities.

Monday Evening, November 3rd, 5:30-7:30pm
FIRST MONDAY: ”Education Supports International Growth”
Special Joint Program with Thunderbird Alumni Phoenix Chapter, featuring:

• Jon Hobgood, International Director at Honeywell
• Bonnie Cameron Wells, Senior Director, Thunderbird
• Joseph Babcock, Director, Thunderbird
• Dr. Paula Shipper, Director, Thunderbird
• Dr. Roe Goddard, Associate Professor of Asia Studies

At Thunderbird School of Global Management, AT&T Auditorium
1 Global Place, Glendale

Investment: $10, includes snacks and drinks

Sign-up here: http://www.azigg.com/, or http://www.sebconsulting.com/thunderbird

AZIGG meetings are typically held on First Monday’s. Our home locations are Jobing.com near 22nd and Camelback or the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Auditorium at Second Avenue and Jefferson in downtown Phoenix - on the south side of Jefferson. There are exceptions - - - like this month at Thunderbird!

The investment to attend AZIGG meetings is typically $10. Coffee and pastries are provided. Attendees should RSVP here: http://www.azigg.com/.

Doug Bruhnke, AZIGG and Growth Nation

Rod Miller Wins Business Journal Power Player Award

Rod Miller, VP of International for GPEC http://www.gpec.org/, has been recognized as a 2008 Power Player by the Phoenix Business Journal. He along with Michael Crow, President of ASU, have been designated as the Valley's most influential global leaders.

You can hear from Rod Miller at the next Arizona International Growth Group event on Monday, October 6th at 7:30am, Jobing.com in Phoenix. For more information and to sign-up, visit the website at http://www.azigg.com/.

On October 6th, AZIGG is also hosting the 1st Anniversary meeting at Jobing.com - which is near 22nd and Camelback. The investment is $10. The event starts at 7:30am and includes juice, coffee and Greek pastries.

See you there! Doug

Doug Bruhnke
CEO of Growth Nation
President of AZIGG

The Governor and Others Talking Global

There are three global events coming up that are great opportunities to interact with the international community of Phoenix.

On September 17th, the World Affairs Council of Arizona is hosting an event with Lee Knowlton of Kahala Corp (Cold Stone Creamery) on being a global citizen. The event is a dinner that starts at 5:30pm and you can find out more at www.wacaz.org. If you would like to sit with the AZIGG group, please let me know.

On September 29th, the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations with support from AZIGG and many other local international groups is hosting the 5th Annual International State of the State with Governor Janet Napolitano. The event is a lunch that starts at 11:30am and you can find out more at www.pcfraz.org. I’ll be sitting at one of two WACAZ tables ;-)

On October 6th, the Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) is hosting our 1st Anniversary meeting at Jobing.com near 22nd and Camelback. Our speaker is the one and only Rod Miller of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC). It starts at 7:30am and includes juice, coffee and Greek pastries. Signup here: www.azigg.com.

Can’t decide? See you at all of them.

Doug Bruhnke
President of AZIGG
CEO of Growth Nation

Next AZIGG Meetings 10/6am and 11/3pm

The Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG) had another excellent crowd - 135 - at the headquarters of Cold Stone Creamery on August 15th. Thank you to Lee Knowlton - President of International for Kahala Corporation - for hosting us.

Our next AZIGG meeting is the first Monday in October - October 6th - featuring Rod Miller of GPEC (Greater Phoenix Economic Council). Rod will be presenting his 'International State of the State' that is now an annual event at AZIGG. We'll be at Jobing.com - near 22nd and Camelback. Start time is 7:30am.

Our November meeting is another special one - on the night before the Presidential Election. On Monday evening November 3rd we'll be at Thunderbird School of Global Management and we'll be treated to presentations by successful alumni of Thunderbird. This is a joint meeting with the Thunderbird alumni association.

Thanks to everyone for your support of AZIGG. More info here: http://www.azigg.com/

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke
AZIGG & Growth Nation
Scottsdale, AZ USA

AZIGG Celebrates One Year in Phoenix

It was nearly one year ago (October, 2007) that we started AZIGG - Arizona International Growth Group. Thanks to our first speaker Rod Miller of GPEC, who got us off to a fast start.

Before that first meeting I was wondering why Phoenix didn't have a business group where former expatriates like me could get together with other international folks, and where Arizona-based companies could go to get help and advice to take their business global. Why not?

The two premier groups in the Valley are mostly non-business: Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (http://www.pcfraz.org/) and the World Affairs Council of Arizona (http://www.wacaz.org/). They're both excellent - I'm a member of each - but they don't meet the business side of things like I wanted. And so I was thinking that if I could start a group that was more business oriented, some of the PCFR and WACAZ members might be interested, and off we go.

Before I sent out that first e-mail I thought we'd get 30-50 people, and I went ahead to book Dave Sherman's Training Center. Within an hour of sending an e-mail, 50 people had signed up. Oooops - - - we moved to Jobing.com! Holly Schor and Don Mock of Jobing.com are wonderful - - - and they put up with too many people and too many cars at that first and subsequent meeting. We got 'er done thanks to the Jobing.com team!

We've subsequently moved to larger venues like Sassi in Scottsdale and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Auditorium. AZIGG was started! Andres Chagolla of MCBiz and his team have also been extraordinary in helping us get off the ground and keep it going and growing. Thanks Andres and Nelson!?

A lot of the interest in that first meeting was for Rod Miller, VP of International for Greater Phoenix Economic Council (http://www.gpec.org/). Rod is extraordinary - - - his international background impeccable - - - and he is an amazingly effective ambassador for Arizona.

Many thanks to all the internationalists who have made it possible, especially Kim Kubsch and the board of AZIGG http://www.azigg.com/.

There have been many community leaders who have helped out - including Susan Schultz of PCFR, Sharon Wilkinson of WACAZ, Steve Zylstra of AZ Tech Council, Glenn Williamson and CABC, etc etc. There are too many to count - and so thank you to all!

Thanks for visiting our blog. I'll take a few steps back to get you caught up and then hopefully keep it going and current from our next meeting October 6, 2008 - - - again with Rod Miller!

All the best, Doug

Doug Bruhnke

Founder/President of AZIGG http://www.azigg.com/

CEO of Growth Nation http://www.growthnation.com/