PHOENIX (Apr. X, 2013) – The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced its Arizona winners for the annual Small Business Week awards honoring small business champions and entrepreneurs. Winners will be recognized for their contributions to the Arizona economy at the Arizona Small Business Association’s (ASBA) 20^th Annual Enterprise Business Awards Luncheon on May 16 at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale.

The awards luncheon will feature a keynote panel of top Arizona entrepreneurs:

· Billy Malkovich, CEO of Mountainside Fitness

· Rich Rector, President of Realty Executives International

· Ann Siner, Owner of My Sister’s Closet

National Small Business Week is June 17-21.

"These men and women are the risk takers, the innovators and the employers that power our economy and serve our communities, in business and as local leaders,” said Robert J. Blaney, the District Director of the SBA in Arizona.

The 2013 Arizona winners are:

Arizona Small Business Person of the Year

John Stoncipher, President and CEO of Guidance Aviation in Prescott is the 2013 Small Business Person of the Year.

Some entrepreneurs get their inspiration late in life, others like John Stoncipher know from youth what they want and pursue it with life-long persistence and passion.

As a young boy growing up in Pasadena, California, John’s future was forged as he watched police helicopters fly overhead. By eighteen, John was certified to fly. By nineteen, with an instructor’s certificate in hand, he was teaching others the intricacies of helicopter flight.

Guidance Aviation was founded in 1998 and took residence at Prescott’s Municipal Airport. From there, John’s dream of a creating a first rate, high altitude flight school literally took off. The company’s progression is a testament to success. Characterized by innovation and growth the school soon won FAA approvals, created alliances with the Yavapai Sheriff’s Office, won approval from the US Department of Veterans Affairs to train veterans and received accreditation with Embry-Riddle University. Yavapai College has partnered with Guidance Aviation and offers an Associate of Applied Science Professional Helicopter Pilot Degree Program.

Today Guidance Aviation has a staff of 55, nine operating aircraft and a waiting list of students ready to take flight into their futures.

Arizona Small Business Exporter of the Year

Tattoo Manufacturing (TM) in Tucson, run by CEO Stephen L. Tooker, is the Small Business Exporter of the Year. TM manufactures products that emulate an art form that dates back to the early age of man. As the largest manufacturer of temporary tattoos in the world, holding 90% of the market share in North America and 65% of the global market, they sell product in 80 countries.

What is the world market for temporary tattoos? Perhaps the best way to get a hint of the demand is to look at TM’s daily production. With 100 employees the company prints over 7 million temporary tattoos a day. TM’s other products include books of tattoos known as Tattooles, custom calendars and scratch-n-win cards.

Safety is always a factor and the company uses non-toxic, hypoallergenic and FDA certified colorants to create products that exceed US and international regulatory requirements.

TM’s clients include the domestic and international divisions of Budweiser, Coke, Pepsi, McDonalds, Toyota, Ford, GM, GE, HBO, Kraft, Kellogg’s, Mattel and the US Government to name a few. Its products are found around the world in countries including Japan, India Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Australia, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and Peru.

Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year

This year’s Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business is Sierra Seed Company of Nogales. Started in 1989 by the late Rodney Hallman, Sierra Seed has since become a multimillion-dollar distributor of vegetable seeds to large commercial growers in Mexico. Sabrina Hallman joined the family business in 2007 when her father became ill.

An educator for 27 years, the learning curve was steep for Sabrina, but by attending courses at Purdue, the University of California-Davis, and the University of Arizona she developed an understanding of the industry that would help her lead the company to exponential growth. By 2011, her efforts produced revenues topping $10 million. With the recent opening of a new greenhouse in Mexico, growth will continue.

The appetite for quality seeds in robust in Mexico and abroad. Vegetables grown from the family company’s seeds make their way back north and are sold in grocery stores from Nogales to Canada. That produce is part of the more than $2 billion or between 4 and 5 billion pounds of produce that is shipped from Mexico to the United States and Canada through Nogales annually.

Arizona Minority Small Business Champion of the Year

This year’s Minority Small Business Champion is Jo Anne Arvizu of Raytheon Missile Systems. Jo Anne is Raytheon’s Supplier Diversity Manager in its Missile Systems division. Daily, she provides guidance and support to division efforts to enhance the utilization of Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women Owned Small Business, Veteran and Service Disabled Owned Small Business in compliance with federal requirements.

As an active participant in the local small business community, Jo Anne serves with many organizations aimed at promoting small business growth. She is the chair of the Minority and Small Business Alliance of Southern Arizona, board member of the Grand Canyon Minority Supplier Development Council, corporate member of the National Association of Women Business Owners and resource council member of the National Center for American Indian Economic Development Center.

A 33-year veteran of Raytheon, her role and experience allows her to offer invaluable guidance to interests inside and outside the company alike. She provides advocacy and counseling assistance for all small firms interested in doing business with Raytheon, offering insight on the Raytheon procurement system. Internally, she routinely assists in developing strategies to increase small business participation while aiding in the search for companies that can offer the technical knowledge, quality workmanship and material goods Raytheon requires.

Arizona Women in Business Champion of the Year

This year’s Women in Business Champion is Lydia Duron Kari, Vice President and Branch Manager of BMO Harris Bank.

Lydia, who has been in banking since 1988, was appointed to the Regional Diversity and Inclusion Council of M&I Bank (a precursor to BMO Harris) to help increase diversity within the bank’s own workplace and assist fellow employees expand their outreach efforts within the diverse local community.

She has been an active board member of the Microbusiness Advancement Center (MAC) a non-profit that hosts the SBA’s Tucson Women’s Business Center and the MAC Small Business Development Center.

Her efforts to help women business owners don’t stop when the door closes at work. Lydia is well known for volunteering with business focused organizations including the Small Business Development Center, the Minority and Small Business Alliance of Southern Arizona and the Boots to Business program for returning veterans. She routinely organizes workshops and is often found with microphone in hand covering the fundamentals of business or offering an insider’s view of what to expect when seeking funding from a bank.

Lydia recently helped charter a new women’s focused group called Women Impacting New Entrepreneurs Inc. The group supports and inspires women entrepreneurs with scholarships and grants that enable them to further their education, leadership skills and opportunities to succeed.

Arizona Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year

This year’s Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year is Melissa Lange, founder and president of the Southwest Veteran’s Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s mission is to improve business and economic opportunities for veterans throughout the Southwest. Melissa also owns the KTR Group, an executive recruiting firm, and has applied the lessons learned there to the challenges veterans face in finding a job or starting a business.

A Navy veteran and proud Army mom, Melissa has a passion for helping fellow veterans. The Chamber is currently promoting pending legislation that will help veteran owned businesses better compete for state contracts, provide expeditious notification of public job announcements to veterans and create a tax credit for businesses that hire veterans.

In 2012, Melissa was appointed co-chair of the Phoenix Military Veterans Commission by Mayor Greg Stanton. Not surprisingly, Melissa is also an active board member with a number of Veterans organizations including the American Legion, Veterans First, the Go Vets Foundation, the Veterans Medical Leadership Council, Unified Arizona Veterans, WAVES National, Women of the Sea Services and the Association of the US Navy.

Arizona Financial Services Champion of the Year

This year’s Financial Services Champion is Jeff Mizukami, Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Loan Officer with Horizon Community Bank (HCB) in Lake Havasu City. Jeff has been with HCB since December 2010 as head of the SBA Lending Division.

For the past 15 years of his 25 year banking career, Jeff has specialized in government guaranteed lending programs such as those offered by the Small Business Administration and U.S Department of Agriculture. Typical client industries include professionals, hospitality, industrial, manufacturing and retail businesses.

Arizona Small Business Development Center of Excellence

The Cochise College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Sierra Vista is this year’s Center of Excellence Award recipient for its record of success, innovation and economic impact. In 2012, under the leadership of center director Mark Schmitt, the Cochise College SBDC helped create 166 new jobs, helped retain 73 existing jobs, assisted 51 new businesses to start, assisted businesses to increase sales by $4.9 million and helped small businesses raise $4.3 million in new capital.

Characteristic of many SBDC directors, Mark is an entrepreneur having owned and operated a variety of businesses including a JC Penney Catalogue Desk, a Southwest gift store, a shipping and packaging store, a carpet cleaning business, money services business, collection agency, tuxedo rental store, TV/VCR repair shop and a paging and Internet service business. With this diverse business background Mark brings hands on experience to his job.

Arizona’s SBDC Network is a partnership between Maricopa Community College and the SBA. The service centers, located throughout the state, serve thousands of clients annually through business training programs and free, one-on-one confidential counseling by counselors who use their real-life business ownership and management experience to offer practical and relevant advice.

Join the celebration honoring these small business leaders on Thursday, May 16 at 11:15am-1:15pm at the The Phoenician Resort (6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ). To register, visit www.azsmallbizcon.com or call (602) 306-4000.

About ASBA

The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is the largest trade association in the state representing 11,000+ member businesses, and over ½ million employees in all 15 counties. ASBA members enjoy access to significant group discounts, countless opportunities to do business with each other, a wide array of insurance products, and active advocacy efforts on public policy issues to protect their businesses. Discover more at www.asba.com or by calling 602.306.4000 or 520.327.0222. Join ASBA. Be amAZed®

About the U.S. SBA (Arizona District Office)

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The Arizona District Office plays a significant role in the economic development of Arizona with a substantial impact to the state’s economy. For more information, please call 602-745-7200 or visit www.sba.gov

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"The PSA highlights the problems with Arizona’s outdated, overly complicated system that unnecessarily damages business and kills jobs. Save AZ Taxpayers aims to educate Arizonans about this important issue and urge them to take action and demand simplification from their representatives,” stated Glenn Hamer, President and CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Save AZ Taxpayers coalition member.

House Bill 2111, which streamlines the reporting and auditing process and dramatically reduces compliance costs for Arizona businesses, has been endorsed by Save AZ Taxpayers, which includes leaders of the Arizona Tax Research Association, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Arizona Small Business Association, the National Federation of Independent Business, and Small Business Alliance AZ among others.

Earlier this month, Arizona State Treasurer Doug Ducey announced his strong support for HB 2111. Ducey said that the current state tax code "gums up and slows down small businesses" and is "a nightmare for employers." The current system also "wastes millions of taxpayer dollars in compliance costs." Citing his experience as State Treasurer, Ducey explained that if HB 2111 passes, "Arizona will be more competitive in attracting new businesses while providing an environment of growth for employers who are already here."

House Bill 2111 will help Arizona's small businesses grow and thrive. It will help create jobs and help save our state millions of dollars. Let’s get Arizona back to business and simplify the state sales tax to grow small business, create jobs, and save taxpayer dollars.

 
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Contact: Garrick Taylor (602-248-9172) or
Kevin McCarthy (602-253-9121)

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Contact:
Molly Brogan
202-552-2904
press@nsba.biz

"Each year the SBA has the honor of spotlighting Arizona winners of our Small Business Week awards in a ceremony that recognizes and celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and community activism that has long characterized the small business community of our great state,” said Robert J. Blaney, the District Director of the SBA in Arizona. "These men and women are the risk takers, the innovators and the employers that power our economy and daily serve our communities, in business and as local leaders.”

The Award presentations will be made at the Arizona Small Business Association’s (ASBA) 20th Annual Enterprise Business Awards Luncheon on May 16 at the Phoenician Hotel, 6000 East Camelback Road in Scottsdale. Event information is available from ASBA at 602-306-4000 or www.azsmallbizcon.com.

National Small Business Week will be celebrated at events across the country from June 17 to 21.

The 2013 Arizona’s winners are:

2013 Arizona Small Business Person of the Year

John Stoncipher, President and CEO of Guidance Aviation in Prescott is the 2013 Small Business Person of the Year.

Some entrepreneurs get their inspiration late in life, others like John Stoncipher know from youth what they want and pursue it with life-long persistence and passion.

As a young boy growing up in Pasadena, California, John’s future was forged as he watched police helicopters fly overhead. By eighteen, John was certified to fly. By nineteen, with an instructor’s certificate in hand, he was teaching others the intricacies of helicopter flight.

Guidance Aviation was founded in 1998 and took residence at Prescott’s Municipal Airport. From there, John’s dream of a creating a first rate, high altitude flight school literally took off. The company’s progression is a testament to success. Characterized by innovation and growth the school soon won FAA approvals, created alliances with the Yavapai Sheriff’s Office, won approval from the US Department of Veterans Affairs to train veterans and received accreditation with Embry-Riddle University. Yavapai College has partnered with Guidance Aviation and offers an Associate of Applied Science Professional Helicopter Pilot Degree Program.

Today Guidance Aviation has a staff of 55, nine operating aircraft and a waiting list of students ready to take flight into their futures.

2013 Arizona Small Business Exporter of the Year

Tattoo Manufacturing (TM) in Tucson, run by CEO Stephen L. Tooker, is the Small Business Exporter of the Year. TM manufactures products that emulate an art form that dates back to the early age of man. As the largest manufacturer of temporary tattoos in the world, holding 90% of the market share in North America and 65% of the global market, they sell product in 80 countries.

What is the world market for temporary tattoos? Perhaps the best way to get a hint of the demand is to look at TM’s daily production. With 100 employees the company prints over 7 million temporary tattoos a day. TM’s other products include books of tattoos known as Tattooles, custom calendars and scratch-n-win cards.

Safety is always a factor and the company uses non-toxic, hypoallergenic and FDA certified colorants to create products that exceed US and international regulatory requirements.

TM’s clients include the domestic and international divisions of Budweiser, Coke, Pepsi, McDonalds, Toyota, Ford, GM, GE, HBO, Kraft, Kellogg’s, Mattel and the US Government to name a few. Its products are found around the world in countries including Japan, India Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Australia, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and Peru.

2013 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year

This year’s Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business is Sierra Seed Company of Nogales. Started in 1989 by the late Rodney Hallman, Sierra Seed has since become a multimillion-dollar distributor of vegetable seeds to large commercial growers in Mexico. Sabrina Hallman joined the family business in 2007 when her father became ill.

An educator for 27 years, the learning curve was steep for Sabrina, but by attending courses at Purdue, the University of California-Davis, and the University of Arizona she developed an understanding of the industry that would help her lead the company to exponential growth. By 2011, her efforts produced revenues topping $10 million. With the recent opening of a new greenhouse in Mexico, growth will continue.

The appetite for quality seeds in robust in Mexico and abroad. Vegetables grown from the family company’s seeds make their way back north and are sold in grocery stores from Nogales to Canada. That produce is part of the more than $2 billion or between 4 and 5 billion pounds of produce that is shipped from Mexico to the United States and Canada through Nogales annually.

2013 Arizona Minority Small Business Champion of the Year

This year’s Minority Small Business Champion is Jo Anne Arvizu of Raytheon Missile Systems. Jo Anne is Raytheon’s Supplier Diversity Manager in its Missile Systems division. Daily, she provides guidance and support to division efforts to enhance the utilization of Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women Owned Small Business, Veteran and Service Disabled Owned Small Business in compliance with federal requirements.

As an active participant in the local small business community, Jo Anne serves with many organizations aimed at promoting small business growth. She is the chair of the Minority and Small Business Alliance of Southern Arizona, board member of the Grand Canyon Minority Supplier Development Council, corporate member of the National Association of Women Business Owners and resource council member of the National Center for American Indian Economic Development Center.

A 33-year veteran of Raytheon, her role and experience allows her to offer invaluable guidance to interests inside and outside the company alike. She provides advocacy and counseling assistance for all small firms interested in doing business with Raytheon, offering insight on the Raytheon procurement system. Internally, she routinely assists in developing strategies to increase small business participation while aiding in the search for companies that can offer the technical knowledge, quality workmanship and material goods Raytheon requires.

2013 Arizona Women in Business Champion of the Year

This year’s Women in Business Champion is Lydia Duron Kari, Vice President and Branch Manager of BMO Harris Bank.

Lydia, who has been in banking since 1988, was appointed to the Regional Diversity and Inclusion Council of M&I Bank (a precursor to BMO Harris) to help increase diversity within the bank’s own workplace and assist fellow employees expand their outreach efforts within the diverse local community.

She has been an active board member of the Microbusiness Advancement Center (MAC) a non-profit that hosts the SBA’s Tucson Women’s Business Center and the MAC Small Business Development Center.

Her efforts to help women business owners don’t stop when the door closes at work. Lydia is well known for volunteering with business focused organizations including the Small Business Development Center, the Minority and Small Business Alliance of Southern Arizona and the Boots to Business program for returning veterans. She routinely organizes workshops and is often found with microphone in hand covering the fundamentals of business or offering an insider’s view of what to expect when seeking funding from a bank.

Lydia recently helped charter a new women’s focused group called Women Impacting New Entrepreneurs Inc. The group supports and inspires women entrepreneurs with scholarships and grants that enable them to further their education, leadership skills and opportunities to succeed.

2013 Arizona Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year

This year’s Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year is Melissa Lange, founder and president of the Southwest Veteran’s Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s mission is to improve business and economic opportunities for veterans throughout the Southwest. Melissa also owns the KTR Group, an executive recruiting firm, and has applied the lessons learned there to the challenges veterans face in finding a job or starting a business.

A Navy veteran and proud Army mom, Melissa has a passion for helping fellow veterans. The Chamber is currently promoting pending legislation that will help veteran owned businesses better compete for state contracts, provide expeditious notification of public job announcements to veterans and create a tax credit for businesses that hire veterans.

In 2012, Melissa was appointed co-chair of the Phoenix Military Veterans Commission by Mayor Greg Stanton. Not surprisingly, Melissa is also an active board member with a number of Veterans organizations including the American Legion, Veterans First, the Go Vets Foundation, the Veterans Medical Leadership Council, Unified Arizona Veterans, WAVES National, Women of the Sea Services and the Association of the US Navy.

2013 Arizona Financial Services Champion of the Year

This year’s Financial Services Champion isJeff Mizukami, Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Loan Officer with Horizon Community Bank (HCB) in Lake Havasu City. Jeff has been with HCB since December 2010 as head of the SBA Lending Division.

For the past 15 years of his 25 year banking career, Jeff has specialized in government guaranteed lending programs such as those offered by the Small Business Administration and U.S Department of Agriculture. Typical client industries include professionals, hospitality, industrial, manufacturing and retail businesses.

2013 Arizona Small Business Development Center of Excellence

The Cochise College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Sierra Vista is this year’s Center of Excellence Award recipient for its record of success, innovation and economic impact. In 2012, under the leadership of center director Mark Schmitt, the Cochise College SBDC helped create 166 new jobs, helped retain 73 existing jobs, assisted 51 new businesses to start, assisted businesses to increase sales by $4.9 million and helped small businesses raise $4.3 million in new capital.

Characteristic of many SBDC directors, Mark is an entrepreneur having owned and operated a variety of businesses including a JC Penney Catalogue Desk, a Southwest gift store, a shipping and packaging store, a carpet cleaning business, money services business, collection agency, tuxedo rental store, TV/VCR repair shop and a paging and Internet service business. With this diverse business background Mark brings hands on experience to his job.

Arizona’s SBDC Network is a partnership between Maricopa Community College and the SBA. The service centers, located throughout the state, serve thousands of clients annually through business training programs and free, one-on-one confidential counseling by counselors who use their real-life business ownership and management experience to offer practical and relevant advice.

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For more information about all of the SBA’s programs for small businesses, visit the SBA’s extensive Web site at www.sba.gov/az

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today was joined at Maricopa Medical Center by a coalition of Arizona’s premier business leaders and health care advocates as they voiced support for the expansion of the State’s Medicaid program.

"My concerns about the Affordable Care Act are well-known, but it is the law of the land. With this expansion, Arizona can leverage nearly $8 billion in federal funds over four years, save or protect thousands of quality jobs and protect our critical rural and safety-net hospitals,” said Governor Brewer. "The business and health care communities are uniting with me in this effort because they know how important this issue is to Arizona. I’m grateful for their support and am confident it will grow as we continue to make our case across this state.”

On Monday, Governor Brewer announced her decision to expand Medicaid in accordance with the Affordable Care Act. By slightly expanding eligibility for Arizona’s Medicaid program beyond what voters have already twice approved, Arizona will receive $7.9 billion in federal funds over four years – $1.6 billion in the first year alone.

This money will not only insure hundreds of thousands of low-income Arizonans, it will be an economic boon and help maintain the viability of rural and safety-net hospitals feeling the pinch from growing costs of uncompensated care.

Governor Brewer’s Medicaid plan will be accomplished at NO COST to the State General Fund. It also will include a critical safeguard that rolls back enrollment if federal reimbursement rates decrease.

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Business and health care leaders from across Arizona are lining up in support of the Governor Brewer’s proposal. Please see their statements below:

Betsey Bayless, President and CEO of the Maricopa Integrated Health System

"The Governor has recognized the staggering human cost to Arizona families without health insurance, and the increasing financial burden to hospitals can only be alleviated by taking strong action. The Governor also recognizes that AHCCCS is a national model and ‘gold standard’ for cost-effective, managed care. It is to the Governor’s credit that she has stepped forward and taken this position so forthrightly. The people of Arizona are well-served by Governor Brewer and her commitment to the people of this state.”

Glenn Hamer, President and CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry

"There is no love lost between this governor and the Obama administration. The taxes in the Affordable Care Act – the new taxes on medical devices and on investment income, for example – harm our economy and stifle growth. Business would much rather have seen a health care overhaul that was much more market-driven and promoted increased patient choice and flexibility while addressing the continual increase in the cost for employers and individuals. But by opting to expand Medicaid, Arizona is positioned to obtain $1.6 billion in federal matching funds in the first year alone, which could help mitigate the effects of the hidden tax, while providing insurance coverage to an estimated additional 240,000 Arizonans.”

Judy Rich, President and CEO, Tucson Medical Center; Chairwoman of the Board, Arizona Hospital and Health Association

"On behalf of hospitals throughout Arizona, we thank Governor Brewer for her leadership and support for the restoration and expansion of AHCCCS coverage for our most vulnerable citizens. This is the right decision for Arizona to honor the will of the voters who supported Proposition 204. The expansion of AHCCCS will boost the economy, save state money, lower health care costs for employers and – most importantly – improve the quality of life for everyone.”

Linda Hunt, Senior VP of Operations, President/CEO, Dignity Health Arizona

"We commend the Governor for her vision in setting a new path toward economic stability in the healthcare sector. The expansion initiative will not only give thousands of working Arizonans a chance to maintain their health, but will help healthcare providers continue to expand on the innovations that have propelled our bioscience community forward.”

Julie Pastrick, President and CEO, Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce

"The Governor’s Medicaid plan is tremendously important to the business community in rural Arizona. With this plan, we can not only bolster our essential rural hospitals and the role they play in our economy, but we can also begin to reduce the burden borne by Arizona families and business owners due to the growing costs of uncompensated care. We commend Governor Brewer’s decision.”

Neal Cash, President and CEO, Community Partnership of Southern Arizona

"Governor Brewer’s courageous support for Medicaid expansion is great news for people in Arizona who have a mental illness or substance-use disorder. Medicaid expansion will restore services to thousands of people with a serious mental illness who for the past few years have had to rely on expensive and often uncompensated care in emergency departments and crisis centers.”

Robert Meyer, President and CEO, Phoenix Children’s Hospital

"We applaud Governor Brewer’s bold leadership decision to support the availability of health care coverage to more Arizonans through the AHCCCS program. Although the debate has been centered on the childless adult population, the fragile pediatric population has been deeply impacted as well. As we all know, across the board cuts in AHCCCS, uncompensated care and Medicaid shortfalls impact safety net hospitals disproportionately and do not discriminate between adult or pediatric health care. The Governor’s leadership will help stabilize a troubled industry, secure professional jobs, encourage growth, and will have a lasting impact on the health and productivity of all of our citizens.”

Rick Murray, CEO, Arizona Small Business Association

"We commend the Governor for her willingness to look at this issue with such a broad perspective. While the benefit to underserved Arizonans is obvious,it’s the economic benefit of nearly $2 billion a year pumpedinto Arizona’s economy that will positively affect every Arizonan and hundreds of Arizona small businesses.”

Karen Mlawsky, CEO, University of Arizona Health Network

"We applaud Governor Brewer on her decision to support the Medicaid expansion, and look forward to working with her to make it a reality.The restoration of childless adults and the expansion of Medicaid is a smart economic solution that helps our state remain competitive while serving those in need.This will lower the cost of uncompensated care and help everyone throughout the state.”

James Stover, CEO, University of Arizona Health Network Health Plans

"Governor Brewer is showing strong leadership by supporting the will of the voters and supporting Arizona’s AHCCCS program, which is a national model for Medicaid. AHCCCS has been a leader in the United States for innovating and containing health care costs for over 30 years.This is the best economic move for the state, small business owners and taxpayers.”

Dr. Dennis Lund, Executive Vice President, Phoenix Children’s Medical Group

"We want to say ‘thank you, Governor’ for this strong vision of a sustainable health care system that promotes the good work of AHCCCS to other states and doesn’t accept that all delivery models are broken.AHCCCS has been a bright light of innovation for the whole country, and this is an opportunity to showcase our resourcefulness, proven fiscal management and improved health outcomes.With reform, fiscal responsibility, and economic opportunity at the forefront of the political landscape, we look forward to the Governor’s leadership nationally on this issue and assisting her in her efforts.”

Dr. Mick Pattinson, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Arizona Regional Behavioral Health Authority, Inc.

"Governor Brewer’s decision to support Medicaid expansion is a win-win for Arizona.This plan not only restores the health care coverage previously approved by a large majority of voters, it also will bring billions of dollars into our economy with expanded health care coverage for additional citizens as well. This new revenue will help us expand the infrastructure in behavioral health that will strengthen the safety net so badly needed across the state.The Governor is clearly demonstrating visionary leadership that everyone can support.”

Kote Chundu, MD, MMM, President and CEO, District Medical Group

"With the expansion of Medicaid, we would be giving our at-risk citizens more control over their health care, their families and their futures. This expansion secures a federal revenue stream to cover the costs of the uninsured that already show up in our doctors' offices and emergency rooms. Expanding Medicaid benefits not only the uninsured, but it also benefits employers and individuals who purchase private health insurance, hospitals and Arizona's economy as a whole. Uninsured families who use emergency rooms often can't pay their bills, and having insurance will refocus on primary care and prevention in this susceptible population. I applaud Gov. Brewer for her courage and conviction with this visionary decision in helping our most vulnerable population, hospitals and ensuring our long-term economic growth.”

Emily Jenkins, President and CEO, Arizona Council of Human Service Providers

"We applaud the Governor’s leadership and pragmatism. Her proposal is the only way to honor the voters’ mandate for the childless adults. With coverage for behavioral health services, there will be a reduction in the use of hospital emergency departments for psychiatric emergencies, resulting in lower uncompensated-care costs.”

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Media Contact:

Ann Dockendorff
602-542-7029
adockendorff@az.gov

PHOENIX – January 3, 2013 – The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) will offer a forum for Arizona small business owners and supporters of the small business community to discuss the critical issues facing small businesses this year at the 2013 Small Business Outlook. ASBA’s annual event will be highlighted by a panel of industry leaders who will delve into important topics such as public policy, sales tax, healthcare in Arizona and access to capital. The event will be held Thursday, Jan. 17 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.

Panelists for the 2013 Small Business Outlook include:

o Jerry Bustamante, Senior V.P. of Public Policy + Southern Arizona, ASBA

o Michael Hunter, Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Advisor on Tax Policy & Reform, Office of the Arizona Governor Janice K. Brewer

o Don Hughes, Policy Advisor for Health Care, Office of the Arizona Governor Janice K. Brewer

o Craig Jordan, Lender Relations Specialist, Arizona District Office

o John Oates, Head of State Government Affairs, Cigna

Rick Murray, CEO of ASBA, states, "At our Small Business Outlook, our expert panel will explore the main issues expected to rule the headlines and dominate the dialogue this year.”

One such topic is public policy. Panelist Jerry Bustamante, senior vice president of public policy for ASBA, will discuss why he predicts there will be more cooperation across party lines. He comments, "We are entering Arizona’s Legislative session with more clarity this year, in comparison to the many questions left unanswered at this time last year.”

Michael Hunter, director of legislative affairs and special advisor on tax policy and reform for the Office of the Arizona Governor Janice K. Brewer, can explain, for example, how the Fiscal Cliff being averted affects Arizonans and what the new tax bill means to small business owners. Also from the Office of the Arizona Governor Janice K. Brewer, Don Hughes, policy advisor for health care, can speak about new health care policies.

Cigna Head of State Government Affairs John Oates will discuss health care policy as well. He is responsible for legislative and regulatory advocacy in the states, and formerly served as a legislative aide in the Texas House of Representatives, a health policy analyst in the Texas Senate, a health policy advisor in the Governor’s office and as the Committee Director for the Senate Health Services.

Arizona District Office Lender Relations Specialist Craig Jordan will cover the topic of access to capital. Jordan will comment on the Small Business Association’s role in providing capital access to small businesses, loan production information, and the enhancements to programs and loan programs that currently exist.

The 2013 Small Business Outlook will commence at 7:30am and conclude at 10:00am on Thursday, Jan. 17. The Phoenician is located at 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. To register for the event, please visit asba.com/outlook or call (602) 306-4000.

About ASBA

The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is the largest trade association in the state representing 11,000+ member businesses, and over ½ million employees in all 15 counties. ASBA members enjoy access to significant group discounts, countless opportunities to do business with each other, a wide array of insurance products, and active advocacy efforts on public policy issues to protect their businesses. Discover more at www.asba.com or by calling 602.306.4000 or 520.327.0222. Join ASBA. Be amAZed®

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Andrea Kalmanovitz

David and Sam PR

602.621.4010

andrea@davidandsampr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARIZONA’S LARGEST TRADE ASSOCIATION PARTNERS WITH LOCAL OFFICE SUPPLY COMPANY TO STIMULATE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY

December 17, 2012 – Arizona small businesses have an obvious vested interest in the local economy’s success. One of the main reasons a small business joins an association like the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is to receive group discounts on products, such as office supplies. While saving money is a top priority for most small businesses, keeping more of their hard-earned dollars also ranks high on their list. They spoke. ASBA listened.

"ASBA’s primary focus is helping and supporting small businesses here in Arizona,” said Rick Murray, CEO of ASBA. "Anytime we can provide our members the best discounts and services, while also supporting another local Arizona small business, it is a win-win for everyone – especially the local economy.”

As of December 2012, ASBA has partnered with Wist Office Products to offer an exclusive program to their members. Wist Office Products is the ideal solution in delivering exactly what ASBA’s 11,000+ member companies are seeking. Being a local company is central to Wist’s ethos. Sam Richard, the Business Development Director at Wist says, "In addition to keeping three times as much money in the Arizona economy compared to our competitors, being local means that we hold ourselves to a higher standard - these aren't just our customers, they are our neighbors, too.”

The Tempe-based office supply company has been in Arizona since 1955, and currently provides quality office products with award-winning customer service to thousands of businesses across all 15 Arizona counties. ASBA also has members spread across all of these counties, which makes Wist a convenient choice for these businesses. "Being a third-generation family-owned company is more to us than just a postcard from the past - it's a way of saying to our customers that we care about the community in which we all live, work and play,” said Richard.

Through a membership with ASBA, Arizona businesses will receive up to 85% savings on office products, free next-day delivery with no minimum purchase, and keep significantly more of their office-supply dollars circulating locally. Businesses that are interested in receiving this discount and supporting the local economy are encouraged to visit asba.com or call the central Arizona office at 602-306-4000.

About ASBA – The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is the largest trade association in the state representing 11,000+ member businesses, and over ½ million employees in all 15 counties. ASBA members enjoy access to significant group discounts, countless opportunities to do business with each other, a wide array of insurance products, and active advocacy efforts on public policy issues to protect their businesses. Discover more at www.asba.com or by calling 602.306.4000 or 520.327.0222. Join ASBA. Be amAZed®

About Wist Office Products – Wist Office Products has been proudly serving Arizona businesses since 1955. As the largest independently-owned office supply company in the Southwest United States, Wist provides a comprehensive solution to reducing the cost of business products while consistently exceeding expectations. With free next-day delivery and an award-winning local customer service team, you can always expect a higher class of service. Wist is a third-generation family owned and operated business committed to building strong relationships with their Customers, giving back to the community and staying active in various statewide associations focused on building and maintaining a vibrant Arizona in which we can all live, work and play.

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Media Contacts

Rick Murray, CEO

Arizona Small Business Association

602.306.4000

rmurray@asba.com

Sam Richard

Wist Office Products

480.921.2900

srichard@wist.com

To schedule a phone interview or receive additional information, please contact ASBA’s Director of Marketing, Rhette Baughman, at 602-306-4000 or rbaughman@asba.com.

Tucson, Ariz. November 1, 2012

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WASHINGTON, D.C.

With unemployment remaining above eight percent for 43 consecutive months, Congressman Gosar has hosted a series of roundtables this summer to share ideas on the best ways to empower local businesses to create jobs. As a small business owner, Congressman Gosar believes that together through an open dialogue we can find solutions. To see a list of the panel participants please, click here.

[Pictured: Rep. Gosar speaking with ASBA CEO Rick Murray and local entrepreneurs at his "Entrepreneurship Panel Discussion and Roundtable"

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ASBA Partners with Stat Doctors to Help Members Manage Up to 26% Year-Over-Year National Average Increase in Healthcare Costs

The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) announces its partnership with Stat Health Services Inc. to offer its members Stat Doctors™, a service providing 24/7 access to board certified emergency physicians via Internet or phone. Stat Doctors offers an alternative to emergency room and urgent care visits, reducing the cost of care and providing care on-demand for the diagnosis and treatment of urgent yet common minor medical conditions.

"Stat Doctors is a unique solution for organizations to manage healthcare costs that are rising as much as 26 percent year-over-year, while reducing absenteeism and providing a benefit that employees love,” states Dr. Alan Roga, MD, founder and CEO of Stat Health Services. "We look forward to providing ASBA’s members a high quality, convenient and low cost alternative to traditional immediate medical care alternatives.”

Small businesses that are members of ASBA can now access Stat Doctors as a supplement to health insurance to minimize costs and add value to employees, or as an alternative to health insurance in the cases business owners cannot afford employer-sponsored healthcare. Likewise, employees that cannot afford healthcare insurance now have an affordable medical care option.

"ASBA represents over half a million lives (employees) in the State of Arizona,” says Rick Murray, CEO of ASBA. "The Stat Doctors program offers these individuals high quality medical access for minimal cost. This benefit gives small businesses, their employees and employees’ families some relief during a time when budgets are tight.”

Stat Health Services has a network of board certified emergency physicians conducting all of the online consultations. The service, accessible via telephone, personal computer or mobile devices, offers single sign-on, a virtual waiting room, e-visits, access to electronic medical records and e-prescribing services. Patients see a board certified emergency physician within 5-8 minutes on average. According to Dr. Roga, "You can see a doctor and be well on your way to getting better, in the time it would take you to drive to your nearest healthcare provider.”

As an included benefit of their ASBA membership, members and their employees have access to this benefit and pay only a small fee when they visit a Stat Doctors physician.

The service benefits employees suffering from sports injuries, arthritic pain, insect bites, urinary tract infections, rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, allergies, colds and flu, pink eye, asthma, bronchitis and many other acute minor medical conditions.

ASBA members can receive more information on the program, registration and costs by visiting http://www.asba.com/statdoctors. For more information about Stat Health Services and its Stat Doctors program, visit www.statdoctors.com or call 888-990-STAT. For more information about ASBA and/or to join, visit www.asba.com or call 602-306-4000.

About ASBA – The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is the largest trade association in the state representing 11,000+ member businesses, and over ½ million employees in all 15 counties. ASBA members enjoy access to significant group discounts, countless opportunities to do business with each other, a wide array of insurance products, and active advocacy efforts on public policy issues to protect their businesses. Discover more at www.asba.com or by calling 602.306.4000 or 520.327.0222. Join ASBA. Be amAZed®

About Stat Health Services, Inc.

Stat Health Services Inc. is an e-health company in Scottsdale, Arizona that leverages innovative technology to deliver its Stat Doctors service. Stat Doctors provides personalized, private and secure 24/7 virtual house calls with a network of board certified emergency room physicians, helping patients with common health problems. Stat Doctors increases access to providers, improves quality of care and reduces costs with technology that provides a virtual exam room, online medical consultation (eVisits), electronic health records (EHR) and electronic prescribing (ePrescribing). For more information, visit www.statdoctors.com or 888-990-STAT.

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Media Contact
Andrea Kalmanovitz
Alchemy PR and Marketing
602.980.2040
andrea@alchemyaz.com

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"It’s an honor for the Arizona Small Business Association to recognize these exceptional Arizona businesses,” says Rick Murray, chief executive officer of ASBA. "They represent the very best in innovation, business and entrepreneurial spirit that Arizona has to offer, and exemplify the great business leadership that is contributing to our state’s strengthening economy and excellence.”

"Each year the SBA has the honor of spotlighting Arizona winners of our Small Business Week awards in a ceremony that recognizes and celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and community activism that has long characterized the small business community of our great state,” said Robert J. Blaney, the District Director of the SBA in Arizona. "These men and women are the risk takers, the innovators and the employers that power our economy and daily serve our communities in business and as local leaders.”

• Small Business Person of the Year:
  Zeferino Banda, owner of Banda Group International (BGI) of Chandler
  
  
• Small Business Exporter of the Year:
  Dr. Manuel Padilla, President of Geotechnical Consulting and Testing Systems (GCTS) of Tempe
  
  
• Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year:
  AGM Container Controls of Tucson
  
  
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year:
  Virgilia Kaur Singh, CEO of MIB Consultants of Scottsdale
  
  
• Minority and Small Business Champion of the Year:
  Lea Marquez Peterson of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber
  
  
• Women in Business Champion of the Year:
  Janet Marcotte, Executive Director of the YWCA in Tucson
  
  
• Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year:
  Tom Shambo of the Microbusiness Advancement Center’s Small Business Development Center of Tucson
  
  
• Financial Services Champion of the Year:
  Karen Goettl, Vice President and Regional Loan Operations Manager of Western Alliance Bank of Phoenix

Arizona’s winners:

2012 Arizona Small Business Person of the Year
Chandler, AZ

2012 Arizona Small Business Exporter of the Year
Tempe, AZ

2012 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year
Tucson, AZ

2012 Arizona Financial Services Champion of the Year
Phoenix, AZ

2012 Arizona SCORE Chapter of the Year
Tucson, AZ

2012 Arizona Small Business Development Center of Excellence
Yuma, AZ

Awards will be presented in a ceremony hosted by the Arizona Small Business Association on May 1 at the Arizona Biltmore. For further information, please contact the Arizona Small Business Association at 602-306-4000.

Full Table (10 Seats) ASBA Member: $500 | Non-Member: $550
Half Table (5 Seats) ASBA Member: $225 | Non-Member: $275
Individual Seat ASBA Member: $50 | Non-Member: $60

• One complimentary ticket to the 19th Annual Enterprise Business Awards Luncheon on May 1, 2012 – value: $60
• Video featured on the ASBA Web site, social media pages (Facebook: www.facebook.com/beamazed; Twitter: www.twitter.com/asba) and the ASBA YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/asbatv) during National Small Business Month (May 2012)
  

• $500 cash prize provided by Sonoran Studios
• Video featured at the 19th Annual Enterprise Business Awards Luncheon on May 1, 2012 to the 400 expected guests in attendance
• Complimentary one year ASBA Membership – value: upwards of $585
  

• Shoot a 2-minute or less video telling ASBA why your business is amAZing™
• Your video should tell what your business does and include the phrase "My small business is amAZing™ because…”
• Videos do not have to be professionally produced in order to qualify – Smartphone videos welcome! However, for a professional video production, we recommend Sonoran Studios (www.sonoranstudios.com)
• Load your video on YouTube or another video hosting site and email the link to marketing@asba.com
• Deadline for video submissions is Friday, April 13 by Midnight
  

"It has been a privilege to lead ASBA and to serve the small business community. I have enjoyed advancing ASBA, helping our members, and connecting with organizations throughout Arizona and the nation,” Davis stated. "With the completion of ASBA’s turnaround, the time has come to recruit new leadership to advance the organization.”

"During this turnaround period, in an extremely challenging economy, Donna has fulfilled every goal set with the Board of Directors,” said Lynn Paige, Chairwoman of ASBA’s Board of Directors. "She has worked with the Board to capitalize on all her amazing talents and leaves behind a legacy of excellence for us all to follow,” she added.

"Donna has done amazing things for ASBA members and small business owners around Arizona. Under her direction, the association reinvented itself and more than doubled its membership. We wish her well in her new endeavors and look forward to a smooth transition,” remarked ASBA Board Vice Chairman Joe Higgins.

In the last three years, the organization’s membership has grown from 2,700 to over 11,000 business members, the financials are in the strongest condition in the organization’s 40-year history, the staff is extremely competent and dedicated, and the culture is energized.

"As a change agent, my role is completed, and it is time for me to entertain other professional opportunities. In the meantime, it is business as usual,” added Davis.

About ASBA – The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is the largest trade association in the state representing 11,000+ member businesses, and over ½ million employees in all 15 counties. ASBA members enjoy access to significant group discounts, countless opportunities to do business with each other, a wide array of insurance products, and active advocacy efforts on public policy issues to protect their businesses. Discover more at www.asba.com. Join ASBA. Be amAZed®

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katie Cobb
(602) 478-1331
kcobb@asba.com

The roundtable discussions offer government leaders the unique opportunity to hear directly from business leaders around the country about their ideas on how to grow the economy. They also are intended to educate participants about USDA programs and other federal resources that help rural businesses, residents and communities.

The Arizona Round Table attracted a diverse group of small businesses and business support groups from across the state—from small solar companies to Native American development groups. Joining the small businesses were business bankers, rural chambers of commerce, ethnic chambers of commerce, and other small business advocacy groups. Donna Davis, CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association, welcomed the group.

"Our programs have invested millions into rural Arizona businesses in the past few years," said Arizona State Director for USDA Rural Development Alan Stephens. "In rural areas where capital is often difficult for small businesses to access, our Business and Industry Guarantee Program has given rural businesses a much needed resource and rural banks and business lenders an incentive to continue to lend in smaller markets."

Stephens noted that Arizona has received two dozen Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) grants to Arizona businesses in the past two years. One of those grants went to a business in the small town of Elfrida, Ariz. A local well service owner/rancher found himself struggling to cover his escalating utility costs. His business was at a point where he couldn't afford to grow any more. With the help of REAP funds, he was able to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. USDA funds covered a quarter of the cost of the PV system. The rancher covered the rest of the cost. He says the system cut his utility costs by half and that he didn't think he could have continued his business without the PV system and the help of USDA.

"Those are the kind of stories we are hearing across rural America," said Under Secretary Tonsager. "These sometimes small boosts for rural businesses result in companies being able to become more efficient, saving businesses and jobs."

Since taking office, President Obama's Administration has taken historic steps to improve the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities. From proposing the American Jobs Act to establishing the first-ever White House Rural Council – chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack – the President wants the federal government to be the best possible partner for rural businesses and entrepreneurs creating job opportunities and for people who want to live, work, and raise their families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $155 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).