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Nancy Shenker

March 20, 2018
20 Mar 2018

Nancy Shenker, founder, and CEO, theONswitch

Name a Scottsdale resident you admire and why.

Jim Thompson, Scottsdale City Manager. I met Jim via LinkedIn when I first moved here and he was so welcoming and helpful in educating me about the area, advising me about various business groups to join, and reinforcing my decision to move here. I had worked in government at various stages of my career and found Jim to be a refreshing change from the norm — the polar opposite of a bureaucrat! Pragmatic, caring, and fun!

I also had the opportunity to hear Jim speak on a panel about the future of Scottsdale. He addressed issues head-on and conveyed the right balance between respect for history and the imperative of change in order to sustain economic health. This type of balance between “old and new” is ultimately what enables a community to thrive without losing its character and soul.

What is Scottsdale doing right?

In a word, everything I’ve experienced so far. The combination of a vibrant business community and a wonderful year-round lifestyle community is rare to find. I love the blend and accessibility of nature, culture, retail, great food, technology start-ups, sports, tourism, and more.

What would you do to improve Scottsdale?

I’d love to see more professional women having a voice in the future of Scottsdale. I’ve met some terrific women since I’ve been here, but have also attended events where no women were represented on stage. I’m determined to help change that by getting more involved in a wide range of business and social activities!

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March 21, 2018

March 20, 2018
20 Mar 2018

We are nearing the end of the current class of Scottsdale Leadership, and it’s been a privilege to be a part of it.

When I was accepted and joined this year’s class, several peers looked at me with raised eyebrows and said:  “You?” I understood. I may feel like a young pup, but one look at my picture tells you I’m far from it.

Also, I’ve been blessed over a 32-year career in the news business in the Valley to establish a deep network of relationships that remain valuable today. Since I am fortunate to know a lot of community leaders, most people assumed I already had been though the program, and some said, “you could be a teacher in Scottsdale Leadership.” Actually, I have been a presenter at several of their classes over the years.

But a good teacher is also a life-long student. There are learning opportunities every day, if you keep an eye out for them. This year’s class has proven that over and over again.

When she presents to groups, Margaret Leichtfuss, the group’s executive director, points to four main objectives of the program:

Knowledge, awareness, connections, relationships. Here’s my experience with them this year:

–Knowledge: The program has given us time to understand the facts on tough issues, and reminded us that you don’t know what you don’t know.

Do you think our city would be better if people engaged with each other on issues that often seem so divisive, knowing they can learn from each other no matter how far apart they may be? Do you think that might lead to faster, better solutions?

–Awareness: The program has helped us appreciate the good things that surround us  – and not take them for granted.

We live in a spectacular city, but do you think it will continue to shine if residents don’t understand the need to invest in maintaining that high quality and helping the city evolve and progress to keep up with the changing world around us?

–Connections: The program has given us a model of how people and communities grow and prosper, and how a collaborative spirit can lead to outcomes that benefit everyone.

Given the geography and demographic makeup of the city, we often seem wildly disconnected. Yet, what happens on McDowell Road will impact those who live in the McDowell Mountains. Wouldn’t a unified effort to solving city challenges and investing where needed in all areas of the city be more effective?

–Relationships: The program has reminded us about how important it is to keep an open mind and be respectful of everyone you meet.

In our class, just like in our city, we have diverse opinions on the hot topics that dominate the public policy agenda. And we disagree a lot. But we have discovered that we actually have a lot in common if we continue to respect each other while debating the issues.

Scottsdale Leadership’s four objectives have done much over the years to improve our city – one class at a time. But the core elements of what the program offers are available to everyone, and wouldn’t it be an awesome asset for the city if more people embraced them on their own?

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SkySong advances its culture of health and innovation

January 20, 2018
20 Jan 2018

The SkySong ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center, anchor at the gateway to the city, added healthy lifestyle features for its businesses, employees and residents. The new fitness options–public art, extensive shade, and other amenities for health and well-being—add to the vibrancy of the center, south Scottsdale and beyond. Read more: https://azbigmedia.com/skysong-embraces-culture-health-innovation/

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First shared working space company, Spaces, comes to Scottsdale’s Galleria

January 20, 2018
20 Jan 2018

The transformation of the Galleria continues.

Want a cool place to work, start or grow your business in the heart of Scottsdale’s vibrant downtown? Spaces offers co-working spaces set around the Galleria’s bright and light renovated lobby.

The Galleria is located in the heart of the city, amenity-rich, walkable downtown Scottsdale, along with retail shops, restaurants and living options that enrich the experience.

For more: https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2018/01/04/co-working-chain-spaces-opening-in-scottsdale.html?ana=e_ae_set2&s=article_du&ed=2018-01-04&u=xPvbJprv1UpZg8lgQVNBHw0a44b846&t=1515104444&j=79447641

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Scottsdale new water initiative enhances environmental practices 

January 19, 2018
19 Jan 2018

Scottsdale’s award-winning water department provides residents with quality drinking water and efficient process for storm water reuse. A recently accepted grant will fund an alternative low-impact development and green infrastructure initiative. Residents, visitors, businesses and the Indian Bend Wash, a local treasure, with its parks, lakes, walking paths and golf courses will benefit.

For more:
https://www.scottsdaleindependent.com/news/development-of-guidelines-for-understanding-stormwater-flows-under-way/ 

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Resolutions for you and the city

January 10, 2018
10 Jan 2018

A report this week said Scottsdale is the fourth best city in the country where people keep their New Year’s resolutions.

We’re right behind Seattle, San Francisco and San Diego in the WalletHub study, which rated cities on health, financial, relationship and other metrics.

Based on our performance, I feel confident in suggesting three simple resolutions that Scottsdale residents could accomplish to not only enhance their personal satisfaction but to make our city even stronger.

I’ll keep them simple for you.

–Take a hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Many of you have already, many more have not. The desert beauty along any of its trails is stunning. And we get to enjoy it due to the wisdom of Scottsdale voters who decided decades ago it was worth it to tax themselves to invest in saving this pristine desert.

(Love the idea that residents came together to invest their money to make such a solid improvement to their city that will be enjoyed by locals and visitors for many generations to come. I would like to think we could revive that spirit to continue investing in other ways to improve the city.)

–Spend a little time downtown this year. Many of you do. Many more of you do not. Try visiting the farmers market any Saturday and see how alive the city is on weekend mornings. Spend a little time on the canal banks enjoying the art and ambiance that make the city special. Enjoy the restaurants and nightlife that we are lucky to have.

(Downtown Scottsdale is a wonderful destination, the foundation of the city’s heritage, personality and key to the city’s continued success. But like anything of value, it too must evolve to stay relevant and keep its appeal. The year ahead will bring opportunities and ideas that have the potential to do just that. Hope everyone pays attention and contributes to those conversations.)

–Volunteer for any of the countless opportunities in the city. Many of you do. Many more of you do not. Spend as much time and effort as you see fit. But find ways to be involved to help others in your city.

(The real spirit of a city is in the hearts of its residents. People helping each other and doing good things for their community. It’s in Scottsdale’s roots. It’s likely in your hearts, too, waiting to be engaged.)

Scottsdale has always been a place where goals and dreams can come true due to the spirit and resolve of its residents. I like our chances this year, too.

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Scottsdale job market ranked high in national survey

January 9, 2018
09 Jan 2018

Out of 180 companies in the WalletHub survey, four of the top five cities for jobs are in Arizona.  Scottsdale ranked second in job-market strength—above San Francisco and fifth in median income, one of WalletHub’s socio-economic factors.

Scottsdale’s robust jobs market and high median income are important indicators of our city’s economic viability, a benefit for our residents, businesses and tourists. 

For more:

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2018/01/02/looking-for-a-job-try-these-4-valley-cities.html?ana=e_ae_set1&s=article_du&ed=2018-01-02&u=VBQfP%2BBj9X%2FgnwwNjpEifA0c6d195f&t=1514931647&j=79436121

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Acronis brings additional investment, jobs to Scottsdale

January 6, 2018
06 Jan 2018

Hybrid cloud data protection company Acronis will grow its local presence, bringing 40 high tech jobs and a $10 million investment to the city.

The planned research and development center will be home to high-tech talent working on projects such as artificial intelligence and other areas of innovation.

Scottsdale offers a strong entrepreneurial and high-tech industry base, a talented workforce and a great quality of life. Acronis is among the technology companies that are moving to, expanding and growing here.

For more:
https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2017/12/13/acronis-planning-10-million-investment-in.html

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Improved first responder agreement benefits Scottsdale residents, region 

January 6, 2018
06 Jan 2018

Scottsdale City Council adopted a reciprocal intergovernmental agreement that assures regional assistance in fire, medical and other emergency services.

This agreement provides mutual benefit with regional Phoenix Metro Fire for automatic aid to emergencies across regional boundaries. Closest vehicles are immediately sent to the emergency site by the supporting computer aided dispatch system.

Residents and businesses benefit from improved response times and consistent fire service standards.

For more:
https://www.scottsdaleindependent.com/news/scottsdale-city-council-approves-system-to-improve-fire-emergency-response/

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Piper Trust grant boosts Scottsdale Arts tech project

January 3, 2018
03 Jan 2018

A $410,000 grant from Piper Trust will be used by Scottsdale Arts for a technology initiative to enhance its customer experience through an improved technology infrastructure and website. Customers will be able to access performing arts, museum, public art and education offerings through an integrated user interface.

Scottsdale Arts is a major asset for tourists, visitors and residents and a strong contributor to the economic vitality of Scottsdale.

For more:
https://www.scottsdaleindependent.com/news/piper-trust-fuels-scottsdale-arts-tech-restructuring-initiative/

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