Mary Jo West

Mary Jo West is one of Arizona’s best known TV personalities and was the first woman to anchor a newscast in Phoenix. She has won two Emmys and the Peabody Award. West is one of the keynote speakers at the Tempe Chamber’s Women in Business Conference and Trade Show on May 21.

Several years ago when I made my living reporting and anchoring the news, I hated shopping. I usually paid full price for clothes at really nice stores and did everything I could to get in and get out in record time. If it fit and was the right color for the TV camera, I bought it. Many times I was so rushed I didn’t even look at the price tag. Shopping at an I. Magnin’s or Saks was a luxury that I could afford at the time. What was I thinking?

Fast forward. After being let go from my job because, among other things, I kept having birthdays, my anchor career ended way too early. I went from making six figures to a job making a fraction of my salary. However, I was so grateful I still had a rewarding way to earn an income. Who would have ever known that my hating to buy clothes turned into one of my favorite parts of the week! I started shopping at GOODWILL before it was cool. I’m able to walk in with no make-up and a sweat suit and no one cares. Being on a first name basis with the volunteers at the thrift store that helps the homeless makes me smile. I love wearing clothes that have a history. In fact, I get more compliments on my wardrobe now that I ever did in the past.  This is just one of the ways I have changed my life to live on less and enjoy it more. 

Mary Jo West, Communications Director of Arizona First Things First

 Learn about the Women in Business Conference and Trade Show or sign up for an exhibitor  booth or seat at the luncheon by clicking “Read More” below.

The event is designed to allow participants to celebrate success, learn from powerful speakers, enjoy an awards luncheon and enjoy a trade show featuring goods and services that assist in growing strong businesses.

The keynote speakers for the conference are Jay Parry, President and Chief Operating Officer of the WNBA Phoenix Mercury; Mary Jo West, Communications Director for Arizona’s First Things First; and Kay McDonald of Charity Charms.

A highlight of the day is the presentation of the Business Woman of the Year Award to an individual who has achieved excellence in her fields, displayed leadership in the community, and served as a positive role model. This year’s finalists are Lorraine Bergman, President/CEO of Caliente Construction; Angela Leavitt, Director of Marketing at Telesphere; and Elaine Ralls, Ph.D., President of Air Marketing.

Tickets are $65 for members and $99 for the general public. Attendees and exhibitors will have reserved seats and enjoy a plated lunch. Exhibitor booths (which include reserved seats at the luncheon) start at $400 for a six-foot table. Click here for complete information on exhibiting and an event flyer.

Click here to register for a booth or tickets or contact the Tempe Chamber at (480) 967-7891.