Vote in the “I am Free Enterprise” Video Contest

Check out some incredible video and cast your vote for the “I am Free Enterprise” contest. http://bit.ly/aDAN0k

Common Names & Credit Reports

Common Names & Credit Reports

I’ve had it with credit reporting agencies.
When your name is Mary Miller (Ann is my middle name), you get used to regularly checking your credit report for errors – some of which defy logic.
I remember the first time I found an error. I was 20 years old and wondering why I was denied a credit card. Turns out there was an item on my report indicating I had defaulted on a home loan – four years earlier. Even in the rush to loan of the last few years, no one would approve a mortgage to someone under the age of 16.
So I got my Equifax report last week only to discover they changed my first name! Suddenly, all my accounts are attributed to Marilyn Miller, and the only way to fix it is to send them all sorts of documents proving my first name is Mary. Of course, they didn’t need to notify me of the change to begin with, and they didn’t need to justify the change after a 30-year credit history under the name Mary.
Now I know that in the great scheme of things this is a minor irritation, but I’m tired of an industry that’s allowed to assume you’re guilty until you prove your innocence. More and more, everything from insurance rates to employment is based on your credit report. Reporting agencies need to develop higher standards.

2010 Business Woman of the Year Finalists Named

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce has announced the three finalists for the 2010 Business Woman of the Year award.
The winner will be announced at the Women In Business Conference & Trade Show on Tuesday, May 218 at The Arizona Grand Resort, 8000 S. Arizona Grand Pkwy.

Vote ‘Yes’ for Sales Tax Increases

Unpleasant though it is, Arizona and Tempe really do need a temporary sales tax increase to see us through this budget crisis.

Crafting Your Social Media Marketing Plan

During the Tempe Chamber’s 2010 Social Media Training Series, we will be hosting several expert presenters who will teach attendees how to use the most dynamic tools to ensure success. Our first session is “Crafting Your Social Media Marketing Plan” presented by Keane Creative founder Russ Perry.

Tempe Leadership’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

Tempe Leadership is commemorating 25 years of developing and educating interested community members in the issues, challenges and triumphs of Tempe on Friday evening, April 9, at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

Help Tempe Score Google Fiber!

The City just put together a great video at http://www.tempe.gov/googlefiber/ in its efforts to get Google to recognize the value of installing its new high-speed fiber network in town. Check out the link to see how you can (very easily) lend a hand and win hotel stays, gift cards, Tempe Chamber event passes and more!

Embrace Visionary Leadership: Austin Vickers Guides Businesspeople to Success on March 18

On March 18 the Tempe Chamber of Commerce hosts Austin Vickers, founder of The International Coaching & Training Institute. Mr. Vickers teaches participants to “see” every challenge or frustration from a new perspective and provide you with a process to follow to find opportunity where there appears to be none. Learn what great leaders do to develop superior visionary leadership and overcome obstacles and limitations.

Spring Offers Chance to Plant, Grow, Harvest Success

Spring officially arrives on March 20, and with it comes some great chances to do grow your business and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Territory of Love and the Love of Territory

We took advantage of all that was offered to us. We did only what was good for ourselves. We didn’t take care of what we had. We used up all of its goodness.
So it is with our great state – Arizona.