From Candidates to Emerging Leaders, Tucson Metro Chamber Does its Homework

By Loni Nannini

Education is the hub around which successful business revolves. 

“With education and information—and opportunities to be involved with different Chamber committees and programs—our members both bring their subject matter expertise and also grow in their knowledge and awareness of local issues,” said Zach Yentzer, VP of business advocacy for the Tucson Metro Chamber. “This will move the needle for challenges that we are facing in our business community and help us form a platform that is reflective of our members’ expertise and their lived experiences.”

The Chamber’s Education initiatives are often intertwined with Advocacy and Connection and include everything from seminars and meetings to its Candidate Evaluation Committee and Emerging Leaders. 

“At the Chamber, we are focused on the ‘How’ of Advocacy, and that involves using Education to get members plugged in with us to co-advocate on issues in the community,” said Yentzer. 

A Powerful Ally for Political Education

The Chamber educates its members about the platforms of current and prospective local politicians through its Candidate Evaluation Committee. 

The committee is a mix of business owners, executives, major employers, and community partners of different political outlooks that are also representative of varied industries. 

Each year, the committee develops a questionnaire and invites submitted responses, resulting in score cards that rank the stance of each candidate on key issues. The committee also produces video interviews with candidates. 

“We don’t endorse candidates, but instead go through a lengthy and in-depth education process to produce a package for members and the community that shows where candidates are in relation to business and growing the economy in Southern Arizona,” said Yentzer.

That helps cut through the clutter and bring clarity to what can be a chaotic legislative process.

“This fall, Arizona voters will be making lots of voting decisions that would normally be done by the legislature or the governor, and that gives us a lot to think through,” Yentzer said. “Having organizations like the Chamber focus on metro issues and bring that information to our members is very valuable.”

A Culture of Civic Activism

The Chamber advocates for civic activism, philanthropic involvement and professional development through its Emerging Leaders. 

This cohort of motivated leaders, ages 25 to 40, is dedicated to boosting local business—and career trajectories—through a five-year program that pairs participants with accomplished senior executives. EL members also must serve on a Chamber committee and volunteer with a regional nonprofit. 

The experience has been educational and enjoyable for Amanda Bruno, community affairs administrator for Pima Association of Governments and Vice Chair of EL. 

Bruno, 31, is currently paired with Lisa Lovallo, VP and market leader for Cox Communications. Her past mentors included Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher and Amber Smith, CEO of Pipeline Arizona. 

She credits each of them with providing positive coaching on multiple levels, from assistance with job searches, development of leadership and management skills, and the necessary mindset for professional advancement. 

“My first year, I was in the process of looking for a new job and Amber helped me sort through opportunities and prepare for interviews,” Bruno said. “Having her insight when she had been on the hiring side of the process was really valuable and I owe a lot of my success in that process to her support.”

She’s also gratified by the opportunities to network and forge lasting business relationships.  

“I appreciate the opportunity to build rapport and relationships with people that I plan to work alongside and serve the community alongside in the future,” said Bruno, who serves on the boards for the Arizona Association for Economic Development and the Junior League of Tucson. She is also incoming Chair of Planned Parenthood of Arizona.

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