Events Calendar - Glendale Chamber of Commerce
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September 2023
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Events available for Registration...

Donate to the Flag Repurposing & Retirement Program
4/1/2020 - 1/7/2030
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Donate to the Maintenance of Thunderbird Flag
4/1/2020 - 1/7/2030
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Business Over Breakfast - May 1st
5/1/2024
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Lunch With Leaders - May 2nd
5/2/2024
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Business Over Breakfast - May 8th
5/8/2024
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Business Over Breakfast - May 15th
5/15/2024
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Business After Hours - May
5/16/2024
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Business Over Breakfast - May 22nd
5/22/2024
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Business Over Breakfast - May 29th
5/29/2024
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Business Over Breakfast - June 5th
6/5/2024
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Lunch With Leaders - June 6th
6/6/2024
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Marketing Committee Lunch & Learn Series - Results Driven SEO
6/11/2024
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Business Over Breakfast - June 12th
6/12/2024
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Business After Hours - June
6/20/2024
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Business Over Breakfast - June 26th
6/26/2024
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Lunch With Leaders - August 1st
8/1/2024
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West Valley Biz 2 Biz Expo 2024
8/7/2024
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Marketing Committee Lunch & Learn Series - Advantages of Outsourcing
8/13/2024
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Chamber 101: A New Member Orientation
8/26/2024
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Lunch With Leaders - September 5th
9/5/2024
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25th Annual Excellence in Education Golf Outing
9/20/2024
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Lunch With Leaders - October 3rd
10/3/2024
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Marketing Committee Lunch & Learn Series - Strategic Marketing Planning for 2025
10/8/2024
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Chamber 101: A New Member Orientation
10/21/2024
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31st Annual Online Auction Fundraiser
11/1/2024 - 11/10/2024
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Lunch With Leaders - November 7th
11/7/2024
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Lunch With Leaders - December 5th
12/5/2024
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Marketing Committee Lunch & Learn Series - Roadmap for Digital Success
12/10/2024
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Events in the month of September 2023
DateEvent
9/2/2023

more info...
9/3/2023

The faith community is ideally suited to support post military transition by offering everyday practical support and promoting spiritual resiliency.

Volunteer-led "Military Ministries" in partnership with clergy foster a sense of belonging, decrease isolation and facilitate connection to other supportive resources. The idea is to build sustainable relationships - friends you can count on.

Did you know that of the 2.6 million Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans:

* 55% feel disconnected from mainstream America

* 40% struggle to find meaning and purpose post military service

And Veterans from previous era conflicts may continue to struggle.


Join us the first Sunday of every month to learn best practices, obtain resources, feel encouraged and inspired.


more info...
9/5/2023
Come join us for fabulous fun and make new connections at the Fabulous Footwear Contest & Lunch. Prizes will be awarded for the best 'Completes the Outfit, Most Elegant, Most Practical, So Sassy, and Judges Choice' footwear. Register.

We are excited to welcome our meeting sponsor,
Whalen Voices, and learn how they help aspiring writers explore and write the stories of their lives. Dive into their experiences to remember a lesson, leave a legacy, or have interesting things to share at their next social event. 

Tuesday, September 5
11:30 am - 1:15 pm
WVW Members $34
Non WVW Members $38
Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria

Register

more info...
9/6/2023
Business Over Breakfast is a weekly event that features great opportunity for members to come together over breakfast, make new connections, hear from excellent speakers, exchange leads and referrals, and build relationships to help grow their business.

Pricing:
Quarterly Member Pricing: $60 Includes this one and the next 2 events
Member Pricing: $20 (One Time Attendance) if registered by Monday week of event 
Member Pricing: $25 (One Time Attendance) if registered Tuesday or Wednesday week of event
Future Member Pricing: $60 (One Time Attendance) easily applied to membership if you join within 45 days

*Annual & Quarterly subscribers may bring a potential future member as their guest for $15 if they pre-register & pre-pay, please call our office at 623-937-4754.

Event Details:
Location
- Charley's Sports Grill
Check-In & Networking - 7:00AM
Program Begins - 7:30AM
Program Ends & Networking - 9:00AM

Be sure to bring business cards, flyers and/or other marketing materials from your company. Attendees are also able to donate a raffle item for the drawing.

For additional information, please call the Glendale Chamber at 623-937-4754.

more info...
9/7/2023

Heritage Night Market brings a new twist after dark to the traditional farmers market in Arizona. Enjoy local artisan vendors, unique creations and fresh foods just steps from State Farm Stadium in the West Valley.


more info...
9/8/2023
Join the Glendale Chamber of Commerce for FUEL Your Business, our monthly networking breakfast that will FUEL your business, your mind, and your Friday. 

Each month, this event will showcase a featured speaker and an opportunity for all members in attendance to introduce their company and/or products and services. In addition to the great connections over breakfast, we always close out with a great raffle, which includes a 50/50 raffle where the winner wins half and the Charity of Choice for the month gets the other half!

Event Details:
Location - The Ocotillo Room
Check-In & Networking - 7:00AM
Program Begins - 7:30AM
Program Ends & Networking - 9:00AM

Pricing:
Member Pricing: $20 (One Time Attendance) if registered by Monday week of event 
Member Pricing: $25 (One Time Attendance) if registered Tuesday or Wednesday week of event
Future Member Pricing: $60 (One Time Attendance) easily applied to membership if you join within 45 days

Be sure to bring business cards, flyers and/or other marketing materials from your company. Attendees are also able to donate a raffle item for the drawing.

For additional information, please call the Glendale Chamber at 623-937-4754.

more info...
9/9/2023
 -9/11/2023

Remembering 9/11 with 100 Club of Arizona (Sat-Mon) 

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SATURDAY 9/9 - 100 Club Tower Challenge Packet Pick-Up

Participants can pick-up their Tower Challenge packets at two local Lou Malnati’s Restaurants:

 

Phoenix:

Location -100 E Camelback Rd Ste 152, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Time - 11am - 2pm

 

Tempe: 

Location -27 S McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85288

Time - 11am - 2pm

 

Tower Challenge participants that pickup at these locations can take advantage of a discount:  $10 off $50 purchase. This can be executed online, carry-out or pickup in collaboration with packet pick-up. Full details will be provided after event sign up.

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SUNDAY 9/10 - No planned event, prepare for Monday!

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MONDAY 9/11 - 9/11 Tower Challenge | 100 Club of Arizona 

 

Date: September 11, 2023

Time: 7:00 am 

Offering Two Locations on the Same Date and Time: Glendale at Desert Diamond Arena and Flagstaff at NAU Skydome

Event Link: https://e.givesmart.com/events/vyu/

Admission: Climber $45, Walker $40, Non-Participant Attendee $0, Virtual Participant $45

About the Event: Remembering Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

In honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001, and in continued honor of our first responders and military who protect us from foreign and domestic threats, we gather to pay our respects at the annual 911 Tower Challenge.

The World Trade Center's Twin Towers each consisted of 110 floors and 2071 steps, and each year thousands of people across Arizona walk, climb and run the stairs to remember. Firefighters in full gear, Police, Military and Bomb Squad personnel march steadily alongside civilians of varying ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Photographs of our fallen heroes line the stairs, and participants pause briefly to read the names in recognition of the sacrifice each made while in the service of others. This powerful morning will reconnect you to the kindness, strength and bravery exhibited on that dark day.


more info...
9/11/2023

In honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001, and in continued honor of our first responders and military who protect us from foreign and domestic threats, we gather to pay our respects at the annual 911 Tower Challenge.

The World Trade Center's Twin Towers each consisted of 110 floors and 2,071 steps, and each year thousands of people across Arizona walk, climb and run the stairs to remember. Firefighters in full gear, Police, Military and Bomb Squad personnel march steadily alongside civilians of varying ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Photographs of our fallen heroes line the stairs, and participants pause briefly to read the names in recognition of the sacrifice each made while in the service of others. This powerful morning will reconnect you to the kindness, strength and bravery exhibited on that dark day.

All proceeds benefit The 100 Club of Arizona. 


more info...
9/12/2023
Holiday Marketing – Prepare For The Holidays Now!
Truth is, if you are just starting to plan for the holidays, you might need to catch up a bit. Fact is, the big box stores started planning for this in June and July! That is how important the next few months is for businesses! Think your business isn’t affected by holiday traffic? Think again! There is no vertical immune from the effects of the holiday spirit!

About the Glendale Chamber Marketing Committee (GCMC) Webinar Course:
Join GCMC for a course on marketing for your business! You'll learn practical tools to help grow your business. We encourage you to come to as many sessions as you're able to, and to learn things like - how to use social media, content marketing, Google My Business, video marketing, how your local business can compete in an Amazon.com world, and more!

To participate, you must register in advance, as space is limited!

*Note: This is a Zoom Webinar - Link will be sent to you via email the day before

more info...
9/13/2023
Business Over Breakfast is a weekly event that features great opportunity for members to come together over breakfast, make new connections, hear from excellent speakers, exchange leads and referrals, and build relationships to help grow their business.

Pricing:
Quarterly Member Pricing: $40 Includes this one and the next event
Member Pricing: $20 (One Time Attendance) if registered by Monday week of event 
Member Pricing: $25 (One Time Attendance) if registered Tuesday or Wednesday week of event
Future Member Pricing: $60 (One Time Attendance) easily applied to membership if you join within 45 days

*Annual & Quarterly subscribers may bring a potential future member as their guest for $15 if they pre-register & pre-pay, please call our office at 623-937-4754.

Event Details:
Location
- Charley's Sports Grill
Check-In & Networking - 7:00AM
Program Begins - 7:30AM
Program Ends & Networking - 9:00AM

Be sure to bring business cards, flyers and/or other marketing materials from your company. Attendees are also able to donate a raffle item for the drawing.

For additional information, please call the Glendale Chamber at 623-937-4754.

more info...
9/13/2023

more info...
9/14/2023
You and one guest are invited to join the Glendale Chamber for Business After Hours!

Each month, the Chamber partners with a valued member to offer a night of networking for our members. These events provide an opportunity for Chamber Members and their guests to come together in a relaxed atmosphere while sharing ideas, products and services offered.

Event Details:
Location - Arrowhead Towne Center
Check-In & Networking - 5:00PM-6:20PM
Announcements Begin - 6:20PM
Program Ends - 7:00PM
*Adults only please
*RSVP is requested


Pricing:
  • Member Registration - No Guest: $20 & Includes Raffle
  • Member Registration & One Guest: $30 & Includes Raffle for yourself and your guest
  • Future Member Registration - No Guest: $60 (Cost can be applied to membership if joined within 45 days of event)
  • Future Member Registration & One Guest: $120 (Cost can be applied to membership if joined within 45 days of event)
*Please register your guest if applicable
*Additional guests can be registered by calling the Chamber at 623-937-4754. 

more info...
9/15/2023
Caifanes, a rock band from Mexico City that achieved international fame in the late 1980s, is coming to The Events Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino on Friday, September 15.
 
Caifane’s sound encompasses a hybrid of progressive rock and Latin percussion underscored by Spanish-influenced lyrics. The soul-wrenching rock band emerged as one of the hottest rock groups from central Mexico after gaining international recognition in the late 1980s and being the first Mexican rock band to play two sold-out shows at the National Auditorium of 10,000 audience members. Caifanes released “El Silencio” in 1992–now considered to be one of the most influential records of the Rock En Español genre.
 
Caifanes has also made an appearance on Latin MTV, opened for the Rolling Stones in Mexico City and participated in the Coachella Festival. A well-respected and one-of-a-kind rock band, Caifanes is set to bring their talents to The Events Center stage for a night to remember.
 

more info...
9/16/2023

Join Packages From Home at our warehouse, one Saturday a month to pack care packages for our U.S. military heroes overseas. 


more info...
9/17/2023
Join newly published author, Mark Merkley, for an insightful and truthful discussion. There will be books signed, Q & A, and meet and greet. Please contact us if you have any questions or need more information.
 

more info...
9/20/2023
Business Over Breakfast is a weekly event that features great opportunity for members to come together over breakfast, make new connections, hear from excellent speakers, exchange leads and referrals, and build relationships to help grow their business.

Pricing:
Member Pricing: $20 (One Time Attendance) if registered by Monday week of event 
Member Pricing: $25 (One Time Attendance) if registered Tuesday or Wednesday week of event
Future Member Pricing: $60 (One Time Attendance) easily applied to membership if you join within 45 days

*Annual & Quarterly subscribers may bring a potential future member as their guest for $15 if they pre-register & pre-pay, please call our office at 623-937-4754.

Event Details:
Location
- Charley's Sports Grill
Check-In & Networking - 7:00AM
Program Begins - 7:30AM
Program Ends & Networking - 9:00AM

Be sure to bring business cards, flyers and/or other marketing materials from your company. Attendees are also able to donate a raffle item for the drawing.

For additional information, please call the Glendale Chamber at 623-937-4754.

more info...
9/20/2023
Classic cars & hot rods make a return to Westgate every other Wednesday. Cruise in for a classic car show, live music & more. Stroll to see incredible makes & models and enjoy great happy hour deals from our surrounding bars & restaurants. All cars are welcome. ‘80s & older park in WaterDance Plaza. ‘90s & newer park on Westgate Boulevard near Fountain Park. Parking opens at 4pm. For more information, visit https://westgateaz.com/event/hotrod-2/2023-09-20/
 

more info...
9/22/2023
Join the Glendale Chamber of Commerce for our 24th Annual Excellence in Education Golf Outing!

Tournament Features & Details:
  • 4 Person Scramble, 3 Flights
  • 4 Hole-in-One Contests
  • 4 Closest to the Pin Contests 
  • Putting Contest 
  • Proximity Challenge Hole
  • Raffle Prizes
  • Friday, September 22, 2023
  • Location:
    • ​Verrado Golf Club
    • 4242 N. Golf Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396
  • Check In 6:30AM
  • Shotgun Start 7:30AM
Registration Fee Includes:
  • Contributions to our Education Partners
  • Green Fees
  • Golf Cart
  • Goodie Bag
  • Lunch
Fees:
  • Single Golfer = $150
  • Sponsor a Student = $125
  • Member Tee Hole Sponsor = $250
    • Tee Hole Sponsorship includes a sponsorship sign, the option for a representative to work the hole during the tournament, the option to add a promotional product to the tournament goodie bags, and two lunch tickets
  • Future Member Hole Sponsor = $500
  • Foursome = $600
  • Foursome and Tee Hole Sponsor = $800
    • (saves $50 - best value)

Presenting Event Sponsor(s):
  • Foursome in the golf tournament
  • Company logo on all printed and online promotional materials
  • Company recognition on the handout to all golfers and volunteers
  • Company signage on the golf course
  • Featured in e-blasts to membership
  • Option to facilitate a company table on a hole at the golf course
  • Ability to put promotional items in the golfer’s goodie bags
  • Recognition at awards luncheon
  • Company representative to speak 2-3 minutes at event
  • Investment $3,000
Polo Shirt Sponsor:
  • Foursome in the golf tournament
  • Company logo on all printed and online promotional materials
  • Company recognition on the handout to all golfers and volunteers
  • Company signage on the golf course
  • Featured in e-blasts to membership
  • Option to facilitate a company table on a hole at the golf course
  • Ability to put promotional items in the golfer’s goodie bags
  • Investment $2,700
Lunch Sponsor:
  • Foursome in the golf tournament
  • Company logo on all printed and online promotional materials
  • Company recognition on the handout to all golfers and volunteers
  • Company signage on the golf course
  • Featured in e-blasts to membership
  • Option to facilitate a company table on a hole at the golf course
  • Ability to put promotional items in the golfer’s goodie bags
  • Investment $1,500
Sip Sponsor(s):
  • Sponsors one drink ticket for each golfer
  • 2 players in the golf tournament
  • Company logo on all printed and online promotional materials
  • Company recognition on the handout to all golfers and volunteers
  • Featured in eblasts to membership
  • Option to facilitate a company table on a hole at the golf course
  • Ability to put promotional items in the golfer’s goodie bags
  • Investment $1,500
Putting Contest Sponsor:
  • 2 players in the golf tournament
  • Company logo on all printed and online promotional materials
  • Company recognition on the handout to all golfers and volunteers
  • Featured in eblasts to membership
  • Option to facilitate a company table on a hole at the golf course
  • Ability to put promotional items in the golfer’s goodie bags
  • Investment $1,500
*Please Contact Harry Shapiro or David Rush at 623-937-4754 to be placed on a Player-Waiting List

more info...
9/23/2023

Ballet Arizona’s annual Ballet Under the Stars performances return to four Valley locations from September 23 through the 30. Free and open to the public, Ballet Under the Stars is the perfect show for the entire family and a great way to introduce ballet to young people for the first time.

These performances promise an evening of fun suitable for all ages, as guests bring chairs, blankets and picnics to experience the beauty of dance in outdoor parks across the county. The evening features a fully staged live performance by the professional company dancers of Ballet Arizona who will perform several exciting contemporary and classical ballet excerpts. Indulge in local food trucks with space for picnicking and for aspiring young dancers to move along with the performance.

All performances begin at 7 p.m. and are free:

Saturday, Sept. 23 at Sahuaro Ranch Historic Park, Glendale

Thursday, Sept. 28 at Fountain Park, Fountain Hills

Friday, Sept. 29 at Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, Goodyear

Saturday, Sept. 30 at Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix


more info...
9/27/2023
Glendale Chamber of Commerce Education & Workforce Readiness Now and for the Future

-Check-In 7:30am
-Program 8:00am-9:30am
-Cost: $35 for attendance per individual

This event will feature two panels:
  • Panel A: K-12 (moderated by Dr. Jennifer Cruz | Superintendent of Pendergast Elementary School District)
    • The following speakers will be on Panel A:
      • Cindy Segotta-Jones | Superintendent of Glendale Elementary School District
      • Dr. Jason Reynolds | Retired Superintendent of Peoria Unified School District
      • Brian Capistran | Superintendent of Glendale Union High School District
      • Dr. Scott Spurgeon | Superintendent of Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC)
 
  • Panel B: Higher Education & Workforce (moderated Kelli List | Owner of Charley's Sports Grill and Saguaro Grill)
    • The following speakers will be on Panel B:
      • Dr. Todd Sandrin | Vice Provost at Arizona State University West Campus
      • Lauri Perdue | University of Phoenix
      • Marilynn Babyar | Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC)
      • Lorelei Konopka | Glendale Community College
      • Dr. Joshua C. Baker, O.D., M.S. | Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at Midwestern University - Glendale Campus

Available Sponsorships:

Table Sponsors: $500
    -Recognition on the Program
    -Table of Six (6)

Gold Sponsors: $1,000
    -Company logo featured on event marketing
    -Chamber Website
    -Four (4) Seats
    -Event Flyer
    -Social Media links
    -Podium recognition at event

Platinum Sponsors: $3,000
    -Company logo featured on event marketing
    -Chamber webpage
    -Event Flyer
    -Featured in advertising for event
    -Social Media links
    -Featured in eblasts to membership
    -Company representative to speak 2-3 minutes at event
    -Table of Eight (8)
    -Podium recognition at event

*For sponsorship questions, call 623-937-4754 or email storres@glendaleazchamber.org

Panelists' Biographies:

Dr. Jennifer Cruz | Superintendent of Pendergast Elementary School District
Dr. Jennifer Cruz graduated from Arizona State University with her Doctorate in Leadership, Innovation, and Policy Studies and went on to teach 4th grade, 6th grade, and identified gifted students in Phoenix, AZ. Her experiences are varied and include serving as a teacher, mentor/coach, principal, Federal Programs Manager, Director of Innovation, adjunct university professor, consultant, assistant superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer. Dr. Jennifer Cruz was chosen by the PESD Governing Board as the second Latina Superintendent in the Pendergast District in February 2021. Dr. Cruz has worked throughout the United States and abroad coaching educational leaders, facilitating strategic planning sessions, serving as a liaison between city agencies and school systems, and providing professional development workshops on Project Based Learning, leadership, continuous improvement strategies, curriculum mapping, and design thinking.


Cindy Segotta-Jones | Superintendent of Glendale Elementary School District
Cindy Segotta-Jones is the proud Superintendent of the Glendale Elementary School District (GESD). The district was voted the best school district in Glendale by the readers of The Glendale Star in 2020, 2021, and 2022. As a dedicated educator and servant leader, Segotta-Jones has experience as a teacher, principal, director and assistant superintendent. Her leadership focuses on ensuring balanced and strategic systems for the academic growth and social-emotional wellbeing of all students and staff. Under her leadership as Superintendent, Glendale Elementary School District was recognized as the first Model Professional Learning Communities (PLC) school district in Arizona. In addition to GESD, Segotta-Jones has served in the Cartwright and Aldine Independent (Texas) school districts, and as a member of the online faculty at Grand Canyon University. Segotta-Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education/Spanish from Adams State College and a master’s degree in elementary education from Arizona State University.


Dr. Jason Reynolds | Retired Superintendent of Peoria Unified School District
Dr. Jason Reynolds is the proud past superintendent of the Peoria Unified School District where he led 43 elementary and high schools, serving 36,000 students. He retired from this role in July 2023. Dr. Reynolds also served as deputy superintendent of Peoria Unified. Before joining the district, he held the role of assistant superintendent of leadership and secondary instruction in the Paradise Valley Unified School District. Other previous roles in Paradise Valley include director of curriculum and instruction, principal, assistant principal, and where it all began, teacher. Growing up in Iowa, Dr. Reynolds is the son of a pastor and a retired public-school teacher. He is supported by his wife Mara and two children who drive his passion for education and supports his position at the helm of the fourth largest preK-12th-grade school district in Arizona. Upholding the Peoria Unified mission of ensuring that every student, every day is prepared to shape tomorrow, Dr. Reynolds is still committed to ensuring the district is a safe and welcoming place for students and staff to work and learn, and that students and employees feel valued.


Brian Capistran | Superintendent of Glendale Union High School District
Mr.Brian Capistran is currently the Superintendent of the Glendale Union High School District where he manages the day-to-day operations and the growth and development of an award-winning district. Superintendent Capistran has spent his entire career serving the GUHSD community. Over the past 27 years, he has applied his professional preparation and extensive experience as a teacher and leader to make significant contributions to the success of the Glendale Union High School District. Mr. Capistran began his teaching career at Sunnyslope High School. He would later become the principal at Apollo High School. Superintendent Capistran also served GUHSD as an assistant principal, school safety administrator, assistant superintendent of student services, and associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction before becoming Superintendent of the Glendale Union High School District in 2015. Throughout his career, Superintendent Capistran has sought opportunities to make meaningful contributions to GUHSD, by serving on local and state-level committees, commissions, and boards including Glendale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. 


Dr. Scott Spurgeon | Superintendent of Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC)
Dr. Spurgeon earned his doctorate in educational leadership from St. Louis University.Dr. Scott Spurgeon is the Superintendent of the Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC), an educator with thirty plus years of experience serving communities in rural, suburban, and urban school districts, and has background in Career and Technical Education (CTE) that dates back to his high school educational experience. Dr. Spurgeon’s experience includes his current role of Superintendent/CEO at West-MEC, eighteen years of  senior level leadership including nine years as Superintendent of the Riverview Gardens School District, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development in Northwest RI School District, associate superintendent for curriculum and school leadership and interim superintendent in Rockwood School District, and superintendent in Belleville High School District #201. He has been an administrator at the elementary, middle and high school levels, including alternative education. Additionally, he has taught graduate courses for Lindenwood University. Dr. Spurgeon has also been an educational consultant providing leadership training and professional development to more than 100 school and districts across America.


Kelli List | Owner of Charley's Sports Grill and Saguaro Grill
Kelli List is the Chief Accountability Officer and Partner of Charley’s Sports Grill and Charley’s at The Lakes and Owner of Saguaro Grill. Ms. Kelli List also is the Co-Founder of the STEM Leadership Alliance and CEO of the STEM Happens Network. She previously was the Executive Director for Global Education and Skills at the GE Foundation. She designed and executed a portfolio that focused on building education, skills and training initiatives to prepare the next generation for the demands of the workforce and the changing labor economy both nationally and globally. Ms. List has worked with schools and districts around the world. She was selected by the U.S. Department of Education to partake as the business U.S. delegate for a global education. She has led national and international convenings reaching over 30,000 leaders in STEM education that has included over 50 countries.

Lorelei Konopka | Glendale Community College
Dr. Lorelei (Lore) Konopka is the Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at Glendale Community College. In this executive leadership position Dr. Konopka provides oversight to the college academic departments and academic support services as well as directs and evaluates college instructional offerings to meet student, community, and industry needs. She coordinates college curriculum development; assures compliance with all regulatory agencies and promotes innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Dr. Konopka most recently held the role of Senior Associate Vice President where she supported student success and community outreach while providing strategic planning and operational oversight for the North Campus of Glendale Community College. Previous to that role, Dr. Konopka held various roles at GCC including; Interim Dean of Academic Affairs for Projects and Planning, Accreditation Liaison Officer for the Higher Learning Commission as well as overseeing the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.


Marilynn Babyar | Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC)

Marilynn Babyar is the Director of Student Services and has been with West-MEC for 13 years. In her long educational career of 40 years, Marilynn has been a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and recruiter. Marilynn oversees school counseling, recruitment, exceptional student services, post-secondary partnerships, and career services for the growing West-MEC CTED in the West Valley. Marilynn has received both ACTEAZ CTE Counselor Of The Year (2007) and most recently ACTEAZ CTE Administrator Of The Year (2020) from the Association of Career and Technical Education AZ.


Lauri Perdue | University of Phoenix

Lauri Perdue has spent over 25 years in higher education and workforce development. She is currently the National Workforce Director for University of Phoenix. Lauri is responsible for the oversite and facilitation of on-campus and online higher education and serves as a community partner in Nevada and Arizona, promoting workforce development, while partnering with community and industry leaders to address the needs of higher education and workforce development. Lauri has extensive experience working with a diverse range of students in various post-secondary education administration roles. This includes working with traditional post-secondary college students, adult students, commercial arts, and trade school students. Lauri’s roles in higher education have afforded her the opportunity to manage and train teams on a national level in the areas of market research, program development, curriculum development, state licensure.  Additionally, at the national level, she has served as a consultant on new school openings. 


​Dr. Todd Sandrin | Vice Provost at Arizona State University West Campus
Dr. Todd Sandrin serves as Vice Provost at ASU’s West campus and leads ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences as Dean. Since his appointment to these roles in 2017, ASU’s West campus has experienced vigorous rates of enrollment growth as well as remarkable student success outcomes. He has led multiple valley-wide collaborations, including work with a team of leaders and faculty from across ASU and MCCCD to secure $5M in funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support transfer student success in STEM disciplines. Prior to his service in his current roles, he coordinated efforts to build and launch several vigorously growing programs in ASU’s School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, including those in Forensic Science, Cybersecurity, health-related fields, and Environmental Science. He also led efforts to create ASU New College’s unique undergraduate research program, NCUIRE, which provides students with real-world, practical experience beyond the classroom.  He also teaches both advanced courses in microbiology and introductory courses such as ASU 101, STEM success, and introductory biology.


Dr. Joshua C. Baker, O.D., M.S. | Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at Midwestern University - Glendale Campus
Dr. Joshua C. Baker is responsible for the administration of the Health Sciences, Optometry and Pharmacy programs on both the Downers Grove and Glendale campuses, as well as the Veterinary Medicine program on the Glendale Campus. Dr. Joshua C. Baker, originally from Blossvale, New York, came to Midwestern University in March 2013 after serving as the Chief of Optometry Service at the U.S. Army Health Clinic in Stuttgart, Germany. As an Army Major, he spent time deployed in Al Asad, Iraq and received the Bronze Star. Dr. Baker received his bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College, earned a Master of Science in Secondary Science Education from Syracuse University, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Illinois College of Optometry. He completed a residency in Primary Care at the Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas as a part of the Northeastern State University College of Optometry.

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9/27/2023

To advance your Veteran hiring initiative, join us for "Advanced Individual Training." You'll learn:

  • Onboarding Veteran Talent
  • Retention Best Practices 
  • How to Message Veteran Candidates
  • Leading Veteran-hiring Programs & Awards
  • Introduction to Veteran Community Resources

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9/29/2023
Join the Arizona Ridge Riders Friday September, 29 at 9:30AM for coffee at The Blue Corn Cafe & Bakery in Downtown Glendale! 

Come meet the cowboys of your hometown PBR Team as they serve up your favorite baked goods and a good ole' fashion cup of joe before their home event this weekend at Desert Diamond Arena!

*Giveaways, autographs, pictures and more!

Date: Friday, September 29th

Time: 9:30am-11:30am

Location:
The Blue Corn Cafe & Bakery
7015 N. 58th Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85301

No registration required!

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9/29/2023
 -10/1/2023

Arizona's newest professional sports team, the Ridge Riders will again call Glendale, Arizona’s Desert Diamond Arena home! The professional bull riding team will host their second-annual homestand event and surrounding festivities Friday, September 29, 2024 through Sunday, October 1, 2024. Tickets for the action-packed, three-day event can be purchased at Ticketmaster.

 

To follow the Ridge Riders journey please visit them online, follow along @arizonaridgeriders on Facebook or Instagram, or @AZRidgeRiders on Twitter. 

 

EVENT TIMES: 

9/29 - 745PM 

9/30 - 645PM

10/1 - 145PM


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9/30/2023
This. Is. Monster Jam™!  The most unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable motorsports experience for families and fans in the world today returns to Glendale for an adrenaline-charged weekend at State Farm Stadium on September 30, 2023.  At Monster Jam®, world champion athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks tear up the dirt in wide-open competitions of speed and skill.
 
At Monster Jam®, world champion athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks tear up the dirt in wide-open competitions of speed and skill.  Monster Jam drivers are trained, world-class male and female athletes who have mastered not only the physical strength and mental stamina needed to compete, but the vital dexterity to control 12,000-pound machines capable of doing backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and racing at speeds up to 70 miles-per-hour to produce jaw-dropping, live motorsports action seen around the world.  Monster Jam. As Big As It Gets!™
 
The excitement begins at the Monster Jam Pit Party fan experience prior to the Saturday event.  Fans can see the massive trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly activities.  This fun-filled experience is the only place that allows people to get up close access to the Monster Jam teams and get an insider’s look at how these trucks are built to stand up to the competition.  
 
Glendale motorsports fans will be on the edge of their seats as world-class drivers show off crazy skills and all-out racing in fierce head-to-head battles for the Event Championship.  Engineered to perfection, the 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks push all limits in Freestyle, Skills and Racing competitions. 
 

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