A Look Back at the 2020 Arizona Good Business Summit
What happens when you bring together local community leaders and businesses who have a passion for building a better Arizona? Now, what if these people had the platform to discuss issues like diversity in the workplace, positive partnerships with the community, wealth disparity and the future of the state? The answer is the Arizona Good Business Summit hosted by Local First Arizona. The overarching answer, however, is that you spark the fire for a movement of change. With Gateway Bank, I had the privilege to attend the second annual summit alongside 450 other attendees.
I grew up here in Arizona; I went through the Mesa School System and have fond memories of sun-filled days outdoors. For several years, I moved away and have recently relocated back to my home state, I cannot begin to express the truth behind the phrase “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” I have a renewed appreciation for the people, the culture, the lifestyle, and the sheer beauty of the state of Arizona. So, what does one do when they love the place they live, and they want to have an impact on making it even better? They get involved.
For years, my dad, James Christensen, has been a part of Local First, most recently serving on the board. He is also President and CEO of Gateway Bank, a community bank here in Mesa where customers are treated like family and not just another account number. They care about service, customers, and giving back to the community. Local First brings together businesses based on that same principle, locally-owned businesses that are working together to sustain Arizona’s economy, but also build an even better community.
Left to right: Jenny Poon, C’Pher Gresham, and Drew Shaw
There were so many quote-worthy speakers and panels at the AZ Good Business Summit to count, but what I truly loved was that no one was there to just talk; they are all living out the changes they wish to see and making a difference. Drew Shaw, CEO and Founder of Voyce Threads, talked about putting people first and adding value to the community in which the business started. Voyce Threads does this by driving awareness and conversation around issues like conservancy and homelessness.
The Only Human Crew.
From left to right: Vanessa Holden, Crissy Saint-Massey, and Bree Pear.
Lorenzo Perez, Ashley Harder, and Lucas Lindsey discussed their work in reusing Arizona infrastructure to preserve both its history and community livelihood. By chance, I also met the people behind Only Human, a company that partners every month with a cause to bring about awareness. They donate 10% of the profits from their merchandise to that campaign, some of which have been for anti-bullying and suicide prevention.
Whether the organization’s focus was on inclusivity, prosperity for the community, education, or a number of other worthy causes, I was walking among and talking with people who loved the state as much as I do. What excited me the most was the reality of all these passionate people working together to make an impact on Arizona-on its people, its improvement and its future. I encourage everyone to get involved in their communities, support local businesses, and have conversations about issues that matter. Because you and I can all be part of the drive for making a difference.
ABOUT GATEWAY BANK
Gateway Bank is a proud Local First Arizona Legacy Partner. Gateway is a full service locally owned bank based in Mesa, Arizona. We offer loans up to $4 milion, a quick turnaround, local decisions and competitive rates. You will not be treated like a number. We are here to build a relationship and provide the necessary tools to help your organization be more successful. Gateway is actively financing Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate, working capital lines, equipment loans and SBA 504 or 7(a) loans to mention a few. Gateway is in excellent financial condition with substantial capital and liquidity. We have been rated 5 Stars by Bauer Financial for the last 22 quarters. We are also pleased to report Gateway was ranked #18 in the 2016 listing of the Top 200 Healthiest Banks in America as reported by DepositAccounts.com