Contents

Letter From the President & CEO 6

Economic Development 10

Public Policy 16

Premier Partners 18

Driven to Leave a Legacy 20

Touching People's Lives 22

Two Lives, One Bond 23

Meet Our Chamber Team 24

Preparing Students to be Successful in Life and Careers 26

Ombudsman Arizona High Schools Create Pathways for Every Learner 28

Highlights 30

Out & About 32

Chamber Events 34

Ribbon Cuttings 36

Member Search 41

Letter from THE president & CEO

By ZACH YENTZer, President & CEO, Glendale Chamber of Commerce

Iam delighted to introduce myself to some of you here as the new President & CEO of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce! I jumped in late October, and it's been a fun, fast-paced beginning of a journey together that I know will be full of connections, impact, and prosperity for your business and our Glendale community in the years ahead. If we haven't gotten a chance to chat or meet each other yet, please come find me at a Chamber event or send me an email or text. I'd love to learn more about you and how our Chamber can help you and your organization thrive in our region.

I was asked the other day why I love Chamber life. There are many reasons, but here are two important ones.

As the son of an entrepreneur and small business owner, and later getting to help lead the growth of a local coffee company chain in Southern Arizona, I know what it's like to run a business and sign the front of a check. It's a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and that's just before lunch! Chambers of Commerce have always been places where you don't have to "bowl alone:" you can know and be known, and in doing so, create relationships and transactions that lead to the daily and annual success of your business or organization for a long time to come.

Alongside this individual growth potential, there's another kind of magic that Chambers of Commerce create. In the book "The Magicians of Main Street," author Chris Mead tells the incredible story of how Chambers of Commerce, since their inception, have been on the leading edge of transformational solutions and outcomes for their community. From branding and marketing their cities, to ushering in new industries and infrastructure to create growth, Chambers have always harnessed a collective of individuals to solve big challenges and usher in a brighter future again and again.

You have my commitment that in 2026, we're going to do everything we can to be the Chamber that delivers both transactions and transformation!

I hope you'll join in helping us build that Chamber experience!

Sincerely,
Zach Yentzer

Public Policy

West Valley Chambers of Commerce Energy Panel Forecast

By Alexis J. Glascock

The Arizona West Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (WVCCA) recently held an Energy Forum as the state enters one of the fastest-growing energy-demand periods in its history. Elected officials and business leaders gathered to understand current and future energy resources in Arizona.

The first panelist, Patrick Black, a director at Fennemore Law who represents data centers and manufacturers, explained the role of the Arizona Corporation Commission in setting utility rates. The Commission must balance rising energy-demand projections with avoiding utility overbuilding, which would create excess capacity and increase customer costs. Black noted that the number of data centers and manufacturers relocating to Arizona has increased rapidly due to available land, proximity to West Coast technology hubs, tax incentives, low natural-disaster risk, and relatively affordable power. Based on current and planned data centers, Arizona Public Service (APS) must double its capacity if all planned facilities come online.

Black stated that many companies seek natural gas because it is currently the lowest-cost and cleanest available energy source. To meet projected demand, the Commission is working to expand natural-gas resources and is removing requirements mandating that a portion of utility energy come from renewable sources. Another priority is for commercial customers and utilities to jointly fund the infrastructure needed for large industrial operations to prevent shifting added costs to residential customers.

The second panelist, Delany Russell of Southwest Gas, described how the company is preparing for a major increase in natural-gas demand by investing in significant pipeline and infrastructure upgrades. This includes expanding high-pressure lines in industrial corridors and constructing regulator stations designed to support higher usage. Russell emphasized that these capital projects also stimulate economic development in high growth areas, like the West Valley, creating jobs and generating increased tax revenue.

Southwest Gas is also implementing programs to ensure long-term energy reliability and avoid rolling blackouts like those experienced in California and Texas, where backup energy resources were insufficient. The company continues to deploy advanced technology to detect and repair methane leaks, which protects consistent energy delivery for hospitals, hotels, residences, and businesses.

The third panelist, Alan Eder of Salt River Project (SRP), discussed the utility’s long-term plan to provide adequate power through 2050 and beyond. SRP delivers electricity through its transmission system and will incorporate more hydrocarbon pump storage over the next 15 years. Eder noted that Arizona recorded a peak-demand day of 8.6 megawatts in August. SRP forecasts that statewide energy demand will double within 10 years and plans to meet this growth through its integrated energy plan of solar generation, battery storage, and natural gas.

SRP’s project to increase hydrocarbon pump storage will add 1,000 to 2,000 megawatts of stored energy. They will construct a reservoir at Apache Lake about 1,000 feet above Roosevelt Lake. During the day, water will be pumped uphill for storage. At night, the water will be released to turn large turbines, generating electricity that is then stored in batteries. SRP has used similar technology for years, but the new system is a significantly larger application for Arizona’s long-term needs.

The final panelist, Jessica Perry of Arizona Public Service, announced it will begin construction in 2027 on Desert Sun, a new natural-gas plant west of Gila Bend. The three-year project will transport natural gas from Texas through the Kinder Morgan transmission pipeline. This is part of their plan to expand infrastructure by 60% and invest $9.6 billion over the next 14 years.

Perry also stated that Arizona’s long-term energy solution is through nuclear power, either through deploying small modular reactors producing or constructing another large-scale reactor capable of producing approximately 1,100 megawatts. APS, SRP, and Tuscon Electric Power (TEP) have asked the Department of Energy to evaluate remote sites across Arizona for potential new nuclear development. The Vogtle plant in Georgia became commercially operational in December 2025, the first new U.S. nuclear plant in 30 years. Lessons from Vogtle and future modular reactor investments will be valuable for APS.

Alexis J. Glascock is a firm director and chair of the Government Relations and Regulatory Practice Group at Fennemore for its offices in Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington and Colorado. She has represented the West Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance at the Capitol for the last six legislative sessions.
www.fennemorelaw.com/people/attorneys/alexis-j-glascock/

The WVCCA hosted a tremendously informative panel discussion about Arizona’s energy supply demonstrating the great work of the Arizona Corporation Commission and the utilities to ensure sufficient supplies while balancing the need for low cost energy for residential consumers and businesses. The audience, including West Valley legislators, asked tough questions to inform their policy decisions in the next legislative session and going forward.

—Alexis J. Glascock

Championing Business

Alliance Honors Top-Scoring West Valley Legislators

By Alexis J. Glascock

The West Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance monitored close to 1,800 bills in the 2025 Legislative Session. Each year, the Alliance creates a Legislative Score Card to determine which West Valley Legislative Members voted most often in alignment with positions to support or oppose bills that would impact the business community. The legislators received their awards at the beginning of the Alliance’s Energy Forum in November. They included Senators Hildy Angius, Tim Dunn and Brian Fernandez, and Representatives Majority leader Michael Carbone, Lupe Contreras, David Livingston, Speaker Steve Montenegro, Michele Peña, Tony Rivero and James Taylor.

Congratulations to all of them!

Driven to leave a legacy

How the founder of the Martin Auto Museum turned his personal collection into something for the community.

By Steven Lindsey

It all began with one car.

For Mel Martin, founder and president of the Martin Auto Museum, restoring vehicles was a passion that began when he was a young man in the scrap business. He discovered he enjoyed purchasing cars, so the collection got big rather quickly.

“Over the years, one car turned into five, and five turned into fifty, and so on,” he says. “My late wife Mary and I wanted to leave a legacy. Really, it was Mary’s idea that I should have a museum so the public could enjoy the cars.”

They opened the first museum in Glendale in 2005. As the collection grew, they moved to the current location at 4320 W. Thunderbird Rd. to make more room for the collection and create an event space, as well.

The museum’s mission is to educate young people and families about how older cars worked and how the technology in cars has changed over the last hundred years.

“If you understand where something came from, you appreciate where it is now,” Martin says. “Cars tell the story of America through engineering, design, innovation and we want to make sure that story continues.”

His personal favorites are the Cobra, the Duesenberg, and the Tucker. Visitors should make sure to check those out because, unlike most auto museums where everything is roped off and you can’t touch anything, Martin is proud that he’s made it possible for visitors to actually get into more than 100 cars out of the 140-vehicle collection.

“Kids love it. Grandparents love it. People who used to own these cars love it. When people can touch and feel them, they learn more, they remember more, and they respect the craftsmanship and the history behind the automobile.”

When Martin added the event space, they created a hub for community gatherings, with three spaces. The Cadillac Classroom seats up to 80 people, which is great for meetings, training, or presentations. The Mustang Meeting Room seats up to 150 and works well for business events, birthdays, or mid-sized gatherings. And the Bristol Ballroom holds up to 500 people. That’s what they use for galas, celebrations, and larger community events, from a recent noodle and dumpling festival to the upcoming Valentine’s Day car show.

“All of the rooms are surrounded by the car collection, so no matter what type of event someone is hosting, they get the museum experience along with it.”

Because of these spaces, the museum has been able to host two Glendale Chamber Business After Hours events, a Business Over Breakfast event, and the Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Silent Auction celebration on November 14.

“We’ve always had an excellent experience with them,” he says. “The Chamber has been supportive of the museum from the start, and we’ve made great relationships through it. I even met my favorite councilwoman, Ann O’Brien, at a Chamber meeting.”

Martin enjoys providing event space for fellow business owners in the Glendale community and knows that the museum’s legacy will live on.

“The museum will be here for a long time, because when I’m gone, my estate is structured so the museum and foundation will continue on,” he says. “That was important to both Mary and me.”
Tickets to the Martin Auto Museum range from $5.20-$15.60.
For more information, visit www.martinautomuseum.org.

Touching People's Lives

Since 2003, One Step Beyond has provided crucial services to people living with disabilities.

By Steven Lindsay

For more than two decades, a nonprofit organization has given hope to countless people living with disabilities in the Glendale area. One Step Beyond, Inc. (OSBI) began in 2003, providing life skills and employment services to its clients (referred to as members). Over the years, as demand has grown and the organization has adapted to the needs of the people it serves, the range of offerings has increased dramatically.

“We now cover a wide range of services, and touch people’s lives while helping nurture and mentor them to achieve their dreams of being productive members of their community,” says executive director Mike Homco. “These services range from recreation programs, including dance, fine arts, theater, music, and fitness.”

A broad array of life skills programs now includes 20 class options, including media production, gardening, Math 101, American Sign Language, and zoology. OSBI offers designated women’s and men’s groups to address gender-specific issues and needs.

“We have employment and pre-employment programs where we help get jobs in the community at minimum wage or higher, and we also can provide the job coaching service,” Homco says.

The organization is also heavily involved in sports and social recreation programs.

“I am pleased to say we have the first adaptive ice hockey team in Arizona, and we were previously sponsored by our former state team, the Coyotes,” he says.

On Fridays and Saturdays, OSBI stages Friday Fun Nights and Saturday Socials. Activities range from dances to attending ballgames or amusement parks.

According to Homco, OSBI started in a house in Glendale with a small bunch of adults and high school students. Today, nearly 23 years later, the organization has five campuses in Arizona, serving almost 700 members through various program services. An additional three campuses in California serve nearly 150 individuals.

One program has proven to be the organization’s most requested.

“We offer a robust culinary training program and even employ our members as caterers. Our culinary department is also fully licensed as a catering company and is available for hire,” he says. “In 2006, we found a great friend in Jim Rio. An experienced and successful chef himself, he worked with OSBI and opened up our first culinary program to create lunch meals for our entire program base. Then we ventured a bit further into catering services.”

Members of the Chamber experienced first-hand the culinary skills during a recent Business Over Breakfast meeting, during which the OSBI members catered. It was the perfect opportunity to bring the two organizations together in a positive, uplifting way.

“The Glendale Chamber is a great group, and we really support each other, referring others to people who need specific services or vendors. It’s knowing that there are other business owners out there who want to help and make an impact, and that’s what OSBI is all about, so I’m honored to be a part of such a great group,” Homco says. “Side note, I also have to say we are honored in knowing David Rush. He just comes at you with nothing but sincere support, and I couldn’t thank him enough for what he has done for our organization.”

Keep an eye out for OSBI special events in 2026, including the annual Showcase of the Arts, theater productions, and BAMFest, a mini-concert.
To learn more about One Step Beyond, its events, or to donate money or volunteer your time, visit www.osbi.org.

Two Lives, One Bond

Soldier’s Best Friend Helps Veterans Heal with Purpose

By Marc Sheforgen

At Soldier’s Best Friend, healing happens in pairs. The Peoria-based nonprofit provides U.S. military veterans living with combat-related PTSD or traumatic brain injuries with service or therapeutic companion dogs, most of which are rescued from Arizona shelters. Together, the veteran and dog train side by side, changing two lives at once.

“Once that bond is strong, the dog naturally works for that veteran,” said Executive Director Mik Milem. “When the veteran has an anxiety attack, the dog doesn’t need a command. It already knows what to do.”

Founded in 2011 by Dr. John Burnham, Soldier’s Best Friend has graduated more than 470 veteran-dog teams and rescued more than 380 dogs. Training lasts six to 12 months, with professional trainers guiding each pair through obedience, task work and daily at-home practice.

The results speak for themselves. Soldier’s Best Friend reports that 85% of graduates experience reduced PTSD symptoms and suicidal ideation, a statistic that underscores the life-saving impact of these partnerships.

“The dog helps the veteran focus on the here and now,” Milem said. “They’re no longer trapped in a flashback. Instead they can focus on this dog that’s by their side.”> Milem, who’s led the nonprofit for nearly four years, calls the work the most fulfilling of his career.

“We see veterans come in withdrawn and anxious,” he said. “By graduation, they can stand in front of a hundred people and share how their life was transformed.”

Every program and service is provided at no cost to veterans, funded entirely through donors, volunteers and community sponsors, including Glendale Chamber of Commerce members.

“There’s always a wagging tail around here,” Milem said. “It’s hard not to be happy.”
To learn more about Soldier’s Best Friend, visit www.soldiersbestfriend.org.

Zach Yentzer

President & CEO

[email protected]

Shea Torres

Creative Content Coordinator

[email protected]

Karli Kratzenberg

Director of Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

Elizabeth Hunt

Operations Manager

[email protected]

Sharon Garbooshian

Marketing Intern

[email protected]

Allison Dias

Events Manager

[email protected]

Theresa Hernandez

Business Development Manager

[email protected]

Bud Zomok

Member Experience Manager

[email protected]

Contact Us

623-937-4754

www.glendaleazchamber.org

Preparing students to be successful in life and their careers

The Peoria Unified School District shapes the future of 34,000 students in the area

By Steven Lindsey

Educating children is one of the biggest responsibilities in modern society, and the region’s lucky to have teachers and administrators who are up for the task. The Peoria Unified School District is home to 43 stellar public schools, with 13 in the City of Glendale.

“Each campus is designed to meet the unique needs of our 34,000 students, preparing them for a successful career as a responsible citizen who actively contributes to their community, society, and the workforce,” says Dr. K.C. Somers, superintendent, Peoria Unified School District. “From the first day of preschool through graduation, students are known, valued, cared for, and challenged to meet their full potential by the more than 3,800 employees that serve this district.”

The results speak for themselves as the district celebrated a record-breaking $110.9 million in scholarships awarded to the Class of 2025. The district was recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation and achieved standout milestones, including Liberty High School’s perfect ACT score and Centennial High School’s 6A football state championship. Additionally, Peoria Unified received its third consecutive Gold Medallion Award from the National School Public Relations Association for its teacher recruitment campaign.

The organization has been a long-standing member of the Glendale Chamber.

“Peoria Unified is home to incredible Career and Technical Education programs, one of which is the opportunity to enroll in culinary arts. Students in seven out of eight high schools get to learn the foundations of cooking, but many go on to participate in advanced courses and intern with local restaurants and culinary programs in the community,” he says.

Cactus High School, located in Glendale, is home to one of the most robust and award-winning Culinary Arts programs in the district, and students recently prepared a morning buffet for the Chamber’s Business Over Breakfast meeting.

“Our greatest success as a school district is what our students accomplish as alumni. Our community’s future doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, frontline workers, and servicemen and women are currently in Peoria Unified’s classrooms receiving a high-quality education,” Dr. Somers says.

“Strong schools build strong communities, and we are so fortunate to be at the center of the community in the northwest valley. To continue to support our students, we have to continue to have strong partnerships in our business community so we can support the workforce pipeline and ensure they are prepared for the opportunities that are available to them after graduation.”

To learn more about the school district and its programs, please visit www.peoriaunified.org.

Ombudsman Arizona High Schools Create Pathways for Every Learner

By Marc Sheforgen

At Ombudsman Arizona High Schools, students don’t have to fit the mold to find success. Designed for flexibility, focus and real-life support, Ombudsman helps Arizona learners, from early graduates to those returning after setbacks, earn their diplomas and move forward with confidence.

“People see alternative education and think it’s for ‘bad kids,’ but that’s just not true,” said Tarinda Craglow, Director of Enrollment and Outreach. “We get students who want to graduate early, who are working full time or who just need a quieter, more personal environment to succeed.”

Serving more than 1,700 students statewide, Ombudsman operates seven campuses across Phoenix and Tucson, with flexible in-person, online and hybrid schedules, and even night programs for students balancing jobs or family care. Since opening its first Arizona school in 1996, Ombudsman has helped more than 4,400 students graduate.

“We meet them where they are,” Craglow said. “Every student has at least one adult they’re connected with, and that relationship makes all the difference.”

All Ombudsman Arizona campuses have earned Microsoft Showcase School status, empowering students with essential digital skills and industry certifications.

“It’s not just about earning a diploma,” Craglow said. “It’s about preparing students for what comes next.”

A proud member of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce since 2024, Ombudsman values its connection to a community that shares its belief in opportunity for all.

“The Chamber staff and members have been incredibly welcoming, supportive and engaging,” Craglow said. “Their commitment to building community connections has opened doors for meaningful collaborations and increased visibility for our school.”

To learn more about Ombudsman Arizona High Schools, visit

www.az.ombudsman.com.

Highlights

New MEMBERS

Arrowhead Wealth Partners

623-440-1771

Aurora Behavioral Health System

623-344-4400

BusyPros AI

623-220-3500
Coeus Consulting

602-932-6387
Copper State Credit Union

602-375-4157
DICK'S House of Sport

480-212-0308
EPCOR Water

623-445-2400
Fairway Home Mortgage

602-513-0762
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse

480-609-8866
FUZE Ballpark
623-999-1870
Hail Mary's Sports Bar

623-383-4369
Intoxicated Injectables

623-980-3695
La Perla

480-233-2462
LivAway Suites

334-595-1823
Medisol Pharmacy, LLC

623-299-8054
Mighty Dog Roofing of Peoria

623-294-5167
Stars FC Foundation

602-885-0358

Super Star Car Wash

480-860-7338

The Wigwam Resort
866-976-6894

Unique Security Solutions

602-456-0608

VAMOS Health

623-688-2667

Voosh Digital Agency
224-567-3192

Out & About

Karli Luke Golf

La Perla Sport Grill Downtown Glendale

Chamber Members | "Meet the Interim President & CEO" at Dave & Buster's

PUSD - Cactus High School

Jeff Brunner in Flintstone’s Mobile

Soldier's Best Friend Graduation

PESD Lunch

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park Auction Donation

Behind the Scenes - Theresa Christensen

Lori Germann - Glendale's Growth & Development

David Chillin' at HTeaO

Dick's House of Sport

Walmart Fulfillment Center

Hometown Christmas Parade

AZ Ridge Rider Days

Business After Hours with MVAC Members

Excellence in Education Golf Outing Winners!

Owners Tre Bicchieri

Sweet Treats from TownPlace Suites Aloft Hotels in Glendale

CHAMBER EVENTS

Upcoming Events & Networking Dates

1st & 3rd Wednesday

7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Feb. 4 & 18 @ Red Zone Sports Grill

Mar. 4 & 18 @ Red Zone Sports Grill

Apr. 1 & 15 @ Red Zone Sports Grill

Business Over Breakfast

This networking event features a 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.

4th Monday

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 23 @ Glendale Chamber

Mar. 30 @ Glendale Chamber

Apr. 27 @ Glendale Chamber

Chamber 101: A New Member Orientation

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other members and find out about the benefits, programs, and services the Chamber offers in a fun and engaging environment. Attendees will also learn how to maximize their Chamber benefits.

Feb. 19 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

@ Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Mar. 19 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre – Phoenix

Apr. 16 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | TBD*

Business After Hours

The Glendale Chamber partners with a valued member who hosts a mixer or an evening of networking showcased at a featured member location. Get together with fellow members in a relaxed atmosphere while sharing ideas, products and services offered.

If you would like to host a Business After Hours, please contact Allison Dias at [email protected].

* Call Allison at 623-937-4754 if you’d like to host this spot

Feb. 10 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

AI Refresh

Apr. 14 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Branding Strategies

Glendale Chamber Marketing Committee (GCMC) Lunch & Learn @ Glendale Chamber

A results-driven lunch hour led by the Glendale Chamber Marketing Committee, delivering practical marketing strategies, expert insights, and interactive discussion to help members sharpen their brand, engage customers, and accelerate business growth.

April 10, 2026

6:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

@ Palm Valley Golf Club

45th Annual Luke Golf Outing
This tournament brings together 140 golfers and includes on-the-green games, numerous sponsorship opportunities, exciting raffle prizes, player goodie bags, and a hosted lunch.

If you’d like to sponsor this event please contact Theresa Hernandez at [email protected]. *Proceeds benefit the Glendale Chamber Military & Veteran Committee.

For more information about our events, please visit www.glendaleazchamber.org/events-calendar, or call Allison Dias at 623-937-4754.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

The Cascalote

Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steak House

La Perla Sports Club

Tre Bicchieri

AZ Animal Dentistry

Intoxicated Injectables

Arizona Christian University Career Center

Dick's House of Sport

Escapology

Arizona Automotive Institute

Super Star Car Wash