Visions for a Greater Arizona

Posted by Lea Woodford |

Visions for a Greater Arizona

Leadership in the private and nonprofit sector come together at the Arizona Leadership Forum

It may come to you as no surprise that Arizona is one of the poorest performing states in the US when it comes to education and poverty levels. We have all read the statistics and seen the headlines and understand that changes need to be made. It may, however, surprise you to know that a community bank right here in Arizona is spearheading an ambitious mission to change that. National Bank of Arizona arranged a forum putting together business leaders in the Valley, Arizona non-profits leaders as well as legislators. The forum kicked off February 8^th at the Sheraton. In addition to National Bank of Arizona, the founding sponsors were the Phoenix Philanthropy Group and Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold.

The forum was the kick off which brought in well known author and speaker Jim Collins of “Good to Great.” The forum was more than an event. It is a movement with ongoing sessions of strategizing and brainstorming to help Arizona become the great state that it should be.

Lattie Coor, Chairman and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona

Lattie Coor, Chairman and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona

It was fabulous to see so many brilliant minds coming together to discuss ideas to help our state. Assembling such high-powered teams of Arizona business leaders was a first and definitely set a precedent. Also overseeing the movement was Lattie Coor, Chairman and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona. The movement will be on going to discuss activities and commitments to help Arizona become a great state.

National Bank of Arizona hosted the follow up meeting last week at their conference center and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton was in attendance.

Front page image: Keith Maio, President and CEO of National Bank of Arizona speaking at the Leadership Forum.

About The Author

Lea Woodford

Lea’s career is highlighted by 25 years of public relations, writing columns, hosting a radio show, and over a hundred TV appearances. Lea’s career includes news segments for ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox TV, as well as writing a regular column for Runway Magazine, North Valley Magazine and AZ Weekly. Her articles have been featured in 101North, So Scottsdale, The Business Journal and Phoenix Woman. Previously as the founder of Lasting Impression Consulting and now SmartFem.com she has been retained by businesses all over the valley to help them improve their visibility and potential through the media. As a member of the National Speakers Association, Lea has also appeared as a motivational speaker throughout the country.

Lea started SmartFem.com in 2012, to pursue her passion of protecting and serving women. SmartFem is a calling and was inspired by her desire to protect and serve her daughter Lauren. SmartFem is an entertaining and informative magazine as well as a trusted guide which carefully screens its featured experts to ensure the highest standards of integrity and service. In fact, all of SmartFem’s experts must sign an integrity clause to ensure that readers get the very best customer experience. She also has made the company a branding and reputation enhancing entity which has helped market SmartFem’s experts both on and off line through high profile philanthropic events. Lea won the MVP award for going above and beyond with Debbie Gaby’s Celebrity Catwalk in November of 2013. She also serves on several committee’s such as United Cerebral Palsy, Beach Ball, Florence Crittenton, Alice Cooper’s Rock the Runway, Oscar Experience and this year she will be co-chairing the AZ Wellness Red Carpet Event in March.

Lea has always enjoyed working with small business owners and her newest endeavor SmartFem allows her to help them on a much grander scale while catering to her passion of helping women.

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