Scottsdale Live!

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Scottsdale Live!

Scottsdale Live! Community Speakers

For Scottsdale Live, the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau received more than 30 submissions from throughout the community on a variety of topics that celebrate Scottsdale and reveal the unique personality of our community. Thank you to everyone who submitted their topic for consideration!

With only nine spots to fill, it was a difficult decision for our selection committee, but here is the final lineup for the Oct. 19 event:

Billion Dollar Birds, Kathe Anderson
555: Five Five-Mile Hikes in Five Minutes, David Bickford
Cirque du Reunite, Dick Bowers
Teaching Old Town New Tricks, Melinda Faust
Tequila – Demystifying the Elixir, Danielle Griffin
Celebrating Cultures of the World, Manuel Jordán
Arizona Plow to Plate, Denise Logan
Scottsdale Golf and 1983, Joe Passov
Passion in the People, Susan Morrow Potje

Topic Submissions

These are all the submissions received for Scottsdale Live! – the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 2011 Annual Meeting, which will be held Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Cirque du Reunite

Presenter:

Dick Bowers

Bio:

Retired public servant. Scottsdale City Manager 1991-2000, 23 yrs with C of S. Now engaged in the arts, teach grad students @ ASU & guest lecture @ UCLA. President of Herberger Theater Center and Phx Boys Choir.

Details:

The "Circus of Success" draws from the foundation of "Cirque du Soleil" and its use of the best of circus, added to needs of today's audience to shape a vision and product that sells and is adjustable to the circumstances of tomorrow. The point is that leaders take the best of what was, add what is and shapes what can be.

The Passion of the Arabian Horse in Scottsdale

Presenter:

Janice McCrea Wight

Bio:

Janice McCrea-Wight is the Vice President of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona, producers of the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and many other notable equine related events. Janice heads up Marketing and Public Relations for the organization and has been a long time resident of Scottsdale.

Details:

The oldest known breed of horse, the Arabians' incredible energy, intelligence and gentle disposition allow riders to excel in most equine sports and activities. Today, Arabian horses are synonymous with Scottsdale! The history and impact on Scottsdale has helped shape the most important Arabian horse Mecca in the world!

Stays on the Mountain

Presenter:

Julie K. Ohlinger

Bio:

I am Julie Ohlinger, psychotherapist who has experienced the profound healing of my own grief while hiking in the beauty of my own "backyard" of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Clinically trained at WSU in Detroit, I have spent most of my career helping others who are grieving. I am a single mother of 2 teenagers living in Scottsdale since 1990.

Details:

Healing is all around us if we just pay attention. I found and now encourage others professionally and personally to be open to "walking through" loss quite literally in the mountains that surround us. The grandeur of the Preserve can inspire fresh perspective and pathways to a new outlook. When words fail, nature speaks.

Find Your Passion in Hospitality!

Presenter:

Becky Mounce

Bio:

I was intrigued by the hospitality industry and began studying at Scottsdale Community College. I finished my degree at NAU majoring in Hotel Restaurant Management. I began my career working in the Front Office and then Housekeeping. My passion for the industry and employees working in it led me to Human Resources.

Details:

Begin by discussing my college experience at Scottsdale Community College and Northern Arizona University. Discuss my path through Resort Operations and the passion that I developed for the industry that led to my current role as Recruiter. My desire for leading others to this industry to find their passion within hospitality.

Billion Dollar Birds

Presenter:

Kathe Anderson

Bio:

I'm an 18 year resident of Scottsdale and a volunteer for numerous conservation non-profits, helping them to inspire conservation ethics through the love of birds, birding and the outdoors. I've led hundreds of bird walks for Audubon Societies, State Parks, adult education programs and The Nature Conservancy.

Details:

Folks watching wildlife in Arizona spend over $1 billion a year. Few people know it, but Scottsdale is in an excellent position to benefit from this piece of the economic engine. Birding is one of the fastest growing hobbies and claims about 50 million followers.

Libraries: A Lifelong Learning Love Affair

Presenter:

Carol Lewis

Bio:

President, Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library. Passionate about all things discovery, enrichment and lifelong learning. Carol, who spent much of her career as Dean Emeritus for Keller Graduate School of Management in Scottsdale, is the Scottsdale Public Library's leading advocate and a highly engaging presenter.

Details:

Scottsdale loves its libraries and new technology and services have advanced the ways our libraries enrich the quality of life in our community. Our libraries sustain democracy, break down barriers, nourish creativity, open young minds, support families and offer sanctuary. Plus, many library programs are of interest to out-of-town visitors.

555: Five Five-Mile Hikes in Five Minutes

Presenter:

David Bickford

Bio:

I work in higher education, but in my spare time, I write PHX Trail Dude, a guide to less-traveled hikes in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. I also write PHX Rail Food, a guide to good eating along the light rail line that connects Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. I'm a persistent optimist and am always trying to discover and share the best of the region.

Details:

Residents and visitors are fortunate to have so many hiking opportunities available nearby. Unfortunately, we're loving our favorite paths and peaks to excess. The results are eroded trails and overcrowded parking lots. This talk will describe local hikes that are challenging and enjoyable but not as well-known as the most popular summit trails.

Underneath the Diamonds

Presenter:

Deborah Kidd Chapman

Bio:

Ms. Kidd Chapman has 20 years of social service experience, focusing on the betterment of children, youth, and their families. As a Director for MentorKids USA, she is a well known community organizer, builder, and energizer for change, leading efforts to develop community and build resiliency.

Details:

Find what lies beneath, the application is simple, build on capacities that already exists. A formula for long term change, identify the gifts, ask individuals to share and connect passions to work together for the common good. Discover the assets and shift the way individuals see their communities, families, and themselves. Everyone has a gift!

Tequila - Demystifying the Elixir

Presenter:

Danielle Griffin

Bio:

Yes, her title is Tequila Goddess. Danielle Griffin of La Hacienda at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is the expert on the restaurant's 240 labels. From extensive training in Mexico, she is accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council & shares her passion educating others on tequila, mescal, sotol & more, appreciating the precious spirits of Mexico.

Details:

No other spirit is surrounded by as many myths, legends and lore as tequila. Tequila Goddess Danielle Griffin takes you on a spirited journey of the history of tequila, the distinct characteristics of Reposado, Añejo and Blanco, the Appellations of Origin of all five Mexican spirits, with fun facts to savor.

Why I think the Scottsdale Public Library is the best library in the WORLD

Presenter:

Yvonne Murphy

Bio:

Why I think the Scottsdale Public Library is the best Library in the WORLD! We give world class service. - (98% approval ratings) We have wc materials. - (materials, listen to what our customers want, circulation - 4 million. Special collections) We have the best wc customers.

Details:

The above description says it all. We are here for the ages 0-100+, we are current with the newest technologies such as e-readers, WIFI, downloading items from the library website, experts in early literacy and so much more. Last but not least: we are FREE!

Scottsdale Golf and 1983

Presenter:

Joe Passov

Bio:

Senior Editor of GOLF Magazine, in charge of Travel and Course Rankings. GOLF has the largest readership of any golf publication in the world. For six years, I have traveled the world playing, talking about, writing about and evaluating courses and destinations. And I choose to live in Scottsdale.

Details:

When The Skins Game broadcast images of golf in the Sonoran Desert across the world in 1983, the demand for golf in Scottsdale took off. To this day it continues to rank as one of the top golf destinations in the world and here's why...

From SMoCA Nights to SMoCA Lounge

Presenter:

Tim Rodgers

Bio:

Tim Rodgers, Ph.D. is the Director of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. In his spare time......wait he has no spare time.

Details:

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits the best of contemporary art, architecture and design. On October 28th the museum will reveal its new, mixed use space SMoCA Lounge designed by Scottsdale talent Janis Leonard (the creative force behind AZ88 and Hanny's). Why a lounge? Why now? What will it look like?

Passion for Fashion

Presenter:

Kate Birchler

Bio:

Head of marketing for Scottsdale Fashion Square and Biltmore Fashion Park. Traveled US, Mexico and Europe promoting fashion for 10+ years. Well-versed in fashion trends, what's hot and what's not.

Details:

Shopping is the #1 activity for Scottsdale visitors so let's show them what to wear and how to wear it! I have a passion for fashion and I can talk to how Scottsdale has stamped the destination on the fashion map thanks to major brands locating to Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Promoting Scottsdale from North America to North Africa and from Europe to Asia

Presenter:

Max E. Rumbaugh Jr.

Bio:

U.S. Pres Eisenhower began the sister cities concept in 1956. Scottsdale Sister Cities promotes Scottsdale by building international friendship and goodwill. We conduct student, educational, tourist, cultural and economic development exchanges creating long-term international relationships. I have the honor of being the president.

Details:

The organization is bringing diversity to Scottsdale and taking Scottsdale to a diverse international audience. We have reinvented ourselves the past three years. We have people to people exchanges from Africa to Asia and Europe to North America. Our students are being global ambassadors of Scottsdale. International visitors come here.

Proposed City Museum Project

Presenter:

Paul Messinger

Bio:

Arizona licensed funeral director and Chairman of the Board of the Messinger Mortuaries in Scottsdale and Payson. For more than 60 years, Paul has devoted his time, energy, vision and historic perspective to Scottsdale and the area as a businessman and community leader. He regularly writes about the history of Scottsdale for Scottsdale Republic.

Details:

The history of the Southwest, as told through the eyes of the artist, the actor, the storyteller, coupled with the latest electronic mediums, will offer our community guests an honest view of our colorful history, that it as great as our blue skies and sunshine, and only be available to our visitors at the planned Scottsdale Museum of the West.

A Passion for Preservation

Presenter:

Melinda Gulick

Bio:

Vice President, Community Life, DMB Associates. Passionate about Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the largest urban preserve in the Northern Hemisphere, avid supporter of the Desert Discovery Center (DDC) and lover of Scottsdale.

Details:

The DDC is the gateway to Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which showcases the world's richest and most amazing desert. Conceived as a world-class destination attraction sensitively built into a pristine environment, the DDC will provide educational, recreational, and social opportunities for residents and tourists alike.

Why I Love Scottsdale Civic Center Park

Presenter:

Debra Kuffner

Bio:

Debra Kuffner is the marketing and audience engagement manager at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. She holds a master's degree in tourism development and recreation management, and a bachelor's in urban geography. Debra loves spending time exploring the city and is proud to call Scottsdale her adopted home.

Details:

Scottsdale Civic Center Park is a beautiful 21-acre urban park in the heart of downtown Scottsdale. This unique destination is a favorite among residents and visitors for its dining, shopping, arts, culture and entertainment options. My presentation will highlight all the things I love about Scottsdale Civic Center Park.

The Win/Win of Socio-Economic Crossover

Presenter:

Darren Chapman

Bio:

My name is Darren Chapman and I am CEO and Founder of the Tigermountain Foundation. The Tigermountain Foundation empowers low to no income communities through building gardens and community development through revitalization projects. We utilize Asset Based Community Development to accomplish the task of providing affordable accessible produce.

Details:

My topic is compelling because the economy affects all of us on a personal level. Our safety, finances and quality of life are affected if we do not address some of these issues accordingly.

The Millennials

Presenter:

Dina Beck

Bio:

Dina Beck, MA, is a trainer/consultant in the areas of hospitality, work styles & leadership. Well known for her innovative approach to training, Dina has a MA in Counseling & Educational Psychology & was the Internship & Outreach Coordinator at Lake Tahoe Community College. Dina excels at creating energetic trainings that both inspire & entertain.

Details:

They have been called the Internet Generation, Echo Boomers, Generation Y, & in Canada...Sunshine Generation - but several thousands of them sent suggestions to Peter Jennings @ abcnews.com & Millennials was the winner. Join us as we explore this amazing generation...the Millennials. They are arriving at your place of work & are charged with potential!

The Symbiotic Nature of the Golf Industry and Tourism in Scottsdale

Presenter:

Kevin Maxwell

Bio:

I am a Technology Shepherd, avid golfer and aspiring foodie. I worked in the Scottsdale golf industry for several years and I have seen the golf industry evolve and innovate. I have observed how the golf business reacts to the ebb and flow of tourism dollars and how tourists' perception of Scottsdale as a golf destination has changed over the years.

Details:

The golf industry has seen enormous change in the past 20 years. So has the tourism industry. How changes in one industry has affected market conditions in the other. How innovation in both industries are inter-dependent on each other. Golf needs tourists to fill the tee sheets and the tourism industry needs world class golf courses to drive visits.

Passion in the People

Presenter:

Susan Morrow Potje

Bio:

Raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Susan has been a Scottsdale resident for nearly 30 years. Susan and her husband, Jake, are the owners of the Celebration of Fine Art, which has been a part of the fabric of Scottsdale for 22 years. She believes if you are lucky enough to live in Scottsdale, then you are lucky enough!

Details:

Individually & collectively; historically & presently, it is the people who make Scottsdale a special place to live. Some are high-profile and well known, but it is mostly ordinary, everyday people who have made Scottsdale a stand out destination. This presenter will highlight just a few who she believes have made Scottsdale what it is today.

Living Your Dream

Presenter:

Larry Berle

Bio:

I was in the concert promotion business, promoting such acts as Andy Williams, Tony Bennett, BB King, James Taylor, Yanni, George Winston. I owned this co in Minneapolis MN for 31 years. My wife introduced me to the game of golf and in 1992, I set out on a mission to play the Top 100 golf courses in the US, which I completed in 2002.

Details:

This talk will be about living your dream. Mine was to play the top 100 golf courses in the US. Most are extremely private and difficult to get access. So it's a lot about networking. 6 of them are in AZ and 4 of those are in Scottsdale. These will get some focus. The talk includes some of the lessons I learned in the process (see website).

Teaching Old Town, New Tricks

Presenter:

Melinda Faust

Bio:

Jane of all trades, I've grown with the cultural scene in the valley as both a participant and an initiator. Savvy in culinary, art and music - with a history of community development by way of an innate ability for marketing, educating and foreshadowing trends. Musician, writer, charmer, foodie and social butterfly.

Details:

The rising obviousness of Old Town being the next "it" hotspot in the valley by way of "mom and pop" shops, the youth and clientele market, a new kind of art scene and the greatness of a pedestrian friendly layout. Old Town has an allure that could change the scene for the better and bring the culture that it's thirsty for.

Celebrating Cultures of The World

Presenter:

Manuel Jordán

Bio:

Manuel Jordán has a bachelor's degree from the University of Puerto Rico and completed his master's and PhD degrees in art history at the University of Iowa. Jordán is the Chief Curator and Director of Collections at the Musical Instrument Museum, where he is responsible for coordinating the work of the Curatorial Department.

Details:

Travel the world without leaving the Valley. MIM's Manuel Jordán will speak about his passion for sharing cultures of the world. From curating African art to overseeing a collection of 15,000 instruments from across the globe, Jordán will share the importance of celebrating our world's diverse musical cultures and fostering global understanding.

Arizona Plow to Plate

Presenter:

Denise Logan

Bio:

Denise Logan (call her Dee) is a promoter of the Arizona local seasonal plow to plate movement connecting Scottsdale chefs and residents with the authentic seasonal nutritional life style of our wonderful state. Dee presents visitor and resident alike the unique Arizona culinary traditions in the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market.

Details:

In a world of 24/7 web based international living it is ever so important to be grounded in a relationship with the goodness of local seasonal ingredient driven cuisine. This relationship is an important aspect in presenting the gift and brand of Arizona authentic goodness to the world as it visits Scottsdale and as Scottsdale visits the world.

Live the Art. Love the Place.

Presenter:

Bill Heckman

Bio:

Since February 1992, Owner & President of Heckman Marketing, Inc. a 'streams of income' Sales & Marketing Consultant to the Furniture Manufacturing Industry & Retail Dealers throughout the Southwest. Mr. Heckman currently serves as Advisory Board Chairman of Scottsdale Public Art.

Details:

Mr. Heckman will present information and photos of Scottsdale's art collection and his passion to the audience on why he chooses to live in Scottsdale.

Chase Your Dreams

Presenter:

Gary J. Sprague

Bio:

I've been a musician since 1967. I got married in 1981 and in 1986 lost my job in Syracuse, NY. Fate brought me to AZ where I pursued my passion for country and western music. Inspired by events in Scottsdale, I found myself singing cowboy songs on horseback. For 15 years, I have enjoyed seeing smiles while entertaining the young and old on my horse.

Details:

To be happy in life you must pursue your passion in work and play. Music is my passion and cowboy life has always been a dream. Scottsdale has allowed me to combine these 2 to build a life where work and play are so intermingled they seem to be as one.

Scottsdale - An Artist's Heaven

Presenter:

Vasanti Deshpande

Bio:

I was born in India and educated in the USA and have a PhD in Chemical Engineering. I have worked in Phoenix as an Engineer for 17 years, but deep in my heart I am an artist. Two of my passions are Oil Painting and Toastmasters. I want to use one of my passions - public speaking - to talk about the other, the Arts in Scottsdale.

Details:

You will never be bored in Scottsdale if you love the arts and love to shop. In this session, take a virtual tour of the art galleries and museums in downtown Scottsdale, an artist's heaven. Learn about the local art scene and where to find hidden treasures. Ideal for those who are passionate about art, and/or new to Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Alive!

Presenter:

Jeff Haebig

Bio:

Jeff Haebig, (call him hey big Jeff) is a health promoter who puts hip to lip, making wellness come alive through music and movement. Called the Body/brain Boogie Man, he has involved audiences internationally with his inspirational Wellness Quest products and programs that move people. Senior Scottsdale resident, he finds many ways to stay young.

Details:

Watch or participate in a spirited movement sequence that brings Scottsdale living to life. Catchy gestures and rhyming lyrics put to music capture the sun and fun activities that make our community body-brain enhancing. Seniors don't come here to retire and expire - we come here inspired to live a robust, creative, enriching life.

All Things Scottsdale

Presenter:

Ace Bailey

Bio:

I have been a resident of Scottsdale since the late 60's. I own an art & culture tour company and am passionate about all things Scottsdale!

Details:

Scottsdale has a very rich, fascinating and diverse history. You can walk into wonderful local shops downtown and meet shop owners who remember when Main Street when all the way through to the rez or whose great grandfather held boxing matches in the blacksmith shop that still operates. It only takes a little time & curiosity to discover!

What's Not to Love?

Presenter:

Jackie Das

Bio:

I am a project manager for a medical device company. I also manage my own career coaching company. I have lived in Scottsdale for 13 years, having moved here from the UK in 1999.

Details:

All my life I knew there was something missing. I didn't know what it was until I moved to Scottsdale from England in 1999. I looked up into the azure blue sky and saw a huge yellow disc. I knew that was it...I had finally come home! This is where I was meant to be and I'll never leave.....

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