A Giving Community E38

Tis’ the season of giving, shopping small, and supporting local businesses and nonprofits. On this episode of Collaborative Connections Radio Show and Podcast, host Kelly Lorenzen chatted about all of that and more with her guests.

Colin Diaz at the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, Danny Murphy with Arcadia Solar, and Meghan Murphy with The Arcadia Foundation joined Kelly on-air for a great conversation.

They talked about Tempe, family-owned businesses, renewable energy, community, philanthropy, advocacy, local happenings, sustainability and more.

If you want to hear inspiring stories, get great advice, or be in the know about happenings in Tempe, check out this great episode of Collaborative Connections sponsored by KLM Consulting, Marketing, and Management.

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 650 businesses with more than 70,000 employees. For more than a century, the Tempe Chamber has been dedicated to sustaining Tempe’s quality of life and keeping our community and economy vibrant.

Colin Diaz is no stranger to chamber of commerce work, as he assumed the role of President & CEO in Tempe with over five years of experience as the Chief Executive Officer/President of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce in Culver City, California. In addition to his chamber experience, Colin has over 20 years of management, marketing, sales, and community outreach experience.

He brings an impressive educational background with an MBA from Duke University and an MFA for Chapman University. As the leader in the Chamber Industry, Colin used a blend of his professional, personal, and educational experience to grow reach, elevate the chamber brand to others and protect the reputation of the Chamber.

His range of educational, professional, and practical experience allow him to be in-tune with current trends and technology, while still being rooted in the sound practices that have led businesses for decades. He is an industry influencer that currently sits on the W.A.C.E. Board of Directors as member of the Executive Committee. In addition to this regional appointment, Colin is the only Accredited Chamber Executive in the Valley.

Personally, Colin values spending time with his family. When he is not there or visiting their extended families, you may find him working out, reading the word, or plotting the future. He’s always been active and uses that energy and enthusiasm in both professional and personal endeavors.

Arcadia Solar is a family-owned Solar PV EPC Contractor founded in 2009 on a simple but revolutionary principle: solar energy should be available and affordable for everyone. This commitment to energizing lives has fueled their remarkable growth since then, making them the solar installation company of choice throughout the Southwest. Today, Their proud to be known as the first whole-home energy systems provider whose sole focus is to empower people.

They’re all about delivering next-level customer satisfaction. That’s why they provide dependable solar energy solutions without the high-pressure sales tactics, shoddy workmanship or general “shady business” associated with too many other providers. They also help their customers navigate convoluted utility regulations so that they can optimize the value they receive in return for their investment.

Danny Murphy is a Arizona State University graduate who studied Construction Management and Sustainability. After school, he spent 4 years working in the commercial construction industry for a major contractor in the Phoenix Valley.

As the fifth son of Arcadia Solar’s owner, he had worked for the company a few times in different capacities since it’s founding in 2009. In 2019, he joined the team again with the experience gained in the commercial industry, and now holds the position of Director of Construction for Arcadia Solar.

Follow Arcadia Solar on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

The Arcadia Foundation is a private family foundation started by the Murphy family in 2019. Our mission is to enrich and empower the communities we serve through collaboration, education and opportunity.

Meghan Murphy is an Arizona native and proud resident of Tempe.

She graduated from ASU with a major in Nonprofit Leadership & Management and has enjoyed working in various areas of the nonprofit sector for the past 7 years.

In her free time, Meghan enjoys exploring new places and events around the valley with her husband.

Follow The Arcadia Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About Collaborative Connections

Kelly Lorenzen started the “Collaborative Connections” show to bring her clients and favorite charities together to meet each other, connect and collaborate in life and business.

She hopes to build a stronger community one show at a time.

About Our Sponsor

KLM is a one-stop support shop for small business owners who are starting, growing, or trying to sustain. Our purpose is to foster the growth and prosperity of small businesses in our community.

Entrepreneurs & small business owners come to KLM for support in all areas of business. KLM clients think of us as a concierge, business snuggy, another arm, or duplicate for the business owner; They call us when they need us. Business owners can continue to do what they love while having the support they need when they need it.

About Your Host

Kelly Lorenzen, CEO of KLM, is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 15 years of business-ownership experience. She is also a certified project management professional.