FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 31, 2009


NEW BOARD MEMBERS SELECTED FOR CHAMBER’S ATHENAPOWERLINK® PROGRAM

(PHOENIX) – The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce has announced three new board members for its ATHENAPowerlink® (APL) governing board. The three new executives who join the board for 2009-2012 are:
• Deborah Bateman, executive vice president and director of sales and service, National Bank of Arizona
• Julie Jones, vice president, Insight.com
• Steven Stralser, clinical professor in the Walker Center for Global Entrepreneurship, Thunderbird School of Global Management
“These dynamic individuals will be a great addition to our board. Their expertise and guidance will increase the value we can provide to the program’s mentees and mentors,” said Sheila Grinell, ATHENAPowerlink® program chair. “We are excited to have them begin on July 1, 2009!”

Now entering its eighth year, APL is a program offered by the chamber that helps women-owned businesses work through challenges and take their business to the next level of success. The APL program works with owners to identify their company's specific needs, and then creates a panel of experts who mentor the business for one year, working to resolve these issues. ATHENAPowerlink® is a nationally chartered program, and the Chamber is proud to be the first to offer the program in Arizona.

About the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Representing 3,400 businesses across Metropolitan Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is Arizona’s oldest and largest Chamber. The Chamber supports the growth and development of business by offering networking and marketing opportunities, money-saving programs and a voice in government, keeping its members informed, connected and prosperous.

The Chamber enhances members’ success by promoting economic development, entrepreneurship and a connection to the community with local chapters in Anthem, Deer Valley and South Mountain/Laveen.
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