The Tempe Chamber of Commerce’s most recent Business Woman of the Year Award recipient Denise Hart joins prior recipients Jodi Polanski and Margaret Hunnicutt at an educational and inspiring luncheon. These notable women will have a conversation about what it takes to succeed in life and business and answer questions about their achievements and experiences.

The event takes place on Sept. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Graduate Hotel, 225 E. Apache Blvd. in Tempe. It is open to the public and RSVPs are required in advance at www.tempechamber.org or to 480-736-4283.

  • Denise Hart is the vice president of marketing for Vestar, overseeing commercial real estate properties across the country including Tempe Marketplace. She is the first female executive hired at Vestar, where she mentors and promotes professional female staff members within the company, helping them to succeed in the corporate world.
  • Jodi Polanski is the founder and executive director for Lost Our Home, an animal rescue organization founded in 2008 as a grassroots response to the thousands of abandoned pets in need as a result of the economic downturn. She received her Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Management in 2011.
  • Margaret Hunnicutt is the president and CEO of Landings Credit Union. She helped guide the credit union to a 47% increase in assets over a six year period resulting in a 35% increase in net worth. She is also the site coordinator for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance initiative and Board President of the Tempe Community Council.