Polsinelli attorney selected for program

Polsinelli attorney Tanner Warnick has been selected for inclusion in the Arizona Chamber Foundation’s business and political policy professional development program. As an Arizona Industry Fellow, Warnick will participate in a year-long program of monthly full-day workshops led by top business leaders, elected official and policy experts.  Through facilitated discussions, the next generation of business leaders will gain a better understanding of the intersection between business and public policy and its impact on the Arizona economy.  

Warnick is a commercial litigation attorney with a vested interest in making Arizona an attractive place for business to relocate and thrive.  He works with corporate clients across a wide range of industries and specializes in insurance recovery and risk management.   

Two powerhouses in Arizona real estate join forces

Two of the great powerhouses in Arizona real estate just announced they are joining forces. Mike Domer, the No. 1 RE/MAX agent in the State of Arizona as well as the No. 1 agent in the entire nation, has just joined Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate. Domer is operating out of the new North Scottsdale office.

Domer’s bold move is significant amongst the real estate community and positions Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate as the market leader in both Paradise Valley and North Scottsdale.

Arizona FFA Foundation hires new leadership

The Arizona Agricultural Education/FFA Foundation recently named Rochell Planty, CMP, CFE as the new Executive Director.

“We’re excited to announce a restructuring of the Foundation that will move us forward and support our mission as the fundraising arm of Arizona’s FFA,” Steve Goucher, Arizona FFA Foundation President shared.

Planty will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, as well as planning, leading and implementing strategic fund-raising programs. She brings a long history with FFA serving in her earlier years as a State FFA Vice President, leading to the Arizona FFA Alumni President. Her most recent position has been serving as the Operations and Event Manager for the Foundation. She brings over 34 years in the agriculture and hospitality industry with 27 of those in the non-profit world. Her scope of expertise includes public relations, event management, and fundraising. Planty received her American FFA Degree by the National FFA Organization and her Arizona FFA Honorary Degree which was bestowed upon her by the Arizona Association FFA.

AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore appoints GM and DOSM

The recently opened AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore, part of the design-led European lifestyle Marriott hotel brand, announces the appointment of David Belk as General Manager and Mike Carvelo as Director of Sales & Marketing. Located in the upscale Biltmore area, the new hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of Phoenix’s bustling Camelback Corridor, the premier office, retail, and entertainment destination in the city.   

Mike Carvelo

With more than 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, David Belk joins AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore as its General Manager by way of the AC Hotel Tempe where he served as the Director of Operations as well as Food & Beverage Director. In his tenure with the brand, Belk has assisted in opening more than 10 AC Hotels. Prior to joining Marriott, Belk honed his management skills in positions for restaurant and hospitality brands, including Spectra Hospitality, where he opened multiple casinos and restaurants, primarily for Gila River Casinos. In his new role at AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore, Belk will oversee all operational aspects of the 160-room property and ensure overall guest satisfaction.  

“This opening has been highly anticipated among the Biltmore community and I’m truly looking forward to bringing the signature AC Hotels product and service to the area,” said Belk. “We have a dedicated staff and an experienced management team in place and are delighted to serve locals frequenting the Camelback Corridor, in addition to welcoming guests from around the world.”

A true passion for hospitality led Mike Carvelo to begin his career in the industry in 2005 with an operations role at the 1,600-room Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. Eager to break into sales, Carvelo joined the Marriott family in 2011 and had the opportunity to work with both Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn properties. In 2016, Carvelo joined the AC Hotel Tempe before coming on board for the opening of AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore as the Director of Sales & Marketing.

“The AC brand is becoming a recognizable and popular hotel choice in the US market as it combines style, purpose and tradition,” stated Carvelo. “It’s been incredible to see the AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore come to fruition and I am proud to be part of the opening team for this exceptional new hotel.”

AC Hotel Phoenix Biltmore features the brand’s signature AC Lounge designed for collaborating and relaxing, the AC Kitchen where a popular European-style breakfast spread is served, the AC Library providing a quiet space to work, plus 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.