Now more than ever, America needs the creativity, innovation, and leadership that small businesses provide.  That's why I write the CorePurpose Blog... Joan Koerber-Walker<!--more-->

In 2002, I left corporate America to launch my own small business, CorePurpose, Inc. with a mission to assist companies of all sizes in focusing their collective talents on the actions that have the greatest impact for their success and in focusing on strong business fundamentals as a foundation for growth.

In December 2006, an opportunity to work with a talented team of staff and volunteers at the Arizona Small Business Association was just too good to say no to. Thanks to the support of our CorePurpose Team, I was able to take my first sabbatical and join the ASBA team as their CEO. Together we tackled big challenges like health-care, workforce development, and raising the awareness of the importance of growing local businesses as an economic development strategy. As CEO of the organization, I had the opportunity to work with thousands of businesses across the state, see how they were making a difference every day, and to experience first hand the power of small business as a driver in our economy.

In the begining of 2009 I returned to CorePurpose full time to support the companies and organziations who were increasing calls for support in one of our nation's most challenging economic times. I also started what became the CorePurpose Blog.  You will find its genesis at <a href="http://www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com">www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com</a>.

Beginning in March 2011, I again moved into sabbatical mode, this time to join another wonderful team as President and CEO of AZBio, <a href="http://www.azbio.org">the Arizona Bioindustry Association</a>.

Arizona's bioscience industry is on the move and making great strides forward in discovering and delivering solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges:
<ul>
	<li>Diagnosing and treating disease</li>
	<li>Sustaining and Improving the quality of life with innovative medical devices</li>
	<li>Developing new sources of green energy</li>
	<li>Pioneering new science to feed the world</li>
	<li>Creating solutions that are both sustainable AND affordable.</li>
</ul>
As Arizona’s statewide industry Association, AZBio is committed to working with our members across Arizona to support our industry as together we move forward faster.

While I am at AZBio, our CorePurpose team is ready and able to support you while I spend my days working with some of the most insipring leaders and innovators you'll find anywhere.

We live in an interesting time in history - one that we can choose to make the most of. I am excited to use this blog as the beginning of a conversation on what we can all do together to focus on our strengths, overcome challenges, get our economy back on track, and keep it there.

So welcome to the conversation and please stay tuned.

<em>--- Joan Koerber-Walker, founder and chairman, CorePurpose, Inc.</em>