Steven Barclay
Jennings, Strouss & Salmon

“Membership in Valley Forward is a wonderful way to interact with like-minded people from both the business community and local government,” reports Steven Barclay, Co-chair of the organization’s Membership Committee, who probably guesses correctly that he was offered the post because he kept telling everyone they should join Valley Forward.
Considering the working professionals whom he encourages to become members, Barclay notes that they all care deeply about the quality of their communities, “they place a high value on the attributes that make for a fun, healthy and safe environment for themselves and their families.”
It isn’t surprising that these same qualities can be used to describe the Arizona attorney who, along with his wife Janice, strives to model community involvement for their teenage daughter, Jordan. “We’re all Valley natives, so we’ve got deep roots planted here. We’ve realized the need to stay actively involved in our community—to give something back—to help keep the place we live, work and play as attractive and vibrant as it can be.”
Family man that he is, Barclay notes that he and his wife enjoy taking clients and friends to Valley Forward’s Environmental Excellence Awards—what he describes as “the Academy Awards of the environmental community.”

Laurel Kimball
The Greenleaf Group

Laurel Kimball, president of The Greenleaf Group, has a passion for urban design. In addition to her consulting practice, Kimball has been involved with Valley Forward for nearly 15 years. “I admire the way Valley Forward brings business people and other citizens together to learn more about the choices facing our community in regards to urban form, transportation, and the environment,” she reflects.
The organization’s ability to foster diverse collaboration is imperative in a growing metropolitan area because, Kimball notes, “no issues have simple solutions. Even with the best of intentions, implementation of good ideas is complicated by overlapping jurisdictions and conflicting responsibilities, and the best solution is usually reached by finding common ground.”
Her experience with Valley Forward has been one of information sharing. “I like to be well-informed about issues.” The 30-year Valley resident also appreciates the opportunities the organization presents members to make recommendations and watch them have a real impact on the community.
As Chair of Valley Forward’s 37th Luncheon Committee, Kimball is excited to host Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies at the Arizona Biltmore December 1st. “Diamond argues that environmental problems and how they were dealt with were a major reason for societies’ collapse.” Considering the Valley’s “fragile desert environment,” Kimball finds Diamond’s work particularly relevant to discussion of regional development.

Jim Oliver
AMEC Earth & Environmental

Bringing more than 21 years’ consulting experience related to water supply, water rights and water issues, Jim Oliver knows a thing or two about water. “I have been fortunate to be able to work all across the country assisting municipalities, states and private companies find solutions to their water problems.” Oliver is the Program Lead for AMEC Earth & Environmental, where he works to expand the company’s water resource practice throughout the western U.S. His expertise has also served him well as the Chair of Valley Forward’s Water Committee over the past 2 years.
As co-chair, Oliver is directing the committee toward “bridging the gap” between Valley businesses and Valley water planners. Acknowledging the somewhat negative perception surrounding management of Arizona’s water resources, the University of Arizona alum hopes to make the local business community aware of the positive aspects of Valley water planning.
When asked why Phoenix is not implementing drastic water cutbacks like other cities such as Denver, Las Vegas, and San Antonio, Oliver says the answer lies in the Valley’s foresight and wise long-range water planning. “Given our recent growth trend and our desert environs, it is natural to be concerned about the Valley’s water supply,” he explains. Concerns become compounded with the recent drought and concerns over global warming. But Oliver remains positive. “The Valley has a long history of visionary water planning that started with the Salt River Project, the Central Arizona Project, use of reclaimed water and most recently with underground water banking.”

Nick Davis
The Beck Group

Over the course of Nick Davis’ involvement with Valley Forward, he has come to recognize the two-fold impact of the organization on the local business community. “Initially, the organization provides the forum to provide and exchange information on sustainability.” He continues, “Valley Forward also offers networking opportunities to bring all of our membership together to socialize, but also to provide a casual forum to express ideas and business opportunities.”
Davis’ experience with the organization is intertwined with his seven years of involvement with the City of Scottsdale’s Green Building Program—commitments that can sometimes be overwhelming. Fortunately for Davis, his employer, The Beck Group, encourages employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and leisure. “This credo comes from the very top of the company,” notes Davis, who is Beck’s Director of Business Development for the company’s Western Division. “Peter Beck III advocates the balance of work and leisure throughout the company.” Davis, like Beck, understands that balance is paramount to long-term success, although “this means I end up lying about what I’m doing most of the time,” he jokes.
Davis’ work/leisure balance is complimented by his appreciation for balanced design, which his involvement with Valley Forward and the Green Building Program has no doubt caused to flourish. “The City of Scottsdale has been at the vanguard of sustainability and rivals cities such as Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon as the champions of green design and construction. The advisory board during my tenure has implemented both.