Tom Forese, Arizona Corporation Commission

from Tom Forese

Fresh eyes bring new perspective. That’s always a good thing, especially when those fresh eyes come out of the C suite of some of our community’s best businesses. Whether the result is affirmation of the direction business is already following or charting new paths, The Valley, and Arizona overall, enjoys the expertise of the leadership of major businesses who continue to be pillars of our economy, plus that of new companies moving here. And, of course, from the local successes that scaled from startups to national and international stature.

Arizona has a rich history of entrepreneurial spirit, and that spirit of opportunity lives on today. The Arizona Corporation Commission is a driver of economic development, and we are committed to making the Commission operate at the speed of business. As chairman of the ACC, I strive to make Arizona the place to do business in the Southwest. By 2019, all corporation filings will be completely paperless, making it even easier for those doing business in our great state. Being business-friendly is a priority of mine at the Commission, and to that end we are working on a business one-stop that would tie several state agencies into one online portal, allowing people to get all necessary licenses and filings completed without making multiple trips downtown. It is an exciting time for economic growth in Arizona, and I am committed to seeing that growth continue. 

There’s new leadership at the helm of some of our community’s leading businesses. Some are even new to the Valley of the Sun. But they were eager to share their perspectives with In Business Magazine for this issue’s cover story — perspectives that cover the major economic and employment sectors: healthcare, banking, insurance and public utilities. What impact is our community having on them, and what impact may they have on our community? 

Complementary views are shared in the Feedback feature as locally based small businesses share how they stay grounded in their community as they look outward and expand beyond their original location.

In business operations, billing is a core foundational element. But in the evolving best practices, digital methods are becoming more important — and raising new concerns over security, ease of use and value. Mia Papanicolaou discusses this in her feature article on mobile billing.

By the Numbers explores the tremendous impact of landmark legislation HR5050, bringing what many now accept as common sense to the ability of women to found, own and run a business. Roundtable looks at the always-timely topic of Web design by considering how to choose the right developer. And a healthcare article offers a checklist for businesses to create a healthier work environment as we head into the heavy allergy season.

The annual legal guide presented in this issue has been updated to offer businesses a resource for the myriad challenges they face, from long-term planning to unexpected crises.

With relevant information that ranges over diverse topics, In Business Magazine is focused on helping business grow. I hope you enjoy this issue; I’m pleased to help bring it to you.

Sincerely,

Tom Forese
Chairman
Arizona Corporation Commission

Tom Forese currently serves as the chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission. In that capacity, he has focused on implementing policy that furthers economic development and energy efficiency and eliminates burdensome regulation.

Prior to his service at the Arizona Corporation Commission, Forese served in the Arizona House of Representatives. There, he served as chairman of the Commerce Committee, chairman of the Higher Education Committee, chairman of the International Relations Committee and member of the Appropriations Committee.

As an executive in the private sector, Forese has focused on job creation and education. 

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