HOT TOPICS
Health Insurance Co. Invests $2 Million in Arizona Community Organizations
Wellpoint has committed more than $2 million in community-based organizations across Arizona to strengthen long-term services and supports, expand access to home- and community-based care, and support seniors, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. Wellpoint is strengthening its presence in Arizona through strategic community partnerships that advance the … [More]
EdTech Firm Promotes CFO to CEO in Planned Leadership Transition
Aspen Group, Inc., an education technology holding company and the parent company of Aspen University and United States University, announced a leadership transition designed to support the company’s next phase of growth and operational execution. Effective today, March 16, Matt LaVay (left), currently Chief Financial Officer of Aspen Group, will assume the role of … [More]
Phoenix-Based Bank Expands Services with Healthcare Banking Team
Western Alliance Bank announced the launch of its specialized Healthcare commercial banking team, led by industry executive Jennifer Hwang. Hwang will build and lead a Healthcare banking team that will deliver strategic, integrated financial advice and solutions to clients across subsectors including specialty pharmaceuticals, home health and hospice, medical device, … [More]
APS Seeks License Renewal to Keep Palo Verde Nuclear Plant Online
Arizona Public Service has officially notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its intent to renew the operating licenses for all three units at Palo Verde Generating Station, which could extend operations from the mid-2040s through the mid-2060s. Located west of Phoenix, Palo Verde is the heart of APS’s diverse energy mix, playing a vital role in supporting … [More]
Phoenix-Based Investment Firm Partners with Dallas Lender on New Fund
Capital Southwest Corporation and Trinity Capital Inc., two internally managed business development companies, announced that they have formed a joint venture that will invest primarily in first-out senior secured debt opportunities in the lower middle market. The joint venture will be owned equally by Capital Southwest and Trinity Capital, with each firm … [More]
Carvana Plans Stock Split Aimed at Expanding Employee Ownership
Carvana, an industry pioneer for buying and selling cars online, announced that its Board of Directors approved a 5 for 1 split of its common stock. The split is designed to ensure that earning and buying whole shares of Carvana stock is within reach for all of its team members. "This is the first split in Carvana’s history, and we believe it achieves the important … [More]
TOP STORIES
Amazon-Backed Robotaxi Co. to Debut in Phoenix, Plans for Operations Hub
Zoox, Amazon's autonomous taxi spin-off, announced that they are launching operations in Arizona, beginning with Phoenix, and expanding testing in Texas to Dallas. To support its growing operations, the company will also be opening new depots in Phoenix and Dallas, as well as a new Fusion Center facility in Scottsdale, creating hundreds of jobs in these communities. … [More]
Arizona–Japan Agreement Sets Stage for Expanded Semiconductor Collaboration
Amid increased international investment and to further strengthen economic and trade ties between Arizona and Japan, the Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and Arizona State University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Japan External Trade Organization, during a signing ceremony on March 4, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. In … [More]
Valley Healthcare Co. Names New CEO and Board Chairman
Equality Health, a category-leading value-based care enablement platform dedicated to improving health outcomes for underserved communities, announced the appointment of Ananya Banerjee as Chief Executive Officer. Ben Wanamaker, who served as Interim CEO during the leadership transition, has been named Chairman of the Board of Directors. The appointment comes at a … [More]
100-Year Water Supply Clears Path for Growth in Pinal County
Arizona Water Company announced it has officially received its Designation of Assured Water Supply in a signing ceremony with Governor Katie Hobbs, marking an historic milestone in providing water security for the communities of Coolidge, Casa Grande and the surrounding Pinal County areas. AWC's Designation affirms the utility has met rigorous state standards for … [More]
FEATURED STORIES
Phoenix Housing Affordability Rises as Inventory Expands
More families are finding homes in their price range, as the Greater Phoenix housing affordability index increased from 71 to 77 in February, and the number of homes in inventory rose 8.3%. This means that 77% of households with an income equal to the region’s median can afford the median-priced home, according to home sales data from Phoenix REALTORS. “March until … [More]
What SMBs Tell Us About the Economy That Wall Street Can’t
New research from GoDaddy and UCLA Anderson Forecast finds that small business data offers earlier and stronger indication of upcoming U.S. economic performance than traditional measures such as the stock market. Last quarter's data captures digital business activity rising year-over-year. By bringing digital small businesses into the picture for the first time, … [More]
AI Concerns and Middle East Tensions Drive Market Uncertainty
2026 has already been a year replete with spicy news items, and February was no exception. Our update is longer than usual, as the events of the last month require a bit more exploration. The primary February headlines came from a newsletter regarding the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and then, on the final day of the month, the initiation of military strikes … [More]
LATEST ISSUE
The Partnership of Hospitality and Healthcare
While 84% of U.S. consumers say wellness is a “top” or “important” priority, per a recent 2026 poll by McKinsey, commercial real estate is activity responding to this growing need. In hospitality especially, hotels and resorts are focusing on how to expand their amenity packages to create experiences that enhance a traveler’s overall well-being. Leveraging emerging … [More]
Guest Editor: Steve Zabilski, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
Grants, Growth and Future Grants represent more than funding for recipients — they are investments that empower communities to adapt and become stronger. Philanthropy at its finest can result in ripple effects far beyond its original intention. Phoenix is home to a robust network of private foundations as well as nonprofit arms of for-profit businesses. Each tends … [More]
LIVE AND LEARN
The Joy Exchange: Finding Life’s Greatest Lessons in Those You Least Expect
In The Joy Exchange, groundbreaking nonprofit leader Laura Whitaker offers readers an inspiring and entertaining invitation to discover for themselves the revolutionary rewards of entering into the lives of those with diverse abilities and experiences. Whitaker illuminates the path to experiencing profound joy by embracing our differences and finding a refreshing … [More]
Red, White & Brew Reintroduces Itself to Mesa
Red, White & Brew has long been a reliable lunch and dinner destination in East Mesa, and its newly remodeled dining room and updated menu gives business leaders new reasons to visit. The restaurant recently completed its first major renovation since opening in 2002, unveiling a brighter, more contemporary interior while preserving the open kitchen that has always … [More]
Modern Protection: Security without the Complexity
As homes increasingly function as workspaces and family hubs, a straightforward security system has become a practical asset rather than a luxury. For many households and small offices, the priority isn’t a sprawling installation; it’s dependable protection that’s easy to deploy and expand. SimpliSafe’s Starter System is built around that simplicity. The wireless kit … [More]
PHILANTHROPY
Health Insurance Co. Invests $2 Million in Arizona Community Organizations
Wellpoint has committed more than $2 million in community-based organizations across Arizona to strengthen long-term services and supports, expand access to home- and … [More]
Valley Gala Generates $11.4M for Life-Saving Brain Research
The Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation announced that its 61st Barrow Grand Ball, held on January 24, 2026, raised $11.4 million for Barrow Neurological Institute. … [More]
Arizona Foundation Awards $838K to Support Oral Health Programs
The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation has awarded grants to 37 non-profit organizations that work with underserved populations of all ages through oral health and nutritional … [More]
POSITIONS
Cybersecurity Firm Names President of Global Field Operations
Sectigo, a global leader in automated Certificate Lifecycle Management and digital certificates, announced the appointment of Clint Maddox as President, Global Field Operations. … [More]
Phoenix Children’s Expands Leadership Team with Senior Operations Promotion
Phoenix Children’s announced the promotion of Mike Meekins, PharmD, FACHE, to Senior Vice President of Operations, recognizing his exceptional leadership, operational expertise and … [More]
Banking and Wealth Firm Names Scottsdale Market President
First Western Trust, a subsidiary of First Western Financial, Inc., announced the appointment of Jeff Miller as Scottsdale Market President. With more than 15 years of experience … [More]
ACHIEVEMENTS
Boutique Real Estate Brokerage Opens 8,000-SF Biltmore Headquarters
Cambridge Properties, a boutique real estate brokerage known for its relationship-driven approach to luxury and urban living, has announced the opening of its new Phoenix … [More]
Arizona State University Breaks Ground on McCain Library
On a sunny Thursday afternoon along Tempe Town Lake, with Papago Park rising in the distance and Arizona State University just across the water, the setting felt intentional. … [More]
Valley Luxury Builder Marks 40 Years of High-End Home Design
Design trends and home prices have seen dramatic shifts over the past four decades, but what’s remained constant in Arizona’s always-evolving real estate scene is Cullum Homes’ … [More]
