Entrepreneurs work tirelessly to build their companies, many with the intent to transfer their business to the next generation. But without proper estate tax planning, business owners at certain levels of wealth run the risk of missing out on significant savings opportunities. Using tools like tax exemptions, trusts, valuation discounts and leveraging business structures for … [More]
Marketing Strategies in a World Of Opt-Outs
By now, the phrase “reject all cookies” is more closely associated with browsing the internet than dieting. In June, Google announced it would allow users of the Google Chrome browser to opt-in or opt-out of third-party data collection, effectively reversing its earlier decision to phase out third-party cookies in the second half of 2024. Businesses tracking users of Chrome, … [More]
The Intersection of Fleet Management Technology and Customer Satisfaction
Field service fleet managers face many complex challenges. From managing fuel costs to monitoring driver behavior for safety and compliance, they need the help of holistic fleet management software. However, technology alone isn’t enough. Fleets require more than just a vendor — they need a technology partner invested in their long-term success. The integration of advanced … [More]
Chronic Condition Management: Employer Strategies for Better Health
The rising prevalence of chronic disease is causing employers to rethink their workplace healthcare benefits. A condition is considered chronic when it lasts longer than a year and requires ongoing medical attention or limits daily living activities, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes or hypertension. According to the CDC, six in 10 U.S. adults live with at least one … [More]
Bioscience Hub at Park Central Strengthens Phoenix’s International Medical Ties
Park Central and the Phoenix Medical Quarter recently launched a groundbreaking partnership with leading neurologists from Vietnam and Barrow Neurological Institute. This cross-training and educational collaboration, initiated through key discussions held by Plaza Companies principals and Barrow Neurological Institute with the McCain Institute, signifies a new era of … [More]
Down but Not Out: Intel’s Arizona Fabs Remain Central to Its Global Strategy
Intel, a key player in the global semiconductor industry and an anchor for Arizona's tech economy, is at a critical juncture. Despite financial challenges and significant layoffs announced earlier this year, Intel's future remains tied to the success of its Arizona operations, particularly its massive investments in Chandler. These new fabs, built as part of a larger strategy … [More]
New Legislation Clears Path for Arizona’s Expanding Chip Industry
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s bipartisan Building Chips in America Act — a critical piece of legislation aimed at cutting the bureaucratic red tape that slows down the construction of semiconductor factories in the U.S. while proclaiming to maintain the bedrock protections for clean air and clean water — was signed into law by President Biden on October 2nd. The enactment of … [More]
ASU’s SWAP Hub Projects Secure $30 Million in Federal Funding
The Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub, based at Arizona State University and comprised of more than 170 members — 75 large companies, 28 academic institutions and more than 60 small businesses — has been awarded nearly $30 million in federal funding for five projects aimed at strengthening U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. Hubs such as this serve as a crucial link between … [More]
Manufacturing Construction Growth
The metro Phoenix manufacturing sector is thriving, attracting heavy-hitter industries as part of a North American surge that — between 2010 and 2023 — has tripled the nation’s average yearly manufacturing construction spend rate to $210 billion. Reinforced by increased reshoring following the pandemic, U.S. manufacturing footprints have expanded, particularly in the … [More]
Warehouse Spec Available in Deer Valley
Sun State Builders recently completed construction on a 43,672-square-foot building for Hopewell Development in the Deer Valley Technology Park at 2908 W. Deer Valley Road. It is a warehouse with 24-foot ceiling heights and an office suite. Construction began on the masonry ground-up spec project in early January and it is now available for lease. Photo courtesy Sun State … [More]
Surprise Industrial Features Rail Access
Newly completed by JLL for Mohr Capital, West Summit at Surprise is a 707,380-square-foot, Class A industrial development in Surprise, Arizona. The project, comprised of two state-of-the-art buildings, is located less than five minutes from loops 101 and 303 and the Northern Parkway. Foreign Trade Zone capable, it sits on almost 47 acres with sought-after rail access to metro … [More]
Buckeye Industrial Site Has Assured Water Supply
Arizona Land Consulting, the Valley’s leading female-owned real estate consulting firm, has closed on a $20 million acquisition in Buckeye, Ariz. Located on West Southern Ave. and South Rooks Road, the 131 acres of land is zoned for industrial purposes. The site is equipped with a Certificate of Assured Water Supply, which allows this prime piece of real estate to be subdivided … [More]
Marketing & Security Must Work Together to Safeguard and Grow Brand Trust
Collaboration can help organizations preserve brand reputation amid rising data privacy and security concerns
The importance of collaboration between an organization’s marketing and security leaders is the focus of the recently released report from the CMO Council, in partnership with KPMG, entitled “Marketing & Data Security: The Unlikely Brand Building Partnership,” which examines the marketing and security relationship and how marketing leaders can preserve brand reputation amid … [More]
John Willenborg’s Vision of Adventure – How Owl Vans Is Changing the Game
‘Jack of all trades’ innovates solutions
When it comes to business innovation, John Willenborg, founder of Owl Vans, has found his stride by being a "jack of all trades" rather than a specialist. While some might see this as a disadvantage, Willenborg argues that knowing a little about a lot allows for broader thinking, innovative solutions and the cross-pollination of ideas from different industries. This mindset is … [More]
Feedback: November 2024
Q: How important is Arts & Culture in your economic development plans? Wendy Bridges, AZED Pro Economic Development Director City of Goodyear Economic Development Sector: Municipal Government Arts and culture are essential to economic development plans, shaping a community’s identity and enhancing its appeal to residents, visitors and businesses. Investment in … [More]
ReadyTechGo Impact for Businesses and Local Economy
Phoenix leads manufacturing job growth in the Unites States, with more than 15,000 new jobs created in 2023 alone. Driving this growth is Arizona’s strategic location in the region, robust infrastructure and business-friendly environment that attracts investments and fosters innovation. Manufacturing is projected to have a 1.3% increase in jobs by 2025, representing 4,985 … [More]
The Crumbling of DEI
The headlines tell the story: Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are being deprioritized by some of the world’s largest companies. A recent blow came from Lowe’s, which announced a pullback on its DEI initiatives aimed at LGBTQ groups, marking a concerning trend for a number of businesses that once championed these programs. Other well-known companies are following suit, … [More]
Debunking the Myth of Sales Volume in Business Valuation
When it comes to selling a business, there’s a pervasive myth that increasing sales is the golden ticket to a successful sale. Sales is not the sole determinant of a business’s attractiveness to potential buyers. There are many other factors that can significantly impact the value of a business. Here are some examples of other aspects that potential buyers will consider when … [More]
