Local horticulturist Holly Tovar of the Ambius Phoenix branch was recognized with a Platinum Award at the 2026 International Plantscape Awards for her plantscape design for the Biltmore BOND, a Phoenix luxury workplace. This recognition highlights the human-centric impact of plantscape design and its unique ability to transform commercial spaces through a multi-sensory lens. … [More]
Local Properties Earn Forbes Travel Guide Stars
Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Star Awards names two Metro Phoenix properties: The Global Ambassador in Phoenix, with a Four-Star rating, and JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, with a “Recommended Hotel” rating. … [More]
Looking Good 2026 – April Standouts
Local Standouts Recognized for Achievements and Philanthropy ACHIEVEMENTS Local Properties Earn Forbes Travel Guide Star Phoenix Plantscape Design Earns International Award Highest LEED Gold Score: Luke Field Industrial Building Magnum Companies Earns Top Honors for Metalwork PHILANTHROPY Mark-Taylor iNSPIREs Community Impact … [More]
Tomu San Sushi Sets a New Standard in DC Ranch Dining
At the hour when calendars fill and decisions get made, a new kind of lunch scene is unfolding at Market Street at DC Ranch. Tomu San Sushi, the latest concept from Kaufman Hospitality, reads the room. Built for a midday crowd that moves fast but expects more, the restaurant positions itself between a reset and a power move: a place where deals, debriefs and recalibrations … [More]
2026 Polestar 3
Polestar 3 fits into the same midsize electric SUV conversation as the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and Cadillac Lyriq, but it approaches the segment with a more restrained hand. It is quick, especially in dual-motor form, but the point is less about turning the vehicle into a performance statement and more about giving a large luxury SUV enough power to feel effortless in … [More]
Modern Messaging: Business Texting without the Friction
As businesses increasingly rely on direct, real-time communication, SMS has emerged as a practical channel for customer engagement rather than a secondary tool. For many organizations, the priority is not a complex communications stack but a reliable messaging that integrates easily into existing workflows and scales with demand. Sendblue is built around that simplicity. The … [More]
Arizona Deepens Semiconductor Ties with Taiwan and Japan
In the span of a few weeks, Arizona has signed three separate MOUs with Taiwan and Japan, each focused on a more practical goal: how to work together. Taiwan is one of Arizona’s largest trading partners, and Japan continues to be a leading source of foreign investment in the state. The relationships have been building for years, but what’s changing now is how coordinated they … [More]
Massive Electricity Demands – and Cost – of Bitcoin Mining
Now the definitive global hub of Bitcoin mining, the United States is grappling with the real-world costs of the industry — soaring electricity use, persistent noise complaints and mounting environmental strain. Addressing this, BestBrokers recently released its report “Mining Madness: The staggering energy cost of a single Bitcoin in 2025.” The team at BestBrokers used the … [More]
The Business Cost of Mental Health in Arizona
Mental health is no longer viewed solely as a clinical concern in Arizona. It has become a growing economic issue that directly affects workforce stability, productivity and the state’s long-term competitiveness. Employers across Arizona are seeing the impact of rising depression rates show up in daily operations, says Dr. Houshang Aminian, M.D., medical director at American … [More]
Arizona Builders Alliance Champions Construction Industry through Education, Advocacy and Connection
As a member-driven trade association, the Arizona Builders Alliance serves the commercial construction industry through comprehensive support that includes education, networking, business development, and robust legislative advocacy. This important benefit comes from the ABA’s dual affiliation with both the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the Associated General … [More]
Feedback: April 2026
Teresa Cutright Vice President of Employee Services Arizona Financial Credit Union Sector: Financial The most important aspect of our healthcare benefits is our commitment to making high-quality coverage both accessible and immediate. We offer comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, including free employee-only medical coverage, with benefits beginning on the … [More]
State of the City with Tempe Mayor Corey Woods – Presented by the Tempe Chamber
At a sold-out State of the City address at the Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe Mayor Corey Woods highlighted a year marked by public safety gains, rapid disaster recovery and continued economic growth. Woods pointed to a notable decline in violent crime, crediting strengthened community policing, targeted safety initiatives and close collaboration between law enforcement and … [More]
Honoring Service, Strengthening Community: Tempe’s Red, White & Blue Awards
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce’s annual Red, White & Blue Awards, presented by the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee (MAC), stood as a powerful tribute to the men, women and organizations whose service strengthens both community and country. Held in a spirit of gratitude, the ceremony brought together business leaders, public safety professionals, active-duty and reserve … [More]
Tempe Chamber Presented Senator Ruben Gallego for a Federal Briefing at Rio Salado Conference Center
The Federal Briefing, hosted at the Rio Salado College Conference Center, brought together business and community leaders to discuss the 2026 federal outlook and its potential impact on workforce development, healthcare, small businesses and veterans across Arizona. U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego addressed the economic pressures facing younger Americans, particularly the challenge of … [More]
Tempe Chamber NextGen Student Fellowship
The Tempe Chamber welcomed its first cohort of the NextGen Student Fellowship — a semester-long professional development program connecting Arizona college students with the Tempe business community. The program was set up to be a strategic advantage for college students — particularly in a university city like Tempe, where business, innovation and civic leadership are … [More]
Robin Arredondo-Savage Honored with the Howard Pyle Vocational Service Award
Robin Arredondo-Savage, president and CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, was presented with the Howard Pyle Vocational Service Award during the Tempe South Rotary’s annual charter night. The award is annually presented to an individual or couple who has, through his or her vocation, exemplified the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” as well as providing meritorious … [More]
Health Issues Are Starting Earlier in the Workforce. Here’s How Employers Can Respond
Employer health benefits costs are rising faster than inflation and wage growth, putting continued pressure on employersponsored plans. According to KFF’s 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey, peremployee benefit costs increased 6% in 2025, with another 6.5% increase projected for 2026, according to the 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey by KFF. New research from the Health … [More]
Guest Editor: Steve Purves, Valleywise Health
Healthcare in the Crosshairs
Affordability is today’s trending topic, and where it intersects with healthcare, it becomes a concern employers are addressing for their employees. Affordability and access are not new challenges in healthcare, but they are becoming more visible and more urgent for employers and employees alike. For many organizations, healthcare costs are now one of the fastest-growing line … [More]
