The Phoenix metro area, with its growing technology, healthcare, finance and manufacturing industries, is becoming a draw for Gen-Z workers. According to a recent ADP Research analysis looking at the best labor markets for this demographic, Phoenix ranked as the 8th best city in the U.S. ADP analyzed anonymized payroll data from more than 140,000 individuals of people aged … [More]
What Gen-Z Workers Want – and How Phoenix Employers Can Deliver
And employers need to differentiate themselves for successful recruitment
Jobs: Creating and Saving Employment in Arizona
Job growth and workforce gaps
The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity’s jobs data is projecting sustained opportunities and growth across all sectors in 2026. Observing, “Businesses of all kinds are investing in Arizona, creating a diverse range of employment opportunities for everyone,” Office of Economic Opportunity Director Mary Foote shares, “Arizona's economy continues to demonstrate remarkable … [More]
New Year, New Energy Savings
Annual reviews, on-site audits and custom energy strategies guide businesses toward smarter, more efficient operations
A new year marks a time for many to re-evaluate and establish new goals and businesses are no different. Often, companies make cost savings and increased profitability No. 1 on their list of resolutions. Knowing this, the SRP Business Solutions Program is designed to identify any inefficiencies and help mid-size companies save — and not just at the beginning of the … [More]
Waymo Launches New Feature for Businesses
Waymo recently launched Waymo for Business. It offers organizations a powerful blend of safe, sustainable transportation and enterprise-grade management tools, making it a strategic solution for employee, student and guest mobility. From an organizational perspective, the value of consistency and safety cannot be overstated. Waymo’s autonomous fleet operates 24/7, ensuring … [More]
BeeStop Innovates Protection against Home Invasion
When local entrepreneur Mitchell Cooper saw a shocking video of a home invasion, he was inspired to help homeowners feel safe and empowered in their own homes. Cooper, a dentist with an engineering background, began developing his idea for the BeeStop Unit. He then enlisted the help of his sons Shane, a student at Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business studying … [More]
Guest Editor: Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona
Truths to Tariffs Tariffs are far from a simple cost add-on phenomenon that end-users have to deal with. They insinuate themselves into business operations and supply chain calculations far removed from any obvious final product. But that isn’t the only strain today’s business leaders contend with due to tariffs — the actual status of a given tariff may change without … [More]
CornerStone Staffing: Building Stronger Communities, One Connection at a Time
Giving back is a natural extension of the company’s identity
When CornerStone Staffing opened its doors in 1991, it was a modest, family‑run staffing agency in Fort Worth with a simple belief: Strong businesses are built on strong people. More than three decades later, that belief has grown into a companywide ethos, one that now stretches across 11 locations, 65 employees and a rapidly expanding presence in the Greater Phoenix … [More]
The Hidden Distractions of Leadership: How Leaders Lose Focus and What It Costs
“One thing that keeps us from excellence is distractions.” —Malcom Lewis Leadership is often described as a role of vision, clarity and decisive action. Yet leaders face a constant stream of distractions that quietly erode their effectiveness. These distractions do not always look like interruptions; sometimes they appear as opportunities, competing priorities or … [More]
How CX (Customer Experience) Can Combat Customer Churn
Businesses should note that CX doesn’t stop at customer service
In today’s hyper-competitive market, customer loyalty can’t be taken for granted. Even long-standing customers are quick to move on if their experience falls short of expectations. That reality makes customer experience (CX) one of the most powerful levers for reducing churn. By focusing on seamless interactions, personalized service and proactive support, businesses can … [More]
Millennials and Gen Z Redefine Prenups as Smart Business Strategy
Once viewed as a taboo topic, prenuptial agreements are now gaining ground as a symbol of financial transparency and partnership. A recent study shows that nearly half of engaged or married millennials, and 41% of Gen Z, now have prenups in place. This shift reflects a generational change in how couples approach both relationships and finances, and it carries meaningful … [More]
SorbiForce Battery: Breakthrough Concept in Energy Systems, Inspired by Freedom
SorbiForce has developed the world’s first non-metal, biochar-based, water-electrolyte battery architecture — replacing mined materials with renewable ones like carbon derived from agricultural waste, salt and water. “The result is an ultra-safe, high-performance storage system designed for the rapid energy fluctuations of the AI era,” says CEO Serhii Kaminsky. This enables … [More]
Jennifer Kaplan on Building a Business through Curiosity, Clarity and Trust
Evolve PR and its founder evolved their culture and style with a focus on relationships
When Jennifer Kaplan talks about building a business, she rarely starts with revenue graphs or milestone moments. Instead, she goes back to the thing that has always driven her: a deep instinct to help people tell their stories. Long before she became the leader of a rapidly growing PR firm, Kaplan was the person connecting people, elevating ideas and making sure good work … [More]
Short-Term Rentals: A Growing Investment Opportunity in Arizona
Over the past decade, the short-term rental (STR) market has evolved from a niche concept into a thriving sector of the real estate industry. Investors and property owners alike are increasingly drawn to this model, recognizing its ability to generate strong returns while adapting to shifting consumer travel habits. With more travelers seeking unique accommodations and flexible … [More]
One Camelback’s Comeback Finds Its Unlikely Savior
For nearly five years, the tower at Central Avenue and Camelback Road stood as one of Phoenix’s most puzzling real estate stories. Commuters admired its angles and shimmering glass. But for all its promise, One Camelback remained frozen, an office-to-apartment conversion turned cautionary tale. The building was roughly 80% complete, and 100% stuck. Contractors left. Lawsuits … [More]
Strategic Impact Partners Aligns Clients’ Brands with Heart
Strategic Impact Partners is a national visibility firm that helps businesses and executives align their external presence with their internal values. “Through on-demand photography, executive visibility consulting and strategic storytelling, we elevate the way organizations show up in the world — capturing their leadership, culture and community impact in ways that build … [More]
As Data Centers Expand, Arizona Debates Power, Water and Local Control
Data centers are becoming one of the most visible and contested pieces of Arizona’s technology growth. As demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence accelerates, communities across the state are weighing the benefits of large-scale digital infrastructure against concerns about water, power and long-term local impact. Arizona’s appeal to data center developers is … [More]
NGK Expands Phoenix Facility to Support Semiconductor Equipment Demand
NGK Insulators is expanding its Arizona-based operations as semiconductor manufacturers continue to invest in U.S. production. The Japan-based company said it will invest about $56 million to expand FM Industries, its Phoenix subsidiary that produces precision components used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The expansion is expected to increase production capacity … [More]
NXP’s Chandler Exit Highlights Shifts in the 5G Market
NXP Semiconductors’ decision to exit the radio power market and close its Chandler gallium nitride facility by 2027 raised questions about 5G, compound semiconductors and Arizona’s role in the global chip industry. The Dutch semiconductor company said the decision reflects current conditions in the 5G infrastructure market. Network upgrades have slowed, particularly among … [More]
