The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.4 points in July to 99.8, rising above its 52-year average of 98.0. This marks the highest level since August 2025. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, eight increased, and two decreased. Hiring plans improved substantially and contributed most to the rise in the Index. Real sales expectations and reports of inventory levels as … [More]
Arizona Delegation Heads to Korea to Build on $7B Semiconductor Investment
With surging economic momentum and record foreign direct investment, the Arizona Commerce Authority in partnership with the City of Peoria, Amkor, GPEC, and Opus, will lead an economic development delegation visit to the Republic of Korea on August 12-August 14, 2026. During the visit, the delegation will meet with leaders across government, business, and academia sectors, … [More]
Arizona Launches $1M Revolving Loan Fund for Brownfield Redevelopment
The Arizona Finance Authority announced the launch of a new Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Program designated for projects focused on cleanup activities for environmentally contaminated sites. Funding for the program has been provided through a $1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which will be loaned to qualifying applicants to conduct … [More]
Phoenix-Born Wellness Dining Concept Continues National Expansion
True Food Kitchen, the chef-crafted restaurant and lifestyle brand known for its fresh ingredient-forward menu and full-day dining experience opened its doors at 1755 29th St, Suite 1080 in Boulder's Twenty Ninth Street Shopping Center. The Boulder location marks the brand's 46th restaurant nationwide and its second in Colorado, following its original Cherry Creek outpost, and … [More]
Raytheon Secures $745M Deal to Produce Missile Interceptors in Arizona
Raytheon, an RTX business, has received a $745 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency for the production and sustainment of Standard Missile-3 Block IIA (SM‑3 IIA) interceptors. "SM-3 Block IIA is a cornerstone of regional defense, giving the U.S. and allied partners greater reach, accuracy and confidence against evolving threats," said Barbara Borgonovi, … [More]
Tempe-Based Chip Equipment Co. Reshapes Leadership for Next Growth Stage
Amtech Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of equipment and consumables enabling AI semiconductor device packaging and advanced substrate fabrication, announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Guy Shechter as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 13, 2026. Mr. Shechter also has been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors. Concurrently, Bob Daigle, … [More]
Stalled Downtown Mesa Development Reborn as 76-Room Hyatt Hotel
Downtown Mesa welcomed its newest hotel with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 233 E. Main St. The 233 Suites, a 76-room boutique hotel operating under the Unscripted by Hyatt brand, anchors one of the city's most anticipated redevelopment projects alongside Crust Simply Italian, Bombolino's Cafe and The Nightingale speakeasy plus 13,000 square feet of new class A office … [More]
$1M Gift Helps Nearly Double Healthcare Capacity for Valley’s Unhoused
Circle the City has received a transformational $1 million gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to support the completion of its new East Valley Medical Respite Center. In recognition of the Foundation's generosity, the facility's main lobby will be named in its honor. Scheduled to open later this year in Mesa, the 85-bed East Valley Medical Respite … [More]
New Chandler Build-to-Rent Project Opens as Demand Outpaces Expectations
Porter Kyle, a Scottsdale-based vertically integrated Build-to-Rent developer and general contractor, announced the grand opening of The Wayne, a 100-unit BTR townhome community in Chandler, Ariz. Residents are moving in and the clubhouse and first four buildings at the community have been transitioned to Mark-Taylor for ongoing lease-up and property management. The opening … [More]
$110M Contract Awards Push Massive Arizona Copper Mine Forward
Resolution Copper has awarded approximately $110 million in contracts to Major Drilling America Inc. and Redpath USA Corporation to advance exploration and underground development at the proposed Resolution Copper mine in Arizona. The contracts represent major early commitments under the approximately $500 million investment program announced following completion of the Final … [More]
$2.2B Acquisition to Create 6th Largest Homebuilding Giant in the U.S.
Dream Finders Homes, Inc. and Beazer Homes USA, Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Dream Finders will acquire Beazer in an all-cash transaction at an enterprise value of approximately $2.2 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Beazer shareholders will receive $33.50 in cash for each share of Beazer common stock, representing an … [More]
Small Businesses Prepare to Hire at Fastest Pace in Nearly Four Years
NFIB’s July Jobs Report shows that the Small Business Employment Index rose after four consecutive months of decline, registering 102.1 in July after measuring 100.2 in June. The current reading is above the 2025 average of 101.2 and the historical average of 100.0. In July, 36% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill, up 4 … [More]
Fiber Internet Provider Begins Major East Valley Buildout
Wyyerd Fiber is continuing its rapid growth across the Southwest, officially extending its next-generation fiber network into the East Valley. Wyyerd crews are actively constructing fiber-optic infrastructure in Gilbert and Chandler, laying the foundation for ultra-fast internet service, straightforward pricing, and award-winning customer service. Wyyerd is recognized as … [More]
National Auto Service Chain Opens Three New Valley Locations
Take 5 Oil Change, a leading provider of fast, friendly, and simple car maintenance, announced the grand opening of three new Arizona locations: 16771 W Bell Rd. in Surprise; 16590 Cactus Rd. in Surprise; and 425 N 99th Ave. in Tolleson. Each location has three service bays, and customers can remain comfortably in their car and receive a high-quality oil change in about 10 … [More]
Arizona Credit Union Targets West Valley for Continued Growth
OneAZ Credit Union announced the opening of its newest branch in Peoria, expanding access to affordable financial services and deepening its commitment to supporting communities across Arizona. The Peoria Trailhead branch located at 83rd Avenue and Happy Valley will create local jobs while helping drive economic growth through accessible lending solutions, dividend-earning … [More]
Large-Scale East Valley Housing Project Delivers 248 New Units
Ware Malcomb, an award-winning international design firm, announced construction is complete on Garrett Mesa, a new multifamily community in Mesa, Arizona. Ware Malcomb’s Phoenix office provided architectural design services for the 14.27‑acre, 248‑unit project, located at 1340 South 48th Street in Mesa’s East Valley. Garrett Mesa is developed by Garrett Companies, a … [More]
$1.37B Raise Fuels Growth for Defense Manufacturer in Mesa and Across the U.S.
Hadrian, the advanced manufacturing company building highly automated factories for America, today announced $1.37 billion in new equity financing to accelerate the buildout of the domestic manufacturing capacity needed to deliver America's most critical defense, aerospace, and industrial systems. The financing will support new factories, expanded R&D, and additional … [More]
National Restaurant Expansion Brings Acclaimed Indiana Concept to PV
Huse Culinary, an Indianapolis-based restaurant and retail food group, is excited to announce the official opening of Harry & Izzy’s in Paradise Valley on Wednesday, Aug. 26, marking the brand’s first location outside of Indiana. Located at the reimagined PV, formerly Paradise Valley Mall, the modern American grill concept will bring its signature blend of timeless … [More]
