Gilbert Office of Economic Development Director Dan Henderson, CEcD, was honored last week by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as the recipient of the 2024 Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and dedication to economic development. The distinguished award honors an individual who has demonstrated … [More]
Agency Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation in Marketing and Public Relations
The James Agency (TJA), an integrated marketing firm, announced its 20th anniversary, which will be celebrated on March 17, 2025. For two decades, TJA has been a driving force in shaping the marketing landscape, delivering impactful marketing strategies that have elevated brands locally and nationally. Founded in March 2005 by Veronique James, The James Agency has grown from … [More]
AI Can Write the Script, But It Can’t Tell Your Story: Why the Future of Social Media Still Belongs to Humans
Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses approach content creation. It’s writing emails, drafting social media posts, and even mimicking human empathy. AI-generated responses are now being rated as more empathetic than those from trained professionals. But does that mean brands should rely on AI to tell their story? The short answer: No. AI is an incredible tool, … [More]
Bank of America Names New Market Executive
Mary Noor is stepping into the role of Phoenix Market Executive for Bank of America. Scott Vanderpool, Bank of America Market President, had filled this role for several years, in addition to serving as market president, and more recently stepping back into Business Banking and taking on the role of Market Executive for that line of business last year. In this highly visible … [More]
ACA Awards $2M to Arizona WearTech and Other Applied Research Centers
The Partnership for Economic Innovation, a passionate collective of business and community leaders dedicated to accelerating Arizona’s economic opportunities, announced that the Arizona Commerce Authority had awarded $2 million to support seven new applied research projects through its WearTech and Other Applied Research Centers. State funding matches $2.2 million in private … [More]
Number of Arizona Travel IDs Now Exceeds 2.5 Million
May deadline is nearing if you wish to use state credential for travel
With less than two months remaining before the federal deadline for domestic airline travelers to have a federally compliant ID, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division has issued more than 2.5 million Arizona Travel ID cards. May 7 will be here quickly. So join the 2,509,977 – and counting – Arizonans who have already upgraded … [More]
Small Business Optimism Recedes in February, Says Survey
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell by 2.1 points in February to 100.7. This is the fourth consecutive month above the 51-year average of 98 and is 4.4 points below its most recent peak of 105.1 in December. The Uncertainty Index rose four points to 104 – the second highest recorded reading. “Uncertainty is high and rising on Main Street, and for many reasons,” said … [More]
Crowdfunded Investment Firm Secures 71-Unit Property from Auction. Offering Raises $1.34M in 36 Hours
Neighborhood Ventures, a leading real estate investment company utilizing crowdfunding to enable both accredited and non-accredited investors to invest in multifamily properties, is pleased to announce it has entered into contract on Venture on 52nd Street, a 71-unit multifamily property located at 5245 E Thomas Road in the beautiful Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. This … [More]
Law Firm Launches Phoenix Office Anchored by Environmental Law Partners
Holland & Hart LLP announced the opening of its Phoenix, Arizona office and the addition of environmental partners Christopher D. Thomas and Andrea Driggs, who join from Perkins Coie. Several additional environmental lawyers are expected to join in the coming weeks. Holland & Hart expects other existing partners to join the Phoenix office as well. “Phoenix has been a … [More]
Rocket Companies to Acquire Redfin for $1.75B, Accelerating Purchase Mortgage Strategy
Rocket Companies, the Detroit-based fintech platform consisting of mortgage, real estate and personal finance businesses, announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase Redfin, a leading digital real estate brokerage, in an all-stock transaction for a value of $12.50 per Redfin share, or $1.75 billion of equity value. Rocket Mortgage maintains an office in downtown … [More]
Real Estate Investment Firm Opens New Mixed-Use Housing Project in Tempe
Construction is complete on an innovative, transit-oriented, attainable housing community in the heart of Tempe. The grand opening will take place on March 15 for a 129-unit multifamily project called Dwell @ 5th and Farmer located on a two-acre parcel at the intersection of 5th Street and Farmer Avenue. Dwell Tempe will provide new housing options for residents working in … [More]
ASU, City of Phoenix Announce Site of $200M ASU Health Headquarters
Arizona State University (ASU) and the City of Phoenix have officially announced the location for the ASU Health headquarters, marking a major step forward in the university’s expansion into medical education. The new facility will be built in downtown Phoenix within the Phoenix Bioscience Core, on a one-acre triangular lot bordered by Fourth and Fifth to the east and west; and … [More]
Phoenix Metro Homes Sell for $6,400 More When They Are Listed in Late November
Spring home sellers who listed their home for sale in the second half of May maximized their home's sale price last year. A new Zillow® analysis found that homes listed in the last two weeks of May sold for 1.6% more, a $5,600 boost on a typical U.S. home. In Arizona, the Phoenix market saw a boost of 1.4%, a $6,400 boost, in last part of November 2024. Search … [More]
ACA Announces New State Broadband Director
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) announced that Nick Capozzi will serve as Arizona’s new State Broadband Director. Capozzi replaces Sandip Bhowmick, who has served in the position since February 2022 and is departing for a role in the private sector. “We’re excited to welcome Nick in this important role during a time of immense activity and promise for Arizona broadband … [More]
Real Estate Co. Signs New Brokers to Phoenix Team
Edge Realty Partners announced that several brokers have joined the Edge Phoenix office. Senior Vice President David Jarand and Senior Associate Kevin Jarand made the move from Avison Young in Phoenix and Senior Associate Anthony Ruiz was previously at SVN Desert Commercial Advisors. David Jarand is a seasoned commercial real estate professional with over 30 years of … [More]
Window Into City of Phoenix Operations with New Performance Dashboard, Features More Than 165 Key Performance Indicators
Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton advances his commitment to the strategic use of data, transparency and continuous improvements with the launch of the City Manager’s Performance Dashboard 2.0. The enhanced performance dashboard features more than 165 key performance indicators across … [More]
onsemi Proposes to Acquire Allegro MicroSystems for Nearly $7B
onsemi disclosed details on Wednesday of a proposal submitted to the Board of Directors of Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. to acquire the company for $35.10 per share in cash for each share of Allegro’s common stock on a fully diluted basis at an implied enterprise value of $6.9 billion. onsemi has made numerous attempts over the past six months to enter into constructive … [More]
More Owners Report Labor Costs as a Top Business Problem, Hiring Challenges Continue
NFIB’s February jobs report found that 38% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in February, up three points from January and the highest reading since August 2024. A seasonally adjusted net 15% of owners plan to create new jobs in the next three months, down three points from January. “Over half of Main Street firms … [More]
