Rick McCartney, Author at Greater Phoenix In Business Magazine

Should You Jump on the Social Activism Bandwagon? How?

by Andrea Fryrear

Facebook ad boycotts, alignment with #BlackLivesMatter, ditching names like Aunt Jemima: social activism is the latest must-have for brands. But should you jump on the bandwagon? And how do you make the shift without getting labeled as inauthentic, especially if your brand has never talked about these issues before? Now is the time to speak up, but brand activism is a … [More]

In Business | Online | July 14 2020

Credit Union Doubles New Accounts with ‘OpenAnywhere’ Service

Arizona Federal Credit Union

With the ever growing demand for online options to perform essential daily tasks, locally based financial cooperative Arizona Federal Credit Union made a strategic and innovative move prior to the pandemic to launch the use of JHA OpenAnywhere software, allowing existing and new members to open up accounts online without needing to visit a branch. Arizona Federal is now … [More]

In Business | Covid-19 Biz News | July 14 2020

Why Small Business Owners Need to Take Cyberattacks More Seriously During the COVID-19 Crisis

by Edgar R. Olivo

Jorge T. is a 69-year-old small-business owner in Arizona whose online shopping has increased due to the pandemic. He regularly goes online to shop for supplies to sell his DIY recreational vehicles. Recently, he shared with me his experience with a phishing scam that he was able to stop in its tracks early. He shared, “I noticed my bank account was charged for strange amounts … [More]

En Negocios | Economia | July 14 2020

EN NEGOCIOS: Por qué los propietarios de pequeñas empresas necesitan tomar los ataques cibernéticos más en serio durante la crisis de COVID-19

por Edgar R. Olivo

Jorge T. tiene 69 años y es propietario de una pequeña empresa en Arizona, cuyas compras en línea han aumentado debido a la pandemia. Se conecta regularmente en línea para comprar suministros para vender sus vehículos recreativos de bricolaje. Recientemente, compartió conmigo su experiencia con una estafa de suplantación de identidad (phishing) que pudo detener rápidamente. Él … [More]

In Business | Online | July 14 2020

Plan Distributes Nearly $6 Million to Prevent Homelessness, Support Those in Need

State of Arizona Office of the Governor

Governor Doug Ducey announced a plan to distribute $5,950,572 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program to organizations that support Arizonans in need, combat homelessness, and help ensure families and individuals keep a roof over their heads. The ESG program provides funding to engage homeless individuals and … [More]

In Business | Online | July 14 2020

Valley’s Most Awarded Chef to Open Fast-Casual Eatery

Genuine Concepts

Opening on Monday, August 3, inside a vibrant, art-filled space in North Scottsdale, Stratta Kitchen serves up fresh, seasonal and chef-crafted fare in a welcoming counter-service atmosphere. Led by the James Beard Award-winning chef, Alex Stratta, in partnership with the Genuine Concepts restaurant group, Stratta Kitchen will be open daily for lunch and dinner, available for … [More]

In Business | Online | July 14 2020

Will Consumers be in a Better Place by the End of 2020?

by Mike Hunter

The pandemic unleashed a staggering one-two punch on the economy – double-digit unemployment and drastically reduced revenues for many businesses. As states reopen with varying restrictions, what the future holds in the next six to 12 months is anybody’s guess. But while the economic downturn will continue to impact consumers and businesses indefinitely, it could have been … [More]

In Business | Economy | July 14 2020

Small Business Optimism Improves in Anticipation of Better Economic Outlook

NFIB

The Small Business Optimism Index increased 6.2 points in June to 100.6 with eight of the 10 components improving and two declining. Owners anticipate improving sales as the economy continues to re-open with sales expectations rebounding to a net 13% after April’s lowest reading in survey history (a net negative 42%). Small business owners continue to be optimistic about future … [More]

In Business | Online | July 14 2020

Tech Giant Pilots Healthcare Program to Open New Third-Party Health Centers

Amazon

Amazon announced a health care pilot with Crossover Health, an expert in comprehensive primary care services, to establish local, convenient health centers near Amazon fulfillment centers and operations facilities across the country. The first Neighborhood Health Center location will be available for Amazon employees and their families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “Across … [More]

In Business | Online | July 14 2020

PAID Program Helps Workers and Employers as America Reopens

U.S. Department of Labor

The U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division’s (WHD) Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) Program continues to provide an avenue to get workers the wages they are owed, bring employers into compliance and accomplish both goals with an efficiency that saves taxpayers money, with more than $7 million in back wages found for more than 11,000 … [More]

In Business | Economy | July 14 2020

U.S. Consumer Prices Up More Than Expected in June

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.6 percent in June on a seasonally adjusted basis after falling 0.1 percent in May, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 0.6 percent before seasonal adjustment. The gasoline index rose sharply in June after recent declines and accounted … [More]

HR & Management | Online | July 14 2020

Legal Aspects of Employee Burnout, Mental Health Problems

XpertHR

As stress levels rise, many employees are experiencing depression, anxiety and burnout, which can have significant consequences. Workplace burnout has risen to a level that the World Health Organization (WHO) has formally recognized it as an “occupational phenomenon.” Burnout can be an early sign that employees are experiencing mental health impacts. When employees are … [More]

In Business | Safety | July 13 2020

Businesses and Schools Prepare to Reopen, Ensure a Safe and Healthy Environment

by Liz Caracciolo

Employees across the country have a lot of questions about how safe their work environment will be when they return to the office or even to the classroom. Their concerns are valid, and for a good reason. Some businesses have recently reopened, only to have to shut back down again due to employees or customers testing positive for COVID-19. Other businesses and schools have not … [More]

In Business | Webinar | July 13 2020

WEBINAR – July 16: AAED Member InFocus Featuring Wendy Bridges

Rick McCartney

In Business | Stimulus | July 13 2020

First Responders Get Mental Health Support from Crisis Fund

State of Arizona Office of the Governor

Governor Doug Ducey today announced $120,000 for Heal the Hero Foundation, supporting its work to mitigate the mental health impacts facing first responders during COVID-19. Heal the Hero Foundation offers technology-based mental health support—along with community education, research and training—for veterans, first responders and abuse survivors. The foundation also provides … [More]

In Business | Online | July 13 2020

Commercial Investment Institute Merges Arizona Chapters amid COVID-19

CCIM Institute

As the COVID-19 pandemic takes its toll on business and industry in Arizona, in the spirit of being stronger together, the state’s two CCIM chapters have united in support of the commercial real estate industry. Collaboration between the two chapters – Central Arizona CCIM and Southern Arizona CCIM – has included: Regional activities as well as economic updates from … [More]

In Business | Medical Care | July 13 2020

Valley Medical Center Initiates First Patient Trial Therapy for Treatment of COVID-19

Bellerophon Therapeutics

Bellerophon Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company focused on developing treatments for cardiopulmonary and infectious diseases, today announced that the first patient has initiated treatment in the Company’s Phase 3 clinical study of INOpulse® inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy for the treatment of COVID-19 (COViNOX) at Banner University Medical Center, … [More]

In Business | Online | July 13 2020

PPP Loans Largely Effective for Small Businesses, Many Still Need More Financial Assistance

NFIB

The NFIB Research Center released a survey updating the state of small business and financial assistance programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL). “Small businesses have been using the PPP loan program to help keep their doors open and keep staff on payroll,” said Holly Wade, NFIB Director of Research & … [More]