As Arizona small businesses head into the second half of the year, ongoing inflation continues to reinforce a K-shaped economy as AI adoption generates a reduction in demand for labor, faster than the economy can create new jobs. While inflation is impacting all Arizona consumers across nearly all goods, it is not impacting all Arizonans equally. The wealthy minority are … [More]
APS Rate Case Moves to Next Phase Following Months-Long Hearing
The evidentiary hearing in the Arizona Public Service (APS) rate case has concluded, marking an important milestone in the Arizona Corporation Commission's (ACC) review of APS's application to update rates. Similar to what you might picture in a court case or trial, during the months-long hearing, APS and other parties presented testimony, introduced evidence and responded to … [More]
AI Sales Tax Missteps Could Leave Refunds on the Table
Inconsistencies Categorizing AI As Product Or Service May Result In Companies Overpaying Sales Taxes, Making Them Eligible For Refunds
Sales taxes have come a long way since 2018, the year the Supreme Court’s landmark Wayfair decision opened the door for states to charge sales tax on purchases, even if the seller has no physical presence in the taxing state. Since then, sales tax responsibility and compliance have evolved considerably - expanding the definitions of “product”, “service”, and what it means to … [More]
The Hidden Cost of ‘Making Do’ with Legacy Systems
Despite the positive influence technology can have on business, many delay technology upgrades to manage costs. But outdated systems often create hidden or unexpected expenses that are far more disruptive than the investment required to modernize. These costs can show up as downtime that interrupts customer interactions, missed sales opportunities caused by slow or … [More]
Top-20 Accounting Firm Acquires Phoenix CPA & Advisory Practice
Aprio, the 20th largest business advisory and accounting firm in the U.S., has entered into an agreement to acquire Price Kong, a Phoenix-based accounting and advisory firm. The transaction, effective June 1, 2026, expands Aprio's Arizona presence and adds accounting, audit, and advisory capabilities to complement Aprio Legal's existing footprint in the market. The acquisition … [More]
Smarter Summer Savings
How SRP’s BYOT for Business Rewards Performance during Peak Demand
Summer is the season when many Valley business owners brace themselves for rising air-conditioning costs. This year, companies have a new way to save with SRP’s Bring Your Own Thermostat Program (BYOT) for Business. This easy, automated program offers energy-saving smart thermostat rebates and puts business owners firmly in control. Simple, Automated Savings One of the … [More]
Disrupting Global Payments: Exposing Hidden Money Leaks
Global payments are still draining businesses in ways many leaders do not fully see until margins disappear, cash flow tightens, or expansion stalls. Hristian Drensky, CEO of MoreFin, argues that the real problem is not just processing payments, but operating them with enough visibility and control to stop leakage before it becomes normalized. Most global businesses are … [More]
2026 Carrier Rate Hikes: A Margin Crisis for Ecommerce
As UPS, FedEx, and other major carriers roll out their 2026 rate structures, the ecommerce landscape faces a critical inflection point. With headline General Rate Increases of 5.9% masking effective increases of 10–20% due to surcharges, shipping has ceased to be a simple operational expense. It has evolved into a core component of Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), determining whether … [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]
Public Valley Tech Firm Secures Board Approval to Add Cryptocurrency to Asset Strategy
Iveda, a global player in AI video and smart city technologies, announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the company to acquire cryptocurrency, reflecting the company’s forward-looking approach to capital allocation, asset diversification, and innovation. This decision underscores Iveda’s dedication to seizing transformative opportunities in the evolving digital … [More]
On-Site vs Off-Site Document Shredding
Keeping a business secure requires a lot of layers, each with a range of options for business owners to consider. One important step essential to protecting Arizona businesses is secure paper shredding. However, many owners aren’t aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the two available shredding methods, which can lead to security breaches or even privacy law … [More]
Phoenix Tax Rates to See Slight Increase Starting July 1
Phoenix residents and businesses should be aware of an upcoming change to the City of Phoenix Transaction Privilege and Use Tax (TPT) rates. This tax, often thought of as similar to sales tax though it's actually a tax on the business doing activity within the city, is scheduled to increase. On March 18, 2025, the Phoenix City Council approved Ordinance G-7369. This … [More]
CPA Group Announces First-Ever Director of Client Success
REDW Advisors & CPAs announced the appointment of Diana Gibson as its first-ever Director of Client Success. In her role, she will be responsible for fostering strong, enduring relationships between the fast-growing national firm and its clients, ensuring that they receive exceptional value from the wide array of services REDW Advisors & CPAs offers. Gibson will serve … [More]
Accounting Advisory Co. Introduces Newly Branded Professional Services Firm
Lohman Company, PLLC, a premier accounting and business advisory firm in the Valley, recently unveiled a new identity for its project-based professional services line, named First Chair. First Chair remains part of the Lohman Company family. First Chair is a project professional services firm for companies of all sizes that need highly experienced talent to take on critical … [More]
From Hours to Impact: Why Cooperation Beats Counting Time:
A common scenario: Partners are sitting around the table, ready to launch an exciting new project. Everyone’s brimming with ideas, enthusiasm and dreams of what they can achieve together. Then, someone asks, “How are we splitting the money?” A heavy silence falls over the room. Suddenly, the excitement is replaced by uncertainty and the collaborative spirit feels … [More]
The Seller Whisperer: Empathetic M&A Strategies to Drive Hyper-Rewarding Hypergrowth
It’s well known that most M&A deals fall short of their intended goals and many outright crash and burn. So why is one kind of dealmaker attaining outsized financial rewards together with highly personal wins for all parties involved in almost every deal? That’s the question Ignacio Macias and Carlos de Torres answer in The Seller Whisperer. And the only surprise, really, … [More]
Make Money Easy: Create Financial Freedom and Live a Richer Life
Lewis Howes, host of The School of Greatness, invites readers to align their financial goals with their Meaningful Mission to achieve lasting abundance and prosperity — addressing those who feel trapped by all their expenses every month, or who wonder how some people enjoy financial peace and freedom while others seem stuck. Until we learn how to shift our thoughts, feelings … [More]
4 Tips to Manage Finances for Successful Growth
Approximately 82% of small businesses that fail do so as a result of poor cash flow management — or a complete lack of understanding of cash flow. So how can business owners prepare themselves and avoid becoming a failed statistic? As someone who has helped companies manage and grow their finances to upwards of eight figures, I offer a few tips: Create a detailed … [More]
