Digital networks are changing all the rules of business. New, scalable, digitally networked business models, like those of Amazon, Google, Uber and Airbnb, are affecting growth, scale and profit potential for companies in every industry. But this seismic shift isn’t unique to digital startups and tech superstars. Digital transformation is affecting every business sector, and, … [More]
Feedback: June 2016
Question: Economic development is a community-wide enterprise. This issue’s cover story deals with the importance of factors beyond just attracting new business. How does your organization contribute to the bigger picture of economic development for our region? Julie Brassell Executive Director Business United for Scottsdale Schools Sector: Nonprofit We can help our … [More]
After Record-Breaking Event, Next Arizona Gives Day is Set for April 4, 2017
Thanks to higher participation among nonprofits and donors across our state, Arizona Gives Day 2016 was a resounding success. Final tallies are in, showing that the day provided immediately needed funds and brought new donors to nonprofits statewide. Held on April 5, 2016, this year’s Arizona Gives Day was the most successful yet: ● Total donations for … [More]
SEED SPOT Team Member Awarded President’s Volunteer Service Award
Committed to helping entrepreneurs locally, nationally and globally, SEED SPOT National Director of Expansion C’pher Gresham was one of 125 individuals awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award by Winrock International and the Corporation for National & Community Service. Established in 2003, the award is available on an annual basis to individuals, groups, and … [More]
RaeAnne Marsh, In Business Magazine
The commercial real estate truism of the boom days of single-family housing developments was “retail follows rooftops.” Today’s housing market is dominated by multifamily projects, and the hot trend now is to concentrate them near employment centers. So, although construction is no longer the key economic foundation of the heyday of Arizona’s famous “Five C’s,” commercial real … [More]
Companies Can Create Equality for Women
Time and time again women hear how far they have come and how the glass ceiling has been shattered. But, while women have made excellent progress, there is much left to do to achieve equality. Maintaining the status quo hurts women today and into the future. Treating women employees with a lack of respect or value hurts the company in the long term. Corporations want employees … [More]
How to Know When to Litigate
Back in the day if a person was wronged, a business defamed or promise unfulfilled, the offended party could challenge his opponent to a duel, meet at high noon, step off his paces, and pray to God that neither his opponent’s aim nor his pistol were more accurate than his own. Historically, we’ve too often solved disputes with threats or violence (or at least by sending Luca … [More]
Tim Riester: Leading the Marketing Rhythm
For more than 27 years, Tim Riester and his advertising agency, RIESTER, have been successfully creating and revitalizing brands, launching products, changing consumer behaviors and motivating people to care about issues that matter. If you ask Tim Riester why his company is so successful, he points to the strategic nature of his clients and the talents and work ethic of his … [More]
The Hard-of-Hearing Workforce
Accommodating hard-of-hearing or deaf employees need not be the intimidating effort many employers anticipate, points out Sue Kay Kneifel, statewide coordinator of the Arizona Department of Security’s Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services, which has made educating employers on this workforce issue its focus this year. In Arizona, 1.145 million people age 20 and older are … [More]
2016 BMW Z4 Roadster
Making a major splash on the market these days, BMW is reinventing things to appeal to a crowded marketplace. The legendary luxury carmaker is instituting some incredible technologies, service agreements for life of ownership, and also having some fun. The latest “fun factor” is the BMW Z4 Roadster. This top-of-the-line iteration of this topless sport vehicle — the 35is — is … [More]
Office to Go
These gadgets add the flexibility of portability for the business company man or woman. Be Office Ready Readyaction Office is a chest harness for tablets that allows users to strap their tablets to their body. Sort of a hands-free, portable office, if you get my drift. It positions the tablet open at any angle for hands-free viewing and data input, and then conveniently locks … [More]
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho
It is not often that our lunch hour can be so tranquil. At ZuZu, the innovative American kitchen at Hotel Valley Ho, the setting makes the most of our great Arizona climate. Inside or out, this poolside retro locale is the ideal getaway for that important or well-deserved lunch. Inspired by the neighborhood grills of the 1950s, ZuZu offers up a variety of options for lunch … [More]
Patios Are Back
Outdoors is a part of our life here — even at 100 degrees or higher. We discovered some of the best patio midday dining that will take us through the heat. Ocotillo This new campus hot spot has several outdoor areas that are going to work for any weather — fully covered or open and hot. The lunch menu will work, too, for patrons no matter where they decide to settle. 3243 … [More]
When the Pressure’s On
At the highest level of any pursuit, the difference between the two top performers in a contest is always mental. One holds it together — while the other falls apart. The same is true in business. Whether confronting a crisis, making a pitch, negotiating a deal or facing a deadline, a person’s mindset can give him the edge. When the Pressure’s On brings peak performance … [More]
Feedback: May 2016
Question: What do you feel are the main drivers for projects like yours? How is your project indicative of trends in the current commercial real estate market? Chris Chamberlain Real Estate Developer North American Development Group Sector: Real Estate With the growing demand in the Valley for truly great live/work spaces in our urban areas, North American Development … [More]
Hacking Small Business Has Become Big Business
Large, well-fortified organizations and enterprises may not be as attractive to data thieves as they once were. You can thank better training, bigger IT budgets and more effective security measures for this welcome bit of news. Things are less rosy for small companies, however. Shrinking budgets, limited resources, and lax or outdated security practices have now made SMBs … [More]
HomeSmart International Hits Growth Milestone Exceeding 10,000 Agents
HomeSmart International recently announced the company has exceeded the 10,000 agent mark in its United States-based franchises. The milestone comes off of several consecutive years of positive growth trends since the company first began franchising in 2009. Additionally, 77 percent of the franchises under the HomeSmart brand posted net positive agent growth numbers for 2015. … [More]
P.B. Bell Earns Top Honors for Safety
P.B. Bell, a leader in multi-family housing development, management and acquisitions, is being recognized for its commitment to safety. For the ninth consecutive year, P.B. Bell has been included on CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company’s exclusive “Best of the Best” list for its efforts to keep employees safe and reduce potential workplace hazards. The Phoenix-based … [More]
