Trax Technologies, Inc. has appointed Robert (Bob) Neeser to lead a new group the company created to both develop from within and attract top talent for the company’s fast-growing business. Neeser will serve in the newly created global role of chief talent officer. Trax, which serves both buyers and sellers of logistics services, has recruited several key employees from … [More]
Honeywell Executive Jack Jacobs Appointed to Arizona Aerospace and Defense Commission
Honeywell Aerospace’s vice president of Safety & Information Management Systems Jack Jacobs was recently appointed to the Arizona Aerospace and Defense Commission to support the state’s effort to improve the local business environment and fuel future growth for the aerospace industry. Jacobs has more than 25 years of experience leading aerospace and defense programs and … [More]
REDW Adds Lori Clark and Promotes Patricia von Kolen
REDW LLC, one of the largest and most respected certified public accounting and business consulting firms in the Southwest, announces the promotion of Patricia von Kolen and the hiring of Lori Clark, both within the firm’s Tax Department in the Phoenix office. “We’re very excited to expand our Phoenix Tax Department with the addition of Lori Clark, who has a wealth of … [More]
Fresh Start Women’s Foundation Announces Board Leadership for Fiscal Year 2014-2015
Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, a group dedicated to supporting and empowering women to transform their lives through self-sufficiency, personal development and education, has announced its newly appointed leadership for fiscal year 2014 – 2015. Leadership is comprised of two boards, Fresh Start Women's Foundation Executive Board and Fresh Start Women's Foundation Men's … [More]
Staying Alive: What It Takes to Be a Thriving Neighborhood Business
“There’s almost nothing like the moment you’re able to take home your first paycheck from the store,” Amy Wulfert reminisces. She’s talking at the front desk in Hair of the Dog, a dog-grooming parlor in Scottsdale. “It took me about three years to get to that point. Three years of hard work, being there every day, and working with a good staff.” The neighborhood shopping … [More]
Rick Murray, Arizona Small Business Association
Small business is big in Arizona. It is both an economic force and an important employment producer, and comprises 97 percent of all businesses in the state. Contributing to this is the level of entrepreneurship here. In recent years, Arizona has been ranked by such respected sources as the Kauffman Foundation and Fast Company as the No. 1 state for entrepreneurial activity. … [More]
Coffee to Cash Flow
Coffee beans. Espresso. Fresh-baked goods. Granola. Garden-grown vegetables. Herbs … It may come as a surprise that these items are synonymous with the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center. Sold in SARRC’s Beneficial Beans® Cafés and through its catering programs, these products represent a growing trend among nonprofit organizations to diversify their revenue … [More]
Chas Roberts A/C & Plumbing: Changing and Adapting for 70-plus Years
In 1942, Chas and Alice Roberts founded Chas Roberts Air Conditioning Inc. in Phoenix. Sissie Roberts Shank, current president and CEO and granddaughter of the original owners, says her grandfather handled the repairs while her grandmother stayed in the office and answered the phones. “My grandfather was one of those men who could fix anything. Over time, they hired my uncle, … [More]
New Aquarium to Make a Splash as Destination Tourist Attraction
OdySea Aquarium, a tourist attraction scheduled to begin construction within the next 60 days, is an extension of current attractions Butterfly World and OdySea Mirror Maze located in Scottsdale. “What we are doing is selling an experience,” says lead developer and principal founder Amram Knishinsky as he explains the exciting visuals and unique opportunities guests will … [More]
The Power of the PAC Can Aid Businesses
Dozens of local political action committees (PACs) are up and running in this election season, and local businesses as well as major corporations are finding them a viable vehicle for influencing public policy and supporting candidates who best represent their industry or interests. “Being able to be involved in the political process through a political action committee is … [More]
Regional Contractor Locates in Scottsdale
There is a resurgence of construction activity in the retail market, says Bob Benda, CEO of Westwood Contractors, Inc., which focuses exclusively on consumer retail facilities. He describes the activity as a steady, gradual improvement over the recession levels. To service its clients throughout the West and Southwest, Fort Worth-based Westwood Contractors opened an office this … [More]
Employment Growth Opportunity in Clean Energy
Arizona made it to the short list of the top 10 states for clean energy jobs added in the first quarter of this year. Sharing this distinction with Idaho, Texas, California, Missouri, New York, Kansas, Hawaii, New Mexico and Louisiana — named in order of ranking — Arizona came in at No. 7 in the country. This was primarily due to two efforts: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, in … [More]
Power Lunch: Relish the Moment
What has become a classic and a must for lunch (and dinner, for that matter) is Relish Burger Bistro at The Phoenician Resort. This golf-course-view, second-story casual spot serves up arguably one of the best burgers in town. With menu offerings that range from the classic American burger to the Kobe beef gourmet burger, Relish is aptly named. The pairings and the inventive … [More]
Power Lunch: It’s All in the Theme
Why not make the midday meal an adventure? Outside is out of the question this time of year, so take it inside to do that lunch meeting with ambience that will take you away. 5 and Diner These ’50s flashback diners take guests back to the diner-style soda bars and simple foods of the era. Burgers, shakes and classic American cuisine amid shiny chrome and Formica accents and … [More]
2015 Cadillac Escalade
The luxury SUV seems to be a thing of the future and not the past given what GM put into the new Cadillac Escalade — all newly redesigned and a step up from past editions, with real wood interior trim and the new generation mechanics that are making this ultra-premium sports utility vehicle a contender for Range Rover and Infinity. Tighter steering, more nimble ride and a mild … [More]
Getting A-Head
Convenience and an ability to multitask are why a headset for any executive may be the way to go. With Bluetooth wireless and the latest digital technology, here are some of the top picks for that hands-free office phone. Jabra GO 6470 This highly versatile headset from Jabra is a multi-use Bluetooth® headset that allows the user to selectively switch between cell, desk and … [More]
Feedback: July 2014
Question: What technology have you implemented to make it easier for you to run your business, and what difference has it made? Kevin Binkley Chef/Owner Binkley’s Restaurant Sector: Restaurant Our point-of-sales system is incredibly helpful. We use it to understand our sales, what we have sold, processing credit cards, guest counts, discounts, comps, et cetera. This is … [More]
Tempe Chamber Honors Outstanding Business, Community Leaders
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce named Christine K. Wilkinson the 2014 Business Woman of the Year at its 19th Annual Women in Business Conference held May 21 at the PERA Club in Tempe. Wilkinson is senior vice president and secretary and president of the Alumni Association at Arizona State University. The award was established to recognize an outstanding businesswoman who has … [More]
