Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company, is bringing a multi-million-dollar capital investment to the Greater Phoenix area with the establishment of a research and development facility in southeast Mesa. The facility will be focused on the use and production a Guayule, a shrub native to the Southwest that produces natural rubber in its roots and … [More]
Marketing the ‘Shop Local’ Message Is a Local Priority
In the Town of Gilbert, the “shop local” message is getting a boost from local entities that recognize what’s at stake — its own municipal government and the local chamber of commerce. “The ‘Shop Gilbert’ campaign is vital to our community as it informs citizens about the importance of shopping local,” says Mayor John Lewis. “Tremendous benefits occur when we shop in our own … [More]
GPEC Initiative Comps California CEOs with Travel and an In-depth Asset Tour
Putting its money where its mouth is, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council is treating CEOs of qualified California-based companies — high-tech companies, emerging technology companies with compelling intellectual property, or those with corporate facilities with 200 or more employees — to airfare, transportation and hotel accommodations to bring them here for an insider’s look … [More]
Bytes: December 2012
Tech Career Center The Arizona Technology Council is a connection to post and search for tech jobs in Arizona. The portal, powered by Jobing.com, is a useful online employment tool. Desktop in the Cloud Just launched is SkyDesktop, a free, Cloud-based desktop where all of one’s files and apps live; SkyAppMarket, a marketplace dedicated to the best of breed, … [More]
Election Lessons: No Mandate for Business?
Results are in and, after an exhaustive campaign season, it seems that this year’s election has no mandate for business and we may be in for more of the same from our government. The President is as he was, the House and Senate are as they were (at least leadership-wise), and local elections and propositions seemed to say little in giving business owners any further … [More]
Wildhorse Grille at Talking Stick Golf Club
A new hot spot for lunch is the country club-ambience Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale near the Talking Stick Resort. A bit off of the beaten path, this Southwestern-styled dining room is a great place to do business and get a great midday meal. Chef Patrick Karvis is well known in the Valley, having worked with Eddie Matney and Michael DeMaria, among others. He has … [More]
Short and Sweet
Here are some great spots for lunch that are minimal in name but maximize flavor, options and ambience. They may be short in letters, but what they serve is plentiful. Cibo — Phoenix Authentic Old Phoenix ambience in a 1913 home in downtown Phoenix, Cibo offers great artisan Italian flavors with pizzas, antipasto and other dishes that taste incredible. Try one of its … [More]
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV of the Year
As carmakers struggle with the demand by car buyers of a fuel-efficient SUV, Mercedes is working hard to capture the market in America. The new 2013 GL-Class SUV offers three models that demonstrate Mercedes is meeting market concerns, which is why Motor Trend named it the SUV of the year for 2013. Quality, safety and luxury options aside, Mercedes has responded to the SUV … [More]
Our Health Can Be Our Biggest Asset
As the year comes to a close, many will look inward and realize how important health is to performing well in business overall. A mentally and physically healthy individual is an asset we cannot afford to lose. Here are top fitness clubs to consider: Gold’s Gym Elite Off the lobby of the main office building at CityScape, this progressive and urban fitness club is the … [More]
Crisis Nursery: Breaking the Cycle of Child Abuse
Old Las Vegas of the Rat Pack era will be the setting for Crisis Nursery’s annual “Blue Skies” fundraiser on February 23 at the Montelucia Resort & Spa. This year, the dinner-and-dancing event will start with a casino reception. Blackjack, craps, even a roulette table — and winners can take their winning chips over to the “super” silent auction to bid on items such as one … [More]
Arthritis Foundation Arizona: Programs Get into the Community
Oscar glitz, glamour and excitement strikes again in Phoenix for the 19th time on February 24 at the Camelback Inn, when Arthritis Foundation Arizona holds its annual gala fundraiser, “Oscar Experience.” “It starts at the red carpet, of course,” says Executive Director Valerie Jones. The red carpet — lined with camera-flashing paparazzi — leads to the ballroom where those … [More]
Lifestyle Brands
What do brands like Apple, Diesel, Abercrombie & Fitch and Virgin have in common and what differentiates them from other brands? These brands are able to maintain a relationship with their clients that go beyond brand loyalty. This book gives a complete analysis of lifestyle brands that inspire, guide and motivate beyond product benefits alone. Stefania Saviola and … [More]
Six Tips and Tools for Saving Money This Open Enrollment Season
The temperatures are slowing starting to cool, children are back in school, and football rules the weekends once again. Fall also means it’s time for benefits open enrollment, the time of year when more than 3 million Arizonans have a chance to review their benefits provided by their employer and decide what programs to enroll in or change for the following year. When … [More]
Local, Independently Owned & Operated Stores Vie for a Piece of the Lucrative “Day-after-Thanksgiving” Pie
Thanksgiving is here this week and retailers have been gearing up for some time for the holiday shopping season. Before you know it, that annual ritual of finding the best deals, aggressively fighting lines of rabid shoppers and waiting for the stores to announce BIG deals will be here. Yes, Black Friday is almost upon us. This day, along with Small Business Saturday, are two … [More]
Educating Our Work Force
Enough already! It seems to be taking forever for Arizona’s unemployment rate to drop to levels seen before the Great Recession. Or is it the new reality that rates never will be near 5 percent again? It’s not for a lack of jobs, as a look at help wanted listings shows. It’s a lack of enough qualified Arizonans to do the jobs that require more than on-the-job … [More]
STEM: More than the Sum of Its Parts
“Every economic development business conversation gets back to education,” says Darcy Renfro, vice president and coordinator of Science Foundation Arizona’s STEM Initiatives, explaining SFAz’s focus on research and education that can help build a stronger economy in Arizona. That focus has zeroed in on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, with … [More]
Donald V. Budinger, Rodel Foundations
Not only has the economy changed due to the deep recession, it is increasingly apparent that the economy is also changing because of advances in technology; therefore, business is demanding new skill sets among the work force in areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in particular. These skills are in demand and beginning to shape the economy in ways that … [More]
Mediation: Results that Move Business Forward
According to one source, 30 percent of a manager’s time is spent dealing with conflict. If workplace conflict escalates into a lawsuit, it can cost well in excess of $100,000 to defend a case. Litigation is costly and destructive; mediation is an alternative step a business can take to reduce conflict and save money. Mediation provides a safe place for employees to voice … [More]
