Heavy meals seem to be OK for lunch in Manhattan or in Chicago, but lunch in the Valley is more palatable when it is light, refreshing and flavorful. That is the concept behind this contempo-American bistro, Blue Hound, located at the new Palomar Hotel in CityScape. Overwhelmingly urban and meant to be comfortable and “casually polished,” this recently opened eatery boasts … [More]
Meeting Mangia
“Mangia” is Italian for “eats.” Here is a list of some of the Valley’s best Italian restaurants for lunch, where it is not all about pasta and heavy meals. Anzio Landing — Mesa This unique and quaint alternative to the usual big-box Italian has character and dishes that will entice a return visit. Salads, light fare and many of the Roman-inspired dishes make up this vast … [More]
Today’s Practical SUV: Ford Explorer Limited
The grandfather of the SUV movement over the last 20 years, the Ford Explorer has evolved. In a market where gas mileage, eco-friendly options and technology are the attraction, the 2013 Ford Explorer Limited edition is a top option, exuding practicality, style, quality and comfort. Redesigned in 2012, the Explorer has some exciting new features by Ford that will make this … [More]
The Season Ticket
Companies purchase season tickets and use them to please, impress or thank clients, associates, staff and/or family and friends. The season ticket is an asset that was once a standard option for a corporation and has quickly become an asset for small businesses as well — especially in the Valley. Supporting our local arts and cultural organizations and sports teams is a benefit … [More]
Goodwill of Central Arizona: Celebrating Good Works with a Good Time
Goodwill of Central Arizona’s Denim & Diamonds affair is more about the denim than the diamonds since it dropped the formal flair it once had for a casual boots-and-jeans evening with an emphasis on fun that last year drew a sell-out crowd of 600. “People have a really good time,” says Jim Teter, president and CEO. Sustaining the event’s thoroughly Western theme — taking … [More]
Teen Lifeline: Hope and a Helping Hotline
Talented teen performers headlining Teen Lifeline’s black-tie-optional Connections of Hope gala at the Montelucia on Oct. 6 will add a new vibe to the annual fundraiser, as the organization syncs the evening’s program to its mission of empowering teens to make healthy decisions. “We utilize teens in our delivery of service [of training and providing peer counselors to man the … [More]
Feedback: September 2012
Question: Commercial real estate hit its low several months later than residential. Now that residential is coming back, how will that affect the commercial real estate market? Jay Kramer Shareholder Fennemore Craig Sector: Law The housing industry is, traditionally, one of the mainstays of growth in the Arizona economy. In addition to direct job creation in … [More]
Eric Nielsen, U.S. Commercial Service Arizona
There was a time when businesspeople from Arizona struggled to become known on the world market. Doing business with Mexico and Canada was common trade in Arizona, but doing business with China, Brazil and others of today’s best-known trade hot spots was nearly unthinkable for even the largest companies located here. However, with 95 percent of global consumers living … [More]
How to Set Owner Compensation
You may have decided to take no wages or below-market wages at the start of your business. But, by not accounting for the real cost for your services as if you paid someone else to do your job, you have distorted net income (or loss!) from your business. You are not at breakeven until you are paying yourself a market-based wage and you are profitable. Salary vs. Return on … [More]
Bytes: August 2012
Legally Speaking FordHarrison, a national labor and employment law firm with offices in Phoenix, has launched its KnowledgeCenter, which is a virtual library offering blogs, publications, alerts, news and training materials. SourceBook is a subscription-based service that provides information on state and local employment laws. fordharrison.com Job Find Most are not … [More]
Building Profits in Pampering
Having survived the recession that hit the economy only a couple of years into their entrepreneurial endeavor, Chandler-based Fuchsia co-owners Lisa Vukovich and Erin Owens recently moved their day spa into double the space. They attribute part of their success through the downturn to providing the pampering of a spa at an affordable price. Says Vukovich, “Clients who were … [More]
Business Model Innovates Insurance Sales
Exploding out of its home base of Jacksonville, Fla., Brightway Insurance is bringing its new model of insurance brokerage and franchise opportunity to Arizona. It plans to follow its recent opening of one store in Scottsdale with 52-68 stores throughout the state in the next few years. Calling Brightway an “insurance retailer,” David Miller, co-founder and CEO, explains … [More]
Consulting Concept Supports U.S. Economy
The trend of businesses outsourcing IT support to overseas companies not only reduces employment opportunities domestically but depletes our pool of knowledgeable workers from which innovation and future advances will come. Businesses’ gain, of course, is saving money, but the talent drain is an issue that has been recognized by economists. Amerishore, an IT service provider … [More]
Pay at the Top: Executive Pay Cut Down to Size
Arizona is ranked 25th in the nation for highest executive pay, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, reported in May of 2011. That means we are middle of the road. The average pay for an Arizona chief executive is $172,279. That is $82.82 per hour. Delaware is first among the states in executive pay at $218,900 and $105.24 per hour while Montana is at the bottom … [More]
Go Ethnic and Taste Broader Horizons
Make lunch exciting with these ethnic Valley favorites for lunch. Fogo de Chao — Brazilian Gaucho chefs provide more than 15 cuts of fire-roasted meats tableside for diners to choose from. Hit the salad and sides bar for more than 30 vegetable and sides dishes to enhance the experience. 6300 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale (480) 609-8866 Golden Buddha — Chinese Try … [More]
WM Sacks: Business Success Makes for Tasty Lunch
Chances are when you think about what to do for lunch, you think about Sack’s. At one time or another, with or without clients in tow, lunch-goers stop in to have one of the best sandwiches money can buy. WM Sacks Art of Sandwicherie is just that — a virtual sandwich factory that is all about making the best combinations of breads, meats, vegetables and condiments. Original … [More]
Accounting for It
Businesses look to accounting software to do the day-to-day bookkeeping, budgeting and billing. Here are some easy-to-learn programs that include features for businesses of all sizes and types: Sage 50 2013 This software is easy to learn and provides good quality support for users. For 2013, there are no significant improvements, but reporting and analysis features have … [More]
Powerful and Efficient: All-new Cadillac XTS
With a rocky economic climate over the past few years, it is no wonder that carmakers are looking for an edge when it comes to luxury. A time of substance has meant that frills are gone. The engineers at Cadillac have created a vehicle that has proven to be luxurious, efficient and priced right. Replacing the DTS, Cadillac’s larger “town car,” the XTS is a new generation … [More]
