AZ-VC, a venture capital firm fueling innovation in underserved markets, has announced its rebrand as Copper Sky Capital, reflecting the firm's evolution into a broader platform backing early-stage technology companies across North America. The firm is sector agnostic with a focus on AI software products. Founded in 2021, the firm is led by Managing Partners Jason Pressman, … [More]
Multi-State Strategic Communications Firm Rebrands, Consolidates Agencies
Southwest Strategies Group has rebranded as Bodewell Group, unifying its family of agencies into a single strategic communications firm and positioning the company for its next chapter of growth. The United States is undergoing a generational wave of infrastructure investment, with more than $12 trillion in planned improvements reshaping the nation’s water, transportation, … [More]
Scottsdale Golf Brand Adds LPGA Tour Notable to Roster
PXG announced the addition of Olivia Cowan to its LPGA Tour roster, strengthening the brand’s presence in the women’s game alongside players including Céline Boutier, Megan Khang, and Auston Kim. A proven international competitor and respected presence on tour, Cowan brings a modern, performance-first mindset to the PXG team. Her thoughtful approach to preparation and … [More]
How Arizona’s Marketing Leaders Are Shaping the Future of Business in 2026
A Pivotal Moment for Arizona’s Marketing Community
As Arizona’s marketing ecosystem becomes both more sophisticated and more interconnected, the state is attracting more attention for how businesses operate locally while competing nationally. For local businesses, this shift carries tangible implications. Expectations are meeting a rising bar as leaders bring experience from more complex, competitive markets. Competition for … [More]
The Maverick Manifesto: How to Hijack Attention When the World Is Screaming
If you aren’t disrupting the status quo, you’re just funding it.
The most dangerous place in business isn’t on the edge of a cliff; it’s in the middle of the herd. If you aren't disrupting the status quo, you're just funding it. Be the exception. Event season in the Valley isn’t just a calendar of games and galas; it is a battlefield. As crowds swell in Scottsdale and broadcast ratings spike, businesses scramble like frantic stock traders … [More]
Phoenix Tire Retailer Extends Long-Running NASCAR Partnership
Discount Tire and Team Penske announced the extension of a partnership that spans nearly two decades between the leading tire and wheel retailer and one of America's most successful motorsports organizations. The expanded terms will keep Discount Tire a top-tier sponsor of Team Penske and will continue to serve as a primary partner of the No. 2 Ford Mustang Dark Horse driven by … [More]
Scottsdale Jet Charter Co. Partners with WM Open on VIP Transportation
PrismJet, a locally owned private jet charter and management company, announced it has been named the official private jet charter partner for the WM Phoenix Open taking place in Scottsdale, Ariz. Feb. 2 - 8. Headquartered at Scottsdale Airport, PrismJet offers worldwide private aircraft charter and unparalleled jet management services. For this year's golf tournament, … [More]
Scottsdale Golf Brand Signs PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year
PXG announced that 2025 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year Aldrich Potgieter has signed with the brand, adding one of the game’s most dynamic young players to its PGA TOUR presence. Potgieter delivered one of the most impactful rookie campaigns in recent memory, earning Rookie of the Year honors through a season defined by speed, composure, and an ability to contend early and often. … [More]
Social Impact as a Business Strategy
How social media turns purpose into power
Social impact is no longer an optional add-on for brands — it is the determining factor behind reputation, recruitment and employee retention. In today’s world, social media functions as the modern stage where brand growth unfolds. It’s the first touchpoint where consumers see brand values come to life, which is integral when purpose is now a leading business … [More]
Feedback: January 2026
Q: What part of your company website design — in either look or functionality — do you think has been most important in producing the most positive customer/client results? Kimberly Banach Senior Director of Marketing Howard Hughes Communities, Arizona Region Sector: Real Estate Development A seamless, intuitive website experience is essential to supporting the rapid … [More]
Carvana Partners with Stanford Athletics
Carvana, an e-commerce platform for buying and selling cars online, announced a multi-year partnership with Stanford Athletics, the nation's all-time leader in NCAA team championships. As the Official Auto Retailer of Stanford Athletics, Carvana will bring its customer-first, tech-driven approach to the Cardinal campus, celebrating Stanford’s legacy of athletic tradition, … [More]
O.H.S.O. Teams With Local First Arizona on Limited “Sonoran Sipper” Cream Ale
Local First Arizona announced a partnership with O.H.S.O., the well-established local craft brewery, distillery and restaurant group, to create a limited edition beer to showcase delicious local ingredients and hometown pride. The Sonoran Sipper is a cream ale with hibiscus lime zest featuring a variety of locally sourced ingredients. The Sonoran Sippers malted barley comes … [More]
Suns and Mercury Ink $115M Arena Naming Rights Deal
The Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and United Wholesale Mortgage, announced a 10-year, nearly $115 million dollar naming rights partnership — one of the largest in the NBA and WNBA — to name the downtown Phoenix arena after UWM’s consumer-facing brand, Mortgage Matchup. The home of the Suns, Mercury and more than 100 sporting and entertainment events a year will now be named … [More]
The Power of Communications
The Importance of Amplifying Your ‘How’ and ‘Why’ in the Age of Semiconductors
In today’s business environment, innovation alone isn’t enough. To stand out, companies must communicate both how they innovate and why (just ask author Simon Sinek). A chip breakthrough, a new platform or an AI-driven solution can transform industries, but only if people understand the purpose behind it, trust its technology and — of course — adopt it. That’s where … [More]
Arizona Major Events Host Committee Rebrands, Formalizing Global Event Bid Strategy
Arizona Major Events Host Committee announced it has rebranded as the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance, formalizing Arizona’s position as a national and global leader in attracting, planning and hosting world-class events. The Alliance will continue to serve as Arizona’s front door for all major sports, entertainment and commercial events, carrying forward the state’s … [More]
Arizona Cardinals Pen Multi-Year Partnership with Avnet
The Arizona Cardinals Football Club and Avnet, a global technology solutions leader headquartered in Phoenix, have agreed to a multi-year partnership. This collaboration brings together two Arizona-based organizations that share a commitment to community and education. A significant part of the relationship is investment in initiatives that uplift and empower communities … [More]
Carvana Partners with NBA Hall-of-Famer on Marketing
Carvana, an industry pioneer for buying and selling used cars online, announced a first-of-its-kind integrated brand partnership with basketball Hall of Famer, entrepreneur, and cultural icon Shaquille O’Neal, launching with the debut of the world’s first AI-powered Shaqbot. Designed to make car shopping simpler, easier, and more fun, Shaqbot brings Shaq’s signature voice, … [More]
Arizona Ad Agency Expands to San Francisco with Acquisition
Chandler-based Commit Agency announced the acquisition of San Francisco’s Gumas Advertising, the originator of Challenger Brand Marketing. This bold move expands Commit’s national footprint, strengthens its leadership team and solidifies its position as the unrivaled authority on helping challenger brands compete and win at a time when budgets are shrinking, costs are rising … [More]
