At Svyazi, a creative agency, we have been producing AI-assisted content for clients since 2022. In that time, the tool set has changed completely. The legal exposure hasn't. We keep running into the same problem: A client may expect full ownership of deliverables, but the AI platform's terms of service tell a different story. AI has moved into business workflows faster than … [More]
As Small Businesses Grow, Brand Risk Grows Too
As Chief Marketing Officer at Fennemore, I spend a great deal of time thinking about brands. Not just how they look or sound, but how they accumulate value over time. And sitting alongside our attorneys, I’ve picked up a few things about what it actually means to protect that value. (Not legal advice—just lessons learned from being in the room.) May is Small Business Month, a … [More]
Smarter Inboxes Raise Stakes for Email Marketers
Google is not just helping users search email. It is teaching the inbox to rank, summarize, and prioritize it. Following updates that began in March 2025, Google introduced AI-powered search that factors in recency, most-clicked emails, and frequent contacts instead of simply returning results in chronological order. In January 2026, the company stated that Gmail’s 3 billion … [More]
Hospitality-Focused Design Studio Marks 10 Years with Rebrand
After a decade of shaping some of Arizona’s most recognizable restaurants, cafes and social destinations, Phoenix-based hospitality design studio House of Form is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a strategic rebrand and sharpened focus on luxury hospitality and integrated brand design. Founded in 2016 by Dala Al-Fuwaires, House of Form began as a one-person studio and … [More]
Southwest PGA Teams with Phoenix Brewery on New Beer
The Southwest PGA and PHX Beer Co. introduced Long Drive Lager, a clean, balanced, and highly drinkable beer crafted to celebrate Arizona’s year-round golf culture. Designed for sunny rounds, smooth swings, and post-tee storytelling, Long Drive Lager features light malt notes paired with a smooth hop finish. The result is an easygoing, refreshing lager that feels right at home … [More]
Two-Time Major Champion Joins Scottsdale Wireless Provider as Ambassador
Consumer Cellular has named two-time Major champion Zach Johnson as its newest brand ambassador, joining World Golf Hall of Famer Fred Couples as an official brand partner. Johnson, who recently turned 50, continues to compete at the highest levels of the sport and will play a mixed schedule this year across the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions. He is set to compete in two … [More]
Valley Venture Firm Sheds Regional Name to Attract National Founders
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]
