Call it The 21st Century Renaissance. And Arizona is a key player in this phenomenon. Yes, we have an arts and culture scene that is growing beyond what many of us would have imagined not that long ago. But I’m also referring to the wave of innovation found in our technology and science sectors. Not a day goes by when there isn’t news involving fields such as … [More]
Taking an Early Lead
Chief Science Officers guide others even before careers begin
Facilitator Alexis Kelley leads an exercise that includes Anaíz Daniels (foreground). For many young people, considering whether to attend college is as big as the decision-making usually gets. And they often do it alone. But for a group of youths no older than 18, they upped the ante by leading discussions that ultimately could impact the entire state. More … [More]
A Living Document
Blog offers glimpse of Arizona tech ecosystem’s constant evolution
Few would dispute that technology is constantly evolving. Capturing the changes would be a daunting task for any historian trying to keep track of developments in order to relay the highlights to others. But people interested in the progress of Arizona’s tech scene have it a little easier. They have been keeping tabs on what’s new since spring 2018 by clicking on the blog … [More]
Government Relations Is Specialty of Latest Addition to Staff
Cepand Alizadeh has joined the staff of the Arizona Technology Council as its first government relations specialist to help ensure the state’s energy ecosystem remains innovative, sustainable and responsive to the increasing demands of residents and businesses. Alizadeh is responsible for connecting with policymakers, community leaders and industry stakeholders to advance … [More]
New Council Board Members Add to Mix of Expertise
The two newest members of the Arizona Technology Council’s board of directors bring expertise in global payment networks and technology, as well as information technology talent development. Cheryl Eckardt, vice president of Global Network Service Technology at American Express, and Craig Jackman, founder and president of Paragon IT Professionals, were unanimously elected to … [More]
A Multipronged Approach
Council works year-round when it comes to winning public policy efforts
When it comes to public policy, efforts by the Arizona Technology Council are continuous as the responsibility of promoting and protecting the state’s technology community never stops. The efforts are especially worth it when the successes can be tallied at the end of the legislative session of the Arizona Capitol. Case in point are noteworthy actions from the recently … [More]
Governor Names CEO to AI Steering Committee
Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council and SciTech Institute, has been appointed by Gov. Katie Hobbs to serve on the state’s inaugural Artificial Intelligence Steering Committee. The committee brings together leaders and experts from across sectors to develop a statewide policy framework and governance strategy for the use of AI. The committee will guide the … [More]
From Boots on the Ground to Boardroom Strategy: How VALC Is Elevating the Future of Construction
The construction industry is at a crossroads. Amidst rising costs, workforce shortages and increasing project complexity, the pressure to deliver faster, smarter and with greater accountability has never been higher. Yet many of the issues we face are not new; they’re rooted in decades of fragmented communication, reactive risk management and siloed project delivery. I … [More]
Time Management Isn’t a Trait – It’s a Skill Set That Pays Dividends
If there’s one thing every professional says they need more of, it’s time. The tag line of my formerly burned-out and overloaded life was, “I don’t have time.” High achievers — especially in the demanding fields of sales, leadership, law and healthcare — often feel they’re running a race they didn’t sign up for. They’re productive, yes. But fulfilled? Not always. Time … [More]
Is Your Digital Marketing Working for You – Or Just Running?
You hired a digital marketing agency, approved some ads, and now … crickets. Or maybe the reports show clicks, but no sales. So — is your marketing actually working, or is it just running in the background? Here’s the truth: Digital marketing isn’t a vending machine. You can’t drop in a budget, walk away, and expect magic. It takes time and strategy to truly grow. Whether … [More]
Breaking Free from Owner Dependency
How you can build a business that runs without you
If you’re a business owner, chances are you’re wearing a lot of hats in your business — probably too many — and you aren’t making those hats look good. You’re the one answering late-night emails, handling every client crisis and making every decision because, well, you’re the owner. But here’s a tough truth: If your business can’t run without you, it’s stuck. You want to … [More]
Wealth Wise Women: 50 Years of Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
In 1975, a group of pioneering women in Washington, D.C., led by Susan Hager, founded the National Association of Women Business Owners. Their mission was clear: to create a unified voice for women entrepreneurs and to advocate for policies that would enable women to own and operate businesses independently. At that time, women faced significant legal and societal … [More]
The Future of Grant Consulting: Expansion and Growth
Over the next 5–10 years, the grant consulting industry is expected to experience significant growth, fueled by funders’ increasing focus on equity, measurable impact and strategic capacity-building. Since 2020, more than $16.8 billion has been committed to racial equity initiatives, reflecting a sector-wide shift toward more outcomes-driven and inclusive funding strategies … [More]
Customer Loyalty Management Is a Must
On the critical importance of service marketing to be competitive
In today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, customer loyalty management is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity for every firm. As markets become increasingly saturated and products become harder to differentiate, businesses must shift their focus from customer acquisition to the deliberate cultivation of long-term customer relationships. Service marketing plays a central role … [More]
The Importance of Business and Community Resources for Small Businesses
Small businesses face numerous challenges, from financial struggles to competition and market fluctuations. During tough times, having access to business and community resources can be the difference between failure and survival and even growth. These resources provide essential support, helping entrepreneurs navigate obstacles and scale their businesses toward … [More]
Boosting Business Value: What Buyers Really Look For
For many business owners, exiting their company is a once-in-a-lifetime event — yet far too few prepare for it early enough to maximize value. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to build a stronger company, understanding what buyers look for is essential to achieving a successful transition. Key Value Drivers Buyers are most focused on profitability, … [More]
Automation and Efficiency, The Perfect Match
Small Business Advertising & SIMPLI.FI (simpli.fi): Whether you’re a local boutique owner, a neighborhood coffee shop guru or a hopeful entrepreneur turning ideas into reality, we understand the journey small business owners go through. Running a small business means wearing multiple hats, from CEO to marketer to customer service rep. It’s exhilarating, but let’s face it — … [More]
CEO & President’s Letter
A Glance at May 2025
As we navigate another quarter in the ever-evolving landscape of business, I want to take a moment to share some insights that directly impact our local economy and the businesses that drive it. The numbers tell a compelling story, one of resilience, challenges and opportunities that define today’s small business experience. Nationally, optimism among small business owners … [More]
