While the phrase “unintended consequences” is often used to describe unwanted legislative outcomes, the recent enactment of Prop. 206, relating to increasing the Arizona minimum wage, was a self-inflicted wound by an unsuspecting electorate. Briefly, beginning on January 1, 2017, Prop. 206 will increase the statewide minimum wage from $8.05 per hour to an hourly wage of … [More]
High School Students Venture Beyond School Walls to Make Big Plans for the Future
When students from ASU Preparatory Academy cross North 7th Street and walk into APS’s downtown Phoenix headquarters, they’re taking their first steps into the professional world, and APS employees are there to guide the way. Through a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, high school juniors and seniors from the school are matched one-to-one with … [More]
One-Stop-Shop for Connecting to Nonprofits
The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits is excited to unveil its brand-new website and online nonprofit community! Our goal was to create an online platform that would allow the nonprofit sector to connect with each other, but to also promote opportunities for meaningful interaction with the business community and general public. You can now visit the Alliance website at … [More]
Your Business and Arizona Gives Day
Arizona is home to more than 20,000 nonprofits providing services we rely on every day. Our nonprofits create safe places to learn, live and fulfill dreams. They enrich our lives through arts and culture, and protect our natural wonders, cultural heritage and human dignity. In order to strengthen and sustain Arizona’s nonprofit community, Arizona Gives Day, a statewide … [More]
Working with Nonprofits
Carol Farabee CEO Farabee Publishing Helping others defines who you are. I have worked with nonprofits for the past 15 years as a leader, volunteer and board member. We can use the knowledge we have and step outside ourselves to give to others. The rewards are great, and the connections you make are solid and substantial for your business. You set the standard of … [More]
Arizona Nonprofits: Economic Power, Positive Impact
In order to successfully run their organizations, nonprofit professionals must also be savvy business professionals. Many Arizonans assume that most nonprofits rely entirely on philanthropic contributions, while, in fact, more than 72 percent of nonprofit income is, actually, earned revenue. Nonprofits often generate earned revenue through activities related to their mission, … [More]
#NAWBOFirst
So far, this year has been full of great community building, creating alliances and forming new partnerships. I am thrilled to be a part of this growing organization and witnessing, first hand, the impact it has on our membership. Let me share with you a few exciting announcements! First, get your calendar out and reserve this time in your schedule because you won’t want to … [More]
How Paying Employees More Can Increase Your Profits
Many small-business owners are concerned about the changes to the overtime rules that come into effect this December. Currently, employees who make an annual salary of less than $23,600 are eligible to be paid overtime if they work more than 40 hours a week. Beginning in December, the annual salary threshold increases to $47,476 — impacting the earnings of upward of … [More]
Options for Owning a Part of the Valley of the Sun
Arizona is a beautiful place to live and work, but it’s also a great place to visit. Arizona is a top winter destination for many who live in cooler climates, like our northern friends. Arizona is also a great summer destination thanks to lower prices for hotels, golf courses and other tourist attractions. Several new attractions have opened recently. The OdySea Aquarium, … [More]
Your Business Deserves a Good Deal: Commercial Leases 101
When considering a commercial lease, don’t just sign on the dotted line! For many businesses, leases are a large part of overhead. Tenants have bargaining power to garner for themselves the best deal for their bottom line. Here are some items you should consider when negotiating a commercial lease. Your Goals Identify your goals. Here are some important variables: Size of … [More]
Why You Should Issue 1099-MISC in Your Business
These days, businesses rely on additional services from contractors and freelancers for tasks that don’t require employee headcount. This means that it’s essential for them to understand IRS rules and varied prerequisites for issuing 1099-MISC forms in their business. Unfortunately, a lot of business owners “wing it” when it comes to following the rules and requirements because … [More]
Do You Support Sustainable Business Practices?
The Pledge was developed to help businesses learn how to reduce waste, energy and water usage and to develop sustainable purchasing programs. With the launch of this program, the goal of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce is to help make businesses and the communities in which they operate more resilient and sustainable. This comprehensive online resource and planning tool helps … [More]
Anne Gill Named Tempe Chamber of Commerce President & CEO
Anne Gill is the new president and CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. She took office on Oct. 31. She previously served as the president and CEO of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce since 2011. Gill is a skilled nonprofit leader with more than 25 years of business administration experience who excels in corporate development, community outreach, fundraising and … [More]
Local Committees Offer Chance to Grow Networks and Skills
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce offers the chance to collaborate with other people in the community through one of its many committees. Varied in purpose and scope, each offers unique and valuable opportunities to become involved and grow your network and skill set. They include Business Development, Military Affairs, Government Relations, Transportation, Ambassadors, Women in … [More]
2 Ways to Keep Your Project on Track
A great many projects are hatched by business owners everywhere, but they don’t all become a reality. Just like not all businesses survive the first five years, not every project is executed in a way it can be successful. I recently gave a presentation to a group of small-business owners about how Web apps are like houses. If you’re scratching your head, then keep reading and … [More]
Steven G. Zylstra Fall 2016 Message
In my time, I’ve seen a variety technologies evolve from infancy to leaving lasting impacts that have profoundly changed our lives. Color televisions, transistor radios, DVRs, cell phones, computers, software — all moved at some point from “gee whiz” to “how did I even live without it?” And all have played roles in shaping what we have become as a society. In my role, I … [More]
Head of the Class
Capturing the attention of the White House and Gov. Doug Ducey. That’s not bad for the inaugural year of a special program whose participants aren’t even old enough to vote. These are just a few highlights of the very much non-partisan Chief Science Officers (CSO) program that, in its first year, counted more than 130 sixth- through twelfth-grade students throughout Arizona … [More]
Eye On Success
In a move to boost ongoing efforts to grow the science and technology sectors of Arizona’s economy and increase the number of high-paying jobs in the state, the Arizona Technology Council has signed an agreement to launch collaborative efforts with the Arizona Optics Industry Association (AOIA). The Council has agreed to form an Arizona Optics Industry Committee to advocate … [More]
