New data released on March 25, 2024, show arts and cultural industries hit an all-time high in 2022, contributing 4.3% of gross domestic product, or $1.1 trillion, to the U.S. economy. Arizona’s arts & culture sector added a staggering $14.2 billion in value to the state’s economy, a 16.6% increase over 2021! These findings and more come from the Arts and Cultural … [More]
Positive Signs Showing in Residential Real Estate’s Challenging Market
New listings climbed 15.8% for the first half of 2024 compared to last year, based on the latest data from Phoenix REALTORS®. The month-over-month median sales price was up just 1.5%. Days on the Greater Phoenix market dropped more than 11% for the year's first half. “It’s still a challenging marketplace, and the number of homes on the market is growing,” says Sheryl Bowden, … [More]
Raising Capital
Raising capital is a foundation of business activity. Sources always include the business owner’s own resources, including savings accounts, retirement funds, life insurance, friends and relatives and, more conventionally, banks, credit unions and non-bank lenders. Alternatives sources of capital include advertising, credit cards, money brokers such as online brokers or … [More]
Key Insights that Influence Employee Health
A first-of-its-kind study reveals that community health and non-clinical social barriers have a much more profound impact on workforce health than previously recognized. “Surprisingly, only about 20% of our health is determined by the medical care we receive,” says Heather Kane, chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare, Arizona & New Mexico, citing the findings from the … [More]
10 Reasons Why You Should Donate on Arizona Gives Day
Donors, collectively, are part of a larger community and can have a significant impact on our lives and our neighbor’s lives. However, according to the National Council of Nonprofits, charitable giving by corporations, foundations, individuals and bequests to support the work of nonprofits dropped 10.5% last year and giving by individuals fell 13.4% after adjusting for … [More]
Empowering Small Businesses and Nonprofits to Thrive
Starting, running and growing a business and/or nonprofit is no small task. In a rapidly evolving business landscape, Lucero Consulting Group remains committed to empowering organizations and individuals to not only survive but thrive. With a commitment to equity, inclusivity and tangible outcomes, LCG is your partner in realizing your vision and building a lasting … [More]
Maximizing Employee Benefits
Maximizing Employee Benefits: The Benefits of Including a 401(k) Enrollment Meeting with Annual Benefit Open Enrollment
As the annual benefits open enrollment season rolls around, employers have an opportunity to empower their employees to make more informed decisions about their financial future. While health insurance and other employee benefits may take center stage during this time, it's essential to not overlook the importance of including a 401(k)-enrollment meeting as part of the process. … [More]
Show Love, Shop Small this Holiday Season
’Tis the season for holiday shopping and, while we navigate our options, it's important to consider the numerous benefits of supporting small businesses and shopping locally. While the allure of big-box retailers and online giants may be strong, let's not overlook the value of our local shops. Small Business Saturday, celebrated on the last Saturday in November, was … [More]
The Data’s In – The Secret Sauce to Making Hybrid Work Work
As the dust from evolving hybrid and remote work guidelines settles, we’re seeing consistent themes regarding what employees want from their employers. For example, Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace (focusing on US data) shows employee feedback becoming more unified in what workers want from their bosses and their companies, what motivates employees, and what causes … [More]
Trust in Banking
Digital Banking Development
As brick-and-mortar establishments had to severely limit their working hours during the lockdowns of recent years necessitated by COVID-19, digital banking picked up the slack to accommodate the financial needs of people working from home. “These circumstances unveiled the true importance of taking a digital-first approach,” explains Agne Selemonaitė, chief strategy officer at … [More]
Brandon Michaels
President and CEO, OneAZ Credit Union
Brandon Michaels joined OneAZ Credit Union in May, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in banking and finance. He is passionate about driving technological innovations that provide members with outstanding banking experiences and improve their financial well-being. Michaels always aims to be a leader who challenges existing paradigms and invests in what matters … [More]
Elevating Patient Experience
The strategic imperative for today’s healthcare organizations
The healthcare landscape is in flux, influenced by technological advancements and changing demographics. While medical proficiency remains crucial, there’s an emerging battleground that healthcare organizations can’t afford to ignore: patient experience. No longer a secondary concern, optimizing the patient experience has become a business-critical initiative. Here’s why it’s … [More]
Stability and Positive Prospects in Greater Phoenix Residential Real Estate
Examining the latest market indicators closely, there are notable trends suggesting stability and positive prospects for the Greater Phoenix area, according to the latest data released by Phoenix REALTORS, the Valley’s preeminent real estate membership organization and most reputable source for real estate news today, with many resources that include a clearinghouse of … [More]
Remembering the Wrong Things …
Recently, I attended an event, and the food was wonderful. The adult beverages, not so much … and everyone remembered that for all the wrong reasons. The host enjoyed top-shelf vodka, evidently his drink of choice, but forgot those of us who enjoy whatever else. We had all hoped for better, but it was generic, from a wholesale club and disappointing. My point is simply … [More]
We Rise: Developments Are Met with Weary Investors but Keep on Building
The year 2023 was viewed as potentially a challenging one for the commercial real estate industry, with the combination of market volatility, high inflation and interest rate hikes. Not to mention, the latter half of 2022 brought instability to the U.S. economy, causing hesitation and anxiety in consumers and investors. With the rise in real estate prices and the prospects of … [More]
Novus Innovation Corridor
Project by Catellus Development Corporation
Novus Innovation Corridor is a 355-acre, multi-phased development, that at completion will encompass more than 10 million square feet of urban mixed-use developments. Strategically integrated with the ASU campus on Tempe Town Lake, the Novus Innovation Corridor is a partnership between master developer Catellus Development Corporation and Arizona State University, ranked as the … [More]
Insight Enterprises Global Headquarters
Project by Gensler
Insight’s new 241,000-square-foot Chandler headquarters serves as a brand beacon and a true reflection of their entrepreneurial culture. Type of Project: Office Interiors Location: 2701 E. Insight Way, Chandler, AZ 85286 Developer: Gensler General Contractor: Holder Construction Landscape Design: Norris Design Interior Design: Gensler Size: 240,000 sq. ft. Date … [More]
The Link
Project by Gensler
Positioned at a significant commercial corner in Phoenix, The Link repositions two existing buildings into a vibrant, class-A creative office campus and is home to a Provision coffee shop. Type of Project: Office Reposition & Hospitality Interiors Location: 711 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85014 Developer: Gensler Architect: Gensler General Contractor: Wespac … [More]
