The new development that broke ground in March at Alma School and Pecos roads represents a planning change by the City of Chandler’s economic development department. Because the city was already considering whether to change the zoning on some properties — and what to change to — as a result of the recently completed “4-Corner Retail Study,” Chandler was open to developer … [More]
Packaged Water Company Aims to Help Local Economy
The idea was ahead of its time when Liesl Harder Kielp, founder and president of AguaSAC, L.L.C., began talking with colleagues three years ago about packaging water in a pouch. “The film structures available were not conducive to water — they would taint the flavor,” explains Kielp, who is also founder of EnVision Flexible Packaging, referring to the material used for making … [More]
‘First to File’ Patent System Replaces ‘First to Invent’
The change in United States patent laws that went into effect on March 16 of this year is intended to better align the U.S. with all other industrialized countries, in that all countries now utilize a “first to file” standard as opposed to “first to invent” when determining who has priority to an invention. Previously, if a company could show it was, in fact, the first to … [More]
Local Banks Merge, Establish Stronger Capital Position
The merger of First Scottsdale Bank and Commerce Bank of Arizona, Inc.’s parent company, CBOA Financial, Inc., will establish the new entity as the second-largest commercial bank franchise headquartered in Arizona when the transaction closes, which is expected to happen in the second half of this year. The new Commerce Bank — the name under which the merged entity will operate … [More]
Microsoft Biz Hub
Microsoft’s Business Hub is dedicated to helping small business thrive through business products, support and resources. Microsoft is supporting the Braddock’s Procurement Opportunities Guide online as an e-Guide. A key tool in helping small businesses secure government contracts, it provides information on how to compete with large corporations. … [More]
Healthcare Cost Calculator
The new healthcare reform law allows small businesses to purchase healthcare coverage at group rates from the new Health Insurance Exchanges and provides significant tax credits to help small businesses pay for this coverage. Businesses can use the link below to find out how they will be affected by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. … [More]
Knowing Asian Business
Asiagate, a leader in Asian corporate credit information, offers members a one-stop shop for Asian business intelligence with a dozen national credit information agencies across Asia to provide a searchable database of nearly 13 million business records, from China to Vietnam, for those doing global business in that region. Membership fees apply. … [More]
Visualize This: FIRE & ICEE
Colliers International, a leading commercial real estate firm in the Valley, offers a series of videos on our local market. The “Colliers Market Insight” videos are relevant commentaries on the latest market trends and insights by Bob Mulhern, managing director for Greater Phoenix. To sign up for these weekly videos and market information, visit www.colliers.com. … [More]
Meeting a Uniform Need to Build Sales
Making custom “one offs” for neighbor businesses on Tempe’s Mill Avenue, Brand X CEO Charles Goffnet recognized a new market for his six-year-old T-shirt business. B.Y.O.U. (Buy Your Own Uniform), newly launched out of Brand X, aims to give business owners a solution for brand control. To its standard stock of T-shirts, tank tops and polo shirts it has added button-downs, … [More]
Hot Growth in Flexible Office Space Solutions
In a commercial office market still posting high vacancy rates, executive offices leader Regus recently opened its 15th full-service business center in the Greater Phoenix area at Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. and Scottsdale Road. This is up from eight centers last year, and on the way to 20 by the end of 2013. Demand is coming from Fortune 500 companies down to start-ups, according … [More]
