“On the consumer side, people are gravitating toward places that feel authentic, welcoming, walkable, safe and community oriented. Downtown Phoenix delivers on all of that,” says Devney Majerle, president and CEO of Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DTPHX), speaking of the interest behind the growth of downtown Phoenix. “The level of creativity in the environment is increasing every … [More]
Town of Gilbert
The Town of Gilbert eschews the generic term “downtown” for a designation that not only identifies the area but encapsulates its personality: The Heritage District. “We’re seeing strong interest in the Heritage District because both residents and businesses are seeking places that encourage people to stay longer and do more,” says Jennifer Graves, MPA, CEcD, MEDP, the Town’s … [More]
City of Tempe
“A thriving downtown isn’t an accident — it’s mix, management and momentum. Tempe is writing that playbook in real time, blending strategic urban planning, intentional placemaking and collective community effort to ensure the next chapter is even brighter than the last,” says Lori Foster, LPM, president and CEO of Downtown Tempe Authority. Observing that downtown districts … [More]
City of Mesa
“Downtown gets cooler every day,” says Jimmy Cerracchio, executive director of Downtown Mesa Association, which was formed in 1985 by the commercial property owners of Downtown Mesa as a tool to help with the revitalization of the Downtown square mile. Noting the area is trying to grow in a smart and healthy manner by aiming to keep local businesses healthy, he says, “Most … [More]
City of Scottsdale
“Successful downtowns provide a wide range of experiences in a walkable environment,” explains Kevin Burke, AICP, senior director of economic development and tourism at the City of Scottsdale. “The strongest downtowns combine restaurants, hotels, housing, offices, galleries, retail, public spaces and events in a compact, easy-to-navigate setting that creates a sense of place … [More]
Downtown Is the New Economic Engine
Pulsing with the personality of the municipality it anchors
A few years ago, Fry’s made big headlines when it opened a grocery store in downtown Phoenix. Why the hubbub and what the significance was, RED Development’s Mike Ebert discusses in the Phoenix section of this cover story. But point is, downtowns are important economic sectors. What’s driving their growth, and how are cities that are often folded into the general “Metro … [More]
Navigating Business with Legal-Ease
Attorneys help companies keep up with changing expectations, obligations and risks
Legal considerations touch every aspect of business but many may seem like a one-and-done. In the current environment of social and regulatory disruption, however, matters that previously seemed settled may be due for attention. In Business Magazine is shining a light on select topics with insights on implications that business leaders may not have known or may be overlooking, … [More]
Stacking over Sprawl
Why developments are focusing on height and density
Yesterday’s emphasis on wide-open spaces, large lots and suburban living has been replaced by density with a focus on walkability. Residential units are a big part of today’s commercial development projects, with retail, office, entertainment and service built into the plan. Yes, Metro Phoenix is still seeing plenty of development at its outer boundaries as its business and … [More]
Healthcare: Reimagining Affordability and Access for Arizona’s Business Community
“Healthcare has moved beyond being a perk and is now a foundational part of an employee’s financial security,” observes Casey Strunk, president of Strunk Insurance Group. While employers may frame it as a recruiting and retention tool, he finds employees experience it as protection against catastrophic financial risk when a serious medical event occurs. In fact, … [More]
Grants: Creating & Securing Grants in Today’s Climate
And emerging concepts of trust and collaboration
Philanthropy is a broad subject that takes many forms. Our Social Impact feature every month spotlights for-profit businesses (some of whom who are included in this cover story) and the varied forms of philanthropy they practice. This article is focused solely on grants. We reached out to a select sample of both philanthropist-funded foundations and nonprofit arms of … [More]
Jobs: Creating and Saving Employment in Arizona
Job growth and workforce gaps
The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity’s jobs data is projecting sustained opportunities and growth across all sectors in 2026. Observing, “Businesses of all kinds are investing in Arizona, creating a diverse range of employment opportunities for everyone,” Office of Economic Opportunity Director Mary Foote shares, “Arizona's economy continues to demonstrate remarkable … [More]
Trading on Tariffs: The Cost Impact of Doing Business across Borders
Most people understand that tariffs are not simply a cost tacked onto the final price of a product but permeate every step in the network of transactions that ultimately result in its reaching the market. As businesses throughout the supply chain and marketplace evaluate the challenges tariffs pose for them and calculate their response, we see differences not just in the choice … [More]
16 Top Leaders 2025: Our list of Valley leaders who are making a real difference!
At the close of each year, we spotlight top leaders who have demonstrated exceptional impact over the past year. This time, we’re profiling 16 leaders across key sectors of our business community. We asked them direct, forward-looking questions to understand what they see ahead for 2026. Each is deeply engaged in growing their organization and our regional economy — shaping … [More]
Bank on It: Arizona’s Banks Funding Our Future
Commerce could not exist without money. But money by itself does not guarantee commerce will be successful. As an economic sector of its own, the financial industry comprises a variety of types of institutions — with a variety of products and services. For this article, In Business Magazine reached out to a select few of the major and community banks and credit unions that … [More]
SEMI Complete: The Semiconductor Ecosystem Brings Arizona Front and Center
In her Guest Editor Letter for this October edition of In Business Magazine, TSMC Arizona President Rose Castanares cites figures from the Arizona Commerce Authority that Arizona has attracted more than 60 expansions in the semiconductor industry since 2020, representing roughly 25,000 projected new jobs and more than $205 billion in investment — more than any other state. It … [More]
Growth and Opportunity: Honoring Our 2025 Women of Achievement
“We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” —Oprah Winfrey Does growth engender opportunity, or is the inverse true? The two are intrinsically tied to each other, and, as Oprah suggests, taking or making opportunities to grow is necessary for success. This year’s Women of Achievement honorees exemplify this — not only in themselves but in their … [More]
Aerospace & Defense: The Impact on Arizona’s Growth
This soaring economic sector is well-grounded
Boeing AH-64D Longbow Apache Aerospace & defense is interwoven in our state’s economy with its extensive range of manufacturing and engineering, from aircraft to optics, weapons systems to drone detection, and parts to software. Four of our major A & D businesses help us gain a snapshot view of the current strength of the industry and what bodes for the … [More]
Headquartering Here: Benefits of Having Your Business in Arizona
Across a variety of industries, and from global to local, businesses’ perspective and experience have much in common
“Some of the most prominent companies in the world have chosen Greater Phoenix as a headquarters location. From direct economic contribution and job creation to advancements in technology and healthcare, these companies are integral to Greater Phoenix’s quality of life and economic opportunity,” says Chris Camacho, president and CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council. And … [More]
