A local startup that grew to international prominence and impacts industries across the business spectrum, GoDaddy is one of many Valley companies that have scaled up successfully. It was founded in 1997, and only five years ago began looking at international expansion as a core growth driver, according to Andrew Low Ah Kee, executive vice president international. “Today, 40 … [More]
Tourism: Dollars and Sense of Place
In 2015, the latest year for which industry figures are available, the greater Phoenix area welcomed an estimated 22 million visitors, who were responsible for $13.6 billion in estimated direct spending, according Megan Doyle, senior manager of corporate communications and community relations with Visit Phoenix, crediting a report by Longwoods International Dean Runyan … [More]
Co-Working Spaces: Hot Trend in Commercial Real Estate
Co-working space has been around for a long time. Ryan Bartos, executive vice president of JLL, which specializes in commercial real estate services and investment management, notes that Regus, now the world’s largest provider of flexible work spaces, has been around since 1989. “The big change that we’re seeing from the late 1990s to now,” Bartos says, “is a shift to a more … [More]
Healthcare in Today’s Workplace
Whatever may happen on the government front, healthcare remains an important concern of doing business for employers. Competitive benefits — which includes a good health plan — is a key tool in recruiting and retaining talent, says Brian Cassidy, managing principal of Phoenix-based CCBG Architects. In fact, he says, for architecture firms and similarly licensed … [More]
Businesses Take Action
There’s been a growing movement of Conscious Capitalism and, in Arizona, the passage of a benefit corporation law. It’s all part of the increased attention to corporate social responsibility. Business extends into every aspect of people’s lives and touches every point on our planet. Many businesses have come to take on a responsibility to forces outside their individual … [More]
Marketing a Business: The Real Story to Success
Behind every successful company is … a great product or service? Well, yes, that helps. But the more basic ingredient for success is a great story about that great product or service. And that’s marketing. It starts with defining the objective, says Jenavi Kasper, vice president and marketing manager at National Bank of Arizona. Is it brand awareness or trying to drive a … [More]
Top Thinkers: Our Guest Editors Speak Out
With New Year’s resolutions in place, it’s always tempting to contemplate how the coming year will play out. In Business Magazine has no crystal ball to make predictions, but we dare to offer some perspective into 2017 as we turn to our past Guest Editors — recognized leaders in our community — to share their insight into their industry and our economy. Power for … [More]
Startup Phoenix
The past few years have seen a tremendous growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the emergence of a strong startup community in Greater Phoenix. The broad interest in incubating businesses and accelerating startup development is evidenced in the diverse membership of the Arizona Business Incubator Association, which ranges from co-working spaces, incubators and … [More]
Banking on Your Business
Tales of usurers make for enduring literature (Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice is a notable example), but it’s an indisputable fact that commerce would not exist without reputable financial institutions and loan opportunity. Of course, banking has evolved to be much more than a lending resource. For instance, as Toby Day, chairman of the Arizona Bankers Association and … [More]
Strength in Numbers: How Healthcare is Evolving for Business
Healthcare coverage — that’s a big issue for employers these days. And, with the open enrollment period upon us, now is the time many employers are trying to look into the near future to make the best choices for their company and their employees. The challenge is the change that the healthcare landscape is still undergoing. “The biggest impact we think employers will see is … [More]
What Difference Does Leadership Make?
“What difference does leadership make” may sound like a rhetorical question, but there’s value in understanding how our community continues to advance and improve opportunities for residents and businesses. To go beyond simply wanting something to making it happen requires purposeful decision making and a broad view of the impact. Working with Valley Leadership, which our Guest … [More]
Our Food Scene: Making ‘Authentic’ the New Norm
Our pocket of paradise has more than a fair share of celebrity and award-winning chefs spicing up the culinary scene, but what of the restaurateurs whose vison drives the development of our restaurant industry? The Valley is blessed with a plethora of innovators intent on creating unique dining experiences for residents and visitors alike. In these pages, In Business Magazine … [More]
Success by Example: Q&A’s from Local Greats
Small business is thriving in our state, and in Metro Phoenix specifically. Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University have programs focused on fostering entrepreneurialism; many of the Maricopa County community colleges are also active in this space with specialized programs, notably GateWay Community College‘s incubator, Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation; and … [More]
Remaking Economic Development
An extensive study by The Brookings Institution underscores shortcomings of the traditional approach, highlights successful emerging strategies, and, effectively, shows how Greater Phoenix is positioned for growth The lackluster economy is delivering a humbling lesson about economic development: Top-line growth doesn’t ensure bottom-line prosperity. Yet, in too many … [More]
Commercial Real Estate: Is Multifamily Moving the Market?
What’s most visible of commercial real estate in metropolitan Phoenix is the multifamily market. Dennis Desmond, senior managing director of JLL in Phoenix, puts the number of units currently under construction at 6,000. This strength has been a trend as we’ve recovered from the recession. “Multifamily, as a segment of commercial real estate, is the No. 1 driver of growth for … [More]
Healthcare and Good Business
The paced roll-out of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is, for the most part, a fait accompli. But many businesses are still wrestling with myriad considerations in implementing programs for the greatest benefit to their company and their employees. And what worked a year ago might not be the best option as their situation changes and as new options become … [More]
Invest in Our Community!
Nonprofits are businesses. That’s obvious, of course, to anyone who has served on a nonprofit organization’s board of directors. They have to operate in the black in order to continue to fulfill their mission. It’s “the mission” that takes center stage in most discussion about impact and purpose with respect to nonprofit organizations. And that’s understandable, given that … [More]
A Spectacle!
The Valley plays host to a multitude of events and entertainers, drawing crowds of locals and visitors alike: car enthusiasts, comic-con fans, baseball spectators, golf connoisseurs, runners and football devotees making the trip to support their home teams. These happenings play a positive role on the Valley’s economy, providing business to the Phoenix Metropolitan area. … [More]
