Q: What economic trends do you expect will impact your business in 2025? Randy Grudzinski Partner & Head of Capital Markets Empire Group of Companies Sector: Commercial Real Estate When it comes to new homebuyers, end of year 2025 30-year mortgage-rate expectations from the leading groups in this field really don’t signal that much relief is on the way. The Mortgage … [More]
Feedback: November 2024
Q: How important is Arts & Culture in your economic development plans? Wendy Bridges, AZED Pro Economic Development Director City of Goodyear Economic Development Sector: Municipal Government Arts and culture are essential to economic development plans, shaping a community’s identity and enhancing its appeal to residents, visitors and businesses. Investment in … [More]
Feedback: Oct 2024
Q: What is the most important aspect of the healthcare benefits you offer your employees? Sarah Banning, CBP Global Benefits Administrator Plexus Worldwide Sector: Wellness Products I would say the most important aspect at Plexus Worldwide, LLC is affordability. We offer a high-deductible medical plan that is no cost to employees, plus we contribute $1,000 annually to … [More]
Feedback: September 2024
Q: As a 2023 Women of Achievement honoree, you’ve been recognized for outstanding leadership. Different times seem to call for different strengths, not to mention that the idea of women in top leadership positions is especially timely right now. So, what do you feel are the most important leadership qualities for the times we are in now? Mary Martuscelli Regional … [More]
Feedback: August 2024
Q: What are some considerations in planning a seasonal menu while also making it work within a business-day lunch schedule? Mike Archer Chief Executive Officer Lou Malnati’s Pizzerias Sector: Restaurants When planning a seasonal menu or a limited-time-offer item, there are several key considerations to ensure it fits seamlessly into a business-day lunch schedule. We … [More]
Feedback: July 2024
Q: What programs do you have to encourage volunteerism among your employees, and why? Laurel Lewis, SIOR Managing Director NAI Horizon Sector: Commercial Real Estate NAI Horizon has a rich history of philanthropy and volunteering that aligns with the firm’s values. Team members are inspired by the energy of giving and volunteering at NAI Horizon. This year, we took a … [More]
Feedback: June 2024
Q: What design or amenities of your physical workplace have you found to be most important in creating a positive company culture? Angela Gillespie Chief Executive Officer Gawley Companies Sector: Healthcare As a global chief operating officer of a multi-national company pre-COVID, my entire focus in physical workspace revolved around squeezing as many people into a … [More]
Feedback: May 2024
Q: For your type of business, what are the most important physical attributes of your workplace, and why? Chloe Conklin Manager of Community Programs Optum – Arizona Sector: Healthcare The physical space at our six, Valley-wide Optum Community Centers is intentionally designed for our 55+ community members to enjoy at no cost, heightening their physical activity and … [More]
Feedback – April 2024
Q: What have your employees told you are their most important healthcare benefits? Katherine Bastow, SPHR/SCP Vice President of People Operations REDW Advisors & CPAs Sector: Financial Services Though they do not always use the term itself, the overwhelming feedback we’ve received both in our recruiting and retention efforts is focused on whole-person health, both … [More]
Feedback: March 2024
Q: In terms of succession planning for leadership positions (top-level and/or mid-level) in your company, how are you developing a leadership pipeline within your company? Elizabeth Hale Chief Executive Officer eeCPA Sector: Financial It’s no secret that the accounting market is highly competitive when it comes to attracting and retaining quality senior talent. As the … [More]
Feedback: February 2024
Q: Trust has emerged as a cornerstone of business success, but social media can make maintaining it a challenge. What is an example of trust making a difference for your company, either internally or publicly? Andrea Aker CEO Aker Ink PR & Marketing Sector: Public Relations & Marketing Trust is imperative to client acquisition and retention in any professional … [More]
Feedback: January 2024
Q: What would make good collaboration for your organization with a for-profit business? Becky Bell Ballard Chief Executive Officer Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children Sector: Nonprofit Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children, a local nonprofit organization, seeks collaborations with businesses on all fronts. Our mission is to eliminate barriers to … [More]
Feedback – December 2023
Q: What economic trends do you expect will impact your business in 2024? Dr. Joel P. Martin President Positively Powerful / Triad West Inc. Sector: Business Consulting The experience economy is a trend that will significantly impact our business in 2024 and that we will be leveraging on behalf of our clients, and women specifically. Consumers unquestionably desire … [More]
Feedback: November 2023
Q: What policies or programs does your company have in place to support your employees’ interests in community philanthropy? Todd Gillenwater Chief Executive Officer Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Sector: Real Estate We are a 76-year-old Arizona business that has always believed in giving back; it is in our DNA. The Russ Lyon Foundation is our nonprofit … [More]
Feedback: October 2023
Q: What healthcare and wellness issues and programs are your employees telling you are most important to them? Is this a change from previous years? BrandyJo Guzman HR Director M Culinary Concepts Sector: Hospitality In a recent survey with our team, we asked which benefits M Culinary Concepts offers are the most important. Time off was the winner and has been … [More]
Feedback: Sept. 2023
Q: As a previous year’s Women of Achievement honoree, you’ve been recognized for outstanding leadership. Different times seem to call for different strengths, so what do you feel are the most important leadership qualities for the times we are in now? Rachel Aja Director of Government Affairs Cox Communications Sector: Telecommunications For me, the most important … [More]
Feedback: August 2023
Q: How is the availability or development of various housing product impacting economic development in your city? Scott Cooper Economic Development Director (interim) City of Scottsdale Sector: Government Our region’s steady economic growth and diverse employment opportunities are continuing to draw businesses and individuals to the area. As a result, Scottsdale, like … [More]
Feedback: July 2023
Q: What makes the Greater Phoenix area a strong region for the growth of technology companies? Rebecca Clyde Co-founder and CEO Botco.ai, Inc. Sector: Technology I’ve been part of the technology sector in Arizona since my arrival here 20 years ago when I first took a job at Intel. Since then, I have had the privilege of participating in the tremendous growth of this … [More]
