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]
Feedback: June 2023
Q: Your attraction is beloved by Arizonans and tourists alike. How are you reaching those different markets? Craig Culy Acting Director Musical Instrument Museum Sector: Arts & Culture MIM’s unique connection to Arizona emanates outward and helps it attract visitors from near and far. MIM consists of a museum displaying more than 4,200 instruments from around the … [More]
Feedback: May 2023
Q: What have you found to be the highlight of your DEI/DEIB efforts in terms of implementation and/or results? Jill Chasson Partner Coppersmith Brockelman Sector: Law When Andy Gordon and Sam Coppersmith started Coppersmith Brockelman in 1995, no one used the term “DEI.” Back then, traditional law firm recruiting typically meant hiring candidates who looked, acted and … [More]
Feedback: April 2023
Q: You’ve included intellectually challenged individuals in your workforce. What are some of the highlights of the experience? Kendra Eberhart President and CEO Royal Oaks Sector: Senior Living The One Step Beyond participants who have been assigned to Royal Oaks are a delightful group of people who have filled a critical role in our food service department. They are … [More]
Feedback: March 2023
What are you finding most important in attracting people to multifamily projects, and is this different for different areas of the Valley? John Kobierowski President & CEO ABI Multifamily Sector: Real Estate When it comes to attracting multifamily investors, strong rents and high occupancy rates are the top factors. In the Phoenix market, occupancy rates have … [More]
Feedback: February 2023
Q: As a brick-and-mortar retailer, what are you doing to drive foot traffic? Leah Huss Co-Founder Huss Brewing Co. Sector: Breweries We’re so proud to be celebrating 10 years in business as Huss Brewing this year! Our growth in our core business of selling local craft beer to consumers in grocery stores, bars, restaurants and resorts is all rooted in one fundamental … [More]
Feedback: January 2023
Q: In retaining your employees, what have you found they value most about your company? Is this the same or different for attracting new employees? Jayme DeVary Director of People Operations HomeSmart Sector: Real Estate There are many things we do at HomeSmart that results in retention, but one standout item is our culture. We have a culture that we call “Bamily”— our … [More]
Feedback: December 2022
Q: What economic trends do you expect will impact your business in 2023? Cathy Graham Executive Vice President Desert Financial Credit Union Sector: Financial Services At Desert Financial, we know that when the economy impacts our members and community, our business will be impacted as well. The economic trends we expect will impact our business in 2023 are lower … [More]
Feedback: November 2022
Q: Arizona ranks among the top 10 states to own an electric car, according to a recently released study from SmartAsset. In your view from within the electric car industry, what factors make this such a strong market? Jason Church Chief Operating Officer Courtesy Automotive Group Sector: Retail There are a few key factors why Arizona is a strong market for electric … [More]
Feedback: October 2022
Q: As you prepare to offer healthcare benefits packages to your employees for 2023, what elements of coverage are you finding are most important? Ashley Bowers President HomeSmart International At HomeSmart, we offer four medical plans as well as dental and vision to meet the needs of our employees. Employees can enroll in all benefits as an employee only; … [More]
Feedback: September 2022
Q: As a former 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? 2018 Woman of Achievement Mesha Davis Chief Executive Officer Arizona Foundation for Women Given today’s climate on … [More]
Feedback: August 2022
Question: What results have you realized from environmental sustainability measures you’ve put in place? Sherri Barry Owner and CEO Arizona Fashion Source, LLC DBA The Fashioneer Sector: Fashion The Fashioneer was created as a sustainable, technology-driven alternative to traditional apparel manufacturing. This alternative allows fashion brands to create fashion in way … [More]
Feedback: July 2022
Q: Looking at how this plays out in the workplace, how have you used sports and/or gaming for team or morale building? Greg Hague Founder and CEO 72SOLD Sector: Real Estate At 72SOLD, sports has played a huge role in our team morale building. Through our partnership with the Arizona Cardinals, we host fun pre-game events for our agents and employees on the Great Lawn at … [More]
Feedback: June 2022
Q: What has been your biggest workforce issue or challenge over the past year or so, and how have you addressed it? Martijn Pierik CEO and Managing Partner Kiterocket Sector: Marketing We faced a number of workforce challenges over the past 12-18 months, but the biggest one we faced is working remotely and how to maintain a strong company culture. When our leadership … [More]
Feedback: May 2022
Q: We've seen a recent record boom in industrial property starts and leases throughout Metropolitan Phoenix. Based on the projects you are involved in, what is your view on what is fueling this? How much is being built for anticipated tenancy versus for a specific user (such as TSMC over in Phoenix)? Cathy Carlat Mayor City of Peoria, Arizona Sector: Government The City … [More]
Feedback: April 2022
Q: Please share some of the benefits your mentoring program brings to your company. Christopher Cano Director of Artistic Operations and the Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio Arizona Opera Sector: Arts The Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio of Arizona Opera is currently celebrating its 15th season. Over the past 15 years, Arizona Opera has auditioned thousands of … [More]
Feedback: March 2022
Question: Beyond the focused impact of your organization’s mission and its impact on the population you serve, what is the economic impact of its ripple effect in our community? Becky Bell Ballard CEO Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children Sector: Nonprofit Improving educational outcomes for underserved students in Arizona is critical to the well-being and … [More]
Feedback: February 2022
Question: “Over this past year, what has been the most significant or successful action your company has taken in regard to DEI?” Scott Gruwell President and CEO Courtesy Automotive Group Sector: Retail Since 1955, Courtesy Automotive Group has grown as a family-owned business, digging deep into the communities we serve, hiring and promoting employees from nearby … [More]
