It seems only a few years ago, the big hurdle for employers was healthcare — how to offer an employee benefits package that would make the company attractive in recruiting and retaining talent. The current fight for top talent — or even average workforce to keep a company functioning — has bumped up to new levels. From healthcare to vibrant communities and a solid school … [More]
Rick McCartney, In Business Magazine
Arizona in general and Metro Phoenix are among the hottest growth spots in the country. Numerous factors are touted to explain this, but certainly notable is the exceptional business leadership that characterizes our business community. So we have a responsibility… Over the past several years we have looked at redefining leadership to be more inclusive, conscious about … [More]
Eric Miller, PADT
Technology is so much a part of our lives that we take most of it for granted. We notice it only when there’s a quantum leap in innovation that disrupts our standard way of doing things, our processes at work and our habits at home. Arizona’s technology ecosystem, like that in many other states across the nation, is thriving due to the critical role it’s played in our … [More]
Dr. Caroline Carney, Magellan Health
A topic that has traditionally been taboo, or at least stigmatized, has come to prominence over the past year: mental health. Maybe we can thank the pandemic for letting the topic become one that is openly discussed — although the pandemic is a big part of why. Even before the pandemic, the need for mental health and addiction services was on the rise. Look at the data … [More]
Linda S. Hunt, Dignity Health Southwest Division
Coordinated with its annual event that shines a spotlight on women who are using their positions of leadership — whether in for-profit or nonprofit organizations — to make a difference in our community, this edition of In Business Magazine celebrates the 2021 Women of Achievement. During my career in the Valley, I have witnessed how very open and welcoming the community is … [More]
Jos Anshell, Marketing Forensics
Over this past year, the word “pivot” has become the buzzword as businesses responded to a new climate for commerce. Successful pivots are grounded in good communication — and that’s the realm of marketing. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but a few things have changed in the past 18 months. The key is survival; “thrival” is … the consumer. And if you you’re not listening to … [More]
Jerry Colangelo, JDM Partners
Arizona has been lauded in recent years as one of the fastest-growing states in the country, one of the strongest for entrepreneurial growth, and even its composite cities have been singled out for various economic distinctions. Our natural characteristics — proximity to global markets, ample sunshine, an unbeatable quality of living — have played a role in some of the growth. … [More]
Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks
“Fun” may not be a recognized economic sector, but there are real businesses that qualify for that heading — and they have been dealing with very real business concerns. In fact, it is recognized that businesses which rely on people being “out and about” have been among the ones hardest hit by the pandemic. Imagine the challenge for those of us in the business of gathering … [More]
Walter Crutchfield, Vintage Partners
Moving up in the CRE spotlight these days is industrial and multifamily. And Phoenix is leading the pack in those segments, while other segments are adapting to considerable shifts in market needs. Many of the negative shifts felt in other parts of the country have not impacted the Phoenix market as deeply. Couple that with strong in-migration, growth in manufacturing jobs, … [More]
Frances Ducar, Healthcare Solutions Centers
Almost everything now is seen through the lens of COVID-19, from work to entertainment to family. Perhaps the most impacted is healthcare itself. In March of 2020 Arizona healthcare providers and systems had to dramatically adapt to the fear that the Coronavirus would develop into the next 1918 Spanish Flu. Lacking PPE, most healthcare providers quickly transformed to … [More]
Kyu Utsunomiya & Troy Watkins, Conceptually Social
Help doesn’t just happen, however badly it’s needed — as the situation in Texas last month made abundantly clear. Our leaders should be recognized for the effort to provide aid to help businesses remain functioning and especially at the local level to orchestrate that relief. March of 2020 caught so many of us off guard and unprepared. As partners in a small, local Phoenix … [More]
Senator Mark Kelly
The toll of the pandemic has been devastating. Hundreds of thousands of American lives lost. Millions more have lost jobs or faced economic hardship. The pandemic has also taken a toll on Arizona’s businesses, and that will be the focus of this edition of In Business Magazine. Some businesses have been able to adapt their model during the pandemic. Many businesses, however, … [More]
Pete Hemingway, Ritoch-Powell & Associates
As Diversity, Equity and Inclusion becomes ever more mainstream news, the business community and their workplaces are an arena where efforts around these social movements are naturally experienced. For many businesses, it’s a new awakening. Others have a long history of leading by example in their corporate culture and directed programs. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion takes … [More]
Michael Bidwill, Arizona Cardinals
Each year, businesses look ahead to project, budget and plan the coming year. We always learn a lot from years prior to help gauge changes for the year to come. This year will be one for the books, as they say. Planning for 2021 will be a lesson for us all as busines owners. But before looking ahead to 2021, it would be impossible to ignore the unprecedented nature of 2020. … [More]
Cara M. Christ, M.D., M.S., Arizona Department of Health Services
Healthcare is an essential part of the conversation when it comes to business and making Arizona a great place to live, work and raise our families. Across all industries, businesses have been critical partners in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Meanwhile, those in the healthcare sector have worked tirelessly to care for patients and look out for the health … [More]
Sharon Harper, Plaza Companies
Leadership and diversity are in the news, but they have likely been important aspects of success in achievements of any kind — certainly in business. With this fifth annual Women of Achievement celebration, In Business Magazine is helping to shine a light on the tremendous contributions of women who exemplify leadership within our business community. Arizona has always been … [More]
Juan Salgado, Phoenix IDA and PCDIC
There is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic stifled growth and prosperity for businesses at the start of 2020. As the crisis unfolded, leaders of the business community — like the Phoenix IDA and Phoenix Community Development and Investment Corporation — recognized that the pandemic would negatively impact small businesses that bolster local communities. Through various … [More]
Robert Blaney, U.S. Small Business Administration, Arizona District
Much has changed since March of this year. What to wear to work today is probably not the first thought of the morning. Telework has become the norm for many and questions and probable answers about reopening abound. Small-business owners are always well-advised to back up records, store data off-site and develop a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) to get their business … [More]
