Last year, In Business Magazine introduced its Women of Achievement honorees in a very well-attended luncheon. Shining a light on, and supporting, women who are making a difference in our business community has long been a focus for me — and I am very pleased to be the Guest Editor of this September issue that recognizes this year’s Women of Achievement honorees. As a … [More]
Dawn Grove, Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
Like a magnet to steel, Arizona is pulling in modern manufacturers and other high-paying job creators that anchor our economy, and Arizona’s talented workers are being drawn to these jobs. Manufacturers and businesses cite being allured not only by Arizona’s pro-business tax and regulatory environment, but also by its attractive workforce population. Arizona swept the top five … [More]
Dr. Heidi Jannenga, WebPT
Business is risk. It’s inherent in every decision: “Can I grow this idea to support a company — myself, my employees, my shareholders?” “Will a new hire or an investment in additional technology propel our growth?” “Should I take on venture capital?” These were just some of the decisions — and risks — I faced in co-founding and growing WebPT. Every choice had the potential … [More]
Tom Forese, Arizona Corporation Commission
Fresh eyes bring new perspective. That’s always a good thing, especially when those fresh eyes come out of the C suite of some of our community’s best businesses. Whether the result is affirmation of the direction business is already following or charting new paths, The Valley, and Arizona overall, enjoys the expertise of the leadership of major businesses who continue to be … [More]
Ryan Sarbinoff, Marcus & Millichap
Real estate is, historically, the basis of wealth. As an economic factor, it’s an industry that underpins an enormous swath of other industries. The state of investment in it, then, has a broad impact on the economy at large. As one of the largest industries in the state, real estate impacts Arizona’s economy in a multitude of ways. Phoenix, specifically, is in prime … [More]
Pam Kehaly, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Healthcare is changing rapidly, and many of the innovators pushing the boundaries of how patients access care and what kinds of care they receive are making breakthroughs right here in our community. With medical costs trending 6 to 7 percent higher each year, business owners are looking for new ways to contain costs while improving the health and productivity of their … [More]
Adam Goodman, Goodmans Interior Structures
As a business leader in a for-profit company, you create jobs, build markets and grow the economy. While your achievements should be celebrated, instead they are increasingly vilified. For example, a recent Harvard University study found that 51 percent of U.S. adults under 30 have a negative view of capitalism. This generational animosity is born out of a lifelong media … [More]
Scott Harkey, OH Partners
There is no doubt that technology is impacting every aspect of the way we live our lives. It not only affects our personal lives, but extends to the way businesses operate and how they connect with their target audience — most fundamentally in how they brand themselves. It’s nearly impossible to suggest that a business in this day and age can successfully develop, maintain … [More]
Rick McCartney, InMedia Company
As a business owner, I know that building business is a natural focus throughout each year, but the new year always inspires that special impulse to try to predict: What opportunities will the new year bring? What’s in store for my business? Great focus on the bottom line and other aspects of our businesses seems to be heightened as we start anew on January 1 — whether it’s … [More]
Dr. Joel P. Martin, Triad West Inc.
Some consider Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) simply about political correctness. However, research tells us otherwise. In 2017 Gallup convincingly “linked engagement with positive business metrics including productivity, profitability, quality, employee commitment and retention” and reported that “Diversity combined with an inclusive culture can have an even greater impact … [More]
Paul Hickman, Arizona Bankers Association
Business today — indeed, all aspects of our lives — relies on a complex network of services. Yet, banking remains a core element; banking enabled the early emergence of regional commerce. Practices, products and platforms have evolved but, still, without banking, there could be no commerce. The financial services industry is indeed the cardiovascular system of any modern … [More]
Hugh Lytle, Equality Health
The big headlines on healthcare should be screaming “innovation.” And the most impactful innovations are coming from the seeming opposite dynamics of new technologies and old-fashioned customer service. The U.S. healthcare system has been undergoing tremendous transformation in the past 10 years. The Affordable Care Act, payment reform and explosive changes in population … [More]
Linda M. Herold, Herold Enterprises
This month, In Business Magazine honors 14 women of achievement. These accomplished women are dedicated to their communities and successful in business, and their leadership inspires others. The editorial group at In Business Magazine sought to recognize those women who not only demonstrate these characteristics, but work hard to empower others to exude excellence as well. … [More]
Chancellor Maria Harper-Marinick, Maricopa Community Colleges
Many of the attributes Arizona touts as being attractors for business — quality of life, affordability, climate — are also factors that attract workforce. At the Maricopa Community Colleges, we are proud of the work we are doing with regional and state economic development organizations such as the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority to … [More]
David Krietor, Downtown Phoenix Inc.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lKRrIslT5U[/embedyt] Scaling for growth is a goal not only of individual companies but also of economic development and community-based organizations. Some of the companies that are industry and headline-grabbing giants today started at a kitchen table or in the family garage, and Arizona has several native success stories … [More]
Debbie Johnson, Arizona Office of Tourism
By its very nature, tourism is synonymous with escapism and fun. But getting people to choose Arizona for their vacations and conventions is serious business. Marketing the state as a tourism destination involves way more than touting our much-lauded climate, and it yields economic impact far beyond the hotel check-in desk. Tourism is Arizona’s No. 1 export and one of the … [More]
Sharon Harper, Plaza Companies
Co-working spaces have come into their own in the commercial real estate market. Garage startups and early entrepreneurs are moving from their Starbucks meetups to ever-evolving collaborative work environments and public spaces with amenities that fully serve business; the trend is attracting even established businesses. With each passing day technology and innovation become … [More]
David Allazetta, UnitedHealthcare of Arizona and New Mexico
Healthcare across the U.S., and certainly here in Arizona, is evolving quickly, particularly as it becomes evident that wellness is a key to overcoming many of the potential healthcare challenges we may face as we age. New technologies such as wearable devices, mobile apps and Web-based tools are being introduced to consumers and workforces, aimed at meeting each individual on … [More]
