Capital to start a business, capital to grow a business — capital is the essential element in any business endeavor. The types of sources that businesspeople can turn to are varied, and access to funding has become increasingly complicated. But it’s not just the final borrower who is facing these challenges; issues are impacting lending institutions as well, while they continue … [More]
Jim Ward, The Phoenix Symphony
Culture is what defines us as a people, as a community. Here in the Valley of the Sun, culture surrounds us in great variety — including performances by world-class artists and paintings that sell for millions of dollars. This issue of In Business Magazine takes a look at how arts and culture live in the fabric of our community. Whether or not you enjoy the aesthetic benefit … [More]
Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona
We’re living more and more in a global economy, and local companies have opportunities to expand and grow by connecting outward to new markets. But there is economic strength and other benefits to be derived by encouraging business interaction within the local community. The “buy local” movement has definitely taken hold in Arizona. Consumers are now actively seeking out … [More]
Jeffrey Pruitt, Tallwave
Small business is touted as the backbone of our economy. And Arizona is ranked No. 1 among the 50 states on the respected Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity. Taking these two realities in tandem gives a very positive outlook for our statewide economy — and an even stronger one for the Valley, with its preponderance of business incubators hosted by municipalities, … [More]
Charles Vermillion, OneNeck IT Services Corp.
Technology is sometimes portrayed in the media for its man-vs-machine role in workplace job losses. But it is also touted as an economic growth sector — in fact, it is one of the areas Arizona’s leaders have identified as key to the state’s development of a sustainable, strong, high-wage-based economy. A number of organizations, including the Arizona Technology Council, are … [More]
Elliott D. Pollack, Elliott D. Pollack and Company
The Valley’s real estate market can be as hot as its summer temperatures, and has been an integral part of Metro Phoenix’s growth in the last 15 years to twelfth-largest metropolitan area in the country. When the real estate market slows, the region’s entire economy feels it, which is why a healthy real estate market is of such concern to those who study the economy. What is … [More]
Michael Kennedy, Gallagher & Kennedy, P.A.
Here in Arizona, we have the year-round privilege of being able to root for our home-town team, as Metro Phoenix is host to professional teams for baseball, football, basketball and hockey. Not to mention such major events as Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Super Bowl, MLB All-Star Game and NASCAR. But sports has value far beyond entertainment. As an industry, the business … [More]
Betsey Bayless, Maricopa Integrated Health System
The healthcare landscape of Arizona is undergoing a dramatic change. Whether you are an individual recipient of healthcare benefits or an employer weighing the best healthcare options for your business, the bottom line is we are navigating uncharted waters. While there has been much speculation on how President Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act will … [More]
Susan Clark-Johnson, Morrison Institute
Arizona’s history is rich in contributions from women — in business, in politics, in education, in philanthropy — in every aspect of Arizona’s evolution as a state. In business, whether as independent entrepreneurs or after ascending to the corporate C-suites, women bring diverse talent and drive to the economic fabric of our state. We are fortunate here that women indeed … [More]
Barry Broome, GPEC
After a long election and a year of moderate but much-needed growth, businesses are energized to prosper in 2013 and beyond. Arizona’s economic picture is improving, with the housing market gaining momentum, lending opportunities resurging and a focus on economic development to improve the jobs market and create economic opportunity. One thing is for certain: To inoculate … [More]
Deborah Bateman, National Bank of Arizona
Now, perhaps more than ever, business owners must manage their wealth in ways that help ensure security while positioning them to take advantage of opportunities in both the near or long term. Whether they are growing their businesses or simply preparing themselves and their employees for the future, the current environment requires that wealth management be as much a part of … [More]
Donald V. Budinger, Rodel Foundations
Not only has the economy changed due to the deep recession, it is increasingly apparent that the economy is also changing because of advances in technology; therefore, business is demanding new skill sets among the work force in areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in particular. These skills are in demand and beginning to shape the economy in ways that … [More]
Robert Sarver, Western Alliance Bancorporation
The economy in Arizona is steadily recovering and banks have increased lending to businesses. The past four years have been tough for big and small business alike, and there is no question that financial institutions have been tested through what has been the worst economic cycle since the Great Depression. Banks that have had access to capital and were proactive navigating … [More]
J. Doug Pruitt, Sundt Companies
After a tumultuous past couple of years, commercial construction is beginning to make a comeback. So let’s look at what drives the construction market locally here in Arizona. The harsh reality we have had to deal with is that local construction starts collapsed from just over $20 billion back in 2006 to averaging less than $10 billion each of the last four years, including … [More]
Eric Nielsen, U.S. Commercial Service Arizona
There was a time when businesspeople from Arizona struggled to become known on the world market. Doing business with Mexico and Canada was common trade in Arizona, but doing business with China, Brazil and others of today’s best-known trade hot spots was nearly unthinkable for even the largest companies located here. However, with 95 percent of global consumers living … [More]
Greg Stanton, City of Phoenix Mayor
Arizona, and particularly the Valley, is an incredible place to start or build a small business. People want to be here. Despite the past years of a downturned economy, we have succeeded in many ways to foster small business growth and put the Phoenix metropolitan area in the spotlight as one of the top places to be in business. As mayor of Phoenix, I know small business is … [More]
Michelle Ahlmer, Arizona Retailers Association
Consumers may be going back into retail establishments and spending money, but the survival of many retail businesses is due to the tenacity and innovative nature that is key to being a success in the retail industry. Independent, mom-and-pop retailers are particularly given tribute as businesses that have reinvented their models to adapt to this changing economy. Regardless of … [More]
Warren Adelman, GoDaddy.com
Innovators and entrepreneurs are a big part of what makes business thrive in any community. Here in the Valley, their tenacity, ingenuity and perseverance are making our community popular for start-ups and even for established corporations who are reinventing themselves or creating new products. GoDaddy.com is fortunate to have an “inside look” at online entrepreneurs. As … [More]
