Enterprise AI has reached an inflection point. Global spending is accelerating past #300 billion dollars. Generative models dominate headlines. Every board deck now features artificial intelligence as a strategic pillar. Yet the uncomfortable truth remains. Most companies still cannot trace AI investment to durable earnings impact. McKinsey finds that while nearly nine in … [More]
Buckeye Commons Nears Full Lease-Up as Tenant Roster Expands
Sunbelt Investment Holdings, Inc., a developer and owner of shopping centers throughout Arizona and Southern California, celebrated a dozen openings and several new lease agreements at Buckeye Commons, its highly anticipated, Costco-anchored retail center in Buckeye, Arizona. Located at the southeast corner of the intersection of I-10 and Verrado Way, a rapidly developing area … [More]
EPA Ruling Shields Arizona Businesses from Stricter Ozone Rules
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry celebrated a major victory for the state’s business community after the EPA approved Arizona’s Clean Air Act Section 179B ozone demonstration. The ruling confirms that the Phoenix-Mesa region would have met federal air quality standards but for pollution drifting in from international sources and wildfires, factors entirely … [More]
Banner Names CEO to Oversee Thunderbird Medical Center, among Other Facilities
Banner Health has named longtime health system leader Dale Johns, FACHE, as chief executive officer of Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center facilities in Gilbert and Sun City. For more than 40 years, Banner Thunderbird has been the cornerstone of health care in the region, … [More]
Diamondbacks Invest in Major AV Upgrades ahead of 2026 Season
Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota, has partnered with the Arizona Diamondbacks to design, manufacture and install the largest LED video display in Arizona and three ribbon boards at Chase Field in Phoenix ahead of the 2026 baseball season. The video display in center field will total nearly 9,600 square feet of digital canvas, a 52% increase over the previous Daktronics … [More]
Healthcare Operating System Expands Capabilities through Acquisition
Hopper OS, the configurable intelligent healthcare operating system powering better performance, experiences and outcomes across the care continuum, announced its acquisition of Efferent, a healthcare informatics company recognized for its cloud-based PACs, advanced interoperability engine, enterprise-grade imaging infrastructure, and real-time clinical collaboration … [More]
Bank Investment Launches Veterans Dental Program in Phoenix
Western Alliance Bank announced a $100,000 donation from the Western Alliance Community Foundation, which serves as the bank’s charitable arm, to support the launch of a new veterans dental care program at Catholic Charities MANA House in Phoenix. The funding will be administered by AzDA Cares Foundation, the charitable arm of the Arizona Dental Association. The donation … [More]
Franchise Development Firm Names Marketing Chief
Fransmart, a leader in franchise development, has announced the appointment of Sara Schmillen as Chief Marketing Officer. Schmillen brings more than two decades of marketing leadership experience in the restaurant and franchise industries, with a proven track record of building high-impact brands and driving measurable growth. In her new role, Schmillen will oversee the … [More]
National Mortgage Lender Names Chief Production Officer
On Q Home Loans, a national mortgage lender powered by Rate, announced that Lance Stifflemire has joined the company as Chief Production Officer, where he will lead production strategy, recruiting, and market expansion initiatives. Stifflemire brings more than 30 years of experience across investment banking and mortgage production, with a strong track record of building … [More]
Middle Market Outlook: Strategy, Investment and Talent
As we enter 2026, U.S. middle market companies are doing more than turning the page on last year—they are repositioning for growth. According to the National Center for the Middle Market’s Q4 2025 Middle Market Indicator, the sector closed the year with renewed momentum, posting year-over-year revenue growth of 11.7% and seeing 85% of companies report higher revenues for the … [More]
Banner Health Names COO for Insurance Division
Paula Shepherd, a 25-year veteran of health care coverage leadership, has been named senior vice president and chief operating officer of Banner Plans and Networks, which serves 1.2 million people across six states. In this role, Shepherd will advance Banner Plans and Networks’ mission to transform the health care delivery by aligning insurance with coordinated care. As part … [More]
$75M Carbon-Free Cooling Plant Breaks Ground in Phoenix Bioscience Core
Cordia celebrated the groundbreaking of Energy Center Phoenix Plant 4, a new state-of-the-art, carbon-free chilled water facility located in the heart of Phoenix's Biomedical Core. The ceremony, held on March 18, 2026 at 709 N. 6th Street, was attended by key partners including the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Phoenix Bioscience Core, and project contractors … [More]
Downtown Chandler Hotel Expansion Increases Room Count, Event Capacity
HCW and Spike Lawrence Ventures announced the successful completion and unveiling of an expansion of the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Chandler. The project includes the addition of 68 new guest rooms, more conference space, and additional hotel amenities. Since opening in the summer of 2020, the hotel has become a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers, due … [More]
Scottsdale Resort Completes $24M Renovation
Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas unveiled the completion of a $24 million multi-phase renovation, transforming the iconic desert retreat with redesigned Villas, new guest rooms, an all-new Mediterranean restaurant and enhanced fitness offerings. The final phase marks the completion of all 45 two-bedroom Premium Villas, concluding with the redesign of the remaining 20 … [More]
Arizona Chamber Launches AI Initiative Focused on Policy and Innovation
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry announced the launch of the AZ AI Leadership Initiative, a coalition of industry experts, business leaders, and policymakers working to strengthen Arizona’s leadership in next-generation technology, digital infrastructure, and workforce development. The initiative will focus on advancing smart technology policy, bolstering the … [More]
ACA Program Drives AI Startup’s U.S. Market Entry
TUBR, a Sheffield-based artificial intelligence and predictive analytics startup, is launching commercial trials of its TUBR Pulse analytics platform in Phoenix, Arizona, following participation in a trade program facilitated by the Arizona Commerce Authority. The expansion marks TUBR’s first entry into the United States market and represents a direct outcome of the ACA’s … [More]
Valley-Based Dental Provider Acquired as Firm Expands into Arizona Market
Aria Care Partners, a provider of dental, vision, hearing, and podiatry services to skilled nursing facilities, announced that it has acquired Coronado Dental, based in Chandler, Arizona. Since 1994, Coronado has been offering mobile onsite dental care to approximately 75 SNFs throughout Phoenix and Tucson. Its suite of preventive, restorative, and emergency services are … [More]
Phoenix Children’s Expands Leadership Team with Two Executive Appointments
Phoenix Children's has named Catherine Codispoti (left), MHA, as Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, and Stephanie Kearney (right), MBA, MHA, FACHE, as Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer. "We've set a bold new vision to improve the health of a generation, which will require strong, forward-thinking leadership to guide our work and drive … [More]
