The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined 2.0 points in September to 98.8. This was the first decline in three months, though it remains above the survey’s 52-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index rose 7 points from August to 100, the fourth-highest reading in over 51 years. “Optimism among small business owners decreased in September,” said NFIB Chief Economist … [More]
National Coffee Franchise Eyes Phoenix for Expansion
Mokas Coffee & Eatery, known for its expertly roasted coffee, freshly baked pastries, and delicious breakfast and lunch offerings, is looking to bring its signature, quality roast coffee and inviting, versatile dining experience to Arizona for the first time. The brand is eyeing areas within the Phoenix DMA such as Scottsdale, Glendale, and Gilbert to bring its variety of … [More]
Their Take: Diplomacy at the Local Level – How Cities Like Phoenix Shape Global Opportunity
When most people think of diplomacy, they picture world leaders gathered at summits or foreign ministers negotiating across long tables. But today, diplomacy is just as alive in our cities. Mayors and local leaders are at the front lines of international engagement, and the impact is both immediate and profound. For Phoenix, diplomacy and protocol are not abstract concepts. … [More]
Glendale Appoints New City Manager, Taps Gilbert for Talent
The Glendale City Council has appointed a longtime municipal leader with a successful history of steering community growth as its next city manager. Patrick Banger, currently the Gilbert town manager, will take on the role of the city’s chief executive officer, overseeing daily operations, implementing the policies of the city council and managing the city budget. “I’m proud … [More]
Valley Real Estate Giant Rolls Out Rebrand
HomeSmart, the largest residential real estate brokerage in the Valley, announced that the enterprise is launching a new brand look and messaging at their annual premier agent event, Ignite: Growth Summit 2025. The refresh reflects HomeSmart’s evolution and vision for the future as it simultaneously celebrates its 25th anniversary, serving as a nod to the brokerage’s formative … [More]
$6B at Stake as Court Weighs How to Unwind Google’s Ad Stack
While the Google antitrust case around search made a lot of headlines, the less watched case, focused on advertising technology, marches on. This past Spring Judge Brinkema found Google to be an illegal monopolist in this sector, with evidence they used their dominance in the publisher tools market (ad serving) to capture big swaths of the overall display advertising market. In … [More]
Capital in a Shutdown—Why Relationships and Readiness Win
When government shutdowns occur, small businesses face immediate financial hurdles as SBA loan approvals grind to a halt. During these uncertain periods, maintaining access to capital becomes critical for business survival and growth. As a lender with over 30 years in commercial banking, I've witnessed firsthand how these disruptions affect entrepreneurs and the creative … [More]
Abrazo West Invests $50M in West Valley Infrastructure
Abrazo West’s significant investments in advanced medical technologies and sub-specialty services – totaling nearly $50 million over the last three years alone– have given West Valley residents access to high acuity care close to home and enhanced the community’s quality of life. The hospital’s investments include innovative, time-sensitive treatments for heart attack, stroke … [More]
From Onboarding to Refunds: How AI Automation Is Rewiring Banking
Banks were among the pioneers of robotic process automation. Since the early 2010s, they have been deploying RPA bots that mimic human behavior to automate clerical, rule-based processes, such as data entry or invoice processing, helping reduce excessive workloads, minimize human errors, and lower operating costs. Today, the banking sector remains at the forefront of digital … [More]
Inclusive Care Center Serving Phoenix’s LGBTQ+ Community Names New Chief
Spectrum Medical Care Center, a provider of healthcare services for Phoenix’s LGBTQ+ community, announced the appointment of Mark Moeremans as its new Chief Executive Officer. A dedicated advocate for advancing inclusive healthcare and health equity, Moeremans brings a sharp business expertise paired with a community-based leadership approach to help guide the organization’s … [More]
NeuroTech Startup Sets U.S. Headquarters at Phoenix Bioscience Core
NeuroCatch Inc., a brain health technology company based out of British Columbia, announced it will open its United States headquarters in Greater Phoenix at the Phoenix Bioscience Core (PBC). The company, an alumnus of the 2025 Arizona State University (ASU)/Mayo Clinic MedTech Accelerator, will support commercialization, manufacturing, sales, distribution, and clinical … [More]
Valley Architecture Firm Unveils Two Landmark Homes in Paradise Valley
Ty Harrison Architecture has unveiled two new ultra-luxury contemporary homes set against the backdrop of Camelback Mountain, in Paradise Valley. Using Harrison’s unique designs, the Camelview and Jackrabbit homes create a new vision for modern desert living. Harrison, founder and principal of Ty Harrison Architecture, is an Arizona State alumnus who built his reputation … [More]
Large Retailer Expands in East Valley with Queen Creek Ribbon-Cutting
The wait is over for Queen Creek residents and visitors looking to stroll the aisles of Target without straying far, with Vineyard Towne Center’s new 145,000-square-foot retail store now open for business at 37854 N Gantzel Road. Developed by Vestar, one of the largest privately held shopping center owners and managers in the western United States, the new store represents an … [More]
O.H.S.O. Teams With Local First Arizona on Limited “Sonoran Sipper” Cream Ale
Local First Arizona announced a partnership with O.H.S.O., the well-established local craft brewery, distillery and restaurant group, to create a limited edition beer to showcase delicious local ingredients and hometown pride. The Sonoran Sipper is a cream ale with hibiscus lime zest featuring a variety of locally sourced ingredients. The Sonoran Sippers malted barley comes … [More]
Valley Pizza Concept Formalizes 49% Employee Ownership to Power Next Chapter
After more than five decades as a family-owned business, Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen announced that the company has transitioned 49% of company ownership to eligible employees in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. A heartfelt decision that was made more than two years after reviewing succession and legacy options, the Spinato family is celebrating this new family and … [More]
ASU’s $270M Materials-to-Fab Center Launches, Supercharging U.S. Chip Development
Applied Materials, Inc. and Arizona State University marked the official opening of the Materials-to-Fab Center, a shared world-class $270 million research, development and prototyping facility inside the university’s MacroTechnology Works at ASU’s Research Park in Tempe. A ribbon-cutting event was held at the Center as semiconductor industry leaders from around the globe … [More]
SyberJet Names Former Nikola CEO as New Chief
SyberJet Aircraft announced the appointment of Trevor Milton as Chief Executive Officer. Milton will guide the development of the SyberJet SJ36, the all-new light jet designed to be the first and only light jet in the world that is expected to fly from LA to Hawaii non-stop or NYC to LA non-stop. It is expected to be the fastest light jet ever certified at Mach .88. The SJ36 … [More]
Intel Unveils Groundbreaking Next-Gen Chips, Chandler Set as Production Hub
Intel revealed the architectural details for the company’s next generation client processor Intel Core Ultra series 3 (code-named Panther Lake), which is expected to begin shipping later this year. Panther Lake is the company’s first product built on Intel 18A, the most advanced semiconductor process ever developed and manufactured in the United States. Intel also previewed … [More]
