The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 0.2 points in January to 99.3 and remained above its 52-year average of 98. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, three increased and seven decreased. Expected real sales volume was the only component with substantial change, increasing by 6 points. The Uncertainty Index rose 7 points from December to 91. A rise in owners reporting … [More]
Retail Veteran Behind Spanx, Avon and Tupperware to Lead Scottsdale Hearing Tech Co.
Audien Hearing, a leader in accessible, high-performance hearing solutions, announced that Laurie Ann Goldman, a proven and recognized chief executive and brand builder, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, leading the company through its next phase of growth and transformation. Audien is the No. 1-selling hearing solutions provider in the world, with more than $100 … [More]
Lucid Taps Former Rolls Royce Exec to Lead Global Supply Chain
Lucid Group, Inc., announced Neil Marsons has joined the organization as the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain. Bringing more than 20 years of experience to the role, Marsons will be responsible for expanding and strengthening the company's global supply chain, as well as closely partnering across the organization to support production at the company's facilities in Arizona … [More]
First AI-Powered Mass Tort Law Firm Begins Operations in Arizona
Justpoint, Inc., a consumer-protection company using artificial intelligence to uncover hidden toxins in everyday products, announced the launch of Justpoint Law, LLP. This follows approval to operate as an Alternative Business Structure (ABS) law firm by the Arizona Supreme Court last July. The approval makes Justpoint Law the first US personal injury/mass tort law firm … [More]
Garmin Debuts Aviation Operations Facility in Mesa
Garmin announced that it has acquired a hangar and office complex at the Mesa Gateway airport in Mesa, Arizona (KIWA). This new facility space will expand the company's capacity for its aircraft certification and flight test organizations. The facility consists of two adjacent hangars of approximately 75,000 total square feet which includes office space that can accommodate … [More]
Scottsdale Builder Launches Luxury Custom Home Division
Finesse Custom Homes has launched as the luxury custom-home division of Finesse Construction, bringing more than 20 years of commercial construction expertise and nationwide project experience to the Phoenix-area luxury home market. The new division aims to streamline the custom home building process through technology integration, transparent pricing, and national buying … [More]
Fitness Brand Expands into Mesa with Largest Location
Amped Fitness, a rapidly expanding fitness brand, announced it is coming soon to Mesa, Arizona, marking the company's second location in the state following the upcoming opening of Amped Fitness Glendale later this month. The new Mesa club will be located at 445 N Stapley Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203 and span an impressive 54,000 square feet —making it Amped Fitness' largest location … [More]
Phoenix HVAC Operator Acquired by National Platform
Tucker Hill Air, Plumbing & Electric announced its acquisition by Chill Brothers, marking a strategic partnership designed to support continued growth and operational strength in the Phoenix market. The transaction reflects Tucker Hill's disciplined expansion, professional team, and investment in best-in-class systems built to perform in one of the most competitive … [More]
Labor Index Highlights Ongoing Small-Business Worker Shortage
NFIB’s January Jobs Report includes the launch of the new Small Business Employment Index, which measures the current state of the small business labor market. The new index integrates actual and planned changes in employment and employee compensation into a singular data point. A higher Index reflects an overall tighter labor market; a lower Index reflects an overall weaker … [More]
Arizona Foundation Awards $838K to Support Oral Health Programs
The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation has awarded grants to 37 non-profit organizations that work with underserved populations of all ages through oral health and nutritional programs. A total of $838,372 were awarded to support projects and services promoting good oral health practices and increasing access to dental care among underserved children, pregnant women, seniors … [More]
Tempe Brunch Hotspot Reopens following Devastating Fire and $1.9M Restoration
U.S. Egg Brunch + Cocktails is reopening after a 15-month closure and a full rebuild from a devastating 2024 fire. The beloved family-owned brunch spot known for its original protein pancakes has officially reopened its Tempe location at 131 E. Baseline Road. The reopening marks a major milestone for the family-owned restaurants’ 40th anniversary. The Tempe location was forced … [More]
Valleywise Health Names New Chief Administrative Officer
Valleywise Health announced the promotion of Warren Whitney to the position of Chief Administrative Officer. Whitney has served as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for Valleywise Health since 2008. In this role, he has worked tirelessly in public advocacy and government relations, consistently advancing Valleywise Health’s mission as a safety net system of care and … [More]
Kroger Announces New Fry’s Leadership amid Multi-Brand Reshuffle
The Kroger Co. announced several appointments of experienced enterprise leaders to new retail roles and expanded responsibilities. Monica Garnes, currently president of the Fry's Division, has been promoted to president of the Atlanta Division. Garnes began her career with Kroger in 1995 in the Columbus Division. She held a variety of leadership roles in her 31-year career with … [More]
The Workforce Isn’t Burned Out. It’s Grieving.
Burnout has become the default explanation for nearly every form of workplace distress. It gets cited after layoffs, during reorganizations and whenever motivation drops without an obvious cause. But burnout no longer explains what people are actually experiencing. Across industries, professionals are not depleted by effort. They are destabilized by loss. Loss of role. Loss … [More]
AI Slop Crisis: 7 in 10 Managers Report Recurring, Costly Errors from Direct Reports’ AI Use
Resume.org has released new findings from a January 2026 survey of 1,146 U.S. managers regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on workplace accuracy. The results reveal a growing "AI slop" crisis, where 70% of managers have observed direct reports making AI-related errors that carry significant business consequences, including financial losses exceeding $50,000. The … [More]
Banner Health Adds Finance Leader to Executive Team
Banner Health announced the new senior vice president of finance as Shelby Arveson, joining the organization Jan. 26. In this role, Arveson will direct strategic financial initiatives across Banner, oversee financial planning and analysis, and monitor financial and performance outcomes to ensure the organization meets its objectives. Arveson brings more than 25 years of … [More]
Open House Showcases Leading Alzheimer’s Research in Phoenix
Some of the worldwide leading research in more accessible – and affordable – testing for Alzheimer’s disease is being done in Arizona. New research laboratories dedicated to revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related brain disorders were on display Friday at the Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City. "These labs will serve as a … [More]
Valley Dog Grooming Franchise Signs 67-License National Expansion Deal
Sparkle Grooming Co., the rapidly-growing dog grooming franchise, is proud to announce a landmark 67-license regional development agreement with Sanjay Bhatt. The expansion will bring Sparkle's modern grooming model to Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and North Carolina, marking the largest regional development deal in the brand's history. Bhatt is an … [More]
