The value of arts and culture is vital when evaluating the strength of an economy. Arts and culture is not only a revenue-generating sector on its own, it has been proven over and over to be a significant element of the health of the business community and in economic development. Arizona’s vibrant arts and culture scene is critical to our unbeatable quality of life.
Arizona’s exceptional quality of life is just one of the many reasons the state continues to attract top companies that are investing in our communities and creating quality jobs. People want to live, go to school, work and raise their families here.
Companies that are considering expanding or establishing operations in Arizona evaluate many factors, and quality of life is a key part of that decision-making process. Arizona’s reliable weather, vibrant entertainment, tourism, sports, outdoor recreation, and arts and culture scenes offer countless opportunities for families and Arizonans of all ages to enjoy year-round. The state supports companies’ business goals and, with exceptional quality of life, provides an environment for executives, employees and their families to thrive.
In Business Magazine sought out several leaders in our community to discuss this key economic sector for the cover story. With input from economic development professionals, government leaders and those at the helm of some of our arts and cultural institutions, the article covers the sector’s role in business and economic development; how Metro Phoenix compares to other major cities in terms of talent, audience and facilities; and how we are ensuring the future of and with arts and culture for our community.
Mergers and acquisitions get a close look in feature article “Buying or Selling a Business? Look Out for Employee Benefits Issues.” As attorneys Jenny Zhang and Ryan Curtis point out in detail, there could be unexpected impacts on liabilities and more.
We get a legal eye on another human resources concern. Attorney Lindsay Leavitt addresses common wage and hour mistakes in Legal feature “Unpaid Wages, Compensation & Tips, Oh My!”
Two articles highlight different aspects of connecting with consumers. Technology article “Marketing Strategies in a World of Opt Outs” suggests options as momentum builds on a forced shift away from cookie-based tracking in digital media campaigns. And the need for collaboration between marketing and data security is explored in By the Numbers feature “Marketing & Security Must Work Together to Safeguard and Grow Brand Trust.”
I’m very pleased to again have the opportunity to work with In Business Magazine for the November edition. I hope you will enjoy the read.
Sincerely,
Sandra Watson
President & CEO
Arizona Commerce Authority
Sandra Watson is an economic development professional with 33 years of leadership experience in business attraction and expansion, innovation, entrepreneurship, economic policy and workforce development. Since 2011, Watson has served as president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, a public-private partnership that leads statewide economic development. The ACA has successfully landed 1,282 companies that have committed to creating more than 290,000 quality jobs and investing more than $165 billion in new capital in the state.
