There is no question that the communities which surround our businesses look to us, as business owners, to invest in local organizations, causes and our employees to better where we live and do business. I believe this is a responsibility of business owners Valleywide, and it is more and more clear that we, as a business community, are succeeding in this endeavor.
In fact, Phoenix supports a tremendous number of organizations, covering an incredible range of needs and causes. One organization my company is heavily involved with is the Arizona chapter of Sentinels of Freedom, which helps the most severely wounded soldiers returning from the Gulf conflicts by providing them housing, furniture and mentoring while they attend college and work to rebuild their lives. My personal commitment stems from having seen the horrible treatment suffered by our returning soldiers during the Vietnam War. It’s important to recognize the sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families, and I find it tremendously rewarding to help the men and women who have suffered injuries while protecting our freedom. As a company, we also have a strong commitment to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which transcends boundaries because of its focus on research, and Children’s Miracle Network, which keeps a local focus by using the funds raised here to support hospitals in our community. It is, after all, our community.
In this issue of In Business Magazine, the cover story, “Giving Back: The Business of Doing Good” by Kate Nolen, explores this notion of doing good and provides great evidence that the Valley business community sees the power of giving back to organizations, employee interests and even creating events and causes that benefit others. As she digs into this subject, she discovers the benefits to the businesses themselves in engaging employees, building business partnerships and improving the bottom line.
Looking at advances that make technology more reliable and accessible, Gremlyn Bradley-Waddell highlights the advantages businesses are finding in using virtual technologies for training, seminars and even conferences. The acceptance of these services is strengthening business and is allowing smaller businesses opportunities traditionally available only to large corporations and organizations.
By focusing on the business owners and managers, this May issue of In Business Magazine offers readers more, including a story by Melissa Mistero on civil aviation and its impact on the Valley. RaeAnne Marsh shares insights for business owners and human resources professionals on ethics in the workplace and what can be done to police it. With advice on how to prepare your company for a sale and a look at the line between personal and private social media at work, business owners will once again connect to In Business Magazine.
I hope you’ll enjoy this issue and I am pleased to be a part of this business community that does so much to empower where we live.
Sincerely,
Howard Lein
Founder & Owner
RE/MAX Excalibur
Howard Lein is owner of RE/MAX Excalibur Realty, a Scottsdale-based RE/MAX franchise comprised of five operating offices, with 240 associates. Lein’s multiple industry recognitions include RE/MAX International’s Broker/Owner of the Year, Multi Office Award. His extensive community involvement includes co-founding the Arizona chapter of Sentinels of Freedom.
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