David Krietor, Downtown Phoenix Inc.

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Scaling for growth is a goal not only of individual companies but also of economic development and community-based organizations. Some of the companies that are industry and headline-grabbing giants today started at a kitchen table or in the family garage, and Arizona has several native success stories like these that bolster our economy and strengthen our business community.

Phoenix’s downtown core is witnessing an influx of small and medium-sized, innovative companies where the environment is particularly attractive for scaling up. Business executives recognize the benefit of working within close proximity to other like-minded companies and potential partners.

We also see more mature companies pivoting toward innovation deciding to relocate where the physical environment is comprised of interesting spaces in authentic, vintage buildings as well as a more walkable, bike-able urban experience. Companies like Galvanize, Uber, Tuft and Needle, and Quicken Loans have all chosen Downtown. In fact, the publisher of In Business Magazine, InMedia, is a great example of such a move to the downtown area in its move to the Warehouse District.

What is happening in Central Phoenix is not unique and is reflective of a broad national back-to-the-city movement that is not likely to abate anytime soon.

Founders and CEOs of locally based businesses that have successfully made this leap and scaled beyond their neighborhood borders share insights of the various decisions made and processes implemented that enabled their growth. These span a variety of industries and illustrate the diversity of our economy. For this cover story, “Growing Business: Scaling for Greatness,” In Business Magazine Editor RaeAnne Marsh also spoke with business coaches about clearing some of the hurdles business owners face as they grow their company.

Funding that growth may rely on access to a credit card, but there are aspects to consider that are addressed in an article on the Briefs page. And businesses may find legislation can hinder or advance their industry — this month’s Legal feature discusses avenues for getting involved at that level. A Trade feature gives business decision makers some insight into current impacts on agreements that affect international commerce opportunity.

Workforce issues are the focus of an HR feature article this month on the reality that it is now much more of an employee’s market versus the employer’s market of the Great Recession. And Roundtable argues for building a company culture around customer service.

This July issue also includes the annual Top 50 Small Business Industry Leaders special section, with an introduction by my fellow economic development champion Kimber Lanning. With its broad range of relevant content, In Business Magazine continues to be an ally in helping strengthen our business community. I’m pleased to help present this July issue, and wish you good reading on these following pages.

Sincerely,

David Krietor
President & CEO
Downtown Phoenix Inc.

David Krietor is CEO of Downtown Phoenix, Inc., a community development group formed in 2013 that coordinates activities of the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, Phoenix Community Alliance and the Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation. DPI works to ensure that the Downtown business community has a synergistic relationship with its community partners and surrounding neighborhoods.

 During his 20 years of service to the City of Phoenix, Krietor has served as community and economic development director, aviation director, deputy city manager and chief of staff for Mayor Phil Gordon. He is the 2013 winner of the William Lampkin Award for Career Excellence in Economic Development.