Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks

I am very pleased to introduce this March issue of In Business Magazine. March is a big month for us here in the Valley as it is the start of the baseball season. The D-backs and 14 other Major League teams will begin our preparation for the 2011 regular season during Spring Training this month. Valley cities such as Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise and Tempe will all host teams and visitors for this year’s Cactus League games. The Cactus League brings in an estimated $350 million in revenue for these cities and the surrounding communities, a figure that will increase now that we and the Rockies will share a new 140-acre facility — called Salt River Fields at Talking Stick — on Salt River Indian Community land near Scottsdale.

Not only will Spring Training be an economic driver for the Valley, but more than $60 million in economic impact is expected in Downtown Phoenix over a five-day period when Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game will be played at Chase Field on July 12, 2011. Baseball fans from around the world will attend the game and the ancillary events surrounding it, while the game will be broadcast in 219 countries and territories in 20 different languages that will reach more than 100 million homes.

Having just overseen the construction of Salt River Fields, I feel a strong connection with the underlying theme of this March issue’s cover story about the power of our business community and the innovations and entrepreneurial spirit of individual business owners who are succeeding through these times. Amy Handler introduces us to a handful of extraordinary businesses that are harnessing that entrepreneurial spirit to create jobs, new technologies and ideas that will brighten Arizona’s future. Identifying Arizona as a breeding ground for opportunity, Ms. Handler goes beyond profiling these companies and gives insight as to what is making them so successful.

Also in this issue, Kate Nolan explores the minds of some Valley business executives to find out what techniques they are incorporating to make it through this down economy. Just as a positive consumer confidence index may affect consumer spending, so may some strong techniques help boost morale, confidence and, ultimately, business for struggling enterprises. Paired with this powerful article are some great book suggestions for business owners who feel they need a bit of a pick-me-up.

And something that hits a bit closer to home for me is RaeAnne Marsh’s article on the economic impact the Cactus League has on business in the Valley. While recognizing Spring Training’s impact on tourism — an important industry for us in Arizona — she lays out the often overlooked advantages that the Cactus League brings to our community year-round. From the camaraderie of fans united in cheering on their team to city-sponsored events that bring the community together to opportunities for economic development, the sports facilities add value to our lifestyle.

From an in-depth look at Arizona’s mining industry to a listing of the Valley’s top business events,
In Business Magazine offers so much more for us as business owners and managers and is quickly becoming known as the business resource for Valley leaders.

Please enjoy this issue of In Business Magazine — and here’s to a great season for our Arizona Diamondbacks.

Derrick Hall
President & CEO
Arizona Diamondbacks

Derrick Hall is president and CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since taking charge, he has implemented a unique and personal customer service policy and two employee rewards programs that have proven highly successful. His involvement on the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation board has resulted in $14.5 million of donations to Arizona nonprofits since 1997. He is also an active member of many local boards, associations, committees and other charitable organizations.