“Capitalism” has taken a hit in modern times — as “money lending” did in earlier centuries — with a lot of press focusing on the negative, and the extremes. Neither, of course, is inherently evil. The appeal of capitalism is taking an idea or opportunity and capitalizing on it; developing a benefit from it. Certainly there is potential for that to yield great wealth or … [More]
Brian Mohr, Conscious Capitalism
In many ways, Arizona has been leading the country with the concept of incorporating social good into business. Some of our local business owners were among the first to gain “B Corporation” certification when nonprofit B Lab initiated its licensing program. And, effective January 2015, Arizona pioneered a law that allowed businesses to incorporate as a “benefit corporation” — … [More]
Why Small-Business Assets Matter
When getting to know small-business owners, financial planners typically ask about their company’s value at that point in time. Unfortunately, many times, their first inclination is to share their latest bank statement or the amounts of various checking, savings and investment accounts owned by the company. While these are terrific indicators of cash-at-hand value, for many … [More]
It’s Lonely at the Top – and at the Start
According to Richard Branson, the billionaire CEO and founder of Virgin Group, “If you really want to grow as an entrepreneur, you’ve got to learn to delegate.” Starting a business — managing clients, networking, trying to balance long work hours with family life — can be a daunting task. But more and more people in Arizona are doing it — and many of them are doing it … [More]
Brands Under Fire
Nike. Starbucks. Patagonia. Nordstrom. Uber. Budweiser. Pepsi. NFL. What do these brands have in common? They’ve all been at the center of a firestorm of social and political controversy, poster children for the risks brands face today as they sit squarely in the crosshairs of a politicized marketplace. The news seems to carry a new story every day of another brand … [More]
Outsmarting the Smart Workplace
Smart technology can help employers forge a more motivated, efficient and effective workforce. But these devices also pose significant employment-law risks. While employee privacy concerns are one common issue, others are less obvious. Following the tips below can help employers avoid being caught off guard by addressing these legal risks early on. Be Vigilant and … [More]
Kathy Sweet: Executing Events ‘because’
Kathy Sweet dared to ask, “What if?” and then took a risk to make her dream a reality. While drive, vision and determination are critical to Sweet’s successes, she knows that people are the true catalysts of a business’s performance and growth. In 1990, Sweet and her husband, Dave, started automätik, a training and events company that works primarily in the automotive … [More]
Woman-Owned Businesses Record 3100 Percent Growth
Nationally, the number of women-owned businesses increased a dramatic 31 times since 1972 — from 402,000 to 12.3 million in 2018; employment grew 40-fold, from 230,000 to 9.2 million; and revenues rose from $8.1 billion to $1.8 trillion — 217 times greater. Noting this information from the recently released eighth annual State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, commissioned by … [More]
Mobility Solution Faced Challenges in Manufacturing and Marketing
The off-road mobility vehicle was a life-changer for wheelchair-bound Todd Lemay (who suffers from brittle bone disease). “I purchased a TerrainHopper for myself from the UK. It allowed me to go places I had not been able to go before, and the positive reaction from people when I was out in it was overwhelming. … I wanted to bring the TerrainHopper to the U.S. to give other … [More]
TAP AZ Gives Financial Guidance to New Nonprofits
One good idea can change the world, but it’s the power to execute it that makes all the difference. For Arizona Facts of Life, a nonprofit that helps young women find healthy solutions to life’s challenges, founder Yolanda Robinson knew the impact she could make if only she had the resources and the know-how. But with the daunting world of 501(c)(3) regulations and grant … [More]
Phoenix Sets Strong Pace in Data Center Market
According to the new U.S. Data Center Trends Report released by CBRE this past September, tight supply in major U.S. data center markets, including Silicon Valley, has led occupiers to expand into Phoenix. We now have record levels of data center construction underway — 61.4 megawatts (MW) currently under construction, with more than 120 MW announced for future buildout. … [More]
Chandler Corporate Center Completed
VanTrust Real Estate’s recently completed Chandler Corporate Center is a 117,000-square-foot office that can support more than 700 jobs. Located at 350 N. McClintock Drive, the building is adjacent to Chandler Fashion Square, and is easily accessible from the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway and the Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway. Developed by VanTrust on 11-acres, the Class A … [More]
Optima Kierland Offers Customizable Condos
With expected completion in 2020, Optima Kierland broke ground this summer on the second tower of its condominium homes, across from Scottsdale Quarter. Floorplans in the 12-story tower range from approximately 776 to 2,704 square feet, and customization is available floor-to-floor and wall-to-wall; uniquely, residences can be combined both vertically and horizontally. New … [More]
Tempe to Gain a Canopy by Hilton
Driftwood Acquisitions & Development broke ground in September on Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown University Area, located in the heart of Tempe across from Arizona State University. The 14-floor, 198-room hotel — a lifestyle brand that embraces its locale to provide guests with authentic and unique local experiences — is slated to open by January 2020 and feature a … [More]
Oral Care: Gentle, Vegan
The oral care products from Rowpar Pharmaceuticals serve not only the general consumer but those with special needs as well. ClōSYS is its innovative oral healthcare line, with products that are alcohol-free, sulfate-free and pH balanced. Says James Ratcliff, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Rowpar, “We are pleased to know that our products can be used by patients undergoing … [More]
Offering Ongoing Support beyond Insurance
Scottsdale Recovery Center recently launched its Lifetime Therapy, designed to be an affordable addiction aftercare program for clients to receive continual treatment for life. This revolutionary one-of-a-kind program helps those patients conquer common life stressors that could otherwise trigger a relapse. Explaining that it isn’t uncommon for insurers to treat the minimum … [More]
New System Lessens Need for Amputation
More than 200 million people worldwide, including 8.5 million Americans, suffer from Peripheral Artery Disease, leading causes of which include smoking, diabetes and obesity . In the U.S. and Europe alone, PAD is responsible for approximately 240,000 amputations every year — and nearly one-quarter of these patients die within 30 days and almost half within a year of their … [More]
Predictability and Affordability in Healthcare Coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona recently launched an administrative services solution with the potential of delivering more predictability and affordability for businesses that prefer a self-funded model for their health benefits. This new Balanced Funding solution allows qualifying businesses with 15 or more enrolled employees to pay a fixed monthly amount — which … [More]
