Technology is indisputably an economic driver as a sector. Is it also a driver of successful growth in other sectors? “The technology industry is critical to economic growth in any community today because it not only produces high-wage jobs, but also supports many other industries,” says Eric Miller, principal and co-owner of Phoenix Analysis & Design Technologies and … [More]
Eric Miller, PADT
Technology is so much a part of our lives that we take most of it for granted. We notice it only when there’s a quantum leap in innovation that disrupts our standard way of doing things, our processes at work and our habits at home. Arizona’s technology ecosystem, like that in many other states across the nation, is thriving due to the critical role it’s played in our … [More]
It’s Not IF; It’s WHEN
We all wanted to think the worst was over — that those early pandemic days of stress and uncertainty were behind us and our companies could get back to normal. But with COVID cases rising and new global lockdowns just announced — and some companies re-thinking return-to-work plans — it seems that normal may be distant dream. From now on we can expect one disruptive crisis … [More]
Electric Vehicles Are Hot for Arizona
There was a time when going to the mall meant shopping for clothes and home knick-knacks – offering a lot of choices thanks to there being a number of stores conveniently in one place. Now, it can mean shopping for one of an individual’s biggest purchases: a car. Electric vehicles are making this merchandizing move. Scottsdale Fashion Square boasts a collection of three … [More]
Arizona Federal Credit Union in the Community
At its core, Arizona Federal Credit Union is a shepherd of responsibility and leadership. Founded in 1936, the credit union empowers members to take hold of their financial future through the delivery of leading-edge resources. As a $2.6-billion not-for-profit local cooperative providing financial services and expertise to more than 140,000 member-owners, it is an integral … [More]
Measuring Success – How We Know We Have ‘Arrived’
In “Execute Wisely and Strategically,'' we discussed understanding how, once many ideas are generated, we then begin the ideation evaluation process and determine what remains and what is eliminated. Here, we will focus on the solid execution of those new ideas and propelling the organization in creating the future it wants. This article reviews the measurement of success once … [More]
A Housing Issue We Can’t Afford to Ignore
The lack of affordable housing and the mounting resistance to multifamily housing development is creating serious heartburn in the Valley’s business community — among builders and employers alike — who view it as a risk to healthy economic growth. It’s been a thorny issue in Scottsdale for a few years now, and that city is getting a reputation as a tough place to launch new … [More]
Why Businesses Suffer More in Winter
This article provides concrete, scientifically proven ways to avoid the consequences of seasonal affective disorder SAD — which affects more than 10 million Americans every year, with 6% even requiring hospitalizations — and keep one’s workforce energized through the winter months. Going into the darkness of winter this year, many of us are already on the brink of anxiety … [More]
From Idea to Market
Can anyone say they have created a business all on their own? Even when that prospective business is just the spark of an idea, there is always at least one area where support from someone else can advance the idea from possibility to reality. As founder and owner of the highly successful Bounce Curl, I understand the challenges of launching a business independently and am … [More]
Ranking Our Digital Quality of Life
The third annual edition of the Digital Quality of Life Index (DQL) ranks the U.S. fifth among 110 countries. Covering 90% of the global population, the DQL study is conducted by the cybersecurity company Surfshark and evaluates countries based on a set of five fundamental digital wellbeing pillars: internet affordability and quality, e-infrastructure, e-security, and … [More]
Restless Clothing Aims to Make People Smile
Restless Clothing owner and founder Jeffrey Smallwood describes his line as “lifestyle apparel meant to inspire the inner entrepreneurs of every individual.” His inspiration, he says, “comes from my daughter Nala and girlfriend Cheryl to help support our family and finish paying off school loans.” Noting that every entrepreneur has “Restless” late nights when they are up 3 … [More]
Macy Lane Designs for At-Home Spaces
Macy Lane Designs is an interior design firm that creates spaces that make people feel happy, comfortable and at home. “Our design philosophy is based on real-life living, and we work with homeowners to develop an aesthetic that is not only beautiful but also very functional for how they live,” says Jackie Wright, owner and lead designer. “I have always been passionate about … [More]
Linda Matthews Leads BioCare to 1,500% Sales Growth
When Linda Matthews joined BioCare, Inc., a leading national specialty distributor of life-saving therapies, in 2001, the Tempe-based company was a $17-million organization, struggling to grow. A determined leader, Matthews made it her mission to see BioCare succeed, and in her first year the company changed course and became profitable. Today, with Matthews as BioCare’s … [More]
What Does Phoenix’s Growth Mean for Business?
Being one of the fastest growing cities in the country has helped Phoenix gain not only new residents but also an unprecedented level of new investment, startups and M&A activity. The influx of young professionals and the increase in successful exits within the technology sector creates an ideal environment for startup growth. Much like a self-sustaining ecosystem, … [More]
Small Business Owners Can Maximize Their Retirement Plans
For many small to midsize business owners, retirement doesn’t seem realistic. In fact, new research by SCORE found that 34% of business owners don’t have a retirement savings plan and 40% aren’t confident they will be able to retire before the age of 65. How to save effectively before hitting a certain age often escapes a business owner’s mind, pushed aside by a focus on … [More]
An Equitable Economy in a Post-Pandemic World
What does an equitable economy look like in a post-pandemic world? The nonprofit sector, in partnership with businesses and many other sectors of the modern economy, is digging deep to determine how to answer this complex question. An inclusive and equitable economy is possible only if representation allows all groups to be the drivers of the conversation. This is critical … [More]
Feedback: November 2021
Q: How have you used technology to revolutionize your business? Dayna Ciarfalia Principal Dayna Ciarfalia, LLC Sector: Business Coaching In 2019, I began using Instagram more intentionally to share with mamas on topics such as respectful parenting, healing childhood wounds and honest motherhood topics. As Instagram has released more unique (and free!) features such as … [More]
Shared Office Space: New Model for Property Owners
A new risk-free shared office space model offers property owners the ability to achieve desired gross square foot rents in four to five months — with no tenant improvements necessary. It’s a management model that is different from co-working. Prior to COVID, commercial property owners were riding a high-occupancy trend that had been growing since the 2008 recession. Amid … [More]
