“Arts and culture is a significant industry in Arizona,” says Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, citing numbers that support the statement: The sector represents 3% of the state’s total GDP, employs more than 84,000 individuals and in 2022 added $14.2 billion to the economy. That last figure, he notes, is “nearly as much as agriculture, … [More]
Sandra Watson, Arizona Commerce Authority
Valuing Arts & Culture
The value of arts and culture is vital when evaluating the strength of an economy. Arts and culture is not only a revenue-generating sector on its own, it has been proven over and over to be a significant element of the health of the business community and in economic development. Arizona’s vibrant arts and culture scene is critical to our unbeatable quality of … [More]
Buying or Selling a Business? Look Out for Employee Benefits Issues!
There could be unexpected impacts on liabilities and more
When a company is bought, sold, merged or reorganized, unexpected employee benefits issues may surface that can significantly affect the structure of the deal, liabilities and future benefit plan design for the surviving entity and its employees. Those buying, selling or merging businesses should consider the following situations in the early stages of exploring potential … [More]
Building Resilient Teams – The Core of Organizational Agility
Achieving sustainable, long-term success
Organizational agility, the capacity of an organization to adapt, respond to challenges and innovate, is often viewed through a project management lens. However, Agile principles also serve as leadership principles that guide organizational agility. At the core of both is resilience, the capacity for individuals to learn, adapt and grow through constant change and challenge. … [More]
Plexus Worldwide Nourishes Communities
Founded with a commitment to hope, health and impact
Founded in 2008 by Tarl Robinson and Alec Clark, Plexus Worldwide has grown from selling its Breast Chek™ Kit to offering more than 20 health and wellness products, including its flagship "pink drink" Slim Microbiome Activating. Yet, beyond Plexus's product line and its expansion into international markets like Canada, Mexico and Australia, its true impact can be felt in its … [More]
It’s All in Your Mind … Set
How to Foster a Growth Mindset
You start by opening your mind to different circumstances, different inputs, different ways forward, different people around you, and different feedback based on your newfound mindset. Soon enough you’ll find yourself more open and curious, with a newfound ability to feel empathy, see problems in a new light, see new opportunities, pay attention to unforeseen … [More]
Upskilling Employees Is an Investment in Company Growth, Success
It’s especially critical in our ever-evolving economy
As technology advances and a new generation steps into the workforce, organizations face increasing pressure to provide professional growth and development opportunities. Current and potential employees are placing emphasis on the presence or absence of professional development programming to not only grow within organizations, but also to expand their own development through … [More]
Unpaid Wages, Compensation and Tips, Oh My!
Three legal issues employers need to know
It sure seems like wage-and-hour lawsuits are flooding Arizona court dockets these days. And most of the defendants appear to be small to mid-size business owners. These lawsuits — typically brought by employees against their former employers — usually arise from one of the following three situations: Unpaid overtime wages Unpaid commissions Unpaid tips This … [More]
How Business Owners Can Optimize Their Estate Tax Plan
And ensure business continuity
Entrepreneurs work tirelessly to build their companies, many with the intent to transfer their business to the next generation. But without proper estate tax planning, business owners at certain levels of wealth run the risk of missing out on significant savings opportunities. Using tools like tax exemptions, trusts, valuation discounts and leveraging business structures for … [More]
Marketing Strategies in a World Of Opt-Outs
By now, the phrase “reject all cookies” is more closely associated with browsing the internet than dieting. In June, Google announced it would allow users of the Google Chrome browser to opt-in or opt-out of third-party data collection, effectively reversing its earlier decision to phase out third-party cookies in the second half of 2024. Businesses tracking users of Chrome, … [More]
The Intersection of Fleet Management Technology and Customer Satisfaction
Field service fleet managers face many complex challenges. From managing fuel costs to monitoring driver behavior for safety and compliance, they need the help of holistic fleet management software. However, technology alone isn’t enough. Fleets require more than just a vendor — they need a technology partner invested in their long-term success. The integration of advanced … [More]
Chronic Condition Management: Employer Strategies for Better Health
The rising prevalence of chronic disease is causing employers to rethink their workplace healthcare benefits. A condition is considered chronic when it lasts longer than a year and requires ongoing medical attention or limits daily living activities, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes or hypertension. According to the CDC, six in 10 U.S. adults live with at least one … [More]
Bioscience Hub at Park Central Strengthens Phoenix’s International Medical Ties
Park Central and the Phoenix Medical Quarter recently launched a groundbreaking partnership with leading neurologists from Vietnam and Barrow Neurological Institute. This cross-training and educational collaboration, initiated through key discussions held by Plaza Companies principals and Barrow Neurological Institute with the McCain Institute, signifies a new era of … [More]
Down but Not Out
Intel’s Arizona fabs remain central to its global strategy
Intel, a key player in the global semiconductor industry and an anchor for Arizona's tech economy, is at a critical juncture. Despite financial challenges and significant layoffs announced earlier this year, Intel's future remains tied to the success of its Arizona operations, particularly its massive investments in Chandler. These new fabs, built as part of a larger strategy … [More]
New Legislation Clears Path for Arizona’s Expanding Chip Industry
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s bipartisan Building Chips in America Act — a critical piece of legislation aimed at cutting the bureaucratic red tape that slows down the construction of semiconductor factories in the U.S. while proclaiming to maintain the bedrock protections for clean air and clean water — was signed into law by President Biden on October 2nd. The enactment of … [More]
ASU’s SWAP Hub Projects Secure $30 Million in Federal Funding
The Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub, based at Arizona State University and comprised of more than 170 members — 75 large companies, 28 academic institutions and more than 60 small businesses — has been awarded nearly $30 million in federal funding for five projects aimed at strengthening U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. Hubs such as this serve as a crucial link between … [More]
Manufacturing Construction Growth
The metro Phoenix manufacturing sector is thriving, attracting heavy-hitter industries as part of a North American surge that — between 2010 and 2023 — has tripled the nation’s average yearly manufacturing construction spend rate to $210 billion. Reinforced by increased reshoring following the pandemic, U.S. manufacturing footprints have expanded, particularly in the … [More]
Warehouse Spec Available in Deer Valley
Sun State Builders recently completed construction on a 43,672-square-foot building for Hopewell Development in the Deer Valley Technology Park at 2908 W. Deer Valley Road. It is a warehouse with 24-foot ceiling heights and an office suite. Construction began on the masonry ground-up spec project in early January and it is now available for lease. Photo courtesy Sun State … [More]
