In an era when dining out is as much about the experience as the food, innovative bars are stepping up to deliver unforgettable moments. Consumers have a lasting shift toward an experiential mindset and, while they may not be spending less, they are becoming more intentional about their spending. In fact, according to recent research, 72% of diners want more experiential dining … [More]
Intel’s Challenge: Layoffs amid Semiconductor Expansion
Intel Corp., a major player in Arizona’s semiconductor industry, recently announced plans to cut 15% of its global workforce, roughly 15,000 jobs. This decision comes as the company grapples with financial challenges, including a $1.6 billion loss in the second quarter of 2024. The cuts are part of a broader restructuring aimed at saving $10 billion by 2025. What does this … [More]
Hyperion Technologies Looks to Make Peoria Home
The latest company to invest in Arizona's growing semiconductor industry is Hyperion Technologies, a leader in manufacturing high-density interconnect IC substrates (HDI-IC substrates). Although Hyperion may not yet be a household name, its recent announcement to build a 600,000-square-foot facility in Peoria aims to fill a crucial gap in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain and … [More]
Arizona’s Semiconductor Boom Sparks Environmental Concerns
Scrutiny on balance between economic progress and environmental stewardship
As Arizona’s semiconductor industry grows, so do environmental concerns. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Intel, two of the largest chip manufacturers in the state, are both building massive facilities as part of the U.S. government’s CHIPS and Science Act initiative. However, a coalition of environmental and labor groups known as CHIPS Communities United is urging … [More]
Rafi Law Group: Commitment Beyond the Courtroom
Core values encompass community and compassion
In 2015, Brandon B. Rafi founded Rafi Law Group with a singular mission: to provide every client with care, confidence and comprehensive service that extends beyond legal representation. "Our mission at Rafi Law Group is not only to provide legal support but to be a force for good in our community. Giving back and making a positive impact are at the core of our values," Rafi … [More]
Now Pools Innovates On-Demand Pools and Spas
Now Pools is the first “on demand” pool and spa company. As co-owner Ross Novotny explains, “Our clients get a pool or spa when they want it, and get their yard back for the rest of the year.” When clients sign up for a seasonal subscription, Now Pools will install an above-ground pool or spa; provide weekly service, chemicals, warranty, and maintenance as needed; and then … [More]
Surprise Home Improvement Aims to Raise the Bar
Surprise Home Improvement was established to meet the growing demand for professional handyman and property management maintenance services in the West Valley area. Taking his decade-plus experience in carpentry, Jeremiah Loyacano has recently founded and launched the licensed, bonded and insured home improvement company in Surprise, Arizona, “dedicated to delivering … [More]
AI – Approach with Caution
AI adoption is happening with or without the acknowledgment or approval of company leadership. According to a recent Microsoft report, “Use of generative AI has nearly doubled in the last six months, with 75% of global knowledge workers using it.” The same report states that “78% of AI users are bringing their own AI tools to work (BYOAI).” AI consultants can help leaders and … [More]
Brainiest Offers User-Friendly Marketing AI for SMBs
Scottsdale-based Brainiest, a cutting-edge all-in-one marketing communications AI platform, recently launched a dynamic conversation-based interface generating actionable marketing plans and content ideas. Astro Brainstorming is designed to act as a personal marketing assistant for small and mid-sized businesses. "Many businesses find AI tools overwhelming and struggle to … [More]
Tempe Chamber of Commerce Names Interim CEO Robin Arredondo-Savage
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of Robin Arredondo-Savage as the interim chief executive officer, effective immediately. Arredondo-Savage, a respected community leader with a long history of service in Tempe, will lead the Chamber during this transitional period. Arredondo-Savage brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served on the Tempe City … [More]
High Schools Students Gain Experience through Career Ready Tempe
Career Ready Tempe is a youth-workforce pilot program, funded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Career Readiness Lab Grant and the City of Tempe’s Innovation Fund. The program aims to prepare Tempe youth to participate in the future workforce and to develop the youth-talent pipeline in the City of Tempe so that it aligns with industry needs. This year, 19 students … [More]
Tempe Businesses & Leaders Recognized at 2024 Business Excellence Awards
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious Business Excellence Awards, presented by Southwest Airlines, honoring the exceptional accomplishments of local businesses within the Tempe business community. The following awards were presented: Micro Business of the Year Award – The Peak Fleet Small Business of the Year Award – … [More]
2024 ASU Football Kickoff Luncheon: A Day of Team Spirit and Community Support
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the 2024 ASU Sun Devil Football Kickoff Luncheon presented by San Tan Ford on August 23, 2024. The luncheon took place at the San Tan Ford Club, offering a stunning view high above the Sun Devil Stadium field. Amidst a sea of maroon and gold, the event was filled with excitement and special guests as Sun Devil Football built … [More]
East Valley Chambers Host Informative Ballot Issues Forum ahead of 2024 Election
The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Ballot Issues Forum, held on September 5, 2024, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, provided valuable insights for the business community ahead of the upcoming elections. Hosted by Tom Binge, chair of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the forum was presented by Salt River Project and sponsored by Dignity Health; the event … [More]
Mesa Data Center to Use Waterless Cooling Technology
Haydon, a leading full-service general contractor with over 30 years of experience in the Southwest, officially broke ground on a highly advanced data center for Edged Energy, a fast-growing sustainable infrastructure provider. Due for completion by November 2026, the 210,000-square foot facility will use the ThermalWorks ultra-efficient waterless cooling technology system to … [More]
Feedback: Oct 2024
Q: What is the most important aspect of the healthcare benefits you offer your employees? Sarah Banning, CBP Global Benefits Administrator Plexus Worldwide Sector: Wellness Products I would say the most important aspect at Plexus Worldwide, LLC is affordability. We offer a high-deductible medical plan that is no cost to employees, plus we contribute $1,000 annually to … [More]
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships: Key to Sustainable Success
Effectively enhance both business performance and societal impact
“The best partnerships aren’t dependent on a more common goal but on a shared path of equality, desire, and no small amount of passion.” —Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author In today’s competitive business environment, success is not achieved in isolation. Businesses must engage with a wide variety of stakeholders and form meaningful strategic partnerships to … [More]
If You Build It: Private Industrial Developers Boost Phoenix Infrastructure
Behind the Phoenix area’s industrial boom in recent years is a web of infrastructure supporting it — some of it visible, some not, but all crucial to the region’s future. These private infrastructure improvements, though requiring significant financial investments, empower developers to attract high-profile, sophisticated tenants from diverse industries. This, in turn, will … [More]
