Business is the lifeblood of any economy. Small businesses are said to be the fuel that any strong economy runs on. That thinking has, until earlier this year, been what we have proven — making Greater Phoenix one of the top places to be in business. We are fortunate to have some of the stories of those who have received funding to get them through the toughest of times in … [More]
Injecting Funds to Sustain Our Economy
Many are stepping up, but these funding partners are doing the hard work to provide immediate help through relief grants and other programs. While some of these organizations regularly grant funds, there is no question that the volume — both in number of grants and amount of funds — is a lot to manage and disburse. Overwhelmed staff changed policies, and the urgency of doing it … [More]
Great Impact: Funding Businesses and Nonprofits to Sustain Our Economy
Our community has stepped up to the plate to help businesses of all sizes — it always has. This economic downturn is among the worst we have seen. No one could have anticipated a time in modern America when business would be asked to simply shut down. Prior to the pandemic, our economy was stronger than most other states in the country. From population growth to property … [More]
Returning to Work after Beating COVID-19
Receiving a positive coronavirus diagnosis can be scary. After I was diagnosed, I knew that people’s perceptions would change, because this is such a misunderstood virus. I was confident in my health and the fact that I could take the precautions necessary, but I didn’t immediately think about how the diagnosis would impact me beyond the two weeks of illness. I spent … [More]
Our Journey to Safely Reopening
To keep employees and customers safe amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have had to alter the way they do business. As stay-at-home orders lift from state to state, these companies continue to look for ways to improve safety and sanitation in the workplace. One such company is national ice machine provider Easy Ice. Before allowing its employees to return … [More]
Starting a Business during COVID-19
Encore Creative was my pride and joy. I joined what was then known as Encore Entertainment in 2002. It was already a successful Arizona entertainment event production company, but in 2014 I took the reins and began leading the company. Through the years, we built a great scenic shop to fabricate one-of-a-kind set pieces, a cast of stellar entertainers and artists, and grew from … [More]
COVID-19 Stories: Experiences that Show Our Strength
Can a small-business owner operate her business while fighting the novel coronavirus herself? Is there another avenue to pursue when COVID-19 closes a business’s bread-and-butter revenue stream? Are there new best practices a business can discover — and share with others? Three businesses share their stories of what they learned and how they grew their business during the … [More]
Develop a Diversity & Inclusion Plan that Isn’t Fluff
The country is talking about race and racism in a way that many have never before experienced in their careers. Organizations are beginning to develop, review or refresh their diversity plans in response, but don’t want to appear as if they are reacting to the broader national conversation. For many, this was something that was in process already; for others, it’s altogether … [More]
Ripclear’s Pivot for Positivity
Ryan Doherty and Zach Hines launched their company, Ripclear, in 2014. Little did they know their innovation would serve as a salvation for humanity only six short years later. And, while the pair originally set out to find a solution that saved expensive goggles from scratches, their effort has taken on a much larger social mission. From its onset, Ripclear was … [More]
To Build Trust, Try B.R.A.V.I.N.G.
Vulnerability is defined as a willingness to feel risk, uncertainty or emotional exposure, according to Brené Brown, Ph.D., LMSW, in her book Dare to Lead. I know it as the uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach when I am deeply aware that I cannot control the outcome of a situation. In The Thin Book of Trust, author Charles Feltman defined trust this way: “Trust is … [More]
Create a Transitional Retirement Option for Your Employees
The relationship between companies and their employees has been forever changed by COVID-19. Since late January, Americans have been shifting from their traditional roles and workplaces toward their home offices. They’re using telecommuting technology and learning new capabilities daily. There’s a shift occurring, and the biggest question for companies will be whether this … [More]
Juan Salgado, Phoenix IDA and PCDIC
There is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic stifled growth and prosperity for businesses at the start of 2020. As the crisis unfolded, leaders of the business community — like the Phoenix IDA and Phoenix Community Development and Investment Corporation — recognized that the pandemic would negatively impact small businesses that bolster local communities. Through various … [More]
Promoting Workforce Opportunity for the Deaf
With a rise in unemployment rates due to COVID-19, the deaf and hard of hearing are particularly vulnerable in the workplace. In fact, a study published in The New York Times acknowledged that employers are 34 percent less likely to hire an experienced job candidate with a disability. For this, among other reasons, nearly half of deaf people (47 percent) are not in the labor, … [More]
New Executive Office: VP of People and Organizational Development
Creating a new position in its executive team, Delta Dental of Arizona has promoted Jolean Fleck to VP of people and organizational development. Fleck will help the dental insurer navigate ever-changing workplace and societal challenges, with a focus on leadership development, employer branding and enriching the employee experience. “Part of it is that I’ve done … [More]
Terracon Achievements: Top Rankings & Philanthropy
The Southwest regional offices (Ariz., Nev., N.M.) of Terracon, a leading provider of environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services, moved up nine spots from last year to No. 13 on Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) list of Top Southwest Design Firms, while the company overall continues to advance in other national rankings. The employee-owners at Terracon are … [More]
Looking Good 2020 – September Standouts
Achievements Terracon Achievements: Top Rankings & Philanthropy Paul Johnson Drywall Holds AZ on Top-Ranking Contractor List Positions UnitedHealthcare Donates More than $100,000 to Nonprofits in Arizona … [More]
Small-Business Success for Arizona-based Supplement Brand
For many people, this pandemic brought to light the importance of supporting their immune system and improving health. Zinc Up, from Phoenix-based NB Pure, was created as a convenient solution to aid immune health. Wellness enthusiast Danna Pratte founded NB Pure as a manufacturing, distribution and sales company that provides nutrition and natural wellness solutions. … [More]
Work-from-Home Statistics during the Pandemic
At this point, working from home is no longer the strange new phenomenon that stirred up national attention just a few short months ago. There are however many fascinating aspects of this pandemic-spurred era of remote work, according to a recently released report. Employment screening services and background check company JDP recently surveyed more than 2,000 Americans who … [More]
