August 2024

Cover Story

Lights. Camera. Action. Arizona Has High Production Values in the Film Industry

“When the film and television industry was just getting started, Arizona was a huge part of it,” relates Randy Murray, who, as co-owner with wife, Theresa, of Randy Murray Productions, has three decades of experience in Arizona’s film industry. … [More]

Features

Best Practices for Activating Brand Purpose

Companies that put purpose first are invariably becoming industry standouts—manifest in their exemplary corporate cultures, publicly recognized competence, or as heralded champions of vital causes. Numerous benefits accrue to these purpose-driven … [More]

Empowering Arizona: Desert Financial’s Legacy of Community Impact and Philanthropy

Desert Financial Credit Union was founded by educators in 1939 with a modest sum of $78.75. Rooted in the principles of cooperation and community, this not-for-profit credit union has grown over 85 years while maintaining its foundational mission of … [More]

The Pursuit of Success by Engaging Premium Talent

“Companies that recognize the importance of employee engagement and development are better positioned to attract and retain talent.” —Jack Altman in People Strategy In today’s hyper-competitive business environment, the pursuit of success hinges on … [More]

Serving Sustainability through Data Center Design

The past decade has seen a boom in data center development. AI, smart devices and advanced technologies have accelerated the demand for data processing, projecting a global generation of 2,100 zettabytes of data by 2035. Arizona is well positioned as … [More]

Roundtable

The Future Workforce: Revolutionizing Skill Development with AI

The fast pace of AI/ML evolution and other domains has created a new revolution across industries, which has never been seen before. The shift is not … [More]

Economy

How Businesses Can Prepare for an Uncertain Real Estate Market

If there’s one common theme that resonates across the real estate market, from property owners and investors to developers and asset managers, it’s … [More]

Legal

Employer Alert: The FTC’s New ‘Non-Compete Rule’

The Federal Trade Commission recently announced a nationwide ban on Non-Compete Agreements, set to take effect on September 4, 2024. The … [More]

Nonprofit

Donor Resilience Continues Despite Economic, Social Challenges

If one thing has become clear over the past six years of bumpy roads, it’s that philanthropy is resilient. American generosity has weathered major tax … [More]

From the Top

Goodmans CEO Leads by Listening, Workers Return in Droves

Many businesses have struggled with how to encourage their employees to return to the office voluntarily after the pandemic. Typically, this is due to companies looking for a silver bullet. Free … [More]

By The Numbers

A Deep Dive into Upskilling and Reskilling

Technological advancements and shifting market demands have generated a distinct need for employees and organizations to invest in consistent upskilling and reskilling. What does the state of … [More]

Startups

Developer Develops Infrastructure Construction Service

Mangat Construction is dedicated to delivering specialized utility services to developers throughout Arizona, including providing comprehensive water systems, sewage facilities and other essential … [More]

Contractor Builds Up Roofing

United Contracting Group is a commercial and residential general contractor, specializing in roofing and restoration services. Founded in 2020, it has grown in these four years from three employees to … [More]

Healthcare

New ‘Home’ Community Serves Cancer Center Patients

“Despite advancements in cancer technology, true healing occurs at home,” says Matthew Callister, M.D., senior physician executive for Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. “These homes provide comfort, safety and hope for vulnerable patients on their … [More]

Technology

Why Businesses of All Sizes Can’t Afford to Skip Cybersecurity Monitoring

Businesses are facing a surge in cyber threats. With global cybercrime costs projected to reach $13.82 trillion by 2028, the need for cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. At the forefront of this defense is cybersecurity monitoring — … [More]

Semi Insights

Arizona Startup Crystal Sonic Makes (Sound) Waves in Silicon Desert

In the Connect Labs by Wexford in Downtown Phoenix, a passionate group of scientists, engineers and semiconductor materials industry experts are building the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing technology — using sound waves. This Arizona … [More]

Meeting the Infrastructure Demands of the Semiconductor Industry in Arizona

In recent years, Arizona has emerged as a focal point for the semiconductor industry in the United States. With its strategic location, favorable business environment and growing workforce, the state has attracted major investments from leading … [More]

CRE

Celebrating a Decade of Innovation in Arizona’s Single-Family Rental Market

This year marks the 10th anniversary of TRICOR, an opportune moment to reflect on the transformation within the single-family rental (SFR) sector, particularly in Arizona. Over the past decade, the SFR market has evolved from a post-crisis … [More]

Industrial Real Estate: Positioning for Growth in a Standout Market

Amid national headlines of a market-correcting “normalization,” Phoenix’s industrial real estate market has shown remarkable resilience in 2024 as it returns to steady, pre-pandemic growth levels — a positive development for the industry. Unlike … [More]

Briefs

Eliminating Bachelor’s Degree Requirements: Employment Trend?

As the job market evolves, a growing number of companies are eliminating bachelor’s degree requirements for certain positions. To learn more about this trend, Intelligent.com recently surveyed 750 U.S. business leaders … [More]

Intel’s Leadership in Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability

Intel’s longstanding commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and pursuing ambitious sustainability goals remain a key focus for us — even as we grow. From reducing our energy use, to investing in renewable electricity, to conserving and … [More]

Arizona Cities among Best in U.S. for Economic Growth

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Arizona has shown resilience and resurgence, positioning itself as a burgeoning "boomtown" and future economic powerhouse. In fact, five Arizona cities earned a place on CoworkingCafe’s study on the best U.S. … [More]