March 2022

Cover Story

The Ripple Effect: How Nonprofits Build Our Economy

“Based on Arizona and U.S. national statistics on impact of the nonprofit sector, it’s very clear that it is an economic driver in terms of workforce development generating economic potential,” says Richard Tollefson, founder and president of … [More]

Features

Light This Candle: Strategic Partnerships Can Change the Game for Industries

On April 12, 1961, Soviet Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space. One month later, Astronaut Alan Shephard’s Freedom 7 space capsule sat atop a Mercury-Redstone Rocket awaiting launch at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Technical problems … [More]

Affordable Housing Is an Employment Issue

Why is it that, when trying to solve problems, communities often wait until they are at the edge of a crisis before acting? That’s where things are now where it comes to affordable housing. The alarm bells are sounding. But the truth is, they … [More]

Capacity Impact through Strong Organization Core Values and Mindset

“The goal is not to do business with everybody who needs what you have. The goal is to do business with people who believe what you believe.” —Simon Sinek As the discussion continues around building capacity, one area often overlooked is the … [More]

Why Businesses Shouldn’t Lower Their Standards when Hiring Salespeople

As the economy (finally) heats up, hiring managers are desperately trying to fill sales openings. Faced with stiff competition for a small pool of applicants, they might be tempted to compromise on the quality of new hires. It’s easy to rationalize: … [More]

Roundtable

Developing Artificial Intelligence: Are Your Lawyers Involved?

Artificial intelligence, or “AI” as it is commonly known, is becoming more prevalent as businesses have come to realize that AI can accomplish many … [More]

Economy

New Tax Rule Targets Businesses That Accept Payment through Apps

The IRS is now watching those who are self-employed, those who are independent contractors or, even those who just operate a side business, and use … [More]

Legal

Avoid Debt and Get Financial Success

Do people have business debts as an entrepreneur? They would, of course. Practically, good debts exist and many companies have been able to flourish … [More]

From the Top

Whitney Yates-Woods: Breaking Barriers in the Automotive Industry

Today, Yates Buick GMC is one of the premier automotive dealerships in the country, serving the greater Phoenix metropolitan area in a way few can boast. But the legacy of the family-owned business … [More]

Startups

Wild Rye Baking Co. Brings Home the Magic of Baking

Wild Rye is a new kind of baking company — designed for today’s varied styles and occasions of social interaction. It offers cake, frosting and pancake mixes for the gluten-free, plant-based and … [More]

Propelling Women’s Business Dreams with the RECREATE Action Tank

In 2020, business partners Kimberly Mylls and Melissa Lamson co-founded RECREATE Now, LLC, an action tank designed to be a one-of-a-kind, one-stop-shop, mastermind business incubator for women 40 and … [More]

Nonprofit

Big Bold Ideas Create Transformational Change for Nonprofits, Communities and Fundraising

Nonprofits that put forward a big and bold vision attract aspirational donors looking to change the world. Whether in one’s own backyard or around the globe, a carefully executed process of visionary … [More]

CRE

Beginning with the End in Mind

Technology is all around us. It’s so integral to our daily lives that we often forget how reliant we are on the electronics that drive our everyday activities. This means everything from the mechanical and electrical systems in the car we drive to … [More]

Luxury North Scottsdale Condos from New-to-Arizona Developer

Luxury condominium project Portico – North Scottsdale, a key piece of DMB’s One Scottsdale master-planned development, will kick off Belgravia Group’s entry into the Arizona market. The development at Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road, by the … [More]

Sunlit’s Planned Manufacturing Facility Brings $100 Million Investment to Phoenix

Sunlit Chemical, a leading semiconductor chemical supplier based in Taiwan, recently broke ground on its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Phoenix. Sunlit’s presence advances Arizona’ reputation as a national semiconductor leader and advances the … [More]

Healthcare

Three Tips to Help Block Blue Light in an Increasingly Remote World

With persistent spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 in Arizona and nationwide, some traditionally in-person activities — work, school and social interactions — will likely remain remote more often than usual for the foreseeable future. As a … [More]

Technology

Why Arizona’s Healthcare Companies Need to Embrace Mobile Technology

We see it in the news every day. The Arizona healthcare industry is facing major personnel shortfalls and is in a fierce competition to attract qualified talent. According to data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the State of … [More]

By the Numbers

Employee Woes: Move Over Winter Blahs, Make Way for Worker Boredom

A recent poll by talent solutions firm Robert Half shows 33% of professionals feel bored — a lack of interest in their job and disengaged — more than … [More]

Briefs

Virtual-Reality Training Aims to Help Growing Demand in Skilled Trade Jobs

StrataTech Education Group, a leading operator of skilled trade schools, recently launched a virtual reality training program called OcuWeld. The program, which uses Oculus Quest 2 technology, is among the first to use this revolutionary technology … [More]

Capital One Business Banking Arrives in Phoenix

Arizona is one of the fastest growing job markets, with 700,000 jobs projected to be added by 2030. At the epicenter of this growth is small businesses — more than 95% of Phoenix companies have fewer than 50 employees. But despite small businesses … [More]

Filling and Diversifying the Workforce for High-Tech Industries

As part of its effort to diversify the workforce and increase recruitment of women into the skilled trades, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. teamed up with Ignite Worldwide to provide $100,000 in tuition grants for female and female-identifying … [More]