Arizona private banks and credit unions are not offering lending or line of credit services to cannabis industry players and those that do, require significant red tape to offer any type of credit. As such, operators cannot borrow against inventory or set up short term lines of credit to manage cash flow. In addition, the major credit card processors and online payment … [More]
Batten Down the Hatches: Fine Tune Your Small Business Plan for Any Economic Environment
In recognition of the more than 33 million small businesses in the U.S., we are sharing helpful best practices to fine tune your business plan to weather economic shifts. Responsibly manage your business debt Interest rates changes have significant impacts on business lending. To effectively manage your debt, consider these financial tactics before applying for a business … [More]
5 Ways to Unlock the Power of Your Employees’ Desires
We can do remarkable things when we listen to our hearts. It’s where our deepest desires reside, fueling our actions (for better or worse) and guiding us onward toward our purpose. Gary Harpst says the job of the leader is to help employees figure out how to connect their skills and passion to the purposes of the organization. With this careful alignment, individuals and the … [More]
The 3 God-Given Desires That Can Make or Break Us (and Why Leaders Need to Understand Them)
Human desire is a double-edged sword. On one hand, our God-given desires—rooted in primal needs for power, reproduction, and identity—fuel our efforts to transform chaos into order. But left unrealized, unchecked, or unchanneled, they can damage and undermine us. Gary Harpst says great leaders must understand the dual nature of desire, because it can either motivate teams to … [More]
Region to Address Unsheltered Homelessness through New Federal Program
The Maricopa region is teaming up with the White House and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) to participate in ALL INside, a first-of-its kind initiative to address unsheltered homelessness. (Watch the launch event live at 11 a.m. on YouTube highlighting Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Mesa Mayor John Giles) As part of ALL INside, the region will … [More]
The Unequal Rewards of Peer Support at Work and How to Level the Playing Field
According to new research released in MIT Sloan Management Review, men benefit more from supporting colleagues than women do. A recent study conducted by Nancy Baym, a senior principal research manager at Microsoft Research and Constance Noonan Hadley, founder of the Institute for Life at Work and a lecturer at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business reveals that men … [More]
EdTech Intel: 6 Ways AI is Revolutionizing Online Learning
After years of steadily picking up steam, online learning is experiencing undeniable explosive growth. The market is racing toward $1 trillion, with the corporate e-learning space expected to skyrocket 250% in the coming years. As e-learning continues to expand beyond the walls of academia, another game-changing phenomenon is going mainstream in a big way: artificial … [More]
Asking Rents Flattened in April as Landlords Faced Rising Vacancies, Phoenix Down 9.6%
The median U.S. asking rent rose 0.3% year over year to $1,967 in April—the 11th-consecutive month of slowing growth, according to a new report from Redfin, the technology-powered real estate brokerage. That compares to a revised increase of 1.4% one month earlier and a 16% increase one year earlier. On a month-over-month basis, the median asking rent fell 0.2%, which … [More]
AAED Releases Its State of Arizona Economic Development Survey: Economy, Water, Housing Affordability among Key Concerns
The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) announced the results of its State of Arizona Economic Development survey at its recent spring conference in Tucson. AAED surveyed its membership of more than 500 economic development practitioners and those that provide goods and services from the private sector. With the economy on everyone’s mind, the survey showed … [More]
Spring Cleaning for Your Business: Pest Control Matters
Like homes, businesses require pest control services to keep infestations to a minimum. Prevention and management are crucial to maintaining a healthy and safe environment for employees. Arizona’s summer temperatures draw insects and critters out of their homes as they search for food, water and shelter. Although insects don’t discriminate, there are five places of business … [More]
4 Tips for Defining and Reaching Your Target Audience
When competing with other brands to find the best channels needed to reach your audience, developing an effective marketing strategy might feel like throwing darts blindfolded. To increase your odds of reaching people who might be interested in your product or service, you need to effectively and accurately define your target audience first. It might take more than one … [More]
Sam Fox Reveals Full Culinary Lineup at Debut Luxury Hotel, Opening in Mid-November
Much anticipation has surrounded details of the culinary offerings at acclaimed restaurateur and hospitality innovator Sam Fox’s soon-to-open luxury hotel, The Global Ambassador, and today new details are being revealed about all five original restaurants that will open within the hotel in mid-November. Widely considered Arizona’s most anticipated hotel opening this year, … [More]
3 Trends That Can Help SMBs Exceed in E-Commerce – AI, BNPL & BOPIS
In the U.S., revenue earned from retail e-commerce is estimated to exceed one trillion dollars in 2023. The online shopping revenue in the U.S. is projected to surpass 1.5 trillion dollars by 2027. According to research by Fundera, 16% of all retail purchases are made on e-commerce sites and it is also anticipated that e-commerce will handle 95% of all consumer transactions by … [More]
9 in 10 Small Businesses Face Hiring Challenges
There are 33.2 million small businesses in America, which have generated nearly two-thirds of all new jobs between 1995-2021, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Yet, a persistent shortage of skilled workers is hitting them especially hard. With May being Small Business Month, I thought it could be a prime opportunity to spotlight the challenges small businesses face … [More]
Three DEI ‘Musts’ for Creating a Human-Centric Workplace
Future-fit organizations want to thrive today and adapt quickly to the needs of tomorrow. They’re committed to keeping employees of all races, cultures, genders, orientations, and experiences happy and engaged. They know focusing on people—and helping them thrive—is the key to staying relevant and profitable for the long haul. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are … [More]
Experts Reveal Their Tips on Preventing Burnout and How to Recover
Nowadays mental health in the workplace is one of the most talked about topics, with stress, anxiety and tiredness being the center of the debate. In fact, whether you work for a company or as a freelancer, it’s very likely that there will be moments in your work life that will be overwhelming and tiring to the point of reaching a point of so called “burnout”. Experts from … [More]
Five Ways Leaders Can Practice Responsible Generosity
Most leaders have been there: We see someone who needs help, and we quickly provide it, only to end up feeling taken advantage of. Maybe you helped an employee out of a financial jam, only to see them keep making bad decisions. Or you spent hours coaching a younger colleague and then watched him ignore your advice. Or you stepped in to “rescue” a teammate who wasn’t prepared … [More]
Insurer to Support 600,000 Arizonans through Medicaid Redetermination
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is offering education, guidance, and health insurance options to Arizonans who are no longer eligible for Medicaid after the Public Health Emergency ends. BCBSAZ Navigators will be available in counties across the state to pass out information, answer questions, and help. "We know this can be an overwhelming time … [More]
