U.S. home prices ticked up 0.2% for the second-consecutive month in July, on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to a new report from Redfin, the technology-powered real estate brokerage. That’s equal to the smallest month over month increase since January 2023. Phoenix showed a month-over-month decline at -0.18 percent. On a year-over-year basis, home prices rose 6.8% in … [More]
Thriving in Economic Downturns: A Strategic Blueprint for Entrepreneurs
In the face of economic downturns, inflation, and uncertainty, entrepreneurs need to adopt strategies that ensure resilience and sustainable growth. While such times are challenging, they also present unique opportunities for businesses willing to adapt. Key to navigating these turbulent periods are strategies focused on diversifying revenue streams, leveraging relationship … [More]
Productivity on the Rise: Nearly 70% of Managers Report Increased Team Efficiency over the Past Year
New survey highlights key trends impacting employee productivity
New research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half reveals a complex picture when it comes to worker productivity. While most managers report that their teams have become more productive, employees are logging more hours than they did a year ago. This trend raises potential concerns about employee burnout, morale and turnover. The survey of more than … [More]
Scammer Central: Arizona Ranks Sixth Worst State for Fraud
A new study has announced the areas hit the hardest by fraud in the period between Q2 2023 and Q1 2024. Residents in Arizona reported 1,215 cases per 100,000 people - a 22% increase above average. Arizona was found to be the sixth hardest-hit state, with 90,254 cases reported in the period. The study, conducted by injury lawyers Bader Scott, examined the number of fraud … [More]
Adaptive Yoga Program in Phoenix Provides Values-Based Clinical Experience for PT Students
Physical therapy students at Creighton University Health Sciences Campus – Phoenix typically start volunteering with the adaptive yoga program to gain hands-on experience with patients; however, they stumble upon an experience that truly encapsulates the spirit of Creighton. “The students are what's getting us to that next level of healing,” says patient Robert Dopp. “Each … [More]
SBA Announces Working Capital Pilot Now Accepting Applications at Participating SBA Lenders
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that SBA 7(a) lenders may now accept applications for the SBA’s newly-announced 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) Program. “Small businesses need affordable working capital to pursue revenue growth opportunities made available thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said SBA Administrator Guzman. “The … [More]
Luxury Home Values Are Rising Faster than Typical Homes for the First Time in Years
Luxury home value growth, which has consistently lagged the market's middle tier over the past several years, has now outpaced appreciation on typical homes for five consecutive months, a new Zillow® analysis shows. The typical luxury home nationwide — defined for this analysis as the most valuable 5% of homes in a given region — is worth about $1,620,000. Among the 50 … [More]
Arizona Sixth for ‘Register to Vote’ Google Searches, Harris’ Social Media Soars
Vice President Kamala Harris’s social media followers have surged by 1.8 million across all accounts since Saturday as she becomes the presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee, while Arizona is sixth in relative searches for "register to vote". QR Code Generator analyzed Kamala Harris’s X and Instagram follower counts, as well as Google Trends data on registering to vote … [More]
Arizona Ranks among the Most Expensive States to Live In
A new study has revealed the most expensive states to live in based on disposable income adjusted for each region's cost of living. Arizona has the fourth lowest purchasing power in the country. Arizona's average annual disposable income is just $55,333, which is 2.9% lower than the national average. The study, conducted by QR Code Generator, utilized state-by-state … [More]
Their Take: ARA Responds to New Stat – Arizona Is No. 2 in Restaurant Inflation
USA Today recently listed Arizona as No. 2 on its list of the top five states that had been hardest hit by restaurant inflation. Arizona had increased 23%, from $96.68 to $118.54 when comparing the change in consumer spending during two-week periods that were analyzed. However, this doesn’t mean that Arizonans as spending the most on their dining out experiences. In fact, … [More]
Looking Back at a Year of Growth for This Leadership Organization
Last year, Valley Leadership continued to grow and expand its impact and reach. We finished the third year of our Catalyze and Explore programs, graduating another 100+ leaders and sending them out into the community equipped and ready to make meaningful impact – as individuals serving the community, but also as part of our Impact Maker. There were some big milestones for our … [More]
The Ever-Changing World of Social Media – How to Keep Your Brand on Top of It
In today's digital landscape, social media is no longer just a platform for personal updates; it's a vital component of brand strategy, customer engagement, and business growth. Yet, the dynamic nature of social media means the tactics and tools that drive success are in a constant state of flux. Algorithms shift, new features appear, and trends evolve at a rapid pace. For … [More]
NAIOP Market Monitor Offers an Alternative Approach to Evaluating CRE Markets
For the second year, the NAIOP Research Foundation has published the NAIOP Market Monitor, which evaluates office and industrial real estate markets using a two-dimensional analysis based on a metropolitan market’s size and its relative volatility – a departure from traditional commercial real estate market rankings. Among the key findings this year: Office markets with … [More]
Their Take: Adult Education Programs Advance Students’ Career and Education
There is no age limit to learning, and CTE (career and technical education) is a great way to continue education or find a promising career path at any stage of life. In a new study by the World Economic Forum, 50% of employees worldwide will need to upskill or reskill by 2025 to adapt to the evolving nature of the workforce – and CTE could be the answer. Also, for those who … [More]
Cybersecurity Blind Spot: The Rising Threat of Digital Supply Chain Attacks
The recent exploit of the widely-used Polyfill[.]io JavaScript library sent shockwaves across more than 110,000 online destinations, impacting major media, government, and education platforms. This event, reminiscent of the SolarWinds attack on the software supply chain, underscores a growing vulnerability in our digital supply chain—a vulnerability that existing cybersecurity … [More]
Study Reveals Arizona’s Most Dangerous Job Sectors
A new data study has revealed the most dangerous job sectors in Arizona. Workers' Compensation Attorneys Hansford Law studied fatal injury rates from the BLS for each sector in Arizona; to determine the ranking, the number of fatal injuries in each state was compared to the total hours worked. 1. Transportation and utilities The transportation and utilities sector reported … [More]
Entrepreneurs, Your Time Is Money. Are You Being Too Generous with It?
If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ve probably done your share of pro bono work: helping a family member or friend, or volunteering to do some work for your child’s school or a favorite charity. You’re happy to help; after all, these projects crop up only occasionally and don’t take up large swathes of time. But what about the pro bono work you do on a regular—even daily—basis? … [More]
Fix It Before It’s Broke: Leveraging a Forward-Resolve Approach for Better Customer Service
While a fix-it-the-first-time approach may be the gold standard of customer service, addressing potential issues before they materialize is the true mark of an exemplary user experience. Consider the pace of our modern world; customers today want instant solutions, and any hurdle might be a reason for them to jump ship to competitors. By ensuring their path is clear from … [More]
