A public crisis often results in a call to action. The COVID-19 pandemic is the latest and perhaps largest case in point, hitting every aspect of American society and prompting the need for aid, whether it comes from federal and state government agencies or from a small restaurant owner serving free meals to the unemployed and homeless. Some well-known U.S. brands are … [More]
Coffee Co. Donates to Valley Nonprofit for Immediate Needs of Community

Valley of the Sun United Way, serving Maricopa County for 95 years, and Dutch Bros Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dutch Bros Coffee, are providing hope to those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Through the foundation’s $35,000 gift to the United for the Valley COVID-19 fund, local nonprofit partners will receive support for those they serve which is intended for … [More]
Leadership Group Launches Virtual Program to Prepare Valley Leaders Facing this Crisis
As Arizona and the rest of the world grapple with the impact of COVID-19, Valley Leadership is launching a new, completely virtual program to mobilize all interested Arizonans in the face of this crisis. Ready Together will cultivate and prepare leaders to identify and solve the pressing issues further exposed by the pandemic. Designed as a living lab, the program will … [More]
Regional Bank Finances Approximately $1 Billion in SBA PPP Loans
FirstBank, one of the nation’s largest privately held banks with a focus on “banking for good,” has closed more than 7,700 SBA Paycheck Protection loans, totaling roughly $1 billion. Out of these 7,700-plus loans, approximately 5,000 were funded in amounts of $50,000 or less – with the median loan amount around $38,000, and the smallest loan at $200. After receiving final … [More]
A Tale of Two Drugs: Money vs. Medical Wisdom
At the Presidential Briefing on Apr 30, Dr. Anthony Fauci announced early results, prior to peer-review, of one clinical trial using remdesivir, an intravenous (IV) experimental antiviral medicine in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. At the “warp speed” currently in vogue for the Fauci-led push to a new vaccine, the very next day the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization … [More]
The Significance of Data Optimization during COVID-19 Pandemic
Until recently, very few CEOs, IT or marketing professionals would have put “data optimization” high on the list of agenda items that keep them up at night. These days — and by my estimation — this notion has become a top priority for the majority of businesses. Given the impact of events surrounding COVID-19, I view this not a matter of if but when decision makers also arrive … [More]
How to Take Fear Out of the Workplace in a COVID-19 World
Fear. Uncertainty. A growing sense of panic every time the president delivers a national address about the far-reaching effects of the coronavirus. Chatter around the workplace these days is filled with questions like: Will I get sick? Will I have a job tomorrow? Can I afford to pay my rent? What can one do when facing fear in the workplace? The good news is that one can … [More]
Phoenix Partners with Local Nonprofits to Protect Vulnerable Populations
During COVID-19 the needs of Phoenix’s vulnerable populations have been put into even greater focus. Those that were vulnerable before COVID, especially individuals experiencing homelessness, are at a greater risk for virus transmission due to issues like sanitation and shelter. Phoenix City Council recently unanimously approved nearly $27 million dollars to ensure greater … [More]
Tread Carefully when Terminating Employees during a Pandemic

With the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, there are a few additional considerations Arizona employers must keep in mind when terminating the employment of a current employee. Generally, Arizona employers enjoy wide latitude when hiring and firing due to the State’s doctrine of “at will” employment. Under at-will employment, an employer is not required to establish “just … [More]
How HR Leaders Recruit Top Talent in a Remote-First World
These are exceptional times. According to a Gartner online poll of Asian HR leaders in March 2020, “among 805 organizations responding, 88 percent now encourage or require employees to work from home.” As COVID-19 continues its onslaught around the world, governments have turned to measures such as social distancing to disrupt the contagion. Doing so has caused the way we work … [More]














