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]
Their Take: Leaving a Lasting Legacy on the State Bar of Arizona by Increasing Diversity and Inclusivity
The State Bar of Arizona made history in June 2023 when unanimously electing the first Black President in the 91-year history of the organization. With a one-year term, we had a lot of work to do in a short amount of time and it was my goal to make lasting changes. The president of the State Bar is tasked with overseeing Arizona attorneys and judges, implementing new … [More]
Embracing the Cactus: A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Difficult Conversations
“I don’t like confrontation, but I’m tired of his abuse. He signed me up for another committee without asking.” “I know I need to say something about her taking credit for my work, but how to start?” “Another joy of adulting, I’ve got to have one of those thorny conversations. Not fun.” Difficult conversations are inevitable at some point in most people’s lives — … [More]
You Might Be Headed for Small Business Burnout If… (Ten Signs You’re Almost Out of Runway)
You knew it from the beginning: Being an entrepreneur is no walk in the park. Hard work, hustle, and the occasional all-nighter come with the territory. But if “up to your eyeballs” has become your everyday reality, small business fixer Julie Bee says you’re headed for trouble. That way lies lower performance, poor decision-making, health issues (or health emergencies!), … [More]
Their Take: Why the 4th of July Is My Favorite Holiday
The meaning of Independence Day never ceases to amaze me. How a small group of rag-tag free spirits thwarted one of the most organized navies in the civilized world and created a country out of thirteen colonies really illuminates my imagination. It shows us that anything is possible with a burning desire to overcome great obstacles. We have built a company in a nation that … [More]
Their Take: The Power of Retail in Scottsdale
Whether it’s the therapeutic effects that release dopamine and make us feel good or the sense of accomplishment when we find the perfect gift for someone, shopping is not only a favorite pastime of U.S. residents, but also visitors coming from far and wide. In fact, shopping is the No.1 activity for Scottsdale’s 9.6 million U.S. visitors, and it is hugely popular with the … [More]
Mentors Are Often the Unsung Heroes of a Successful Career
Whether she was building resilience from mentors who were unfair or downright cruel, or gaining confidence from mentors who were supportive and helpful, R. Barbara Gitenstein was honing the skills that would one day propel her to the highest level of academia. “Mentors make all the difference in an individual’s success in the world,” Gitenstein said. “I was blessed with … [More]
Arizona Wine Tourism Study Reveals More Than 500% Growth since 2011
Strong visitor spending, employment and labor income metrics highlight benefits of supporting industry
Arizona’s wine tourism industry has seen explosive growth during the past decade, headlined by an astounding 677% increase in wine experience-driven visitor spending and a 500% leap in wine-related employment since 2011, according to a recent study of Arizona’s wine tourism industry conducted for the Arizona Office of Tourism by the Economic Policy Institute at Northern Arizona … [More]
You Are a Leader: Whether You Know It or Not. Whether You Want to be One or Not …
You inspire people — whether you know it or not. You empower people, sometimes even if you’re not trying to. You guide people — whether you want to or not. What is your definition of “leader?” Before you go any further, let’s see if you’re singing in harmony. If not — there’s no point in pursuing this venture any further. Here’s the definition adopted for this article. … [More]
