Reminiscing on top business lunch spots, here are our reminders of some of the best lunch spots that opened in 2012. Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails Described as a contemporary American gastro-lounge, this “off the lobby” eatery at the Palomar Hotel is a downtown urban delight with a creative and flavorful menu. Go back after the day and enjoy the hand-crafted … [More]
The New Luxury Home Market
With “luxury home” generally defined as a home valued at $500,000 or more, a high percentage of Valley homes would have fallen into that category only a few years ago. Today, however, with the average Valley single-family residence valued at $160,000, “luxury home” encompasses a more select market. Luxury properties span the Valley in gated and non-gated communities, and … [More]
Educating Our Work Force
Enough already! It seems to be taking forever for Arizona’s unemployment rate to drop to levels seen before the Great Recession. Or is it the new reality that rates never will be near 5 percent again? It’s not for a lack of jobs, as a look at help wanted listings shows. It’s a lack of enough qualified Arizonans to do the jobs that require more than on-the-job … [More]
Ask Straight Up — and Close the Deal
Most salespeople, when it comes down to it, are downright scared of being direct and to the point and telling people in no uncertain terms, “Here’s what I want!” Think about it. There’s a conspiracy that encourages people to bury their most important wants and desires. Marketing trainers use consultative selling to draw people out. Social media consultants say, “Selling … [More]
Client Appreciation: Give the Gift
A sign that times are changing is that client gifts are back and in a big way. Retailers are reporting increased activity, so get on it and show some appreciation. Here are some top gift ideas for this holiday season. Charity of Choice Give the gift of charity with JustGive.org. This e-card service can e-mail, print or direct mail a gift card to one’s client. Set the amount … [More]
Funding for Business
No doubt about it, there’s plenty of economic uncertainty in the world, let alone Arizona, today. But Valley bankers and those associated with the banking industry want entrepreneurs and owners of small and mid-sized businesses to know their institutions have been, and continue to be, ready to talk lending. “We’re all dying for loans,” asserts Candace Wiest, president and CEO … [More]
Seek and Defuse: How to Recognize Anger in the Workplace
Workplace violence in the U.S. is a persistent and dangerous problem. How bad is it? A statistic from the U.S. Department of Labor indicates that homicide is the fourth-leading cause of occupational injuries. And it is the leading cause of death for women in the workplace. But the real tragedy is, so many of these violent incidents could be avoided if employees and leaders … [More]
Online Sales Tax: Can Retail Make a Level Playing Field?
Online sales tax “is a different political issue now than it was 15 years ago,” says Kevin McCarthy, president of the Arizona Tax Research Association, a statewide taxpayer organization that represents Arizona individuals and businesses. Then, online sales tax was viewed as a hindrance that would cripple the Internet; now, it’s the center of a debate on what many view as a huge … [More]
