The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index remained steady in June, edging down 0.2 of a point to 98.6, slightly above the 51-year average of 98. A substantial increase in respondents reporting excess inventories contributed the most to the decline in the index. The Uncertainty Index decreased by five points from May to 89. Nineteen percent of small business owners reported taxes … [More]
Arizona-Made EV Sets World-Record for Longest Journey on a Single Charge
Lucid Group, Inc., maker of the world’s most advanced electric vehicles, set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the longest journey by an electric car on a single charge. Covering an incredible range of 1,205 kilometers (~ 749 miles) without charging, the Lucid Air Grand Touring1 conducted its record-breaking journey between St. Moritz, Switzerland and Munich, Germany, … [More]
Arizona-Based Expert Has Stepped Into Key Leadership Role at NAPIA
As insurance claims continue to dominate national headlines, one Arizona-based expert has stepped into a key leadership role. Justin R. Skipton, AIC, SPPA, was officially elected President of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA), during the association's 75th Annual Meeting held at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. The milestone conference … [More]
Housing Market at a Crossroads: Inventory Climbs but Some Sellers Hold Out
The Realtor.com June Housing Trends Report reveals a new stand-off between buyers and sellers in today's evolving real estate landscape. While active inventory climbed 28.1% year-over-year to hit a fresh post-pandemic high, some homeowners are choosing to pull their listings from the market. In May, delistings rose 47% from a year ago, and have trended 35% higher year-to-date. … [More]
Harkins Launches New Entertainment Center Concept in North Phoenix
Harkins Theatres, Arizona’s homegrown movie theatre company, announces the grand opening of their newest concept, the Harkins BackLot, an all-new family entertainment center at The Shops at Norterra in North Phoenix. Inspired by the legendary Hollywood studio backlots where movie magic is made, Harkins BackLot features a dynamic mix of fun, food and interactive … [More]
Scottsdale Fitness Studio Announces Expansion, Adds to Concept
Barry’s, the global fitness phenomenon known for “The Best Workout in the World™,” is leveling up its Scottsdale experience by bringing its strength-focused LIFT modality to the studio. The new 17-spot space is purpose-built for Barry’s signature strength-training format and is set to complement the iconic Red Room experience that has redefined high-intensity group fitness … [More]
Downtown Phoenix’s Anhelo Moves to New Scottsdale Location
Anhelo, the fine-dining restaurant initially opened in downtown Phoenix, has found a new home in Old Town Scottsdale. Anhelo opened its new location at 7007 E. 1st Ave. “When the opportunity arose for us to bring Anhelo to Scottsdale, I wanted to recreate what I had originally developed in downtown Phoenix but with a new direction more suited for the Old Town crowd,” said … [More]
New Zoning Ordinance Addresses Data Center Concerns
The Phoenix Mayor and City Council approved updates to modernize the City's Zoning Ordinance to add data centers as a permitted use that must address health and safety concerns when applying for a special permit for construction. As Phoenix continues to flourish as a hub for high-tech jobs and industry, these updates establish requirements and a framework to address health and … [More]
APS Partnership Launches Battery Storage Project
Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc. , and a leading global developer, owner, and operator of solar and energy storage assets, announced that the 1,200 MWh Papago Storage facility in Maricopa County, Arizona, has reached commercial operation. The project is now dispatching stored energy to Arizona Public Service (APS), the state's largest electric utility, in … [More]
AZ Blue Donates $80K to Support U of A Health Student Training
Ten students are getting a closer look at how care works beyond the clinic – thanks to an $80,000 gift from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice. The gift supports the Bridge Fellowship Program offered through the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona Health Sciences. This program helps students learn how public care, like … [More]
Groundbreaking Ag-to-Urban Water Law Promotes Sustainable Growth for Metro Phoenix Developers
Arizona Water Company celebrates Governor Katie Hobbs' signing of the groundbreaking ag-to-urban water legislation, marking a pivotal moment in Arizona's approach to sustainable water management and long-term water security. The newly-signed Senate Bill 1611 was crafted as a result of more than two years of bipartisan negotiations with farmers, homebuilders, … [More]
How Does Tariff Policy Impact Corporate Decision Making?
Earlier this year, President Trump announced a plan to enact tariffs “on nearly every country on Earth.” Although tariff negotiations continue, they will soon be enacted in the U.S. on products made in most other countries. The first question many in corporate leadership ponder is whether sales taxes are due on the amount a tariff adds to a product or the component cost. … [More]
Construction Starts on Scottsdale 433-Unit Luxury Community
Legacy Partners, a privately held national real estate firm, together with joint venture partner DWS, a leading global asset manager, announced the start of construction on Olea Scottsdale, a 433-residence apartment community in Scottsdale, Arizona. The project is located north of Loop 101 and east of Scottsdale Road, at the northwest corner of Legacy Boulevard and Miller … [More]
$50M Investment Affirms Toyota’s Commitment to Arizona Proving Grounds
Toyota Motor North America announced that it has allocated and broken ground on more than $50 million in construction of new amenities for vehicle and automotive technology testing and development, affirming commitment to the Arizona Proving Grounds. The new construction includes a 5.5-mile oval track, an off-road park, and new ride and handling surfaces, among many other … [More]
Realty Executives Aligns Ownership, Strengthening Phoenix Presence
Realty Executives International announced that it is aligning its ownership structure across Arizona and re-establishing common ownership of the Phoenix and Yuma market territory. This strategic move consolidates Realty Executives' presence in Arizona under one ownership group, reaffirming its long-term investment and commitment to serving agents and clients statewide. The … [More]
National Contracting Co. Celebrates Arizona Expansion
W.W. Clyde & Company widens its footprint in the Arizona market with the opening of a new 38,000-square-foot office in Apache Junction. To celebrate this growth milestone, community and industry partners were invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house held at the new location. “This new location allows us to better serve more customers and hire talented people in … [More]
Tempe Incubator Finds Early Success with Startup Defense Co.
One of Startup Central's first spinouts, Defense Company One, has earned a spot at a highly competitive international defense technology challenge centered on advanced drone tactics, hosted in Canada. Defense Company One is collaborating with North American Signal Ops (NASO) and other established defense technology partners to develop next-gen capabilities and integrations … [More]
Energy Developer Secures $600M in Funding for Expansion
Arevon Energy, Inc., a leading American energy developer, owner, and operator, announced the successful closing of a $600 million credit facility, with the option to increase up to $850 million, to support its expanding portfolio of diverse, high-quality renewable energy projects across the United States. The facility includes a $350 million revolving loan and letter of … [More]
