Emerald AI announced its official launch, unveiling the results of its first commercial demonstration and $24.5 million in seed funding led by Radical Ventures, with participation from NVentures (NVIDIA's venture capital arm), AMPLO, CRV, and Neotribe. Emerald AI is also backed by an array of notable individual investors, including Google Chief Scientist Jeff Dean, former … [More]
Buyers Need a $17,000 Raise to Afford a Home
Five years ago, a median-income household could afford a typical U.S. home. Today, they're more than $17,000 short, even if they have $73,000 saved for a down payment, a new Zillow® analysis finds. While the housing market is friendlier to buyers this spring, with more homes for sale and a record number of sellers cutting their list prices, incredible home … [More]
ElevateEdAZ Shares Successes in Internship Program with Mayo Clinic
ElevateEdAZ, an education initiative of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, is sharing preliminary results of an ongoing partnership with Mayo Clinic that offers high-quality high school internships in the healthcare field to build a region-wide talent pipeline of career-ready youth. “Engaging the business community in providing internships and other work-based learning … [More]
Developer Brings Fourth Project to Peoria, Expands Luxury Brand
Part of the Mark-Taylor Residential portfolio, Alexan Park West, owned by Trammell Crow Residential, offers a luxury community in the heart of Peoria, Ariz. that blends modern living with comfort and ease. This addition strengthens Mark-Taylor’s presence in the West Valley and emphasizes their commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed spaces that enhance residents' … [More]
Valley Brand Franchisor Sees Growth in 2025, Surpasses Q2 Expectations
Evive Brands, a leading multi-brand franchisor in the home and health services sectors, announced it has surpassed 100 franchise territories sold in 2025 by the end of the second quarter. This milestone highlights the company's accelerated growth and the strength of its franchise systems, driven by franchisee success and robust team support. Evive Brands includes a … [More]
Phoenix-Based Ice Cream Co. Acquired by Multi-National Conglomerate
Bubbies Ice Cream, the #1 mochi ice cream brand in the natural channel and the fastest growing in conventional grocery, has been acquired by Marubeni Corporation, one of the largest integrated trading and investment companies in Japan. Bubbies is now part of Marubeni America Corporation, based in New York City, and will continue its operations and manufacturing facilities out … [More]
WESTMARC Elevates 2025 Emerging Leaders Impact Program
The Western Maricopa Coalition (WESTMARC), in collaboration with Leadership West and the Center for the Future of Arizona, is proud to launch the 2025 West Valley Emerging Leaders Impact Program—a regional initiative recognizing exceptional young professionals driving positive change across the West Valley. The program honors professionals under the age of 40 who live or … [More]
APS Initiative Brings Electricity to Navajo Nation Homes for First Time
Extreme summer and winter temperatures in northern Arizona and northwest New Mexico, can pose significant challenges for those living on the Navajo Nation, where electricity is not as easy as flipping on a light switch. Jason Hatch, Snowflake-based APS Transmission and Distribution Supervisor, knows this all too well. Jason has been involved in a project called Light Up … [More]
Gen Z Increasingly Turning to AI for Help Managing Workplace Conflict
Resume.org has released new findings from a June 2025 survey exploring how Gen Z employees use AI to navigate workplace dynamics. The survey of 1,022 full-time Gen Z workers found that 76% use AI chatbots at work, and 94% of those have used the tools to handle a workplace issue, such as decoding messages, managing conflict, or deciding how to reply. After using AI to address … [More]
Valley Partnership Empowers Mission of Food Recycling Startup
Mill, the innovative food recycling company, released new data that demonstrates major momentum in its mission to eliminate food from landfills and reshape everyday behavior at home and work. With customer impact data, an updated life-cycle analysis, and growing local partnerships, Mill is unlocking ways to keep more food out of landfills, stop food waste before it starts, and … [More]
El Mirage Mayor Named MAG Chair
El Mirage Mayor Alexis Hermosillo was elected as chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council during the agency’s annual meeting. As the agency’s new chair, Hermosillo said her top priority is ensuring the promises of Proposition 479 become a reality. Mayor Hermosillo, who previously served as MAG Vice Chair, succeeds Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke, who … [More]
Developer Acquires 22 Acres in East Valley for Amenity-Rich Rental Community
TerraLane Communities, a premier developer and operator of high-quality rental neighborhoods and the build-for-rent platform of residential investment firm IHP Capital Partners, has acquired 22 acres in Queen Creek, Arizona for the development of TerraLane at Hudson Station. The new rental community will include 218 homes featuring single-level and two-story townhomes, along … [More]
New Concepts & Key Expansion at Historic Phoenix Retail Landmark
RED Development revealed a curated mix of concepts coming to Biltmore Fashion Park, including the Arizona debut of design leader Herman Miller, high-end athletic apparel brand Alo Yoga, cult-favorite La La Land Kind Café and a significant expansion for lululemon. Herman Miller will open a 2,060-square-foot showroom next to Ralph Lauren, bringing its globally celebrated … [More]
Arizona Leadership Network Launches, New Era for Transformational Leaders
Arizona has a new home for values-driven leaders ready to grow, connect, and make an impact. The Arizona Leadership Network is proud to announce its official launch—creating a dynamic space for connection, collaboration, and purposeful growth. At its core, ALN is more than a network—it’s a movement. Designed for experienced leaders who are seeking authentic connection, … [More]
Local Fitness Brand Expands with New Queen Creek Property
Mountainside Fitness, Arizona’s largest locally owned fitness center is proud to announce construction has started on what will be the 22nd location of Mountainside Fitness. Conveniently located across the street from Vineyard Towne Center, at the corner of Gantzel Road and Combs Road, the 22nd location of Mountainside Fitness will be situated at 218 W. Combs Rd., Queen Creek, … [More]
Arizona among Top 5 States Showing Peak Interest in Startup Events
Study reveals that Arizona has shown the third-most interest in startup events in the United States. The research by the live event registration & management software company In The Room analyzed startup event data via Eventbrite, calculating upcoming startup events per million residents to identify the states where Americans show the highest interest in entrepreneurial … [More]
Regional Freeway Program Sets Plan for Future Development
Shorter commute times, reduced congestion, and enhanced safety are just a few of the benefits drivers on Valley freeways will see thanks to the regional freeway program. The Freeway Life Cycle Program is funded in part by Maricopa County’s dedicated half-cent sales tax for transportation. Approval of the program establishes priorities and sets schedules for major freeway … [More]
National Dealership Conglomerate Expands Local Holdings with Avondale Acquisition
Ken Garff Automotive Group announces the acquisition of Gateway Chevrolet, the largest Chevrolet dealership in Arizona, located in Avondale. The store will now operate as Ken Garff Gateway Chevrolet. This strategic expansion reinforces Ken Garff’s commitment to growth in high-performing markets and brings its hallmark customer-focused approach to even more Arizona car buyers, … [More]
