With fluency in the French language and experience in international law, Gerrit Steenblik was pleased to accept the office of French Honorary Consul when the French Foreign Ministry offered it to him 19 years ago. France is an important source of foreign direct investment in Arizona and Metro Phoenix. Citing data from Anubhav Bagley at Maricopa Association of Governments, … [More]
Networking Is for Introverts
Why do we have a visceral reaction to the word “networking”? I often hear the mental machinations that hold us back, like, “I have nothing to say” or “They don’t want to talk to me.” The other roadblock is how it feels — yucky! I have heard people refer to networking as manipulation, pasting on a smile, schmoozing (which sounds like “oozing,” which makes me think of an open … [More]
HR Teams Use Next-Gen Technologies to Win the Talent War
Artificial Intelligence is currently revolutionizing human resources. Although seemingly contradictory, AI automates repetitive tasks and allows managers to focus on what really matters — the people. AI’s emergence in HR is bringing the human element back to human resources, as workers can now spend more time on actually dealing with people (instead of tedious tasks that can be … [More]
2019 Infiniti QX80 LIMITED 4WD
The Infiniti QX80 LIMITED 4WD’s engine was built to be both powerful and efficient. The 5.6-liter V8 generates 400 horsepower, 413 pound-feet of torque, and delivers an impressive maximum 8,500-pound towing capacity. Acceleration is smooth, gradually increasing until reaching the desired speed. When it comes to the luxurious details of the QX80 Limited 4WD, nothing has been … [More]
Toro: Fiery Flavors in a Peaceful Setting
Toro’s easy access of the Loop 101 freeway, convenient ample parking and the freeing feeling of wide-open spaces would make this restaurant attractive even if the food were only so-so. But the food is superb, flavors wonderfully blended in dishes uniquely crafted to celebrate Latin — notably, Peruvian — cuisines. The restaurant describes its menu as a signature “Suviche” … [More]
Negotiation: How to Defuse Tension and Mistrust
Most entrepreneurs enter a negotiation thinking they will be successful and are surprised when they fail to reach an agreement. We have found that, in order to negotiate productively, entrepreneurs or their agents need to learn how to defuse tension and mistrust right from the beginning. Implementing the following actions can be highly effective: Defuse Tension before It … [More]
Web vs Internet
The Web needs the internet to work, but the internet needs the Web to be useful. While the Web is probably the largest service on the internet that most people use, it's not all of the internet. The two overlap and interconnect; the Web would not exist without the internet, but, similarly, the internet would not have grown into the amazing and powerful tool it is without the … [More]
2019 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 4X4
Jeep has gone ultra-luxury with this rugged, high-performance, four-wheel drive. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine has up to 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque and is an extreme example of unrelenting muscle. This engine can go 0 to 60 in a mere 3.5 seconds and can tow up to 7,200 pounds. Not bad for Jeep, one may think. Actually, not bad for any vehicle of any … [More]
Tomaso’s – for the Love of Italian
Tomaso’s on Camelback’s longevity in a prominent Phoenix corridor is well-deserved. Chef restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore imbues the experience — from entering the warm timelessness of the upscale establishment to the final forkful of dessert — with an obvious love for what he creates. This is not a place for a hurried lunch; rather, it is a perfect choice to savor conversation and … [More]
Fear and Consequences
The all-hands meeting was called abruptly on a Friday afternoon and the entire staff shuffled into the largest conference room. Ten chairs for 30 employees. No one knew what was happening but all had a concerned look on their face. For the nine months prior, everyone in the company had worked harder than they ever had before in their career. They believed in the company’s … [More]
All-Natural CBD Products for Pets
A little more than a year ago, CompanionCBD launched with its line of easy-to-administer and cost-effective soft chew cannabidiol (CBD) products for pets. “CBD is a plant-derived compound which comes from the hemp plant and mimics the action of chemicals that are essential for normal functioning of the brain and body,” says CEO Brad Malin. A 2018 study from Surgical Neurology … [More]
2019 Audi Q3 Quattro All-Wheel Drive
With its agile performance and driver-centric technologies, the 2019 Audi Q3 is great for navigating the city. Available with quattro® all-wheel drive, the Audi Q3 is also ready to escape to the open road. With a turbocharged 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter, TFSI® engine and a six-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission for sport control, the Audi Q3 can navigate city streets with … [More]
Ghost Ranch: Spirited Southwest Fare
A Southwest menu may conjure up images of tacos and enchiladas, and, in that regard, Ghost Ranch doesn’t disappoint. But there are unique surprises as well. The grilled trout is a standout, the spice notes of its preparation more than honoring its Southwest setting. Served liberally covered with a salad of fresh greens and root veggies (with colorful varieties that add to the … [More]
USMCA: Agreed and Signed but Now What?
Trade representatives reached a deal just before the self-imposed midnight deadline on September 30, 2018, and the presidents of the United States, Mexico and Canada signed the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement — or USMCA — at the G20 Summit on November 30, 2018. The USMCA essentially replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement, commonly known as NAFTA, but many questions still … [More]
GDPR Is Path to Trust and Improved Customer Experience
Marketers from organizations who took the lead in preparing to meet and exceed GDPR data standards have noted increased trust and engagement levels with customers, according to data from the CMO Council, collected in partnership with SAP Customer Experience, that it reported in “GDPR: Impact and Opportunity — How Marketing Leaders Addressed GDPR Readiness and Compliance.” While … [More]
The All-New Jaguar I-Pace Electric SUV
Built from the ground up, the 2019 Jaguar IPACE is a pure Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). Thrilling to look at and drive. The IPACE is propelled by two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors. Like the technology found in the ITYPE Formula E racing car, these motors generate 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque. Instant torque and All Wheel Drive traction gives … [More]
LemonShark Poké: Bowled and Bold
Colors. Flavors. Textures. Poké offers an amazing variety in all these aspects. And LemonShark Poké offers that amazing variety in its fresh, build-to-suit selection. Ahi tuna, spicy salmon, shrimp, tofu, ginger, edamame, red cabbage, corn, mango: These are just a few of the array of ingredients patrons can mix in their poké bowl atop a base that does not need to be the … [More]
Handshakes Speak for You
Have you ever wondered what your handshake says about you? Your handshake is like your business card. It conveys your confidence, credibility and influence without a single word being spoken. Studies have shown this one simple gesture can enhance a social situation and make a positive impact on others. In our culture, a handshake accompanies almost every introduction and … [More]
