Earthworks Environmental, a Mesa-based environmental consulting firm, is planning to roll out a new service for its clients – infectious disease prevention inspections (IDPA). Earthworks’ services include storm water pollution prevention, dust control and construction safety compliances. The firm primarily serves land developers, vertical developers, commercial construction, … [More]
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In Business | Online |
New Report Calls for National Industrial Strategy to Strengthen U.S. Industries That Are ‘Too Critical to Fail’
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)
As the coronavirus pandemic disrupts global supply chains and further underscores the stakes involved in the fierce techno-economic challenge that America faces from China, a new report released today by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy, urges the U.S. government to develop a national … [More]
Spine Health: The Pandemic Underscores Its Importance
by Steven R. Knauf, D.C.
With two-thirds of the workforce now working from home, there is growing concern to adopt new practices that promote self-care along with productivity. Many may be sitting in new positions — working on a laptop at the dining table, or participating in a video meeting on the sofa (or bed) — for prolonged periods of time, which, according to the National Spine Health Foundation, … [More]
COVID-19 and Increased Cyber Risk
by Meghan O’Connor and Simone Colgan Dunlap
As part of attempts to control the spread of COVID-19, businesses are increasingly relying on a remote workforce. Businesses should operate in a heightened state of cybersecurity posture during this time. Bad actors are taking advantage of COVID-19 fears, rapidly evolving environments, a distracted workforce, individuals’ good will, and unprecedented changes in business … [More]
In Business | Online |
Consumer Price Index Falls 0.4 Percent, Driven by Plunging Gas, Hotel, and Airline Prices
The Center for Economic and Policy Research
The overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell 0.4 percent in March, driven by sharp falls in prices in several sectors that were strongly affected by the coronavirus crisis. The most important of these was a drop in gasoline prices of 10.5 percent. This is the result of the price of a barrel of oil falling to well under $30 on world markets. If it stays near current levels we are … [More]
In Business | Safety |
Easter Holiday Weekend Restrictions for City of Phoenix Parks
City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department
The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department reminds the community about temporary restrictions that will be in place at city parks during the upcoming Easter holiday weekend. The following policy will be in effect Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12: Parks will be open for residents to enjoy walking paths and green space only Restrooms will be closed … [More]
Reopening of St. Luke’s Medical Center for Possible Overflow
State of Arizona Office of the Governor
Governor Doug Ducey announced the reopening of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Phoenix with 339 ICU high-acuity beds, with flexibility for other uses if needed. The additional beds were secured with the help of the Arizona Department of Health Services, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Arizona health care leaders and will serve as overflow capacity for hospitals statewide, if … [More]
Arizona Ranks High in Increased Unemployment
WalletHub
With the U.S. experiencing an extremely high number of initial unemployment claims, WalletHub today released updated rankings for the States with the Biggest Increases in Unemployment Due to Coronavirus, along with accompanying videos. To identify which states have experienced the largest unemployment increases, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia … [More]
‘Good Samaritan’ Protections to Frontline Workers Ordered
State of Arizona Office of the Governor
Governor Doug Ducey issued an Executive Order to help boost medical staffing levels and provide certainty and liability protections to health care professionals serving on the front lines. The order provides protections to health care professionals treating patients during the COVID-19 health emergency, while also protecting patients against negligence or reckless … [More]
In Business | Stimulus |
Online SNAP Purchases Okayed through Amazon and Walmart for Arizonans
State of Arizona Office of the Governor
Governor Doug Ducey announced that Arizonans currently receiving food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be able to use benefits for online food purchases with currently-authorized SNAP online retailers, Walmart and Amazon. This change will help limit social interaction for Arizona’s most vulnerable while ensuring SNAP recipients … [More]
Lease Modification Initiative from Scottsdale Quarter Parent Co.
Washington Prime Group
Washington Prime Group (WPG), owner of Scottsdale Quarter, recognizes the vital role that small businesses play as a major driver of the U.S. economy. As many small businesses have closed during the coronavirus pandemic, local entrepreneurs may find it difficult to pay operating expenses such as payroll, insurance, utilities, loan interest, inventory and, of course, their … [More]
CarMax Furloughs 15,500 Employees due to Mandated COVID-19 Closures
CarMax
Effective April 18, approximately 15,500 CarMax associates will be placed on furlough. The majority of furloughed associates are employed at CarMax stores that are currently closed due to government mandates. Any ongoing furlough determinations are subject to change due to future government mandates affecting store openings or closings, as well as future business … [More]
In Business | Safety |
City Promotes Social Distancing on Public Transit
Valley Metro
Beginning Monday, April 13, seating on all bus routes is limited in order to support social distancing measures between passengers. These measures were approved by the Phoenix City Council on April 6 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and for the safety of all community members. Passenger limits will be as follows, with exceptions for wheelchair and mobility aid users as … [More]
200 Internet Hotspots for Students in Rural Communities Offered
Rick McCartney
Governor Doug Ducey today announced a Mobile Hotspot Donation Drive to help K-12 students without home internet access online curriculum during the COVID-19 emergency. The Drive is part of a partnership between the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and will match donated wireless internet hotspots to students in need. To kick the drive … [More]
In Business | Stimulus |
How Arizona Workers Impacted by COVID-19 Access Unemployment Benefits
Rick McCartney
Recent state and federal actions have expanded eligibility and benefit amounts for Arizona workers impacted by COVID-19. On March 20, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order, later followed by the signing of legislation, ensuring those who are out of work or facing a loss of hours because of COVID-19 have access to unemployment benefits. The order: Waived the one-week … [More]
Executive Order Signed to Establishing Virtual Notary Services
State of Arizona Office of the Governor
In partnership with Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order allowing Arizonans to get documents notarized remotely, while ensuring secure and effective verification processes. Currently, notaries and signers must complete the notarization process in person. Allowing notarizations to be securely completed virtually will support the … [More]
VIDEO: Governor and Health Services Director Share COVID-19 Updates
State of Arizona Office of the Governor
Governor Doug Ducey, Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ, Arizona Department of Economic Security Director Tom Betlach and Local First Arizona Executive Director Kimber Lanning today held a briefing to share updates on COVID-19. The Governor discussed the state’s latest COVID-19 response efforts, including providing $2 million in funding for Goodwill … [More]
In Business | Stimulus |
FirstBank Announces Comprehensive Effort to Assist Customers, Employees and Communities During Coronavirus Crisis
FirstBank
FirstBank, one of the nation’s largest privately held banks with a focus on “banking for good,” today announced a comprehensive effort to help those impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic, including the launch of its customer assistance program, increased compensation for on-site employees, and continued support of Arizona Gives Day and its newly created Nonprofit Emergency … [More]
