NovemBER 2023

Cover Story

Trading Places: How Are We Fostering International Business?

“Arizona and Greater Phoenix’s emergence as a top national market has coincided with the growth of its international trade,” states Chris Camacho, president and CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council. He notes that, from 2012–2022, Arizona’s … [More]

Features

Talent Strategy – How to Weather the Storm

CEOs and CHROs began 2023 facing exceptional challenges. A weakening economy, a stubbornly tight labor market, persistent inflation, banking instability, war and a new cultural dynamic in which workplace talent is dispersed globally make the job of … [More]

Babbo Italian Eatery: Feasting for a Cause

In the heart of Glendale, Arizona, a culinary revolution began in 2002 when Ken Pollack founded the first Babbo Italian Eatery. His vision was clear: to create a modern take on Italian cuisine that would not only tantalize taste buds but also foster … [More]

Boosting Business Growth with a ‘No Meetings’ Approach

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, companies are continually exploring effective strategies to boost productivity and growth. A prime example is the unconventional "no meetings" policy. This policy has been reinforced by recent studies, such … [More]

Reading the Signs: More Communication Is Not Better Communication

Presentations in business often go something like this: Someone stands up in front of a group and delivers a list of data and facts. The information is soon forgotten, just like items on a conveyor belt in “The Generation Game.” The attendees leave … [More]

Music Improves Workplace Productivity and Keeps Employees Connected

The most innovative workplaces are proactively seeking fresh ways to stand out from the crowd by dancing to the beat of a new tune and cultivating an environment where teams go against the grain of isolation. Separation from the rest of the team is … [More]

Roundtable

Private Sector Addresses Arizona’s Homelessness Crisis: Arizona Housing Fund

Bank of America executive Howard Epstein established the Arizona Housing Fund in 2019 to provide a simple way for corporations, foundations and … [More]

Economy

Curb Fraud Vulnerabilities – Take Control of Payments Processes

Incidents of payments fraud continue to increase as fraudsters take advantage of the digitization of work, shopping and general operations and … [More]

Legal

Business Succession Planning Is Crucial for Successfully Sustaining a Business

Millions were glued to the screen for multiple episodes and seasons of “Succession,” watching the agony of a major corporation with nowhere to go when … [More]

Nonprofit

Cultivating Relationships That Build Stronger Communities

More than 80% of employees believe their company should provide opportunities to engage in the community, according to a recent American Charities … [More]

From the Top

HealthspanMD Founder Dares to Fix a Fragmented System

It’s no secret that gaps and bureaucracy in the healthcare system are impacting the quality of care. Yet the issues have become so big and complex, few people are willing tackle to them head on. … [More]

Startups

Movement Interactive’s Wearables Address Concussions in Sports

Movement Interactive, Inc. is a developer of wearable technology to address undiagnosed concussions and unreported falls. The Phoenix-based company’s patented Hiji®Band & Hiji®Sense are … [More]

Compassionate Callers – A Lifeline via Phone

Compassionate Callers offers a new way to check in on loved ones. Founded by Bima Colman this past March, it is a simple calling service dedicated to connecting loved ones and clients of all ages and … [More]

Healthcare

Bridging the Understanding & Satisfaction Divide in Healthcare Benefits

Employers invest considerable effort in developing benefits plans for their workforce. Nonetheless, it’s almost a given that questions arise among employees as soon as a plan is introduced. While employees are generally grateful to have plans for … [More]

Technology

Beyond Words: How Emojis Can Support Workplace Culture

With more than 75% of all tele-workable jobs now working in remote or hybrid work environments, meetings are now mainly on video, and much of our communication is in messaging tools like Slack and Teams. Given that communication is less personal when … [More]

Semi Insights

Beyond Traditional Training

When it comes to the world of semiconductors and high-tech manufacturing, many people often believe it’s a realm exclusively reserved for those with a heavy background in science and engineering. Still, if the U.S. maintains its current graduation … [More]

Intersection of Innovation and Opportunity

The opening of another new semiconductor factory in Chandler, Arizona, is becoming an everyday occasion. Yet, at the grand opening of EMD Electronics’ new facility, Kai Beckmann, who serves as a member of the executive board of Darmstadt, … [More]

CRE

Rising Temperatures in Phoenix Require Thoughtful and Sustainable Urban Design

Warming global temperatures have been one of the key drivers of climate change. As myriad odd weather patterns have developed over the past three to four decades, one of the most notable changes locally has been the shift of the monsoon weather … [More]

Demand for TI Work in CRE Heats Up amid Economic Uncertainty

Phoenix’s robust industrial market is propelling the region to the forefront of the industry, driving both increased construction of industrial spaces and a surge in tenant improvement (TI) projects. The rise in TI projects, which entail making … [More]

Briefs

DraftKings Sportsbook Is a Family Entertainment Destination at TPC Scottsdale

TPC, famously the home of the Phoenix Open’s Birds Nest, has added a year-round entertainment destination with the opening of the DraftKings Sportsbook. This is a first-of-its-kind to open at a PGA TOUR tournament location, as TPC Scottsdale is … [More]

Veterinary Ownership Possible through Franchise

GoodVets is bringing its veterinary franchise model to Phoenix with next month’s anticipated completion of a new animal hospital in Paradise Valley. The new animal hospital will be owned and operated by Chloe Charlton, DVM, in partnership with … [More]

Boutique Shopping with Hands-Free Cocktails

Sip & Shop A Local Collection recently opened a new location in the heart of Gilbert, Ariz., at Verde at Cooley Station, offering a one-of-a-kind boutique shopping experience that has become Arizona’s premier gift-giving spot. Upon entering the … [More]