DERRICK HALL, ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
When Business Is Fun
Derrick Hall is president and CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the fourthlongest tenured CEO in Major League Baseball. Since taking charge, he has implemented, FAWTSY, a unique and personal customer service policy, and two employee rewards programs that have proven highly successful. His involvement on the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation board has resulted in $70 million of donations to Arizona nonprofits since 1997. He is also an active member of many local boards, associations, committees and other charitable organizations. dbacks.com
“Fun” may not be a recognized economic sector, but there are real businesses that qualify for that heading — and they have been dealing with very real business concerns. In fact, it is recognized that businesses which rely on people being “out and about” have been among the ones hardest hit by the pandemic. Imagine the challenge for those of us in the business of gathering crowds having to settle on cardboard cutouts of customers. We went to a shortened season without customers and without revenues. But, like so many others in similar positions, we remained strong and resilient, knowing that normalcy would return, as would be the usual support of this generous community. And while awaiting our re-openings, we reinvented ourselves as we delivered our entertainment and services virtually, while devising safe, comfortable and contactless guidelines for our consumers in anticipation of welcoming them back with confidence. It was this planning and constant client communication that gave us all hope during times of uncertainty and financial stress like no other. From verdant golf courses and pulsing video arcades at ground level to the colorful hot-air balloons that decorate many a morning sky, businesses that provide the escape of recreation and relaxation are important to our economy and to our individual well-being. In Business Magazine worked with a select sampling of these businesses to understand what it’s taken to be here today and where they go from here for this month’s cover story, “Fun Is Our Business.” We are all abundantly aware that the business and employment disruptions and challenges over the past year and a half have spiked stress levels in every setting. In Business Magazine recently concluded a feature series that dealt with one manifestation of stress in the workplace — the potential of violent behavior — and in this June edition, “Workplace Stress: Facts and Fictions” begins a new series that will deal further with issues of stress. Some changes to the legal industry and to payroll taxes have potential to ease some sources of stress, but it’s important first to understand those changes. Eric Stenson explains the Employee Retention Credit in this month’s Economy feature, and in this month’s Legal feature, Alex Karam discusses potential benefits and pitfalls of Arizona opening the legal profession to non-lawyers. For Social Impact, Tyler Butler introduces us to a business created to serve the unique needs of one population (seniors suffering in isolation), and in Roundtable, Jeff Korzenik makes a case for fulfilling the needs of another population (ex-cons suffering unemployment) — with both cases offering benefit to business. Trends in healthcare, advances in technology and more about what matters to business and businesses in our community is what makes In Business Magazine a valuable resource. I’m pleased to help present this June edition, and hope you enjoy this month’s articles.
EN NEGOCIOS Manténgase informado sobre temas empresariales en español a través de En Negocios, artículos para los lectores de habla hispana en el área metropolitana de Phoenix. Visite inbusinessphx.com/ ennegocios para más información. Stay informed on business topics in Spanish through En Negocios, articles for Spanish-speaking readers in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Visit inbusinessphx.com/ ennegocios for more information.
Sincerely,
Derrick Hall President and CEO Arizona Diamondbacks
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Back At It! Having missed so much in the way of fun, we can all understand why businesses that rely on fun, large groups of people and
best for the people of our community.
entertainment were so badly affected by the pandemic. We
He would tell you his was just one
spoke with many, in varied sectors, to get a sense of how they
organization of the hundreds that felt
pivoted to stay in business and remain true to their business —
their obligation to the people was a priority and that coming back
the business of fun.
is the sweetest reward! Here’s to a prosperous period of rebuilding
I want to thank my longtime friend Derrick Hall for leading this issue. His struggle and the hard work of his staff is such a stirring
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—Rick McCartney,
Publisher
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