The Arizona Commerce Authority off ers a wide range of programming to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. Find tools to help launch, operate and scale your business with our online, interactive Small Business Checklist. View webinars in our Small Business Boot Camp to help you master everything from finances, to leadership, to business plans. If you want to improve your digital footprint, our Small Business Digital Academy offers hands-on training to help grow your presence online. Plus, we’ll connect you with fellow Arizona business leaders who can share valuable insights and growth strategies to help you find success. Whether you have questions about getting started or you’re looking for a strategic plan to take your business to the next level, we’re here to help.
azcommerce.com/small-business
Making energy-efficient upgrades with SRP Business Solutions pays off. We offer a range of rebates on things like new HVAC systems and refrigeration to LED lighting and EV fleet transformations. If it saves energy, chances are SRP has a rebate for it.
See a list of available rebates at savewithsrpbiz.com.
38
Wildflower’s Nourishing Impact
This month spotlighting Wildflower, Tyler Butler’s series explores the myriad ways businesses give back and the positive ways their programs impact our community.
41
Nurturing Leadership
Bruce Weber’s series examines developing and sustaining organizational capacity.
40
What’s In and What’s Out: Workplace Trends for a Changing Workforce
In this recurring feature from global design and architecture firm Gensler, James Bailey and Kiana Taie describe design trends keeping up with changing workforce models.
COVER STORY
26 Capital Ideas: How Different Types of Funding Can Grow Business
Capital, access, relationships and ripple effects are part of an extensive funding story that starts in these pages and finishes online.
DEPARTMENTS
9 Guest Editor
RaeAnne Marsh, partner at JDM Partners, introduces the “Banking on Capital” issue.
10 Feedback
Katherine Bastow, Maria Dillon and Angel Gillespie respond to In Business Magazine’s burning business question of the month: What have your employees told you are their most important healthcare benefits?
11 Briefs
“A New Buzz on Coffee,” “Dailies Top Stories,” “Local Standouts
Recognized for Achievements and Philanthropy,” “WHPDA and Gila River Indian Community Break Ground on New Convenience Store” and “AZ Power Wash Pros Introduces Eco-Friendly Technology”
13 By the Numbers
Within the dynamics of the modern workplace, the myth of consistent, all-day productivity is exactly that: a myth. But is that all bad?
14 Startups
“Hillside Candle Makes Scents of Memories” and “Greenwood Brewing Taps the Female Beer Market”
55
15 CRE
“Managing Common Plumbing Issues within Commercial Buildings,” “Build-for-Rent Community Opens in Goodyear,” “First Building
Topped Off at North Scottsdale Luxury Condo Development,” “New Affordable Housing Opens in Phoenix” and “Expanding Boundaries into the West Valley”
18 Semi Insights
“Supporting Disrupted ASIC Programs amidst Foundry Consolidations,” “Phoenix First in Nation to Sponsor Semiconductor Apprenticeships” and “$8.5 Billion Boost: Arizona’s Role in the Semiconductor Surge”
FEATURE
Dan Adams examines the long-term costs of mass job cuts … and how to avoid them.
42 Thriving in the Fast Lane: Essential Healthy Habits for Young Professionals to Beat Hustle Culture
Sharon Lechter discusses how young professionals (even established professionals who may have gotten complacent) can hugely impact the long-term trajectory of their careers when they embrace essential healthy habits to boost energy, productivity and well-being.
Avoiding burnout for his hospitality workforce is the business owner’s purview, as Dolce Vita owner Fabrizio Cali shares his experience.
22 Healthcare
“Senior-Living Communities Use Technology to Provide High Level of Care” and “From Crisis to Care: How Arizona Businesses Can Lead with Timely Access to Mental Healthcare”
24 Technology
“Kicbac: Revolutionizing Payment Solutions” and “AI Can Advance Workplace Gender Equity”
33 Books
New releases give fresh insights on business thinking.
34 Economy
UMB Bank’s Arizona market president Robert Faver discusses four factors they’re watching in forecasting 2024 for Phoenix businesses.
36 Legal
Attorneys Julie Mauer and Aaron Schepler provide a broad perspective on the legal implications of the shipping disruptions in the Red Sea.
46 Nonprofit
Richard Tollefson explores why and how nonprofits with strong giving cultures are more likely to succeed.
47 Assets
2024 Infiniti QX55 Crossover
Plus: Businesses can get ahead of insurance-related challenges.
48 Power Lunch
Francine – Simple and Soulful French Mediterranean
66 Roundtable
Providing a model of environmental consciousness, local catering company reframes hospitality to sustainable zero-waste.
4
Editor, In Business Magazine
RaeAnne Marsh became editorial director of Phoenix-based InMedia Company in 2010 and helped launch Valley-wide business resource In Business Magazine. Her journalism career began more than 20 years ago, when she left California and 12 years of teaching to transplant in Phoenix’s vibrant entrepreneurial environment, and includes incorporating her own business, Grammar & Glitz, Inc., to work with business and media clients nationwide.
Holding the magazine to strong editorial standards, she says, “New businesses are founded, out-of-staters bring new strengths, established businesses evolve and expand — all of which contributes to the dynamic vitality that I see as the mission of In Business Magazine to be the voice of and vehicle to nurture, in each monthly edition. It is my challenge to ensure each edition is packed with relevant information on a broad spectrum of issues, aimed at a readership that runs the gamut from entrepreneurial startup to major corporation.”
Guest columns are feature articles presented as a special, limited series as well as regular, ongoing series in In Business Magazine
Tyler Butler
Guest Columnist – Social Impact
A long time corporate social responsibility practitioner, Tyler Butler is known for her expertise in creating, launching and developing successful social impact programs. Her commitment to rallying people together to make a positive difference has created sustainable signature programs empowering people to give back in a myriad of ways globally. Butler operates under the ethos of “each one teach one,” and so her contributions to In Business Magazine provide her with an outlet to share the best of what companies are doing to aid humanity. Butler looks to shed light on good corporate citizens and share stories about the magic they are creating through their generous outreach efforts.
Bruce Weber
Guest Columnist – Capacity
Bruce Weber sees In Business Magazine as a valuable forum for topics relevant to our business and nonprofit community. “I am deeply interested in organizational capacity and what makes organizations successful and impactful in the work they do. In my work in the community for more than 16 years, I have worked with all sizes of organizations and leaders in helping their businesses grow and expand their impact. My previous careers with Microsoft and Hewlett Packard involved working with business integration partners to design strategies to engage new markets. In today’s complex world, I enjoy exploring the possibilities and opportunities that change can bring.”
Dan Adams is the founder of The AIM Institute, and a chemical engineer with a listing in the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
James Bailey, IIDA, NCIDQ, Fitwel, is a design director for Gensler Phoenix.
Robert Faver is the Arizona market president for UMB Bank, and has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Sharon Lechter is an internationally renowned financial literacy expert, five-time New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and mentor.
Julie Maurer is a Phoenix-based partner with the law firm Husch Blackwell LLP. She practices in the Supply Chain Logistics group of the firm’s Transportation industry team.
Marti McCurdy, owner and CEO of Spirit Electronics, is a veteran not only of the semiconductor business but also of the United States Air Force.
Aaron Schepler is an attorney in Husch Blackwell’s Phoenix office. He is a member of the firm’s Supply Chain Logistics group.
Kristine Short is the CEO of Atlasta Catering and is passionate about hospitality, analysis and systems.
Kiana Taie, NCIDQ, is an interior designer and co-operations lead for Gensler Phoenix.
Richard Tollefson is founder and president of Arizona-based international consulting firm The Phoenix Philanthropy Group.
Publisher Rick McCartney
Editor RaeAnne Marsh
Web Editor Jake Kless
Graphic Design Benjamin Little
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dan Adams
James Bailey
Lisa M. Cardinale
Brandon Carnicle
Assaf Cohen
Robert Faver
Joe Hammer
Mike Hunter
Graham Johnson
Sharon Lechter
Julie Mauer
Marti McCurdy
Holly Morgan
Stephanie Quinn
Aaron Schepler
Kristine Short
Kiana Taie
Richard Tollefson
ADVERTISING
Operations Louise Ferrari
Business Development Raegen Ramsdell
Louise Ferrari
Cami Shore
Events
Amy Corben
WTSM TV STUDIO
General Manager Chris Weir
More: Visit your one-stop resource for everything business at inbusinessphx.com. For a full monthly calendar of business-related events, please visit our website.
Inform Us: Send press releases and your editorial ideas to editor@inbusinessphx.com
President & CEO Rick McCartney
Editorial Director RaeAnne Marsh
Financial Manager
Office Manager
Accounting Manager
Tom Beyer
Allie Jones
Todd Hagen
Corporate Office InMedia Company
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In Business Magazine is a collaboration of many business organizations and entities throughout the metropolitan Phoenix area and Arizona. Our mission is to inform and energize business in this community by communicating content that will build business and enrich the economic picture for all of us vested in commerce.
Debbie Hann, Chief Operating Officer Arizona Small Business Association Central Office (602) 306-4000 www.asba.com
Steven G. Zylstra, President & CEO Arizona Technology Council One Renaissance Square (602) 343-8324
www.aztechcouncil.org
Kristen Wilson, CEO AZ Impact for Good (602) 279-2966
www.azimpactforgood.org
Terri Kimble, President & CEO Chandler Chamber of Commerce (480) 963-4571 www.chandlerchamber.com
Suzi Freeman, President NAWBO Phoenix Metro Chapter (480) 289-5768
www.nawbophx.org
Colin Diaz, President & CEO Tempe Chamber of Commerce (480) 967-7891
www.tempechamber.org
Our Partner Organizations are vested business organizations focused on building and improving business in the Valley or throughout Arizona. As Partners, each will receive three insert publications each year to showcase all that they are doing for business and businesspeople within our community. We encourage you to join these and other organizations to better your business opportunities. The members of these and other Associate Partner Organizations receive a subscription to In Business Magazine each month. For more information on becoming an Associate Partner, please contact our publisher at info@inbusinessphx.com
Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce ahwatukeechamber.com
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry azchamber.com
Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce azhcc.com
The Black Chamber of Arizona phoenixblackchamber.com
Economic Club of Phoenix econclubphx.org
Glendale Chamber of Commerce glendaleazchamber.org
Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce phoenixchamber.com
Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce gpglcc.org
Mesa Chamber of Commerce mesachamber.org
North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce northphoenixchamber.com
Peoria Chamber of Commerce peoriachamber.com
Phoenix Metro Chamber of Commerce phoenixmetrochamber.com
Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce scottsdalechamber.com
Scottsdale Coalition of Today and Tomorrow (SCOTT) scottnow.com
Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce surpriseregionalchamber.com
WESTMARC westmarc.org
RaeAnne Marsh became editorial director of Phoenixbased InMedia Company in 2010 and helped launch Valley-wide business resource In Business Magazine. Her journalism career began more than 20 years ago, when she left California and 12 years of teaching to transplant in Phoenix’s vibrant entrepreneurial environment.
Holding the magazine to strong editorial standards, she says, “New businesses are founded, out-of-staters bring new strengths, established businesses evolve and expand — all of which contributes to the dynamic vitality that I see as the mission of In Business Magazine to be the voice of and vehicle to nurture, in each monthly edition.”
Capital is recognized as the essential foundation of business. But even more basic is access to capital. And to knowledgeable counsel on achieving that access and making the most of financial opportunity that goes with it.
This month’s cover story looks at sources of capital from several different angles — including types of funding programs and financial institutions as well as how businesses in our community can work with those institutions and how those institutions like to work with businesses.
Decision makers at many of the funding institutions in our community helped provide a wealth of information, insights and tips. We’ve organized that abundance into six parts, with Part I published in the print edition, focused on various “Loans, Grants and Investment.” How to evaluate options and the value of relationships are among the topics that fill out the feature at www.inbusinessphx.com in parts II through VI.
Cost is at the heart of this month’s feature article “Let’s Make Layoffs Rare Again.” Dan Adams discusses short-term vs. long-term effects and factor in a variety of aspects that have their own impact on a business’s bottom line.
Supply chain has been a focal topic of economic news since the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic. Julie Mauer and Aaron Schepler give us an in-depth and eye-opening journey in that space in their Legal feature “Legal Implications of the Shipping Disruptions in the Red Sea.”
Graham Johnson starts a two-part Healthcare article this month on mental health, starting with a focus on the bottom-line impacts of mental illness in the workplace, to be followed next month with tips for business leaders to build mental health awareness and support into the company culture.
Best-selling author Sharon Lechter (Rich Dad, Poor Dad) shares advice “Thriving in the Fast Lane: Essential Healthy Habits for Young Professionals to Beat Hustle Culture,” which works also as a healthy reminder for professionals at any stage of their career.
Among such regular monthly departments as Startups and Technology is By the Numbers, which this month presents the results of a study on boredom in the workplace. And this month, In Business Magazine presents our annual Business Healthcare Services Guide as a resource for businesses in our community.
Every month is a new opportunity to learn, and we appreciate the contributors who share their expertise so that we can bring you another edition In Business Magazine focused on strengthening our business community.
Sincerely,
RaeAnne Marsh Editor
In Business Magazine
In this issue, we decided to focus — at length — on the different ways businesses can find money when they need capital to grow their company. There is so much information and so many types of funding that our editor divided it up into six parts so that our readers could digest the many opportunities and get a strong sense of what is required to go down one of those roads (or go down several ...).
I want to thank RaeAnne Marsh, our editor, for her hard
work in developing this story for business. While businesses of all sizes see funding as a daunting task to tackle, as it turns out so is wrangling the information so that it is useful and informative. I commend her on this accomplishment and hope that what she offers in this month’s cover story will help businesses capitalize.
—Rick McCartney, PublisherCONNECT WITH US:
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For all past Feedbacks go online to inbusinessphx.com and see what Valley executives think on various business topics.
APR. 2024
What have your employees told you are their most important healthcare benefits?
Vice President of People Operations
REDW Advisors & CPAs
Sector: Financial Services
Though they do not always use the term itself, the overwhelming feedback we’ve received both in our recruiting and retention efforts is focused on wholeperson health, both for the employee and his/her/their family members. As a direct result, we are continuously looking at ways in which we can proactively support multiple interconnected biological, behavioral, social and environmental areas to restore health, promote resilience and prevent diseases.
We’ve created multiple paths for health and wellness, focused on employee choice and with customization always front of mind, because we are not all the same. By way of example, REDW offers “Motivate Me,” which rewards team members for taking proactive steps — preventative visits, health assessment, etc. — to protect their health as well as access to Happify, a wellness app designed to help team members reduce stress and anxiety while gaining confidence. Other examples include providing in-network telehealth at team members’ fingertips, wellness reimbursement options, turn-key access to live and virtual counseling and coaching as well as specialists in grief and loss, and budget/money management tools.
REDW Advisors & CPAs redw.com
Katherine Bastow, SPHR/SCP, is vice president of People Operations at REDW Advisors & CPAs, a team of more than 300 professionals serving the audit, tax, cybersecurity, business and financial needs of a wide range of clients. She leads the strategic direction of the firm as it relates to culture, talent acquisition and retention, total rewards and benefits, professional development/learning, health and wellness, and overall engagement/satisfaction.
VP of Operations
Phoenix division of Agital Sector: Marketing
Agital’s experience has been that employees are looking for a comprehensive package. We provide a breadth of different healthcare plan (PPO, HAS, FSA) options so that employees can choose whatever aligns with their lifestyle. Having a strong insurance provider that has a wide network of physicians and low-cost vision and dental plans has been successful for our team. Also, we have received great feedback on our unlimited PTO policy to promote work-life balance, paid family leave and mental health resources.
But, as we have expanded as Agital — which was formerly Highnoon — to have a national footprint and exponentially increase the members on our team, this has allowed us to provide more costefficient plan options to our employees, which has been well received and certainly important in today’s economy.
In our line of work, our greatest asset is our talented and dedicated team members, so having a well-rounded suite of healthcare benefits gives peace of mind to our employees and our leadership knowing they can care for themselves and their families.
Agital agital.com
Maria Dillon is the VP of Operations for the Phoenix division of Agital, a full-service marketing, communications and creative agency with divisions across the nation. She is responsible for all talent operations efforts for the division, the culture program, training and education and talent development.
Sign up for the monthly In Business Magazine eNewsletter at www.inbusinessphx.com. Look for survey questions and other research on our business community.
Chief Executive Officer
Gawley Companies
Sector: Healthcare
A culture that fosters trust, collaboration and innovation not only attracts top talent but also inspires and empowers employees to grow their careers and reach their full potential, fueling business performance and driving sustainable growth. Over the last two years, since we did a full management change to drive growth in our business, we have had less than 4% attrition. In a health services business, this is almost unheard of! What did we do? We listened to our staff, determined what motivated them, and delivered.
One of the most glaring areas of feedback was that our staff couldn’t afford our health benefits, and 90% weren’t on a benefits plan of any kind. We decided if we were going to be in the business of wellness, we wanted to eliminate any barrier to access. We now offer health benefits 100% covered by the company for everyone and their dependents. It has served as a real competitive advantage, going from 10% of our staff on benefit to more than 90%.
When employees feel cared for, valued, respected and connected to their work environment, they become more engaged and motivated to give their best.
Gawley Companies gawleyco.com
Angela Gillespie is CEO of Gawley Companies, a portfolio of premier skincare, aesthetics, and cosmetic and reconstructive surgery providers that includes MDSkin Lounge and MDSkin Bar, North Scottsdale Outpatient Surgery Center and Gawley Plastic Surgery.
In the last decade, the power washing industry has witnessed remarkable technological advancements that have not only enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of cleaning processes but also significantly contributed to environmental sustainability.
One of the most significant advancements in power washing technology is the introduction of variable pressure control systems. Unlike traditional fixed-pressure systems that operate at full power regardless of the task, variable pressure control allows operators to adjust the pressure output directly at the wand. This flexibility ensures delicate surfaces are cleaned without damage, while tougher stains receive the robust treatment they require. The operational benefits are clear: enhanced surface protection, reduced risk of damage and improved cleaning efficiency.
Water reclamation technology represents a leap forward in environmental responsibility within the power washing industry. By capturing and recycling the water used during cleaning processes, this technology prevents contaminants from entering stormwater drains and, ultimately, our water systems. This is particularly crucial in commercial and residential settings, where the risk of pollutants like oil, chemicals and other hazardous substances can be high. Water reclamation not only conserves water but also ensures that power washing practices comply with environmental
regulations, protecting natural water sources for future generations.
The development of specialized chemistry for stain treatment has revolutionized the approach to removing tough stains such as oil, rust, mold and mildew. Traditional cleaning solutions often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, which could be ineffective against specific types of stains or cause damage to the surface being cleaned. In contrast, modern specialized treatments are formulated to target specific stains, ensuring they are removed effectively without harming the surface or the environment. These ecofriendly chemical solutions underscore the industry’s shift toward sustainability, offering powerful cleaning capabilities while minimizing environmental impact.
The past decade’s innovations in power washing technology have brought about a paradigm shift in how cleaning is approached in both commercial and residential settings. These advancements not only benefit the environment but also enhance operational efficiency, making them a win-win for property owners and the planet alike. —Brandon Carnicle, CEO of American Maintenance Professionals (am-pros.com), whose division AZ Power Wash Pros (azpowerwashpros.com) has this year introduced the new eco-friendly power washing conservation technology
What began in 2005 as a side job for CEO Brandon Carnicle, with a borrowed homeowner grade pressure washer, has blossomed into a fleet of top-tier, mobile, hot water, power trailers serving the Greater Phoenix area.
Here are the stories with the most views over the past 30 days (prior to press time) that were features in our In Business Dailies. The In Business Dailies hit email inboxes twice each weekday — at 9:30 a.m. and updated at 4:30 p.m. Sign up today at www.inbusinessphx.com/dailies-signup.
Leadership & Management | Cover Story | March 2024
It’s not only lonely at the top, it’s precarious — as good leaders live up to President Harry Truman’s famous statement acknowledging the responsibility that comes with authority: “The buck stops here.” Even experienced CEOs running major corporations may not be managing themselves well; focused on managing the company, they’re neglecting some basic aspects of self-care, best practices and more. Ironically, this diminishes their effectiveness in both personal and professional realms.
Commercial Real Estate & Development | Briefs | March 2024
Relocating to a neighboring town for an extra bedroom doesn’t seem to cut it anymore for many Americans. Whether seeking better jobs, friendlier housing markets or more bang for the buck in general, an increasing number of people are taking the longer route to their new homes.
Technology & Innovation | Semi Insights | March 2024
Amidst the technological strides being made in Arizona, the state continues to develop its extensive network of highly specialized companies that help create the chips that the world literally runs on. According to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, about 20 semiconductor companies have officially announced they will begin operations in Arizona, and about 20 more are in the pipeline.
Live & Learn | Power Lunch | March 2024
Opening El Patron early this year was a restaurateur’s dream: Customers from the Daskaloses’ Albuquerque location — who had either relocated to Phoenix or are Phoenicians who vacation in Albuquerque — were a built-in customer base, stampeding to the Scottsdale location as soon as El Patron’s Facebook page announced the opening.
Commit Agency Lauded by Ad Age
Commit Agency secured the third position in the Western United States — and eighth nationally — in Ad Age’s Best Places to Work 2024, ranking among companies from across the country with fewer than 200 employees. Commit Agency is the only Arizona-based company to receive this accolade from Ad Age, one of the largest and most reputable marketing publications in the world.
Sundt Honored with Build Arizona AGC Award
Sundt Construction recently won a Build Arizona award for its Zone 3D and 4A Improvements Program: Water Transmission Main Segment 2 project. The award is given each year by the Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America. Sundt has been building critical infrastructure across Arizona for more than 90 years. sundt.com
Woman of the Year Honor for Local Girl Scout Council CEO
The Arizona Diversity Council has honored Mary Mitchell, Co-CEO of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council as its 2024 Women in Leadership Symposium Woman of the Year awardee. girlscoutsaz.org
Arizona Winners of the NAIOP and Prologis CRE Scholarship
Rob Hernandez, senior associate at Trammell Crow Company, Kelly Royle, vice president at JLL, and Jennifer Villalobos, associate at Cushman and Wakefield are the three Arizona winners among the 15 nationwide of the NAIOP and Prologis Inclusion in CRE Scholarship for Women and Underrepresented Professionals, which is designed to prepare a pipeline of diverse talent for development and operations positions in commercial real estate by connecting young professionals with mentors and advancing their industry knowledge. naiop.org
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Employees Support Pinal County Communities
The HERO, SALUTE and SAVVY committees at Harrah’s AkChin Casino embraced the giving spirit throughout 2023. During 2023, the HERO committee and Business Impact Groups combined organized and/or participated in more than 55 events. Employees personally donated more than $10,000 and volunteered countless hours to support causes and organizations in need. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino HERO committee donated $29,830 worth of in-kind certificates and $50,120 in cash. harrahsakchin.com
At the end of 2023, the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority and the Gila River Indian Community broke ground on Sacaton Market, which will feature a convenience store and fuel station on the southeast corner of South Ocotillo Drive and Bluebird Road.
This will be a life-changing development for the area because it will bring fresh produce and groceries directly to members of the Gila River Indian Community — who have had to drive outside of their Community to get fresh ingredients because they are in a food desert.
Sacaton Market will feature a grocery store that is four times the size of the convenience store currently in its place. Additionally, it will feature a fueling station and laundromat, making it a one-stop-shop for weekly tasks.
This market is destined to be a Community hub. It is a quick walk from the local hospital and schools and will feature ample seating, making it a great spot for people on their lunch breaks. Local food vendors will be able sell products in a designated area within the market.
It will also create jobs and income opportunities for Community members. The need for employees at the grocery store, laundromat and fueling station, and the opportunity for vendors to sell goods, makes the new market an economic driver for the area. It will become a place for people to gather and will help foster growth for the Gila River Indian Community.
The Sacaton Market is slated to be open at the end of 2024/early 2025. —Mike
Hunterwildhorsepass.com/development
Better Buzz Coffee Roasters chose Phoenix to establish its first outpost from its home territory of San Diego. “It’s the most asked-for location,” Amanda Cameron, VP of marketing, shared as she helped ready the first of several planned Phoenix-area locations, explaining the coffee company has built up a dedicated following among Phoenicians who commonly vacation in Southern California. It’s store on Glendale Avenue at 7th Street opened in February.
The company continues to roast all its coffee beans at its roastery in San Diego, in the small batches that enable the company’s strict quality control.
Better Buzz Coffee has garnered a dedicated fan base for its Best Drink Ever® (actual menu name), and bags of the vanilla powder that give this coffee its special creamy vanilla quality are also a popular retail item in the store.
Along with that headliner is a full complement of standard plus innovative coffee, espresso and tea drinks (one notable is the lavender tea latte), smoothies, and canned energy drinks special for the Phoenix market that can even be used in mixed concoctions such as Prickly Pink Mojito, Always Sunny Citrus and Burstin’ Blue Raspberry.
And, like the drinks, all breakfast and lunch bowls, toasts and sandwiches are made to order.
“Local” is a presence in the store’s décor to set the sense of place, but more fundamentally
is applied in the company’s operations: After research to find the right fit, Better Buzz Coffee has contracted with a bakery in Tempe to provide its signature pastries — and a few select specialty items unique to Phoenix such as the pistachio croissant.
The dine-in space offers tables plus a central high-top counter with electric outlets — all designed to encourage patrons to “come and hang out.” To facilitate service to the drive-thru line, the store has a prep area with its own coffee machines by the pick-up window separate from the store’s main kitchen.
The name allows for a lot of unapologetic word play, among which is the company tagline: Life’s Better Buzzed®. —RaeAnne Marsh
Better Buzz Coffee Roasters betterbuzzcoffee.com
Within the dynamics of the modern workplace, the myth of consistent, all-day productivity is exactly that: a myth
by Assaf CohenThe issue of workplace boredom is more pervasive than many might realize. According to Forbes, boredom at work is not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a serious problem that can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and higher employee turnover.
This issue affects a significant portion of the American workforce, with more than a third admitting they have found their job boring for years. Interestingly, a similar proportion of workers even anticipated this boredom when they started their jobs.
Certain sectors report higher levels of anticipated job boredom, with the legal field leading at 45%, followed by technology (41%) and healthcare (36%). A significant 1 in 3 employees admit to being bored several times per day.
Among different age groups, Gen Zers report the highest levels of boredom (38%), surpassing millennials (34%), boomers (33%) and Gen Xers (29%). Moreover, men (36%) tend to feel bored at work more often than women (31%).
Boredom impacts not only mental health but also productivity. On average, Americans are bored for a quarter of their workday. When bored, 62% of employees work slower or engage in unnecessary tasks to pass the time. This behavior is most prevalent among in-office workers (66%) but is also significant among hybrid (60%) and remote workers (59%).
As Phys.org points out, boredom is linked to increased counterproductive practices like distraction and absenteeism, which could negatively impact workplace performance and career advancement.
More than 2 in 5 employees admit they avoid notifying their boss about their boredom due to the fear of being assigned more work.
Despite these concerns, a majority of employees (57%) say their bosses are aware of their frequent boredom. However, as long as the work is completed, these bosses seemingly do not intervene. This situation is more commonly reported by inoffice employees (61%) compared to their remote (53%) and hybrid (52%) counterparts.
Contrary to common perceptions about workplace boredom, a significant portion of American workers find a certain level of enjoyment in it. In fact, a third of employees actually enjoy being bored at work, with various reasons contributing to this unexpected preference.
The preference for boredom also varies based on the work environment. Remote employees, at 38%, are more likely to enjoy being bored compared to those in-office (31%) and hybrid (30%). This could be due to the greater flexibility and privacy that remote work offers, allowing employees to use periods of boredom more constructively or relaxingly.
Among different generations, millennials (37%) and Gen Z (36%) report the most enjoyment from workplace boredom, surpassing Gen X (31%) and boomers (13%). This generational difference could reflect varying attitudes toward work and the role it plays in one’s life.
Clearly, mental breaks are necessary for maintaining employee happiness. Whether it’s playing a game of online Solitaire or scrolling through Instagram, these activities represent the diverse strategies workers use to calm their minds amidst the monotony of routine workplace tasks.
In recognizing and understanding the nuances of workplace boredom, employers and employees alike can work toward creating a more dynamic and supportive work environment, where brief interludes of personal tasks are viewed not as distractions but as necessary pauses that foster long-term engagement and productivity.
Survey was conducted on November 22, 2023, asking 1,002 Americans about the ways they experience boredom at work. Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 76 years old, and were 48% female, 50% male and 2% nonbinary.
Source: solitairebliss.com/blog/how-americans-beat-workplace-boredom
The survey is from Solitaire Bliss, a free gaming website that hosts a collection of popular card games, including Solitaire, Klondike, Spider Solitaire, FreeCell Solitaire, Hearts, Spades and a large collection of other free games. It also has comprehensive walkthroughs for new players that explain how to play. solitairebliss.com
“Have fun with it and make sure you love what you do,” is advice co-founder Thomas Hill says he has applied to the company’s curation process for new fragrances and within the continuation of building the brand. “I love candles and their role in making moments and memories for people,” he says, explaining that a lot of the process is building unique fragrances built around memories but also fragrances that can help create those memories.
Hillside Candle is a candle company focused on fragrance, memories and family. “We offer a carefully curated selection of luxurious scents created from the knowledge my dad gained from his time as head of operations at Yankee Candle,” says co-founder Thomas Hill.
In fact, Hill credits his dad as inspiration for starting the company, which they founded in June 2023. The elder Hill brings decades of experience in the candle business, having spent a decade on the Yankee Candle executive team growing the company. “This means that candles were always part of my life growing up,” says Hill. “It’s been a dream of mine to do something with my dad, so we jumped at the chance when it came time to go back to our roots and bring this to life.”
Fragrances are more than mere olfactory scent. “We create fragrances surrounding memories,” says Hill, explaining, “We think of times we’ve had as a family, with friends, or just out in the world, and pull from those memories to create fragrances we love. Sea Salt and Jasmine for example, reminds us of the times as a family we went to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. My sister and I use to run up and down the beaches is picking seashells and playing in the water. The scent Havana reminds me of the first Cuban cigar my dad brought back to the U.S. It was my 18th birthday gift. We sat outside having the cigar and chatting.”
The biggest challenges have been getting their name out in the world. “We know the industry in and out, but this is a new piece of our day-to-day tasks we’ve had to consider,” Hill shares. “We’ve leaned on our connections to help get our foot in the door; they guided us on the right pathways and practices that have helped us grow the brand at an accelerated rate.”
Hillside Candle currently sells nine different candle fragrances and has more in the testing process it plans to add this year.
—RaeAnne MarshHillside Candle hillsidecandle.com
Greenwood Brewery’s flagship beers that are distributed statewide include award-winning Rosemary IPA, Purpose Pilsner, award-winning Herstory Pale Ale and Emera Hazy IPA, with two seasonal beers — Harvest Diem Spiced Ale and award-winning Blueberry Wheat — distributed statewide seasonally. The company is solely woman-owned, with a female in the position of head brewer.
Greenwood Brewing is a woman-owned and -operated microbrewery with a taproom, brewery and beer garden located in Downtown Phoenix. The company makes more than 20 products in its Downtown Phoenix brewery for consumption in its taproom, restaurants, bars and grocery/ retail stores throughout Arizona.
Megan Greenwood founded her company in 2017 after having been home brewing multiple times a month out of her garage. She had been working in Corporate America and would often take her customers out to have important conversations over a beer. “Although I had a knowledge and love for beer, I would often feel like the beer companies that I was purchasing beer from were not thinking of women as consumers of beer,” she says. Deciding to test this theory, she surveyed more than 200 women and found more than 70% of them felt underrepresented as beer drinkers. Digging further through the Brewers Association, she found the same number of women beer drinkers also felt they were not being marketed to. “I thought that this data was enough fuel for me to launch a business to change this mindset,” she relates. “In 2017, I left my very comfortable corporate job to set out to change the culture around women and beer.”
Sharing that her biggest challenge has been access to startup capital, encountering difficulty in finding a bank that would take her seriously, she recalls, “I finally found someone like me, an eager young woman who understood my vision and what I wanted to bring to the world.”
Greenwood launched her brewing company with a goal to redefine beer for women. “Greenwood’s main goal is to be the preferred beer among women, and we create our beer to make sure that women are feeling seen and celebrated as beer consumers.” —RaeAnne
MarshGreenwood Brewery greenwoodbrews.com
Fewer than 3% of breweries nationwide are woman-only owned, with more than 75% of brewing companies owned solely by men, and fewer than 4% have a female head brewer.
Commercial buildings are active areas where numerous people rely on efficient plumbing systems for daily operations, from washing hands to using the bathroom. However, like any complex system, the plumbing in the building is susceptible to many issues that can disrupt workflow. According to OSHA regulations, all workers must be allowed access to potable water — so, if the plumbing system is acting up, businesses will lose employees as they must leave the premises.
The following are common issues that will break down a commercial building’s pipes, and possibly clog up not only the building’s drains but the business’s workflow.
Leaks within plumbing systems and pipes are not only wasteful but may also cause damaging water issues to the building’s structure and interior areas. In commercial settings where water consumption is quite high, minor issues and leaks can translate into substantial financial losses over time.
Having low water pressure is just annoying, whether it impacts a homeowner or an employee within a commercial building. Low water pressure in a commercial building can impede many tasks such as cleaning, flushing of toilets and even irrigation around the property.
One of the main issues that cause problems for commercial plumbing systems is clogged drains and sewage systems. Commercial buildings have heavy usage of toilets, sinks, kitchenettes and outside areas using water. With heavy usage by employees within the
building, it is inevitable that grease and grime will get into the pipes, leading to backups within the system.
Water heaters are critical in commercial buildings as they provide the hot water necessary to meet government regulations and allow occupants hot water to wash their hands. Common water heater issues include sediment buildup, thermostat problems, sacrificial rod and faulty heating elements.
Many areas throughout the country, especially within large cities, have hard water that is full of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can pose a significant risk to plumbing systems. Speaking from 25 years’ experience in the industry, Constantin Geambasu, owner of Water Rehab located in Gilbert, Arizona, says all commercial buildings should install a water softening system to ease the strain on their plumbing systems. “Installing water softening systems can help cut down on issues caused by hard water by removing minerals that cause scaling within the plumbing system of commercial buildings,” he says.
Filtration systems are also beneficial as they help remove harmful chemicals from the water.
Commercial building owners must prioritize maintenance and repairs to cut down on plumbing issues. The longer these problems last, the more money owners will have to pay in the future for repairs. Fixing problems as they arise will not only cut down on costs but maintain the safety of those working in the building. —Joe Hammer, owner of SAK Electric & Plumbing Inc. (sakepcaz.com) in Phoenix
TerraLane Communities, a premier investor and developer of rental neighborhoods, and the build-to-rent arm of residential investor-developer IHP Capital Partners, has completed construction of TerraLane at Canyon Trails South, a new premier rental home community in Goodyear consisting of 297 modern residences and ample amenities. —Mike Hunter terralanecommunities.com • ihpinc.com
Portico, the luxury condominium community from awardwinning Belgravia Group in the Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road corridor, has topped off the first building in its ninebuilding development. Initial move-ins are set to occur in late summer 2024; Portico is estimated to be completed in spring 2025. The community is a key piece in DMB’s One Scottsdale masterplan development, which is planned to include up to 2.8 million square feet of retail, residential, hotel and office uses upon completion. —Mike Hunter porticocondos.com • belgraviagroup.com
Rehoboth Place II, built by Gorman & Company in partnership with the Rehoboth Community Development Corporation, is a new collection of affordable housing that recently opened in the Canyon Corridor near 27th Avenue and Camelback Road — one of the most multicultural diverse areas in the Valley.
Rehoboth Phase I with 47 units, which opened 13 years ago, and now Phase II with 66 units, not only provides safe, affordable housing for families, seniors, and veterans, it also provides a sense of community as staff and volunteers run after-school programs for kids, senior activities for residents, and financial and home ownership classes. —Mike Hunter rcdcphx.org • gormanusa.com
All eyes are on the West Valley and for good reason. Communities like Surprise, Glendale and Buckeye continue to attract development and media buzz. From talk of smart cities to bringing more industry to the area, growth continues to climb. In fact, in January of this year global real estate firm Newmark Group Inc. ranked Phoenix No. 1 in the nation for manufacturing growth. That’s why Fulton Homes, an integral part of the Phoenix real estate fabric since 1975, is doubling down on that side of town. Three new Fulton communities will open their doors in 2024, with models available this spring.
Doug Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes, sheds light on the strategic selection process behind these specific communities. “The West Valley presents an opportunity for Fulton to help keep housing needs in lockstep with the growth of these towns — giving buyers access to smart investments, latest innovation and a good quality of life.”
One of the communities chosen for expansion is Acclaim in Glendale. “Each development has its own distinctive character, tapping into what defines that community,” explains Fulton. “For example, Acclaim will be near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, with amenities and conveniences to accentuate the stadium while also catering to the homebuyer that selects that location — stadium or otherwise.” (However, he notes that certain characteristics remain constant among all Fulton neighborhoods, from lush greenery to dynamic amenities like expansive aquatic centers, pickleball courts, bocce ball, volleyball and children’s parks.)
Speaking of the Glendale neighborhood near the stadium, a driving force behind the demand for homes in the West Valley is the millennial demographic.
“Millennials seek personalization,” notes Fulton. “They want homes that mirror their unique identities and values. It has to fit them.” Since day one, Fulton has offered choice to the homebuyer, lots of it. With a sprawling
13,000 square-foot design center and so many options for floor plans, elevations and additions, the Fulton Homes process teeters on delivering custom homes. “We’ve even received awards in the custom home category,” said Fulton, referring to last year’s Best of the Desert, Custom Home Builder East Valley award from AZ Central.
The real estate landscape in 2024 presents a blend of challenges and opportunities for developers to respond to. “The Valley continues to witness a steady influx of newcomers, many of whom are in search of their very first home.” With millennials projected to constitute a significant portion of homebuyers, Fulton Homes is intensifying its focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. “Our homes boast features like ENERGY STAR certifications, Indoor airPLUS, Healthy Homes, and all homes will carry the WaterSense label. Acclaim will be the first master-planned community in Phoenix to have all its homes certified as Zero Energy Ready by the Department of Energy,” underscores Fulton.
While millennials crave customization and sustainability, Fulton is listening to other trends as well. Today’s buyer also wants flexibility in multiuse spaces that can accommodate work and play, options to adapt to the needs of the buyer over time and be within reach financially. Prices within these communities will start just under $400,000.
As Fulton Homes gears up for construction on its new ventures in the West Valley, Fulton goes back to the values that have only strengthened in recent years. “We are not merely putting up walls and a roof; we are building homes and places to gather that become the heart of any community.”
—Lisa M. CardinaleFulton Homes fultonhomes.com
The single-family home inventory grew nearly 8% in February compared to meager 2023 numbers, and the number of families closing on their new homes increased 1.5% so far this year compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from Phoenix REALTORS®.
If you have news to share about the semiconductor industry in Arizona, email us at semiinsights@ inbusinessphx.com
Marti McCurdy, owner and CEO of Spirit Electronics, is a veteran not only of the semiconductor business but also of the United States Air Force. McCurdy’s focus as CEO is to serve the aerospace and defense industry with highreliability supply-chain solutions that include component distribution and value-added services.
McCurdy’s mission is to bring her high standard of customer service and cultivated relationships to serve the A&D sector.
Spirit Electronics is committed to providing Made in the USA ASICs that provide legacy replacement and advanced solutions, along with assembly and test, producing secure products that are vital to National Security and continued availability of end-of-life chips. This enables the Aerospace and Defense customer base to secure their supply chain, control costs and ensure a life cycle that adapts to their needs. Arizona defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, RTX, Lockheed Martin and Boeing rely on Spirit’s supply chain solutions. spiritelectronics.com
Local company brings leading-edge technology to the forefront for the A&D market
by Marti McCurdyThe microelectronics supply chain has seen its share of challenges in recent years, while efforts to ensure its stability in the U.S. are unprecedented. One way that companies ensure semiconductor supply continuity is by developing their own Application Specific Integrated Circuits, or ASICs. An ASIC contains multiple components designed to work together to perform a specific function integral to the application’s operation.
From processing to sensing to memory and power management, a single multifunction ASIC can reduce the demands and lead times in a supply chain. A customer may capitalize on its design investment by creating multiple ASICs to support a range of product applications and performance requirements. By building a proprietary library of ASIC designs, the customer can ensure it will have the ICs needed for the life of its application, thus reducing reliance on an external supplier.
ASIC design is the intellectual property of the customer. The customer provides its design to a foundry for manufacture. The customer-foundry relationship is an important consideration. Recent foundry consolidations are leaving customers with last time buys or limited access to support their ASICs, which can lead to manufacturing delays or stoppages.
Spirit Electronics, a distributor and outsourced semiconductor assembly and test provider based in Phoenix, offers support for ASIC programs with full screen and qualification for military and space applications. Spirit offers foundry services supporting U.S.-based manufacturing for analog, mixed-signal and RF integrated circuits. One of Spirit’s foundry providers is Texas Instruments. Spirit has partnered with TI to offer and manage foundry services for its customers, providing access to TI’s advanced manufacturing and wafer processing.
Spirit offers support for ASIC redesign if needed for customers without a GDS2 or RTL files from their current provider. Spirit can port them over to a TI foundry
on very similar technology nodes and processes. Spirit’s in-house fabric and IP portfolio reduces the overall design cost for ASICs, accelerates customer designs and enhances design compatibility for optimum performance and flexibility. The tools that Spirit brings to the party empower ASIC designers with efficiency and effectiveness to bring leading-edge technology to the forefront for the A&D market.
Spirit manages the ASIC program from design to delivery. Its ASIC engineering experts have large IP libraries for reference in the design stage so customers don’t have to design from scratch. Spirit recently added ASIC expert and semiconductor veteran Naveed Sherwani, Ph.D., to its team. Dr. Sherwani has more than 300 designs in his portfolio and continues to provide cutting-edge digital solutions in the ASIC design world.
Spirit works with the foundry for quantity management and to maximize space on the wafer for each production run. Customers choose from ceramic or organic substrates to mount the ASIC die. Spirit’s test capabilities can characterize substrates for thermal requirements. Substrate characterization can enhance ASIC reliability and performance.
Spirit packages the ASIC into its final form, working with the customer’s packaging supplier or sourcing the package from a trusted partner.
ASIC testing and qualification can include:
• Wafer sort
• Advanced assembly
• Electrical characterization
One way companies ensure semiconductor supply continuity against supply chain disruptions is by developing their own Application Specific Integrated Circuits.
• Screen and qualification for Class B and Class S high reliability components
• Radiation testing
• MIL-STD-883 testing (of which Spirit is a qualified DLA commercial lab provider)
ASIC programs support long-term production, even into end-of-life and legacy applications.
Every business strives to grow revenue, diversify its buyer base, and create more jobs. In Arizona, we help make those goals a reality. Through the Arizona State Trade Expansion Program (AZSTEP) and ExporTech, small business owners can collaborate with public and private sector partners to get assistance exporting their products and services around the world. Together, these programs will help you develop global strategies, implement go-to market initiatives, attend international trade shows and access resources to compete on a global scale. Visit our site to accelerate your expansion and grow your business.
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Phoenix recently became a focal point in the semiconductor industry’s future, hosting an event by the National Institute for Innovation and Technology alongside the Semiconductor Industry Association. This gathering underscored Arizona’s vital role in the industry and celebrated the launch of the state’s first semiconductor technician registered apprenticeship program. Highlighting a concerning forecast from a study by SIA and Oxford Economics, the event drew attention to an anticipated shortage of 67,000 technicians, computer scientists and engineers in the semiconductor sector by 2030, alongside a broader gap of 1.4 million tech workers in the U.S. economy. This shortage presents a significant challenge, with the industry’s growth and innovation hanging in the balance unless the STEM worker pipeline is expanded.
The event offered more than discussions, serving as a platform for government, industry and education leaders to explore talent development strategies. Focused on registered apprenticeships tailored for the semiconductor industry, it aims to expand the workforce pipeline, targeting nontraditional tech workers. The U.S. Department of Labor-supported Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Technology Apprenticeship Program is central to these efforts, providing a detailed guide to cultivating a skilled workforce.
The City of Phoenix emerged as a trailblazer by distinguishing itself on the national stage, receiving a special award for becoming the first municipality in the country to sponsor a group program for semiconductor-registered apprenticeships. Mayor Kate Gallego accepted the award and expressed her pride in the city’s achievements. She said, “Semiconductors are a huge part of the future of Phoenix, and we want to create great jobs for our residents. Apprenticeship is such an important tool for doing it, and we’re proud to have made history. We’re not done making history, so we hope from here to continue to grow the program and just look ahead to the future.”
Arizona’s initiatives have set the groundwork for a future where talent meets opportunity, ensuring the semiconductor industry’s vibrancy and resilience by harnessing the power of collaboration and innovation. —Stephanie
QuinnIn a significant move aimed at revitalizing America’s technological prowess and manufacturing might, the Biden-Harris Administration, alongside Intel Corporation, has unveiled a preliminary agreement that could redefine the landscape of semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. This pivotal development promises to inject up to $8.5 billion in direct funding under the auspices of the CHIPS and Science Act.
This venture transcends mere financial investment to signal a deliberate strategic redirection toward domestic technological advancement. Intel’s groundbreaking $100 billion commitment, eclipsing TSMC’s earlier pledges, will see Intel not only establish cuttingedge manufacturing facilities with packaging capabilities within the U.S. but also innovatively leverage its operations as a foundry service. This pivotal move enables a broad spectrum of chip manufacturers to access top-tier technology, accelerating efforts to bring back the development and manufacturing of leading-edge logic chips to American soil. These chips are the backbone of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence. This marks a monumental step toward reasserting U.S. leadership in this critical arena.
“Even though we invented the most advanced chips, we make zero percent of them today — zero percent of the most advanced chips today. Nearly all manufacturing of leading-edge chips across the entire industry moved overseas to Asia years ago,” stated President Joe Biden at his recent visit to Intel’s Ocotillo campus. “That’s why today’s investment is such a big deal. We will enable advanced semiconductor manufacturing to make a comeback here in America after 40 years. It’s going to transform the semiconductor industry and create an entirely new ecosystem, entirely new research and design, and manufacturing of advanced chips in America.”
The implications of this announcement are farreaching, particularly for the residents of Arizona, who stand at the cusp of an industrial renaissance that could significantly transform their economic landscape. The proposed investment is set to bolster Intel’s operations in Chandler, Arizona, with the construction of two new state-of-the-art logic fabrication facilities and the modernization of an existing one. This expansion is not just about scaling up capacity; it’s a commitment to
innovation and high-tech manufacturing within the United States, aiming to produce Intel’s most advanced chip design, the Intel 18A.
Arizona’s benefits from this colossal investment are manifold. First, it underscores the state’s emerging stature as a hub of technological innovation and manufacturing excellence. The construction and modernization of these facilities are expected to create approximately 3,000 manufacturing jobs and 6,000 construction jobs in the region. Such employment opportunities are not just numbers; they represent families supported, careers forged and communities strengthened.
Moreover, Intel’s initiative to launch a semiconductor technician training program, in collaboration with Maricopa County Community Colleges, illustrates a deep investment in the local workforce. By equipping students with the skills necessary for a semiconductor manufacturing career, Intel is addressing its immediate workforce needs and contributing to creating a sustainable talent pipeline that will benefit the industry and the state’s economy for years to come.
The broader ramifications of this agreement extend beyond job creation and economic stimulation. At its core, this initiative is about securing America’s technological sovereignty. In an era when semiconductors play a pivotal role in everything from consumer electronics to national defense systems, having a domestic source of advanced chips is a matter of national security. The U.S. reliance on overseas production of these critical components has long been a vulnerability; by bringing this capability back home, the U.S. is taking a crucial step toward safeguarding its technological future.
This move is also a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in addressing national challenges. It’s a model of how to drive innovation, create jobs and enhance the nation’s competitiveness on the global stage. For Arizona residents, the announcement is not just about the economic boost or the promise of new jobs. It signals that their state is at the forefront of a national effort to reclaim America’s position as a high-tech manufacturing and innovation leader. It’s an acknowledgment of the role that Arizona and its workforce will play in shaping the future of technology in the United States and worldwide.
—Stephanie QuinnIntel's groundbreaking $100 billion commitment, eclipsing TSMC's earlier pledges, will see Intel not only establish cutting-edge manufacturing facilities with packaging capabilities within the U.S. but also innovatively leverage its operations as a foundry service.
Technology for senior care has expanded beyond the well-known “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” Life Alert button, with the global market expected to reach $914 billion by 2025. Within this growth are new devices that track sleep patterns, heart rate and daily activity, keeping families of independent and assisted living residents up to date on the health of their loved ones. Scottsdalebased Solterra Companies has implemented this technology to provide more independence and a higher quality of life. Its high-tech nurse call system, Care Predict, is wireless and also tracks residents’ daily health stats. Care Predict notices small changes in seniors and can alert loved ones of serious health issues, before they even happen.
ALIS (pronounced “Alice”) stands for Assisted Living Integrated Solution. With a comprehensive suite of eHR tools, ALIS software solves the important challenges assisted living communities face using fast, secure technology. Growing portfolios prefer ALIS because they are able to manage compliance across state lines, take advantage of full eMAR management and drug counting, integrated assessments, family engagement and more.
Care Predict and ALIS communicate with one another, serving as the patient call system and electronic health records. Caregivers can easily review and chart with these technologies working together.
Solterra Senior Living and BridgeWater Assisted Living communities offer the Care Predict digital health platform specially created for senior care as well as TapRoot Interventions & Solutions’ digital assistant, Ella®. TapRoot developed Ella to support caregivers, enabling them to gain fast and convenient information regarding each resident, their specific behavioral episodes and two to four suggested nonpharmacological interventions to mitigate dementia-related behaviors.
“Technology allows us to gather current data and track changes that are needed in the continuum of care. This data allows for easier conversations with family when a resident needs more care because there is real data there to back up the resident’s care plan,” says Steve Jorgenson, CEO of Solterra Companies. —Mike Hunter solterraseniorliving.com
The U.S. is facing an increasingly urgent mental health crisis that’s affecting nearly every aspect of daily life — including the workplace. While mental health issues have been escalating for several decades, the crisis has reached epidemic proportions in recent years. This presents not only a profound human concern but also a critical business issue that demands an immediate and strategic response.
The statistics underscore the urgency: The National Business Group on Health reports a significant uptick in mental health needs among today’s workers — with alarming implications for the bottom line. According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression alone causes a staggering $210 billion annual loss to the U.S. economy, half of which is attributed to workplace absenteeism and reduced productivity.
Business leaders are on the front lines, witnessing firsthand the impacts of mental health issues on their teams. The once-clear boundaries between personal and professional lives have blurred as employees grapple with depression, anxiety, burnout and other mental health conditions, hindering their ability to perform and thrive at work.
As a result, companies are actively searching for innovative, evidence-based and cost-effective solutions. A McKinsey & Company report shows nearly 80% of employers are concerned about employee mental health, and about half consider it a top priority for their organization.
The great news is that employees who receive mental health treatment from licensed, qualified providers show rapid and significant improvements in symptoms — at home and at work. In fact, the World Health Organization reports a $4 return for every $1 invested in mental healthcare.
But it’s not enough to build these services into the company health plan and hope for the best. A study by One Medical and Workplace Intelligence revealed that, while 64% of U.S. employees reported mental health struggles, only 19% used their mental health benefits in 2022.
Business leaders can move the needle significantly by educating employees about their mental health benefits and encouraging them to use the services available. In Arizona, where extremely narrow provider networks, wait lists averaging 6-8 weeks and high out-of-pocket costs
create major barriers to care, companies must seek out innovative solutions to ensure timely access to mental health.
Among the solutions, Denova Collaborative Health offers same-day virtual therapy and psychiatry visits coupled with in-person care when needed. This hybrid approach provides prompt access and enhances convenience and privacy for employees seeking care.
Beyond connecting employees with the services they need, it’s critical for businesses to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes mental wellness and reduces the stigma of seeking care.
This may include training for managers to recognize signs of distress among team members and provide resources for immediate support. It may also include a committed effort to build awareness of mental health issues at work and create an open environment that encourages dialogue and support. In the spirit of open dialogue, leaders can offer a channel for employees to provide feedback on mental health initiatives — and a willingness to adapt programs accordingly.
A major step forward in destigmatizing mental health issues, many companies now provide paid mental health days as part of their sick leave policies. Some also offer flexible work arrangements and formalized policies that support a healthy separation between work and personal life.
The path from crisis to care is paved with committed leadership and innovative solutions. Now more than ever, leaders are eager to address mental health issues and connect their workforces with the care they need. Not only is this the right thing to do for employees, but it’s best for the bottom line. —Graham Johnson, CEO of Denova Collaborative Health, which, with a deep bench of more than 300 licensed and qualified providers, offers same-day therapy and psychiatry visits and accepts nearly all forms of insurance
Scottsdale came in as the 20th best city for work/life balance and mental health in the latest study from Commercial Café on America’s Top Cities for Work/Life Balance & Mental Health. coworkingcafe.com/blog/best-cities-for-work-life-balance.
Honor is what motivates our team of dedicated healthcare professionals. Through passion and purpose, we come together to ensure every patient is provided with
In a world where digital transactions reign supreme, finding the right payment solution can make or break a business. Enter Kicbac, a game-changing fintech innovation that’s rewriting the rules of payment processing. Founded by a team of seasoned fintech experts who grew weary of the shortcomings of existing payment solutions, Kicbac is on a mission to deliver a reliable, affordable and customizable payment platform that puts the power back into the hands of merchants.
So, how does Kicbac work? At its core, Kicbac provides fully customizable payment solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each customer. Whether it’s an online gateway for seamless order tracking or a user-friendly device for in-store transactions, Kicbac offers a comprehensive suite of options designed to streamline the payment process.
One of the key features that sets Kicbac apart is its direct-to-processor model, which eliminates the need for middlemen and sales representatives. By cutting out intermediaries such as door-to-door salesmen, Kicbac empowers merchants to engage directly with the payment platform, resulting in significant cost savings of up to 50%. This streamlined approach not only reduces overhead costs but also simplifies the payment process, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best.
But Kicbac isn’t just about cost savings — it’s about delivering exceptional value and support every step of the way. With its dedicated team of experts on hand to assist with setup, integration and ongoing maintenance, customers can trust Kicbac to provide a smooth, secure and hassle-free payment processing experience.
By offering a simple, affordable and reliable onestop shop for all payment processing needs, Kicbac is empowering businesses to scale, thrive and succeed in today’s dynamic business environment. —Holly Morgan, director of marketing for Kicbac (www.mykicbac.com)
It’s essential to approach artificial intelligence with a critical eye, recognizing its potential to both challenge and reinforce societal biases. “As we integrate AI into the workplace, continuous efforts must be made to make sure these technologies are designed and implemented in a way that promotes equity. This includes diverse teams in AI development, transparent AI models, and ongoing assessment of AI’s impact on workplace equality,” says Angel Vossough, a highly credentialed data scientist who is co-founder and CEO of BetterAI, a Silicon Valley-based AI startup company.
Vossough believes that, through thoughtful application of AI, we have a unique opportunity to shape a more inclusive future for all. “AI has the potential to significantly advance gender equality in the workplace by offering unbiased data analysis and decision-making processes,” Vossough says, noting that, for platforms like DiverseUp, AI can analyze vast amounts of data regarding corporate policies, culture and practices to identify biases and recommend improvements. “More than 50% of women in tech leave their positions mid-career, making retention of female talent one of the big challenges for tech companies. AI can assist in developing more equitable hiring practices, identifying gender pay gaps, and suggesting corrective actions. AI can also help in creating personalized career development plans for women, taking into account their unique circumstances and preferences, thereby promoting a more inclusive workplace environment and increasing retention.”
AI-driven analytics can help organizations identify patterns in hiring and turnover, and predict shortcomings in their recruitment processes — enabling them to make datadriven adjustments. Organizations can employ AI to design job descriptions that are neutral and appealing to all genders, analyze resume data without bias and standardize interviews. “However,” Vossough notes, “post-recruitment retention of female employees is as important as recruitment and is a challenge for tech companies. For example, unlike men, women display a pattern called ‘returnship,’ where they leave their careers to focus on family life and return to the workforce a few years later. These qualified candidates are often overlooked by recruiters because of this gap in work history. By training AI on this known pattern, AI can identify and target these potential employees for recruitment and retraining.”
Vossough anticipates the next five years will see the impact of AI and technology on women
in the workplace increase significantly. “We can expect more sophisticated AI tools for career development, networking and mentorship, specifically designed with women’s needs in mind.” She also believes AI will play an important role in eliminating biases from recruiting processes, which can help more women enter tech role, and, as remote and flexible working becomes more prevalent, AI will help women balance their professional and personal lives more effectively.
At the individual level, Vossough sees AI benefitting women in their career search. “Women can leverage AI in their career search by using AIpowered job recommendation engines that align with their career goals, personal values and worklife balance needs,” she says, pointing out that AI can analyze their profiles, skills and preferences against job listings to recommend the best fits. Additionally, AI can provide insights into company cultures and practices, helping women choose employers based on their personal preferences, such as flexible working hours, maternity leave, and career development programs. “AI can empower women to make informed decisions when it comes to career choices.”
Furthermore, she continues, AI can offer personalized learning and development recommendations, identify skill gaps and help with upskilling or reskilling in their chosen field. “It can suggest courses, workshops or assignments to bridge these gaps. It can also help with networking by connecting women with mentors, peers and professional communities that can support their career advancement, using matching algorithms to find the best mentor-mentee relationships.”
With its team of experienced AI researchers, data scientists, machine-learning and software engineers, BetterAI provides a variety of cuttingedge AI services and products to help businesses drive innovation and efficiency. —Mike
HunterBetterAI betterai.io
AI-driven analytics can help organizations identify patterns in hiring and turnover, and predict shortcomings in their recruitment processes — enabling them to make data-driven adjustments.
Prominently visible on buildings around town are names that demonstrate the strength and depth of the financial sector here — serving a business community equally strong and varied. We connected with select members of that sector to present an overview of funding types and opportunity. Notes Ken Bauer, chief lending officer at OneAZ Credit Union, “In order to grow or improve a company, a business owner must have access to new talent to build a team, more space to appease a growing team or more equipment to support these operations. Business loans offer the ability for business owners to fund these investments, granting them the ability to grow and improve their business efforts.”
“Wells Fargo Commercial Banking provides a comprehensive suite of products and services to serve the diverse needs of clients with annual revenue typically above $10 million,” says Wells Fargo Arizona Commercial Banking Market executive Megan Ackaert, explaining that, with offices across the United States and in Canada, Commercial Banking delivers local coverage and specialized industry expertise to companies in a wide variety of industries and subsectors, as well as government and institutional clients and real estate investors. “We work with our clients to provide working capital lines of credit, real estate and equipment financing as well as commercial card programs. As one of the largest banks in the United States, we have the ability to grow with our clients and help solve needs throughout a business life cycle.”
Loan types that Ackaert calls out specifically are leasing new tech, asset-based lending and leasing equipment. Speaking of the first, she explains, “In the age of innovation, companies must constantly adopt new technologies to remain competitive. By reducing cash outlay and structuring financing for the latest technology as part of their operating budget instead of capital expenditures, businesses can preserve what they have while simultaneously staying ahead of the marketplace.” Utilizing their assets for an asset-based loan gives them increased borrowing capacity and greater flexibility when pursuing business objectives while preserving capital and preparing for a potential recession. “We have seen this as commodity prices continue to swing, companies are turning to asset-based type lending structures,” Ackaert says. And regarding equipment leasing, she notes that, with regulatory and social pressures mounting for companies to be more considerate of the environmental impacts of their businesses, it is critical that leaders procure, use and dispose of their assets, including equipment, in an environmentally friendly manner. “As this grows in importance to our customers, we are seeing clients lease their equipment — from data centers, laptops/computers, construction equipment, trailers and trucks. Leasing offers businesses tailored, flexible payment structures, and term options that allow for reuse, return or recycling.”
Noting that BMO Commercial Bank offers a wide range of lending opportunities to support business growth and transition needs, Heath Scheid, managing director at BMO Commercial Bank, spotlights the following as a few of the most popular. Working capital loans are funding options that are ideal for companies requiring coverage for their short-term operational needs, such as payroll or rent. “While working capital loans aren’t designed as long-term investments, they provide an excellent short-
term benefit for companies that need to fund a gap between producing a product or service and receiving the proceeds for that product or service,” Scheid says, observing that manufacturing and professional services are industries that leverage them frequently. An acquisition loan applies to any business looking to either acquire another company or make a real estate purchase to expand geographically, and Scheid explains, “By financing a portion of those assets through a bank, companies can ensure adequate cash flow for day-to-day operations while still facilitating large-scale business growth.” BMO also finds equipment financing to be another popular loan type.
And a specialized loan type Scheid describes is an employee stock ownership plan. “This type of financing is less geared toward company growth and more appropriate for business leaders — usually in asset-light industries like professional services — looking for ownership transition strategies,” he says, explaining ESOP financing allows either an individual owner or a group of owners to have a bank front the capital to buy that person or group out of their company ownership on a full or partial basis. “As an example, a marketing agency CEO who’s looking to retire within the next decade might consider an ESOP to increase their liquidity and begin rolling out their business succession plan.”
Community banks and credit unions bring another perspective to the lending landscape.
“Gainey Business Bank specializes in financing the needs of small to medium-sized businesses domiciled within the state of Arizona, with our primary market being Scottsdale and the surrounding Phoenix metroplex,” says Mark J. Martinez, executive vice president and chief credit officer at GBB. The bank’s experienced lending personnel offer expertise in owner and non-owner occupied commercial real estate lending into all industry sectors, and it supports financing for initial construction, interim and permanent real estate financing needs. “GBB also has expertise in all aspects of revolving and term financing of working capital assets (accounts receivable and inventory) as well as traditional equipment financing,” he says, noting the bank has partner relationships through which it is able to provide for equipment leasing needs. Furthermore, GBB is able to deliver credit enhanced lending options including the SBA 7a and 504 loan programs — which Robert Blaney, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration for the State of Arizona, goes into below — as well as those small business loan programs made available through the USDA B&I program.
OneAZ offers a diverse range of competitively priced loans and lines of credit to help local businesses achieve their goals. Loans
offered by OneAZ include term loans for purchasing equipment and machinery; loans for inventory and accounts receivable financing; construction and development loans; short and long term commercial real estate mortgage loans; and business vehicle loans. OneAZ also offers a business rewards credit card.
“For reference, OneAZ’s term loans involve a business owner borrowing a lump sum of capital and repaying over time with interest,” explains Bauer, noting that most loans are designated for certain purposes, such as equipment and machinery, and are meant to support specific investments to bolster a business’s ability to maintain day-to-day functions or expand efforts. On the other hand, lines of credit offer a business owner access to a specific amount of funds that they can pull from as needed, and these owners are only required to pay interest on the money that is pulled. “Lines of credit are typically used for working capital, managing cash flow and unexpected expenses.
“Business loans are meant to bolster businesses of any size, stage or specialty. However, different types of loans are right for different types of companies,” Bauer continues. Explaining that Small Business Administration loans are best suited for small companies who need additional capital or need support with expansion initiatives and that might be newer or have less in terms of established credit or collateral, he notes that OneAZ also partners with the SBA to provide both 504 and 7(a) loans to small businesses that maintain and strengthen the Arizona economy. In fact, OneAZ announced the end of last month that it is enhancing its ability to serve small businesses by now originating and servicing SBA 7(a) loans entirely in-house.
SBA loans are typical commercial or business loans with an SBA guaranty, Blaney explains. General characteristics include longer terms and competitive interest rates.
SBA reports that for every one dollar SBA guarantees in Arizona, about 30 cents go to new small businesses.
One loan program from the SBA is the 7(a) loan program. With loans up to $5 million, of which SBA guarantees 75%, it is promoted especially for small businesses and the money can be used for most business purposes. The applicant must be a for-profit business and meet the credit requirements of the individual lender. Loan maturities depend on the useful life of the assets being financed and the borrower’s ability to repay — with specific maximums of seven to 10 years for working capital, 10 to 25 years for machinery and equipment, and up to 25 years real property.
investment opportunities,” explains Teresa Miranda, senior vice president. “We specialize in providing credit to small businesses operating in underserved markets and communities, particularly those facing challenges in qualifying for traditional bank loans. We are dedicated to supporting businesses led by Latinos, women, and other minority entrepreneurs, with a specific focus on those situated in low to moderate-income neighborhoods.”
CPLC Prestamos provides microloans up to $50,000, boasting competitive interest rates and a repayment period of five years. These micro-loans are essential for navigating business challenges or fueling expansion into new products and services. Strategic investment of these funds is pivotal for small business owners, influencing their success and helping them build a strong credit history. This, in turn, opens doors to potential larger loans in the future, facilitating the expansion of their businesses.
It also offers its Community Advantage Small Business Lending Company for amounts of $100,000 to $350,000 as part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s SBA CA-SBLC loan program. These loans are designed to assist small businesses in underserved markets, providing capital funding and business consulting support for credit management, growth, and job development. This versatile loan can be used for owner-occupied commercial real estate activities like purchasing, renovating, or expanding. Additionally, it serves various purposes such as working capital, equipment purchases, debt refinancing, and business acquisitions. While the typical loan term is up to 10 years, it is customized based on the specific use and expected
“Business loans are meant to bolster businesses of any size, stage or specialty. However, different types of loans are right for different types of companies.”
—Ken Bauer, chief lending officer at OneAZ Credit Union
useful life of the financed assets. This loan, backed by an SBA guarantee of up to 85%, offers affordability and competitive market interest rates.
SBA also assists with microloans, which can go up to $50,000, although most are in the $3,000–$7,000. These are seen as a great source for small startups and people with less than perfect credit.
Another popular loan from SBA is the 504. These are longterm, fixed-asset financing for projects from $500,000 to $15 million. Most are for 25 years with fixed rates. These are offered by nonprofit certified development companies. The total project financing is a composite of 50% by a third-party lender, 40% by the 504 loan, and 10% (at least) by the borrower.
Community development financial institutions are yet another type of funding source. These can be banks, credit unions, loan funds (usually nonprofit) and venture capital.
“CPLC Prestamos is an award-winning CDFI committed to breaking down financial barriers and fostering equality through offering a range of loan products, business consulting services and
A third type of loan CPLC Prestamos offers is a Small Business Loan. Available for up to $1 million, these loans range in a variety of sizes and are available to fund most business needs such as working capital or fixed assets purchase. Sometimes a business needs capital for revolving credit, or seasonal financing, or refinancing debt. Other times there is a need to buy furniture and equipment, real estate, or remodel the office to attract more customers.
A final loan type we discuss in this article comes through the State Small Business Credit Initiative, which was reauthorized and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Originally established in 2010, it proved highly successful in increasing access to capital for traditionally underserved small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Arizona has a suite of three approved SSBCI programs catalyzing private investment in Arizona small businesses,” says Matt Bolin, senior program manager for SSBCIs at the Arizona Commerce Authority. These are the Loan Guarantee Program, AVC Ignite and AVC Limited Partner.
The ACA’s loan guarantee program provides a 50% guarantee to partners offering term loans who independently underwrite the loans and lend with private capital and whose mission and targeted customer base aligns with SSBCI program goals.
“Additional lending institutions are anticipated, and our current partners are the following three CDFIs: Clearinghouse CDFI, Lendistry and Prestamos CDFI,” Bolin shares.
Explaining AVC Ignite, Bolin explains that, through the AZ Venture Co-Invest program, the Arizona Venture Development Corporation invests directly alongside qualified investor partners in early-stage companies to expand access to equity capital in Arizona.
The AVC Limited Partner program works through the AZ Multi-Fund Venture program, with AVC investing as a Limited Partner in qualified venture capital funds to catalyze private investment in Arizona companies. Says Bolin, “The ACA has contracted implementing entity Arizona Venture Development Corporation (AVC) to manage both venture capital programs from their inception.”
Additional specialty loans come from organizations like nonprofit Local First Arizona. Kimber Lanning, founder and CEO, describes a micro loan program it has run for the past eight years in Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties. Those are small business loans up to $25,000. “I’m proud to say that through that lending we’ve done just over 20 loans,” she says, noting, “We have
only one default. And we’ve created dozens of jobs. In a small town, that goes a long way.”
Lanning is also concerned about low-income businesses that commonly turn to predatory lenders and incur an average of 48% interest. Local First Arizona’s Spanish language accelerator program is designed for this business segment. “Their orientation to finance is that all debt is bad. So, they only go when there’s an emergency. And they don’t have checking accounts, they have no credit history, and they’re stuck. It’s our job to get them out of that.”
Local First Arizona recently developed the green loan fund, which it offers in Maricopa and Yavapai counties. “The green loan fund is for businesses looking to do retrofits or upgrade equipment to reduce their water or energy or waste. That’s also up to $25,000 [like the small business loans] but can be used to replace a series of HBATs or leaky pipes or investing in some way that enables the business to actualize a savings on a month-to-month basis,” Lanning explains. The fund is self-replenishing and does not interfere in the business’s cash flow; the businesses pay back the loan from the savings it realizes — and then continues to reap that benefit in its ongoing operations after the loan is paid back. Applicants must be willing to go through an energy audit that will determine their potential savings and therefore their ability to pay back to loan, and then attend a boot camp to help them think through all the different ways they could reduce their carbon impact.
There are grant programs that some businesses may be able to take advantage of. Two offered through the SBA are the Small Business Innovation Research and the Small Business Technology Transfer programs. Information from Blaney describes these as highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in federal research and federal research and development with the potential for commercialization. These grants enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. It is a win-win in that including qualified small businesses in the nation’s R&D arena stimulates high-tech innovation while encouraging entrepreneurial spirit. A central element of the STTR program specifically is the partnership between small businesses and nonprofit research institutions.
The recently completed Arizona Child Care Infrastructure Grant program was part of the ongoing efforts of Local Initiatives Support Corporation. LISC is one the country’s largest community development organizations, helping forge vibrant, resilient communities across America. LISC Phoenix, one of the CDFI’s 38 local offices, was formed in 1992 and since its inception has collaborated with place-based organizations and our corporate, foundation and public partners to create an innovative approach to working with neighborhoods that face systemic challenges. LISC has filled
an important gap in the early education and childcare landscape by providing capital, thought leadership, and technical resources centered on the physical environment. The aforementioned Child Care Infrastructure Grant program is a framework for how privateand public-sector partners can deploy funding quickly, effectively and, most importantly, equitably to childcare providers at scale.
The immediate effect of this program was to help childcare businesses grow. “Our ultimate goal with these childcare providers is to teach them some business skills,” says LISC executive director Terry Benelli, noting a huge need for childcare providers here in the state that is only going to grow exponentially this year. “If we can build up folks who are providing services right now and are certified or licensed, then we think there will be opportunities for them to grow their businesses. And if they’re operating their business in an efficient manner, childcare margins are super-slim, if we can help them learn the techniques and efficiencies around running their business, then they’re the best candidate to expand.” LISC also sees the technical assistance piece — teaching them business skills — as the clearest path to preparing businesses to potentially take on debt and grow through other business loans.
But LISC recognizes that helping childcare businesses has a ripple effect on strengthening other businesses — especially ones that require work shifts outside the hours of 8 to 5. CHIPS Act was the
incentive money to get the semiconductor corporations here to the United States and stop offshoring that manufacturing. In fact, in the CHIPS Act there is a callout to those who actually receive the incentive dollars to address childcare.
Says Benelli, “This grant ended, but our goal now is to figure out additional programming. Our dollars at CDFIs are tied to banking’s responsibility to community reinvestment. There are special
purpose credit programs. We have bankers at the table to help us think through this.
“There’s also opportunity for private sector dollars to come in and help us mitigate risk on any lending that we’re doing,” Benelli continues. “And also philanthropy coming in and helping with this. This is, for LISC, definitely an ongoing topic. We consider it part of infrastructure improvements. So, there will be lots more to come.”
Businesses may also be able to attract investment that will supply capital.
SBA’s small business investment company program seeks to stimulate and supplement the flow of private equity capital and longterm loan funds to small businesses. An SBIC is a type of privately owned investment company licensed by the SBA that supplies small companies with both equity and debt financing. SBA sees them as providing a viable alternative to venture capital firms for small enterprises in certain sectors seeking startup capital. SBA does not invest directly into small businesses; rather, it provides funding to qualified SBICs with expertise in targeted sectors or industries.
One of the venture capital firms that focuses on Phoenix is The Journey Venture Studio, although the minority entrepreneurs it chooses to work with aren’t necessarily from Phoenix to start with. “We are bringing the top talent here to the Valley, to fund them to build — hopefully — the next Unicorn startup,” says Mark Moeremans, managing director. The goal is that the ones that have success and land on the right business will stay in the Valley and build companies here. “We even anticipate that the ones who don’t land on a concept that gets selected still may choose to stay in the Valley. Really, it’s a big win for Arizona!”
Specifically, The Journey is looking for founders who have a connection to the healthcare topic of their choosing, whether that is academic, professional or lived experience that will give them unique insight. “We bet on founders with grit who have demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity and have demonstrated perseverance, coachability, and ambitious drive,” Moeremans explains.
“Your financial services needs change over time,” observes Wells Fargo’s Ackaert. “Usually, no single bank is the perfect fit for every business and industry. Periodically evaluating the true
value of your banking relationship just might be one of the most profitable business habits to adopt.”
Ackaert believes financing decisions should entail a holistic approach, considering all relevant factors. And she notes that, while borrowers should certainly seek to negotiate attractive interest rates, it is important business owners balance this with other important loan terms that can impact their ability to grow and execute their business plans.
“In addition, borrowers should seek a financial partner with robust capabilities and a proven commitment to supporting Arizona businesses over an extended period of time,” she continues. “Your bank should be committed — not just to providing capital at attractive rates, but also to helping you and your company succeed financially.”
BMO’s Scheid emphasizes, “Working with a finance professional is the best thing any Arizona business owner can do today to ensure they’re optimally navigating the lending environment and the rate migration and high prices we’ve seen over the last two years. Ultimately, lending decisions can have a major impact on long-term growth goals, and a professional can ensure those immediate decisions are going to align well with economic projections, their case-by-case needs and their vision for the future.”
Arizona Commerce Authority azcommerce.com
BMO Commercial Bank commercial.bmo.com/en/us
CPLC
Gainey
Journey
Local
Local
Dan Adams is the founder of The AIM Institute and author of the books Business Builders and New Product Blueprinting, as well as the blog Awkward Realities and video series B2B Organic Growth. He is a chemical engineer with a listing in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Adams has trained tens of thousands of B2B professionals globally in the front end of innovation and works with senior executives on driving profitable, sustainable growth. theaiminstitute.com
Business Builders: How to Become an Admired & Trusted Corporate Leader (The AIM Institute, 2023, ISBN: 979-8-85442618-3, $19.95) is available at bookstores nationwide and from major online booksellers.
The layoff news just keeps on coming. Many of the job cuts being reported are in the tech sector, but the hatchet is also hitting industries from air travel to healthcare to music. Nobody loves mass layoffs, but their increasing frequency seems to imply an alarming level of acceptability. This is a symptom of a bigger problem: the tendency of today’s corporate leaders to make decisions based on short-term thinking.
Before the ’70s, mass layoffs were rare, and for good reason. They are quite detrimental to a company’s long-term health. Corporate America needs to return to that kind of thinking.
It’s not that layoffs are always wrong. Sometimes they can’t be avoided. But before making that grave decision, leaders should factor in all the consequences — short-term and longterm. If they truly understand the costs of layoffs, they’ll try hard to avoid them.
Mass layoffs tend to be ordered by the type of leader I call “Decorators,” meaning their focus is on kowtowing to Wall Street and looking good in the quarterly financial report. (It’s not a compliment!) Conversely, “Builder” types drive sustainable growth by delivering differentiated value to customers — which
means resisting the siren song of short-term cost controls like layoffs. (Leaders can visit www.areyouabusinessbuilder.com for a quick self-assessment.)
It goes without saying that layoffs take a devastating toll on the laid-off. Studies show they suffer 83% higher odds of a new health condition, twice the level of depression, four times the risk of substance abuse, and up to three times the risk of suicide (Sandra J. Sucher and Marilyn Morgan Westner, “What Companies Still Get Wrong About Layoffs,” Harvard Business Review, December 8, 2022). But how do layoffs hurt companies? Here are three major consequences:
1. Innovation plummets. My book, Business Builders: How to Become an Admired & Trusted Corporate Leader, cites a study showing that the number of new inventions post-layoff fell by 24% (Sandra J. Sucher and Shalene Gupta, “Layoffs That Don’t Break Your Company,” Harvard Business Review, May-June, 2018). Why is this so bad? Because companies that don’t focus on delivering superior differentiated value to customers are forced to compete on price — which leads to the dreaded “commodity death spiral.”
APR. 2024
Employees retained after a layoff experience a 20% drop in job performance and a 36% decline in organizational commitment.
2. Remaining employees morph into “nervous sheep.” When they see co-workers laid off, they lose trust and confidence. Rather than thinking like owners and innovators, they fixate on their personal security, plunging down Maslow’s hierarchy into survival mode. Not surprisingly, one study (cited above by Sucher and Gupta) found employees retained after a layoff experience a 20% drop in job performance and a 36% decline in organizational commitment.
3. Talent retention takes a huge hit … and so does the company’s brand. Sucher and Gupta’s research shows that downsizing a workforce by just 1% leads to a 31% increase in voluntary turnover the next year. Obviously, this is terrible for a company, and not just in terms of the costs of recruiting and retraining. The blow to its reputation reverberates well into the future. Talent matters now more than ever. The damage done in a layoff is so devastating to employees that a company will likely never get them back, plus they will say negative things about the company.
Bottom line? Leaders should sidestep the mass layoff option if they can. But if they can’t — and again, I know sometimes it has to happen — it’s time to take a hard look in the mirror. What can leaders change so they won’t find themselves in this position in the future?
A few tips for avoiding layoffs:
1. Start letting Builders (not financial types) call the shots. Because Builders know that delivering real value to customers takes time, they’re generally averse to layoffs. They’d rather ride out periods of economic bumpiness than do something that harms growth long-term.
Builders should get out in front of financial folks and narrate their long-term growth strategy. That way, rather than being adversarial, the CFO becomes a willing partner.
2. Shift from a near-term to a long-term investor base. Often, layoffs are a way to placate shareholders. Leaders need patient investors who, like themselves, are focused on the longer-term. If quarterly earnings take a dip, these investors will understand it’s temporary. Finding such investors is not a pipe dream; they’re out there — and leaders can find them and persuade them to join their company. As Warren Buffett said, “Companies obtain the shareholder constituency that they seek and deserve.”
3. Plan wisely for difficult economic cycles. Of course, there will be ups and downs, so leaders should allow for them. Instead of overhiring in peak times, an option is to outsource and engage recent retirees to handle higher demand. Businesses can avoid high debt leverage and, instead, build financial reserves. When a downturn hits, businesses can use it for training and other retooling so they can accelerate out of it.
4. Finally, choose “softer” alternatives over layoffs. For instance, choose furloughs or temporary salary reductions over permanent job loss. And it’s better for top executives to take a pay cut than to ask the workforce to bear the brunt. Remember, leaders want to build trust, and this is a real way for them to put their money where their mouth is.
Ultimately, layoffs weaken companies. That goes against what I call a leader’s “first duty,” which is leaving the company stronger than they found it.
One leader’s decision can have irreversible outcomes for many. It’s not just the laid-off employees and their families who suffer; it’s everyone who works for that business now and everyone who will work for it in the future. Those who think about it that way are more likely to exhaust every other possibility first.
Create Once, Distribute Forever
In the modern business world, distribution is king. Impactful products and extraordinary ideas are no longer enough to guarantee success for today’s digital creators. To improve sales, gain influence, increase engagement and make an impact, how and where one distributes one’s work is more important than the work itself. In Create Once, Distribute Forever, digital marketing strategist Ross Simmonds provides a comprehensive guide for utilizing distribution as the most powerful marketing strategy. Readers will learn the ins and outs of distribution, how to overcome roadblocks in the process, why remixing and republishing content is important, and how to uncover the most profitable distribution channels for one’s business. Create Once, Distribute Forever offers real-world examples, helpful checklists, and a step-by-step playbook for generating one’s own distribution plan.
Create Once, Distribute Forever: How Great Creators Spread Their Ideas and How You Can Too
Ross Simmonds
$26.99
Lioncrest Publishing Available 4/9/2024 320 pages
There are so many hidden factors that influence the decisions customers make, and it has little to do with the facts of a business’s brand or the products it sells. They know they like a product or brand. They know that one service feels like a better value than another. They know that what one business sells isn’t a good fit and they should head over to its competitor. But they usually don’t know why they feel that way. This is where most companies miss the mark, deciding to throw all their time, energy and focus into conversion rate optimization to boost sales. But the answers they need to meet their sales goals don’t just lie in user data — it goes all the way to human nature. Behind The Click dives into the psychological principles behind the shortcuts our brains take to make decisions. By understanding these underlying principles, a business can deploy optimization tactics that create a digital experience that not only meets but anticipates customers’ wants and needs.
Behind The Click: How to Use the Hidden Psychological Forces That Shape Online Behavior to Craft Digital Journeys That Delight, Engage, and Convert
R Jon MacDonald $34.99
Printed Words Publishing Available 4/15/2024 336 pages
There’s an overlooked but critical scientific fact that every marketing professional needs to know: Many decisions start with attention, and it’s their job to grab the attention of every prospective customer as effectively as possible. But in this increasingly fast-paced, busy and noisy world, the question is how to capture people’s attention, much less persuade them. To answer this question, cognitive neuroscientist Carmen Simon leverages insights gleaned from her use of advanced technologies to study where people look, for how long, what type of attention leads to memories, and what keeps the brain coming back for more, to determine the effectiveness of sales pitches, marketing materials, corporate presentations, training videos and other business content. In Made You Look, Simon presents her four-part framework for effectively attracting the attention of customers and impacting their buying decision.
Made You Look: How to Use Brain Science to Attract Attention and Persuade Others
Carmen Simon $38
McGraw Hill Available 4/19/2024 352 pages
Instead of over-hiring in peak times, an option is to outsource and engage recent retirees to handle higher demand.
Robert Faver is the Arizona market president for UMB Bank. He has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Faver earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in business administration from Arizona State University. umb.com
Right now, Phoenix businesses are navigating a unique landscape that is growing with a swelling population and booming industries while facing economic challenges such as housing and cost of living. While some things are out of business owners’ hands, the market is offering signs of what 2024 may hold. The ability to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape using the right information and banking partner can help businesses succeed this year.
At a macro level, the country is navigating crosscurrents from the economy, including lagged impact of higher rates, slowed economic activity, excess savings runoff, uncertain inflation behavior, geopolitical conflict and election uncertainty. All these factors are going to impact business owners and consumers alike in 2024.
In Phoenix specifically, many are likening this time back to the 2008 recession, which was particularly painful to Arizona residents. According to the Census Bureau, Arizona was among the areas most damaged from housing to income to poverty levels after the recession. Because of this history, business owners are cautious right now.
Taking lessons from 2008, it is recommended that clients have a plan in place for new capital strategies for the year — but not be overly worried. Phoenix has made a concerted effort since the recession to help stabilize and diversify the economy, which helps in uncertain times such as these. For example, according to the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix was well behind the rest of the nation when it came to recovering job loss after the recession. On the flip side, Phoenix recovered approximately 250,000 jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic about a year ahead of the U.S. average.
Phoenix has erupted with construction projects over the past few years. Most notably, the area is becoming a hub for data and technology manufacturing. This has brought an influx of money, jobs and attention to the area, but some may wonder if it can sustain itself and how other industries are faring with the new competition.
So far in 2024, industrial construction in the region continues to increase; it is the one area of investment real estate that continues to see new projects. Conversely, there has been a significant reduction in new requests for multifamily and retail project requests. I would attribute this reduction in investment in CRE requests to higher interest rates, expensive land and challenges with financing. While some businesses and industries are ready to grow, we continue to hear caution in the marketplace.
While certain sectors continue to have challenges, including financing, others are seeing strong backlogs and will grow and
evolve with trends and changing conditions. According to the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, several unexpected industries had higher-than-average rates of growth in 2023. This includes healthcare and social assistance; transportation and utilities; financials; and arts, entertainment and recreation industries.
When new industries and inflation start to impact the local market, it is important to monitor how attitudes shift from holding tight to actively looking to grow.
Economic and market shifts have led to changes in how some businesses are approaching growth and protecting capital. Unique to Phoenix is that, unlike some major markets, there is land and room for additional growth, but right now costs are high and owners are weighing all short- and longterm options to determine how they move forward.
Those businesses looking to grow this year should work with their bank to find where their business can expand. Having a personal relationship with a banker — along with a bank that can provide tailored solutions and products across many platforms and areas of business — will be crucial to support business growth.
As in much of the country, another local trend is a rise in fraud. According to a recent Forbes report, Arizona was the number six most financially scammed state in 2023, where 262 of every 100,000 residents filed fraud reports for a total loss of $33.5 million. The most prominent forms of fraud we see with clients include email correspondence, wire fraud and check fraud.
This underscores the importance of business owners getting to know their banker, so together they can implement tools and safeguards to protect their business. Understanding and factoring these macro and regional trends into business plans can not only help a business survive tougher economic times but also achieve growth and gain competitive advantage in 2024.
APR.
So far in 2024, industrial construction in the region continues to increase; it is the one area of investment real estate that continues to see new projects.
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Julie Maurer is a Phoenixbased partner with the law firm Husch Blackwell LLP. She practices in the Supply Chain Logistics group of the firm’s Transportation industry team.
Aaron
Houthi rebel attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea have caused major supply chain disruptions since the attacks began in November 2023. To date, there have been at least 80 incidents in the area, many of which involve private container ships carrying goods to Europe, the United States and other destinations around the world. These incidents have caused not only disruptions in the global supply chain, but also a host of legal issues.
The Red Sea provides access to the southern entrance to the Suez Canal and is one of the main trade routes between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. About 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea, including up to 30% of the world’s container traffic, amounting to approximately $1 trillion worth of goods annually.
The Houthi attacks have caused a precipitous drop in container traffic through the region, as shipping giants A.P. Moller-Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and others began rerouting container ships south around the Cape of Good Hope. By some estimates, the number of containers traveling through the Red Sea has already dropped by two-thirds. These diversions have also extended voyages by some 3,500 nautical miles and increased shipping times by at least 14 days.
Not surprisingly, the rise in costs associated with these changes has been profound. A ship bound for northern Europe traveling around the Cape of Good Hope will likely incur an additional $1 million in fuel costs compared to traveling through the Red Sea. The longer voyages — up to 25 days longer in some cases — also mean sharply increased personnel costs to staff the vessels. Other costs, including marine war risk premiums, as just one example, have skyrocketed. As a result, carriers have increased per-container rates to their highest levels since the record prices seen in 2021 at the height of the pandemic.
According to some experts, these disruptions to the supply chain could last well into the summer and possibly through fall. As the issues in the Red Sea continue, they will trigger legal disputes between various players in the supply chain, primarily ocean carriers, shippers, and shippers’ customers. Here are just a few:
• The invocation of force majeure clauses: Force majeure clauses serve to relieve a party from its nonperformance of a contract based for reasons beyond the party’s control. The most common events contained in force majeure clauses include civil unrest, strikes, “Acts of God,” war
and the like. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have already caused some ocean carriers — most notably, Hapag-Lloyd — to invoke the force majeure clauses of their contracts as a way of warding off potential breach-of-contract claims by its customers. Legal disputes over the interpretation and enforcement of these provisions are likely to result as the disruption in the Red Sea continues.
• Disputes over detention and demurrage charges: Congestion at ports is expected to significantly increase fees associated with delays and storage, known as detention and demurrage charges. Ports have only a finite number of berths, each designed to accommodate specific vessel sizes. Berths are reserved weeks or months in advance to ensure port-side support for unloading, reloading and refueling. Further, the schedules for transporting containers and other cargo from the port are tightly coordinated with these port assignments. When vessels are forced to deviate from their planned courses or choose alternate paths, the resulting holdups lead to a cascading impact on port operations — containers begin to accumulate at the port as they await further transport. This, in turn, causes detention and demurrage charges to accrue, which can total tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the length of the delay. We expect to see disputes over these charges escalate as the Red Sea crisis continues.
• Contract disputes caused by delays in getting goods to market: The delays caused by rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope is expected to affect a slew of industries. Furniture, household goods, apparel and oil are just some of the goods that typically travel through the Red Sea on their way to Europe, the U.S. and beyond. As these delays take place, disputes will necessarily arise between shippers — manufacturers, for example — and their customers, who will struggle to meet the demands of their own customers for these goods.
As Wildflower’s commitment to corporate responsibility blossoms, the tangible impact on communities is measurable and inspiring. Here’s a glimpse into the numbers that reflect the depth of Wildflower’s contribution over the years:
• $5.1 million worth of bread and bakery items donated
• 1,873,820 kids’ meals sponsored for No Kid Hungry
• $12,578.67 donated to St. Vincent De Paul
• $11,885.85 raised for local organizations
• More than 50 Neighborhood Nights hosted since 2022
• 27 years of generosity
In the bustling landscape of corporate ventures, Wildflower emerges as a beacon of responsibility, rooted in a commitment to serve not only great food but also the broader community. Founded in November 1996, Wildflower, a family-owned business, has grown to operate 16 restaurants in the Phoenix metropolitan area and Northern Arizona, with an additional bread manufacturing facility. More than just a culinary venture, Wildflower is deeply invested in preserving the art of making world-class artisan bread.
The heart of Wildflower lies in its unique culture, defined by Purpose, Values and a communication toolset known as Safe Space. These pillars emphasize the active participation and contributions of Wildflower’s “breadheads” (employees) to ensure both company and community success. New breadheads embark on a personal journey to understand these principles, guided by the Wildflower Purpose: “We change lives, create traditions, build community, and feed the soul with passion. Every time, every day.”
A core value of Wildflower is to “positively impact and strengthen our community and planet.” Since its inception, the company has translated this commitment into action by supporting local organizations through volunteerism, events, fundraising and giving. Wildflower channels its efforts primarily toward poverty and hunger relief, children’s wellness, women’s empowerment, literacy and education, and animal advocacy.
Wildflower’s belief in giving back is twofold: a moral imperative and a strategic business decision. The company recognizes that communities and individuals in need deserve assistance, and it views its role as a facilitator of positive change. Simultaneously, Wildflower understands that today’s consumers actively seek organizations that contribute to the greater good. The resulting brand loyalty and guest recognition form a crucial part of Wildflower’s identity.
Tyler Butler is a chief social impact officer for a publicly traded corporate portfolio where she leads programs that positively impact humanity. She is also the founder of 11Eleven Consulting, and she is often cited as a subject matter expert by Forbes, SHRM, Entrepreneur, U.S. News & World Report and more. linkedin.com/in/tylerbutler
In 2010, Wildflower formalized its commitment through the creation of the Wildflower Cares Foundation. This foundation focuses exclusively on the five pillars of giving: Poverty & Hunger, Children, Education, Women, and Animal Advocacy. One significant initiative involves nightly donations of bread and bakery leftovers to shelters and organizations throughout Arizona. This effort not only reduces waste but also nourishes those in need.
The partnership with Child Crisis Arizona reflects Wildflower’s dedication to providing a safe haven for children facing abuse, neglect or homelessness. Through various programs and services, Wildflower contributes to breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Additionally, the company actively engages with school PTOs, clubs and organizations through food and gift card donations, reinforcing its commitment to education and children.
Empowering women to thrive is another area where Wildflower directs its efforts. By providing tools and support, Wildflower contributes to helping women overcome challenges
Wildflower understands that today’s consumers actively seek organizations that contribute to the greater good.
and build better lives for themselves. The company’s commitment extends to the welfare of animals, advocating for their well-being and actively seeking opportunities to find them forever homes.
Wildflower’s community involvement is not confined to monetary donations. The company actively encourages its breadheads to be active members of their communities, practicing good citizenship and exemplifying the Wildflower Purpose every day.
Through various programs like Neighborhood Nights, in-store fundraising and the Wildflower scrip program, the company provides straightforward avenues for nonprofit organizations and schools to raise funds. These initiatives reflect Wildflower’s dedication to supporting causes that align with its values.
Over its 27 years, Wildflower has generously supported numerous organizations, including the Phoenix affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, St. Vincent De Paul, Child Crisis Arizona, No Kid Hungry and many more. The company’s contributions extend beyond financial aid, encompassing initiatives like the Knead to Read program and Dough on the Go.
Founder Louis Basile, a key figure in Wildflower’s philanthropic endeavors, emphasizes the natural extension of giving back in the hospitality business. He answers with a resounding “YES” when asked if a business should make a positive difference in its communities. Basile believes that being a positive contributing member of the community is not just good for business but is simply the right thing to do.
In a world that craves more givers, Wildflower stands as a testament to the transformative power of corporate responsibility. As Basile aptly puts it, “Being a part of a brand that helps others in need resonates with today’s workforce and embodies the ethos of doing the right thing. Wildflower’s journey from seed to table is not just about nourishing bodies with great food but also feeding the soul with a passion for positive change.”
Wildflower wildflowerbread.comFor over 40 years, the Arizona Community Foundation has supported nonprofits and students across our state by mobilizing the collective passion and generosity of thousands of Arizonans.
When you are ready to take the next step in your personal charitable giving journey, we are here to help you achieve your goals.
Kiana Taie, NCIDQ, is an interior designer and cooperations lead for Gensler Phoenix. Her diverse portfolio of work includes award-winning projects from various industries with a focus on workplace interiors. She is involved in all phases of the project, from conceptual design through construction documentation and construction administration.
In 2020 she was listed as a “SAY IT LOUD—NOW Exhibitor” on the Beyond the Built Environment’s website, which recognizes diverse voices in the Architecture and Interior Design professions.
gensler.com/offices/ phoenix
As a design director for Gensler Phoenix, James Bailey, IIDA, NCIDQ, Fitwel, works with his clients to discover the “big idea” behind each unique design story. He helps establish the design aesthetic and build connections to surrounding context. Bailey serves as a co-regional lead for the styling practice and believes in continuing the design conversation beyond occupancy to create curated and immersive brand experiences for his clients.
gensler.com/offices/ phoenix
Hybrid is here to stay. As more companies relocate to the Phoenix metro area, focus will be less on how many people come into the office and more on how the office can support individual needs. To evolve with changing demands and earn people’s commutes, the workplace will undergo several other key shifts: from one-size-fits-all to curated destinations; from static office buildings to dynamic environments that prioritize choice and workers’ well-being.
The new workplace is a compelling destination with a choice of experiences. Out is the undifferentiated open office with its one-size-fits-all programing template. In is a hospitalityinfused space with touches of home, including considerations for privacy, acoustic control and soft seating options.
At the Papago Arroyo campus, there was an opportunity to transition the existing office complex into a re-branded, Class-A office offering to better align with the needs of a modern workforce. Through the years, buildings had been added to the campus one by one, each with subtle yet different architectural expressions. During the refresh, each building maintained its own visual identity within an overarching Arizona desert botanical story.
The overall campus design has been tailored to tenant and visitor needs, including special attention paid to purpose-built lobbies and other spaces traditionally thought of as passthrough spaces. Each lobby and restroom has its own look and feel, which gives the office campus an elevated level of detail. A new, centralized coffee hub, conferencing center, various work points, convenient power access and local art all work to activate these spaces in a refreshing way.
In this hybrid era, there is not only a “flight to quality” in terms of better buildings, but also a “flight to experience” for workplaces located in vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods. Out are tenant spaces designed to prevent employees from interacting with their surroundings. In is a workplace
ecosystem that extends beyond the walls of the office to include coffee shops, libraries and outdoor spaces for employees to work, meet, socialize and relax.
As companies invest in a smaller office size, this robust workplace district has become even more critical. The Quad in Scottsdale remains a prime example. The site includes a centralized conference center conveniently located next door to a restaurant/bar, as well as a refreshing landscape throughout, complete with lawn furniture and even a dog park. These anchor elements invite the community in, unlocking the full potential of the campus. Employees have a flexible space outside their office to work during the day, and the Quad transforms into an active part of the Scottsdale neighborhood at night.
People want to work with and for companies that align with their personal values and care deeply about their people. Out are the stark, antiseptic workplaces. In is a shift to a holistic approach to well-being that includes natural daylight, fresh air and biophilia.
One valuable resource Arizona has is its climate. For a significant portion of the year, people can take advantage of both indoor and outdoor spaces. And because there is plentiful available land, there is an opportunity for our workplaces to invest in these outdoor spaces.
The Fountainhead Business Park in Tempe is another example of a local campus sustainPURPOSEably utilizing the desert landscape for tenant well-being. A central, man-made water feature offers a refreshing respite, sharing the space with native animals. Our team added outdoor pergolas as an additional third space where tenants can get outdoors for meetings or simply a break to reflect, refresh and recharge.
We have the opportunity to rethink not only how people work, but what people need most in order to work at their personal and collective best. The workplace of the future can be a place where people want to be, where they feel part of a larger purpose and community, and where they feel cared for as individuals. It is time to put people first, foster the joy of work and create a feeling of abundance in the workplace.
Within the bustling corridors of modern organizations, the cultivation of effective leadership isn’t just desirable — it’s imperative. Great leaders aren’t born; they are crafted through deliberate efforts and strategies. As the heartbeat of an organization, leaders guide teams, inspire innovation and drive success. But how does one foster leadership within their organization? Here, we explore the art and science of building leaders from within an organization.
Culture Is Critical: First and foremost, fostering leadership begins with a cultural shift. Organizations must embrace a mindset where leadership isn’t confined to the C-suite but is a quality found at every level. This cultural ethos encourages employees to step up, take ownership and lead from where they stand. By promoting a culture of empowerment and accountability, organizations lay the groundwork for leadership to flourish.
Mentoring: Mentorship programs stand as pillars in the edifice of leadership development. Pairing seasoned leaders with emerging talents creates a conduit for knowledge transfer, skill enhancement and personal growth. Through mentorship, individuals glean insights from the experiences of those who have navigated similar paths, gaining invaluable wisdom and perspective along the way. Mentorship isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about fostering relationships built on trust, guidance and mutual respect.
Diversity of Thought: Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor; it thrives in diverse environments. By harnessing the collective power of varied perspectives, backgrounds and experiences, organizations can unlock a reservoir of innovation and creativity. Leaders who champion diversity cultivate environments where all voices are heard, valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
Learning: Continuous learning lies at the heart of leadership development. In today’s fast-paced world, the landscape is constantly evolving, demanding leaders who are agile, adaptable and eager to grow. Organizations can facilitate learning through workshops, seminars, online courses
“Great leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders.” —Tom Peters
and leadership retreats. By investing in the professional development of their employees, organizations not only equip them with the tools to succeed but also signal a commitment to their growth and advancement.
Be Authentic: Leadership isn’t just about what you do; it’s about who you are. Authentic leadership resonates deeply with others, fostering trust, loyalty and engagement. Authentic leaders lead with integrity, transparency and empathy, inspiring those around them to bring their best selves to the table. Organizations can cultivate authenticity by encouraging self-awareness, vulnerability and genuine connection among their leaders.
Engage in Conversation: Effective communication serves as the lifeblood of leadership. Leaders must master the art of listening, articulating vision, providing feedback and fostering open dialogue. By creating channels for communication to flow freely, organizations break down silos, bridge divides and foster a culture of collaboration and co-creation.
Build the Team: Leadership isn’t a solitary journey; it’s a team sport. High-performing teams are the building blocks of organizational success, and effective leaders know how to harness the collective intelligence and talents of their team members. By fostering a culture of teamwork, collaboration and mutual support, organizations create an environment where leaders emerge, thrive and propel the organization forward. Evaluating the skills that each member brings forth using tools like Gallup StrengthFinders enables identified skills to be matched across teams for optimal effectiveness.
In conclusion, building a leadership talent pool within an organization is a multifaceted endeavor that requires vision, commitment and perseverance. Through fostering a culture of empowerment and embracing mentorship, continuous learning and teamwork, organizations can create fertile ground for leadership to emerge. In doing so, they not only invest in the future success of their organization but also empower individuals to reach their full potential and make a lasting impact in their respective roles.
Bruce Weber is founder, president and CEO at Weber Group. Weber brings more than 25 years of experience to the for-profit and nonprofit community, working with startup, growth and mature organizations. His focus is on strengthening organizations through strategic planning, leadership and board development. He is a BoardSource Certified Governance trainer and a graduate of the Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, College Park. webergroupaz.com
• Prioritize microbreaks: Incorporating short, frequent breaks throughout the day can enhance focus and productivity.
• Foster associations: Cultivate relationships outside one’s immediate professional circle to broaden perspectives and opportunities.
• Practice gratitude: Regularly expressing gratitude can improve overall well-being and resilience in challenging times.
• Explore alternative work arrangements: Experimenting with flexible schedules or remote work options can optimize productivity and life experience.
The hustle-and-grind culture is widespread, especially in the United States, and while one needs to work to get ahead, a constant go-go-go schedule isn’t healthy for anyone. In the long run, no matter how good someone is at what they do, the exhaustion from constantly living in the fast lane will eventually slow them down. This is why young professionals can hugely impact the long-term trajectory of their careers when they embrace essential healthy habits to boost energy, productivity and well-being.
Personal and professional success requires attention to the physical, mental and emotional realms. Professionals can’t be their best when they are tired, drained or emotionally compromised. Prioritizing aspects like sleep and rest is fundamental to maintaining optimal performance. Establishing good sleep hygiene and creating a conducive sleep environment can significantly improve sleep quality.
Sharon Lechter is an internationally renowned financial literacy expert, five-time New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and mentor. Her books include Rich Dad Poor Dad, Three Feet from Gold, Think and Grow Rich for Women, and How Money Works
For Women. From hosting retreats, welcoming visiting guests or just enjoying nature, she loves spending time at her ranch, Cherry Creek Lodge. sharonlechter.com
Additionally, integrating short breaks or power naps during the workday can recharge energy levels and enhance productivity. Similarly, physical exercise plays a vital role in overall well-being, with various options available to suit different preferences and schedules. Regular exercise, including activities like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or participating in fitness classes, not only benefits physical health but also contributes to mental well-being by reducing stress and enhancing cognitive function.
• How much sleep they need,
• The types of exercise that support their bodies and minds,
• What they need to do to navigate their emotions,
• The level of mental stimulation necessary to optimize their flow and productivity,
• The activities that help settle their minds,
• Which foods make them feel good, and
• When they need to reach out for support from others.
Understanding one’s requirements to maximize productivity with minimal mental, physical and emotional strain is crucial for young professionals to evolve in their careers and thrive in fast-paced environments.
Nearly everyone has encountered moments when they could tirelessly dedicate themselves to something of great
importance. Conversely, there are times when work feels uninteresting or the desire to be elsewhere is overwhelming. Recognizing one’s motivations is essential for navigating hustle culture as a young professional.
1. Create a clear vision of what needs to be accomplished. To enhance one’s physical, mental and emotional well-being, it is essential to establish a clear vision of what one aims to achieve. Irrespective of their career stage, progress toward a meaningful goal is instrumental in this regard.
2. Defining one’s values is essential to facilitate better decision-making. Their values should serve as a guiding north star, particularly in matters of decision-making. If something doesn’t align with these values, they can swiftly and decisively say no and proceed forward. This approach saves a significant amount of time and effort, and it resonates positively mentally, physically and emotionally.
3. Aligning one’s actions with their vision. In the fastpaced environment of life, it’s easy to expend time and energy on tasks that don’t contribute to the larger vision due to the constant busyness. To avoid this trap, it’s imperative to set goals that are in line with the overarching vision. This can be achieved by reverse-engineering from the desired result to the current position.
4. Protecting one’s time. With only a finite number of hours in a day, it’s crucial to allocate time to activities that hold personal significance. Cultivating this habit is integral to maintaining emotional well-being, as both personal and professional spheres contribute to one’s overall happiness and fulfillment. Scheduling time for hobbies, socializing with friends and family, and treating this time as sacrosanct is essential.
5. Engage coaches and mentors. Engaging with coaches and mentors can significantly expedite one’s progress toward one’s goals. Collaborating with someone who has navigated the path ahead provides invaluable insights. By heeding the advice of mentors, individuals can sidestep challenges and obstacles, swiftly develop effective strategies, and adopt healthy habits that enhance energy, productivity and overall well-being.
When young professionals integrate the aforementioned factors, they can construct a tailored strategy for excelling in the fast-paced world, integrating essential healthy habits crucial for enhancing energy, productivity and overall wellbeing. While shortcuts to success are scarce, acquiring a mentor emerges as a significant accelerator toward achieving goals swiftly, provided one engages with the right mentor.
Fabrizio Cali is the owner of Dolce Vita, an Italian restaurant, gelato shop and grocer in Mesa, Ariz. Cali was born in Sicily and spent most of his life in Milan before moving to the United States in 2011. He opened the restaurant three years ago, and prides himself on bringing traditional Sicilian food and culture to the Valley.
dolcevitagroupaz.com
One crucial element of running a restaurant is valuing our employees’ work-life balance. At Dolce Vita, I have made the decision to close every Monday and for a week each summer to give my staff a day of rest as well as a true vacation. Many business owners may be concerned about how this will impact their bottom line, but, by fostering a healthy work environment, they will see the benefits of providing this incentive to their employees.
When employees devote their time to their company, burnout can happen. Dedicating time off and prioritizing rest and relaxation uplifts the team’s morale and can even boost productivity, as Caroline Castrillon discusses in an article for Forbes (“Why Taking Vacation Time Could Save Your Life;” May 23, 2021), citing a study by the World Health Organization. These elements create a happy, efficient business that benefits both staff and guests alike.
When providing time off, employers need to ensure it is either 1) uninterrupted time off or 2) a full closure. This establishes peace of mind for employees. Also, employers should establish some restrictions for reaching out to employees on their days off. If they are unable to fully relax, it can reduce or even eliminate the stress relief they need to come back refreshed to work.
Doing a full closure allows everyone to return to work at the same starting point in the week. Therefore, the entire staff will be rejuvenated, and employers get rid of the risk of having one group of disgruntled employees who had to work for the rest of the staff to receive time off.
For many restaurants, it is not possible to close for an entire day every week (although it is very recommended because it is a recharge day). But I believe it is a must for the restaurant owner to find a schedule that works for everyone.
Employers should talk to their employees. Who prefers working in the mornings? Who prefers to work at night? Who has kids at home that they need to pick up from school at a certain time? All of this should be considered when writing up the schedule. It’s important to regularly check in with the employees to see if their schedules have changed, so they
know their employer cares about their work-life balance. Also for the well-being of the employees, it is important to keep the scheduling consistent so employees can plan their off-work time, and to provide the scheduling ahead of time so employees can organize their time.
When business owners and management personnel truly care about their staff, the time they set aside for the individual’s personal benefit returns to the restaurant tenfold and combats the typical stresses of a fast-paced, bustling environment. This is why it’s important to encourage staff to spend time with their families, take care of themselves and address their personal lives.
It helps employees thrive when they know their managers have their backs. They are more inspired to come to work every day with a smile and engage with people on a more genuine level. It transcends the break room; guests will recognize and appreciate an environment that is happy, ethical and inviting.
I believe it’s important that management gets to know more about their staff’s personal lives and how time off can impact on them. For example, I expanded to one full week off in the summer to provide a true vacation for my team. With many employees who have family in Italy, the full week off in addition to regular PTO makes room for necessary travel plans.
Providing ample time off is just one component in the bigger picture of supporting a restaurant staff. At all levels, the team needs to invest in making meaningful connections with one another. For our restaurant’s tight-knit community, we provide a personalized experience for every guest who comes in because we’ve fostered a team that is also a family.
When business owners and management personnel truly care about their staff, the time they set aside for the individual’s personal benefit returns to the restaurant tenfold and combats the typical stresses of a fast-paced, bustling environment.
Why do organizations with strong giving cultures share their philanthropic successes with the community?
Because doing so leads to trust — the public’s understanding that “this nonprofit is an accountable, proactive organization dealing with important issues.” When a significant gift is announced or a milestone met, it creates community buzz. And more buzz has a multiplier effect on donations.
You know you have a strong culture of philanthropy when the athletic director says his top priority is funding the science building. Or when local CEOs who have never given to your nonprofit step up to contribute multiple transformational gifts in succession.
It’s what happened to Lori Redfearn, California State’s former assistant vice chancellor for systemwide advancement, and Devorah Lieberman, past president of University of La Verne.
While many nonprofits can’t easily define what a culture of philanthropy is, there are certain fundamentals that nonprofits can follow to reap incredible financial rewards, as witnessed by Redfearn’s and Lieberman’s experiences.
Redfearn says the athletic director knew the university’s goal was to build its reputation as a first-choice institution, and that to do so, an outstanding science building was needed.
“‘If it’s the president’s priority, it’s my priority,’ he said. When you get areas of the university that traditionally feel like fundraising competitors to support each other in common goals … that is a true culture of philanthropy.”
Lieberman’s success in attracting local, successful business leaders and elected officials who had never before donated was all about authentic relationship-building, living the institution’s mission and embracing the power of philanthropy. One donor, Randall Lewis, was so moved by the university’s values and mission, he named three multi-million-dollar centers.
How to build nonprofits that embrace a philanthropic mindset that positively impacts the bottom line? Executives sitting on nonprofit boards can follow these fundamentals:
• Weave philanthropy into the nonprofit’s values, goals, objectives and strategic plans. Philanthropy is more than simple numbers on a spreadsheet or revenue generation. It’s about aligning fundraising goals with the nonprofit’s strategy and spirit. It is not a plug-the-holes solution for institutions strapped for cash and needing to fill financial gaps. At the University of La Verne, Lieberman focused on the value of creating a community where everyone felt this is where I belong, regardless of faith, gender, socioeconomic background or ethnicity. That values-based goal, embraced by faculty, staff, students and the community, attracted a donor with shared vision and resulted in a new physical space that welcomed “everyone” — from the football player and chemistry major to choir members, faculty and community members.
• Treat everyone as a stakeholder and, ideally, as a potential donor. Nonprofits whose leadership and staff treat new introductions as if they are stakeholders are often the most successful. Stakeholders, after all, have a stake in the institution: the individuals served by it, the board and volunteers, and the broader community. But what if new
introductions were also treated as potential donors? Nonprofits can open themselves up to even greater investments.
• Ensure everyone in the organization is a fundraiser and donor. Why would anyone external to a nonprofit invest if its own people don’t? When asking the public to make an investment, employees and board members should be first in line at whatever level is appropriate. Under Lieberman’s tenure, the board of trustees agreed to a first-ever, minimum annual giving policy, and nearly 80% contributed to the university’s capital campaign.
• Include advancement staff at the leadership table — always. “At California State, the vice president for advancement is part of the president’s council,” says Redfearn. “It’s truly important to be there to talk about the activities of advancement, but also to understand what the critical needs are of the university and how advancement can play a role in solving those critical needs.”
In high-performing nonprofits with strong philanthropic cultures, fundraising is treated as an integral part of the budgeting process and projections — as a viable source of revenue and as a line-item worth budgeting for.
“We invested financially in a very good advancement office,” says Lieberman. “I needed experts to partner with me to share the mission.”
Redfearn agrees. She used empirical data to gain budgeting support. “We determined we needed an additional metric regarding our return on investment,” she says, “to show that advancement was not a cost center — that it was an investment center.” She assessed fundraising expenditures and compared them against gift commitments within the system’s 23 universities and their advancement teams. The findings: a 500% return on investment.
That data, Redfearn says, showed the business office that advancement staff were raising external funds that became meaningful investments back into the university and were worth budgeting for, even during dips in the budget cycle.
That’s what a strong culture of philanthropy does — it increases fundraising effectiveness, raises more money and helps solve our world’s most pressing societal issues.
The soul of the iconic INFINITI FX lives on in QX55, bringing a sleek crossover coupe silhouette together with performance-inspired details to create something truly, unapologetically individual.
Luxury without innovation is just yesterday’s news. Setting tomorrow’s trends, QX55 is a crossover coupe that understands just how important it is to keep connected to the driver, the road and the world at large.
QX55’s versatile VC-Turbo engine refuses to compromise performance for the sake of efficiency, instead transforming and changing its compression ratio on the fly to offer the best of both worlds. QX55 comes standard with Intelligent
Holding it all together like the central object of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, this is an asset that helps businesses protect all their other assets: insurance.
In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, small businesses face a myriad of challenges, with insurance-related issues being at the forefront. With an estimated 75% of small businesses experiencing an insurance-worthy incident last year alone, the need for comprehensive coverage and proactive risk management has never been greater. The following are four areas where owners can implement safeguards to protect their businesses.
• Fire: Fires pose a significant risk to small businesses, particularly in the restaurant industry. The National Fire Protection Association reports approximately 8,240 restaurant fires annually, and most stem from equipment malfunctions, underscoring the importance of regular maintenance.
• Workplace Injuries: Injuries at work, especially slips and
All-Wheel Drive, measuring wheelspin, throttle input and road speed to send up to 50% of available power to the rear wheels for better traction and performance.
Driver-focused and design-forward, QX55’s bold interior space puts luxury performance first. Featuring a style all its own, QX55’s detail-oriented finishes come together to create a space as unique as QX55 drivers themselves. QX55’s cabin features a unique asymmetrical design, bending the interior space and all its accommodating performance-minded luxuries conveniently around the driver. Built with real-world luxury in mind, everything about QX55’s interior space — right down to the feel and function of the controls on the leather-wrapped steering wheel — is designed with craftsmanship and modern life in mind.
QX55’s performance-inspired design means the exterior is a work of art. Eye-catching digital piano key taillights leave a lasting impression, perfectly punctuating QX55’s sloping coupe-back design. Angular curves, aerodynamic lines and a sport-inspired spoiler effortlessly complement QX55’s bold crossover coupe design — all inspired by the iconic INFINITI FX Series —Mike
HunterInfiniti infinitiusa.com
falls, are a common cause of insurance claims. These incidents account for a third of all workplace injuries and are a major factor in worker’s compensation claims. Preventing these incidents is key.
• Theft: Small businesses are frequently targets of theft, ranging from employee theft to cybercrimes. These incidents significantly impact a business’s bottom line, and owners should implement ways to minimize thefts.
• Water Damage: Water damage is a pervasive issue for businesses, regardless of location. It can result in operational interruptions, costly repairs and potential structural damage or mold if not addressed properly.
By proactively avoiding risks and by having small business insurance, business owners can recover quickly following a disaster. —Society Insurance (societyinsurance.com) which is committed to its clients’ well-being by sharing industry tips to help them succeed
Auto Couture: The available contrasting Monaco Red interior speaks to QX55’s performance-inspired heritage and highlights the bold sensibilities of the performance enthusiast who prefers style. The Monaco Red Semi-Aniline Leather-Appointed Interior is complimented by the Black Natural maple wood open-pore trim throughout.
2024 INFINITI QX55 CROSSOVER
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by Mike Hunter
While having been in its location four years, Francine has recently all but reinvented itself to be a much more authentic French Mediterranean restaurant with the new chef, Chef Remy, who brings more than 20 years of global culinary experience at Michelin Star restaurants and luxury hotels.
$19
“Chef Remy has an exceptional resume. He’s been named one of the top chefs in Singapore and he has led the culinary teams for many of the world’s best restaurants,” says Francine founder and owner Laurent Halasz, who is, himself, a celebrity chef and created Francine as homage to his childhood in the South of France. “He has a big focus on sourcing his dishes locally and uses only the most organic and seasonal ingredients. Chef Remy brings a vibrant and soulful twist to his French Mediterranean cuisine, and we are extremely honored and proud to now have him leading our culinary team here at Francine.” The overall ambiance and
décor have stayed the same, an open California-meets-theMediterranean vibe with a grand bar at the epicenter. (The drinks are crafted to impress with a creative list of special concoctions that will intrigue even the most discerning drinkers.) The simplicity and airiness of the dining room defined by tall windows and pure white walls creates an atmosphere that is at once elegant and comfortable. And this simplicity is reflected in the menu, which emphasizes the natural flavor of fresh ingredients.Top of the menu are the hors d’oeuvres, among which is Olives Provençale, a dish offering a variety of olives accented with herbs and a garlic confit. Raw dishes comprise land and sea. Of the latter, the Tuna Tartare is a mound of bite-sized pieces of fresh tuna studded with chunks of avocado prepared simply with white soy and lemon. The single arm that is a serving of Grilled Octopus, another great starter, is exceptionally tender. Among the entrées, seasonally available Duck “Pithiviers” highlights the French Mediterranean influences — duck breast with fois gras and black truffle baked in puff pastry. The wait staff are informed and seem to be true foodies themselves, offering suggestions and telling of their experiences with the dishes. The service is impeccable in a European style by serving dishes with great explanation of the ingredients and cooking styles along with how well a dish pairs with other items on the table.
Francine
Scottsdale Fashion Square, luxury wing 4710 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale (480) 690-6180
francinerestaurant.com
Colin Diaz, ACE, IOM, president and CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded the rst Certi cate in Workforce Development Fundamentals program by the International Economic Development Council and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation. This achievement marks a signi cant milestone in the efforts to enhance the skills of chamber staff and economic development professionals. It also aims to broaden access to fair workforce opportunities and results.
“Being part of this cohort has allowed me to bring vital expertise back to Arizona to tackle workforce hurdles and foster economic growth,” said Colin Diaz. “It serves to augment the indispensable contributions chambers are making towards workforce development.”
This joint certi cate program empowers professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the intersection of economic and workforce development while closing education gaps. Each certi cate recipient completed an intensive and comprehensive six-week curriculum that includes hands-on learning experiences and practical applications of economic and workforce development principles. Recipients obtained a digital certi cate and social media badge from ACCE and IEDC to showcase their achievement in the program.
“IEDC extends its congratulations to participants who embarked on this journey with us and our partners at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation,” expressed IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “With the completion of this inaugural certi cate program, we are driving holistic economic development solutions that integrate economic growth and talent attraction.”
ACCE President and CEO Sheree Anne Kelly said, “This program drew interest from across the country, and I am excited to watch the catalytic leadership participants will bring to the challenges and opportunities in their markets.”
IEDC and ACCE will offer a second iteration of the Certi cate in Workforce Development Fundamentals program from November through December, with availability for 60 attendees (30 per organization).
Learn more and register at https://iedconline.org/events/2024/11/05/ certi cate-program/acce-iedc-certi cate-in-workforce-developmentfundamentals
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce and Rio Salado College have partnered to create the Tempe Workforce Skills Accelerator, which will offer three microcredentials to Tempe businesses to upskill their workforce: Small Business Management, Data Analytics and Quality Customer Service.
“We are honored to partner with the Tempe Chamber of Commerce to address critical workforce skills gaps; provide socio economic mobility pathways for the community; and empower an innovative, educated and inspired workforce,” said Rio Salado President Kate Smith.
The program’s microcredentials are accredited, transferable and stackable to higher-level degrees, giving students the opportunity to further their education and in-demand workforce skills. Microcredentials provide evidence students have demonstrated speci c skills and competencies endorsed by the issuing institution. All three programs will be delivered entirely online and can be completed in 6–12 months.
“We are proud to be locking arms with Rio Salado College and to be partnering on such a timely and impactful program,” said Colin Diaz, ACE, IOM, Tempe Chamber president and CEO. “Education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about building skills that empower individuals to shape their own future. It can truly become the catalyst for unlocking the full potential of employees, paving the
Career Ready Tempe is a youth-workforce pilot program, funded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Career Readiness Lab Grant and the City of Tempe’s Innovation Fund. The program aims to prepare Tempe youth to participate in the future workforce and to develop the youth-talent pipeline in the City of Tempe so that it aligns with industry needs. The program places juniors and seniors from Tempe high school districts into paid internships to gain insight and education in a variety of industries, including fashion, nonpro t, nance, engineering and municipal roles.
Internships will be held during the summer months of June and July 2024. Students will complete a total of 120 internship hours over six weeks. Priority admittance will be given to students who are income-eligible (household income of 200% FPL or below). Students must complete an application and interview process to be selected for participation.
way for businesses to grow and prosper, while allowing the employees to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.”
Tempe employees and residents interested in improving their skills set and preparing to meet employer needs can now apply for the Tempe Workforce Skills Accelerator Scholarship, presented and funded in partnership with Amazon. Learn more at tempechamber.org
Tempe Mayor Corey Woods delivered his fourth State of the City Address to an audience of nearly 700 at the Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU, marking the 25th anniversary of the event hosted by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. The speech focused on Tempe’s strength as a city, its leadership on national issues and future opportunities. Mayor Woods highlighted the city’s thriving performance, with Tempe ranking among the nation’s best in meeting residents’ expectations, boasting an 80% satisfaction rate with city services, which is 32% higher than the national average and places it in the top 10% of surveyed cities in America.
Key achievements in the address include a 30% reduction in homelessness through city services, increased funding for arts and early education programs, the addition of 3,500 new housing units and a total of 13,500 units either recently opened or under review. The upcoming opening of the Real Time Operations Center in February for enhanced public safety and a November bond initiative aimed at improving Tempe’s streets were also highlighted as signi cant milestones.
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce started the year with a thought-provoking economic forecast on Friday, January 26th, at Grace Community Church. The Economic Outlook started with a panel discussion on arts & tourism, presented by Tempe Tourism.
Tempe Tourism President and CEO Michael Martin moderated the discussion between Theresa Dickerson, director of marketing and
communications for ASU Gammage; Brendan Ross, City of Tempe deputy community services director for arts and culture; and Paula Tayor, chief development and marketing of cer for the Arizona Theatre Company.
The second panel, moderated by Tempe Chamber Director of Business Development David Key, discussed the importance of access to capital for growing businesses and
entrepreneurs. The discussion featured key collaborators in the community; Cecelia Ashe, vice president and COO of Landings Credit Union; Ashley Mapes, vice president of Arizona Capital Source; and Aarin Shah, director of nance of Arizona Microcredit Initiative.
Mike DiDomenico, the City of Tempe’s economic development director, then took the stage to highlight projects such as the renovations planned for the historic mill downtown and described Tempe as a city that people travel to for employment and entertainment, opposed to cities that see their population travel out for work or play. Tempe Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Colin Diaz then joined economist and featured keynote speaker Jim Rounds of Rounds Consulting Group and Mayor Corey Woods on stage for the nal panel discussion. The trio covered a comprehensive set of topics that included housing, workforce development, probusiness policy and the future of development in Tempe. Jim Rounds proceeded to close out the event with a powerful keynote lending insight from the preceding discussion and sharing a vision for the future of the economy of the East Valley.
I welcome you to continue to connect with the work we are doing through our new publication and podcast, “East Valley Business.” The Tempe Chamber of Commerce directs its efforts toward developing a healthy economic climate for our members and the businesses that operate in the East Valley. Whether attracting new businesses; expanding existing companies; or representing our area on local, state and national economic issues, our focus is promoting and sustaining economic prosperity in Tempe and the East Valley.
Just as our founding fathers over a hundred years ago banded together to grow, advocate for and educate a edgling business community, today we are proud of the prosperous and robust economic climate Tempe enjoys. The magazine will serve as a catalyst to inform and inspire our East Valley business community. Learn about new businesses, our members and development projects right here on a quarterly basis.
As the president and CEO of the Tempe Chamber for the past two years, I’ve had the distinct honor of learning about all that has made the East Valley a great place to do business and establish residence. The fabric of community, innovation and inclusion is ripe throughout our community. Additionally, the outlook of growth and expansion in the future is even more intriguing. This is something that I am personally excited about bringing to you in each issue.
This magazine represents a portion of a eet that we are launching that is focused on thriving, right here in the East Valley — where we are quickly growing as a national and global destination of thought-leaders and innovative and responsive companies. Amongst the offers of this eet are this magazine, industry clusters meetings, CEO roundtables, regional workforce programs and a podcast.
The East Valley Business Podcast is a great way to stay in the know about the latest business news and trends in the East Valley. The podcast features interviews with local business leaders, experts and policymakers, as well as coverage of important events and news. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to be informed about the business community in the East Valley. Find us where you listen to your favorite podcasts.
So, whether you like to get your content through text, audibly or through visuals, we have a way for you to connect, engage and grow your knowledge and business through our East Valley Business eet. If you have an idea about a story or topic we should be focused on, let us know by emailing us through our website at tempechamber.org/contact-us/.
We are proud to present this to you and look forward to bringing you timely, relevant and impactful content in our future issues.
Onward & upward,
Colin Diaz, ACE, IOM President & CEO Tempe Chamber of Commerce
Board Chair: Suzy Greenwood
Incoming Chair: Tom Binge
Treasurer: Jayashree Ganesan
Immediate Past Chair: Megan Martin
Directors: Nick Bastian, John Bauer, CPA, MBA, Mike Bradley, Laura Briscoe, Ashley Bunch, Jayashree Ganesan, Mark Holthaus, Matthew Heil
Ex-Of cios: Lori Foster, Kelsey Files, Rosa Inchausti, Tim Gomez, Michael Martin, Dr. Kate Smith
Committee Chairs: Tom Binge, Janńe Gutierrez, Jessica Brice, Ashley Bunch, Sukki Jahnke, Darrol Robinson, Alison Stine, Brian Stinson, Paul Quinn, Jonathan Yee
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce strengthens the local economy though networking, advocacy, professional development and in uence. It regularly advocates for a favorable business climate through interactive public policy engagement and provides ongoing representation in government at local, state and federal levels.
Tempe Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 28500
Tempe, AZ 85285 (480) 967-7891
www.tempechamber.org
A first-of-its-kind study reveals that community health and non-clinical social barriers have a much more profound impact on workforce health than previously recognized.
“Surprisingly, only about 20% of our health is determined by the medical care we receive,” says Heather Kane, chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare, Arizona & New Mexico, citing the findings from the Health Action Council/ UnitedHealthcare White Paper. “The other 80% comes from what we call social determinants of health — like where we live, our access to healthy food and even our social life. These things play a big role in our overall health and wellness. Until now, no one had studied how everyday life factors, seen through insurance claims, affect our health and, in turn, how they drive up costs for employers. That makes this study a game changer.”
The report, which focused on Health Action Council members’ claims across more than 217,000 covered lives, marks the first study to examine social factors within any claims data. It unveils some of the most comprehensive findings on social determinants of health (SDoH) — the conditions in which people live, learn, work, play, and worship – ever released at the member level.
Titled “Community insights: Key factors that influence employee health,” the seventh annual white paper by HAC and UnitedHealth Group highlights crucial insights for HR and benefits managers to utilize when customizing their plans, ultimately helping to improve the health and productivity of their workforce.
One of the white paper’s most striking takeaways is the connection between where employees live, its effect on their life expectancy, and costs for both employers and their employees.
There is an extreme disparity in mortality rates among employees who work for the same company, across various states. And employees who live in less healthy states cost employers more. Approximately 66% of HAC members live within the 20 least healthy states, according to America’s Health Rankings data. If those members lived in the 20 healthiest states, the total covered per member per month (PMPM) amount would be reduced by $61 million — 7% of spend.
“We learned that factors like being lonely, having unstable housing or financial insecurities, are affecting more than half of the employed workforce around the country whose claims were studied. Even more concerning, 41% of children have a parent battling at least one of these high-risk issues,
leading to higher rates of suicidal ideation, depression and ER visits among those kids,” Kane says. “We also learned that employees who face these social challenges and live in states in which the overall population is less healthy end up costing employers about 7% more in coverage costs.”
This study marks a turning point in benefits strategy, transitioning from the traditional focus on retrospective claims data, company culture, and budgets, to a more comprehensive approach. It emphasizes a need for employers to consider both the geographic locations of their employees and the associated community health and SDoH data to help advance employee health, boost productivity and optimize costs.
Kane addresses steps benefits managers can take to help lead this change for their employees and their dependents:
“Employers can make a big difference by first understanding the specific challenges their employees are facing and drilling down to understand how they differ between employee groups, since it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. By getting to know the unique needs of their workforce, employers can offer health plans and programs that meet employees where they are. It’s also crucial to educate a workforce about the importance of regular checkups and building a strong relationship with their primary care physician to monitor, prevent health issues before they start or early in the onset of an illness.”
By embracing these strategies, benefits managers can spearhead transformative health management initiatives within their organizations. This approach helps ensure that interventions are grounded in comprehensive data analysis, tailored to meet individual needs, and enhanced by educational efforts to foster a proactive and informed culture of health.
Health Action Council healthactioncouncil.org
United Healthcare Employer & Individual uhc.com/employer
“Community insights: Key factors that in uence employee health” healthactioncouncil.org/media/1hcai1ig/2024_white_paper.pdf
Patty Starr is president and CEO of Health Action Council, and Craig Kurtzweil is chief data & analytics officer at UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual. Health Action Council is a not-forprofit organization representing large employers to enhance human and economic health through thought leadership, innovative services, and collaboration.
Many associations and government healthcare services give specific information on policies, open enrollment dates and services provided that may help employers understand the many options. Below is a list of local organizations.
Arizona Dental Association
3193 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale (480) 344-5777
azda.org
Arizona Foundation for Medical Care
2700 N. Central Ave., Suite 810, Phoenix (602) 252-4042
azfmc.com
Arizona Health Care Association
1440 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix (602) 265-5331
azhca.org
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
801 E. Je erson St., Phoenix (602) 417-4000 azahcccsa.gov
Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association
2800 N. Central Ave., Suite 1450, Phoenix (602) 445-4300 azhha.org
Arizona Medical Association
810 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix (602) 246-8901
azmed.org
Arizona Pharmacy Association
1845 E. Southern Ave., Tempe (480) 838-3385
azpharmacy.org
Maricopa County Medical Society
326 E. Coronado Rd., Phoenix (602) 252-2015
mcmsonline.com
Employee Bene ts Consultants
Using a consultant to work though options and the many plans can alleviate much of the confusion surrounding healthcare these days. We have included a list of brokers and firms that are reputable and have a tremendous amount of experience working with business to provide plans and ensure compliance.
Arizona Bene t Consultants, LLC
6245 N. 24th Pkwy., Suite 201, Phoenix (602) 956-5515
www.arizonabene tconsultants.com
Bene t Commerce Group - An Alera Group Company
16220 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 100, Scottsdale (480) 515-5010
bene tscommerce.com
Bene ts By Design
4500 S. Lakeshore Dr., Suite 300, Tempe (480) 831-7700
bene tsbydesignaz.com
Blue Water Bene ts Consulting
7848 E. Davenport Dr., Scottsdale (480) 313-0910
employeebene tcompliance.com
Breslau Insurance & Bene ts
Paul Breslau
8362 E. Via de Risa, Scottsdale (602) 692-6832
breslauinsurance.com
Connect Bene ts
1818 E. Southern Ave., Mesa (480) 985-2555
connect-bene ts.com
FBC Services, Inc.
14201 N. 87th St., Scottsdale (602) 277-8477
fbcserv.com
Focus Bene ts Group
4120 N. 20th St., Suite B, Phoenix (602) 381-9900
focusbene ts.com
Health Insurance Express, Inc.
Superstition Marketplace
1155 S. Power Rd., Bldg. 101, Mesa (480) 654-1200
healthinsurance-express.com
Horizon Bene ts Group
6245 N. 24th Pkwy., Suite 216, Phoenix (602) 957-3755
horizonbene ts.com
Getting the right coverage means truly investigating the best plans and supplemental plans. Here is a list of area companies offering dental insurance that have a great reputation and plan options for individuals and groups.
American Dental Plan
1645 E. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix (602) 265-6677
arizdental.com
Breslau Insurance & Bene ts
Paul Breslau
8362 E. Via de Risa, Scottsdale (602) 692-6832
breslauinsurance.com
Delta Dental of Arizona
5656 W. Talavi Blvd., Glendale (602) 938-3131
deltadentalaz.com
Matsock & Associates
2400 E. Arizona Biltmore Circle, Phoenix (602) 955-0200
matsock.com
Knowing what plan is right for your employees and understanding who is managing that plan can make all the difference for your company. We have included below a list of reputable and experienced insurance companies, many of which you will be familiar with, that can guide your organization to the perfect group or individual plans.
Amenda Insurance Associates Ltd.
5046 E. Red eld Rd., Scottsdale (480) 284-6400
douglasamenda.com
American Family Insurance
Multiple agents Valley-wide (877) 777-4804
amfam.com
Banner Aetna (800) 381-6789
banneraetna.com
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
2444 W. Las Palmaritas Dr., Phoenix (602) 864-4899
azblue.com
Bowman & Associates
16042 N. 32nd St., Bldg. A, Phoenix (602) 482-3300
bowmaninsurance.com
Breslau Insurance & Bene ts Paul Breslau
8362 E. Via de Risa, Scottsdale (602) 692-6832
breslauinsurance.com
Cigna
Multiple locations Valley-wide cigna.com
urance Group
Kara Anspach
7077 E. Marilyn Rd., Suite 125, Scottsdale (480) 998-8070
farmersagent.com/kanspach
Glass Financial Group
4455 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 260D, Phoenix (602) 952-1202
glass nancialgroup.com
HealthNet
1230 W. Washington St., Suite 401, Tempe (602) 286-9194
healthnet.com
Humana Health Insurance of Phoenix 20860 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 400, Phoenix (480) 515-6400
humana.com
Reseco Insurance Advisors
Todd Newton 7901 N. 16th St., Suite 100, Phoenix (602) 753-4250
resecoadvisors.com
State Farm Arizona
Multiple agents Valley-wide (877) 331-8261
statefarm.com
UnitedHealthcare
1 E. Washington St., Suite 1700, Phoenix (800) 985-2356
uhc.com
Many of the healthcare providers listed below are part of specific networks or have created their own network to lower costs for businesses and individuals with the intent to provide all needed services for the patient.
Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital
1930 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix (602) 532-1000
abrazohealth.com
Abrazo Arrowhead Campus
18701 N. 67th Ave., Glendale (623) 561-1000
arrowheadhospital.org
Abrazo Central Campus
2000 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix (602) 249-0212
phoenixbaptisthospital.com
Abrazo Maryvale Campus
5102 W. Campbell Ave., Phoenix (623) 848-5000
maryvalehospital.com
Abrazo Scottsdale Campus
3929 E. Bell Rd., Phoenix (602) 923-5000
paradisevalleyhospital.com
Banner Baywood Medical Center 6644 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa (480) 321-2000
bannerhealth.com/baywood
Banner Boswell Medical Center 10401 W. Thunderbird Blvd., Sun City (623) 832-4000
bannerhealth.com/boswell
Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center 14502 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West (623) 524-4000
bannerhealth.com
Banner Desert Medical Center 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa (480) 412-3000
bannerhealth.com/desert
Banner Estrella Medical Center 9201 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix (623) 327-4000
bannerhealth.com
Banner Gateway Medical Center 1900 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert (480) 543-2000
bannerhealth.com
Banner Heart Hospital 6750 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa (480) 854-5000
bannerhealth.com
Banner Ironwood Medical Center 37000 N. Gantzel Rd., San Tan Valley (480) 394-4000
bannerhealth.com/ironwood »
Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center
2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert (480) 256-6444
bannerhealth.com
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
5555 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale (602) 865-5555
bannerhealth.com
Banner University Medical Center Campus
1111 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix (602) 839-2000
bannerhealth.com
Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Western Regional Medical Center 14200 Celebrate Life Way, Goodyear (623) 207-3000
cancercenter.com
Cardon Children’s Medical Center
1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa (480) 412-5437
bannerhealth.com
Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center
1955 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 728-3000
chandlerregional.org
Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
3555 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert (480) 728-8000
mercygilbert.org
Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center
350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix (602) 406-3000
stjosephs-phx.org
Gilbert Hospital
5656 S. Power Rd., Gilbert (480) 984-2000
gilberter.com
Honor Health Deer Valley Hospital 19829 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix (623) 879-6100 jcl.com
Honor Health John C. Lincoln Medical Center
250 E. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix (602) 943-2381 jcl.com
Honor Health Osborn Medical Center 7400 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale (480) 882-4000 shc.org
Honor Health Shea Medical Center –Shea Medical Center
9003 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale (480) 323-3000 shc.org
Maricopa Medical Center
2601 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix (602) 344-5011 mihs.org
Mayo Clinic Hospital
5777 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix (480) 515-6296 mayoclinic.org
Mountain Vista Medical Center
1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa (480) 358-6100
mvmedicalcenter.com
Phoenix Children’s
1919 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix (602) 933-1000 phoenixchildrens.org
St. Luke’s Medical Center
1800 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix (602) 251-8100 stlukesmedcenter.com
Walk-in, face-to-face, brick-and-mortar urgent care facilities remain an important element in the healthcare system, even as virtual options expand.
FastMed Urgent Care
Multiple Valley locations (480) 545-2787
fastmed.com
NextCare Urgent Care
Multiple Valley locations (888) 958-2128
nextcare.com
One Health Alliance Urgent Care
7 Valley locations (855) 887-4368
onehealthurgentcare.com
Phoenix Children’s Urgent Care
4 Valley locations (480) 922-5437
phoenixchildrens.com/urgent-care
Urgent Care Extra
Multiple Valley locations urgentcareextra.com
In focusing on creating the perfect plan for your company, local providers offer direct benefits that your organization may rely on to ensure a strong healthcare program and policies for your employees.
Arrowhead Health Centers
Multiple locations (623) 334-4000
arrowheadhealth.com
Wellness includes how our bodies function in our work spaces, and is therefore greatly impacted by the physical elements of that space. These businesses provide solutions, from chairs to desks to lighting — and beyond.
Ergoguys Products
5622 W. Orchid Ln., Chandler (602) 354-4190
ergoguys.com
ESI Ergonomic Solutions
4030 E. Quenton Dr., Suite 101, Mesa (480) 517-1871
esiergo.com
Goodmans Interior Structures
1400 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix (602) 263-1110
goodmansinc.com
There are many companies working to orchestrate alternative healthcare plans and consulting to customize healthcare benefits programs and policies for companies. These organizations below offer consulting, program development and direct care programs for businesses of all sizes.
Absolute Health
8360 E. Raintree Dr., Suite 135, Scottsdale (480) 991-9945
absolutehealthaz.com
Healthcare Solutions Centers
4831 N. 11th St., Phoenix (602) 424-2101
hcsonsite.com
LifeCore Group
P.O. Box 10264, Glendale (602) 235-2800
myhealthdividends.com
Ackaert, Megan, 26
Adams, Dan, 32
Bailey, James, 40
Basile, Louis, 38
Bastow, Katherine, 10
Bauer, Ken, 26
Benelli, Terry, 26
Biden, Joe, President, 20
Blaney, Robert, 26
Bolin, Matt, 26
Butler, Tyler, 38
Cali, Fabrizio, 44
Cameron, Amanda, 12
Agital, 10
AIM Institute, The, 32
Alliance Bank of Arizona, 7
American Maintenance Professionals, 11
Arizona Cactus-Pine Girl Scout Council, 12
Arizona Commerce Authority, 2, 19, 26
Arizona Community Foundation, 39
Atlasta Catering, 66
AV Concepts, 67
AZ Power Wash Pros, 11
Belgravia Group, 15
Better Buzz Coffee, 12
BetterAI, 24
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, 56
BMO Commercial Bank, 26
Cigna, 59
Commit Agency, 12
CPLC Prestamos, 26
Delta Dental of Arizona, 64
Denova Collaborative Health, 22
Dolce Vita, 44
Francine, 48
Fulton Homes, 16
Gainey Business Bank, 26
Gawley Companies, 10
Carnicle, Brandon, 11
Cohen, Assaf, 13
Diaz, Colin, 49
Dillon, Maria, 10
Faver, Robert, 34
Fulton, Doug, 16
Gillespie, Angela, 10
Greenwood, Megan, 14
Halasz, Laurent, 48
Hammer, Joe, 15
Hernandez, Rob, 12
Hill, Thomas, 14
Johnson, Graham, 22
Gensler, 40
Gila River Indian Community, 12
Goodmans, 45
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, 5
Gorman & Company, 15
Greenwood Brewery, 14
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 12
Health Action Council, 57
Healthcare Solutions Centers, 62
Hillside Candle, 14
HonorHealth, 23
Husch Blackwell LLP, 36
Infiniti, 47
Intel, 20 Jive, 8
Journey Venture Studio, The, 26
Kicbac, 24
Kiterocket, 43
Local First Arizona, 26
Local Initiatives Support Corp., 26
NAIOP, 12
National Bank of Arizona, 17
OneAZ Credit Union, 26
PADT, 25
Phoenix Philanthropy Group, The, 46
Phoenix Raceway, 21
Jorgenson, Steve, 22
Kurtzweil, Craig, 57
Lanning, Kimber, 26
Lechter, Sharon, 42
MacDonald, R Jon, 33
Martinez, Mark J., 26
Maurer, Julie, 36 McCurdy, Marti, 17
Miranda, Teresa, 26
Mitchell, Mary, 12
Moeremans, Mark, 26
Remy, Chef, 48
Royle, Kelly, 12
Scheid, Heath, 26
Schepler, Aaron, 36
Short, Kristine, 66
Short, Steve, 66
Simmonds, Ross, 33
Simon, Carmen, 33
Starr, Patty, 57
Taie, Kiana, 40
Tollefson, Richard, 46
Vossough, Angel, 24
Weber, Bruce, 41
Wood, Corey, Mayor, 51
Phoenix Symphony, The, 35 Prologis, 12
ProTech Detailing, 17
REDW Advisors & CPAs, 10
Rehoboth Community Development Corp., 15
SAK Electric & Plumbing, 15 Small Business Administration, 26
Society Insurance, 47
Solitaire Bliss, 13
Solterra Companies, 22
Sonora Quest Laboratories, 61
Spirit Electronics, 18
SRP, 3
Stearns Bank, 8
Sunbelt Holdings, 25
Sundt Construction, 12
Tempe Chamber of Commerce, 49
TerraLane Communities, 15
Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 37
UMB Bank, 34
United Healthcare, 57, 68
Weber Group, 41
Wells Fargo Commercial Banking, 26
Wild Horse Pass Development Authority, 12
Wildflower, 38
In
Kristine Short is the CEO of Atlasta Catering and is passionate about hospitality, analysis and systems. Atlasta Catering is the only Arizona firm recognized as a Leading Caterer of America.
Short officially joined Atlasta post graduating from ASU and quickly found her passion for the event and hospitality industry.
Almost three decades of experience later with an intense focus on financial positioning, strategy and process refinement on business drivers, including sales, purchasing, processes, overall messaging and contracting, Short stepped into the CEO role in 2022.
Keeping Atlasta’s ability and motivation to deliver excellence as her primary focus coupled with a measured approach to growth has allowed for and propelled Atlasta’s evolution as the logical choice for discerning clients. atlastacatering.com
More than 30 years in the hospitality business in Arizona means Steve Short has seen and experienced a lot, including the global pandemic, micro recessions and the deep recession that began in 2008. Understanding that every business challenge creates its own opportunity, third-generation chef Short found an unlikely passion and pursuit in 2008 — sustainability. “In 2008, I listened to a book called Stirring It Up by Gary Hirshberg about the company Stonyfield Farm. This provided a true aha moment about the possibility of running a business through a sustainability mindset while also remaining profitable,” Short recalls. “At the time, the recession was beginning what would be a prolonged impact on our business, and this gave me something to work on, something with purpose. It brought me back to my roots and my familial history of cooking, in farms.”
Quickly finding out that sustainability is all-encompassing and must be transparent, and that to be transparent there must be metrics and processes, Short knew that deconstructing a hospitality business and then reframing all actions and systems would be all-consuming. Now more than 15 years later, all decisions are made through the lens of sustainability and it’s six points of impact: purchasing, natural resources, waste, community, ethics and accountability.
It is well known that the hospitality business generates an enormous amount of waste annually, and Atlasta was no different. Achieving its zero-landfill status (also known as zerowaste) took years. Every last item that traditionally would be contributing to the landfill had to analyzed and either diverted or re-sourced for an alternative — something reusable, recyclable or compostable. Truly, the biggest challenge for any hospitality/ food company is the diversion of food waste, whether it is a result of trim (watermelon rinds for example), food over-ordered or over-prepped, or food left on a guest’s plate.
Finding reliable and predictable means to divert food waste, through composting and supporting not-for slaughter animal farms, and to divert food that is unable to be used (over-prep or over-ordered) to the food insecure, remains the most tangibly impactful process in the multi-faceted, comprehensive sustainability philosophy from which Atlasta operates. In the past 14 years, Atlasta has diverted all its food waste from landfills and donated well over one million pounds of food, which is the equivalent of 600,000 meals.
“Supporting the food insecure community in Arizona while preserving their dignity has been one of our biggest achievements,” says Short. From the beginning, invaluable
Atlasta’s devotion to sustainability has resulted in the donation of more than 600,000 meals over the past 14 years.
support from Waste Not has meant direct impact to the community at large. Going beyond donating excess product, Atlasta prepares its donations for Waste Not in the same manner it prepares food for events — gorgeously presented with well-thought-out accompaniments — as Short believes that those receiving these donations are his guests and that they deserve respect, value and care.
Atlasta believes in the power of the hospitality industry to impact its communities by creating careers, not simply temporary, per event, opportunities. The event industry, especially post-pandemic, has become so reliant on temporary staff that such a practice has developed into the new normal. Atlasta believes the hospitality business both can and should operate functionally, especially as this relates to the environment for the people who work in hospitality. Compensation, scheduling and the overall culture can be and should be not just practical for the employer, the employee and the guest, but purposeful, enjoyable and fulfilling. “We strive to provide a place where organization and intense focus create an environment that fosters excellence, pride and value,” says Short.
As a leader in sustainable hospitality and food service management and a proven expert in sourcing, waste elimination, pre-cycling and recycling, Atlasta successfully executes zero landfill events and operates zero landfill facilities. In the past 14 years, the company has diverted more than three million pounds of what would be considered waste from landfills.
Sustainability is an ongoing driver for Atlasta, and it is always open to revision based on evolution. Short says, “What was relevant 14 years ago may not be now, and we constantly evaluate our processes. An overarching food philosophy that guides purchasing and menu development, an intentional focus on team recruitment and development, consciousness of natural resource usage, and metrics to gauge success and opportunities for improvement on all of these things are constantly at the forefront of all choices.”
