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40
Rafi Law Group: Commitment Beyond the
This month spotlighting Rafi Law Group, Tyler Butler’s series explores the myriad ways businesses give back and the positive ways their programs impact our community.
FEATURES
34
42 Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships: Key to Sustainable Success
Bruce Weber’s series examines developing and sustaining organizational capacity.
Using Famous Artwork: Perils in the Public Domain
Attorney Mario Vasta shares insights and examples of the dangerous path that awaits Arizona businesses looking to profit from famous art now in the public domain.
43 The Power of Feedback and Communication in Fostering a High-Performing Culture
Cheryl Fields Tyler offers insights on creating a strong combination of feedback and communication to avoid misinterpretations that lead to mistakes.
DEPARTMENTS
9 Guest Editor
Pam Kehaly, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, introduces the “Healthcare” issue.
10 Feedback
Sarah Banning, Dan Downs and Raul Molina respond to In Business Magazine’s burning business question of the month: What is the most important aspect of the healthcare benefits you offer your employees?
12 Briefs
“The Art of Negotiating or the Art of War” “Dailies Top Stories,”
“Local Standouts Recognized for Achievements and Philanthropy,”
“Delta Dental of Arizona Launches First-Ever Retail Product” and “Comtech Commits to Chandler”
15 Startups
“Now Pools Innovates On-Demand Pools and Spas” and “Surprise Home Improvement Aims to Raise the Bar”
16 From the Top
Michael Erath differentiates himself in the landscape of business coaches and scales up with Next Level Growth.
COVER
26
STORY
Strategies for Businesses and Their Healthcare
In Business Magazine reached out to benefits, insurance and other healthcare professionals for insights on what businesses should know about making healthcare affordable, and to select Valley businesses to share their experience.
17 CRE
“If You Build It: Private Industrial Developers Boost Phoenix Infrastructure,” “Extensive Infrastructure Supports The Cubes at Mesa Gateway,” “The Missing Middle: An Innovative Approach for Affordable Housing” and “Mesa Data Center to Use Waterless Cooling Technology”
20 Semi Insights
“Arizona’s Semiconductor Boom Sparks Environmental Concerns,” “Intel’s Challenge: Layoffs amid Semiconductor Expansion” and “Hyperion Technologies Looks to Make Peoria Home” 24 Technology
“Brainiest Offers User-Friendly Marketing AI for SMBs” and “AI –Approach with Caution”
New releases give fresh insights on business thinking.
36 Economy
Frank Gorman examines employee stock ownership programs and the benefits that underlie their growing popularity.
38 Legal
Attorney Gary Smith offers a short guide to navigating a business breakup.
44 Nonprofit
Richard Tollefson discusses how nonprofits can identify up-andcoming board and committee talent.
45 Assets
EX90 Fully Electric Volvo SUV Plus: Promo materials that align merchandise with brand vision
46 Power Lunch
Yellowbell Reimagines Southwestern
66 Roundtable
Jason Asher gives an inside look at trend of immersive, experiential dining and innovative bars that are revolutionizing dining experiences.
Oct. 2024 Words
RaeAnne Marsh
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.” Marsh was awarded 2024 Small Business Journalist of the Year from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Arizona District.
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.
Kathleen Gramzay
Guest Columnist – Resilience
Kathleen Gramzay, LMT, is an entrepreneur, body/mind resilience expert, speaker, author, and founder of Kinessage LLC. The Kinessage® methods are taught nationally to transform stress, chronic tension and pain, and increase mental resilience and long-term health for greater well-being and sustainable success. Her programs empower leaders and teams to be present, think more clearly and work more productively, confidently and collaboratively.
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.”
This month’s contributors
Jason Asher, a founding partner of Barter & Shake, is a renowned mixologist with more than 20 years in hospitality. (Roundtable)
Frank Gorman is the executive vice president of commercial banking at UMB Bank in Phoenix. (Economy)
Guidant Law Partner Gary Smith is a seasoned litigator, advisor, mediator and arbitrator. (Legal)
Richard Tollefson is founder and president of The Phoenix Philanthropy Group, an Arizona-based international consulting firm. (Nonprofits)
Cheryl Fields Tyler is founder and CEO of Blue Beyond Consulting, a boutique management consulting firm focused on the people side of business. (Communication)
Mario Vasta is an attorney and director in Fennemore’s business and intellectual property practice groups. (“Using Famous Artwork: Perils in the Public Domain”)
Publisher Rick McCartney
Editor RaeAnne Marsh
Web Editor Jake Kless
Graphic Design Benjamin Little
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jason Asher
Alison Bailin
Tyler Butler
Drew Cesario
Michael Erath
Frank Gorman
Mike Hunter
Chris Johnson
Greg Kerr
Rob Lyles
Hannah Marshall
Jason Monzcka
Stephanie Quinn
Gary Smith
Richard Tollefson
Cheryl Fields Tyler
Mario Vasta
Pat Watts
Bruce Weber
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 Tom Beyer
Office Manager Allie Jones
Accounting Manager Todd Hagen
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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.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
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
Tanaha Hairston, President NAWBO Phoenix Metro Chapter (480) 289-5768 www.nawbophx.org
Robin Arredondo-Savage, Interim 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
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS
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
Pam Kehaly is president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue). With a mission to improve the quality of life for all Arizonans, she is leading the 3,200-employee company to inspire health through inventive programs, services and health insurance products. azblue.com
Healthcare – Is It ‘Just Business’?
Navigating the ever-shifting landscape of healthcare is an extra challenge for businesses as they try to provide valuable healthcare benefits to their employees.
In a rapidly evolving healthcare environment, affordability has become a top concern for employers as they strive to balance rising costs with the needs of their workforce. With nearly half of Arizonans relying on employer-sponsored health plans, the pressure on companies to find solutions is greater than ever. The path forward is about finding new and sustainable ways to make healthcare work for everyone. This means coming together as insurers, business leaders, providers, and community advocates to rethink how we approach whole-person health, preventive care and health management.
It’s not easy, but with innovative ideas and collaboration, we can focus on what truly matters: making healthcare accessible, personalized and more affordable.
This month’s cover story delves into the issue of healthcare benefits, looking at factors impacting cost as well as processes to manage the application and billing associated with healthcare programs. Also informative is the input from a few local businesses on their budgeting and management approach and employee engagement in the programs.
Spurred by the move of Disney’s famous “Steamboat Willie” into the public domain earlier this year, attorney Mario Vasta has provided an extensive review of some potential pitfalls for businesses considering using public domain works in their marketing campaigns or business model. In “Using Famous Artwork: Perils in the Public Domain,” he explains not just the boundaries of usage rights but issues of association.
Another important topic covered this month is communication, as Cheryl Fields Tyler explores “The Power of Feedback and Communication in Fostering a High-Performing Culture” and discusses what it takes for leaders to be successful at effective communication.
And Frank Gorman gives us insight on a business model that, while not truly new — we’ve seen it in our community — is trending up. Discussing employee-owned businesses under employee stock ownership programs is this month’s Economy feature, “ESOPs Are on the Rise. Are They Right for Your Business?”
In addition to content that ranges widely over business-relevant topics and information about what’s happening in our business community is the annual special section, “Healthcare Decision: An Open Enrollment Guide to Benefits.”
I am very pleased to have helped develop this month’s cover story and to have this opportunity to help bring you this October edition of In Business Magazine. Please enjoy the read.
Sincerely,
Pam Kehaly President and CEO Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Healthcare: A Business Case
Healthcare has long been a burden on business. Over the years, businesses have incorporated many new strategies and programs. Through outsourced partners, third-party services and even from their providers, businesses seek to cut costs, enhance services and “make the headache go away.” In this issue, we are not digging into the issues as much as we are looking to those who have solutions that will help business owners and their people manage the necessity and obligatory healthcare efforts.
I am so happy, to again, invite Pam Kehaly to lead an issue of In Business Magazine. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has worked tirelessly on behalf of Arizona businesses, along with many other healthcare companies, to find solutions that work for business. Easing the burden, adding services, wrangling regulations and restrictions for business owners as costs rise is just one of the ways the companies in this issue’s cover story are helping. —Rick McCartney, Publisher
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Let us know what you want to know from the Valley’s top business leaders. editor@inbusinessphx.com
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What is the most important aspect of the healthcare benefits you offer your employees?
SARAH BANNING, CBP
Global Benefits Administrator
Plexus Worldwide Sector: Wellness Products
I would say the most important aspect at Plexus Worldwide, LLC is affordability. We offer a high-deductible medical plan that is no cost to employees, plus we contribute $1,000 annually to a health savings account.
If the employee enrolls dependents on that plan, the additional premium is low cost, and the annual HSA contribution increases to $2,000. Plexus also offers employees two PPO Plan options as well, with employee premiums well below what you will find with most employers.
We’ve done a great job of educating our employees about the value of the HSA but still want to provide multiple options. We educate employees through a comprehensive benefits guide, individual meetings with new hires, and thorough virtual and in-person meetings during open enrollment.
There’s not always a “one size fits all” to benefits.
Plexus Worldwide, LLC plexusworldwide.com
Sarah Banning, CBP, serves as the global benefits administrator at Plexus Worldwide. In this role, she oversees the company’s health, retirement and wellness programs. She works closely with external providers, brokers and consultants to optimize benefit offerings, while conducting data analysis to ensure these programs remain competitive and effective.
DAN DOWNS
Chief People Officer
Southwest Behavioral & Health Services Sector: Healthcare
Our Southwest Behavioral & Health Services team of more than 1,000 employees statewide includes psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and other support staff. They are a diverse group of people dedicated to providing compassionate care. Their work ranges from intensive inpatient care for persons in crisis to prevention services, community outreach, school-based counseling and more. So, it’s important for SB&H to offer a range of healthcare benefit options that can cater to our team members’ different health needs and life stages.
In addition to providing comprehensive coverage that is affordable and easily accessible, SB&H incorporates benefits that support various aspects of wellbeing, such as maternity and paternity leave, fertility treatments, mental health resources and programs for chronic illness management.
We also provide access to wellness programs, such as discounts to gyms, team building programs, weight loss programs, generous PTO plan, an Employee Assistance Program and other programs.
Since 1974, SB&H has grown to be the largest nonprofit behavioral health agency in Arizona, and our highest priority is to keep our employees healthy, happy, safe and inspired.
Southwest Behavioral & Health Services sbhservices.org
With more than 30 years of experience in human resources, Dan Downs serves as chief people officer for Southwest Behavioral & Health Services, an innovative integrated health leader and nonprofit organization that provides behavioral health services to children and adults statewide.
RAUL MOLINA
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer
Mint Cannabis Sector: Cannabis
At Mint Cannabis, we believe that investing in the comprehensive health and wellness of our employees is essential to fostering a supportive and productive workplace. We are committed to providing our employees and their families with a robust benefits package designed to support their well-being. Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, and employer-paid life and accidental death & dismemberment coverage.
We offer medical coverage through United Healthcare’s largest network of doctors and hospitals, giving our employees access to top-tier care, along with comprehensive dental and vision coverage.
We also recognize the importance of mental and emotional health, which is why we provide an Employee Assistance Program that offers free, confidential support to help employees manage stress, anxiety, and depression; worklife relationships; legal and financial issues; occupational stress and burnout; and substance use concerns.
We also offer programs to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Our “One Pass Select” program gives employees access to a nationwide network of gyms and ondemand home workout classes, while our “Real Appeal” program helps employees build sustainable, healthy habits.
Mint Cannabis themintcannabis.com
Raul Molina is co-founder and chief operating officer of Mint Cannabis, a multi-state cannabis operator headquartered in Arizona. The company operates the third-largest dispensary in the nation and the only cannabis kitchen of its kind in the country.
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DAILIES TOP STORIES
‘In Business Dailies’ Most Views Last 30 Days
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 | September 2024 Leadership & Giving Back: Honoring Our 2024 Women of Achievement by
RaeAnne Marsh
“If I’m not for myself, who will be for me, if not now, when; but if I’m only for myself, what am I?”
Taking a close look at the third part of this quote from Hillel, a noted Jewish philosopher who lived in the first century BC, we agree with the sentiment that doing good for others completes us as individuals.
Growth & Enterprise | inbusinessphx.com | September 3 2024
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona Is Empowering Other Regions through Major Partnership with Goodwill of the San Francisco Bay
Our exclusive interview with Tim O’Neal, president and chief executive officer by
RaeAnne Marsh
Economy & Trends | Cover Story | August 2024 Lights. Camera. Action. Arizona Has High Production Values in the Film Industry
by RaeAnne Marsh
“When the film and television industry was just getting started, Arizona was a huge part of it,” relates Randy Murray, who, as co-owner with wife, Theresa, of Randy Murray Productions, has three decades of experience in Arizona’s film industry. Noting that John Wayne and John Ford both had homes here and Dick Van Dyke built a studio in Carefree near his home, he adds, “We were poised to have a strong, thriving, creative community working and living here.”
Growth & Enterprise | Cover Story | July 2024 Advancing Enterprise: How Big Business Is Working to Empower Small Business
by RaeAnne Marsh
As much as business can be a cutthroat world with individual companies fighting for their space in it, it’s also true that it’s an interconnected world in which “a rising tide lifts all boats,” to use the phrase made popular by President John F. Kennedy.
The Art of Negotiating or the Art of War
There are countless ways to approach negotiations when looking to close a deal. Some people take a blind approach while others rely on strategy. The most consistently successful negotiators who have the highest closing ratios use a strategic approach, which prioritizes intentional communication and avenues for reaching an audience.
The blind approach speaks for itself —it is communicating an argument or proposal without consideration of the other party’s potential concerns or interests. Approaching a negotiation without a strategy can result in a lower success rate of closing a deal, as the initiator may not be able to adequately answer questions from the other party, offer well-constructed ideas or address potential concerns. For anyone who has worked in the inhome sales vertical, this tends to be the reason for average, at best, outcomes.
Another scenario demonstrating the blind approach to negotiation is a person asking for a meeting to either discuss their product or service offering or, worse yet, immediately requesting contact information from those in a potential business partner, investor or client’s network. In this situation, the negotiator is not considering what factors may be of interest to the other party. All too often, this blind approach is solely focused on selling and not building a relationship based on offering a service, product or opportunity of equal value
in return. It is a self-centered approach, which is frowned upon by true professionals.
Many people consider themselves skilled conversationalists with high emotional intelligence and believe that charisma alone is enough to close business negotiations. However, true professionals understand the art of negotiation will always consistently close the most deals. They use a strategic approach, which first identifies a goal, then works in reverse to build the path for attaining it. It takes a dedicated focus, built on learning what is of true value to all parties and stakeholders involved.
The almost perfect balance for a strategic approach is having a minimum of six touchpoints before trying to close the deal. Through these touchpoints, one can strategically learn what is important to the other party in the negotiation, adjust one’s strategy to be mutually beneficial and, ultimately, achieve one’s goal. The best negotiators understand it is always about adding value and creating a win-win outcome.
Using the philosophy of the late Chinese military general Sun Tzu, who was truly a genius when it came to strategy, one should treat the other person in the negotiation as one would oneself. When one ensures one is meeting the others’ needs and understanding their limitations, success will follow. —Jason Monczka, founder of Keymakers Organization (keymakers.org)
A recent study from leading HR tech company HiBob, “Sociopolitics in the U.S. Workplace,” found that 42% of respondents would be deterred from accepting a job offer if the company holds opposing political views. hibob.com/research/sociopolitics-in-the-us-workplace-2024/
Local Standouts Recognized for Achievements and Philanthropy
ACHIEVEMENTS
Sagewood a Best Senior Living Community
Sagewood, a life plan community in North Phoenix, has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2024 best independent living continuing care retirement community. Sagewood earned the highest possible rating in all evaluation categories. sagewoodlcs.com
Arizona Financial Credit Union a Forbes #1
Arizona Financial Credit Union has been ranked No. 1 in Arizona on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions 2024. America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions 2024 ranking lists the institutions that stood out for fulfilling the unique financial needs and expectations of their local communities. arizonafinancial.org
Colliers Agent Named a 2024 Woman of Influence
Arizona Colliers agent Bettina Hunt, CCIM, CPM, has been named to GlobeSt.’s Women of Influence Class of 2024 in the category of Broker – Landlord/Agency Representation. colliers.com/en/experts/bettina-hunt
Banner Health Receives National Recognition
Banner Health has been nationally recognized for supporting supply chain diversity as part of its social responsibility initiatives. bannerhealth.com
Clear Title Agency a ‘Top Company to Work for’ Clear Title Agency of Arizona was named among the 2024 Top Companies to Work for in Arizona for the 12th consecutive year, presented by Arizona Capitol Times, Best Companies Group and Best Companies AZ for company culture and business influence. cleartitleaz.com
MC Residential Wins Housing Heroes Award
MC Residential, the property management arm of MC Companies, has been honored with the inaugural Housing Heroes Award from the Arizona Multifamily Association for its exceptional commitment to positively impacting Arizona communities through collaborative teamwork and community involvement. mccompanies.com
PHILANTHROPY
AZ Blue Foundation Awards $1M to Combat Health Challenges
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement recently awarded more than $1 million to 28 organizations addressing Arizona’s most pressing health challenges. azbluefoundation.org/grants/grantees
Delta Dental of Arizona Launches First-Ever Retail Product
Over the past several years, Delta Dental of Arizona has been in the midst of a transformation from a single-line insurance company to a multiline health and wellness organization providing affordable dental as well as vision benefits to individuals, families and businesses throughout the state while advocating for medical-dental integration and proactively working to increase access to care. By way of example, this past spring Delta Dental of Arizona announced that effective April 1, 2024, most of its plan gave children and adults with special healthcare needs access to increased benefits, including additional dental visits to increase patient and caregiver comfort and set treatment expectations, up to four dental cleanings in a benefit year, extra chair time for treatment delivery modifications necessary, and use of anesthesia when necessary.
Delta Dental of Arizona also recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with The University of Arizona College of Medicine –Phoenix to create Arizona’s first-ever Oral Health
In Medicine Initiative. The partnership increases oral health education for all medical students at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and launched in the 2024-2025 academic year, which commenced in July. And in just the past few weeks?
To increase awareness of the important role that mouth guards play in sports safety and to ensure access to affordable, high-quality mouth guards, Delta Dental of Arizona launched its first retail mouth guards to protect athletes of all ages and levels. The retail program is made possible through Delta Dental of Arizona Plans Association, and, while a big move into the retail space, for Delta Dental of Arizona, the Delta Dental Athletic Mouth Guard represents the opportunity to educate and protect athletes of all ages as well as continue to increase access to preventive care. The mouthguard is available for purchase in 14 different colors, comes strapped or strapless, and in packs of one or two. They retail for $20–$25. —Alison
Bailin
Comtech Commits to Chandler
Global technology leader Comtech Telecommunications Corp. recently relocated its headquarters from Melville, N.Y., to Chandler, Ariz., as part of its continuing effort to optimize its corporate infrastructure and enhance Comtech’s culture of innovation. The City of Chandler is already home to several of Comtech’s largest customers and provides easy access to a leading technology corridor that is renowned for yielding the talent needed to develop and execute the company’s vision, which is centered on delivering trusted and resilient communications solutions to commercial and government customers around the globe.
The new headquarters boasts approximately 150,000 square feet of state-of-the-art office, engineering and manufacturing space that is designed to enhance operations, improve collaboration and accelerate the delivery of new technologies, systems and services to a variety of customers across global markets.
While Comtech started welcoming employees to its new Chandler office in 2023, the company has had a presence in Arizona for more than 25 years, and served local commercial, defense and government customers as well as supporting the
local community with workforce development programs and local partnerships and strategic sponsorships such as its participation with the Society of Women Engineers at Arizona State University last February in the Chandler Innovation Fair.
New offerings being developed at Comtech’s Chandler headquarters are designed to expand access to new connectivity services; connect the end users in some of the world’s most challenging geographic regions; and empower customers with new, integrated communications capabilities that can significantly enhance decision making capabilities when seconds matter most. —Mike Hunter
Comtech Telecommunications Corp comtech.com
The technologies, solutions and services developed at Comtech’s Chandler headquarters currently serve a variety of commercial and government customers, including the U.S. government, the Dept. of Defense, humanitarian agencies, satellite service providers, some of the nation’s largest cellular carriers, cruise lines and emergency response agencies, among others.
Now Pools Innovates On-Demand Pools
and Spas
Now Pools is the first “on demand” pool and spa company. As co-owner Ross Novotny explains, “Our clients get a pool or spa when they want it, and get their yard back for the rest of the year.” When clients sign up for a seasonal subscription, Now Pools will install an above-ground pool or spa; provide weekly service, chemicals, warranty, and maintenance as needed; and then remove the pool at the end of the subscription.
“Like many businesses, I was my own target audience for our subscription,” Novotny relates, explaining the impetus for the company he co-founded in 2020. “I have young kids that I wanted to send outside in the summer to burn energy. Without a pool in Phoenix, that’s just cruel. At the time, I knew nothing about setting up a pool, maintaining pool water chemistry, or removing the pool. I also didn’t want to lose my yard to a pool during the winter when my family enjoys playing yard games in the beautiful Arizona winters.”
Developing the first company to offer on-demand pools and spas presented what Novotny describes as a steep learning curve. “Everything we developed, we had to create from scratch,” he says. Trial and error efforts included adapting concepts and ideas from other industries, such as SaaS companies and housecleaning businesses.
Also helpful was advice gleaned from business leaders such as Tony Hsieh and Richard Branson to “find ways that your
business can serve others and be relentless in your pursuit of helping.” Novotny credits this as a foundational concept that is at the heart of Now Pools’ success and its great relationship with its manufacturer and local sports teams as well as clients.
“The more you can do for others, the more they will go out of their way to help your growth.”
Currently based in Phoenix, Now Pools is looking to expand across the U.S. starting in 2025. —RaeAnne Marsh
Now Pools nowpools.com
Surprise Home Improvement Aims to Raise the Bar
Surprise Home Improvement was established to meet the growing demand for professional handyman and property management maintenance services in the West Valley area. Taking his decade-plus experience in carpentry, Jeremiah Loyacano has recently founded and launched the licensed, bonded and insured home improvement company in Surprise, Arizona, “dedicated to delivering top-quality work to our West Valley community” from consultation to cleanup in what he calls a unique business model for the industry.
“By unique business model, we mean unique to the typical ‘chuck with a truck’ approach in the minor residential repair and maintenance industry,” Loyacano explains, observing that many contractors are not licensed, don’t leverage contracts or customer relationship management technology and don’t offer benefits unless they are part of a union. “Our approach is to have standard operating procedures with quality checklists, clear contracts and employee benefits after a training period — namely, continuing education in the trades and retirement accounts.”
For starting his business, he credits “excellent resources available to any home service business in the state,” naming
in particular the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, Jobber, and municipal support such as the local library and small business networking groups. Committed also to giving back to the West Valley whenever possible, Loyacano says, “We provide an unparalleled white-glove service by leveraging technology (Jobber), transparent pricing and well-defined business plans and contracts to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our clients.”
—RaeAnne Marsh
Surprise Home Improvement LLC surprisehomeimprovement.com
Arizona is the 30th most popular location globally to start a company or startup and ranks 21st in United States, according to F6S. f6s.com/companies/united-states/arizona/so
THEN POOLS; NOW SOMETHING ELSE
Now Pools has established a partnership with Rareform, which upcycles the used pool and spa liners into bags and other accessories.
SNAPSHOT
Next Level Growth is a team of partners and business guides currently working with leadership teams from nearly 100 organizations across 28 different states.
Business guides work with entrepreneurs and their leadership teams to help them implement customized solutions to build elite organizations, what they call Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations®.
Michael Erath, founder of Next Level Growth, is currently working on his third book, to be released in the first half of 2025, titled Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations
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Flexibility enables a tailored approach to client needs by
Michael Erath
My career started when I joined my family’s manufacturing business, Erath Veneer, eventually working my way up to president and CEO. I led the company’s revenue growth from $8 million to $45 million and expanded our workforce from around 75 to more than 200. I later started a new venture in the hardwood industry, which I took from a startup to $7 million in just five years.
In 2015, I transitioned from running businesses to helping others grow theirs by becoming an executive team coach and consultant, founding Next Level Growth. While many executives who transition into consulting end up creating lifestyle businesses with limited scalability, I wasn’t willing to settle for that. However, building a standout coaching business is challenging, especially in a crowded market with approximately 53,300 business coaches in the U.S. alone, according to IBISWorld data.
From 2015 to 2019, I honed my coaching skills and growth strategy, then in 2019 brought on my first partner and business guide, Scott Elser. There was a lot of work and thought that went into getting the vision and strategy clear before I was ready to start bringing on partners.
To develop a clear path forward, I consulted with a select group of “ideal” clients to understand what they valued most in our work together. One question I asked them was, “Why did you choose to work with me instead of other options?”
The responses highlighted three key factors: my real-world experience scaling a business to a significant level, my flexibility to tailor my approach to their needs, and the results they were achieving under my guidance.
With this feedback, I solidified my “one-phrase strategy”: Experience Matters. I had to get very focused on how we would differentiate ourselves in the marketplace so that our value would be clear. The first step was to establish stringent criteria for becoming a partner and business guide at Next Level Growth. I decided that any potential partners must have been an owner or CEO of a company with at least $10 million in revenue and 50 or more employees. Anyone not meeting this threshold would not be considered.
I recognized that setting such a high bar would slow the company’s ability to find and bring on qualified partners, but it would also ensure a high level of real-world experience. There were a few times I was tempted to accelerate our growth by bringing former COOs onboard as guides, but it didn’t work out. COOs are great at execution, but they often lack the
breadth of experience in financial and marketing strategy that CEOs typically have. CEOs bring more comprehensive experience to the table.
Another key aspect of Experience Matters is what I call the “Results Experience.” Many business coaches teach within the confines of a specific system, often prioritizing the system over the client’s needs and outcomes. In contrast, Next Level Growth’s approach focuses first on the client’s unique circumstances and vision, allowing the system to be tailored to them, rather than forcing them into a prescriptive box. This client-centered approach led to the creation of Next Level Growth’s Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations®.
By putting the client and their desired outcomes first, Next Level Growth ensures clients a customized system, tailored to their needs. The Guide’s Experience and the Results Experience are key parts of a five-pillar differentiation strategy that has been instrumental in Next Level Growth’s success.
Since bringing on the first partner and business guide in 2019, Next Level Growth has expanded to eight partners, primarily based in Phoenix, supported by an administrative team of seven. The company now works with executive leadership teams from nearly 100 organizations across 28 states and has earned a spot on Inc. magazine’s 2024 list of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., the Inc 5000.
I’m driven by a passion that stems from my long journey as an entrepreneur and a realization that most entrepreneurs achieve success at the expense of their personal lives, including friendships, family time and health. So, I’ve built Next Level Growth around a mission to help entrepreneurs earn more than a return on investment with their business. We help them earn a meaningful return on life.
Next Level Growth nextlevelgrowth.com
According to QuickBooks’ 2024 Small Business Success Month Report, 76% of small business owners experience significant stress related to their business operations. The study highlighted several key stressors, including financial pressures, operational challenges and the responsibility of managing all aspects of the business.
If You Build It: Private Industrial Developers Boost Phoenix Infrastructure
Behind the Phoenix area’s industrial boom in recent years is a web of infrastructure supporting it — some of it visible, some not, but all crucial to the region’s future.
These private infrastructure improvements, though requiring significant financial investments, empower developers to attract high-profile, sophisticated tenants from diverse industries. This, in turn, will bolster Phoenix’s position as one of the nation’s premier industrial development markets, ensuring that the entire metropolitan area reaps the substantial economic rewards that follow.
Industrial developments tend to be on the outskirts of towns and cities, frequently converted from rural use. While land is available, development sites often require additional infrastructure, mostly in the form of roads and utilities. New or expanded infrastructure is needed for the power, water, sewer and other demands of today’s modern industrial tenants, including warehousing and distribution, manufacturing, food and beverage, automotive, pharmaceutical and other users.
Every project is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all infrastructure plan. Each site requires tailored solutions, and most come with their own set of unique challenges. As a result, adept developers start extensive due diligence early, before the design phase, and engage in direct discussions with local municipalities and utility companies to understand the needs, existing system capacities (electrical, water and sewer), processes and timelines. They meticulously review a city’s master plan, if available, and commence the search for underground utilities, both known and unknown, at the earliest opportunity. The involvement of a civil engineer is crucial because, as noted, these
projects are complex and require engineering and coordination with many stakeholders.
While industrial parks require more work due to their size, efficiencies can be realized by bringing utilities and roadway infrastructure to larger parcels that can be developed in phases, similar to a residential subdivision. By making a bigger upfront investment and mapping out the site strategically, a developer’s dollars can support multiple warehouses economically instead of attributing all costs to just one.
At CRG’s The Cubes at Glendale, a 335-acre industrial park at Reems Road and Northern Avenue in Glendale where 3.6 million square feet of industrial properties have been constructed, with 180 acres left to build out, CRG has invested $16 million in infrastructure improvements alone. This includes widening one mile of Reems Road and a one-half mile stretch of Northern Avenue, upgrading a signalized intersection, extending three miles of electrical lines and creating a 2.3-mile-long water loop around the park. The water loop is necessary to avoid dead-end water lines and was sized to serve all buildings in the park, whether for cooling manufacturing or other processes.
Despite it being a slightly smaller project, CRG spent even more on infrastructure at The Cubes at Mesa Gateway. Located between East Pecos and East Germann roads in Mesa, it will span 256 acres but, because it’s farther from the city, it requires more connectivity to roadways and utilities (see Get Real column). Further industrial development will require even more infrastructure dollars in the years ahead as rural properties get snatched up for industrial development and as power and water needs continue to increase. —Hannah Marshall, vice president of development for the Southwest Region at CRG
GET REAL
Extensive Infrastructure Supports The Cubes at Mesa Gateway
The Cubes at Mesa Gateway, a 256-acre industrial park developed by CRG, includes 1.7 million square feet of industrial facilities built to date, with 63 acres left to build. CRG acquired the property in 2021 with plans for the largest master-planned, development-ready industrial park ever delivered in Phoenix’s Southeast Valley submarket. To date, CRG has made $27 million in infrastructure improvements, including:
Roadways
• Added 1-mile stretch of Crismon
• Widened 1,30 0ft stretch of Pecos
• Widened one-half mile stretch of German
• Added two signalized Intersections
Utilities
• Added 2.75-mile water loop around entire park
• Added almost 2.5-mile sanitary extension
• Relocated/replaced 2,500 feet of a 60-year-old gas line
• Extended electrical distribution/telecom extension by almost 1.5 miles, relocating 69kV transmission lines
• Added 230kV accommodations for utility and road crossings
• Added 1.2-mile drainage bypass channel
—Hannah Marshall, vice president of development for the Southwest Region at CRG
The Cubes at Glendale
Mesa Data Center to Use Waterless Cooling Technology
Haydon, a leading full-service general contractor with over 30 years of experience in the Southwest, officially broke ground on a highly advanced data center for Edged Energy, a fast-growing sustainable infrastructure provider. Due for completion by November 2026, the 210,000-square foot facility will use the ThermalWorks ultra-efficient waterless cooling technology system to handle high-density AI loads (processing massive amounts of data at high speeds, requiring a lot of computing power) without using water. According to Edged, this results not only in an expected savings of more than 94 million gallons of water annually, but also 74% less overhead energy than conventional data centers that place immense strain on power grids and use billions of gallons of water annually.
“This technology is not entirely new to us,” says Justin Newman, Haydon partner and senior vice president of the Building Division, sharing, “Haydon is incorporating waterless chillers on other projects in the City of Mesa. This trend aligns with a broader movement by municipalities to adopt waterless systems as part of their conservation efforts.
“We are seeing this technology in various sectors, particularly within the data center industry,” he continues, noting that while Haydon, as a contractor, typically does not choose the types or functions of chillers, the company actively supports initiatives aimed at sustainability and efficiency.
The Missing Middle: An Innovative Approach for Affordable Housing
“Attainable” housing is the most in-demand housing type, yet it rarely grabs headlines — or gets built.
According to the commercial real estate research firms Yardi Matrix and CoStar, more than 90% of the rental units being built in the Phoenix area are financially feasible for only the roughly top 20% income bracket, while about 5% of rental units being built are government-subsidized “affordable” housing.
As co-founders and partners at Greenlight Communities, we are successfully working to meet the demands of those seeking attainable housing — which we define as non-subsidized housing that is affordable to household incomes between 60% and 120% of the area’s median income — thanks to strategic land acquisition, resourceful development practices and modern construction techniques.
We are able to keep costs down because Greenlight Construction is Greenlight Communities’ in-house contractor on all projects, which allows us to control costs and timelines with complete oversight of our mission from beginning to end. We have adopted large-scale efficient building techniques for our floor plans and unit layouts. We implement forward-thinking efficiencies in mechanical and electrical plumbing systems. We build modern communities with the amenities our renters want but leave out the excessive amenities that would needlessly drive up costs and monthly rents.
Located at 8811 E Warner Road off the Loop 202 on a 12-plus-acre campus, this project will support the East Valley’s growing digital economy’s needs by delivering 36 MW of heavy critical load capacity (the amount of power continuously supplied to essential systems like servers and cooling equipment) with an eye toward climate change by using zero water and significantly less power than traditional data centers. —Mike Hunter
Edged Energy edged.us Haydon haydon.com ThermalWorks thermalworks.com
Under the brand name Cabana, Greenlight has completed four new attainable rental projects thus far. An additional two communities are currently leasing in Goodyear and Glendale, Cabana Encanto and Cabana 99th. We also have four Cabana communities under construction in Goodyear, Phoenix, Mesa and Tucson and nearly a dozen in the pipeline.
Our new “Streamliner” apartments, debuting later this year, will offer even more affordable options in Arizona neighborhoods where they are needed most. —Pat Watts and Rob Lyles, owners of Greenlight Communities (livegreenlight.com)
Greenlight has constructed more than 2,000 attainable units to date and will have nearly 5,000 units constructed by 2025 to help meet the need in Arizona. The total cost of this construction is approximately $1 billion.
Photo courtesy of Haydon (top)
SNAPSHOT: CHIPS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
• Department of Commerce is finalizing agreements to disburse $53 billion in chip manufacturing grants under the CHIPS and Science Act.
• The three projects CHIPS Communities United specifically expresses concerns about are TSMC’s Phoenix facility; Intel’s Ocotillo factory in Chandler, Arizona; and Micron’s ID1 plant in Boise, Idaho
• For 2024, Arizona will operate under Tier 1 water shortage conditions. According to the Associated Press, Arizona could see an 18% cut from its total Colorado River water allocation as a result.
Scrutiny on balance between economic progress and environmental stewardship
by Stephanie Quinn
As Arizona’s semiconductor industry grows, so do environmental concerns. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Intel, two of the largest chip manufacturers in the state, are both building massive facilities as part of the U.S. government’s CHIPS and Science Act initiative. However, a coalition of environmental and labor groups known as CHIPS Communities United is urging the U.S. Commerce Department to conduct more thorough environmental reviews.
On the second anniversary of the CHIPS Act, CCU expressed concerns that the government is too hastily approving semiconductor projects without considering their environmental impact. They argue the Commerce Department’s “findings of no significant impact” for these plants, which include TSMC’s facility in Phoenix and Intel’s Ocotillo factory in Chandler, fail to address potential risks to Arizona’s water supply and air quality.
WHY THE SCRUTINY MATTERS
Arizona has positioned itself as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing, driven by the need to reshore chip production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. TSMC’s $65 billion project in north Phoenix and Intel’s $20 billion expansion in Chandler are key parts of this strategy. Both facilities are expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy. However, critics argue these benefits could come at a high environmental cost.
CCU has called on the Commerce Department to conduct full Environmental Impact Statements for these projects to ensure their potential effects on water, energy and hazardous chemical releases are fully understood by the public. Lenny Siegel, a former mayor of Mountain View, California, and a member of CCU, voiced his concerns: “To claim that these projects will have no significant impact on the environment doesn’t pass the smell test.”
plant that will allow it to recycle 90% or more. Intel, too, has been proactive, achieving “net positive water” at its Arizona facility in 2021 and 2022. This means Intel restored more water to local communities than it consumed, largely through water conservation and restoration projects.
While these initiatives are significant, critics argue they may not be enough to offset the environmental burden of such large facilities.
ENERGY AND EMISSIONS
Energy use is another major concern. TSMC’s Phoenix plant is expected to use enough electricity to power 300,000 homes, adding strain to Arizona’s grid. Additionally, the facility will emit more greenhouse gases than 32,000 homes, raising concerns about Arizona meeting its long-term climate goals.
At the same time, CCU is worried about the disposal of hazardous chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are known as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in the environment. PFAS are commonly used in semiconductor manufacturing, and CCU claims the Commerce Department has not provided sufficient detail about how these chemicals will be treated or disposed of.
If you have news to share about the semiconductor industry in Arizona, email us at semiinsights@ inbusinessphx.com
WATER USE IN THE DESERT
One of the most pressing concerns is water use. Arizona has been grappling with a longstanding drought, and the state’s allotment from the Colorado River has been reduced due to water shortages. According to the Central Arizona Project, Arizona saw its water supply cut by 592,000 acre-feet in 2023, representing about 34% of its normal supply.
TSMC’s north Phoenix facility is expected to consume more than 17 million gallons of water per day, an amount that could supply roughly 57,000 households. This level of water consumption has raised red flags among environmental advocates. Intel’s Chandler plant, while not as large, also adds to the strain on local water resources.
Yet, it is important to note that both companies have water sustainability efforts in place. TSMC has committed to recycling 65% of its water and is building an industrial water reclamation
In a letter to the Commerce Department, several U.S. senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, echoed CCU’s concerns, calling for stricter environmental regulations before federal funding is disbursed.
BALANCING GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY
The debate over Arizona’s semiconductor industry highlights the need to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. The CHIPS Act offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild the U.S. semiconductor supply chain and secure American technological leadership. But, as critics point out, it also presents an opportunity to address the industry’s environmental footprint.
The outcome of this debate will shape Arizona’s ability to maintain its status as a leader in the semiconductor industry. While the semiconductor community in the state continues to grow, it is evident that finding a balance between economic progress and environmental stewardship will be key to its success.
TSMC’s north Phoenix facility is expected to consume more than 17 million gallons of water per day, an amount that could supply roughly 57,000 households.
The future. Pioneered in Arizona.
The Arizona Commerce Authority is helping our state’s manufacturers grow and prosper through meaningful programs like the Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Arizona MEP). Using a proven approach that combines decades of leadership, manufacturing, operational and business expertise, Arizona MEP offers custom, hands-on solutions to help clients achieve their goals. Whether you’re looking for minor improvements or a major transformation, we provide the right knowledge, skill set and fl exibility to support your team. Join the more than 375 manufacturers in Arizona who have chosen Arizona MEP to help enhance their business.
Semi Insights
CHIPS & FABS
Intel’s Challenge: Layoffs amid
Semiconductor Expansion
Intel Corp., a major player in Arizona’s semiconductor industry, recently announced plans to cut 15% of its global workforce, roughly 15,000 jobs. This decision comes as the company grapples with financial challenges, including a $1.6 billion loss in the second quarter of 2024. The cuts are part of a broader restructuring aimed at saving $10 billion by 2025.
What does this mean for Arizona? In 2021, Intel announced a $20 billion investment to expand its Chandler operations, marking the largest private investment in state history at the time. The expansion promised 3,000 new jobs, plus thousands of additional roles for suppliers and support services. Today, Intel employs more than 12,000 people at its Chandler facilities, and, while the impact on the local workforce is not yet clear, Arizona is deeply embedded in Intel’s long-term plans.
Intel’s recent financial struggles raise questions, but the company remains a critical part of Arizona’s economy and its role in the global semiconductor landscape. Arizona’s importance in the semiconductor world is growing. The state has become a key player in reshoring semiconductor manufacturing — a crucial move to reduce reliance on foreign production. Currently, chips cross borders as many as 70 times during production. By focusing on domestic manufacturing, Arizona companies like Intel can help secure the U.S. chip supply chain and reduce vulnerabilities, especially for sectors like military and government operations. The CHIPS Act and ongoing federal support for domestic semiconductor production provide hope that, despite the layoffs, Arizona will continue to lead the way in America’s chipmaking resurgence.
—Stephanie Quinn
Hyperion Technologies Looks to Make Peoria Home
The latest company to invest in Arizona’s growing semiconductor industry is Hyperion Technologies, a leader in manufacturing high-density interconnect IC substrates (HDI-IC substrates). Although Hyperion may not yet be a household name, its recent announcement to build a 600,000-squarefoot facility in Peoria aims to fill a crucial gap in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain and significantly boost the local economy.
HDI-IC substrates provide the electrical connectivity necessary for semiconductors, which are the brains behind almost all modern electronics and are essential for high-performance applications in defense, aviation, electric vehicles, consumer electronics and medical devices.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO ARIZONA
Arizona is a hotspot for semiconductor innovation, and companies like Hyperion are seizing the opportunity to be part of the state’s thriving tech community. Hyperion’s Peoria facility is expected to create 1,500 direct jobs and 4,500 construction jobs over the course of the project. However, its significance extends beyond employment opportunities.
Currently, the U.S. produces none of the world’s HDI-IC substrates, relying heavily on overseas manufacturers. With the global semiconductor supply chain becoming more vulnerable due to geopolitical tensions and disruptions like the pandemic, companies are looking to reshore key production elements. Hyperion’s Peoria facility is a step toward tackling this U.S. challenge and strengthening Arizona’s ecosystem.
For Peoria, this project is a huge win. Hyperion’s facility, joining other major investments in the area, including Amkor Technology’s planned $2 billion semiconductor packaging facility, cements the city’s desirability for future semiconductor growth and positions it as a hub for high-tech manufacturing in the years to come — resulting in a vibrant cluster of innovation similar to what Chandler is experiencing.
WHAT HYPERION’S FACILITY WILL DO
Construction of the facility will be in phases, with the groundbreaking expected in 2025 and set to be finished by the end of 2026. Once operational, the facility will manufacture millions of units annually for industries like defense, aerospace and energy sectors alongside medical devices. With the ability to support at least 10 of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Hyperion is
positioned to play an essential role in maintaining the United States’ technological advantage in today’s global landscape.
The facility will feature fully automated, state-of-the-art production lines, making it one of the world’s most advanced HDI-IC substrate manufacturing plants. The incorporation of research and development into each phase of the project will ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation. This will enable Hyperion to continuously enhance its products to cater to the needs of industries that rely on ever-smaller, more powerful chips.
WHY HDI-IC SUBSTRATES MATTER
HDI-IC substrates are critical in semiconductor packaging because they enable the electrical connectivity necessary for chips to communicate with other parts of an electronic device. As chips become more sophisticated and powerful, the need for advanced packaging techniques like HDI substrates increases. These substrates enable denser, higher-performance packages, which are necessary for advanced applications like artificial intelligence, 5G networks, electric vehicles and more.
In addition to improving performance, they also regulate power distribution and heat dissipation in semiconductor devices to enhance efficiency. As demand for faster, more powerful chips grows, new facilities like Hyperion are essential for advancing semiconductor manufacturing technology.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ARIZONA ECONOMY
Over the next decade, Hyperion’s project is predicted to generate $6.6 billion in economic output for the Greater Phoenix area. This boost will be due to the employment opportunities created by the facility and the additional jobs generated from the construction and support industries.
With big players like Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., and Amkor Technology already making significant investments in Arizona, Hyperion will add another vital component to the state’s expanding tech environment.
Hyperion’s decision to invest in Peoria showcases the state’s strong business environment, skilled workforce and strategic location. The state’s leading role in bringing back semiconductor manufacturing is increasingly evident with every new project. Hyperion is an example of how Arizona is solidifying its position as a significant contender in the global semiconductor race. —Stephanie Quinn
Hyperion Technologies hyperiontech.us
With the ability to support at least 10 of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Hyperion is positioned to play an essential role in maintaining the United States’ technological advantage in today’s global landscape.
Brainiest Offers UserFriendly Marketing AI for SMBs
Scottsdale-based Brainiest, a cutting-edge all-inone marketing communications AI platform, recently launched a dynamic conversation-based interface generating actionable marketing plans and content ideas. Astro Brainstorming is designed to act as a personal marketing assistant for small and midsized businesses.
“Many businesses find AI tools overwhelming and struggle to integrate them effectively into their marketing strategies,” says Alan Steinberg, CEO of Brainiest and one of the company’s founding group of boomer-generation Arizonans committed to creating user-friendly AI solutions for SMBs that would also cater to their own generation’s needs and comfort levels.
Aiming to harness AI to pull out the inner marketing genius inside every business owner and marketer, the Brainiest team is comprised of marketing and engineering professionals with careers spent analyzing how technology affects business processes and everyday life. They have been at the forefront of the development of innovative solutions that apply technology to improve real-world experiences, from Intel’s first 32bit microprocessor to big data systems, to marketing AI. Rather than replacing humans, they believe in helping small and midsized business marketers unlock their full potential.
The Astro Brainstorming feature allows users to engage in a brainstorming session with an AI conversational interface designed to generate ideas for better marketing and branding. It begins by asking essential questions about the business and target audience and then uses this information to generate a customized marketing plan. The feature is integrated with Brainiest’s extensive Marketing Applets, which offer expert advice and insights not typically available through conventional AI platforms. The feature ensures that businesses not only have access to powerful tools but also a clear roadmap to utilize them effectively. —Mike Hunter
Brainiest brainiest.ai
AI – Approach with Caution
AI adoption is happening with or without the acknowledgment or approval of company leadership. According to a recent Microsoft report, “Use of generative AI has nearly doubled in the last six months, with 75% of global knowledge workers using it.” The same report states that “78% of AI users are bringing their own AI tools to work (BYOAI).” AI consultants can help leaders and their teams embrace these changes with confidence, educating businesses on the capabilities, vulnerabilities and implementation of AI tools.
As we rely more on AI, it’s essential to remember that these tools can sometimes provide incorrect information. Adopting a “trust but verify” approach is a great way to start using AI responsibly. By gradually introducing AI to more complex tasks, businesses can make the most of these powerful tools while minimizing risks.
As an AI consultant, I suggest good place to start implementing AI is using it for simple, low-risk tasks like creating meeting notes. For example, Fathom.ai can record and summarize meetings, allowing leaders to review and ensure nothing important is missed.
BALANCE AI’S BENEFITS WITH POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
Remember the story from June 2023 where a lawyer used fake cases generated by ChatGPT in a lawsuit against Avianca Airlines? It’s a perfect example of why we shouldn’t rely on AI without double-checking its work.
Today’s AI models, known as large language models (LLMs), learn from vast amounts of text from the Internet and books. They don’t remember exact words but instead learn patterns, allowing them to predict the best word choices based on the prompts they receive. Essentially, they’re like very advanced auto-complete systems.
That’s why many of us recommend treating ChatGPT like a recent college grad. Give it context and guidance, but remember it still has a lot to learn. Users must always review its output carefully so they can confidently put their name on the work.
TRAIN EMPLOYEES IN AI SKILLS WITHOUT CAUSING ALIENATION OR EXCESSIVE PRESSURE
This isn’t a zero-sum game, and reminding employees that their jobs are not the sum of their tasks is important. AI is a general technology; it will continue to permeate areas of our lives that we have yet to envision, but we have agency over how this will impact our lives if we take an active role in testing and applying the AI that is available now to the jobs they have today.
Leaders have an opportunity now to take an open role in facilitating and rewarding employees for sharing how they use AI across the organization. Taking on initiatives such as creating an AI innovation team with members from different levels of the organization can make a big difference. By encouraging and even offering financial rewards for sharing AI tips and training, leaders can decentralize AI learning. This way, everyone can learn faster and work more efficiently.
Empowering employees to become experts in using AI tools for their roles and rewarding them for their efforts not only helps a company grow but also ensures that employees feel valued and integral to the company’s progress.
RETAIN TOP TALENT IN TODAY’S EVOLVING CONCEPT OF WORK
The organizational chart was created in 1854 by Daniel McCallum of the New York and Erie Railroad. The technological limitations of the day necessitated hierarchical structures for communication and organizational management. This limitation no longer exists. These days, employees want more trust and autonomy in their jobs, and that’s a great thing. It means leaders can focus on building strong, talented teams and letting them make decisions quickly and effectively. Those who find it hard to trust their team with important decisions might benefit from reviewing the overall talent density in their organization.
As Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, aptly states, “The best managers figure out how to get great outcomes by setting the appropriate context, rather than by trying to control their people.” Companies prioritizing employee well-being and autonomy are better positioned to attract and retain top talent, fostering a more innovative and resilient workforce. —Drew Cesario (linkedin.com/in/ drew-cesario), an accomplished business consultant with a passion for sustainable and eco-conscious CPG enterprises
As we rely more on AI, it's essential to remember that these tools can sometimes provide incorrect information.
Strategies for Businesses and Their HEALTHCARE
What businesses should know about making healthcare affordable
by RaeAnne Marsh
“With more and more Arizonans looking to their employers to help them manage their health, employers feel the mounting pressure — because the landscape is changing,” observes Pam Kehaly, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. In fact, she reports nearly half our state’s population is covered by employersponsored health insurance — more than 3 million Arizonans.
Frances Ducar, FNP, who founded Healthcare Solutions Centers two decades ago, notes, “Healthcare costs have been rising steadily, creating significant challenges for businesses striving to provide affordable benefits to their employees. To navigate these challenges, it is essential to understand the factors driving costs and implement strategic solutions that help businesses manage healthcare expenses more effectively.”
Cost
Indeed, cost is a major factor in every discussion of healthcare. Noting that healthcare spending in the U.S. is rapidly on the rise, Kehaly puts this in perspective citing KFF’s study from May of this year that found “nearly one out of every five dollars spent in the U.S. goes toward healthcare, with hospital and physician services making up half of the total spend.”
Cost was not always such a central factor. Relates Kehaly, “Years ago, employers rated access and customer service as the top health benefit concerns.” For employers, what was most important was ensuring their team could get the care they deserved, when and where they needed it. “While that remains a top priority, we’ve seen a shift,” she continues. “Employers now rank escalating health insurance costs as their number one benefits concern.” In fact, a survey from Mercer this year found 72% of chief financial officers report the cost of health benefits to be a significant concern over other operating expenses.
Referring to a statewide survey Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) recently conducted, Kehaly says, “Most Arizonans recognize that the cost of medical care is the underlying driver of premium costs. At AZ Blue, 85 cents out of every premium dollar goes to providers for medical care delivered.”
Cost is on an upward trajectory that is not expected to ease. There are a few key drivers of this trend.
“From an industry perspective, drug prices are one of the major contributing factors to rising healthcare costs,” says Will Spong, managing director of employee health and benefits for Arizona at Marsh McLennan Agency. “It’s well documented that some medications physicians prescribe to help with weight loss — for example, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy — have seen increased demand.”
Noting that obesity is one of the most prevalent and expensive chronic health conditions in the U.S., costing $173 billion a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Spong points out, “When it comes to semaglutides like Ozempic that are used to combat obesity, the Association of Healthcare Journalists reports these drugs have a list price of more than $1,000 a month, not only skyrocketing insurance premiums for employers but also out-of-pocket expenses for employees.”
While acknowledging the breakthrough that semaglutides represent for diabetes and weight loss, Kehaly notes they now make up 4 to 5 percent of all claims and add $23 per member to monthly premium costs. “This expense was almost unmeasurable a few years ago,” she says. “Medication expenses have a ripple effect on the entire healthcare system and impact overall costs.”
However, Spong points out that while these drugs may cost more upfront, there could be potential to reduce healthcare costs long term if they are effective in treating obesity and reducing other commonly associated chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. “This cost-benefit aspect creates a major challenge for employers, boiling down to one critical question: Will paying the high price to incorporate these medications into benefits offerings now lead to significant enough long-term cost savings?
“The answer is nuanced and can be swayed by a variety of factors, such as company size and culture,” Spong continues. “For example, a business with higher turnover would be less likely to see a significant return on investment in these drugs, as their workforce might not stick around long enough for the health cost savings to be realized on the employer side.
“Even for employers with high retention rates, justifying these medications from a dollars-and-cents perspective is still a challenge, as it’s impossible to fully articulate or predict how much was or could be saved by mitigating potential employee health conditions.”
Observing that general inflation is also spurring along rising healthcare costs, Spong notes provider and hospital visits, combined with specialized procedures, have all gone up in price. Citing the Society for Human Resource Management, he says the cost of medical care benefits in the U.S. is estimated to increase about 8.9% in 2024, compared with 8.2% in 2023, and by 2032 healthcare costs are expected to increase 19.7%.
Along with market forces such as increased medication costs and out-of-pocket expenses, Ducar notes the impact of the prevalence of high-deductible health plans and Health Savings Account plans that often leave many services uncovered. “Additionally,” she says, “the aging population, advancements in medical technology and the high cost of chronic disease management contribute to the upward pressure on healthcare spending.”
In fact, Kehaly cites a staggering statistic regarding the aging population and the rising disease burden: “As we live longer, we experience more costly chronic conditions. In 2020 there were 72 million people over 50 years of age with chronic conditions. That number is expected to reach 143M by 2050.”
Some of the current upward medical trend can still be laid to COVID-19 as people address health needs postponed during the pandemic, Kehaly explains. But even as that eases, medical cost escalation will continue to be driven by life-changing medical advancements. “We can now treat conditions that we just had to endure decades ago,” Kehaly says. “For example, more than 700,000 total knee replacements are performed
annually in the U.S., and it is estimated that by 2030, the number of total knee replacements performed will increase by more than 600% compared to 2005.
“Gene and cell therapies are a boon to quality of life. Did you know that we now have a cure for sickle cell anemia and hemophilia? These types of new therapies are extraordinary, but expensive, developments. The cost of the cell and gene therapy to cure sickle cell anemia, for example, is $2.64 million.”
Kehaly also points out that, as more people seek help for behavioral health conditions — “a positive trend reflecting greater awareness and reduced stigma” — costs have
inevitably risen. “Increased demand for services and the return to in-person care after the pandemic have brought the estimated cost per person per month for behavioral health services from $10 in 2020 to $19 in 2023, a 90% increase,” she says.
In this landscape, Kehaly believes one of the most important things an insurance company can do is to safeguard against fraud and waste, ensuring that members and employers are not overcharged. “Make sure your insurance company has a robust program in this space,” she advises employers, noting her team’s efforts saved more than $40 million in 2023.
Access
Along with cost of care is the issue of access to it.
“The shortage of primary care practitioners and providers, especially in primary care, is a growing concern that affects the entire healthcare system,” Ducar notes. Factors she cites contributing to this shortage are an aging physician workforce, the lengthy and costly education and training process, and burnout, the last of which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The shortage is particularly acute in rural and underserved areas, leading to increased wait times, reduced access to care and overburdened healthcare providers,” she says.
To these factors, Kehaly adds the population boom Arizona has been experiencing.
The reality of the shortage is not just anecdotal. “According to Becker’s Hospital Review, demand for doctors and medical care is fast exceeding supply,” Spong says. One factor contributing to the deficit of physicians is the prominent flow of retiring doctors. “The Association of American Medical Colleges reported that 20% of doctors are ages 65 and older and that by 2036, the U.S. will see a depletion of 86,000 doctors.” He notes doctors are also exiting the profession due to low morale, with an estimated 30% of physicians considering early retirement. “An added hurdle is the number of incoming doctors is not currently on pace to meet patient demand or replace exiting physicians. AAMC projects a shortage between 37,800 and 124,000 primary care and specialist physicians by 2034.”
Ducar suggests one solution to address the challenge of accessibility and continuity of care is bringing wellness practitioners directly to the workplace. “On-site wellness
programs can offer biometric screenings, disease management programs and other preventive services that help keep your workforce healthy,” she says, explaining, ‘These programs not only mitigate the impact of the practitioner shortage but also provide great opportunities to improve employee health. In addition to on-site services, leveraging telemedicine, nurse practitioner-led clinics, and the use of allied health professionals can help fill gaps in care.”
Other plans rely on service networks. Explains Kehaly, “AZ Blue offers one of the broadest networks in the nation, with 95% of physicians and 96% of hospitals in-network. Our networks typically deliver over 10% savings compared to industry-leading PPOs. Noting that even more savings can be achieved by narrowing networks to the most efficient providers, she says, “While this does create less choice, this type of program can typically reduce premiums by 10%.”
Longer wait times for patients to get in to see their provider is a natural outcome of the exodus of doctors to which technology offers some solution. Says Spong, “To circumvent accessibility problems, employers are turning to telehealth and healthcare portals. Having virtual care options integrated into insurance plans helps remove long wait barriers. Employees can more conveniently and swiftly see their doctor within days (and sometimes even hours).”
He notes technology incorporated with telehealth and portals also provides convenience by enabling employees to search for providers in their network, book appointments, access medical records and conduct prescription medication price comparisons.
Value & Benefit
Employers today face complexities of pleasing a multigenerational workforce — baby boomers, Generation X, Generation Y (millennials) and Generation Z — who, by and large, have wildly different insurance wants and needs. This, Spong notes, can be costly for employers, but he believes a strategic approach to their benefits offerings can keep them competitive while still remaining mindful of their bottom line.
“Incorporating virtual care is one way employers can implement tailored benefits,” Spong explains, citing findings of the American Journal of Managed Care’s that more than 65% of patients who met virtually with providers during the pandemic encountered lower costs compared with appointments in person. And he reports more specialized providers in mental and behavioral health, musculoskeletal and reproductive care are opening their doors to virtual visits. “While virtual healthcare costs are rising — matching inflation increases — they have been an effective way for employers to save by eliminating drive and wait times and improving employee productivity,” Spong says.
Among other benefits of virtual healthcare is that it also often encourages employees to be proactive in their health by offering more accessibility and options, helping prevent chronic health conditions — all of which, Spong points out, cut down on absenteeism, lower insurance costs for employers and reduce premiums for employees.
But even against all the advantage, Spong has found it to be not unusual for virtual care options to give some employers pause, largely out of concern that their employees either will not use it or won’t know how to use it. To this he says, “While that may have been true at one time, today’s workforce is highly engaged with technology. It’s no secret that just about everyone has access to a smart phone — a tool that, for the most part, is all it takes to connect them with virtual healthcare in a matter of seconds.”
Ducar suggests that, to add value for business clients, insurers and wellness service providers focus on offering products and services that emphasize preventive care and chronic disease management. “One effective approach is the implementation of on-site wellness programs,” she says, explaining these programs can include initiatives that encourage healthy behaviors, telemedicine services for easier access to care, and value-based insurance design, which aligns patient costs with the value of services. “Integrating AI-driven analytics can also help identify high-risk patients early, allowing for targeted interventions that can prevent costly health issues down the line, ultimately closing ‘gaps in care,’” she says.
Spong says companies can also promote preventive healthcare by implementing health wellness programs
through creative offerings like meditation app subscriptions, gym membership credits, nutritional workshops and more.
“The bottom line: An informed workforce is an educated workforce,” he says. “Simply putting in the requisite effort to get employees fully engaged and understanding their benefits goes a long way to lower costs for all.”
Kehaly notes that, while wellness programs can help, it has been difficult to establish a solid ROI. She emphasizes, “Proactively identifying serious health conditions can not only save lives, but also reduce costs,” and suggests, “One very tangible thing that can be done is encouraging an annual physical.”
It is critical that businesses fully leveraging their insurance carrier’s health and care management capabilities, Kehaly says, explaining that health and care management teams can work with employer groups to provide preventive service engagement like on-site health screenings and condition management programs that empower members to take control of their health through education, resources and support. “Our Care Management and Health Management programs, for example, provide extra support for members with conditions that can be difficult to manage,” Kehaly says. “And we support health in all life stages, from reproductive and youth health to adulthood and healthy aging. For example, our High-Risk Maternity Care Management Program engages moms identified as high-risk to ensure they are connected to the right care and have all the resources, education and information they need.”
Kehaly also points to the benefits of lifestyle accounts, which encourage and support a healthy lifestyle by reimbursing employees a set amount (“We provide $500 a year,” Kehaly says) for eligible well-being-related activities such as fitness activities, family support, financial planning, education and more. “This is a solution to a multi-pronged problem. It not only encourages healthy lifestyles, but it personalizes benefits. Employees can use the funds on what is important to them — a huge satisfaction driver!” she says.
Specifically addressing behavioral health, Kehaly notes, “While adding providers may seem counterintuitive to saving on costs, this is an exception.” Behavioral health issues that are left untreated, she explains, are very costly to a company — not only in terms of related medical costs, but losses to productivity.
“AZ Blue has made it a priority to add more mental health providers to our network who serve areas where greater access is needed,” she says, reporting, “We recently added nearly 2,000 providers to our network to help combat shortages.”
Spong suggests businesses may also see improved costs by incorporating pharmacy benefit managers, explaining, “PBMs negotiate drug prices and act as a conduit between employers,
manufacturers and pharmacies to determine best practices for pharmacy, prescription, claims and payment processes, with the ultimate goal of reducing costs for the employer and employee.”
There are also discounted medications. “Good RX or the AZ Blue Price Edge program can provide significant savings on prescription medications, helping members reduce out-ofpocket costs,” Kehaly says. “The estimated annual savings for AZ Blue members is over $3 million for covered generic products.”
Kehaly also brings us what she sees as a fundamental flaw in our medical system today — the lack of alignment between providers and insurers. She believes this can be partly addressed through value-based arrangements in which a provider is compensated for outcomes – not just the number of visits or services provided. “A step even further,” she says, “is the merging of insurance and medical care.” She discusses Prosano Health Solutions as a good example of this.
“Prosano brings insurance, advanced primary care, behavioral health, and lab services together under one roof. This can save employer groups and their employees money on healthcare costs by eliminating administrative redundancy and managing end-to-end medical care more effectively.
“How? Let me give you an example.
“Recently, a patient at Prosano Advanced Primary Care was struggling to pay out of pocket for a necessary procedure that they needed to receive regularly. The procedure, administered monthly by a hematologist at a hospital, costs about $500 per treatment. That worked out to $400 per month that insurance covered, and $100 per month coinsurance for the member.
“The Prosano physician recognized an opportunity to save money and make it easier for the patient. They found that they could deliver the same service by acquiring about $10 worth of supplies. The Prosano team coordinated with the hematologist and now delivers the service through Prosano for $0 to the patient.
“Accounting for labor costs and supplies, healthcare cost savings were $450 every month. Imagine if we can do that hundreds or even thousands of times.”
Kehaly reports this kind of proactive and coordinated care has significantly impacted overall utilization and cost for members. “Our latest data shows that emergency room visits for Prosano members decreased by more than 14%, inpatient admits decreased by 12%, and specialist visits decreased by 15%, resulting in a total medical care cost reduction of 13.6% compared to the prior year.”
Billing & Managing the Healthcare Process
“There are myriad ways to help businesses improve their healthcare processes,” Spong says. He names billing reconciliation and employee plan advocacy as the two primary avenues specific to employers.
Spong explains businesses can partner with a billing reconciliation company that can exclusively help ensure employers and employees are on the right plans, are paying the correct premiums and have the best carrier and network for their specific needs. This benefits larger companies most because, as a business’s workforce grows, so does the administrative burden of billing reconciliation. “Without a watchful eye on this issue, the costs to the employer can be immense,” Spong notes, giving as example a company continuing to pay a terminated employee’s healthcare benefits for months after the employee’s departure. Having a dedicated benefit plan advocate for employees gives them someone to walk them through their explanations of benefits and help prioritize what needs to be paid and when, as well as breaking down all costs and procedures. This is another way to improve and manage healthcare because they can go line by line and negotiate with providers and carriers on behalf of employees, Spong explains. “The benefit for the employer is more efficient claims adjudication and, ultimately, cost savings.”
Ducar also emphasizes the crucial need for effective management of healthcare programs by insurers and
wellness service providers to help businesses navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. She cites direct cost billing as one key area where management can have a significant impact. “By ensuring transparency and efficiency in billing practices, providers can greatly influence a business’s bottom line. Tools and services that streamline billing, ensure accuracy and provide clear insights into healthcare spending are essential,” she says. These might include automated billing systems, detailed reporting and regular audits to prevent errors and overcharges.
On-site clinic practitioners represent another cost-control strategy by encouraging the use of generic medications, negotiating better rates with providers and utilizing data analytics for more informed decision-making, Ducar explains. “These practitioners also play a critical role in employee education, helping staff make informed choices about their healthcare, which can reduce unnecessary costs, improve overall health outcomes and increase employee retention.”
“There are exciting developments on the horizon that will not only improve quality of life, but hopefully start bending the healthcare cost curve. These tools include artificial intelligence, digital tools and new life-saving drugs,” Kehaly says. “But we will have to continue to be diligent in managing costs so access does not become a problem.”
THE COMPANY EXPERIENCE
OFFERINGS: BUDGETING & ACCESS
“We approach budgeting with a focus on sustainability and value,” says Alison Nielson, director of Human Resources at BioLab Holdings, Inc. “For the business, we strategically allocate funds to ensure comprehensive coverage while managing costs through careful provider negotiations and preventive care initiatives,” she explains. “These efforts help us to control rising healthcare costs while continuing to provide high-quality benefits to our employees.”
BioLabs covers all premium costs for employee-only coverage under its medical, dental and vision health plans. For employees with dependents, it offers options such as mid and high-deductible health plans to provide flexibility and reduce premium costs. “Additionally, we are exploring flexible benefits like Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts to help employees set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses,” says Nielson.
To meet the diverse needs and budgets of its employees, BioLabs offers a range of healthcare plans with varying levels of deductibles; to ensure accessibility, it provides telemedicine options, making it easier for employees with special accommodations or limited availability to receive care. There is also a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program, which includes 24/7 crisis intervention and resources for financial and legal consultations that supports alternative therapies, mental health services and chronic condition management.
At The Driver Provider, VP of Sales Kendra Kaplan says, “When it comes to budgeting for healthcare, we prioritize a balanced approach that considers both the needs of our employees and the financial health of the company.” This involves carefully analyzing the business’s healthcare expenses annually, considering trends in healthcare costs, employee utilization and potential changes in the workforce. “We aim to allocate sufficient resources to ensure comprehensive coverage while also keeping our offerings sustainable over the long term,” says Kaplan.
With its goal to keep out-of-pocket expenses as low as possible for its employees, The Driver Provider offers plans with a range of deductible options, co-pays and premiums, so employees can choose what best fits their personal financial situation. It also provides access to Health Savings Accounts “to help employees save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, further reducing their financial burden,” Kendra Kaplan explains.
ACTIONS & UTILIZATION
“We all know the saying ‘early detection, early cure.’ However, this also applies to the cost,” Flores says. For instance, cancer statistics are staggering, and the claims costs can also be extremely high — not only for medical expenses, but disability pay, lost productivity (or added cost of a temp), and possibly life insurance claims and/or turnover. However, Flores notes, simple onsite blood tests for PSA and onsite mammography can not only decrease lost productivity for the exam (less than 15 minutes versus a two-hour doctor’s appointment) but significantly reduce claims costs when done annually. “We have added an incentive for an annual wellness exam and find even more items are addressed timely before manifesting into an expensive chronic condition.”
OneAZ employs specific techniques that Flores says have had a significant impact. One of these involves early detection, discussed above.
Another technique is “healthy habit.” Says Flores, “This is where the fun begins! With the savings we achieve, we invest a portion of the dollars into rewards for healthy habits along with programs to encourage these behaviors.
Noting that healthcare needs are not one-size-fits-all, Kendra Kaplan says The Driver Provider works hard to accommodate the diverse requirements of its employees. “We offer a variety of health plans, including options that cover a wide range of providers and services. This flexibility ensures that employees can select coverage that aligns with their unique health conditions, family situations, and financial circumstances.”
Chris Flores, EVP and chief people and culture officer at OneAZ Credit Union, shares, “As a result of actively managing common behaviors and claims, OneAZ has experienced medical cost containment with minimal plan design change or cost change to our employees for just over 10 years.” Specifically, she says, “we invest in early detection programs and gamify whole-person wellness, which incentivizes our associates to focus on their health, ultimately driving costs down.” Flores reports that, by increasing vital healthy habits, focusing on education and tying benefits and wellness programs to its strategy of improving lives, OneAZ has seen clear ROI on its low-cost benefit plans.
“At Evolve PR and Marketing, we prioritize the well-being of our team, which is why we fully cover healthcare costs for all employees at 100%. We see this as a crucial step in creating a work environment where our staff feels secure that the cost of their monthly healthcare premiums is covered,” says Jennifer Kaplan, CEO and president. She explains the company manages the costs of this benefit by carefully planning and integrating it into the overall business strategy. “By working with our healthcare broker, we’ve secured favorable rates that fit the size and needs of our company.”
For spouses and family members, the plans offer a group rate that, she says, keeps the program affordable. “This model allows us to offer competitive rates for family members without putting any financial strain on the business.”
Recognizing that every employee has unique needs, Evolve PR and Marketing makes it a priority to offer flexible healthcare plans to address them, including Health Savings Account options. “We know that a one-sizefits-all approach doesn’t work,” says Jennifer Kaplan, noting Evolve’s staff varies across the board by age, current health status, particular stage of life and more. “That’s why we have carefully selected seven different healthcare plans. Employees can choose the option that aligns with their current life stage, whether that means focusing on family health benefits or mental health services. We also have flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to take time during the work week to attend any needed medical appointments.”
We accomplish part of this approach through an active wellness site and gamification. In addition, each year we offer various programs to move the dial for unique needs.” These have included meditation classes, nutrition courses, gym reimbursements (if meeting minimum visits), and holistic fairs. Her suggestion to others: “Spice it up, use creativity, and solicit feedback!”
The third technique is education. “We look at claims that are increasing in frequency, expenses that have less expensive alternatives and costs that we can mitigate,” Flores says. Classic items are emergency room use, mail order prescriptions and generic medications; to address this, for some items, OneAZ adds incentives (90-day supply for 30-day copay amount) or consequences (added co-insurance for ER visits) with traditional plans. “Over the years, we have pushed these specific areas with conversations, mailings and online information,” Flores shares. One of the best returns we found was with new parents and their first child. This is an active audience who appreciates insight on how to manage a newborn at 1 a.m. before the situation occurs versus after an unnecessary and expensive visit to the ER. It also sets the stage for future
use and understanding alternatives such as a nurse line, telehealth, urgent care, overnight pediatric urgent care and pediatrician resources.”
Kendra Kaplan notes the importance The Driver Provider places on encouraging employees to fully utilize the services and programs available to them. “Through one-on-one consultations with HR, we help employees understand how to make the most of their healthcare options,” she says. “We also promote the use of telehealth services, which can provide more convenient and often more affordable care.”
BioLabs actively promotes effective utilization of available services through clear communication and consistent outreach, as Nielson explains: “We inform employees about their health benefits and services during new-hire orientation, through digital announcements and at quarterly town hall meetings. Our HR team provides personalized support during the benefits enrollment process, ensuring employees understand their options. To further engage our workforce, we are developing quarterly Wellness Challenges with reward programs designed to motivate participation in health and wellness initiatives, improving overall employee well-being.”
BioLabs also offers educational resources and an Employee Assistance Program to help employees make informed choices about their coverage and effectively manage out-of-pocket expenses. “By promoting preventive care and encouraging the use of paid time off for health appointments, we help employees maintain a proactive approach to their healthcare,” Nielson says.
Evolve also takes an active role not just in communicating the value of its programs to the team, to make sure everyone gets the most out of these benefits, but in seeking feedback about the healthcare options available to
MANAGEMENT
Noting that efficient management of the healthcare process is key to ensuring that both the company and employees benefit from the services provided, Kendra Kaplan says The Driver Provider uses an integrated benefits administration platform that simplifies everything from enrollment to billing. “This system allows our HR team to monitor employee participation, manage claims and address any issues that arise quickly and effectively.” She says the company also maintains a close relationship with its brokers to ensure its offerings remain competitive and aligned with the needs of its workforce. “Regular reviews and audits of our healthcare expenses help us identify areas where we can improve cost-efficiency without compromising the quality of care.”
At BioLabs, “We’ve implemented a robust internal system to efficiently manage our healthcare programs,” Nielson says. This includes using UKG HRIS, a comprehensive benefits management software that streamlines enrollment and communication with the insurance provider. “We also
AND THE ALL-IMPORTANT ‘WHY’
“Overall, our healthcare plan represents a long-term investment in both our employees and the success of Evolve PR and Marketing,” says Jennifer Kaplan. “It’s a key part of our mission to support the people who drive our business forward, ensuring they feel cared for in every way possible.”
Kendra Kaplan n otes that making healthcare affordable and accessible is crucial to maintaining a healthy, motivated workforce, and believes it requires thoughtful planning, budgeting and management. “At The Driver Provider,” she says, “we understand that healthcare is not just a necessity for our employees but also a significant investment for our business.”
For OneAZ, Flores notes many of the company’s items are simplistic in conceptualization but they do take time, dedication and a bit of creativity
them, according to Jennifer Kaplan. “We hold meetings and provide resources that explain the services and how to access them.” The company reaches out to its employees prior to open enrollment because, she explains, “We understand that personal healthcare needs can vary greatly, so gathering input from employees is essential in making sure the plans are still relevant and effective year to year.” This is accomplished through multiple avenues for employees to express their thoughts and concerns, such as one-on-one discussions and team meetings. “Our broker is also an integral part of the team, holding and organizing informational sessions with our employees, and makes themselves available to answer any questions.
“To further enhance the process, we have organized informational sessions with healthcare experts who are well-versed in the details of the plans that we are offering our team,” Jennifer Kaplan says, explaining these sessions provide the employees with a chance to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the options available to them. “Giving our employees direct access to experts allows them to make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.”
Evolve also maintains maintain clear communication channels internally to keep employees informed about any updates or changes to their healthcare options, and conducts check-ins to ensure the staff remains aware of their benefits and can easily access support if needed. “We also create a supportive atmosphere that emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of the offerings provided by these healthcare plans,” Jennifer Kaplan says. “We foster a culture where using these services is both normal and encouraged, creating a healthy work/life balance.”
leverage automated billing and payment systems provided by our insurance companies, which reduces administrative burden and minimizes errors. Our HR team regularly solicits employee feedback to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, we have recently added a learning and development manager to our HR team and frequently engage with our broker to provide ongoing training, ensuring our HR staff stays updated on the latest regulations, technologies, and best practices in healthcare management.”
Evolve, Jennifer Kaplan reports, has “a comprehensive system in place to manage our healthcare process, ensuring it meets the needs of our employees, aligns with industry standards and meets our business objective.”
A key practice in managing Evolve’s healthcare process, she says, is regularly reviewing its seven healthcare plans with the help of its broker. “This allows us to stay up to date with any changes in the plans, pricing or coverage options, ensuring our employees have access to the best possible choices.”
with a bit of passion. “However, when you factor in the full ROI, it is astronomical over time and not just financial,” she says. “When you move this to a more granular level, it makes a difference in the quality of your employees’ lives for longevity.”
BioLab Holdings, Inc. biolabsciences.net
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona azblue.com
Driver Provider, The driverprovider.com
Evolve Public Relations and Marketing evolveprandmarketing.com
Healthcare Solutions Centers hcsonsite.com
Marsh McLennan Agency marshmma.com
OneAZ Credit Union oneazcu.com
Using Famous Artwork: Perils in the Public Domain
A dangerous path awaits Arizona businesses looking to profit from famous art now in the public domain
by Mario Vasta
Mario Vasta is an attorney and director in Fennemore’s business and intellectual property practice groups. He represents clients in domestic and international intellectual property litigation matters, including trademark, copyright and counterfeiting issues, cancellation and opposition actions, before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in state and federal courts. fennemorelaw.com
Earlier this year, Steamboat Willie, the original version of Mickey Mouse from 1928, officially lost its copyright protection held by Disney and moved into the “public domain.” Only one day later, Variety reported that Steven LaMorte is set to direct an untitled horror-comedy about “a sadistic mouse” that “torment[s] a group of unsuspecting ferry passengers.”
Likewise, the 1926 Winnie-the-Pooh book, written by A.A. Milne and illustrated by E.H. Shepard, went into the public domain on January 1, 2022. Only five months later, the trailer released for Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, a slasher film involving the beloved bear … with a knife.
COPYRIGHTED WORKS USUALLY ENTER THE PUBLIC DOMAIN 70 YEARS AFTER THE DEATH OF THE AUTHOR
Each year, famous artistic works become available for public use by permanently losing legal protections provided by their copyrights and relocating to the public domain. Copyrights provide their holders with the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, copy or make derivatives of that work. But, in most cases, 70 years after the death of the author, the art makes a move. Like a teenager moving out for college, artistic works travel to the public domain where new and, perhaps, wild experiences may take place.
Once in the public domain, there are no exclusive rights. Anyone may use, and profit from, a public domain work,
One must be confident that only the original work is being copied and not the unique elements from various protected derivative versions.
no matter how famous that work might be. The business opportunities seem too good to be true. And they might be. The public domain can be a dangerous space, fraught with legal pitfalls for any would-be profiteer. Businesses should consider: Is it worth the risk to incorporate public domain works into our business model? Just because a business can make an R-rated Winnie-the-Pooh horror movie, should it?
CREATING
A DERIVATIVE OF A FAMOUS WORK OFFERS LIMITED PROTECTION
Beyond turning children’s characters into nightmares, there are many ways one might incorporate a famous public domain work into one’s business. Imagine a honey business looking for a marketing boost. There is perhaps no more famous character associated with honey than Winnie-the-Pooh. Maybe the honey business would benefit from a rebrand as Winnie-thePooh Honey Company. Or, what if a business owner’s name is William, and he has a boat rental enterprise? Using the name “Steamboat Willie Boat Rentals” might not be a bad idea for marketing purposes, especially if the logo incorporates the famous rodent.
However, relying on the prior work of others can be perilous. There might be numerous versions of a public domain work that remain copyrighted. Disney will certainly continue to enforce its rights to all modern versions of Mickey Mouse for
which it owns copyrights. The boat rental company is free to make its own derivative of Steamboat Willie — that is, new imagery based on Steamboat Willie. But what if the resulting new designs end up looking more like the modern Mickey Mouse?
Some works have been regurgitated so many times that it’s hard to keep the versions straight. L. Frank Baum wrote the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the year 1900; it’s a very old resident of the public domain. However, the more famous 1939 Wizard of Oz movie starring Judy Garland is not. Disney added its own version in 2013 with Oz the Great and Powerful. One must be confident that only the original work is being copied and not the unique elements from various protected derivative versions.
When one creates a new work, copyright protection automatically vests in the author. But if a company creates a derivative version of a work now in the public domain, it will hold the copyright only to the elements of the work that are different and have only minimal ability to enforce its rights against would-be infringers. This is considered “thin” copyright protection. After all, if something is in the public domain for one, it’s in the public domain for everyone. Suddenly, all the Williams of the world could start their own Willie the Steamboat-related companies and options to stop them are significantly limited. It becomes even more complicated when multiple copyrighted versions of public domain works are copied. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has stated the proper analysis to determine infringement in that situation is to factor out the public domain elements from the newest work and see if it is substantially similar to the unique and new choices made by the artist whose work was copied.
Also troubling is the possibility that others using similar imagery based on the same public work might face public relations scandals, diminishing their goodwill with consumers. Such scandals could ruin the reputations of unrelated businesses using similar imagery.
COPYRIGHTED WORKS NOW IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN MAY ALSO BE TRADEMARKED
Copyright is not the only body of law business owners need to consider if they want to incorporate a public domain work into their own marketing. They should also be aware of trademark law. Trademark protections do not expire based on the death of the author. Trademarks can be perpetual so long as they are being used to identify the source of a good or service. Steamboat Willie may have lost copyright protection but if Disney incorporates the character into any trademark, such as in the logo for Disney Animation Studios, strong protections remain. Trademark infringement generally arises when someone uses a word or image that causes confusion as to the source of goods or services. Any use of Steamboat Willie that is likely to confuse someone as to whether goods or services come from Disney is prohibited under the federal Lanham Act. Would someone think a mason jar of honey produced by the derivative Winnie-the-Pooh Honey Company is sponsored or approved by a famous brand?
Utilizing public domain work in one’s business might seem like a way to attract attention or a way to fast-track design processes, but it comes with numerous risks. When making investment decisions, the safest approach is usually to start from scratch with unique creations and secure full intellectual property rights. Seeking legal advice about your rights from an intellectual property attorney ahead of time allows you to build your business with confidence.
The Skills-Powered Organization
How to design and activate the skills-based enterprise that is pivotal for navigating the “next” of work. As the world navigates the rapid and disruptive effects of AI, climate change and geopolitical conflicts, the world of work, too, needs to change. Jobs are giving way to skills as the currency of work to ensure a more agile, resilient and flexible enterprise that cannot just respond but must thrive in the face of these challenges. This pivot from jobs to skills will require us to rethink everything we know about work. Building on his bestselling book Work without Jobs, Ravin Jesuthasan returns, this time with coauthor Tanuj Kapilashrami, an international human resources leader, to provide the framework organizations need to thrive in a world demanding perpetual reinvention.
The Skills-Powered Organization: The Journey to the Next-Generation Enterprise
Ravin Jesuthasan and Tanuj Kapilashrami
The MIT Press
Available 10/1/2024
The Employee Advantage
$32.95
168 pages
A strategic roadmap that will transform a company into an employee-first powerhouse, unlocking a competitive edge for enduring success. In an ever-shifting work landscape, leaders can no longer ignore their most overlooked stakeholders — their employees. In The Employee Advantage, behavioral economist Stephan Meier explains why organizations must value their employees as much as — if not more than — their customers: those that pivot toward an employee-centric model will be more profitable, innovative and appealing to top talent. The customer-centric tools that give businesses a competitive advantage can be repurposed to focus on employees. The future of work is human-centric. The companies that win in the marketplace will be those with the best employees. To get and stay ahead, businesses must embrace the employee advantage.
The Employee Advantage: How Putting Workers First Helps Business Thrive
Stephan Meier
PublicAffairs
Available 10/15/2024
The Age of Outrage
$30.00
288 pages
Outrage is everywhere — on the left and on the right — and many companies have found themselves in the crosshairs. GoFundMe was pressured to cut off funding to protesting truckers in Ottawa. Disney’s CEO was dragged down for mishandling both sides of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law. Facebook and other tech companies have been accused of manipulating elections in many countries and by many parties. People are angry with the world — in some cases, rightfully so — and now view companies as they do governments, as targets of their wrath and potential forces for social change. Managing outrage has moved from being an occasional leadership challenge, like handling a PR crisis, to a necessary and critical leadership capability, like strategic thinking or financial acumen. The Age of Outrage is an essential guide for leaders and their teams in this new era of polarization.
The Age of Outrage: How to Lead in a Polarized World
Karthik Ramanna
Harvard Business Review Press Available 10/29/2024
$32.00
256 pages
Trademarks can be perpetual so long as they are being used to identify the source of a good or service.
ADVANTAGES OF WORKING WITH A BANK ON AN ESOP
• Typically unsecured loans
• A wealth of experience across ESOP, lending, succession planning, etc.
• Protection of the company’s values vs private buyout
• Money stays local when using a local banking institution
• Less risk than financing alone
ESOPs Are on the Rise. Are They Right for Your Business?
Benefits accrue to the owner, the company and the local economy
by Frank Gorman
It’s likely that most Phoenix business owners have encountered a company that offers an employee stock ownership program (ESOP) in the past few years. In Phoenix, some of the most successful companies are exploring whether an ESOP is right for their business, and word of mouth is a powerful tool in the business community. When something works, others want to try it. Because of this, ESOPs are trending in the region and across the country.
According to 2024 Department of Labor data, there are 97 ESOPs in Arizona with 16,220 participants. Many are centered in the Greater Phoenix area, and there also tends to be a higher concentration in the manufacturing or construction industries.
For those considering implementing an employee ownership program as the next phase of their company’s legacy planning, it is useful to know the current status of ESOPs and tips for maximizing opportunities heading into 2025.
ESOP BASICS
An ESOP is an IRS-permitted retirement plan that business owners can offer their employees as a method to pass along the company to their employees by selling any portion of their company into stock ownership plans.
Good candidates for ESOP programs include businesses that have been operating for five-plus years and have strong cash flow and solid management.
Frank Gorman is the executive vice president of commercial banking at UMB Bank in Phoenix. He is a Phoenix native, has his finance degree and MBA from Arizona State University and has worked locally in banking since 1984. He is an established banking leader on deposit, treasury and complex financing needs, including cash flow, enterprises lending and ESOP financing. umb.com
Typically, the process begins with a business selling to an ESOP trust. A bank usually provides a portion of the financing to the sponsoring company, which in turn makes a loan to the ESOP to finance the acquisition with the seller(s) providing the balance of the financing in the form of Seller Subordinated Notes. Every ESOP has its own rules when it comes to tenure requirements and vesting schedules, and eligible employees are awarded shares as the ESOP loan is repaid and shares released according to the established ESOP plan document. Setting up an ESOP can seem overwhelming from the outside, which may deter owners from pursuing it. An ESOP team can be large and includes the sellers, the bank, the trustee to ensure accuracy of shares, attorneys for the bank, company and trust, as well as financial advising firms assisting with the underwriting and structure.
While this seems complicated, working with a bank can make this a bit easier.
TO SELL OR TO STAY – THAT IS THE QUESTION
Employee ownership programs have been around for a long time. The popularity of ESOPs ebbs and flows depending on things like valuations and what’s happening in the economy.
Until recently, many private investors, private equity firms or larger strategic companies were purchasing companies
In 2018, ESOPs in Arizona distributed $2,705,299,609, helping local communities, workers and businesses thrive, according to the ESOP Association.
outright. In recent years, there has been a slowdown of these purchases and a rise in ESOPs providing a vehicle for owners to obtain liquidity while providing employees a direct stake in the company through ownership. When determining what steps to take with their business, an owner has options to choose from that work best for their circumstances and how active they hope to remain in the business.
UMB has taken an active role in leading ESOP deals for established and stable companies with solid management as a way to further help business clients on their ownership journey.
An example of a banking benefit is, when a company is sold, a valuation is completed before the initial sale. Employee owners can see additional value if the company continues to do well and prices of their shares increase. For those selling to another company, the valuation will not shift. Banks such as UMB can help with that timing by using succession planning resources. Financial institutions have experience in this area and can help structure plans from start to finish. This can also help with some of the “outsiders” to make the process smoother for sellers.
Beyond owner and company benefits, ESOPs benefit the local economy, and that can be important to someone who has spent their career in one area. In 2018, ESOPs in Arizona distributed $2,705,299,609, helping local communities, workers and businesses thrive, according to the ESOP Association. And working with a local bank keeps the dollars in the region as well.
Those with a longstanding relationship with their business banker can discuss implementing an ESOP with them to get the process started.
Guidant Law Partner
Gary Smith is a seasoned litigator, advisor, mediator and arbitrator. He focuses his practice on commercial matters, construction, real estate, cannabis and administrative law and has represented many individual and institutional clients in state and federal courts, administrative hearings and arbitration. guidant.law
A Short Guide to Navigating a Business Breakup
Set ground rules in advance to mitigate potential issues by Gary Smith
Business co-ownership can end for many reasons — disputes, divorce, death, liability, sickness, retirement or even criminal activity. These breakups can be complex and emotional, not unlike the dissolution of a marriage. But proactively planning for “the end,” even one that may never come, is a best practice.
RECOGNIZING THE NEED FOR A BUSINESS DIVORCE TODAY
Most people do not enter a business intending to remain forever trapped in it. Planning for an eventual exit can help set ground rules in advance and mitigate potential issues between partners.
Signs a business could be headed for break up can include:
• Differences in Direction: It’s not uncommon for business partners to have conflicting ideas and visions, but wildly divergent trajectories of the company’s future can create irreconcilable differences.
• Work Ethic Mismatch: When one partner’s work commitment significantly diminishes without outward explanation, it can breed resentment.
• Financial Discrepancies: Financial statements revealing unexplained losses and multiple discrepancies can flag a serious problem.
• Life Event: Sometimes personal events — marriage, divorce, health issues — impact a business partner’s ability to do their job effectively or lead them to readjust their priorities.
• Legal Scenarios: Breaches of business partnerships in fiduciary duty, negligence, abandonment, fraud and intellectual property violations are signs of trouble.
CONSIDERING AND PREPARING FOR A BUSINESS BREAKUP
In the instances when a business partner contemplates dissolving a partnership, there are several steps to consider.
First, it’s worth assessing if any present disagreements can be resolved or negotiated and how conflicts have impacted the business’s health. This process includes looking at the financial side of the company: evaluating balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements.
Once the owners have inventoried the state of business, it’s wise to unearth any potential solutions such as restructuring, redefining roles or investing in a third-party mediator to help provide resolution.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING BUSINESS DISSOLUTION
If business co-owners are unable to settle their differences, the next step is a dissolution of their business entity. Since a business breakup is complex with many moving parts, each co-owner should consult an attorney specializing in business entity dissolutions as well as other professional advisors — tax and accounting specialists, financial experts, etc. During the process, the following steps occur:
• Review of Operative Agreements: Partnership agreements, bylaws, buy-sell agreements and similar type documents usually outline the process and triggers of dissolution, which may include notice periods, voting requirements, division of assets and debts and other procedural elements. If the business entity does not have such agreements in place, then dissolution of the entity will be governed principally by statutes, which may not offer as much flexibility.
∘ Partnership Agreement: This document outlines the rights, responsibilities and obligations of each partner. It covers profit-sharing, decision-making and dispute resolution mechanisms.
∘ Operating Agreement (for LLCs): Like a partnership agreement, an LLC operating agreement specifies how the business operates. It’s crucial to understand buyout provisions and dissolution clauses.
∘ Shareholder Agreement (for Corporations): Shareholders’ rights and restrictions are detailed here. What to look for are provisions related to dissolution, stock buybacks and exit strategies.
• Notice and Owner Vote: Vote to dissolve a business is usually required by agreement or statute, as is notice of the vote. Typically, a unanimous consent for dissolution occurs between owners. If the owners cannot agree, the entity may reach an operative impasse but still qualify for dissolution.
• Notice of Dissolution: Timely public notice of dissolution may be desirable and required. This may protect both the dissolving business and each of its owners from future liabilities. Employees, clients, suppliers and creditors must be notified and provided with reasoning and a dissolution timeline.
• Liquidation, Debt Settlement and Distributions: If an ownership agreement is in place, each owner will refer to how remaining company items — real estate, vehicles, equipment, etc. — should be sold and how residual debts should be split. Generally, company creditors get paid ahead of owner distributions, sometimes even before loan repayment to the entity’s owners. If there is no agreement, assets will be distributed in accordance with statutes.
• Button Up Last Pieces: Tying up loose ends includes adjusting tax statuses, closing business accounts, canceling permits and licenses and ending any contracts or leases connected to the partnership.
Encouraging business partners to approach the process professionally and respectfully goes a long way in securing an amicable outcome. Having the legal guidance of a seasoned professional in partnership dissolution increases the chances of a business breakup running smoothly, with the best outcomes.
Statistics demonstrate as many as 70% of business partnerships ultimately fail. The reasons: partners neglect to set appropriate boundaries, discuss their shared long-term vision or establish exit-strategy agreements. Not having these elements in place also significantly complicates an eventual dissolution.
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Rafi Law Group is dedicated to empowering the next generation of legal professionals through its Legal Internship Program and Career Development Workshops. The internship program offers aspiring law students hands-on experience, working closely with attorneys to gain insights into client care and legal practice. Meanwhile, the workshops provide mentorship, resume-building advice, and mock interviews for high school and college students interested in law careers. By fostering growth and skill development, Rafi Law Group is helping shape future leaders who are committed to both justice and community service. rafilawgroup.com/ rafis-hope
Tyler Butler is the chief social impact officer for a private portfolio of companies, where she spearheads initiatives that benefit humanity. She is also the founder of Collaboration for Good. She is a recognized expert; her insights are frequently featured in Forbes, SHRM, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, U.S. News & World Report and other leading publications. linkedin.com/in/tylerbutler
Rafi Law Group: Commitment Beyond the Courtroom
Core values encompass community and compassion
by Tyler Butler
In 2015, Brandon B. Rafi founded Rafi Law Group with a singular mission: to provide every client with care, confidence and comprehensive service that extends beyond legal representation. “Our mission at Rafi Law Group is not only to provide legal support but to be a force for good in our community. Giving back and making a positive impact are at the core of our values,” Rafi emphasizes. From the beginning, Rafi Law Group has been built on the belief that empathy and support are as vital as legal expertise.
This commitment to compassion is at the heart of Rafi Law Group’s philanthropic efforts. “Every year, the impact we’re capable of making expands, and I’m extremely proud of this,” Rafi shares. “It’s a testament to our dedication to giving back and making a difference.” Today, with seven offices and more than 200 employees across Arizona, the firm is making a tangible impact in communities through various charitable initiatives.
At the core of Rafi Law Group’s community outreach is the initiative Rafi’s Hope. Launched in 2023, this program drives the firm’s philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting families and children in need. Organizations like St. Mary’s Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Jude benefit from Rafi’s Hope, which provides both financial assistance and volunteer efforts. These organizations, according to Rafi, “hold a special place in our hearts” as they align with the firm’s values of care, support and community upliftment. The mission of Rafi’s Hope is to create real, lasting change for vulnerable members of society.
But Rafi’s Hope is just one part of the firm’s larger outreach. As Rafi puts it, “Our success as a personal injury firm reflects our deep-rooted commitment to helping people and making a positive social impact.” This drive is reflected in the firm’s substantial contributions to the Brophy Generations Endowment Fund, which offers financial aid and scholarships to young men across Arizona, ensuring access to Jesuit education regardless of economic background. “We believe that supporting their educational aspirations helps shape the next generation of leaders,” Rafi states, underlining the importance of investing in youth.
Volunteerism is equally critical to the firm’s ethos. At Rafi Law Group, community service is not just a corporate obligation but a personal passion. The firm has established a robust employee volunteer program, encouraging staff to actively participate in monthly initiatives. “Our staff participates in volunteer opportunities geared toward providing essential assistance to thousands of families throughout Arizona,” says Rafi. Through these opportunities, employees engage in hands-on efforts like food distribution, meal preparation and other activities designed to uplift the community. Beyond volunteerism, Rafi Law Group actively sponsors
events and fundraising activities that directly benefit Arizona’s communities. Notable among these is the St. Jude Legends for Charity Event, where proceeds support groundbreaking medical treatments for children. Other events, such as the American Cancer Society Game Changer Gala and the Rock the Cause for Kids event, underscore the firm’s commitment to improving the lives of Arizona’s children. These events, along with many others, give Rafi Law Group the opportunity to bring together employees, clients and community members in support of a common cause. “Our goal is simple yet impactful: to make a positive difference in our community,” says Rich Yado, marketing director at Rafi Law Group. “We aim to be the spark for good things happening around us.”
With the holiday season approaching, the firm is already gearing up for one of its most beloved initiatives: the Ton of Toys and Food Drive, co-hosted with local radio personalities Crisco Kidd and JJO. This event collects toys and food for underprivileged families, and Rafi Law Group is proud to support an effort that spreads holiday cheer while addressing critical needs in the community.
As the firm continues to grow, so too does its commitment to corporate responsibility. William A. Kelhoffer, managing attorney at Rafi Law Group, explains, “Being an attorney at Rafi is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to help everyday people and positively impact our community.” This sentiment speaks to the firm’s culture of giving, which is ingrained in every aspect of its operations.
Rafi Law Group’s story is one of passion, perseverance and a genuine desire to make a difference. By engaging in a variety of philanthropic efforts, the firm has transformed itself from a legal practice into a pillar of the Arizona community. And the work doesn’t stop here. As Rafi himself says, “We owe a debt of gratitude to the community that has played a significant role in our success. It’s only right that we do everything in our power to support and give back.”
Rafi Law Group rafilawgroup.com
One of the most impactful events Rafi Law Group supports is the St. Vincent de Paul Turkey Tuesday, which has grown to be the largest one-day turkey drive in the nation. By providing financial contributions to this event, Rafi Law Group plays a critical role in ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy a meal on Thanksgiving.
Photo courtesy of Rafi Law Group
Strengthening communities through charitable giving.
For 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.
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
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships: Key to Sustainable Success
Effectively
enhance both business performance and societal impact
by Bruce Weber
In today’s competitive business environment, success is not achieved in isolation. Businesses must engage with a wide variety of stakeholders and form meaningful strategic partnerships to drive long-term growth and sustainability. Stakeholder engagement and partnerships are crucial elements that contribute to an organization’s resilience, reputation and ability to innovate. Understanding the dynamics of stakeholder relationships and building strong partnerships can enhance both business performance and societal impact.
THE IMPORTANCE OF STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Stakeholders are individuals, groups or entities that have an interest in the business and can either affect or be affected by its operations. They typically include customers, employees, suppliers, investors, communities, regulators, board members and governments. Each group has unique needs, and engaging effectively with these stakeholders is essential for aligning the business goals with broader societal expectations. Effective stakeholder engagement requires businesses to actively listen to stakeholders, understand their concerns, and involve them in decision-making processes. When businesses engage with stakeholders transparently and consistently, they build trust and credibility, which are keys to long-term success. Moreover, stakeholder engagement helps identify risks and opportunities. By involving stakeholders early on, businesses can gain valuable insights that help mitigate potential risks and uncover opportunities for growth or innovation.
Businesses that prioritize stakeholder engagement are often better equipped to anticipate changes in the market, adapt to societal trends and remain competitive. This proactive approach also fosters loyalty and support from various groups, leading to more resilient and sustainable business models.
PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
To engage stakeholders effectively, businesses must adhere to several core principles:
Transparency: Open communication is critical. Stakeholders should be kept informed about business developments, especially those that may impact them directly. Transparency builds trust and fosters collaboration.
Inclusivity: Businesses should involve a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard and considered. This diversity helps prevent blind spots and ensures that the business is responsive to all its stakeholder needs.
Responsiveness: Listening to stakeholder concerns is important, but acting on them is even more critical. Businesses must demonstrate that they value stakeholder input by addressing concerns and making improvements where necessary.
Ongoing Engagement: Engagement should not be limited to crisis situations. Regular, ongoing dialogue ensures that relationships remain strong and stakeholders feel valued.
“The best partnerships aren’t dependent on a more common goal but on a shared path of equality, desire, and no small amount of passion.” —Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author
THE ROLE OF PARTNERSHIPS IN BUSINESS GROWTH
In addition to engaging individual stakeholders, forming strategic partnerships with other businesses, nonprofits or governments can significantly enhance a company’s capacity for growth and innovation. Partnerships allow businesses to combine strengths, access new markets and pool resources to achieve shared goals.
Business-to-business (B2B) partnerships, for example, can lead to collaborative innovation, where two or more companies work together to develop new products or services that they would be unable to create independently. Such partnerships often lead to shared knowledge, reduced costs and accelerated time-to-market.
Public-private partnerships (PPP) are another valuable form of collaboration. In a PPP, businesses work with government agencies to address societal challenges, such as infrastructure development or environmental sustainability. These partnerships benefit businesses by creating opportunities for corporate social responsibility while also contributing to the public good.
Furthermore, partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or community-based organizations can enhance a business’s social impact. These collaborations often focus on areas like environmental protection, education or poverty alleviation, aligning business objectives with social outcomes. By working with these groups, businesses can leverage local knowledge and expertise to make a more meaningful impact.
BUILDING SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS
For partnerships to be successful, several factors must be considered:
Shared Vision and Goals: Both parties must align their goals and values. A clear understanding of what each party hopes to achieve ensures that the partnership is mutually beneficial.
Complementary Strengths: Effective partnerships leverage the strengths of each partner. Businesses should seek partners that offer complementary skills, resources or expertise.
Trust and Communication: Like any relationship, business partnerships thrive on trust. Clear and consistent communication is essential to ensure that both parties are working toward the same objectives and addressing challenges as they arise.
Flexibility: The business environment is constantly changing, and successful partnerships must be adaptable. Flexibility allows partners to adjust their strategies and approaches as needed to respond to new challenges or opportunities.
Engaging with stakeholders helps businesses stay attuned to the needs of their community, mitigate risks and enhance their reputation. Meanwhile, strategic partnerships enable companies to leverage resources, tap into new markets and drive innovation. As businesses continue to navigate a complex global landscape, those that prioritize stakeholder engagement and partnerships will be better positioned for long-term success.
The Power of Feedback and Communication in Fostering a HighPerforming Culture
A strong combination to avoid misinterpretations that lead to mistakes
by Cheryl Fields Tyler
Effective communication is the No. 1 ingredient to build and sustain an effective workplace culture. However, according to our recent survey, just 26% of knowledge workers strongly agree their leaders are good at it.
So, what does it take for leaders to be successful at effective communication? It starts with recognizing that communication is about much more than just exchanging information — it’s about ensuring that the information is understood, acted upon and drives progress. It’s also absolutely essential that communication about the culture leaders are trying to create be consistent, clear, compelling, even repetitive. Just saying it is not enough; leaders have to role model it.
Feedback plays a crucial role in this process — it serves as the bridge between delivering a message and confirming its intended impact. Without honest two-way feedback, communication can deteriorate, leading to misunderstandings, apathy, misalignment within teams, and a breakdown in trust.
ENSURE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND ALIGNMENT
If there are any misunderstandings, feedback allows for immediate clarification and ensures that everyone is on the same page relative to expectations and performance. Leaders can confirm that each team member understands their role and the tasks they need to complete and answer any questions that team members may have. Without this feedback loop, misinterpretations may go unnoticed, leading to mistakes, delays or even failure to meet objectives.
Feedback also plays a crucial role in ensuring that all team members are aligned with the company’s goals and objectives. It is critical in helping employees understand how their work contributes to the broader mission and are moving in the same direction and working toward the same goals.
DRIVE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Beyond promoting clarity, feedback is a powerful tool for fostering a culture of learning and development. Regular feedback promotes ongoing development by highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement. Constructive feedback helps individuals and teams learn from mistakes and refine their approaches. The process of receiving, analyzing and acting on feedback is crucial for personal and organizational growth and innovation. Moreover, feedback holds individuals accountable for their actions and performance. It provides a mechanism for
monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments along the way. Regular feedback sessions allow leaders to address any issues promptly, ensuring that small problems don’t escalate into larger ones.
BUILD TRUST AND ENGAGEMENT
Feedback is instrumental in building and maintaining trust, the foundation of strong relationships. When leaders and team members consistently provide and seek feedback, it creates an environment of openness and mutual respect.
Two-way feedback fosters trust by requiring leaders and team members to listen deeply and regularly, ensure psychological safety so people speak freely without fear of repercussions, ask clarifying questions, and repeat back what they heard and what they will do as a result. This allows everyone to feel heard and know their concerns and ideas are effecting change.
Given this, feedback signals to employees that their opinions are valued and their contributions matter. This helps to create a sense of belonging and engagement, which is critical for team cohesion and morale. When employees feel seen, heard and recognized through positive feedback, they are more likely to stay motivated and committed to their work. Similarly, when they receive constructive feedback, they know the organization is invested in their development, which helps to boost their dedication and performance.
ENCOURAGE POSITIVE BEHAVIORS AND PREVENT CONFLICTS
Feedback is also about reinforcing positive behaviors. Positive feedback recognizes and rewards good performance, encouraging employees to continue those behaviors. This reinforcement helps to establish a culture of excellence, where high standards are consistently met.
Constructive feedback, on the other hand, helps to address issues before they become major problems. By providing timely and specific feedback, leaders can prevent conflicts and misunderstandings from escalating. Taking a proactive approach to communication helps maintain a positive work environment where issues are resolved quickly and effectively.
In conclusion, feedback is not just a component of effective communication — it is the catalyst that makes communication meaningful and impactful. Without feedback, communication is a one-way street. By integrating regular feedback into all forms of communication, leaders can ensure clarity, promote continuous learning and foster a positive, engaged workplace culture.
According to Blue Beyond’s 2024 survey, respondents largely agree on the factors for an effective workplace culture: effective communication (95%), effective people managers (93%), leaders who are good role models (92%), clear goals and accountabilities (92%), effective collaboration (91%), trust and psychological safety (90%), an environment that fosters learning and growth (90%), and programs that support employee well-being (90%).
Cheryl Fields Tyler is founder and CEO of Blue Beyond Consulting, a boutique management consulting firm focused on the people side of business, taking an integrated approach to culture, talent, communications, leading and managing people, change management, and organizational effectiveness. A soughtafter speaker and advisor, Tyler is also lead author of the forthcoming study, The Blueprint for Thriving: Critical Insights for Business Leaders. bluebeyondconsulting.com
HAND-PICK THE PARTY PLANNERS
Another unique strategy for identifying future nonprofit board and committee members: Pay close attention to volunteers who lead visible, innovative and successful fundraising special events. Largescale event planning takes organizational skills, discipline and connections, and the role is often filled by enthusiastic, younger up-and-comers who also know how to fundraise and aren’t afraid to put themselves out there.
Identifying Up-and-Coming Board and Committee Talent
How can nonprofits attract the best-of-the-best?
by Richard Tollefson
CEOs sitting on nonprofit boards who are tasked with recruiting new members might, at first, wonder, “Where will I find these leaders — especially since the best are already on other boards?”
There are plenty of places to find exceptional, untapped talent for boards, say Leezie Kim, chair for Arizona Community Foundation’s board of directors, and Anne Marbarger, CEO of Curebound, a San Diego-based cancer research organization.
“It’s our mission to always be recruiting for great board talent,” says Kim. “Our current board members are our best source of new board-member candidates.” Those board members, she says, strategically align themselves so that they have a steady recruitment pool; they look within the industry organizations and clubs to which they belong, and they attend events with the like-minded people they want to attract.
Kim, an immigrant and first-generation American, is on the board of a national Korean American advocacy organization as well as the Arizona Asian American Bar Association. That affiliation introduced her to sister organizations, including Arizona’s Black bar association and Los Abogados, the Hispanic bar association. “I am around tons of talent, as a result — lawyers from different backgrounds who are philanthropic and active in their communities.”
For Curebound, two major fundraising events set the stage for recruitment. “These events have up to 5,000 in attendance, and many different corporations have teams and sponsorships,” says Marbarger of Padres Pedal the Cause, a ride, walk, run and spinning fundraiser, and Concert for Cures, which attracts top-name artists. “We’re introduced to people who are passionate about finding cures for cancer.” They share their personal stories and experience firsthand about how Curebound’s mission aligns with their passion.
UTILIZE DATA, DOCUMENTATION
It’s also important to maintain well-constructed recruitment and board composition grids so the nonprofit knows who to attract. Would the board benefit from specific professional and industry expertise, life experience or demographic profiles? Having a diverse mix of board-member skills is integral to an optimally functioning board.
DIVERSIFY IN EVERY WAY
Diversity, of course, extends beyond professional talent to include individuals of various ages, geographies, ethnicities, career stages, genders and gender identities, stages of wealth and political affiliations.
It’s not a matter of checking off the DEI box. As a person of color who has worked in the corporate, national security and, currently, legal worlds, Kim says, “Nonprofits don’t ever want to think of things as, ‘Oh, we’ve got our person.’ Why? Because it’s lonely if you’re the only one. You want to build a sense of diversity because you want people to be respectful but frank, and bring those other important perspectives to the table.”
If diversity is treated as tokenism, says Kim, it’s not going to be what a nonprofit wants, “which is diversity of experience and thought. You become better as an organization when you have rich discussions, including a variety of perspectives. It’s just good for business.”
TAKE A 360° VIEW
Richard Tollefson is founder and president of The Phoenix Philanthropy Group, an Arizona-based international consulting firm serving nonprofit organizations as well as institutional and individual philanthropists. phoenixphilanthropy.com
“We’re able to build strong relationships by getting to know the stories of event participants and volunteers,” says Marbarger. For Padres Pedal, profile pages on Curebound’s website track fundraising progress and share the cancer stories of volunteers. The online updates make clear who the top fundraisers are. “Often, we just reach out for coffee and get to know these individuals better.” Many times, their stories and Curebound’s relationship-building lead to new board leadership.
As nonprofits seek to identify and engage new board members, it’s important, also, to spell out board-member responsibilities. What are the recruitment goals, participation requirements and expected financial contributions? Share these expectations in writing and have volunteer leaders sign commitment forms. Let them know performance discussions will occur throughout their board tenure.
Part of attracting the best new talent involves a 360-degree view of engagement. That means the nonprofit considers not only the value and skills that good board members bring to the organization but also what’s in it for the volunteer. Is the prospective board member motivated by community visibility, networking opportunities, a commitment to the cause? Find out.
Marbarger says her nonprofit, which works in collaboration with six other cancer-research institutions (another source of board recruitment), pays close attention to what their board members want. Curebound has begun providing impact reports that illustrate the influence of board members’ volunteer work and donations — from a research, community and organizational-growth perspective.
“Board members are an organization’s best friends and assets,” says Marbarger. “It’s just foundational to success to keep them happy, with the intent and hope they will be forever friends of the organization.”
CEOs on nonprofit boards may find additional guidance about attracting and retaining an effective and robust board from local and national organizations.
• The Piper Trust Good Governance Profile includes insight about board culture, composition and structure.
• Board Source published a book, The Source: Twelve Principles of Governance That Power Exceptional Boards
Volvo’s New EX90 Fully Electric SUV
Meet the new fully electric EX90, a premium seven-seat SUV that defines a new era for safety. The Volvo EX90 can cover up to 308 miles on a single charge with no tailpipe emissions and features future bi-directional charging capabilities.
Responsibly sourced premium interior inspired by the Scandinavian living room, the EX90 cabin showcases a modern, luxurious and uncluttered interior design with highquality Nordico or Wool Blend upholstery options. Cardamom Nordico upholstery with a contrasted black headlining
exudes a rich and evocative warmth. The elegant and contemporary Dawn Nordico seat upholstery brightens the cabin, highlighting its spacious design among the maximized legroom and ergonomic comfort that boasts seven easily adjustable, adult-sized seats. The exclusive and responsibly sourced Tailored Wool Blend seat upholstery with a leatherfree charcoal interior enhances a welcoming ambiance. When darkness falls, the back-lit light ash décor gives off a warm, glowing pattern.
The 14.5-inch tablet-style center display provides a crisp, glossy overview of the journey with intuitive control of favorite apps and essential functions. Apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps and more can be added in the car via Google Play for a seamless infotainment experience.
This electric SUV is all about safety, as one may guess coming from Volvo. A state-of-the-art internal and external sensor set with lidar delivers the carmaker’s highest level of standard safety. Cutting-edge radars and cameras help detect potential risks inside and outside the car, providing extra support when needed. —Mike Hunter
Volvo volvocars.com/us
Align Merchandise with Brand Vision
Alchemy Merch helps brands, businesses and creators produce retail-quality merchandise, focusing on apparel accessories. We go beyond promotional products into fully customized products that better represent the vision of the brand. Our goal is to make clients’ creative journey as painless as possible, so they can focus their time and energy on the rest of their business. Clients send us their art and we handle the rest: art preparation, production and shipment of the final product. Creating products that faithfully align with clients’ brand will provide more value for their business and get better engagement and use from their customers.
When it comes to merchandise, the choices made can either elevate a brand or send it adrift
into a sea of mediocrity. A company may be seen as one that hands out cheap throwaway items or one that defines its story and visual identity. At Alchemy Merch, we work to transform clients’ ideas into high-quality, retail-ready merchandise. Our team is made up of artists, brand owners and experts who’ve helped create more than 4 million custom products by teaming up with artists, businesses and brands. We are here to collaborate and elevate your project and give it the attention it deserves. —Greg Kerr, owner of Phoenix-based Alchemy Merch (alchemymerch.com), who developed the fulltime business from a side hustle creating custom belt buckles he sold at gigs where he performed as a musician
Volvo App: Remote control, peace of mind
Drivers
GREEN CHILE CORNBREAD
Served with tomatillo jam and Chimayo butter
$15
Pickled cactus, apples, sweet onions, pepitas and avocado, dressed with smoked tomato vinaigrette
Beef patty served with Hatch chiles, white American cheese, arugula and bacon aioli on a Noble bun
$22
Yellowbell Reimagines Southwestern
by RaeAnne Marsh
The emphasis here is on local, starting with the name of the hotel: “Camby” was coined to celebrate the hotel’s location on Camelback Road.
Those who are used to equating Phoenix flora with the iconic saguaro, take note: The yellow bell shrub, while not native to our region, is ubiquitous in landscape all around town – a local standout of our culture and community.
That’s the sensibility permeating the menu, developed by Executive Chef Alfredo Alvarez to give a modern twist to Southwestern flavors in this newly reimagined space at The Camby.
Shrimp Frybread takes the famous Navajo frybread, spreads it thickly with guacamole and tomatillo sauce, and folds it around roasted spiced corn, shredded lettuce and lightly breaded shrimp for a filling hand-held.
Yellowbell’s signature Green Chile Cornbread makes a great meal starter or go-with. The cornbread comes to the table straight from the oven in its own baking dish, liberally slathered with a sweet tomatillo jam. It’s served with Chimayo butter, which takes its subtle flavor from chiles unique to the Chimayo town in New Mexico.
Chimayo’s more famous neighbor, Hatch, has its place on Yellowbell’s menu also. For instance, Hatch chiles are among
the toppers – with white American cheese, arugula and bacon aioli – on the Grass Fed Beef Burger.
The Chopped Salad incorporates native ingredients, combining juliennes of pickled cactus and pepitas with chopped apple, avocado and sweet onions in a smoked tomato vinaigrette. Turn the light salad into a heartier meal by adding salmon, carne asada or grilled chicken.
While the menu may spice things up, the décor is decidedly soothing. Coffered ceiling and walls create a gentle elegance, finished in light, neutral colors. There is also a patio that wraps around the front and side of Yellowbell, open to views of Camelback Mountain and the bustling business district of which the hotel is part.
Yellowbell at The Camby 2401 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix (602) 522-6655 thecamby.com/yellowbell
“Cheers to Us”: As a welcoming neighbor, every day at 4:30, Yellowbell treats any and all guests in the outer lounge at that time to champagne and a sampling of tastes from the kitchen.
Photos courtesy of Yellowbell at The Camby
CHOPPED SALAD
Tempe Chamber of Commerce Names Interim CEO Robin Arredondo-Savage
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of Robin Arredondo-Savage as the interim chief executive of cer, effective immediately. Arredondo-Savage, a respected community leader with a long history of service in Tempe, will lead the Chamber during this transitional period.
Arredondo-Savage brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served on the Tempe City Council from 2010 until 2022 and as vice mayor from 2016 to 2018. Her leadership in local government, combined with her dedication to fostering economic growth and supporting local businesses, makes her uniquely quali ed to guide the Chamber through this important phase.
“We are excited to see Robin step into this role and lead us through the transition,” said
Tom Binge, board chair for the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. “Robin’s Tempe roots and her relationship with the city will be invaluable as we continue to support our members and promote a thriving business environment in Tempe.”
As interim CEO, Arredondo-Savage will oversee the Chamber’s initiatives to advocate for local businesses, provide resources for economic development, and facilitate connections within the community. She will also lead efforts to plan and execute the Chamber’s signature events.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m thrilled to join the Tempe Chamber Team. I look forward to contributing to the Chamber’s success and collaborating with such talented staff, board members and Tempe community,” said Arredondo-Savage.
The search for a permanent chief executive of cer will commence immediately, and the board of directors will work closely with Arredondo-Savage to ensure a smooth transition.
High Schools Students Gain Experience through Career Ready Tempe
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.
This year, 19 students from the Tempe Union and Kyrene high school districts were placed into paid internships at local businesses to work on real projects. Returning businesses include Vestar (Tempe Marketplace), FABRIC Laura’s Gourmet, Printing Specialists and Mathnasium Tempe. Alla Herbs and R Spa & Wellness Center were two new host sites, both of which were recipients of the BIPOC Micro-Manufacturing Grant that the City of Tempe and the Tempe Chamber of Commerce partnered on heading into 2023.
Other notable host sites include Landings Credit Union and NMG Aerospace that have both elected to employ interns who have previously participated in the program. Two interns had the opportunity to work with the City of Tempe in the economic development and community arts departments.
Rio Salado College hosted the graduation ceremony for the program participants on July 31st. Vice Mayor Doreen Garlid and Councilmember and Tempe Union High School District Governing Board Member Berdetta Hodge were in attendance to show their support of the Career Ready Tempe program and its collaborators. Attendees heard from a mixed panel of participants from both the student and business side led by moderator April Kroner, deputy director of economic development for the City of Tempe. Participants included Jonathan Yee, general manager of Tempe Marketplace; Adrianne Rexius, chief human resource of cer of Landings Credit Union; Ava Arteaga, student intern at City of Tempe Community Arts; and Mathea Molloy, student intern at NMG Aerospace.
2024 ASU Football Kickoff Luncheon: A Day of Team Spirit and Community Support
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the 2024 ASU Sun Devil Football Kickoff Luncheon presented by San Tan Ford on August 23, 2024. The luncheon took place at the San Tan Ford Club, offering a stunning view high above the Sun Devil Stadium eld.
Amidst a sea of maroon and gold, the event was lled with excitement and special guests as Sun Devil Football built momentum for the start of Coach Kenny Dillingham’s second season as head coach.
Tim Healey, the Voice of the Sun Devils, energized the crowd with a spirited round of Q&A with coaches and players. Many of the Sun Devil football rising stars were in attendance, lling the room with contagious team spirit and projecting a breakout season ahead.
Christine Wilkinson, Ph.D., addressed the crowd with clear pride for her role as president and CEO of the ASU Alumni Association. Following her remarks, Tim Healey returned to the stage with the company of Sun Devil players Keyshawn Elliot, Trenton Bourget and Ben Coleman.
Their conversation about the season ahead re ected their humility and determination to let their hard work be shown on the eld. Fans also heard passionate words from Head Coach Kenny Dillingham, who spoke about the team’s process and preparation for the upcoming season.
The last member of Sun Devil Athletics to address the crowd was Graham Rossini, who was recently named athletic director. He shared Coach Dillingham’s excitement and optimism about the season ahead and expressed his appreciation for the support from the community. Attendees had the opportunity to meet esteemed guests such as Hines Ward, Steelers MVP turned Sun Devil coach, and enjoyed photo opportunities with the players, Sparky the Sun Devil mascot, and the ASU spirit squad.
Pictured (left to right): ASU Cheer Squad, David Key, Mayor Corey Woods, Robin Arredondo-Savage, Councilmember Nikki Amberg, Keith Burke
Pictured: Coach Kenny Dillingham
Pictured (left to right): Trenton Bourget, Ben Coleman, Keyshawn Elliot, Tim Healey
Pictured: (on stage) Tim Hovik
All
photos by Gordon Murray
Tempe Businesses & Leaders Recognized at 2024 Business Excellence Awards
by Paulette Pacioni
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious Business Excellence Awards, presented by Southwest Airlines, honoring the exceptional accomplishments of local businesses within the Tempe business community.
The following awards were presented:
• Micro Business of the Year Award – The Peak Fleet
• Small Business of the Year Award – Hundred Mile Brewing
• Large Business of the Year Award – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Spirit of Tempe Award – Gary Johnson
• Volunteer of the Year Award – Wendy Bates
• Nonpro t of the Year Award – Lost Our Home Pet Rescue
• Tempe Leadership Award – Roseline Cristanelli
• Doing Well by Doing Good: Legacy of Service Award – Raveen Arora
• President’s Award – Vic Linoff
This year, the Chamber awarded Raveen Arora, owner of The Dhaba, with the Doing Well by Doing Good: Legacy of Service Award. This award recognizes an individual who has had a profound, longterm impact through service to both the business and residential communities. It recognizes those who see the importance of “doing well” overall, by “doing good” in the community where their business resides. Over the years, Arora has supported entrepreneurs in launching their businesses at his Apache Boulevard Plaza, organized water and food drives and volunteered his time with several community groups. Mayor Corey Woods was in attendance with a proclamation to name June 14th as the Legacy of Service Recognition Day in Tempe, Ariz.
A new award was added to the event, the President’s Award, and was presented to long-time chamber member Vic Linoff. This award recognizes a member who has signi cantly impacted the Chamber by providing exceptional support to the Chamber president.
The event was held at Tempe’s Culinary Dropout on June 14th with OneTen Entertainment’s Ray Rodriguez serving up Tempe Trivia. The presenting sponsor was Southwest Airlines.
Pictured: Jodi Polanski (left), Lisa Rehurek; Photo by Pablo Robles
Pictured: Mayor Corey Woods (left), Raveen Aurora (right); Photo by Pablo Robles
One Medical
Phoenix National Labs
Candle Chemistry
SaltFire Brewing Co.
East Valley Chambers Host Informative Ballot Issues Forum ahead of 2024 Election
The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Ballot Issues Forum, held on September 5, 2024, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, provided valuable insights for the business community ahead of the upcoming elections. Hosted by Tom Binge, chair of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the forum was presented by Salt River Project and sponsored by Dignity Health; the event aimed to educate business leaders on key ballot issues.
The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA), which represents more than 5,000 businesses, was highlighted for its role in advocating for policies that support economic growth. Binge introduced key EVCCA leaders from chambers across the region, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advocating for business-friendly legislation.
Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke addressed the audience, underscoring the role local businesses play in shaping policies that directly impact the community. Following the mayor’s remarks, Tom Dorn and Eric Emmert of the Dorn Policy Group led the forum, presenting detailed information on various ballot propositions. Dorn Policy Group, known for its expertise in public affairs, facilitated a balanced discussion with both pro and con speakers for each proposition.
Key propositions discussed included:
• Proposition 134: Legislative Districts (Pro - Chad Smith, Arizona Farm Bureau; Con - Marilyn Rodriguez, Creosote Partners)
• Proposition 314: Border Security and Illegal Entry (Pro - James Rogers, Attorney; Con - Monica Villalobos, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)
• Proposition 138: Tipped Workers and Wages (Pro - Dan Bogert, Arizona Restaurant Association; Con - Ben Scheel, Opportunity Arizona)
• Proposition 140: Election Fairness (Pro - Former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson; Con - Andrew Gould, Holtzman Vogel)
• Proposition 312: Property Tax and Nuisance Enforcement (Pro - Jenna Bentley, Goldwater Institute; Con - Kiana Marie Sears, NAACP East Valley Chapter)
• Proposition 479: Maricopa County Regional Transportation Plan Excise Tax (Pro - Joe Wolf, Connect Maricopa; Con - Greg Blackie, Arizona Free Enterprise Club)
The forum also provided a neutral overview of additional propositions, including measures on emergency powers, judicial retention and abortion access, delivered by Dorn and Emmert.
Mike Noble, CEO of Noble Predictive Insights, closed the forum with a political overview of the 2024 election, offering insights into voter trends and key political dynamics.
In his closing remarks, Tom Binge thanked the sponsors, panelists and participants, reminding attendees of important election dates and encouraging voter registration before the October 7 deadline. The forum successfully prepared the business community for the upcoming elections.
Pictured: Tom Binge
Tempe Chamber Sta
Board of Directors
Board Chair: Tom Binge
Incoming Chair: Laura Briscoe
Treasurer: Beth Stull
Immediate Past Chair: Suzy Greenwood
Directors: Nick Bastian; John Bauer, CPA, MBA; Sean Brown; Jayashree Ganesan; Mark Holthaus; Matthew Heil, Zach Heim
Ex-Officios: Lori Foster, Linda Sullivan, Rosa Inchausti, Tim Gomez, Michael Martin, Dr. Kate Smith
Committee Chairs: Nora Trevino, Tom Binge, Dawn Hocking, Angela Johnson, Kim Naig, Carly Schorman
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
Tempe Town Lake
IS WHAT GIVES US PURPOSE HONOR
Honor is what motivates our team of dedicated healthcare professionals. Through passion and purpose, we come together to ensure every patient is provided with the best possible care. honorhealth.com
Elevating Patient Experience
The strategic imperative for today’s healthcare organizations
The healthcare landscape is in flux, influenced by technological advancements and changing demographics. While medical proficiency remains crucial, there’s an emerging battleground that healthcare organizations can’t afford to ignore: patient experience. No longer a secondary concern, optimizing the patient experience has become a business-critical initiative. Here’s why it’s time for healthcare leaders to focus on this transformative frontier and the strategic pathways to achieve it.
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE: LISTEN, ACT AND CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE
Active listening is one of the most fundamental yet transformative steps in enhancing patient experience. Gathering feedback, whether solicited or unsolicited, offers invaluable insights into the patient’s journey. But listening is only the first part of the equation; it’s what organizations do with that feedback that counts. By operationalizing these insights, healthcare organizations can continuously refine their services, setting a virtuous cycle of improvement in motion. This iterative process enhances the patient’s experience and helps organizations adapt to changing needs and expectations.
GEN Z AND THE EMOTIONAL PARADIGM SHIFT
Generation Z, those born from about 1997 to around 2013, is rewriting the playbook on healthcare expectations. According to a national study by LaneTerralever (www.experiencedynamic.com/2023cxreport), 56% of Gen Z individuals place a high premium on the emotional components of their experiences. This is a profound shift from older generations, who are often more concerned with functional aspects like cost and efficiency. The study also revealed that Gen Z is the least satisfied of all age groups with the healthcare experiences they currently receive. Clearly, healthcare organizations
need to recalibrate their approach to meet these emotionally driven needs if they wish to capture and retain this emerging demographic.
THE HIGH STAKES OF IGNORING PATIENT EXPERIENCE
In a consumer-driven healthcare environment, the cost of ignoring patient experience is steep. Data from LaneTerralever’s study indicates that 47% of Americans would consider switching healthcare providers for a better customer experience, and 41% would make the leap after just a single negative incident. In a saturated market where patients have numerous choices, these statistics underline the urgency of making patient experience a top strategic priority.
THE DIGITAL FRONT DOOR: MAKE THE FIRST IMPRESSION COUNT
In today’s digital-first society, a patient’s first interaction with a healthcare provider often occurs online. A seamless digital experience can set the tone for the entire patient journey. For
instance, our team at LaneTerralever created a 128% increase in organic online appointments for a national healthcare provider by focusing on a patient-centric digital strategy and implementation. This strategy empowered patients with easy access to their medical records, simplified appointment scheduling, and provided efficient communication channels with healthcare professionals.
THE WAY FORWARD: MAKING THE STRATEGIC LEAP
The compelling evidence is in, and the message is resoundingly clear: Patient experience is not a peripheral concern; it’s a strategic asset. Now is the time to make it a core pillar of organizational strategy if it is not already. After all, healthcare is not just about treating diseases; it’s about treating individuals — with respect, empathy and an experience they will remember and appreciate. —Chris Johnson, CEO of LT (www.lt.agency)
In Business Magazine’s Healthcare Decisions: Open Enrollment & Healthcare Guide for Business is a special section meant to remind company owners as to the options that are available in the upcoming individual marketplace open enrollment window — November 1, 2024, through January 15, 2025. Open enrollment timing can happen throughout the year for company policies, but with the national window open during this time, we feel it is important to highlight various opportunities and list those groups offering plans and/or services. Using healthcare as a tool to build productivity through a healthy workforce is an advantage to business regardless of regulation and/or mandates, and it is becoming ever clearer that healthcare will be a focus for business owners and not simply an outsourced option as it has been in the past.
Associations & Government
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., 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. Jefferson St., Phoenix (602) 417-4000 azahcccs.gov
Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association
2800 N. Central Ave., 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
Dental Insurance
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
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 businesses to provide plans and ensure compliance.
Arizona Bene t Consultants, LLC
4222 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix (602) 956-5515 arizonabene tconsultants.com
Bene ts By Design
4500 S. Lakeshore Dr., Tempe (480) 831-7700 bene tsbydesignaz.com
Bene ts Commerce Group
16220 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale (480) 515-5010 bene tscommerce.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 11022 S. 51st St., Phoenix (602) 381-9900 focusbene ts.com
Health Insurance Express, Inc. and Fidelis Consultants 1155 S. Power Rd., Mesa (480) 654-1200 healthinsurance-express.com
Horizon Bene ts Group 6245 N. 24th Pkwy., Phoenix (602) 957-3755 horizonbene ts.com
Strunk Insurance Group
14425 N. 7th St., Phoenix (602) 978-4414 strunkgroup.com
Individual & Group Health Insurance
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.
American Family Insurance
Multiple Valley Locations (800) 381-6789
amfam.com
Banner Aetna
8362 E. Via de Risa, Scottsdale (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., Phoenix 600 W. Ray Rd., Chandler (602) 482-3300 bowmaninsurance.com
Breslau Insurance & Bene ts
Paul Breslau
8362 E. Via de Risa, Scottsdale (602) 692-6832 breslauinsurance.com
Cigna
Multiple Valley Locations (800) 997-1654 cigna.com
Farmers Insurance Group
Kara Anspach
7077 E. Marilyn Rd., Scottsdale (480) 998-8070 farmersagent.com/kanspach
Hospitals and Medical Centers
Lovitt &Touché 1050 W. Washington St., Tempe (602) 956-2250
lovitt-touche.com
State Farm Arizona
Multiple Valley Locations (877) 331-8261 statefarm.com
Strunk Insurance Group 14425 N. 7th St., Phoenix (602) 978-4414 strunkgroup.com
UnitedHealthcare
1 E. Washington St., 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
Abrazo West Campus
13677 W. McDowell Rd., Goodyear (623) 882-1500 abrazohealth.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
2525 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix (833) 855-9973 valleywisehealth.org
Valleywise Comprehensive Health Center – Peoria
8088 W. Whitney Dr., Peoria (833) 855-9973 valleywisehealth.org
Valleywise Community Health Center –South Phoenix/Laveen
5650 S. 35th Ave., Phoenix (833) 855-9973 valleywisehealth.org
Valleywise Community Health Center –South Central Phoenix 33 W. Tamarisk St., Phoenix (602) 344-6600 valleywisehealth.org
Valleywise Community Health Center –North Phoenix 2025 W. Northern Ave., Phoenix (602) 655-6300 valleywisehealth.org
Valleywise Community Health Center –Mesa
59 S. Hibbert, Mesa (480) 344-6200 valleywisehealth.org
Valleywise Community Health Center –McDowell 1101 N. Central Ave., Phoenix (602) 344-6550 valleywisehealth.org
Valleywise Community Health Center –Maryvale
4011 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix (623) 344-6900 valleywisehealth.org
Valleywise Community Health Center –Guadalupe
5825 E. Calle Guadalupe, Guadalupe (480) 344-6000 valleywisehealth.org
Valleywise Community Health Center –Chandler
811 S. Hamilton St., Chandler (480) 344-6100 valleywisehealth.org
Valleywise Community Health Center –Avondale
950 E. Van Buren St., Avondale (623) 344-6800 valleywisehealth.org
Enrolling all generations.
Open Enrollment
Everyone deserves clinical expertise with humankindness. With your choice of doctors and specialists, you’ll be surrounded by people who truly care about you and your family’s health.
So this year during Open Enrollment, choose a plan that includes Dignity Health’s physicians and hospitals. Enroll in humankindness at dignityhealth.org/dhmg-arizona/about-us/open-enrollment
Mental Health Services and Healthcare
Amid COVID-19, bringing employees back to work has become just one aspect that has created a new awareness to mental health and the workplace. Here are some services that can help.
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health 11024 N. 28th Dr., Phoenix (602) 283-1573
devereux.org
Magellan Health
Multiple Valley locations magellanhealth.com
MIND 24-7
Multiple Valley locations (844) 646-3247 mind24-7.com
Southwest Behavioral & Health Services
3450 N. 3rd St., Phoenix (602) 265-8338 sbhservices.org
Terros Health
Multiple Valley locations (602) 685-6000 terroshealth.org
Valleywise Behavioral Health Center –Phoenix
2619 E. Pierce St., Phoenix (833) 855-9973
valleywisehealth.org/services/behavioralhealth
Valleywise Behavioral Health Center –Mesa
570 W. Brown Rd., Mesa (833) 855-9973
valleywisehealth.org/services/behavioralhealth
Valleywise Behavioral Health Center –Maryvale
5102 W. Campbell Ave., Phoenix (833) 855-9973
valleywisehealth.org/services/behavioralhealth
Workplace Ergonomics
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.
ESI Ergonomic Solutions
1314 N. Recker Rd., Mesa (800) 833.3746
esiergo.com
Goodmans Interior Structures
1400 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix (602) 263-1110 goodmans.com
Workplace Wellness
Urgent Care
Walk-in, face-to-face, brick-and-mortar urgent care facilities remain an important element in the healthcare system, even as virtual options expand.
Akos Urgent Care – Glendale 5104 N. 67th Ave., Glendale (602) 962-6296
akosurgentcare.com
Akos Urgent Care – Avondale 10825 W. McDowell Rd., Avondale (623) 321-5088 akosurgentcare.com
Alliance Urgent Care
Multiple Valley locations (855) 887-4368 allianceurgentcare.com
Banner Urgent Care
Multiple Valley Locations urgentcare.bannerhealth.com
FastMed Urgent Care
Multiple Valley locations (480) 545-2787 fastmed.com
NextCare Urgent Care
Multiple Valley locations (888) 381-4858 nextcare.com
Phoenix Children’s Urgent Care
4 Valley locations (480) 922-5437 phoenixchildrensurgentcare.org
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., Scottsdale (480) 991-9945 absolutehealthaz.com
Absolute Health – Norterra 1614 W. Whispering Wind Dr., Phoenix (480) 991-9945 absolutehealthaz.com
Healthcare Solutions Centers
4831 N. 11th St., Phoenix (602) 424-2101 hcsonsite.com
Embracing culture. Empowering health.
Equality Health is the nation’s leading integrated health delivery system focused solely on improving care for diverse communities through culturally sensitive providers and programs that improve access, quality, and trust.
Alvarez, Alfredo, 46
Arora, Raveen, 49
Arredondo-Savage, Robin, 47
Banning, Sarah, 10
Butler, Tyler, 40
Cesario, Drew, 24
Downs, Dan, 10
Ducar, Frances, 26
Erath, Michael, 16
Flores, Chris, 26
Gorman, Frank, 36
Alchemy Merch, 45
Arizona Commerce Authority, 21
Arizona Community Foundation, 41
Arizona Financial Credit Union, 14
Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership, 21
AV Concepts, 67
Banner Health, 14
Barter & Shake, 66
BioLab Holdings, Inc., 26
Blue Beyond Consulting, 43
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, 9, 14, 26, 57
Brainiest, 24
Camby, The, 45
Clear Title Agency of Arizona, 14 Colliers, 14
Comtech Telecommunications, 14
CRG, 17
Curebound, 44
Delta Dental of Arizona, 14
Dhaba, The, 49
Dignity Health, 61
Driver Provider, The, 26
Edged Energy, 18
Equality Health, 64
Hunt, Bettina, 14
Jesuthasan, Ravin, 35
Johnson, Chris, 55
Kapilashrami, Tanuj, 35
Kaplan, Jennifer, 26
Kaplan, Kendra, 26
Kehaly, Pam, 9, 26
Kelhoffer, William A., 40
Kerr, Greg, 45
Kim, Leezie, 44
Loyacano, Jeremiah, 15
Equality Health Foundation, 5
Evolve Public Relations and Marketing, 26
Fennemore, 34
Gensler, 37
Goodmans, 3
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, 2
Goodyear, City of, 13
Greenlight Communities, 18
Grey Hen Rx, 66 Guidant Law, 38 Haydon, 18
Healthcare Solutions Centers, 26
HonorHealth, 54
Hyperion Technologies, 22 Intel, 20, 22
Jive, 8
Keymakers Organization, 12 KiteRocket, 23 LT, 55
MC Residential, 14
Marsh McLennan Agency, 26 Mint Cannabis, 10
National Bank of Arizona, 5
Next Level Growth, 16
In each issue of In Business Magazine, we list both companies and indivuduals for quick reference. See the stories for links to more.
Lyles, Rob, 18
Marbarger, Anne, 44
Marshall, Hannah, 17
Meier, Stephan, 35
Molina, Raul, 10
Monczka, Jason, 12
Newman, Justin, 18
Nielson, Alison, 26
Novotny, Ross, 15
Rafi, Brandon B., 40
Ramanna, Karthik, 35
Now Pools, 15
OneAZ Credit Union, 26
OptumCare, 63
PADT, 25
Phoenix Philanthropy Group, The, 44
Phoenix Symphony, The, 11 Platform 18, 66
Plexus Worldwide, 10 Polestar Scottsdale, 68
ProTech Detailing, 19
Rafi Law Group, 40
Sagewood, 14
Southwest Behavioral & Health Services, 10
Smith, Gary, 38
Spong, Will, 26
Steinberg, Alan, 24
Tollefson, Richard, 44
Tyler, Cheryl Fields, 43
Vasta, Mario, 34
Watts, Pat, 18
Weber, Bruce, 42
Yado, Rich, 40
Stearns Bank, 8
Sunbelt Holdings, 25
Surprise Home Improvement, 15
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, 20
Tempe Chamber of Commerce, 47
ThermalWorks, 18
Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 39
UMB Bank, 36
UnderTow, 66
UnitedHealthcare, 59 Volvo, 45
Weber Group, 42 Yellowbell, 46
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Jason Asher, a founding partner of Barter & Shake, is a renowned mixologist with more than 20 years in hospitality. With a Culinary Arts degree, he has been featured in Esquire, Imbibe, Food & Wine, and more. His bar Platform 18 won “Best U.S. Cocktail Bar” at the 2023 Spirited Awards and made North America’s 50 Best Bars list. bartershake.com
Innovative Bars Are Revolutionizing Dining Experiences
Trending: immersive, experiential dining
by Jason Asher
In an era when dining out is as much about the experience as the food, innovative bars are stepping up to deliver unforgettable moments. Consumers have a lasting shift toward an experiential mindset and, while they may not be spending less, they are becoming more intentional about their spending. Barter & Shake’s establishments — Platform 18, Grey Hen Rx and UnderTow — are prime examples of how bars can captivate and retain guests by creating standout experiences. As consumers shift toward an experiential mindset, these venues lead the charge, proving that a night out can be much more than just a few cocktails.
INTERACTIVE DINING EXPERIENCES
Interactive dining is all about engaging guests in the culinary process, making them part of the action. Whether it’s teppanyaki grills where chefs entertain with knife skills and flaming onion volcanoes or fondue restaurants where guests dip and cook their own meals, the key is involvement. Century Grand pushes this concept further, blending interaction with narrative. For instance, Platform 18 invites patrons to embark on a 90-minute journey in a 1920s Pullman-inspired train car. Guests don’t just drink; they participate in an historical narrative, enhancing their connection to the venue. This interactive approach not only entertains but also deepens the patrons’ overall dining experience, making them feel more connected and engaged.
IMMERSIVE THEMED ENVIRONMENTS
Themed environments transform ordinary outings into extraordinary adventures. UnderTow, for example, immerses guests in the belly of a ship navigating the mysterious 1560s Yucatan Peninsula. The décor, sounds and exotic drink ingredients are meticulously curated to transport visitors to another time and place. The aim is to almost literally take patrons on a journey. The success of such themes lies in their ability to create a fully realized world, captivating all who enter and leaving a lasting impression. Walking out should feel like taking a step back into reality from a wholly different world. These themed settings not only provide a visually appealing backdrop but also foster a sense of escapism that enhances the dining experience.
TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED DINING
Technology is reshaping the dining landscape, introducing futuristic elements to the experience. From augmented reality menus and projection mapping on tables to robot servers, technology adds a layer of novelty and convenience. Although our bars emphasize historical and thematic immersion, they are not immune to technological innovation. Subtle integrations, such as synchronized lighting and soundscapes that react to the unfolding narrative at Platform 18, enhance the storytelling without overshadowing the vintage charm. These technological advancements offer a seamless blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring that the experience remains fresh and exciting.
MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCES
Dining is not just about taste; it’s about engaging all the senses. At Platform 18, the sound of a train whistle and the motion of the “car” amplify the sensation of traveling back to 1924 New York. Such multi-sensory experiences are designed to create a cohesive and memorable event. The interplay of lighting, sound, scent and tactile elements ensures that every visit is a unique and immersive adventure. Environments are designed to stimulate the senses and create lasting memories. Every detail is intentional, from the menu design and the names of drinks to the ambiance. By stimulating multiple senses, these experiences create a lasting impact, making patrons more likely to return.
POP-UP AND SECRET LOCATIONS
The allure of the unknown and the thrill of discovery make pop-up and secret locations increasingly popular. These venues often offer limited-time menus and exclusive settings that patrons must seek out. Grey Hen Rx, tucked within Century Grand, epitomizes this trend. Inspired by New Orleans’ historic apothecaries, it offers an exclusive cocktail experience in a hidden corner. Guests revel in the mystique and exclusivity, feeling part of an elite group that has uncovered a hidden gem. This sense of exclusivity not only attracts curious diners but also creates buzz and word-of-mouth promotion.
As the demand for unique and memorable dining experiences grows, bars and restaurants must innovate to stay ahead. Interactive dining, immersive themes, technological enhancements, multi-sensory elements and secretive locations all contribute to creating unforgettable moments. Turning a night out into an extraordinary adventure is about more than just serving drinks; it’s about crafting experiences that linger in the mind long after the night is over.
According to recent research, 72% of diners want more experiential dining options. It’s up to bars and restaurants to step up their game to get guests in the door, as they seek unique and memorable experiences.
Photos courtesy of Barter & Shake
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