The health and well-being of your employees matters. UnitedHealthcare is here to help you guide them toward brighter days ahead. From finding new ways of controlling costs to connecting them with medical care and mental health support, it’s good to have a health plan that’s on their side and in your corner.
Learn more at uhc.com
50
Behind the Scenes of Reality TV: Dr. B’s Impact on Communities
This month spotlighting Dr. John Badolato (Dr. B), Tyler Butler’s series explores the myriad ways businesses give back and the positive ways their programs impact our community.
18
Behind the Scenes of Reality TV: Dr. B’s Impact on Communities
“Water: Key Resource in Greater Phoenix and the Semiconductor Industry,” “Inside YES’s State-of-the-Art Arizona Tech Center,” “On the Move: Greg Hare” and “Developing a Talent Pipeline to Embrace Arizona’s Chip Growth”
46 Workplace Culture and ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’
Barbara Morris-Blake examines what makes co-workers denigrate those who stand out for their achievements – and the harmful impact on the business.
52 Building Workforce – Reducing Recidivism and Strengthening the Economy
Televerde programs effectively support women with their transition out of prison and successful (re)entry into the workforce.
54 How to Make Any Corporate Event Stand Out
Ben Ostro shares his expertise on how to make a single event singular.
55 Saying Is Believing, and Other Reasons to Share
Sharing an excerpt from their new book Fast Forward, Wendy Leshgold and Lisa McCarthy discuss CEOs’ need to pay better attention to their coaching culture and how they set up their employees for success.
DEPARTMENTS
9 Guest Editor In Business Magazine editor RaeAnne Marsh introduces the “Women of Achievement” issue.
10 Feedback
Rachel Aja, Kristina Atwell and Sherri Collins respond to In Business Magazine’s burning business question of the month: What do you feel are the most important leadership qualities for the times we are in now?
11 Briefs
“Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Propelling Women’s Roles in the Workplace,” “Dailies Top Stories,” “Local Standouts Recognized for Achievements and Philanthropy,” “Brick-and-Mortar Store Puts Air Quality on Display” and “Laundry as Work-from-Home Franchise”
13 By the Numbers
59 AZ Impact for Good Exciting rebranding of former Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits + Arizona Grantmakers Forum
Tech company layoffs provide desired talent workforce for other industries.
14 Startups
“Kiwi Turf Cleaners Provides Real Care for Artificial Turf” and “Forbes.jobs: Next Gen Career Platform”
28
2023 Women of Achievement — Celebrating Leadership & Equity
In Business Magazine honors the women business owners, managers and leaders who, with an abundance of talent and commitment, have achieved great success in and for our Greater Phoenix business community.
15 CRE
“The Strength of Arizona’s Multifamily Market,” “Housing Will Replace Iconic Paradise Valley Church,” “Dominium Developing Affordable Apartment Homes in Goodyear” and “Construction Trends”
22 From the Top
Brian Raab strikes a chord with the tequila industry as he brings Tequila Corrido back to life.
24 Healthcare
“Cora Health Addresses Opioid Crisis” and “Employers Must Understand Generational Views of Mental Health”
26 Technology
“Crucial Digital Transformation for SMEs amid 2023 Tech Surge” and “Smart Home Tech Advances Senior Living CRE”
47 Books
New releases give fresh insights on business thinking.
48 Economy
Elizabeth Hale explores hard money lending as an option for businesses and investors.
49 Legal
Offering a business owner’s primer to lawsuit settlement, attorney Emily Ward explains why going to trial is not always the right thing for a client.
56 Nonprofit
Business and education leaders rally around the importance of continuing education through Valley of the Sun United Way ‘Everything to Gain’ campaign.
57 Assets
2024 Range Rover Sport SV Edition One
Plus: Workplaces need fire protection and safety training
58 Power Lunch
Rosso Italian Imports Italy to Downtown Phoenix
66 Roundtable
Combatting vandalism and so much more, Silent Witness is a force for safer communities and safer workplaces
In its new study, “A Players vs. B Players at Work: Two Types of Talent,” career site Zety found 72% of the respondents would choose job satisfaction over job prestige. zety.com/blog/a-players-b-players
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.
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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
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Colin Diaz, President & CEO Tempe Chamber of Commerce (480) 967-7891 www.tempechamber.org
Our Partner Organizations are vested business organizations focused on building and improving business in the Valley or throughout Arizona. As Partners, each will receive three insert publications each year to showcase all that they are doing for business and businesspeople within our community. We encourage you to join these and other organizations to better your business opportunities. The members of these and other Associate Partner Organizations receive a subscription to In Business Magazine each month. For more information on becoming an Associate Partner, please contact our publisher at info@inbusinessphx.com
Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce ahwatukeechamber.com
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry azchamber.com
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Chandler Chamber of Commerce chandlerchamber.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
Making energy-efficient upgrades with SRP Business Solutions pays off. We offer a range of rebates on things like new HVAC systems and refrigeration to LED lighting and EV fleet transformations. If it saves energy, chances are SRP has a rebate for it.
See a list of available rebates at savewithsrpbiz.com
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., through which she has taken writing and editing gigs 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.”
As editor of the Spanish section of In Business Magazine, Edgar R. Olivo shares weekly content for Spanish-preferred small-business owners in Phoenix. As a first-generation Latinx and native-Arizonan, Olivo’s upbringing was filled with similar challenges that Latino communities in Arizona face when they engage with the economy. An entrepreneur and nonprofit executive, he is leading the charge to help strengthen a diverse, inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Arizona. His work is nationally recognized for establishing programs that help advance equitable economic recovery, and increase generational wealth for Latinx/Hispanic small business owners in Arizona.
“I believe today is a moment for leading big change. Business ownership is a critical means to build community and individual wealth. I hope my work will demonstrate to the Latino community that the entrepreneur ecosystem in Arizona has their back.”
Guest columns are feature articles presented as a special, limited series as well as regular, ongoing series in In Business Magazine.
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.
Guest Columnist – Metro
As a 35-year newspaper veteran in Arizona, Don Henninger has always made journalism his passion as well as his career. Facts matter — especially in this day and age — and information is the foundation that enables citizens to be positive participants in their communities at all levels. Henninger has been fortunate to serve as a community leader and continues in that role today as director of the Scottsdale Coalition of Today & Tomorrow, which convenes leaders to work on issues in that city, and as a member of several nonprofit boards in the Valley.
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.”
Publisher Rick McCartney
Editor RaeAnne Marsh
En Negocios Editor Edgar Rafael Olivo
Web Editor Jake Kless
Graphic Design Benjamin Little
Natalie Bock
Jennifer Bookspan
Melissa L. Boydston
Tyler Butler
Chris Camacho
Elizabeth Hale
Sam Herdrich
Mike Hunter
Jason Jacobs
Jeannie Jesson
Christina Johnson
Vitalis Kavaliauskas
John Kobierowski
Wendy Leshgold
Lisa McCarthy
Jerry McGuire
Barbara Morris-Blake
Ben Ostro
Rab Paquette
Stephanie Quinn
Darin Reeser
Annie Rosencrans
Ginni Ryan
Emily Ward
Colin Yasukochi
ADVERTISING
Operations Louise Ferrari
Business Development
Louise Ferrari
Cami Shore
Events Amy Corben
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Corporate Office InMedia Company 45 W. Jefferson Street Phoenix, AZ 85003
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Vol. 14, No. 9 In Business Magazine is published 12 times per year by InMedia Company. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to InMedia Company, 45 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003. To subscribe to In Business Magazine, please send check or money order for one-year subscription of $24.95 to InMedia Company, 45 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 or visit inbusinessphx.com. We appreciate your editorial submissions, news and photos for review by our editorial staff. You may send to editor@inbusinessmag.com or mail to the address above. All letters sent to In Business Magazine will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication, copyright purposes and use in any publication, website or brochure. InMedia accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other artwork. Submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. InMedia Company, LLC reserves the right to refuse certain advertising and is not liable for advertisers’ claims and/or errors. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of InMedia. InMedia Company considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible, although reporting inaccuracies can occur; consequently, readers using this information do so at their own risk. Each business opportunity and/ or investment inherently contains certain risks, and it is suggested that the prospective investors consult their attorney and/or financial professional. ©2022 InMedia Company, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission by any means without written permission by the publisher.
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. 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.”
Telling stories of success. This is the esteemed purpose of this September edition of In Business Magazine in concert with our Women of Achievement luncheon next month.
It’s an annual celebration shining a special spotlight on women using their leadership positions to make a difference in our community.
While I look forward to a time when it will be not only unnecessary but actually senseless to single out women to recognize their success, I was eager to put this edition together and introduce our readers to some exceptional ways women are changing our community and increasing opportunity for others.
The cover story of this September edition shares the stories of the 2023 Women of Achievement honorees — 14 accomplished women whose leadership inspires others — representing a solid cross-section of business and community organizations. Plus our inaugural Arizona Leadership Award to Governor Katie Hobbs.
At another point on the continuum of success are people like Ashlee Liberty, who avail themselves of the remarkable opportunity offered by Televerde. And another woman is the force behind the program enabling this success. I had the pleasure of interviewing both women and hope I’m able to convey their passion for it in the feature “Building Workforce – Reducing Recidivism and Strengthening the Economy.”
In stark contrast to In Business Magazine’s Women of Achievement are those who denigrate excellence and, instead, criticize and cut down successful people or businesses that stand out in their respective fields. This phenomenon and its toxic effect on the workplace is what Barbara Morris-Blake examines in feature article “Workplace Culture & ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome.’”
The importance of CEOs paying attention to the coaching culture of their companies, to foster an environment for their employees’ success, Wendy Leshgold and Lisa McCarthy researched for their book Fast Forward, and they provide an excerpt: “Saying Is Believing, and Other Reasons to Share.”
Other topics range from healthcare to technology and include important financial and legal concerns. In this edition are “Unlocking Opportunities with Hard Money” by Elizabeth Hale and “A Business Owner’s Primer to Lawsuit Settlement” in which Emily Ward explains why going to trial is not always the right thing for a client.
I hope you enjoy this opportunity to learn about so many of our community leaders — and more.
Sincerely,
With each annual Women of Achievement, we celebrate a theme that is universally apparent among the year’s honorees. This year, we see strong leadership and concern for equity that are symbiotic to each of their successes. We are excited to celebrate the 2023 Women of Achievement and are purposeful in our effort to prop up those who are demonstrating that making a difference in business can mean making a difference within our community.
I want to make a special note about why we chose RaeAnne Marsh, our editor (THE editor) to introduce this issue as “Guest
Editor” and express our deep gratitude for all that she accomplishes day in and day out for In Business Magazine. Speaking of making a difference in business and our community. I can think of no one more deserving of that accolade in her service to us all to provide meaningful content that keeps us all up-to-date and informed. We asked her to be this month’s “guest” editor, but she truly leads each issue and has done so since our first issue in November of 2010. Thank you, RaeAnne. —Rick McCartney, Publisher
Manténgase informado sobre temas empresariales en español a través de En Negocios, artículos para los lectores de habla hispana en el área metropolitana de Phoenix. Visite inbusinessphx.com/ ennegocios para más información.
Stay informed on business topics in Spanish through En Negocios, articles for Spanish-speaking readers in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Visit inbusinessphx.com/ ennegocios for more information.
As a previous year’s Women of Achievement honoree, you’ve been recognized for outstanding leadership. Different times seem to call for different strengths, so what do you feel are the most important leadership qualities for the times we are in now?
Director of Government Affairs
Cox Communications
Sector: Telecommunications
For me, the most important leadership qualities, especially in these times, are openness and flexibility. When thinking about openness, I am specifically committed to honesty with our teams about what our Cox Government Relations team’s goals are and our expectations and benchmarks for success. At the same time, as a leader, I know that being open-minded and flexible leads to more creative thinking, better suggestions and, ultimately, superior output from the team.
I have found that when people are a part of the decision-making process and can have genuine and open conversations with their leaders, they feel more valued — because they are. This leads to more engagement and greater long-term success.
Let us know what you want to know from the Valley’s top business leaders.
editor@inbusinessphx.com
Producer and writer
Quantum Leap Productions Sector: Video and Film Production
Leadership means creating certainty, but how do we make people feel secure when so much is in flux? Inflation, water shortages, hyper-partisan discord, the sheer barrage of digital information we encounter daily, all add to distractions we must cut through to lead.
Executive Director
Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing Sector: Government
For all past Feedbacks go online to inbusinessphx.com
and see what Valley executives think on various business topics.
SEPT. 2023
10
Since COVID, we’ve learned that flexibility is the key to everything we do. This is true not only for our team, but also being sensitive to the needs of those we work with outside of Cox. When we can be flexible and grow depending on the situation and the needs of our teams, we increase the opportunity for recruitment and likelihood of retention.
Cox Communications cox.com
As director of government affairs for Cox Communications, Rachel Aja leads Cox’s local, state and federal political engagement and strategy. Before joining Cox, Aja was the chief of staff for Mayor Georgia Lord in Goodyear and Mayor Bob Barrett in Peoria.
The Arizona native is an active member of a number of community organizations and is an alumnus of Leadership West Class XII and the Luke Air Force Base Honorary Commander Program for the 310th Fighter Squadron.
I aim to inspire my team to “proceed as if success is inevitable.” Nothing is guaranteed. Sometimes failure needs to be salvaged into success. Even if I don’t have an answer up my sleeve, someone will have a good idea — and the best idea in the room wins! And that’s when leading turns into listening. It’s a dance between elevating everyone so we all feel empowered to give our best and taking the wheel as a leader to steer us in the right direction when we see it. It’s a balance of give and take, leading and listening. The bottom line is we get there together.
Challenging times require patience, resilience, creativity and, most of all, empathy. We wouldn’t be handed complex issues if we can’t solve them. This is our moment in history. We are up to the task.
Quantum Leap Productions qlpnow.com
Kristin Atwell Ford is an Emmy® Awardwinning filmmaker, 2021 Women of Achievement honoree, and recipient of the Governor’s Arts Award. Atwell’s stories unite our community by celebrating the arts, business culture and water resiliency. Her recent documentary, “The Weight of a Feather,” features Arizona’s Liberty Wildlife and explores the significance of feathers to Indigenous cultures; and is available on PBS Passport and Kanopy.
Sign up for the monthly In Business Magazine eNewsletter at www.inbusinessphx.com. Look for survey questions and other research on our business community.
There is no doubt that the past few years have been challenging for everyone. And for those who work with a variety of stakeholders, whether that be staff, colleagues or community partners, how we manage those challenges is a true testament to our leadership qualities.
I know that to successfully lead requires consistency and dependability. These two characteristics are what I value in leaders and what I try to demonstrate on a daily basis.
There are always going to be hair-onfire days, when something unexpected drops in our lap. But what I find has always worked for me is to “plan your work and work your plan.”
And knowing when to ask for help. Yes, your team may look to you to have the answers, but encouraging others to be a part of the solution, seeking out alternative recommendations to respond to issues, and acknowledging the role others can and do play on a team go a long way in strengthening their commitment to your organization.
Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing acdhh.org
Sherri Collins is the executive director for the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing. Collins advocates, strengthens and implements state policies affecting deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their relationship to public, industry, healthcare and educational opportunities.
The newly passed Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to make reasonable accommodations for people affected as a consequence of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, such as fertility treatments or postpartum depression. This is a step in the right direction in helping bring mothers back into the workforce and in narrowing the gender divide.
After more than a decade of anticipation, the enactment of this long-awaited law marks a significant victory for women, whose experiences with pregnancy-related challenges have proved not only challenging but careerending. The pandemic further exacerbated these issues, with women shouldering increased caregiving responsibilities, all leading to higher rates of workforce exit by this group compared to men. Recognizing the unique struggles faced by women during these life events, the new legislation is a beacon of progress in safeguarding their rights and well-being.
This groundbreaking legislation establishes a clear framework that ensures equal treatment for pregnant employees, addressing ambiguities caused by Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 and Americans with Disabilities Act neither of which provided full protection from discrimination.
So, what does this mean for companies and pregnant employees? How is this helping women?
As a federal standard, the PWFA strengthens the rights of pregnant workers and fosters equal treatment and opportunities in the
workplace, bridging state-level variations. It’s a long-overdue and incredibly significant step toward cultivating an inclusive and equitable work environment, guaranteeing pregnant workers receive consistent and standardized protections, and the support and accommodations they deserve in all states. And countless studies prove that having a diverse workforce is important for business success; in fact, diverse companies outperform homogenous ones in many ways. Supporting working women shows clients and employees what a company values, enhances the culture — which is critical for engagement and retention — and allows people to bring their best selves to work. The introduction of the PWFA brings us a step closer to creating environments that are not exclusionary once a woman has a child. Beyond the profound impact on women, this law also holds promising prospects for businesses. As employers grapple with the ongoing labor shortage, the creation of a more supportive workplace becomes a catalyst for fostering employee retention and well-being. By accommodating the needs of pregnant employees and addressing caregiving responsibilities, businesses stand to cultivate an environment that not only attracts top talent but also fosters loyalty and commitment from their workforce. —Annie Rosencrans, director of People & Culture at HiBob (www.hibob.com), the company behind the transformative HR platform bob, which brings together employees and managers to help them communicate and collaborate more effectively
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.
Economy & Trends | Cover Story | August 2023
“When the housing market is strong, typically economic growth is strong,” observes Randy Bury, who has more than 25 years’ experience in home building, land acquisition and development and is founder and owner of Moderne Communities®, an Arizona-based real estate investment and development company. “I believe approximately 65–70% of GDP is consumer spending, of which homebuilding and construction is the largest percentage of that spend — so the impact is significant.”
CRE & Development | Guest Columnists | August 2023
The pandemic dramatically accelerated the rise of remote and hybrid work, resulting in many companies downsizing their office space. This trend is expected to continue due to investments in technology and shifts in worker expectations.
Legal & Regulations | Legal | August 2023
Discussion of Artificial Intelligence and its transformative role in the workplace is seemingly everywhere. Whether the issue is how employers can utilize AI to bolster their human resources and management functions, or employees’ utilization of AI tools for work-related tasks, companies are paying attention to both the promises and pitfalls inherent in these new technologies.
CRE & Development | inbusinessphx.com | August 14 2023
inbusinessPHX.com
Blossom Rock at Superstition Vistas unveils The First Builders For Its Majestic New East Valley Community –The Phase One Builders include Lennar Homes, David Weekley Homes, Pulte Homes, Tri Pointe Homes, and Brookfield Residential.
As a federal standard, the newly passed Pregnant Workers Fairness Act strengthens the rights of pregnant workers and fosters equal treatment and opportunities in the workplace, bridging state-level variations.
This year’s prestigious Edward J. Glueckler award from the Aviation Suppliers Association was presented to Jared Knights, director of quality assurance at AvAir, an inventory solutions provider for the aviation aftermarket. Each year, the Edward J. Glueckler Award is given to an individual in recognition of outstanding commitment, dedication and contribution to the ASA and the aviation industry. AvAir.aero
Forbes named Desert Financial Credit Union as a BestIn-State Credit Union in 2023 and the top credit union in Arizona for the fifth year in a row. desertfinancial.com
To commemorate Arizona Forward’s 50th anniversary and the 41st annual Environmental Excellence Awards, the organization recently presented a special award to Intel to recognize the company’s consistent and outstanding achievements when it comes to environmental sustainability. Intel’s efforts span its internal operations and collaborations with Arizona nonprofit and conservation organizations. intel.com
Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, the nonprofit arm of awardwinning law firm Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys, raised nearly $1.13 million to support local communities at its 10th Annual Lerner & Rowe Charity Golf Classic — a record for the golf tournament. lernerandrowegivesback.com • lernerandrowelawgroup.com
Phoenix grants are part of a record-breaking year for OneAZ Credit Union as the organization recently awarded $110,000 in grants to 22 Phoenix-area nonprofit organizations, a full one-third of its state-wide Community Impact Grant program. Each organization will receive $5,000 toward a program or initiative that supports one of OneAZ’s five pillars — children’s health, food banks, financial education, veterans’ interests and local youth programs. oneazcu.com
PuriFi, a privately held Arizona company that develops, manufactures and distributes air quality management systems for residential homes, small businesses, and large-scale commercial buildings, recently launched its firstever clean air store in The Promenade Scottsdale.
The 5,500-square-foot PuriFi Store demonstrates the company’s air purifying technology in real time. Consumers who want to breathe cleaner indoor air in their homes or businesses can schedule an appointment to meet on-site with air quality specialists to learn how PuriFi’s purification process makes indoor air quality up to one hundred times better than outdoor air.
Visitors can see the difference. They are greeted as they walk in with a 7-foot-tall smart screen streaming real-time air quality data from inside the store. A model living room shows what typical home air quality is like versus air inside the PuriFi Store.
The brick-and-mortar PuriFi Store is the first of its kind. We wanted to create an immersive
experience. Consumers clearly see the difference in air quality with our smart screen. But more importantly, they feel the difference. They tell us how much better they breathe, or how their allergies are not being triggered while they’re inside our facilities.
By using state-of-the-art laser technology, invisible air particles become visible for visitors to see. The powerful visuals give visitors insight into how the purification systems will work in their own home or business.
PuriFi’s technology has undergone years of rigorous testing from independent agencies to ensure quality and results. The company’s Airborne Molecular Purification technology cleans indoor air and surfaces by neutralizing and removing airborne particles at the molecular level, reducing contaminants, including allergens, odors, particulates, tested pathogens, molds, viruses and bacteria.
Jerry McGuire, president of PuriFi (purifistore.com)Poplin launched as SudShare in 2018 as a tech-enabled solution for laundry, and expanded to Phoenix in 2021. “The goal was to make outsourcing laundry the norm,” says CEO Mort Fertel. Now, outsourcing laundry is estimated to be a $100 billion market, and growing fast. And Phoenix, Fertel says, “is one of our top markets, with thousands of customers and ‘laundry pros,’ and over a 99.9% liquidity (match) rate.”
The recent rebrand to “Poplin” better reflects users’ sentiment about the professional laundry service, Fertel explains. “The new brand is a celebration of finished laundry, and the creative direction a reflection of the satisfaction consumers feel when they receive pristine stacks of perfectly folded laundry.”
Fertel describes Poplin as the first-ever manual labor work-from-home gig in the world. “Other marketplaces offer gig work, but you have to be out on the road. And there are, of course, other work-from-home jobs, but for them you’re tied to a desk with your fingers on a keyboard all day. With Poplin, you work from home but you’re active; can do the folding from anywhere in your home and watch TV, listen to a podcast, or keep an eye on the kids at the same time.”
To control uniformity of the service, Poplin uses videos and articles to promote bestpractices to its laundry pro community, and built an algorithm that monitors and rewards fidelity to those best practices.
Kathleen Flick, a local Phoenix laundry pro for Poplin, shares, “Poplin has provided a way for me to bring in extra income while staying at home through an on-demand service app. From the first day I started with Poplin, I found the app has been overall user friendly for both the customer and laundry pro. … I’ve always enjoyed doing laundry and thought it would be a great side gig since I was already home with my kids (and already doing lots of laundry). Since starting in February, I’ve built a great group of regular customers and have been able to bring home a decent amount of extra money each month.” —RaeAnne Marsh
Other industries may reap benefit from tech company layoffs
by Colin YasukochiRecent tech company layoffs have created opportunities for other industries to hire much-needed tech talent, according to CBRE’s recently released Scoring Tech Talent 2023 report.
Overall tech talent employment grew by 11% between 2020 and 2022, with tech companies adding nearly 2.5 times more tech workers than the next highest industry sector, professional services. Software developers and programmers across all industries accounted for 60% of the new tech talent employment. But, as the economy slowed in the second half of 2022, tech companies began laying off employees, many of whom were in non-tech roles like sales and marketing.
Since 2022, the tech industry, which employs 41% of all U.S. tech talent, has accounted for 30% of the 700,000 workforce layoffs globally by U.S.-based employers, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Of this total, approximately 25% were tech talent; the remaining 75% were in non-tech roles, according to CBRE’s analysis of data from layoffs.fyi. Tech talent employed by non-tech employers, which represent 59% of U.S. tech talent, did not announce major layoffs.
In addition to these layoffs, tech job postings declined from a peak of 900,000 in mid-2022 to 450,000 by early 2023,
• Phoenix ranks No. 15 overall in CBRE’s 2023 Scoring Tech Talent report, moving up one spot as macroeconomic headwinds slowed tech talent hiring by major tech firms in North America.
• Phoenix’s tech talent workforce (109,160) increased 30% in the years 2017–2022.
• Phoenix saw a 44% increase in tech degree completions between 2017 and 2021. The number of tech-related degrees grew in North America by 60,000 during the same time period.
• Phoenix created more tech graduates (28,053 from 2017 to 2021) than tech jobs (17,580 from 2018 to 2022), meaning the market creates a surplus of tech talent for expanding and relocating companies.
based on CBRE’s analysis of Lightcast data.
Remote working trends have allowed tech talent employers to diversify their workforce both geographically and demographically. Job postings for remote tech talent grew to 20% of the 593,000 total tech job postings in May 2023, on par with the share of remote postings in mid-2022.
Working from home more than in the office remains the tech industry standard. In 2021, 46% of tech talent across all industries and 44% of tech industry workers across all occupations worked from home. The number of people working from home since 2021 has declined and likely will continue to do so as employers require more in-office work.
Building security company Kastle Systems’ 10-city “back-towork barometer” of office occupancy levels increased by 12 percentage points between 2021 and 2022.
Tech talent remains in high demand despite economic uncertainty and employment reductions. Remote and hybrid work will benefit tech talent employers and challenge some office markets with reduced demand, which is why our annual cost analysis cut the amount of office space needed per employee.
• Phoenix’s population of people in their 30s with a college degree increased by 32.4% from 2016 to 2021, the thirdranked U.S. market with the biggest gain among large markets in that span. And it is the fifth-ranked U.S. market with the highest concentration of people in their 20s with a college degree, at 27.8% of its population.
• Phoenix has relatively affordable real estate costs for a leading tech hub. Both its average annual office asking rent ($30.05 per square foot) and average monthly apartment rent ($1,636) are the 21st most expensive, and its ratio of tech salary to apartment rent of 20.2% is the 18th highest.
Source: cbre.com/insights/books/scoring-tech-talent-2023
For more than 20 years, Colin Yasukochi has specialized in strategic research and advisory services for commercial real estate, providing insight that reveals opportunities and guides decision making. He currently serves as CBRE’s executive director of its Tech Insights Center, based in San Francisco, which provides thoughtful real estate perspectives on the everevolving tech sector in the United States.
Phoenix’s tech talent workforce (109,160) increased 30% in the years 2017–2022.
No, artificial turf is not maintenance-free. Kiwi Turf Cleaners, founded earlier this year by James Patterson and Ryan Moore, offers a solution for artificial turf owners who want to have their turf simply refreshed — or have it completely deep cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized.
“My brother-in-law Ryan and I were discussing our artificial turf lawns and just how hard it was to keep the turf clean with our dogs doing their business on it every day,” Patterson relates. “We both found it difficult to find a company willing to actually clean the turf and not just hit it with a leaf blower.”
Inspired by personal experience, they took up the challenge of perfecting their turf-cleaning process. “We are always researching the newest and hottest trends in the outdoor cleaning industry whether it’s power washing or experimenting with different formulas to use,” Moore says. “We put in the research, so you don’t have to.” And Patterson notes, “We decided to only use electrically powered equipment, and our products are 100% natural so they’re safe for pets and kids as soon as we’re done cleaning the turf.”
Taking to heart the advice they’d been given to overcommunicate, Patterson says, “We want to be as transparent as possible with all our customers by always responding as quickly as we can and discussing our process in great detail. We even educate the customer on how they can keep their turf
looking and smelling great between professional cleanings.” Adds Moore, “[We] just always remember this is a customer service business as much as it is a cleaning business, and, regardless of the ‘Amazon buy-now’ phase we’re in as a society, being a human is still important. We understand that money is tight nowadays and people just want /Clean Turf at a Clean Price/ without all the gimmicks.” —RaeAnne
Marsh Kiwi Turf Cleaners kiwiturfcleaners.comLaunched in January 2023 in partnership with the successfocused media platform Forbes, Forbes.jobs is the exclusive next-generation career platform that connects the entire talent community — candidates, recruiters and companies. With the mission to redefine the career journey, Forbes.jobs enables talent to connect with industry-leading recruiters on exclusive career opportunities, find coaches to bring their skills to the next level and access skill assessment tools, leveling the playing field for talent everywhere by taking the “it’s all about who you know” out of the equation.
With more than 20 years’ experience in corporate recruiting, I had a vision to create a “marketplace” for recruiters and companies across industries to easily engage with talent in a confidential and engaging space, while also providing a credible space for talent to elevate their career. As the CEO of Forbes.jobs, that vision is becoming a reality.
Unlike traditional job boards, Forbes.jobs acknowledges that career development is not just about finding a new job, it’s a journey that encompasses a spectrum of professional growth. The website not only instantly connects candidates with vetted recruiters throughout the U.S. for employment opportunities, but offers a range of career services for talent at every stage of their career journey. Career services offered include one-on-one career coaching, skill assessments and customized career content.
“Forbes is recognized as the leading source for career, workplace and leadership content,” says Peter Hung, president of licensing and branded ventures at Forbes. “At our core, we champion success by celebrating those who have made it and those who aspire to make it, and, together with Forbes.jobs, we extend beyond the Forbes content and now offer services to those individuals who aspire to take the next big step in their career journey.”
Forbes.jobs is changing the career journey. By connecting our network of elite recruiters with candidates and supporting companies with their strategic talent needs, we are disrupting the industry. It is about helping the entire career ecosystem find high-quality value through the best people and tools.
—Jennifer Bookspan, CEO of Forbes.jobs (forbes.jobs)
A new ranking from Uplift Legal Funding has revealed which states are the worst for workers, based on the likelihood of burnout, measured across a variety of factors. When local mental health scores, happiness rankings, occupational stress ratings and working hours are compared, Arizona came out as the worst. upliftlegalfunding.com
The Arizona multifamily real estate market remains one of the hottest in the country and the demand is only rising. The market’s success can be attributed to a perfect trifecta of conditions: tremendous population growth, an exceptionally strong job market and a diminished single-family housing supply that has kept Arizona as the multifamily darling of the real estate world. A title she isn’t willing to give up.
Unsurprisingly, Phoenix experiences the fastest growth rate of any major city in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Phoenix’s population grew by 11.2% between 2010 and 2020. As of July 2023, Phoenix leads as the fifth most populous city in the United States, with a population of more than 1.7 million people. New Arizona transplants have heeded the call of our warm climate and affordable cost of living, and the word continues to spread. In fact, the metro area’s population alone is expected to reach 2.3 million by 2030.
Contributing to the population boom is Arizona’s growing job market, which is becoming increasingly diverse with higher, more competitive wages. Arizona’s job growth is running laps around the national average. In 2022, the state added an estimated 151,600 jobs, or 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%, and the current unemployment rate is 3.5%, slightly below the national average of 3.8%.
Companies eager to take advantage of the state’s business-friendly policies and tax benefits have set up shop across the Valley. For example, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is in the process of building
a $40 billion factory in Phoenix and is bringing with them 40 of their suppliers. Combined, they are expected to create up to 80,000 jobs over the next five years for Arizona workers. Amazon is also opening a new fulfillment center in Goodyear and anticipates adding another 1,500 jobs to the market.
More workers mean more housing is desperately needed. However, the inventory of available single-family homes is at an all-time low. High mortgage interest rates combined with the lack of housing supply — due to homeowners not wanting to give up their current low rates — has resulted in an increased need for multifamily properties to accommodate our booming population growth. But we are also seeing limited transactions within the multifamily market.
Property owners currently have few incentives to sell, with their properties being so profitable and occupancies running high. Though Arizona is poised to deliver a record number of new multifamily units in 2024, it won’t make a dent in our housing deficit. And, while we will continue looking for opportunities to buy and improve existing multifamily properties in areas that are beginning to see early stages of redevelopment, we are also considering newbuilds as a solution to future housing needs.
These factors only strengthen our confidence in the Arizona multifamily market, and we are excited to be a part of helping create beautiful quality multifamily homes for both established and new Arizona residents. —John Kobierowski, co-founder of Neighborhood Ventures (https://neighborhood.ventures)
New single-family housing will be built on the five-acre site of the iconic Ascension Church in Paradise Valley, after business partner of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey purchased the church for $11 million — $500,000 over asking price. The church’s close proximity to the $2 billion Ritz Carlton Paradise Valley project puts it at the center of an increasingly popular and growing community known for high-end homes, shops and restaurants. “This is an iconic piece of architecture on an amazing plot of land so it isn’t a surprise that the property sold over its listing price,” says Frank DiMaggio, managing partner at Launch Powered by Compass, who closed the deal. —Mike Hunter azhomes.com
Dominium, a leading affordable housing owner, developer and manager, recently closed on the approximately 28-acre site located at 16985 W. Van Buren Street in Goodyear, where it plans to construct 657 new affordable apartment homes for low-income families and seniors. Once constructed, Estrella Springs and Suncrest Vista at Canyon Trails will provide a combined total of 396 family and 261 age-restricted high-quality apartment homes that, combined, marks the largest affordable multifamily new construction development within the state of Arizona.
—Mike Hunter dominiumapartments.commore
The building industry has taken several major hits in the last few years — COVID shutdowns followed by labor and supply shortages, the ongoing climate crisis and economic changes are just a few — and because of that, it’s an interesting area to look at for trends. People innovate when they need to problem solve, and each of these setbacks has brought forth exciting new advances in construction.
In regard to the labor shortages, a surprising new statistic has shown that due to recruitment campaigns targeting women, there has been more than a 50% jump in females taking construction roles over the past decade. Companies are seeing this upward trend and are offering fundamental changes that make these roles more attractive to female workers, like paid parental leave and more flexible hours. The pay gap between men and women also tends to be smaller in construction than in other private sectors.
Another trend we’re seeing is a lot of new, innovative materials being tested. New materials are always being researched, and right now it’s not just from an aesthetic or performance standpoint, but in direct response to supply shortages, high construction costs and the need for more sustainable building practices. This is an area we take special note of as part of the team that specifies the materials and helps bring new options into visibility for our clients. Some materials to be on the lookout for in the next couple of years are bamboo, cross-laminated timber, insect infested timber, hempcrete, 3D-printed materials, light transmitting concrete (many advancements in concrete) and algae. This is just a snapshot of the hundreds of materials being explored right now, but we are excited about the possibilities of reinventing some that have been used for centuries, like concrete, or materials that sound more unusual, like algae.
Technology is playing a big hand in advancing many of these new materials, especially insect infested timber. On its own, this product poses a huge problem as many of our forests are being infested by beetles and it would typically render the lumber unsuitable for building because it compromises its structural integrity. Billions of ash trees have been affected, and New-York based HANNAH has developed a robotic device that processes the ash lumber back into a viable building material. Construction is one of the largest producers of solid waste worldwide, so anything we can do to reduce, reuse, recycle and repurpose should be a priority.
Like pretty much every industry, construction is seeing many trends related to technology. In addition to the advancements that are aiding in material development, AI is being used to help with supply chain inventory and management to increase efficiencies; robots are being used in education and efficiency on site, aiding in manual tasks to help reduce injuries; and cloud-based software is speeding up communication and keeping information in an easy-to-access location for all team members involved in a project.
We’re looking forward to seeing these advancements continue and playing our role by incorporating them into the built environment. Time will tell how many of these trends continue to gain traction, but the need for change is creating many opportunities to move forward in new ways. —Christina Johnson, creative director of Phoenixand San Francisco-based Private Label International (privatelabelintl.com), a full-service interior design studio that develops hospitality environments and lifestyle brand experiences for clients worldwide
New materials to be on the lookout for in the next couple of years are bamboo, cross-laminated timber, insect infested timber, hempcrete, 3D-printed materials, light transmitting concrete (many advancements in concrete) and algae.
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If you have news to share about the semiconductor industry in Arizona, email us at semiinsights@ inbusinessphx.com
Water, one of the most important elements in the semiconductor manufacturing process, has always been a precious resource in Arizona. Its conservation and management have been a priority for generations, even predating statehood. More than any other state, Arizona understands the importance of long-term planning — it was the first to project its water supply 100 years into the future and remains one of the only states in the nation to do so. This proactive approach to water management ensures that any new developments have access to water for generations to come.
Chris Camacho serves as president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, one of the longeststanding public-private partnerships for economic development across the country. As chief executive, Camacho leads the development and execution of the region’s strategic economic strategy, oversees domestic and international business development, and ensures the market position remains competitive through coordination with partner organizations, private-sector leaders, and municipal and state leadership.
In October 2021, Camacho led GPEC to being recognized as the top economic development organization globally by the International Economic Development Council a year after being named the top EDO in the U.S. in 2020.
This commitment to transparency and resiliency in water management is vital for semiconductor manufacturers. Companies like Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company chose to grow in Greater Phoenix because it provides a strategic location, stable energy grid and skilled workforce, but these location decisions also rely on the availability and reliability of water. Arizona’s commitment to resilient water management and transparency in long-term planning gives companies confidence in the region’s future.
Part of this commitment includes constant reporting, adjustment and augmentation of water resources across the state. A recent analysis indicated that groundwater demands in the market could exceed groundwater supplies by 4% over the next century. This alert has enabled the market to initiate a timely response that will address any potential water concerns. The City of Phoenix has already begun design on a cutting-edge water recycling facility that will produce nearly 70,000 acre-feet of water annually by 2030, surpassing the projected 4% groundwater shortfall.
Furthermore, proposals to increase surface water storage on the Verde River are expected to yield up to 115,000 acrefeet annually of renewable water supplies. These efforts, along with substantial investments in water conservation, augmentation and reuse measures, demonstrate Arizona’s commitment to securing its water future. Arizona has invested more than $1.2 billion in water-related initiatives, and an additional $1 billion of federal investment is being used to restore Colorado River reservoirs as part of a historic agreement between Arizona, California and Nevada.
Collaboration and partnerships have played a crucial role in Arizona’s water management efforts. The Arizona Department of Water Resources, Central Arizona Project and various water utilities work together to develop and implement sustainable water policies, which address the future needs of residents and industry alike. The Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan exemplifies this commitment, working with neighboring states to ensure the long-term viability of this vital water source.
Collaboration extends into the private sector as well. Intel first returned and restored more than 100% of its Arizona freshwater use in 2021 through water management practices,
reaching its net positive water use goal nine years early. The company recently earned Platinum certification from the Alliance for Water Stewardship for water practices at the Ocotillo campus in Chandler, Arizona, which treats up to 9.1 million gallons of water per day in a 12-acre on-site reclamation facility. TSMC, the leading semiconductor manufacturer globally, made the decision to invest $40 billion in its Arizona operations, representing one of the largest foreign direct investments in U.S. history. TSMC plans to build an industrial water reclamation plant, aiming for “near-zero liquid discharge,” effectively reusing nearly every drop of water.
Water conservation and efficiency have been central to Arizona’s success. In 2022, the state was ranked third in the nation for water conservation, efficiency and sustainability policies. Despite adding 6 million people and multiplying economic output 17 times since the 1950s, water use statewide remains roughly the same. More than 89% of water entering the Greater Phoenix waste stream is reclaimed and treated for potable use.
To ensure a sustainable water future, Arizona has also prioritized water research and technology development. Its universities and research institutions are actively engaged in studying water scarcity, water quality and water treatment technologies. This commitment to research and innovation has led to the development of advanced water purification methods, such as desalination and advanced filtration techniques, which can help expand water supply options.
The future of water in Greater Phoenix is promising. Through proactive and innovative water management strategies, the region is securing a sustainable water supply. Our investments in water conservation, recycling and research are paying off, ensuring Arizona can meet the water needs of its growing population and industries, including the booming semiconductor hub. With a commitment to long-term planning, transparency and collaboration, Greater Phoenix will continue to thrive while responsibly managing its water resources for generations to come.
Intel returned and restored more than 100% of its Arizona freshwater use in 2022 through water management practices and project investments, reaching its net positive water use goal eight years early.
Bold and exciting advancements are happening in the Grand Canyon state. Cuttingedge companies are launching, testing and scaling new technologies in Arizona. Our culture of innovation, highly skilled talent, lean regulatory environment, and aff ordable operating costs provide an ideal platform for business growth and success. The state has announced investment from industry leaders including Blue Origin, LG Energy Solution, Sion Power, Benchmark, TSMC, JA Solar and more. Ranked top fi ve for fastest growing state, it’s clear why people are flocking here. Beyond being a place where you can achieve your professional goals, Arizona provides an unmatched lifestyle that allows you to achieve your personal goals. It’s this perfect balance that makes life better here.
Covering an impressive expanse of 120,000 square feet, Yield Engineering Systems (YES), a leading provider of technology solutions and process equipment for the semiconductor industry, built a new advanced technology center in Chandler, Arizona, known as the YES Advanced Technology Center, to serve as a platform for best-in-class manufacturing of complex products, validate equipment efficiency and stimulate collaborative innovation.
The strategic decision to locate the YATC in Chandler was influenced by Arizona’s wellestablished semiconductor ecosystem and supportive agencies, which seamlessly aligned with YES’s commitment to the integrated circuit (IC) substrate market and technological advancement.
With dedicated 50,000-square-foot manufacturing space, 10,000-square-foot cleanroom manufacturing spaces and spacious offices, YES’s $25 million investment in the facility was to ensure it was a center of excellence that will strengthen the semiconductor industry in Arizona and the entire U.S. semiconductor ecosystem. —Stephanie Quinn yieldengineering.com
ON THE
Greg Hare, an esteemed commercial and business executive, was recently appointed vice president of business development at CollabraTech Solutions, where he plans on leveraging his expertise in P&L management, marketing, business expansion and global sales.
Hare’s 34-year career includes general manager at Mega and director of process materials sales at Versum Materials, where he honed his skills for strategic finesse, adaptability through mergers, relationship-building and exceptional leadership.
Hare’s educational background includes a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Business conferred by the University of Idaho. —Stephanie Quinn collabratech.com
Semiconductors are not foreign to Arizona, as chip manufacturers have been established here since the 1940s, the dawn of the first transistor. However, the industry’s current growth in the Silicon Desert is unprecedented. According to The New York Times, Arizona has more than 115 chip-related companies, including WGNSTAR, and the state has led the nation in chip investment since 2020.
An economic benefit from this growth is the addition of thousands of new jobs in the state. Many skill sets will be required to support the expanded production capacity, from manufacturing technicians to electrical engineers.
Unfortunately, Arizona does not currently have enough skilled labor to allow this growth to come to fruition. According to a Deloitte report, the industry will require more than 100,000 new skilled workers per year until 2030, but science, technology, engineering and math enrollment in universities across the U.S. cannot support this. In fact, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company intended to start productivity of its new fab in north Phoenix in early 2024, but the need for more skilled labor has pushed the start date to 2025. TSMC is just one of many semiconductor companies suffering from the lack of a talent pipeline, and the need for skilled employees is not expected to slow down.
Fortunately, though lack of STEM enrollment is undoubtedly a problem, not all skilled talent in the semiconductor industry requires a four-year university degree or higher. While there are many positions for which a university education is necessary to do the job, there are an equal if not greater number of positions for which this may not be the case. Colleges throughout the Valley are making great strides by providing secondary education courses to those interested in the field. Maricopa County College offers a 10-day accelerated Semiconductor Technician Quick Start program for less than $300, while Arizona State University in Tempe provides a Certificate in Semiconductor Processing that requires the completion of just five college courses.
While this is an excellent start to finding a solution to the staffing problem, more is needed throughout the Valley. To address the issue, semiconductor companies need to put plans in place immediately to accelerate recruitment numbers today and into the future of the next generation of semiconductor professionals.
One of WGNSTAR’s initiatives is to focus on engagement with community colleges, local
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universities, and trade schools to promote industry awareness, provide insight into various alternative career paths, and assist with curriculum development for technical programs. Through these academic collaborations, WGNSTAR looks to provide early opportunities for students interested in the semiconductor industry and assist them with building technician skills.
In addition to university efforts, the industry remains dedicated to supporting service members in transition. Veterans bring established skills like safety standards and stress tolerance from their military careers to semiconductors. Current initiatives, including SEMI’s VetWorks program and the U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, connect semiconductor companies with transitioning military personnel, offering them the opportunity to further their career upon discharge.
In Arizona, WGNSTAR has made significant strides in engaging with transitioning service members and the military community. Nearly 15% of WGNSTAR’s Arizona-based semiconductor industry employees served in the armed forces, and more than 14% of all new hires nationally in 2022 were veterans. WGNSTAR was honored with the Gold HireVets Medallion Award by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2022 for its commitment to hiring military veterans.
Like others, WGNSTAR has taken the challenge to find creative solutions to the talent shortages in the industry. It addresses this critical need through strategic partnerships, diverse talentsourcing initiatives and industry council involvement. WGNSTAR is optimistic about Arizona’s semiconductor future, emphasizing that industry collaboration is vital to filling the talent pipeline and pushing semiconductor productivity to the next level. —Jeannie Jesson, HR director at WGNSTAR (wgnstar.com/usa), a leading semiconductor industry workforce solutions partner
“The process of creating great tequila is not an easy one,” relates Brian Raab, president and partner of Tequila Corrido. “As one of only a few tequilas with no additives, our refined, double-distilled approach and precise barrel-aging process ensure each batch is meticulously crafted every time. We take pride in our distilling process because we know that our consumers deserve only the best tequila with the best taste.”
The ballad of Tequila Corrido began several years before local restaurateur Brian Raab took on a vital role in the company. Corridos, typically a traditional Mexican-style ballad that narrates an event, are all about storytelling.
“Our product is meant to be shared, offering people a way to experience life together,” says Brian Raab, president and partner of Tequila Corrido. “We created a taste unparalleled in the spirits world.”
Raab is no stranger to the hospitality industry in Phoenix. The CEO and founder of The Mission and Fat OX, Raab credits himself as a Life Coach at Tequila Corrido. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Tequila Corrido came to Raab’s attention through his friend and founder of the brand, Brad Hoover. After Hoover unexpectedly passed away in 2010, the brand became stagnant for a couple of years.
“I’ve always loved what Tequila Corrido stood for. I knew we had a challenge at the start — essentially bringing it back to life,” says Raab. “It’s not often in business that you get a second dance.”
Taking over meant finding a team that would support his ideas and the Tequila Corrido mission. He started by calling on his friend of 10 years, Tony Boyle. The local Phoenician was working in Mexico around this time, lending his biotech expertise at the request of the Mexican government. Since 2010, Boyle had been tasked with helping find solutions to the waste that the tequila industry was producing, which was wreaking havoc on the country’s land. He had been working side by side with many of the best and biggest tequila brands in the industry, learning the trade and craft for more than five years.
“I found my passion in the agave,” says Boyle, current COO of Tequila Corrido. “When Brian called me, I told him to come to Mexico and he jumped on a plane. We both realized pretty quickly we had similar ideas and wanted to be part of the tequila industry.”
With Boyle on board, Raab discovered old notes from Hoover about a well-known master distiller in Mexico who was respected for her knowledge of the agave and her nononsense approach to negotiating. Her name was Ana María Romero. Boyle found her in Guadalajara and visited her.
“Ana María is a force,” said Raab. “She is very well-known in the industry. I would put her up against any other distiller out there. When she said yes to working with us, we knew we were embarking on something special.”
In 2018, Tequila Corrido launched with a fresh look and a new taste that took them to the next level, with nearly everything sourced straight from Mexico. In 2019, Raab and Boyle met with well-known Arizona entrepreneur and philanthropist Mike Watts. The duo spoke to Watts about what they were doing — relaying the message about an agave that
Spirits are having a moment — leading the growth in recent consumer studies. Tequila sales, which rose 7.3% in 2022, are up nearly 6% so far this year, according to NielsenIQ.
brings people together. Watts signed on and Tequila Corrido had its team.
“Then 2020 happened,” Raab relates. “A pivotal year for every business in the world. The pandemic hurt a lot of industries. We went through similar challenges with shortages of product and limited resources. But sales continued to steadily increase.”
Over the last three years, Tequila Corrido has expanded its footprint as demand continues to soar for premium top-tier alcohol. The additive-free spirit launched in Tennessee, Las Vegas, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado. In 2022, the company inked a distribution deal with Republic National Distributing Company of Arizona — the prominent North American distributor of fine wines and spirits.
“Tequila is a booming industry, and in just a few short years we have seen a 150% increase in where you can get our product in just Arizona alone,” says Raab.
Even with the success, Raab says it’s important to stay true to the authenticity of the product. The spirit, barrel-aged in its distillery located in Arandas Jalisco and available in three expressions, Tequila Corrido Blanco, Tequila Corrido Reposado and Tequila Corrido Añejo, plans to launch additional products in the future.
“With every harvest, Tequila Corrido pays homage to the tequila-making traditions and stories behind its evolution. In every bottle, Tequila Corrido captures the attention to detail, commitment to excellence and pursuit of enjoyment in all aspects of life,” says Raab.
And long after the music stops, Tequila Corrido continues to connect people and their stories.
Tequila Corrido ilovetequilacorrido.com
According to Arizona’s Department of Health services, more than 2,000 Arizonans lost their lives to opioid overdoses in 2021 and there were more than 52,000 opioid-related emergency department visits. Aiming to help address this, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Betsy Serrano recently opened Cora Health Solutions in the Arcadia/Biltmore area.
With family roots deep in the Metropolitan Phoenix area, Serrano says, “I know this town inside and out. … Human trafficking and drug trafficking remain at an all-time high with narcotics like fentanyl and methamphetamine infiltrating our Arizona communities and beyond. We need to support our communities and help those who need to escape this drug pandemic.”
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has required clinicians who want to prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder to undergo a training and registration process. Education and training are certified through Provider Clinical Support System sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; it is a national and clinical mentoring project developed in response to the prescription opioid misuse epidemic and the availability of pharmacotherapies to treat opioid use disorder.
In 2019, the required twenty-five-hours training Serrano had completed to treat opioid addiction was replaced by an eight-hour program simply because there were not enough practitioners trained to treat it.
Serrano has extensive training in Opioid Use Disorder and Treatment Resistant Depression — two of the most difficult issues to treat. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arizona State University and continued her education, receiving her Master of Science in Nursing. She has worked in almost every department in the hospital, and quickly discovered behavioral health to be her passion. As a psychiatric mental health NP, she treats all outpatient mental health issues throughout a person’s lifespan — including anxiety, addiction, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and depression, (including Treatment Resistant Depression) and more — and is a Spravato treatment specialist. —Mike
Hunter Cora Health Solutions corahealthsolutions.comAddressing mental wellness in the workplace has never been more crucial. With workers still burned out from pandemic workloads, it’s essential for employers to understand employee mental health needs.
A key part of that is understanding the differences between how the generations in today’s workforce view mental health and utilize mental wellness benefits, which a new study has found are significant.
Fully 73% of Generation Z employees and 74% of millennial employees have utilized mental health benefits offered by their employers, while 58% of Generation X employees and 49% of baby boomer employees have used the benefits.
Additionally, while 65% of Generation Z and 60% of millennial workers say it’s “very important” for their employers to provide mental wellness benefits, just 49% of Generation X and 45% of baby boomer workers say the same.
These are two key findings from a study — “Mental Health Benefits: Barriers to Access” (bit.ly/securian-wellness-barriers) — my company conducted exploring barriers and perceived stigmas that prevent employees from seeking and using workplace mental wellness benefits. We surveyed 2,500 employees of American organizations between August 30 and September 9, 2022. Survey respondents reflected the age distribution of the current workforce and the mix of ethnicities in the general population.
The study found that the four generations in today’s workforce approach the topic of mental health from different perspectives and experiences.
Generation Z, the youngest generation still early in their careers or just entering the workforce, expect access to mental health services and any historical barriers to access to be fixed already. Leveraging mental wellness resources is normalized for this generation.
“I found out about [mental wellness benefits] through the interview when [the employer] mentioned it to me, and the offering was very positive, which made it very intriguing and made the decision to try it way easier,” said a Generation Z survey participant.
Millennials were raised to believe mental health challenges are problematic but fixable. They’re inclined to have the attitude of rolling up their sleeves and getting to work.
“I think having or using mental health resources should be allowed on all fronts. Different people require different methods. An online or offline method [through work] should be available to anyone, depending on their need,” said a millennial survey participant.
Generation X recognizes access to mental health services can be problematic but just tries to get through it.
“There are only about five elderly [mental wellness] counselors [available to me through work]. There needs to be a better choice in providers,” said a Generation X survey participant.
Baby boomers, the oldest generation with representation still in the workforce, were taught to tough it out and not talk about mental health challenges.
“I was raised in a family where we don’t share what we are thinking, and we just move on. It’s a hard concept to change in your later years,” said a baby boomer survey participant.
While mental wellness benefits are crucial for every generation, because these benefits are expected from Gen Z and millennials, employers should recognize that to attract and retain young talent, they must provide easily accessible mental wellness resources.
Interestingly, though, the study found that most employers today do not offer some of the most popular and utilized mental health benefits. The survey found that, while only a little more than one-third of employers offer mental health days off, many employees — particularly Gen Z employees — say it is the most important mental wellness benefit.
Employers should explore which mental wellness benefits are expected from their employees and consider expanding the variety of benefits if there is a disconnect between what they offer and what employees want.
This just scratches the surface of what our survey found. What’s crystal clear is that mental wellness resources, especially among younger generations in the workforce, are now tablestakes employee benefits. It’s a new era, and the traditional benefits those of us who are Generation Xers and baby boomers are accustomed to are no longer enough. —Darin Reeser, a regional director for Securian Financial (www.securian.com), a leading provider of group life and supplemental health benefits
Healthcare is the third-best sector to invest in, based on average returns (13.4% from 2010 to 2022), according to a new study conducted by InvestinGoal.com that analysed the consistency, reliability and average returns of all sectors that the companies within the S&P 500 index are divided into. investingoal.com
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
While business leaders acknowledge digitization’s merits, it’s often a reality for large firms and a distant dream for SMEs. This is due to limited finances and investment fears, especially in uncertain times. However, digitization doesn’t need hefty outlays to yield substantial results — it’s all about knowing the starting point.
A crucial player in this journey is the digitization leader — an individual to bridge the gap between the company’s technology, employees and decisionmakers. The role extends beyond simply integrating technology into the business; it involves creating a synergy between people, processes and technology to drive meaningful changes.
A robust digital strategy and a detailed action plan is critical. It’s important to remember that the digital maturity levels of all SMEs differ; hence, there is no single blueprint for success. Nonetheless, a well-devised plan enables companies to establish and prioritize their objectives. This indispensable planning phase uncovers the ‘low-hanging fruit’ that offers a swift return on investment and provides the initial momentum to the digitization journey.
For SMEs, the most popular digitization strategies involve cloud-based tools and services, like data analytics, archiving, artificial intelligence, text and voice recognition, and more. The flexibility, scalability and cost-effectiveness offered by cloud computing are particularly beneficial for SMEs, enabling them to compete with larger counterparts and maintain operational efficiency even with limited resources.
One of the critical steps in this journey is exploring and evaluating digital tools. While it may seem daunting due to the perceived high initial investment, numerous cost-effective options are available. Public cloud solutions like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure, offer many features to test without a significant initial investment.
It’s important to keep in mind that digitization is not an overnight process but a continuous evolution. Adequate time and attention must be given to each step, ensuring everyone familiarizes themselves with new tools and systems. —Vitalis Kavaliauskas, chief technology officer at Baltic Amadeus (www.ba.lt/en/), a software development and IT consulting company
Technology is impacting the lives of Americans in new and different ways, and older adults are no exception. About 75% of adults 65 and older are internet users, up from just 19% in 2000, and more than half of people 65 and older (61%) are now smartphone owners, according to a 2022 study from the Pew Research Center.
Senior living communities across the country are finding new ways to incorporate technology into their communities and into the daily lives of their residents. Revel Communities, a division of Scottsdale-based The Wolff Company, is a portfolio of 13 independent living communities across the Western U.S. Revel is getting creative with the installation and implementation of tech for residents and its own team members.
Revel has incorporated consumer technology amenities, like Facebook Portal TVs, into its communities. Facebook Portal TVs act as video calling hubs with built-in Amazon Alexa capabilities. This device allowed Revel to connect two WW11 veterans at different communities for a special reunion.
Two Revel communities, in Reno and Las Vegas, offer Caspar AI, which is a smart home automation program that allows residents to operate their blinds, temperature and just about everything else in their apartments using voice commands.
Revel has also installed Mirror Fitness Displays, sold by wellness giant Lululemon, in every Fitness and Movement Studio across its 13 communities. It converts from simple reflective glass to an interactive smart gym. The Mirror Fitness Display streams live and on-demand workouts in a sleek, interactive display that allows residents to see themselves and an instructor. Residents can do yoga, stretching, meditation and a variety of other classes, streamed from the Mirror studio in New York City. The Mirror has been a great option for residents to do a solo workout class, in addition to the many group classes they participate in at the community.
The most impactful technology that Revel has implemented is Cubigo, an app that is used by residents, their families, community team members and corporate staff. Users access Cubigo on their personal devices, where they can see community-related content including news about upcoming events, restaurant and bar specials and performances. The platform can also inform the residents of routine maintenance and other community updates.
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Cubigo has energized the events calendar because residents can look at all activities, read their descriptions, and then RSVP or cancel online. Mark Schulz, executive director at Revel Rancharrah in Reno, Nevada, has embraced Cubigo in his community. “Cubigo allows our residents to connect in a way that wasn’t possible when we relied on printed calendars and newsletters. This is real-time information about the community literally at their fingertips.”
Revel Communities corporate staff has embraced Cubigo as a way to communicate with team members on the ground. Revel no longer creates a traditional multi-page team-member newsletter. Rather, they divvy that same content into bite-size pieces that are posted weekly. This has made engaging with that content easier for team members when they can view it in a free moment on their phone.
Cubigo also creates a streamlined way to share brand-wide initiatives with all Revel residents. Promotions, special events or highlights of brand offerings can be sent out through Cubigo to appear on all users’ smartphones along with digital screens in the community.
This technology has increased participation in events, provided valuable feedback to the organization, and created a greater sense of community across Revel’s portfolio. Schulz is proud of the growth he’s seen within his community. “Our residents have been so excited to try Cubigo, embrace new technology, and continue to learn new things that make communication easier and more enjoyable.” —Ginni Ryan, senior vice president of Revel Communities (www.revelcommunities.com), a growing portfolio of dynamic independent living communities with best-in-class amenities and services spanning across the Western U.S.
IT is the best sector to invest in, based on average returns (18.1% from 2010 to 2022), according to a new study conducted by InvestinGoal.com that analysed the consistency, reliability and average returns of all sectors that the companies within the S&P 500 index are divided into. investingoal.com
Finding opportunities to lower expenses is part of running a business. So is keeping your business comfortable for your customers and employees. With the SRP Bring Your own Thermostat Program™ (BYOT), you can do both with ease. When you enroll in BYOT, you can receive energy-saving smart thermostats for free and get paid for each one you install. You can even use the smart features of your thermostat to monitor energy usage and monthly savings. BYOT doesn’t just help your business, it also helps keep Arizona’s grid reliable by automatically adjusting thermostats during a few conservation events a year.
Find out more about the benefits of SRP’s BYOT program at srp.net/bizbyot.
Leadership styles vary with the unique personality of the individual, and each may also have different criteria for gauging what constitutes “success.” However, to co-opt the famous quote from Justice Potter Stewart, we know it when we see it. And we see it abundantly in the stories on the pages that follow.
Equity, however, is a more difficult concept. Are we talking about equity of opportunity, or equity of outcome? Because the two are not the same, and how they are measured is not the same – and the strategies to achieve it are not the same. Melding the two is, then, a further challenge.
We recognize the strengths women bring to the business world, which are proven in studies of businesses’ success in all segments of the economy. We have many strong and talented women in our community who may eschew the spotlight for themselves to shine it instead on their team or their cause, and we at In Business Magazine are pleased to turn that spotlight on them as we celebrate the success of women in business in our community.
This issue presents our 2023 Women of Achievement — 14 women who have each proven her involvement in our business community and her connection to doing good for our community while demonstrating leadership in achieving success in business. Bringing their diverse backgrounds and strengths, they help bind and support the greater community, attesting to the collective achievement of women in business.
To honor and celebrate these women, we present on the following pages profiles of our honorees, in which they share their stories in their own words so that we can get to know them. And they will share the spotlight at our Women of Achievement luncheon event on Oct. 26, when we will come together to celebrate them. We also honor Governor Katie Hobbs with our inaugural Arizona Leader Award.
Please meet our 2023 Women of Achievement. —RaeAnne
Marsh, Editor, In Business
Magazine
Recognizing and uplifting progress is a great way to encourage growth and prosperity. Good work should be celebrated and those behind the efforts deserve to be honored for their contributions. Especially in the business community, where innovation and drive are critical to success, it’s important to recognize those who are contributing to moving our state forward.
Arizona is quickly becoming the gateway to America’s economy, with more and more businesses, both large and small, coming to the state. Many of them are doing cutting-edge, revolutionary work that should be replicated nationwide. By elevating the people and voices of these companies, we are setting an example for others to follow.
Honoring achievement helps bring attention to the things that make us stronger and set the path forward for an accessible and inclusive economy. There are so many business leaders exemplifying how to create an Arizona for everyone, and they deserve recognition.
I have learned that there will always be naysayers and people who want to see me fail; more importantly, I’ve learned not to let them get to me — something much easier said than done. By centering myself around my values and the reasons I chose leadership in the first place, I’m able to stay focused on my mission, continue to deliver for Arizonans and tune out the distractions.
I’m proud to be the fifth woman governor of Arizona. I’m also proud that more than half my senior staff are women. I wouldn’t be able to do this work without them. But we need to bring more women into leadership positions, and we need to do this through intentional mentorship. By giving women a seat at the table now, we can ensure an equitable future for younger generations.
But just having a seat at the table isn’t enough. Young people and women need to be active participants in the overall operations of a team. That means trusting them to oversee departments, empowering them to execute plans, and taking their opinions seriously when evaluating current and future decisions.
Having a wide array of perspectives is a strength and will help improve operations and productivity. When we truly listen and trust people, we make a better future for all of us.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? The Center for Progressive Leadership’s Leadership Fellows Program
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Fearless
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Focus
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?
Collaboration
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Continuing our economic growth — and to do that, we must take common sense steps to secure our water future, build more affordable housing and invest in building a world-class workforce.
I’m a lifelong Arizonan, social worker and public servant. Beginning as a volunteer at my church and continuing as a social worker and chief compliance officer at one of the largest domestic violence centers in the U.S., my life’s focus has been to help others to gain security, to be heard and to create better lives — and it’s been my honor to have been recognized with dozens of awards for my service.
With more than a decade in government, I spent eight years in the Arizona Legislature, including two terms as senate minority leader. As Arizona’s secretary of state, I forcefully defended the votes and voices of every single Arizonan. Now, I’m proud to serve all Arizonans as governor. I’ve used my first eight months to move the needle forward on some of our biggest challenges and I will continue bringing people together to build an Arizona for everyone.
I bring people together to get things done and give a voice to those who haven’t always been heard by people in power.
Honoring achievement is a reflection of recognizing dedication, hard work and innovation. This celebration fosters a culture of excellence, pushing individuals to strive beyond their limits. When a community embraces this ethos, leaders emerge, channeling competitive spirits that propel progress and magnetize distinct talents.
Toni Morrison said, “You are your best thing.” This truth underlines the imperative that, as leaders, we must perpetually inspire, crafting a narrative of growth and painting our collective future with the strokes of success.
Neglecting to honor the achievements of others can inadvertently dim their fire, potentially stunting their growth and ambitions. Yet, in those whispered praises and roaring accolades alike, lies an undeniable truth: In every commendation, we breathe life into dreams and fan the flames of human potential.
Embracing defeat can feel like embracing fire — painful, searing and intensely uncomfortable. You’re often advised to “move on,” “tomorrow is another day.” Well, I’m living in today and today kinda sucks. Defeat is the worst, but so is wasted potential. So, while you sit in your moments of self-pity (we are allowed those), let it fuel you. Plot your comeback right there, amidst your setbacks. I realized that my best, most groundbreaking ideas often emerge from the ashes of failure. I’ve had my share and will experience more, but each chapter contributed to my evolving narrative.
While wisdom from peers and mentors is precious, your life is your masterpiece, and you hold the brush. You can solicit advice from your most trusted mentors (it’s encouraged), but the final stroke — the defining stroke — comes from you. Trusting yourself isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity. You are the artist of your own destiny, and each setback is just another hue in your palette.
In this age, young people and women of all ages navigate an ocean often clouded by external judgments. The truth is stark: You won’t be everyone’s favorite, and that’s perfectly alright. What matters is not the chorus of voices on platforms like social media, which can amplify both praise and criticism to extreme volumes, but the steady, guiding inner voice that reminds you of your worth.
To genuinely uplift our youth and women, we must emphasize the power of self-worth over the fleetingness of likes and shares. In a world constantly shouting, teach them the value of listening to themselves. The real journey isn’t about winning the world but standing firm amidst its ebb and flow, knowing deeply who you are and where you’re headed.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? EQ Certification
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Faith
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Present
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Empathy
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? The lack of resources for our serious mentally ill and other vulnerable homeless individuals.
A little over 10 years ago, my family and I founded Senior Placement Services, an assistance program in Phoenix that provided housing resources to vulnerable veterans and homeless individuals. This was where we started our work in public service. Fast forward to now, we work closely together to run Trinity Integrated Care and Moses Behavioral Care, which are a group of community-based behavioral health facilities offering 24-hour, long-term care for the seriously mentally ill (SMI) population.
These efforts are motiva ted by my family’s promise to uphold mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including providing services to the community while offering integrated care and treatment for those who otherwise cannot live independently.
I inspire through empathy, fostering growth by embracing diverse journeys without judgment, recognizing the potential within each unique path.
Honoring achievements is crucial as it sets a precedent for recognizing hard work, dedication and excellence. When accomplishments are celebrated, they become a tangible model for younger generations to emulate, showcasing the rewards of perseverance and commitment. This not only imparts valuable life lessons but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
The impact of honoring achievements has a profound impact on the business community. By acknowledging individuals or teams that have excelled, we send a message that their contributions matter, and this encourages others to strive for similar levels of success. This ripple effect fuels growth and innovation. When members witness their peers being recognized, it ignites a sense of shared purpose and responsibility, compelling them to take action and contribute positively. Ultimately, this cultivates a sense of unity and reinforces the belief that collective efforts lead to collective success.
The most pivotal lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t navigate the journey alone. No matter how talented or determined you may be, the road to success is best traveled with a supportive team by your side. The insight, perspectives and relationships that a diverse team brings are invaluable to illuminate blind spots and unveil opportunities that you can’t generate on your own.
As a solopreneur, I initially believed I could single-handedly steer my path. However, as I gradually built a team of colleagues, consultants and mentors, my impact on both the industry and community soared. Collaborative efforts led to innovative solutions, enhanced creativity and a richer network.
The concept of a “team” transcends the traditional sense of employees, partners and vendors — it encompasses friends, loved ones and coaches who provide invaluable encouragement and guidance. I’ve witnessed how these collective efforts amplify success.
To make a tangible difference for young people and women in Arizona, a strategic focus on developing critical thinking skills is essential. It begins with integrating critical thinking into the educational framework to equip youth with the tools to analyze, question and innovate.
As well, mentorship opportunities hold great potential for cultivating critical thinking. Seasoned leaders can play a pivotal role by guiding and empowering young minds to think critically through engaging conversations and real-world problem-solving challenges.
Additionally, promoting equal opportunities across Arizona’s various sectors is pivotal. For women, this includes actively encouraging participation in fields historically dominated by men. It allows us to break down barriers and demonstrate that critical thinking isn’t defined by gender and serves as powerful inspiration.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Active member of Vistage, an executive coaching organization with peer advisory board
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Tenacious
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Active listening
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Writing
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Economic and political collaboration is vital for Arizona’s progress, and embracing diverse perspectives can help us find common ground.
As founder and CEO of Aker Ink PR & Marketing, Andrea Aker is known for her perseverance, honesty and results-driven approach. Lauded for her mastery of messaging and knack for resolving complex communication challenges, she helps companies of all sizes break into new markets and achieve exponential growth. A community mainstay, Aker currently serves on the board of directors of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and the Arizona Innovation Marketing Association. She has a B.A. in journalism from the University of Arizona and an MMC from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.
I aspire to be a purposedriven leader whose dedication to mentoring encourages others to take personal responsibility for ushering in the next generation of innovators.
When we celebrate each other in community, it allows for two things to happen: that we might see ourselves as others see us and that we might see a little of ourselves in others.
Access to leadership has often been restricted to those who are able to self-identify as leaders. By opening up opportunities for more people to self-identify as such, we can diversify and strengthen our leadership pool and positively impact the community in myriad ways.
This is particularly powerful when we expand our definition of “achievement” to include consideration of the community as a critical stakeholder. When we honor and celebrate those leaders who are thinking beyond individual achievement and toward positive, progressive community impact, then we all benefit.
I think a social construct exists within which women sometimes feel a pressure to prioritize and uplift others’ needs, feelings and skills over their own. That can make it challenging to lead with confidence and authority.
Something that really helped build my confidence was some advice from my father that I received when I began my career in a male-dominated industry in London, “If you don’t understand something, or if something doesn’t seem right to you, ask for clarification. Then ask again if necessary. If it still doesn’t make sense, then one of two things is likely: The other person doesn’t fully understand what they are trying to communicate, or they are being deliberately evasive.” In either case, you are better, and capable of, finding an alternative solution.”
I hope that, by practicing this myself and sharing the perspective with others, I can help others recognize their own self-efficacy and their power to effect positive impact and influence in their community.
We must protect and promote public education as the cornerstone of a thriving and dynamic democracy within which we can disagree with radical candor while respecting others’ perspectives, even seeing differences as an opportunity to edit and refine our own ideas.
To do this, we must ensure that a high-quality education is accessible to all students, with a particular focus on the importance of third-grade reading as a foundation for equity and social justice. Only when resources are equally distributed will all children have the opportunity for self-actualization that my privilege afforded me.
Young people must be empowered and encouraged to use their voice to advocate for themselves and their communities. It is then incumbent on us, as leaders of privilege, to give space, listen and adapt.
Last, but not least, we can model kindness, courage and curiosity through our own actions and reactions.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Arizona Education Foundation: One World Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for nonprofits
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Tenacity
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Clarity
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Persuasiveness
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Public schools have become a reflection of, and a battleground for, public division as opposed to being supported and resourced as an effective social foundation and public good.
Originally from England, Sophie Allen-Etchart began her career in business before moving to Peru to manage an international team working on a comprehension curriculum designed to complement the national schooling system. In Phoenix, Allen-Etchart spent two years managing Junior Achievement programs — and noticed that many of the students being served lacked foundational reading skills. Allen-Etchart founded Read Better Be Better just after the “Move on When Reading” law was passed. To date, the program has connected more than 13,000 children to inspire a love of literacy and learning. In 2017, Allen-Etchart was recognized as one of Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.
I have the courage and confidence to actively address issues that I passionately care about.
Acknowledging and celebrating accomplishments, especially for underrepresented leaders, boosts individual morale and plays a vital role empowering all leaders to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. Post-COVID, we need to continue to inspire and recognize achievements for those in our fast-paced and competitive nonprofit and business environment.
The nonprofit sector plays an important role in supporting the community and the business community provides generous support for our nonprofits and community. Both are focused on addressing and investing in solutions for key issues facing our community, including housing/homelessness, health and education. Without us working together, the issues we face today would be significantly greater. Through achievement, recognition and collaboration, we can all support the community in a more powerful way, making Arizona a great place to work, live and play for all.
When I was younger, I thought strong leaders showed strength by knowing everything and driving all positive business results. Today, I know that people are inspired by leaders who are humble and are secure enough to ask for help. Leadership is hard and sometimes looks unattainable, so it is our responsibility to show others, especially other women and girls, that if you work hard and build authentic relationships, you can be successful.
Leadership comes in all forms and is developed through lived experiences. My number one piece of advice I provide all women and girls whom I mentor is that if you are not doing something that makes you uncomfortable every day, you are not growing as a person or a leader. Challenge yourself to grow and expand as a leader and look back at those who have helped you grow and thank them. They will appreciate the recognition. Through these ongoing communications and relationships, you will maintain strong authentic relationships that will be meaningful for both of you well into the future.
Leading the Girl Scouts of the USA, I learned very quickly that there is no minimum age for leadership. Anyone who is passionate about an issue and wants to make the world a better place can dedicate their time and talents to accomplish these goals. I also learned that girls are watching all of us to decipher the secrets of leadership, so it’s important that we emulate the qualities that we want to pass on to the next generation — courage, accountability, empathy and passion to serve other people.
I am a very active mentor to many women and girls and appreciate the opportunity to provide wisdom from the lessons I have learned throughout my career. There is nothing more rewarding than to see a young woman I have mentored become successful and happy in a leadership role. The most valuable gift I can give them is the gift of time and attention to their needs on their journey.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Web3 — the future iteration of the internet based on decentralization and blockchain.
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Resilience
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Communication
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Legal background
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Homelessness and housing
Anna María Chávez brings 25 years of experience in education, government, technology and nonprofit organizational leadership to her role as president and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation. Born and raised in the small town of Eloy, Arizona, to Mexican American parents, she learned at an early age the importance of being a leader in her local community. Her desire to transform the world through servant leadership led her to Yale University, before pursuing a juris doctorate at the University of Arizona.
Chávez held numerous posts in President Bill Clinton’s administration and later returned to Arizona to serve governors Jane Hull and Janet Napolitano. Her success led to her appointment as the CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA and CEO of the National School Boards Association. In 2016, she was recognized as one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders by Fortune magazine and in 2021 was named one of the top 50 over 50 Women Leaders by Forbes magazine.
I am committed and motivated by the success of our team, and I have a deep sense of purpose to create positive changes in our community.
Honoring achievements is vital as it acknowledges dedication and innovation, fostering a culture of recognition and motivation. Recognizing milestones and efforts encourages a growth mindset within our business community in Arizona.
Celebrating accomplishments cultivates a sense of belonging, driving others to strive for excellence. It sets a positive precedent, promoting healthy competition and collaborative learning, ultimately leading to increased productivity and innovation. When achievements are celebrated, individuals feel valued and appreciated, leading to higher levels of performance.
On a larger scale, honoring achievements bolsters Arizona’s business ecosystem. It showcases the region as a hub for talent and forward-thinking enterprises, attracting investment and fostering a reputation for excellence. As success stories emerge, they inspire others to pursue their aspirations, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape that benefits both local and global economies.
The most crucial lesson from my career is that believing in myself and my purpose forms the bedrock of success. Hard work and determination are vital, but without self-confidence, their impact is limited. Embracing a growth mindset amplifies this belief, propelling one to view challenges as steppingstones, not barriers.
Equally important is building a supportive community. I have always surrounded myself with mentors, collaborators and cheerleaders in order to foster resilience and shared learning. The synergy within a community fuels motivation and creativity, magnifying the results of my individual efforts.
These principles have been my guiding stars. Self-belief fuels the engine of hard work while community sustains it. The combination propels growth. I urge others to cultivate these traits as they navigate their paths. My journey underscores that success is an ensemble effort, harmonizing belief, hard work, community and a growth-oriented outlook.
To positively impact young people in Arizona, we can take immediate action through several avenues. First, investing in inclusive educational opportunities, beginning with early childhood initiatives, sets the foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.
Second, establishing comprehensive career pathways from early high school years equips youth with relevant skills, preparing them for diverse job opportunities and fostering economic empowerment.
Third, creating an inclusive pipeline ensures underrepresented youth have equitable access to resources, breaking down barriers and cultivating diversity across industries.
Fourth, nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit and connecting young individuals with mentors and role models in business fuels innovation and professional growth.
Through this approach, we can amplify opportunities, champion diversity and inspire a new generation of leaders, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive future for Arizona’s youth.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Google For Startups, an accelerator for startup founders, and Business Scaling Program at Stanford University through the Latino Business Action Network.
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Relentless
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Delegating more
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?
Communication
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Access, particularly for underrepresented communities, to quality healthcare, education, career and new business opportunities.
Rebecca Clyde is the co-founder and CEO of Botco.ai, the genAI chat cloud company. With more than 20 years in digital marketing in the technology industry, she is passionate about advancing women in tech and served as the co-managing director for Girls in Tech Phoenix for three years. Prior to Botco.ai, Clyde founded a digital marketing agency, Ideas Collide, now in its 18th year of serving global enterprise clients. She was previously a marketing manager at Intel and holds an MBA from Arizona State University.
I am breaking barriers as a female founder and LatinX leader by shaping the future of genAI in a safe, accurate and personalized approach.
Recognizing achievements is pivotal as it reinforces a culture of excellence and fosters motivation within our business and company. Celebrating milestones not only acknowledges individual efforts but also highlights the collective progress that drives our company forward. By honoring achievements, we cultivate a sense of pride, loyalty and camaraderie among our team.
Within our business community, acknowledging accomplishments sets a precedent for aspirational standards. It inspires healthy competition, fuels innovation and attracts top-tier talent who seek an environment where their contributions are valued. Also, it nurtures a positive reputation, making us an organization that invests in its people. This ripple effect extends beyond our immediate team and impacts our clients and other industry members who want to engage with a community that values and celebrates success.
One of the most invaluable insights I’ve garnered is the embrace of resiliency. Inevitable challenges, particularly poignant for women in leadership, possess a unique potential to foster our growth. Each obstacle encountered serves as a platform for learning, adapting and, ultimately, strengthening. My advice to fellow women is to perceive adversity as a steppingstone rather than an insurmountable barrier. Trust wholeheartedly in your capabilities and persist with unyielding determination. Let failures construct the foundation of your future triumphs, and let criticism propel your ambitions.
Armed with the shield of resilience, one can transcend any impediment, dispelling the notion of gender as a constraint and, instead, harnessing it as a wellspring of power. Although the path may be arduous, through resilience it becomes undeniably conquerable. Remember, setbacks are simply setups for comebacks.
Empowering Arizona’s youth and women is grounded in holistic education and empowerment, fostering comprehensive and inclusive learning to navigate an ever-evolving world. Mentorship, networking and leadership initiatives provide women the courage to surmount challenges and thrive. Sharing experiences becomes a potent catalyst, boosting confidence and charting pathways to success.
The pivotal role of collaboration among government, businesses and communities cannot be overstated. By forging strong connections, internships, scholarships and support networks effectively bridge disparities, nurturing a climate of equality. In unison, these concerted endeavors establish an environment where the young and women of Arizona gain access to the necessary tools, fortified support and abundant opportunities, thereby coalescing to sculpt a promising future for themselves and their communities. I also believe it’s very important that women don’t tear each other down. It is OK to forge a level-headed leadership style that is based on civility and respect.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Chief, and working with an executive coach for C-suite executives
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Dedicated
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Speeches
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?
Excel
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Crowd sourcing: Managing smart growth as it relates to housing, water and natural resources.
Meghan Cox is an expert in public affairs and ballot strategy, spanning campaigns in 50 states, the Philippines and the UK. As HBS+ CEO, she spearheads strategic initiatives. Co-founding an acclaimed firm in 2008, she led expansive national campaigns for politics, trade and corporate sectors, acclaimed for her logistical precision. Cox directed impactful grassroots efforts for clients like Hard Rock/Seminole, eBay and Navajo Nation. Her influence extends to notable political candidates through managed field efforts.
I am dedicated to delivering unwavering support, empathetic understanding and innovative solutions to empower my team to triumph over challenges and realize their utmost potential.Paige Heavey President
It’s important to share stories of achievement, and the hardships and struggles, because it demonstrates our humanity, our grit and our determination. It makes it real. Our business community is comprised of leaders who recognize the legacy of those Arizonans who came before us and created positive change for both the United States and Arizona, like Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Senator Ernest McFarland and others who spent their careers creating the foundation for a better Arizona. Today, we experience the fruits of their efforts. Due to their leadership, so many of us were attracted to move here from other places and created high-quality lifestyles for ourselves and our loved ones. Knowing others’ stories of achievement can inspire us to each make our unique imprint.
In 20-plus years working in Arizona, I’ve consistently experienced a meritocracy, where people are rewarded based on value offered, services delivered or problems solved. Having been on global leadership teams and now running an Arizona-based business for the past two decades, it’s clear that possibilities for success are not only unlimited but literally ours for the taking.
Even though we’ve experienced economic recessions and global health challenges, those people who’ve adapted to change and shown resilience are the ones who have been successful on many levels, all the while enjoying a high quality of life. This is the opportunity for any person here in Arizona. Because of current leaders’ work in diversifying our economy since the last recession, each of us can and should experience prosperity and enjoy quality lifestyle — including education, arts and culture — for the foreseeable future.
AZ enrolls well over 1 million children in our school system. This provides an opportunity for rolling to the masses a well-rounded mentoring program starting in middle school. Each and every student should engage with a mentor where they explore timely themes for being successful in today’s world. Leaning on the experience of those willing people who’ve gone before them, this mentoring would not only be for professional success but should focus holistically, from the perspective of the heart, head and body. Mentor guides mentee in exploring what they’re passionate about, what skillsets are needed to move in that direction, and how their bodies and diet can support them in getting there. This mentoring program should be designed and rolled out to the masses through the school system, beginning at middle school, with virtual and in-person format. High School graduation celebrations include stories of how this Life Skills Mentoring Program has positively impacted mentees.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Seven-day Visioning Retreat in Cancun by Dr. Joe Dispenza.
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Optimism
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Be Bolder
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Win-Win Negotiation
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Rising temperatures and downstream impacts of less rainfall.
I founded Bridge Real Estate and Relocation Concierge, through which I have guided companies and talent from 26 countries of origin to make Arizona home. Bridge represents clients in negotiating real estate transactions totaling half a billion dollars. During my corporate career, I was voted Outstanding Coach and Mentor while on a fast path to partnership with global consulting firm Accenture. I served as chief people officer of a locally owned Tempe-based technology company, where she led nationwide expansion to triple revenues and professionally develop staff, contributing to their quality of life and our highly skilled technology workforce. The company was purchased by Insight. Community involvement is also part of my career. I was a board member of Downtown YMCA and Charter 100 and served nearly a decade as a Girl Scout troop leader and for the past nine years in a leadership role on the PTO at my daughter’s school.
Paige has passion for both personal and professional growth of those she leads. Her optimism and service-oriented mindset inspire others to reach their full potential.
In honoring the achievements of others, we get to see examples of success — examples that inspire ideas and greatness in others. Many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields have been traditionally dominated by men. Today, in large part because of recognizing and uplifting women breaking barriers in these roles, that is changing. Now, women are assuming leadership positions in every one of these fields. If we continue to honor achievement, we will continue to inspire others to pursue opportunities that may seem out of reach.
Inspiring people to reach higher is critical to the success of our business community. Arizona’s economic future is dependent on a skilled workforce that can fill the jobs of tomorrow. With more young people from diverse backgrounds skilled and inspired by the careers ahead, we’ll be able to fill those jobs and power another generation of economic development.
I’ve learned that you can never stop growing and learning. This applies in many areas. For example, one must grow one’s skills to get further in one’s career. As an engineer, I have had to take certifications and additional classes to keep up with changing technologies.
It also applies to softer skills like building relationships. This is not something everyone knows from the outset. It requires taking cues from others, listening to the feedback you get from managers and other leaders in your circle, and generally being curious about others.
To keep growing and learning, I encourage others to adopt a growth mindset. By recognizing that anyone — yourself included — is capable of growth with enough focus and determination, you can be comfortable getting uncomfortable. That’s where the best learning happens!
My love of math, which led me to an engineering career, was inspired by my father. I think of that often because it had an indelible impact on my life. It was not a traditional career path for women in my generation, and, without him helping me see how I could excel in a STEM field, I’m not sure I would have been as confident going into a career like mine.
I believe that we can do the same by mentoring young people and women of all ages. If we can encourage the next generation, and those who may be underrepresented, we can help everyone achieve anything they set their mind to. We also need to help them through the obstacles they encounter, with ongoing mentorship and support. In doing so, we’ll make a massive difference, building toward a world where everyone has the means to succeed in life.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? I was recently nominated for, and will soon complete, a Leadership Development training at SRP. I was one of 30 leaders selected and am excited for the opportunity to grow my skills in this area.
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Positive
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Networking
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Tenacity
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Protecting our water supply to balance Arizona’s growth and natural beauty.
As the director of Power Delivery Engineering for Salt River Project, I lead a team responsible for providing engineering and testing to help get electricity from generation to our customers. This position allows me to utilize my diverse background in engineering, project management, marketing and community service. As a native Phoenician, I have enjoyed making the Valley a better place through both my professional endeavors and my volunteer work, such as my role on the Salvation Army Advisory Board.
It gives me great joy to work with a team to develop a vision, execute well and, through effective collaboration, reach big goals together.
I feel that honoring achievement is important, as it recognizes those who are going above and beyond in our community. Honoring achievement serves multiple purposes, which can overall inspire others and bring recognition and validation to the person being honored. Typically, those being honored have accomplished various things that make them a well-rounded leader in their industry.
Honoring achievement brings people together and can foster relationships and promote a positive attitude and environment for those who are involved. The result and impact of honoring individuals for their achievements can also enhance and strengthen the selfesteem and confidence of the person(s) being honored.
Those who are being honored within the business community and perhaps in their industry niche can bring back recognition and validation to their internal team, and the effects of that honor can bring a sense of pride and inspiration to their staff and team!
The single most important thing I have learned throughout my career is that “your reputation is all you have.” At the end of the day, the way you treat people, the impressions you make, your commitment to the community and overall contribution to those around you will be what defines you. By maintaining your reputation, you will build trust and enhance the relationships in your career.
A strong reputation can directly impact your success by gaining trust and credibility for those you interact with, both internally and externally. I have seen this play out in many ways throughout my career, such as low turnover of staff, clients and people providing referrals, all to create a consistent stream of business opportunities and growth.
Being cognizant of your reputation and holding to your word demonstrates to those around you that you are ethical and reliable. Showing consistency in your actions and executing your commitments will eventually translate to your business having a competitive advantage
I feel that we need to lift up and inspire youth in Arizona as we navigate new and different times. The young people are the future, and we need to build up their confidence and make them feel empowered. There are several ways we can support them, to position them to make a difference on their journey. I would provide them with various tools, such as quality education, financial literacy, career readiness and skill development.
I also feel that we need to provide a diverse environment that embraces arts and culture, community engagement, networking, and mentorship. All these experiences will allow them to become well-rounded and see the world and community from different perspectives. We should also provide the young people of Arizona with experiences that expose them to real-life business situations. This type of opportunity will challenge them to explore and navigate how they would handle it if they were in a leadership role confronted with making the decisions.
There is much work to be done and it will result in benefits that ripple from individuals to their families and to the entire community.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Scottsdale Leadership
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Focused
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Balance
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Commitment
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? The phenomenal growth and opportunity we are experiencing. We can all thrive in the growth of the state.
Jennifer Kaplan founded Evolve PR & Marketing in 2010, driven by the goal of connecting with her clients to understand and meet their needs. She brings years of startup experience, dating back to 2005, when she co-founded PRIME 3. A Phoenix native, Kaplan prides herself on knowing the dynamics of the Valley and the deep-rooted relationships she has established. She has received numerous awards that include the Inaugural Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Alumni of the Year (2022), ASU’s Sun Devil 100 honoring top entrepreneurs (2016-2023), and 2022 recipient of the ASU College of Liberal Arts Leaders Program.
I’m true to my word, I motivate and inspire others on their journey, and I’m continually striving to evolve myself to be an inspirational leader.
Honoring achievement is important as it can help boost confidence and increase motivation of the recipient/team, leading to happier and more productive individuals/ teams. Individuals feel valued that their success is being recognized and they receive positive feedback.
Recognition can inspire others to do something that can make an impact in the community. There are so many problems that need to be solved in every community, and recognition can highlight some of those needs and be a source of ideas for others to contribute to the good of the community. The more people are motivated to get involved, the better it is for our community.
I am personally humbled by this recognition and applaud the efforts of all the Women of Achievement in 2023 and past years. Thank you for making a difference in our community and inspiring me to continue to look for ways that I can contribute to the success of our community.
My parents taught me to follow the Golden Rule and treat people the way I wanted to be treated and also to always do my best on any task or project.
Being in senior leadership positions in the financial services industry for so long, many times I was the only female in meetings or on a project team. It is important to be true to yourself and have confidence in your ideas. Building strong relationships is critical, as is having a mentor who will give you honest feedback and be an advocate for your success.
We need to be empathetic to others and be great listeners. We will all go through adversity at some time in our life, but it is how we deal with it and how we help others who may be experiencing a difficult time in their life that matters most.
To make a difference for young people and women in Arizona, we need to make sure that all have access to good early education. We need to listen and guide young people, encourage them to be their best, try new things and not limit themselves. We need to encourage young people and women to look for the best in others and always act with the utmost integrity and honesty. And we need to encourage them to get a variety of experiences by volunteering at not-for-profit organizations in the community and look for leadership opportunities when available.
We need to encourage lifelong learning and taking advantage of any professional development opportunities, including public speaking and leadership as well as trying many new experiences. We can learn from young people and women of all ages as much as they can learn from us. They are our future and will have a major impact on the wonderful State of Arizona.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Transformational Leadership
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Empathy
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Balance
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Authenticity
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Education
Mary Martuscelli has spent her entire career in the financial services industry with U.S. Bank and J.P. Morgan Chase, holding senior management roles in wealth management, corporate banking, strategic planning and human resources.
Martuscelli believes in giving back to the community and has served in leadership positions on many community boards, including chair of the Arizona Science Center, chair of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, executive board of Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Banker’s Association, Arizona Community Foundation, United Way and Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.
I strive to make a difference in people’s lives in order to help them reach their potential.
Recognizing merit is critical in motivating us toward even further achievement. Doing so enhances our well-being and creates a sense of belonging, fulfillment and mental stimulation. Honoring accomplishments validates the tireless hours spent working toward a goal and reinforces the adage that hard work never goes to waste.
Success begets even more success, builds resilience and generates confidence to face future challenges with a positive mindset. Moreover, by celebrating others’ accomplishments, we create a pattern of attainment to help shatter the proverbial glass ceiling and propel women even further. When we extol accomplishments, it energizes us to form and share new ideas and opportunities — leading to the ongoing pursuit of excellence.
The business community benefits through the resultant collaboration and innovation.
My favorite quote is, “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me” by Ayn Rand. The only person who can achieve my career dreams is me, so I own it.
Accordingly, I have been very deliberate about my career path and am repeatedly improving and reinventing how I approach work. This helps me to be fearless in taking on new roles or responsibilities and to anticipate issues.
Thinking ahead and pivoting in business is compulsory because things are always evolving; there is no time to rest on laurels. When solving problems, managing teams or planning budgets, for example, I need to anticipate all scenarios and strategize how best to react. When setting objectives and goals, I need to push myself to outperform my prior results and always lead by example.
We all need to commit to mentoring young people, especially those who may come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Mentoring future leaders is vital in preparing them to identify and embrace both personal and professional opportunities — including some they may never have contemplated, given their lack of resources.
We must devote ample time to guide and advise youth and young professionals. I am so grateful for the mentors who helped me throughout the years and continue to counsel me because I would not be where I am today without them. With my own mentees, I share my past experiences (and lessons learned the hard way!) to help them achieve their full potential.
Mentors also can bolster networking by making introductions and opening doors that otherwise may not be possible. From a professional perspective, we can pay it back by sponsoring young workers to actively provide professional development and advocate for career advancement.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Mini-MBA from Boston University Questrom School of Business
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?
Tenaciousness
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Patience
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Persuasiveness
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Homelessness and poverty statistics continue to rise within our great state, so continuing to champion social impact initiatives is key to seeing a downward progression of this crisis.
I am a highly experienced leader with expertise providing complex business and legal advice across diverse industries. For the past 7.5 years, it has been my privilege to serve as the EVP, general counsel and corporate secretary at Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona, where we are proudly “Ending poverty through the power of work!”
One of my proudest accomplishments was championing legislative reform that enabled Goodwill to introduce its very first Excel Center in 2022 — a tuitionfree high school for adults in Arizona that will help thousands of graduates increase their earning potential with a free diploma.
I strongly believe that failure is not an option.
Honoring personal achievement is an event, not the final destination. It is a time to take a small pause, survey the road traveled and evaluate the mountain that has been climbed. We are given time to rest, catch our breath and contemplate the next opportunity before starting the climb again. Celebrating achievements big and small serves as high octane fuel to push forward, either personally or as a team.
In one organization that I work with, each time a milestone is achieved, the entire team celebrates with a bottle of champagne. The corks are then put in a display, which serves as a reminder of their collective achievements. This display honors the past and pushes the team to move toward the next goal … together.
By celebrating the achievements of executives, we hear inspirational stories from our peers. This, in turn, provides a push for the next step in our journey and creates an opportunity to collectively thank and recognize leadership in the business community.
Raise your hand! If there are opportunities to push beyond your boundaries, to explore a different side of a business or to learn something new, say, “Yes.” By embracing this philosophy, I have worked on multibillion-dollar acquisitions, navigated a company through a bankruptcy and sale to a private equity group, oversaw labor management efforts across the U.S., litigated cases in more than 20 states for a private prison company, learned fundraising strategy at the ASU Alumni Association, and worked as a deck-hand on a fishing boat in the PNW.
To that end, I have never been afraid to fail but, instead, have used these professional opportunities to both learn and grow. By wondering “what could be” by raising my hand, I have pushed myself, built incredible relationships and learned a lot (both positive and constructive). This philosophy has helped me to develop a unique and diverse skill set, thereby providing me with incredible professional opportunities, including the global role that I have today. So, my recommendation is to raise your hand and say, “Yes” when given opportunities that will push you beyond your current boundaries.
Over the past several years, I have had the incredible opportunity to observe and learn from some of the hardest working, inspirational, community minded, visionary and strategic leaders in the Valley. These mentors have patiently answered my questions, advised on where I could have the greatest impact in the community, and pushed me to “do more” both professionally and personally.
In reflecting on their investment in my leadership growth, I have doubled down on the collective role that we can all play in inspiring activists, hand raisers, change agents, solutions-oriented and service-minded community members who will volunteer, give back and contribute to community causes. Whether discussing human and social service issues, finding ways for young leaders to serve on nonprofit boards or committees, or creating connections, we can all play a role in building a new generation of advocates who will impact our community for generations.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? WSET Level 2
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Energetic
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Balance
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Dedication
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? As outlined in the VSUW MC2026 goals, I am fully invested in driving positive change for our community in the areas of health, housing and homelessness, education and workforce development.
Jenny Tetreault currently serves as the VP and Associate General Counsel for TPI Composites, a global wind-blade manufacturer with locations throughout the United States, Europe, China, India and Mexico. She is responsible for the company’s global anti-corruption program; ethics hotline; litigation, employment, commercial and contract negotiation; and domestic/international regulatory compliance. She also supports a variety of functional groups, including ESG, IT, HR, field services and supply chain.
Prior to TPI, Tetreault served as in-house legal counsel with US Foods and Rural/Metro Corporation. Tetreault is fully invested in the community and serves on global, state and local nonprofit boards.
With my high energy, positivity, hard work, and resiliency, I hope that I have inspired others to invest more, lead more, dream more, commit more, do more, innovate more, learn more and volunteer more.
Achievement happens in tiny moments and it happens across lifetimes. It is easy in business to get caught up on the daily issues to resolve or on the monthly sales goals. If we can maintain a laser focus on the achievements of the days, weeks, months and years — particularly honoring the people whose hard work made those achievements possible — we can change the world of work inside and outside the office. By honoring and reflecting on achievements of all shapes and sizes we are creating a “virtuous cycle.” We are promoting and encouraging both those tiny moments and those lifetimes of achievements to occur in those around us.
Just say, “YES.” Say yes to every opportunity, even if it scares you. Actually, say yes because it scares you. Growth and change rarely occur when we are living in our comfort zone.
Over the course of my career, there have been many times when a leader has approached me and said, “Hey, I think you should try this role / project / position.” Every single time I have said yes. Have I ever regretted it? No, actually. Was it ever painfully hard to make it through the fears and doubts and not-knowing moments? Absolutely. But the career path I’ve had the chance to forge has been built on a series of “yes” answers to big opportunities. And, as a leader I strive daily to create those same opportunities for my team to leap out of their comfort zones and into the thrill of success.
The quality of education provided to youth and the investments made in teachers must change if we want to see future generations have any hope of thriving. Walking into most classrooms in Arizona, we see students being taught the basics just to score well on state tests. Those same classrooms are led by teachers who are statistically likely to leave their profession within the first three years of teaching due to barely living wages and overcrowded classrooms.
What if, instead, we saw students practicing robust critical thinking skills required to solve the problems of the world? And those students were being taught by appropriately paid teachers passionately engaging students in the subjects they love so much they decided to make a career of helping students master them. Investing our resources in true reform of the way we deliver education will change the world today and for generations to come.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Change Leadership & Building a Theory of Change
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Passion
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Patience
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Communication
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Affordable housing inventory shortfall at every price point!
Katrina Thurman is a social impact leader with more than 25 years of experience implementing human services programs across the United States. She has led organizations in both small rural communities and in large urban centers. She focuses on identifying unique tools and practices that break the cycle of poverty and help recapture the vast amount of human potential that poverty and inequity leave behind. Thurman’s expertise spans housing, education, workforce development, behavioral health care and more.
Thurman earned an M.A.A. in applied cultural anthropology from the University of Maryland, and a B.A. in organizational communication and Russian from Arizona State University.
I’m told that showing up each day full of passion for making real, lasting change in the world inspires my teams and colleagues.
Honoring achievement contributes best practices in the business community, consistently raising the bar and providing real-time examples for others to follow. This builds up the future economic engine of this great state and country, especially Latina/o-owned small businesses. For example, recognizing large companies that engage diverse suppliers fosters innovation and better performance.
Achievement makes the impossible possible. Celebrating the big and small wins motivates stakeholders to reach stretch goals and strive for more. In a constantly evolving business environment, you are only as good as your last success and reinvention is rewarded.
You can have it all … just not all at the same time. Prioritize the things that you want to accomplish and let go of things that no longer serve you. In one generation, I have changed the path of my family from migrant workers to doctoral candidate. My family is most important to me and, in my multigenerational, single-mom household, my boys, Michael (12) and Max (10), are learning that higher education is a non-negotiable. Also, they will know how to love and support strong women because they were raised by one. My mother remains my greatest source of strength and courage.
Set the bar high and provide the resources, through active mentoring and opening doors, to meet and exceed those goals. I was fortunate to benefit from many great mentors, and now strive to return that gift to young women. My annual participation in the Phoenix Business Journal’s Mentoring Monday is a great opportunity to share my experiences.
I also launched a program called Diversity in our DNA to work with mid-level managers on access, strategy and competency to take their career to the next level.
For two years, I have served as the keynote for a new organization called Young & Empowered Women to discuss equity issues like the gender pay gap.
What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? New Strategies at Georgetown University
What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Irrepressible
What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Bandwidth
What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Ganas (means ‘grit’ in Spanish)
What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Equity in education that reflects Arizona’s diverse population and meets workforce needs of tomorrow.
Monica Villalobos was named president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber in late 2019 after serving as the vice-president and foundation executive director for seven years. In this role, she is responsible for the strategic growth initiatives of the chamber.
She is also the operator of the Arizona Minority Business Development Agency Business Center, the Native American Business and Economic Development Center, and Ascend Phoenix funded by JP Morgan Chase Foundation. Her background and experience as a corporate marketing executive and as an entrepreneur result in a unique combination of skill and talent. She is also editor-in-chief of 23 research publications over the last 10 years.
I serve as an unapologetic and irreverent disruptor, advocating for minorityowned businesses through collaboration and cooperation.
Barbara Morris-Blake, CEO of Elevate Organizations, draws on more than 20 years of experience working with leaders in diverse organizations –from C-suite executives of multinational corporations to entrepreneurs to managers in nonprofits. She deeply understands workplace dynamics and the role of culture in the success of individuals, teams and the bottom line.
She is also a Certified Professional Coach and a member of the International Coach Federation with a deep understanding of psychometric tools and is a Certified Lumina Practitioner and a Predictive Index Partner. elevateorganizations.com
SEPT.
Tall poppy syndrome is a cultural phenomenon that refers to the tendency of individuals to criticize and cut down successful people or businesses that stand out in their respective fields. It is a social phenomenon that can have a significant impact on a business’s bottom line as well as the workplace communication and culture. Tall poppy syndrome often manifests as cutting down top performers to a more average or “middling” line. It can demoralize employees and it creates a toxic work environment that is not beneficial to any aspect of business.
Communication is a critical aspect of workplace culture, and when tall poppy syndrome is present, it can lead to negative communication patterns that can harm the work environment. This can include negative feedback, rumors and gossip about successful individuals or businesses. These negative communication patterns can create a toxic work environment that can affect employee morale and, ultimately, the business’s bottom line.
This effect on workplace communication can lead to a lack of camaraderie and collaboration within the workplace. If individuals are afraid to stand out and be successful, they may be less likely to share their ideas or collaborate with their colleagues. This lack of communication and collaboration can lead to a stagnant work environment that is resistant to change and innovation.
Tall poppy syndrome can also affect workplace culture by creating an environment where individuals are afraid to speak up or provide feedback. If individuals are afraid of being criticized or cut down, they may be less likely to provide feedback or speak up when they see something that needs to be addressed. This can lead to a lack of accountability and a culture that is resistant to change.
Tall poppy syndrome, which often manifests as cutting down top performers to a more average or “middling” line, creates a toxic work environment.
To combat the negative effects of tall poppy syndrome on workplace communication, businesses can take several actions. Firstly, businesses can work to create a positive work environment that values collaboration, open communication and feedback. This can be achieved by providing training and resources that support effective communication and collaboration. Businesses can also encourage and reward employees who speak up and provide feedback. By doing so, businesses can create a culture of accountability and open communication where individuals are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions.
Businesses can work to address and combat the negative communication patterns that arise from tall poppy syndrome by utilizing “rules of engagement” when it comes to workplace communication. This can be achieved by promoting positive communication patterns such as constructive feedback, active listening and open dialogue. Discussing how individuals communicate and how they wish to be communicated with can make a very large difference by improving employee confidence and morale. Being heard and understood can do wonders for each individual employee and demonstrates the support of business leadership. Businesses can also work to address any negative behavior and provide resources and support to employees who may be struggling with this cultural phenomenon.
In practice, developing positive workplace communication habits can be broken into three key aspects.
Michael Beer, a professor at Harvard Business School and author of “High Commitment, High Performance: How to Build a Resilient Organization for Sustained Advantage,” says leaders of high-performing organizations view their employees in a way that differs from other leaders.
Denigrating those who stand out can hurt a business’s bottom line
“They see them as an asset, and care about them as people and work hard to frame the mission of the firm in a way that creates meaning,” Beer writes. “Consequently, they manage downturns very differently.”
These leaders don’t fixate on short-term results. Instead, they plan ahead and consistently guide the efforts of all employees, using three fundamental disciplines: honest communication, respect and a personal commitment to doing what they say.
Creating and effectively communicating a vision is a vital leadership role, according to Carol Stephenson, dean of the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University. In a speech she delivered — Leadership in Transformational Times: The Critical Role of Communications, Values, and Vision — she compared effective leadership to a compass in a storm. The best leaders point the way through change with a vision that inspires all employees. This is why successful leaders also reinforce values in their communications. “Shared values provide direction during times of uncertainty, comfort during periods of difficult change, and inspiration in the face of opportunity,” Stephenson said.
Dom Caruso, president and COO of Leo Burnett Canada, stresses the importance of communicating and listening more during difficult times. His company conducts a comprehensive annual survey to learn what’s on employees’ minds. A few times a year, management also holds town hall meetings to share successes and challenges and to address these and other priority issues.
While technology is increasingly taking over, for these leaders it never replaces face-to-face communication. Making an effort to connect personally with employees, particularly when times are difficult, they find, reduces misunderstandings and builds trust.
Dom Caruso makes the point that securing employees’ commitment also requires walking the talk. “People need to know there is no gap between what management says is important and what actually happens,” he says. Leaders’ actions are expected to be consistent with their communications, addressing adverse circumstances in a way that respects the organization’s vision and values.
When executives are guiding employees through major transitions, they ask for input and respect the opinions they receive. They also acknowledge results and express gratitude. Caruso affirms that leaders must recognize the impact of their tough decisions and show appreciation to people for their efforts and sacrifices.
Businesses can work to create a culture of innovation and excellence by encouraging individuals to share their ideas and collaborate with their colleagues. This can lead to a more dynamic and adaptive work environment that is better equipped to respond to changes in the market, and it helps to build healthy working relationships, where employees not only work with one another, but also understand one another as co-workers and human beings.
To oppose tall poppy syndrome, businesses can promote positive communication patterns and address any negative behavior. By doing so, businesses can create a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence that will benefit both the employees and the business as a whole.
Follow Bennett’s journey of self-discovery as he listens to Mike’s podcast and applies the lessons learned to his own life. While feeling lost without direction and having a hard time finding success, Bennett “finds his inner genius,” a “Mikeism” he learns during one of the podcasts. Armed with these “Mikeisms,” along with newfound knowledge and fresh ambition, Bennett starts making changes in his life. Ultimately, Bennett is able to find success personally and professionally by utilizing all that he’s learned. By heeding Bennett’s story and applying these “Mikeisms” in their own life, which can be customized to each individual, readers can create positive change and make an impact. Whatever their roadblock or adversity, readers will find the tools in this book to be life changing.
Read The Tape: Using Situational Awareness to Predict Business and Personal Probabilities
Mike Shapiro $27.99
ForbesBooks
Available 9/19/2023
224 pages
When we reach beyond our own professional networks to collaborate, those new relationships can make us more powerful. Stronger Together shows how reaching outside internal teams and enlisting the help of other organizations, even competitors — something author Nicole Mahoney refers to as co-opetition — can dramatically improve results. Research has proven that organizations that collaborate benefit from fresh, innovative ideas, improved brand reputation, operational efficiencies and increased trust. The proprietary framework and strategies outlined in Stronger Together, developed through Mahoney’s own research and case studies, will help readers expand their knowledge about collaboration, will make them better collaborators, and will teach them how to seek out and organize collaborations that will lead to business success — leading to increased revenue and could change the world, or at least their corner of it.
Stronger Together: Building World-Changing Collaborations that Succeed
Nicole Mahoney $24.95
BookPress Publishing Available 9/19/2023
152 pages
The most effective leaders are “human leaders: leading with empathy, vulnerability and authenticity.” But many still adhere to the outdated myth that leaders must be “superhero leaders: infallible, unflappable and fearless.” Tragically, their innate ability to inspire remains locked within, blunting their impact. In The Unlocked Leader, veteran executive leadership coach Hortense le Gentil combines real-life stories, rigorous research and practical tools to explain how superhero leaders can become effective human leaders. An indispensable leadership manual for people who wish to lead not just with their head but with their heart and soul as well, The Unlocked Leader belongs on the bookshelves of leaders and aspiring leaders at all levels looking for a fresh new perspective on effective, powerful leadership in service of something bigger than themselves.
The Unlocked Leader: Dare to Free Your Own Voice, Lead with Empathy, and Shine Your Light in the World Hortense le Gentil $30
Wiley Available 9/26/2023
256 pages
Positive communication patterns include constructive feedback, active listening and open dialogue.
Hard money lending can make or break a time-sensitive business venture or investment deal. While banks typically require months to approve and distribute traditional loans, hard money lenders can get entrepreneurs and real estate professionals their needed funds in a matter of days.
In today’s dynamic business and real estate investment landscape, the availability of fast and flexible financing is frequently the key to success.
That’s where hard money loans come into play.
Hard money lending is a type of financing that allows borrowers to secure loans based on the value of real estate assets rather than their creditworthiness. While traditional lenders may subject borrowers to lengthy approval processes and strict credit requirements, these collateral-based loans allow for expedited funding. This makes hard money lending an attractive option for those seeking quick access to capital in a lending market where competitive rates are scarce.
Elizabeth Hale is CEO and founder eeCPA and co-founder of The Cash Source. For more than 30 years, she has helped entrepreneurs, investors, family offices and commercial real estate developers pinpoint new and creative avenues for growth while mitigating risk.
Hale founded Phoenixbased tax consultant firm eeCPA in 2004, then joined John and Marcia Rowley in co-founding
The Cash Source in 2018, which offers hard money loans to help driven and unconventional entrepreneurs reach their potential creatively and profitably. eecpa.com thecashsource.com
Ultimately, the choice to turn to hard money loans must be a strategic one. So, when does it make most sense for investors, businesses and individuals to leverage them?
When considering hard money loans, it’s essential to understand their unique characteristics. Hard money loans operate within a short-term lending period, typically ranging from 12 to 18 months, with a maximum of 24 months. The short-term nature of these loans is ideal for businesses and investors who have assessed the profitability of the loan against traditional offerings and have a plan in place to transition the hard money loan to permanent financing.
While hard money loan rates aren’t always advantageous, in the current market they’re quite favorable when compared to traditional options. While some 2023 bank interest rates are sitting between 7% and 14%, hard money loan providers can offer hard money loans at 12% to 15%, making them highly competitive.
Moreover, the transparency, fast approval process and collateral-based approach of hard money loans eliminates the bureaucratic hurdles often encountered when dealing with banks. This makes these loans a favorable and simplified choice for a wide variety of borrowers.
Construction projects, whether commercial or residential, often require significant financial resources to complete. This is where hard money lending can propel success. With its ability to provide quick funding, investors can act fast with capital in hand — which can make or break a deal — on timesensitive real estate and development opportunities. A major advantage of hard money loans for construction projects is rapidly funded draws. Instead of waiting for months to secure bank funding, clients can strategically tap into hard money loans to keep their projects efficient and moving forward. This not only saves time but also proves cost effective in the long run, as the expenses associated with delays can often exceed the financial pull of a hard money loan.
Hard money lending also presents business owners and entrepreneurs with strategic borrowing opportunities, allowing them to seize unexpected, time-sensitive ventures without the need to cut through loads of red tape.
Whether it’s a unique business proposition or an unforeseen market opportunity, hard money loans empower entrepreneurs to act swiftly and without the delays often associated with traditional lending institutions.
All told, hard money lending presents a viable resource in a challenging financial environment. The ability to quickly secure funds, the short-term nature of the loans and the flexibility in application make hard money loans an attractive option.
By considering the unique advantages offered by hard money lending and aligning them with their specific needs, businesses and investors can navigate a complicated lending landscape with confidence and easily tap into opportunities to propel their growth and success.
Hard money lenders primarily approve loans based on collateral (or property) value, cutting out wider financial and credit assessments required for traditional loans. For business owners, this abridged process frequently justifies springing for a higher interest rate (10%–18% on average).
Going to trial is not always the right thing for a client
by Emily WardTrials are very costly — in terms of both expense and the emotional exhaustion that comes from the weeks of preparation and the long days spent in the courthouse. Although most clients are keenly aware that settlement avoids the financial challenges of trial, most do not fully recognize the time-and-energy-value settlements can bring for an issue to be resolved — early and completely.
Nothing makes most litigation attorneys happier than trying a case and winning. But going to trial is not always the right thing for a client. For starters, trials come with significant uncertainty from either a judge’s ruling on evidentiary issues or the jury’s final determination. A settlement, however, affords a client a considerable degree of control in settling the dispute.
While litigators are well versed in settlement discussions, the best settlements come from clients who are actively engaged in the process. A business owner should consider these questions when discussing settlement options with their attorney.
What are the goals? This sounds obvious, but clients should work with their counsel to physically write down and prioritize goals for settling a dispute. What will make this a successful settlement? It’s important to be honest and realistic. This introspection will help inform what is needed for a positive outcome.
Is there information missing from the other side? Frequently, settlement discussions begin after the close of discovery because by then, lawyers and their clients feel like both sides have “shown their cards.” However, discovery can be quite expensive, so oftentimes clients are looking to settle a dispute early. One thing to consider is whether there is information needed from the opposing side before any
settlement discussion would be productive. If they are willing to share, a reasonable settlement could be reached quicker.
What are the opposing party’s goals? It’s important to carefully evaluate whether the dispute is driven primarily by money or by emotion. Clients can examine with counsel whether there are non-monetary overtures that can be made to decrease any monetary exposure. For example, would an apology combined with an offer of judgment, which concedes liability publicly and agrees to modest damages, resolve the case? Along that same vein, does the opposing side just want their lawsuit to show others they are serious about exercising their contractual rights? Would a nominal, confidential settlement end the matter?
What are the holes in the case? Counsel should be very familiar with any legal or factual issues that may be weaknesses. Clients can, therefore, ask them to explain the weaknesses — directly and candidly. Those issues will likely be present during a trial. When considering settlement, it’s important to factor in those weaknesses. If settlement is not the right option yet, clients may consider asking counsel to seek mediation with opposing counsel. During that mediation, a more objective view of each side’s strengths and weaknesses may become apparent from the third-party neutral mediator.
What are opposing lawyers really like? It is rare, if ever, that an entire case settles based on email or letter correspondence alone. Clients should encourage counsel to affirmatively reach out to the other side to discuss the issues, even informally. Lawyers can be vitriolic behind a keyboard, but it is hard for most lawyers to be ruthless when they are sharing an informal lunch with opposing counsel. Contrary to popular belief, lawyers who are amicable with each other actively resolve disputes quicker and cheaper.
Trials come with significant uncertainty from either a judge’s ruling on evidentiary issues or the jury’s final determination. A settlement, however, affords a client a considerable degree of control in settling the dispute.
Emily Ward litigates high-stakes cases for Fennemore plaintiffs and defendants in federal and state courts across the country. An outside-ofthe-box thinker who pays close attention to details and consistently runs matters to the ground on behalf of her clients, this up-and-coming business litigation attorney has the unique ability to master diverse subject matters, ranging from constitutional issues to multilevel marketing, landfill and solid waste management, and commercial real estate. Ward’s success has earned her recognition as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star each year since 2016. fennemorelaw.com/ people/attorneys/emilya-ward
Through BOOK IT!, Studio B Smiles aims to help Arizona Special Olympics athletes smile.
studiobsmiles.com/ studio-b-giving-back.html
by Tyler Butler
Dr. John Badolato, also known as Dr. B, leverages his celebrity status to bring about meaningful change. As the official cosmetic dentist for ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” and the founder and owner of Studio B Smiles, he has dedicated his career to using fame and fortune for the betterment of individuals and communities. Dr. B currently serves as the official team dentist for the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks and Special Olympics Arizona.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
ARIZONA – BY THE NUMBERS
• Ninety-five percent of every dollar donated goes to programs.
• There are 21,461 participating athletes in Arizona.
• There are 12,375 individuals playing unified sports.
• There are 24,743 volunteers assisting at events.
specialolympicsarizona.org
Studio B Smiles, through its philanthropy arm B All Smiles, is committed to community engagement. The organization supports various local organizations, including Phoenix Suns Charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Pujols Family Foundation and the Banner Health Foundation of Arizona. These partnerships enable Studio B Smiles to make a positive impact on the lives of diverse individuals.
An excellent example of Studio B Smiles’ dedication to philanthropy is its collaboration with Devin Booker and his Starting Five Foundation. Together, they launched the “BOOK It!” program. This program encourages patients to “BOOK” appointments at Studio B Smiles while providing much-needed dental care to local Special Olympic athletes. For every new patient who mentions “BOOK It!” during their appointment booking, Dr. B pledges to offer complimentary dental services to Special Olympic athletes, covering a wide range of treatments.
Through Dr. B’s collaboration with Special Olympics Arizona, the practice recognizes the importance of oral health in overall well-being. It provides free dental care to athletes in need, aiming to remove barriers and ensure that poor oral health doesn’t hinder anyone from reaching their full potential. Sean Conkey, who received a smile makeover through the BOOK It program, expressed deep gratitude to Studio B Smiles, stating, “I have so much gratitude for Studio B Smiles for giving me more confidence and the ability to smile better.” Conkey’s testimonial showcases the profound impact that Dr. B’s work has on individuals, empowering them to embrace their smiles and live with newfound confidence.
party demonstrates its commitment to the local community. Additionally, Studio B Smiles hosts health screening events for Special Olympics Arizona athletes, where the staff generously volunteers their time and expertise.
The commitment of Studio B Smiles to providing free dental care to Arizona Special Athletes remains unwavering. Due to the success of this program, Dr. B has decided to double his original commitment. Over the next 10 years, Dr. B plans to now contribute $500,000 worth of dental care to Special Olympic Athletes, ensuring their oral health and radiant smiles for years to come. Dr. B’s passion for giving back to the community is evident in his unwavering commitment to making a difference.
“It’s been so rewarding to see the impact that the BOOK IT program has had on Special Olympic Arizona athletes in need, ‘’ says Gianna Zola of Special Olympics AZ. “We look forward to continuing this partnership and to seeing the program reach its $500,000 donation goal in the years to come.”
Tyler Butler is a chief social impact officer for a publicly traded corporate portfolio where she leads programs that positively impact humanity. She is also the founder of 11Eleven Consulting, and she is often cited as a subject matter expert by Forbes, SHRM, Entrepreneur, U.S. News & World Report and more. linkedin.com/in/tylerbutler
SEPT. 2023
Studio B Smiles not only makes financial contributions but also actively engages in volunteer opportunities. Its regular participation in events such as One Community’s block
In the realm of reality TV, where glitz and glamour often take precedence, Dr. B stands out as a beacon of hope and positive change. Through his dedication to leveraging the power of celebrity and dentistry, he has highlighted the importance of oral health and its ability to transform lives. From reality TV to making a meaningful impact in the desert, Dr. B and Studio B Smiles have become catalysts for positive change, leaving a lasting legacy of smiles, confidence and community support.
“Everyone deserves a healthy and winning smile that builds confidence,” says Dr. B. “Giving back to the community, specifically Arizona Special Olympic athletes, is something we are greatly passionate about and will continue to do.”
By utilizing his celebrity connections and dental expertise, Dr. B has created a remarkable legacy that transcends the boundaries of reality TV and positively impacts the lives of individuals in need. Through Studio B Smiles and its philanthropic arm, B All Smiles, he continues to inspire others to make a difference and foster a community where everyone has the opportunity.
Studio B Smiles dentistdowntownphoenix.com
Through
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.
“Within about three months of being in the program, it was like a light bulb went off because I then realized that, wow, I’ve done all this time of my incarceration and I’m about to get thrown out into the real world,” shares Ashlee Liberty, describing the program.
“We were taking business fundamentals, business communication, with ASU professors. I learned that I can learn. I never as a child realized that. And I actually enjoy it and like it and want to do it now. But while I was doing that I also had all the personal stuff. … I was fearful of change and just life in general. While I was obtaining that knowledge and education and learning that I can develop as a person, I was also personally touching base on things like emotions and things that I had stuffed underneath me that we call ‘the baggage,’ the little bag that I had been carrying around. So, I started to unpack that in a sense.
“That’s the thing about Career PATHS — when you pair that together, I can grow and become an amazing professional. You can teach me things. But if I am an emotional wreck, ultimately I won’t show up at my best. And so, with those two paired together, it’s transforming.”
Televerde’s unique business model provides a pipeline and a lifeline. Delivering its fully integrated B2B sales, marketing and customer care solutions to its global clientele has created success on one level; providing second-chance employment — and a path to reach that opportunity — is the other half of its story.
“I learned that I can learn,” shared Ashlee Liberty in a candid interview earlier this year about Televerde’s employment programs. “I was about eight years into my incarceration … I had done absolutely nothing to prepare for my future. I’d never really thought of life beyond my incarceration. I was just living in survival mode.”
Phoenix-based Televerde provides sales and technical services to some of the biggest tech companies in the world, which include SAP, Adobe, Honeywell and Microsoft. “It’s a unique company in that it was founded almost 30 years ago based on the idea that, by giving women in prison jobs and training and education while they were incarcerated, we could build a profitable business while providing them with the opportunity to develop the marketable skills that would help them to transition back into the community successfully,” explains Michelle Cirocco, chief social responsibility officer at Televerde and executive director at Televerde Foundation, which was launched in 2020 to provide the targeted workforce development program that addresses issues related to successful reentry and transition for formerly incarcerated women in addition to specific job skills.
The for-profit Televerde company operates nine call centers, seven of which are located within women’s correctional facilities in Arizona, Indiana and Florida and employ approximately 400 incarcerated women. “Over the years, we’ve had about 4,000 women transition back into the community successfully after working for the company on the inside,” Cirocco says.
A study the company did with ASU on the socioeconomic impacts of the work it was doing found that the women who worked for Televerde had 94% higher employment rates and earning salaries four times the national average for formerly incarcerated women. The company felt that contributed to the fact that the recidivism rate was less than 6% for the women who worked for the company compared to a national average of about 58%.
“Once we were armed with this knowledge of the impact it was having, we as a company had made a commitment that we wanted to provide 10,000 life-changing opportunities within the next decade. So, we started the Televerde Foundation out of a sense of moral obligation — we needed to provide the women with the tools and resources and the support they needed to successfully transition back into the community and into wellpaying jobs,” Cirocco says. “Because we knew and we understood that, as a company, we couldn’t hire everybody who was getting out of prison at our corporate office — we just weren’t big
enough — we wanted to make sure they had everything they needed to take skills they’d learned to get a job at another company. So, the foundation was started with that in mind.
“And then we partnered with ASU to develop the workplace readiness curriculum, which is things like teamwork and collaboration, résumé writing, interview skills, job search strategies — all the things you need to get the job. That’s a six-month program the women go through.” The result is Televerde Foundation’s PATHS program: Prepare, Achieve and Transform for Healthy Success. The three-phased approach includes Career PATHS, PATHS Reentry and PATHS 2 Success.
Sharing that, in her 25 years with Televerde, Cirocco has seen the incarceration rate of women in our country grow 700%, she observes, “Because women only represent only about 10% of the incarcerated population in our country, there tends to not be very many programs available for them.” She believes it’s important to support women transitioning out of prison and notes how supporting these women can positively impact Arizona’s economy.
Liberty’s experience speaks to that. Introduced to Televerde’s program as Cirocco was launching the first round of Career PATHS, Liberty decided to “give it a shot” — and found “it actually, like, changed my life.”
A crucial aspect is the support system that’s built within the program. Explains Liberty, “I think as Michelle developed it, she thought of every aspect. She thought of, ‘OK, how can I train them as professionals? But as I train them as professionals, I also need to allow them to develop as people within their inner person.’ And so, the facilitators are formerly incarcerated individuals who’ve walked in our shoes.’”
Liberty is now a program specialist at Televerde Foundation. “I get to help develop and create and fill in some gaps that are with our program as we expand,” she says, and shares, “I’m currently enrolled as Ashland University and want to get a Bachelor’s of Science and eventually be a certified project manager.”
Televerde televerde.com
Televerde Foundation televerdefoundation.org
A study Televerde did with ASU on the socioeconomic impacts of the work it was doing found that the women who worked for Televerde had 94% higher employment rates and earning salaries four times the national average for formerly incarcerated women. And the recidivism rate was less than 6% for the women who worked for the company compared to a national average of about 58%.
Ben Ostro, CEO of Chateau Luxe, a full-service, special event and conference center located in Phoenix. Set amongst spectacular Sonoran Desert views, Chateau Luxe is Arizona’s most luxurious and nationally recognized event destination, boasting spacious indoor and outdoor spaces for events of all sizes. Stunning crystal chandeliers, lush fabrics and delectable cuisine crafted by its in-house culinary team ensure an unforgettable experience for functions large or small. chateauluxeaz.com
Corporate events are common in the U.S., often making it difficult for a single event to stand out and be remembered. In fact, more than a million corporate events happen each year in the United States. This results in many planning choices, like food and décor, feeling mundane and overused.
However, this can be avoided with the use of event planners and their ability to generate original ideas. These individuals can create something unique, true to an individual brand, and keep a business’s employees talking long after they’ve gone home.
Unique ideas that event planners provide can be tailored to individual companies and even create events that stand out within each company. These tips and tricks can help elevate any corporate event.
It is essential to designate clear goals so that everyone who is part of the planning process understands what to execute. An example of this would be designating a specific person to implement a theme through food and décor.
Regardless, communicating these objectives can help make planning clear and efficient — companies can do this by sharing a party outline with their event planner. This can include any relevant information. Some ideas include who is coordinating with vendors, who is giving speeches, who is handling invites, etc. A clean and organized document can help ensure nothing is overlooked. Implementing these tactics for a seamless event also makes guests feel relaxed.
A company that communicates its goal through corporate events is Apple. The brand is known for its sleek phone designs and the variety of uses for its phone. With this idea in mind, Apple designs its events like the phone. The Worldwide Developers Conference has technical conferences, hands-on labs, networking, exercise classes and more — all the things we can also do from our phone. The sleek décor also matches the visuals of a phone. This flawless concept shows Apple designated clear goals so that every choice matched the brand.
Location is everything for corporate events — the venue sets the tone. This means that the message must match the venue. If an event is to help children, it may take place in a park or local gymnasium. Alternatively, if an event is a charity gala, the event planner should think “ballrooms.” This will help generate continuity between the event’s theme and execution.
If an event does not have a theme, the venue should fit the business’s work culture. If its work culture is relaxed, a bar and grill may be a good choice, whereas a formal culture may choose a formal seated dinner. A company office can also be
utilized as an event space and can match the tone of the event with appropriate decoration.
Choosing a venue that does not match the intent of the event can leave guests feeling uncomfortable. An event planner can offer helpful direction with this type of decision.
Make
A corporate event can include more than one main portion, like a dinner or a speaker. In fact, adding work-appropriate activities to an event can help advance the objective of the celebration. If a business is service-oriented, guests can write get-well cards for a local hospital or participate in mentorship programs. If the focus is team bonding, bringing in a photo booth is a great option to generate laughter and conversation.
Event planners can help with choosing appropriate entertainment and bringing activities into the designated venue. In brief, a unique activity does not have to be extravagant; sometimes, simple is best.
Making employees feel appreciated is essential for a productive work environment, and this recognition shouldn’t exclusively happen during normal business days. When company leadership takes the time to present their team with a certificate or small gift, the gesture can improve morale. These perks can be coordinated with a planner to keep the day stress-free for the employer, but recognition does not have to come exclusively in the form of gifts.
Superlatives such as “most productive” or “most positive” can also provide the appreciation that employees want. This type of acknowledgment will generate positive conversation among staff and an enjoyable connection with an event.
Every corporate event could use improvement to better fit a business’s brand. Incorporating these tips and tricks into planning the corporate event will ensure it is seamless and close to perfection, resulting in continuing positive conversations about it for days thereafter.
More than a million corporate events happen each year in the United States.
Psychology professor Gail Matthews decided it was time to test some of the frequently repeated goal-achievement truisms. She found that yes, writing your goals down dramatically improves your odds of achieving them—it makes them 42 percent more likely to happen! But telling somebody about your goals—especially if it’s somebody whose opinion matters to you—and asking them to hold you accountable makes accomplishing them even more likely. People in Matthews’s study who told a friend and then sent them regular progress reports scored their progress and accomplishments 25 percent higher than those who only wrote their goals down.
One reason this works is because of what psychologists call the “saying is believing” effect. When we say things out loud to other people, especially when our goal is to create a “shared reality,” it shifts our own perception of the things we say. We believe them more. Our participants experience this too— they’ve repeatedly told us that when they share their visions, the goals and outcomes become more “real.” As one person said, “It seemed like the more I shared about what I wanted and what I was doing, the more it propelled me to do what came next.” Yes, that’s exactly what happens.
When we share our visions, the people we share with often relate to our goals as a foregone conclusion. They nod their heads and say, “Right. Of course. That makes total sense.” They have faith that we’ll make it happen—often more faith than we do—and that helps us over- come limiting beliefs and feel more confident.
Sharing also gives us access to ideas and information we need to achieve our goals. One of our cognitive biases is to assume that other people know what we know, not that they might know something we don’t. Even when we’re going for something we aren’t sure how to achieve, we often don’t think to ask other people for advice. When we share our visions, though, people get enthused and start sharing strategies they’ve used to achieve similar things. Sometimes we learn the one thing that can make the biggest difference.
Psychologists and sociologists have written much about the power of our social networks to influence our behavior and our ability to achieve goals. As human beings, we learn by observing, without even realizing it. If we’re intentional about it, we can use that innate habit to our advantage.
In How to Change, Katy Milkman describes a strategy she calls “copy and paste.” “When we’re unsure of ourselves,” Milkman writes, “a powerful way the people around us can
help boost our capacity and confidence is by showing us what’s possible.” Even if they aren’t intentionally offering advice, they’re educating and informing our decisions just by letting us watch them work. The more we share our vision, the more likely it is that we’ll be connected to groups or networks of people who are doing the very thing we’re trying to do, so that we can copy and paste more.
As we’ve said, when we declare our visions, we’re putting ourselves on the hook for making them happen, and that creates fear. We’re afraid to be held accountable, especially for bold visions that we aren’t sure how to accomplish. What if we tell our boss we want to go for something and we don’t make it? What will they think about our abilities the next time an opportunity opens up?
Beyond fear of failing, though, we’re afraid of being vulnerable. We’re afraid of people’s judgment, and we’re even more afraid of their cynicism or skepticism. If people doubt us or our goals, or even the fundamental idea that change is possible, it might dim our enthusiasm and lessen our courage. We know that naysayers can suck the energy out of us. And what might we learn about other people and what they think of us that we didn’t necessarily want to?
Our discomfort with vulnerability also supports the habit of compartmentalizing ourselves. We present a “work self ” at work and our “true self ” or “other self” in our personal lives. Sharing your vision breaks that cycle and offers you an opportunity to bring your “whole self” to all aspects of your life, which leads to more authentic, meaningful, open relationships. Being more authentic at work (something that is difficult for close to 30 percent of people) boosts your job satisfaction and your performance.
Excerpted from Fast Forward, copyright © 2023 by Wendy Leshgold and Lisa McCarthy. Reprinted with permission from Matt Holt Books, an imprint of BenBella Books, Inc. All rights reserved.
Wendy Leshgold and Lisa McCarthy are authors of the forthcoming book FAST FORWARD: 5 Power Principles to Create the Life You Want in Just One Year (Matt Holt Books, September 5, 2023). They are cofounders of the Fast Forward Group, a professional development and executive coaching company that has transformed the careers and lives of more than 100,000 professionals at leading companies around the world such as Amazon, Tik Tok, Google, JP Morgan Chase, Ford and more.
They have found that building a strong, sustainable coaching culture requires one overriding goal: empower people to fuel their own development and happiness, with the right support along the way fastforwardgroup.net penguinrandomhouse.com/ books/731277/fastforward-by-wendy-leshgold
Recently, DDI released findings from a massive, global leadership study that showed a clear split between what CEOs are worried about and where they’re investing resources. The most common concerns were “attracting and retaining top talent” and “developing the next generation of leaders,” yet since 2017, the percentage of companies that invest in coaching and their up-and-coming leaders has fallen from 79% to 67%. ddiworld.com/global-leadership-forecast-2023
• Nearly seven out of 10 jobs require training beyond high school.
• More than half of Arizonans aged 25 to 64 do not hold a postsecondary degree or professional certification.
• If Arizona is able to increase college attainment and completion by 10%, the state could see a $1.37 billion increase in economic gains per cohort.
To join the effort or learn more about the Everything to Gain campaign and the Billions to Gain report, visit
educationforwardarizona.org.
The need for skilled labor and specialized training remains high. In Arizona, nearly seven out of 10 jobs require training beyond high school. Yet approximately 25% of eligible high school graduates do not pursue a college education.
As a result, Arizona is facing a shortage of individuals with college-level qualifications. More than half of Arizonans aged 25 to 64 do not hold a postsecondary degree or professional certification, putting Arizona’s attainment rate at 48% — one of the lowest in the nation.
The causes for the shortage stem from a variety of factors. Arizona students are falling behind at multiple points in the preK-12 pipeline. Currently, only 35% of third graders in Arizona are proficient in reading and just 27% of eighth graders are considered prepared for high school math, much lower than the state goal of 69%. This increases the difficulty to succeed in higher grades and, in turn, leads to lower graduation rates.
The cost of attending college also continues to rise. In-state tuition averages more than $12,000 per year for Arizona’s three public universities. When compounded with the rising cost of living, inflation and lack of support to pay down student loans post-graduation, some students are viewing college as a financial risk rather than a personal investment.
Although the initial cost of post-secondary education can seem daunting or unattainable for some, it does not compare to the loss of an individual’s lifetime earning potential and other benefits they may experience if they choose to not continue their education.
According to the recent “Billions to Gain” report published by Education Forward Arizona and the Helios Education Foundation, Arizonans who complete a four-year degree have the potential to earn $800,000 more in their lifetime than
high school graduates. The difference is more than $1 million for those with advanced degrees. In turn, these higher earners also contribute nearly $1 million more in lifetime social gains related to earnings, health, public benefits and workforce productivity.
Arizona’s social and fiscal gains trend upward as college attainment increases. If Arizona is able to increase college attainment and completion by 10%, the state could see a $1.37 billion increase in economic gains per cohort. Gains more than triple when attainment increases by 20%, and the fiscal gains at that level from higher tax revenues and decreased public spending are double what was allocated for the public universities in the 2022 General Fund Budget.
It’s clear that Arizona needs to push for a more educated populace to achieve prosperity for individuals and the economy. This summer, Education Forward Arizona and a network of advocates and partners have rallied around the Everything to Gain campaign that is encouraging Arizonans to add more than 500,000 degrees and certificates by 2030, a goal that’s in alignment with the state’s Achieve60AZ Action Plan to achieve 60% college attainment by the same year.
To maximize gains across Arizona, the Everything to Gain campaign partners are committed to convening key stakeholders to improve systemic issues statewide that are keeping students from pursuing higher education. This includes pushing for more affordable education and expanding scholarship programs, increasing support for educators, and establishing tools to ensure college preparedness.
Melissa L. Boydston, Ed.D., is the senior vice president of community development and engagement at Valley of the Sun United Way, which is on a journey to create Mighty Change by 2026.
vsuw.org/MightyChange
If Arizona is able to increase college attainment and completion by 10%, the state could see a $1.37 billion increase in economic gains per cohort.
Peak performance is delivered in uncompromised comfort. The 6D Dynamics air suspension system is designed to reduce both pitch and roll. This state-of-the-art technology for an SUV combines with the Range Rover Sport SV Edition One’s sophisticated chassis to unlock its full dynamic potential.
The specially tuned 626-hp Twin-Turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine makes not only the brand’s most powerful but also fastest-ever Range Rover — providing immediate responses with exceptional drivability.
An illuminated button on the steering wheel activates SV Mode. The vehicle primes itself, lowering 15mm to the
ground. The driver will feel the sharper throttle response, the faster gear changes, the weight of the steering, and hear an intensified sound from the exhaust.
The active exhaust system not only provides a distinctive sound synonymous with high-performance SV-branded vehicles, but it also ensures optimal thermal management that is integral to peak performance. The quad exhaust is shrouded with a stainless-steel trim and finished in carbon fiber.
The lightweight seat design combines Ultrafabrics™ with 3D-Knit zero-waste textile for truly contemporary comfort and performance. Performance at the driver’s fingertips. The steering wheel is designed with pronounced thumb grips and innovative translucent edge-lit gearshift paddles for enhanced tactility. Pressing the SV Mode button unleashes the vehicle’s true potential and bathes the cabin in an ambient red glow. There is refinement in every detail. Range Rover Sport SV Edition One features Black Ceramic finishes on key touchpoints, providing the smooth, diamond-like tactility of a luxury watch.
—Mike HunterJaguar Land Rover North America, LLC landroverusa.com
In today’s business work, investing in protection systems as well as providing hands-on-training program to educate people about the safety equipment, identifying common fire hazards and devising safe evacuation routes are invaluable in protecting a business and its most important asset — its people.
Fire protection devices and systems are essential to keeping buildings prepared, assets protected and people safe. Although they operate quietly in the background of a business, these resources are primed to respond to fire emergencies. Peace of mind and dependable protection are powerful components of safe workplaces.
Fire sprinkler systems, fire extinguisher training, fire alarm panels, and emergency and exit lights’ illumination are other integral components of fire protection for today’s businesses. And some businesses may need around-the-clock facility monitoring for smoke or fire, emergency lights tests or fire extinguisher inspections.
The above items should be an integral part of an annual review of a business operation’s fire and safety plan. —Jason Jacobs, general manager of Cintas Fire Protection (www.cintas.com), which offers a broad range of solutions-based fire products and services, including professional testing and inspections, protecting valuable resources through monitoring and defense systems; is expert in kitchen suppression, hazard suppression, and national fire protection; and has a value inspection program to simplify and streamline fire safety processes
2024 RANGE ROVER SPORT SV EDITION
ONE
MSRP: $180,300
City: 17 mpg.
Hwy.: 22 mpg
Trans: 8-speed automatic 0–60: 3.6 sec. DON’T MISS
Red and gold beets, romaine, frisée, goat cheese, radicchio, pistachios and beet chips
$12.95
Rosso Italian, surrounded by high-rises and just steps away from the Footprint Center, brings a contemporary take on premium Italian cuisine to the downtown Phoenix foodie scene. Launched earlier this year, Rosso Italian is the latest creation from the restaurant group behind POMO Pizzeria. The restaurant opens its doors at 11 a.m. and immediately welcomes a flock of businesspeople looking for a quality weekday lunch option. The bar seating is the ideal space for a quick, casual bite or, for guests looking for a more formal atmosphere, the restaurant has a more decorous area perfect for a company meeting.
The 5,000-square-foot space is sleek and rustic, with a touch of Italian warmth. The dining room at Rosso Italian is designed to be both elegant and comfortable, with warm lighting and a cozy vibe.
Paninis, offered only during the lunch service, are made with all-natural dough that comes from highly refined organic wheat flour in Italy. The dough rises for 72 hours and bakes for 30 minutes, creating a light, easily digestible crust. The chicken pesto panini ($14.95) is loaded with grilled chicken, mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, romaine and house pesto, all sandwiched inside focaccia bread.
Other stand-out menu items include the beets salad with red and gold beets, romaine, frisée, goat cheese, pistachios, beet chips and citrus vinaigrette; and the gnocchi burrata made with house-made gnocchi and coated with burrata, a zesty cherry tomato sauce, Parmigiano cheese, and topped with basil. For those missing a taste of POMO’s iconic Neapolitan pizza, Rosso Italian offers the same pizza recipe as its sister restaurant.
Although POMO Restaurant Group believes in utilizing Italian-imported goods where it counts — like using “00” and semolina flour for bread and pasta — the group values supporting local vendors when possible. At POMO and Rosso Italian, diners will find dishes with Chula Seafood and Two Wash Ranch chicken, and the bar highlights Valley brews that include Huss Brewing Co., SanTan Brewing Company and The Shop Beer Co.
Rosso Italian is open Monday through Saturday and encourages walk-ins and take-out orders.
We unite nonprofits and philanthropy to transform Arizona through education, advocacy, and innovation.
AZ impact for Good will unlock the potential to solve complex community problems through collaborative impact. We embrace what is possible in a reimagined organization as we build on the foundation of our shared legacy of resources. Together, we will advance diversity, equity and inclusion in Arizona. We will foster authentic communication and trust to enable more impactful relationships among nonprofits, funders and partners. And we will speak with a clear, unified voice on public policy issues that affect our sector and the people and communities we serve.
AZ Impact for Good Officially Launches during 2023 UNITE Nonprofit + Grantmaker Conference
AZ Impact for Good, formerly known as the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits + Arizona Grantmakers Forum, announced the culmination of an extensive year-long rebranding endeavor. This momentous transformation harmonizes the core tenets of mission, vision, values and strategic objectives of the merged entities, propelling a rejuvenated commitment to elevate and empower the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors throughout Arizona.
Page 4: AZ Impact for Good
Wins 2023 Gold Circle Award for Excellence in Association
Communications from ASAE
“Today marks a milestone we’ve been ardently working toward,” says Kristen Wilson, the enterprising chief executive officer of AZ Impact for Good. “Our reinvigorated vision paints a tapestry of a vibrant and equitable Arizona, a haven where all people and living things thrive. Our new mission stands as a beacon: to unite nonprofits and philanthropy, catalyzing Arizona’s metamorphosis through education, advocacy and innovation.”
Crafted meticulously, AZ Impact for Good’s fresh identity resonates through its novel logo, tagline, vision, mission statement and strategic messaging. Imminent release of a comprehensive brand guidelines compendium will offer an immersive dive into the brand essence, ensuring seamless integration for members and partners alike.
“Our strategic priorities are to build a statewide network, amplify the sector‘s voice and lead collaborations among funders and nonprofits,” says Jennifer Purcell, the trailblazing chief impact officer of AZ Impact for Good. “We completed an extensive and thoughtful process that included many stakeholder meetings, think tanks and surveys conducted by the Membership Integration team. The thousands of pieces of information gleaned from these touchpoints were then summarized and used by a board committee to draft the mission, vision, values and strategic goals with input from staff as well. Then, that information was taken to the board to review, discuss and vote on.”
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Symbolism encapsulates the essence of the new identity. The name, logo and tagline adorning AZ Impact for Good epitomize Arizona’s dynamic nonprofit and philanthropic tapestry. The vibrant green is an ode to sustainability and renewal, while the striking red embodies the high-impact vigor underpinning collaborations among nonprofits and grantmakers. The golden hue, a beacon of transformation, speaks to the profound change catalyzed through education, advocacy and innovation.
“We are proud to represent the tireless nonprofit and philanthropic professionals who strengthen Arizona communities,” says Laurie Liles, the visionary chief public policy officer of AZ Impact for Good. “Our longstanding partnerships with the National Council of Nonprofits and United Philanthropy Forum fortify our advocacy for public policy that advances our sector on the national, state and local levels.”
New Mission: We unite nonprofits and philanthropy to transform Arizona through education, advocacy, and innovation.
New Vision: We envision a vibrant and equitable Arizona where all people and living things thrive.
New Values: Collaboration, Leadership, Integrity, Inclusivity, Equity and Transparency.
Strategic Priorities: Build a statewide network: Build a statewide network to share knowledge, research, and educational resources to increase organizational and individual effectiveness.
Amplify the Voice: Amplify the voice of nonprofits and philanthropy through communication, marketing, branding, policy and advocacy.
Lead the Collaboration: Lead the collaboration among funders and nonprofits to create trust-based systems designed to solve community problems.
AZ IMPACT FOR GOOD BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD CHAIR
Torrie Taj, Child Crisis Arizona
CO-VICE CHAIR
Yvonne Moss, Make a Wish Foundation of America
CO-VICE CHAIR
Wendy Erica Werden Tucson Electric Power/Unisource Energy
CO-TREASURER
Mario Aniles, Aniles & Company
CO-TREASURER
Matt Ellsworth, Flinn Foundation
SECRETARY
Kate Thoene, New Life Center
BOARD MEMBERS
Penny Allee Taylor, Consultant
Annie Clary, Valley of the Sun YMCA
Mesha Davis, Arizona Foundation for Women
Maria Echeveste, Bank of America
Kate Jensen, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona
Jared Langkilde, HonorHealth Foundation
Monica Nuvamsa, The Hopi Foundation
Jeri Royce, Advance Community
Glenn Wike, Burton Family Foundation
Eric Wolverton, Habitat for Humanity Northern Arizona
John Amoroso, The David & Lura Lovell Foundation
Margaret Hepburn, Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona
Marcus Johnson, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
Andrea Moreno, Salt River Project
AZ Impact for Good 333 E Osborn Rd #245 Phoenix, AZ 85012 Phone: (602) 279-2966
www.azimpactforgood.org
AZ Impact for Good has been recognized by ASAE with a 2023 Gold Circle Award in the E-Newsletter category. The Gold Circle Awards competition is the premier association marketing, membership and communications award that recognizes excellence, innovation and achievement in association/nonprofit marketing, membership and communications programs. This year’s competition received more than 150 applications across 16 categories, including convention/meeting campaign, member retention campaign, print magazine and video.
“We are incredibly proud to receive the 2023 Gold Circle Award for our IDEA(s) in Motion Newsletter. This recognition underscores the significance of
creating a platform that fosters inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility within the nonprofit sector,” says Angela Palmer, vice president of organizational equity and special projects. “Our goal was to provide a valuable resource for nonprofits in Arizona, helping them understand the importance of equity initiatives and take action within their organizations. Winning this award affirms the impact we are making and inspires us to continue our mission of empowering and supporting the nonprofit community.”
The IDEA(s) in Motion Newsletter (www.azimpactforgood.org/tools-resources/ideas-inmotion-newsletter) was conceived around AZ Impact for Good’s commitment to serving the nonprofit
and philanthropic communities with a focus on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA). The organization’s leaders wanted to establish a way to share information and best practices around IDEA with the membership in an approachable way that was interesting and compelling. The goal was to serve as a key source of information on how to include IDEA practices in the daily operations of a nonprofit. A key reason why the newsletter is well-read and shared is because it is personalized and AZ Impact for Good emphasizes resources from multiple modalities so it is engaging and relatable for the diverse types of learners and readers.
“We have worked to meet nonprofits and grantmakers wherever they are at their IDEA journey,” says Palmer. “The newsletter has evolved over time and now includes information about our IDEA trainings as well as those that we partner with at a local and national level.”
Entries for the Gold Circle Awards competition are judged consistently in each category based on criteria established by the ASAE Gold Circle Award Committee for excellence in association marketing, membership and communications programs.
“I am thrilled to extend my congratulations to the winners of the 2023 ASAE Gold Circle Awards,” says Diana Dabdub, CAE, director of admissions and recruitment affairs at the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges and chair of the ASAE Gold Circle Awards Committee. “The Gold Circle Awards recognize and highlight the significant role that marketing, membership and communications association professionals play in promoting and supporting the growth of associations and their members. This year, the Gold Circle Awards categories have been updated to encourage and promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in campaign development. The winning campaigns showcase innovation, collaboration, creativity and thoughtful incorporation of the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility perspective in their design and implementation.”
In an age when instant gratification is more the norm than giving back and philanthropy, AZ Impact for Good has made it easier to change some of this behavior with its Arizona Gives Giving eCard.
A Giving eCard is truly a gift that keeps on giving and the dollars stay local. These gifts help nonprofits provide vital services and improve our economy. The purchaser is also able to claim these dollars as a federal tax deduction or state tax credit.
Giving eCards can be purchased on AZGives.org (www.azgives.org/ecards) at any dollar amount, for any occasion, and at any time of the year. Purchasers (individuals or businesses) can choose to immediately “gift” the eCard to the recipient via email or send to themselves first to pass along at the right moment. The eventual recipient then decides which of the approximately 1,000 Arizona nonprofit 501(c) (3) organizations featured on AZGives.org they would like to donate to using the Giving eCard code at checkout.
Every day, we hear how inflation continues to impact our community members, and it is charitable organizations that often come to the rescue to assist, even if it’s temporary assistance.
Since the pandemic, the need for health and human services has not slowed for things like food and shelter as well as basic health and mental health services. While arts and culture organizations like theaters, museums and gardens have opened their doors back up, people have fewer expendable resources to spend on these experiences, putting our cultural institutions at risk. And the costs of goods for nonprofits to provide their services has also increased dramatically, making it harder to stretch donations further than ever before.
Every year, GivingUSA produces a giving report to help provide a picture of giving in comparison to previous years and trends over the past 40 years. Here are some key data points to help you understand the important role individuals play:
• In 2022, after two of the most generous years of giving on record, giving by individuals declined by 6.4%. Adjusted for inflation, total individual giving declined 13.4%.
• Overall charitable giving in 2022 (which includes individuals, foundation, corporations and bequests) declined 3.4% compared to 2021. Adjusted for inflation, total giving declined 10.5%.
• Data continues to show that, overall, the percentage of individuals giving has continually declined since the early 1980s, going from 81% to now 64%.
Giving eCard donations can potentially qualify for a state tax credit. The State of Arizona provides two separate tax credits for individuals who make contributions to charitable organizations: one for donations to Qualifying Charitable Organizations (QCO) and the second for donations to Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organizations (QFCO). Individuals making cash donations to these charities may claim these tax credits on their Arizona Personal Income Tax returns. Go to www.azdor.gov/tax-credits for details. Always consult a tax advisor.
While Arizona Gives Day isn’t until April 2, 2024, Giving eCards are available on AZGives.org to gift any time of the year. With the holidays right around the corner, we encourage you to give a gift in 2023 that will keep on giving.
For more information about Giving eCards or Arizona Gives Day, please contact Jennifer Purcell at AZ Impact for Good (www.azimpactforgood.org).
Agboola, Liz, 32
Aja, Rachel, 10
Aker, Andrea, 33
Allen-Etchart, Sophie, 34
Atwell, Kristin, 10
Badolato, John, 50
Bookspan, Jennifer, 14
Boydston, Melissa L., 56
Boyle, Tony, 22
Camacho, Chris, 18
Chávez, Anna María, 35
Cirocco, Michelle, 52
Clyde, Rebecca, 36
Collins, Sherri, 10
Cox, Meghan, 37
DiMaggio, Frank, 15
Hale, Elizabeth, 48
Hare, Greg, 20
Heavey, Paige, 38
Hobbs, Katie, 31
Humphrey, Kim, 39
Jacobs, Jason, 57
Jesson, Jeannie, 20
Johnson, Christina, 16
Kaplan, Jennifer, 40
Kavaliauskas, Vitalis, 26
Knights, Jared, 12
Kobierowski, John, 15
le Gentil, Hortense, 47
Leshgold, Wendy, 55
Liberty, Ashlee, 52
Mahoney, Nicole, 47
Martuscelli, Mary, 41
McCarthy, Lisa, 55
McGuire, Jerry, 12
Moore, Ryan, 14
Morris-Blake, Barbara, 46 Ostro, Ben, 54
Paquette, Gerald “Rab,” 66
Patterson, James, 14, Raab, Brian, 22
Reeser, Darin, 24
Rosencrans, Annie, 11
Ryan, Ginni, 26
Serrano, Betsy, 24
Shapiro, Mike, 47
Stone, Mona, 42
Tetreault, Jenny Holsman, 43
Thurman, Katrina, 44
Villalobos, Monica, 45
Ward, Emily, 49
Yasukochi, Colin, 13
Aker Ink PR & Marketing, 33
Arizona Commerce Authority, 19
Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, 10
Arizona Community Foundation, 35, 51
Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 45
Arizona, State of, 31
AvAir, 12
AZ Impact for Good, 59
Baltic Amadeus, 26
Botco.ai, 36
Bridge Real Estate & Relocation
Concierge, 38
CBRE, 13
Chateau Luxe, 54
Cintas Fire Protection, 57
CollabraTech Solutions, 20
Cora Health Solutions, 24
Cox Communications, 10
Desert Financial Credit Union, 12
Dominium, 15
eeCPA, 48
Elevate Organizations, 46
Evolve PR and Marketing, 40
Fennemore, 49
Forbes.jobs, 13
Gensler, 23
Goodmans, 68
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, 42, 53
Greater Phoenix Economic Council, 18
HBS+, 37
HiBob, 11
Holualoa Companies, 67
HonorHealth, 25
Intel, 12
Jive, 6
Kiterocket, 21
Kiwi Turf Cleaners, 14
Land Rover, 57
Launch Powered by Compass, 15
Lerner & Rowe, 12
Neighborhood Ventures, 15
OneAZ Credit Union, 12
Plaza Companies, 67
Poplin, 12
Prisma, 5
Private Label International, 16
Prologis, 17
ProTech Detailing, 17
PuriFi, 12
Quantum Leap Productions, 10
Read Better Be Better, 34
Revel Communities, 26
Rosso Italian, 58
Salt River Project, 7, 27, 39
Securian Financial, 24
Silent Witness, 66
Stearns Bank, 6
Studio B Smiles, 50
Televerde Foundation, 52
Televerde, 52
Tequila Corrido, 22
Thrive Services Group, 44
Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2
TPI Composites, 43
Trinity Integrated Care, 32
UnitedHealthcare, 3
Valley of the Sun United Way, 56
Western U.S. U.S. Bank, 41
WGNSTAR, 20
Yield Engineering Systems, 20
1. Citizens submit tips anonymously to law enforcement.
2. Law Enforcement alerts the media and media shares with public.
3. Cases get solved.
4. Anonymous citizens receive reward money.
5. Felons are arrested.
Since its inception in 1979, Silent Witness has received more than 75,000 anonymous tips, approved more than $2,700,000 in rewards, made more than 8,000 felony arrests and seized more than $14,000,000 in illegal drugs.
The ultimate goal of Silent Witness: Make Arizona Safer!
Silent Witness has been successfully solving crimes throughout the Valley since 1979. In addition to helping solve heinous felonies like murder, robberies and hit-and-runs, Silent Witness regularly assists in preventing and solving crimes that affect Arizona businesses through its corporate partnership program.
One recent example of this is Silent Witness teaming up with telecommunications company CenturyLink, a Lumen company, to generate awareness for copper theft and help reduce the number of incidents in the Valley. Phoenix leads the nation in copper theft and the problem has increased exponentially in recent years, presenting a big public safety concern.
Since the beginning of 2022, CenturyLink has been the victim of 215 separate acts of theft and vandalism totaling nearly $1 million in damages in Phoenix-metro alone. This is a dramatic increase over previous years in which copper theft damages totaled only $10,000 for all of Arizona. CenturyLink attributes the increase in incidents to the current economic climate, inflation and the sharp increase in copper prices. Above and beyond the financial and physical damage the company has incurred, copper theft presents challenges for Arizona’s 911 system and prevents access to critical emergency services.
Crime prevention has long been an important partnership between the public and private sectors and, with more than 300 convenience stores operating around the clock across the metro area, Circle K has developed a unique partnership with a focus on partnership and communication with Circle K’s team leadership to keep stores safe.
Gerald “Rab” Paquette is president of Silent Witness, Inc., a nonprofit with no affiliation to any particular police agency in Arizona. Paquette is also a licensed general contractor, president of Sonoran Property Construction and partner in Vita Property services. Paquette has been chairman of the Southwestern Business Finance Corporation, a Small Business Administration-certified lender, and founded and served on the board of Sunrise Bank of Arizona and Western National Bank. silentwitness.org
(Versión en Español) testigosilencioso.org
SEPT. 2023
“Copper theft is a huge public safety issue,” says Dan Chason, lead security professional and coordinator of the theft and vandalism program for Lumen Technologies. “Every year, we proudly process millions of 911 calls across our robust and reliable voice network throughout the United States. We know that when someone calls 911, seconds count, and we take that responsibility seriously. However, vandalism like this can mean that emergency calls do not go through.”
Copper thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are hard to identify and catch since they pose as contractors, using vans or trucks with temporary magnetic signage to steal copper from pedestals and cross boxes around Phoenix, often during broad daylight. CenturyLink desires prosecution for these crimes and is actively participating in bringing charges against guilty individuals, with the help of Silent Witness.
[Editor’s note: Copper theft can also impair a business’s ability to operate. This editor recently found her Glendale breakfast restaurant destination closed due to the theft of copper wiring that left it unable to run its equipment.]
In addition to copper theft, Silent Witness assists with a number of other crimes affecting Arizona businesses. It has partnered with commercial property management and maintenance firms to help combat the problem of illegal dumping, which is costly, dangerous and unsightly. Silent Witness also assists large retailers and convenience stores with organized retail crime. In fact, Silent Witness has a long-standing partnership with Circle K and has assisted with solving a number of robberies.
This unique partnership and communication is complemented with state-of-the-art camera systems, alarms, lighting and security risk assessment tools that provide solid evidence in the event that a serious incident occurs at any one of the companies stores, parking lots or other facilities. The company also works closely with the Silent Witness program that rewards tipsters with information leading to the arrest of anyone committing misdeeds at any of the stores.
“Circle K has been partnering with Silent Witness for more than 24 years. Silent Witness has great resources within local, state and federal law enforcement, local media, TV, social media and professional business sites,” says Dave Slacks, Circle K loss prevention supervisor for Arizona. “Silent Witness along with its vast resources have led to the arrests and prosecution of countless subjects for crimes against Circle K. Silent Witness is a valuable partner for Circle K and it is a comfort to know they are working on not just our cases but cases throughout the Valley 24/7. Our state is safer because of Silent Witness.”
Silent Witness is dedicated to creating safer communities by working in partnership with citizens, media and law enforcement to solve and prevent crime within the state of Arizona. Although it works in partnership with the Phoenix Police Department, it is a separate, community-based, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.
The board of directors of Silent Witness AZ is comprised of 30 professionals who include active and retired military, police, fire department and security personnel, plus Arizona State Representatives, legal counsel, as well as business owners and executives from real estate, advertising, food service, technology, finance and insurance who are collectively dedicated to protecting our community.
All the rewards paid out are funded entirely through private donations and grants — not taxes. Silent Witness also hosts a number of fundraising events throughout the year, including an annual golf tournament, trivia night and sporting clay tournament to raise important funds to support its mission.
Companies have been proud to partner on some of the most transformational redevelopment projects in Arizona –including SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center and Park Central.
As two competitive, connected, and skilled real estate firms, our history of working with educational institutions and fostering publicprivate partnerships has taken each of our projects to the next level and we are excited to see the community impacts. For
