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Avondale’s StaffNow deemed a fast-growing company

BY LAUREN SERRATO

West Valley View Staff Writer

Avondale-headquartered StaffNow has ranked No. 475 on the 2021 Inc. Magazine’s 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.

The list represents the most successful independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia and many other well-known names had their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“I was blown away,” said Greg Johnson, StaffNow’s chief executive officer.

“We were happy just to be in the 5000, but to get into the top 500, which from a legacy perspective is a pretty big deal, I was shocked but really greatly humbled and appreciative for my team, because

I’ve got a great group of folks and they’re working really hard; so it’s awesome to see that effort being acknowledged.” StaffNow is a full-service agency created to unite people with workplaces. Johnson refers to the business as a “recruiting team.” “Especially for small businesses who don’t have a dedicated HR or recruiting staff, we’re that replacement because talent matters. And in this world, it really matters,” Johnson said. “As these businesses grow, that No. 1 issue to have right now is talent, and us being that recruiter to help them attract talent has really been pretty positive for us and for them.” With over 30 years of leadership experience, StaffNow services clients all over the country, including branch offices in Tempe and Davenport, Iowa, as well as

Faith, Ledyard & Faith, PLC

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As CEO of StaffNow, Greg Johnson credits his team for its dedication and commitment. StaffNow is a certified Minority Business Enterprise by the National Minority Supplier

Development Council. (Photo courtesy of StaffNow)

satellite locations in California, Texas, Ohio and Illinois.

StaffNow’s three-year revenue growth is 1,012%, almost double the average rate of the 5,000 businesses on the list.

Johnson said the secret behind StaffNow’s success isn’t rocket science, as he acknowledges a strong and passionate team is the key.

“We care about people,” he said. “We’re passionate about our internal employees, our external people, all those typical things. But we also are strategic about our business. We started focusing on supply chain and e-commerce about two and a half years ago, and I think that pivot to that has been huge for us.”

Additionally, Johnson said his business is successful because of the area’s growth.

“Arizona, especially the West Valley, has continued to grow, and we’ve taken those relationships and grown with our clients throughout the country. And so just having that mindset obtained in the commitment, following in a marketplace that’s growing, it’s just a good combination,” he said.

A Litchfield Park resident, Johnson said the pandemic threw his business a curveball, but he used it as an opportunity to continue to grow.

“We planned for an opportunity for the last two years. We kept cash very low. We kept overhead very low. And then when COVID happened, we were in that essential footprint and I knew it was just time to grow,” he said.

Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc., emphasized the feat of making the list, acknowledging businesses’ ability to do so during a pandemic is even more impressive.

“The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled,” Omelianuk said. “Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis we’ve lived through is just plain amazing. This kind of accomplishment comes with hard work, smart pivots, great leadership and the help of a whole lot of people.”

Moving forward, Johnson said he and his team do not intend to slow down. He’s looking forward to seeing his revenue and client numbers increase.

“The future is infinite in regard to how we can grow,” he said. “We’ll stay headquartered in Avondale, but now we’re going to expand geographically, so we’re looking for similar models that Phoenix metro bears and we’re leveraging our relationships, and so we’ll grow. Texas is coming up in January. We’re already in Davenport, Iowa. We’re looking at Atlanta, so we’ll just mirror what we’ve done but just expand our footprint.”

For more information on StaffNow, visit staffnowjobs.com.

WEST VALLEY VIEW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

BUSINESS Business Briefcase

BY LAUREN SERRATO

West Valley View Staff Writer

Hello and welcome back to Business Briefcase! This week we’re going to take a look at a popular corporation opening two locations in Goodyear, as well as a small business that debuted this month.

Have questions about a development or a building under construction? As always, feel free to ask us. Email lserrato@timespublications.com.

Waffletto

Location: 406 N. Litchfield Road, Suite 208

As large corporations and small businesses continue to open in the West Valley, Goodyear is welcoming another family-owned business, Waffletto.

Owner Brenda Lugo wants to provide a memorable and exceptional dining experience. She does so with the help of her dedicated employees, who serve made-from-scratch meals.

With a menu filled with sweet and savory waffle options, Waffletto also offers customers a smoothie made with natural products, a coffee-based drink created with fresh coffee beans, or a variety of espressos, iced coffees, frappes or iced tea.

Waffles are its forte, but there’s nothing traditional about its offerings. Customers can add a variety of toppings and sides to pair with their waffle, including berries, ham, egg and cheese, or Nutella. Waffletto can also satisfy that hunger craving for lunch or dinner with the chicken and pesto waffle, or an apple cranberry or strawberry pecan salad.

Of course, don’t forget to treat yourself to a sweet treat for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Waffletto’s classic ice cream parfait.

For more information or a look at the full menu, visit waffletto.com.

Starbucks

Locations: Southeast corner of Litchfield Road and I-10 Southeast corner of Estrella Parkway and Roosevelt Street

With nearly 15,000 locations throughout the country, and over 110 locations in Phoenix alone, Starbucks has opened two new coffee shops in Goodyear.

On Aug. 11, it opened its doors to the West Valley, just in time for pumpkin spice lattes.

The next time you’re looking for a coffee or a quick snack on the go, make sure to check out these two new Starbucks locations in Goodyear.

Question from reader: I saw the Babbo sign added to the building going up next to the Harley-Davidson store. Do you know when that is supposed to open? Answer: Although construction on Babbo Italian Eatery was delayed in 2019, Goodyear residents can expect to see the restaurant open by the end of summer.

According to a press release, the Goodyear location will seat 230 people. The restaurant will feature a full bar, modern décor, chandeliers, artwork and dark blue booths. The Goodyear location will resemble the store in Scottsdale.

Be sure to keep an eye out for Babbo’s opening day and take advantage of the popular $6.99 spaghetti and meatballs special on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The menu will feature appetizers, protein bowls, pizza, pasta, calzones, salads, sandwiches and desserts.

For more information or a look at all the menu items and locations throughout the Valley, visit babboitalian.com.

Have an item for Business Briefcase?

Please email your business news and tips to Lauren Serrato at lserrato@timespublications.com

BEFORE THE ARIZONA POWER PLANT AND TRANSMISSION LINE SITING COMMITTEE

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY, IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES 40-360, ET SEQ., FOR A CERTIFICATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPATIBILITY FOR THE THREE RIVERS 230 KILOVOLT TRANMISSION LINE PROJECT, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO NEW SINGLE CIRCUIT 230 KV TRANSMISSION LINES WITH THE INTERCONNECTIONS ORIGINATING AT THE EXISTING APS RUDD-WHITE TANKS 230 KV TRANSMISSION LINE AND THE LINES PROCEEDING WEST AND CONTINUING SOUTH TERMINATING AT THE TS16 SUBSTATION, SOUTH HALF OF THE NE QUARTER OF SECTION 8 OF TOWNSHIP 1 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST AND NORTH HALF OF THE SE QUARTER OF SECTION 8, LOCATED IN GOODYEAR, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA DOCKET NO. L-00000D-21-0292-00193 Case No. 193

NOTICE OF HEARING

A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD before the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee (Committee) regarding the Application of Arizona Public Service Company (APS or Applicant) for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) authorizing construction of the Three Rivers 230kV Transmission Line Project (the Project) (the Application). The Project consists of two new single circuit 230kV transmission lines. A map of the Project is attached as Exhibit A.

The hearing will be held at Hampton Inn & Suites, 2000 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, Arizona 85395. The hearing will begin on October 4, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. and will continue as necessary on October 5 through October 8 commencing at 9:00 a.m. each day as necessary through the completion of the hearing. If any revisions to the hearing schedule are required, they will be noticed on the Project website at www.aps.com/threerivers, and on the Arizona Corporation Commission (Commission) website at: https://www.azcc.gov/arizona-power-plant/meeting-schedule.

PUBLIC COMMENT WILL BE TAKEN IN A SPECIAL EVENING SESSION ON OCTOBER 4, 2021, AT 5:30 P.M., VIA TELEPHONE, ZOOM, OR IN PERSON AT HAMPTON INN & SUITES, 2000 N. LITCHFIELD RD., GOODYEAR, ARIZONA 85395. PUBLIC COMMENT MAY ALSO BE TAKEN AT OTHER TIMES DURING THE HEARING AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL LOCAL AND STATE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES REGARDING COVID-19 WILL BE FOLLOWED DURING THE HEARING AND PUBLIC COMMENT SESSION. FURTHER RESTRICTIONS ON PUBLIC ACCESS, ADDITIONAL SAFETY PROTOCOLS, AND REVISIONS TO THE HEARING SCHEDULE MAY OCCUR DUE TO PUBLIC HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS.

THE PUBLIC IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE BY EITHER WATCHING THE HEARING ONLINE OR LISTENING TO THE HEARING VIA TELEPHONE, RATHER THAN ATTENDING IN PERSON.

At least 24 hours in advance of the hearing, information regarding online and telephone hearing access, as well as any additional details regarding COVID-19 safety protocols or other revisions to the hearing schedule will be noticed on the Project website at www.aps.com/threerivers. The Chairman may, at his discretion, recess the hearing to a time and place to be announced during the hearing, or to be determined after the recess. The date, time and place at which the hearing will be resumed will be posted on the above-noted Three Rivers 230kV Transmission Line Project website and the ACC website.

NOTE: NOTICE OF ANY SUCH RESUMED HEARING WILL BE GIVEN; HOWEVER, PUBLISHED NOTICE OF SUCH A RESUMED HEARING IS NOT REQUIRED.

The Committee may conduct a tour of the Project area. The map and itinerary of any such tour will be available at the hearing and posted on the Project website at www. aps.com/threerivers and the ACC website at: https://www.azcc.gov/arizona-power-plant/meeting-schedule. Members of the public may follow the Committee on the tour in their own private vehicles. During the tour, the Committee may hear brief testimony at stops on the tour from one or more witnesses concerning where the stops are located, what is visible at the stops, and the relevance of the location and view to the facilities in the Application. No other discussion or deliberation concerning the Application will occur during the tour. A court reporter or recording device will record any testimony taken on the tour for transcription.

Copies of each Application contained detailed maps of the Project sites, detailed information about the proposed facilities, and prehearing and hearing transcripts will be available for inspection at the following locations: • Arizona Corporation Commission Docket Control Center, Phoenix, Office, 1200 West Washington Street, Suite 108, Phoenix, AZ 85007 • City of Goodyear Library, 14455 W. Van Buren St., E101, Goodyear, AZ 85338 • Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library, 495 E. Western Ave., Avondale, AZ 85323 • The Project Website: www.aps.com/threerivers.

Continued on page XX

NOTICE OF HEARING

Each county, municipal government, and state agency interested in the Project that desires to be a party to the proceedings shall, not less than ten (10) days before October 4, 2021, file a Notice of Intent to Become a Party with the Director of Utilities, Arizona Corporation Commission, 1200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007.

Any domestic non-profit corporation or association formed in whole or in part to promote conservation or natural beauty; to protect the environment, personal health or other biological values; to preserve historical sites; to promote consumer interests; to represent commercial and industrial groups; or to promote the orderly development of the area in which the Project are located that desires to become a party to the proceedings shall, not less than ten (10) days before October 4, 2021, file a Notice of Intent to Become a Party with the Director of Utilities, Arizona Corporation Commission, 1200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

The Committee or the Chairman, at any time deemed appropriate, may make other persons parties to the proceedings. Any person may make a limited appearance at a hearing by filing a statement in writing with the Director of Utilities, Arizona Corporation Commission, 1200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007, not less than five (5) days before October 4, 2021. A person making a limited appearance will not be a party or have the right to present testimony or cross-examine witnesses.

This proceeding is governed by Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) §§ 40-360 to 40-360.13 and Arizona Administrative Code Rules R14-3-201 to R14-3-220. Substantive communication not in the public record may not be made to any member of the Committee. The written decision of the Committee will be submitted to the Commission pursuant to A.R.S. §40-360.07. Any person intending to be a party to the proceeding on the matter before the Commission must be a party to the proceeding before the Committee.

ORDERED this 25th day of August 2021.

/s/

Thomas K. Chenal, Chairman Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee Assistant Attorney General

Exhibit A