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.
FEATURE
32
Is Your Company Headed for the Commodity Death Spiral?
Dan Adams discusses how it happens — and how to turn it around with a strategy of market-facing innovation. GUEST COLUMNIST
36
RPM Living: A Story of Growth, Values and Corporate Responsibility
This month spotlighting RPM Living, Tyler Butler’s series explores the myriad ways businesses give back and the positive ways their programs impact our community.
COVER STORY
24 It’s Lonely at the Top: Empowering CEOs to Be Their Best
In Business Magazine sought out experts in the various business pillars to provide tips and insights on self-care, best practices and more.
16 Semi Insights
“Powering the Future from Chandler, Arizona,” “Water Wise: Phoenix’s Step into Sustainable” and “Where Sustainability Meets Technology”
20 Healthcare
“Innovative Walk-In Clinic Specializes in Sexual Health Care” and “Arizona Leads the Way with Oral Health Medical Initiative”
22 Technology
“Connect with Advocates on Social to Accelerate Small Business Growth” and “Create e-Commerce that Raises Customer Experience”
33 Books
New releases give fresh insights on business thinking.
34 Economy
Brian Crisp discusses using third-party escrow to help close business deals and streamline transactions.
41
AZ Impact for Good (formerly the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits + Arizona Grantmakers Forum)
9 Guest Editor
Tim O’Neal, president and CEO of Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, introduces the “Leadership” issue.
10 Feedback
Elizabeth Hale, Michael Krentz and Christian Hale respond to In Business Magazine’s burning business question of the month: How are you developing a leadership pipeline within your company?
11 Briefs
47
Arizona Giving Guide Support Arizona Gives Day on April 2
4
“Rebranding Is a Journey,” “Dailies Top Stories,” “Local Standouts Recognized for Achievements and Philanthropy,” “Four Peaks Brewing Collaboration with Golf Apparel Brand Bad Birdie” and “Arizona Is a Magnet State for Domestic Migration”
13 CRE
“Design Projects: Fit to Execute?,” “Market-Rate Development Breaks Ground in Mesa,” “Attainable Communities Break Ground in Glendale,” “Construction Begins on Master-Planned Community in North Scottsdale,” “Major Queen Creek Shopping Center Reaches Leasing Milestone” and “Eastgate Plaza Breaks Ground in Mesa”
38 Nonprofit
Dawn Gerundo shines a light on the connection between Arizona’s business health and economy and the growing issue of chronic absenteeism in grades K through 12.
39 Assets
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Plus: Meaningful appreciation builds value.
40 Power Lunch
El Patron: The Boss of New Mexican Cuisine
66 Roundtable
Stephen M. Kohn explains why protecting whistleblowers following SEC rules is good for business.
“Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself. It is precisely that simple and it is also that difficult.” Warren G. Bennis, an American scholar and founding chairman of The Leadership Institute at the University of Southern California
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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Kristen Wilson, CEO AZ Impact for Good (602) 279-2966
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Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce ahwatukeechamber.com
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry azchamber.com
Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce azhcc.com
The Black Chamber of Arizona phoenixblackchamber.com
Economic Club of Phoenix econclubphx.org
Glendale Chamber of Commerce glendaleazchamber.org
Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce phoenixchamber.com
Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce gpglcc.org
Mesa Chamber of Commerce mesachamber.org
North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce northphoenixchamber.com
Peoria Chamber of Commerce peoriachamber.com
Phoenix Metro Chamber of Commerce phoenixmetrochamber.com
Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce scottsdalechamber.com
Scottsdale Coalition of Today and Tomorrow (SCOTT) scottnow.com
Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce surpriseregionalchamber.com
WESTMARC westmarc.org
RaeAnne Marsh became editorial director of Phoenix-based InMedia Company in 2010 and helped launch Valley-wide business resource In Business Magazine. Her journalism career began more than 20 years ago, when she left California and 12 years of teaching to transplant in Phoenix’s vibrant entrepreneurial environment, and includes incorporating her own business, Grammar & Glitz, Inc., to work with business and media clients nationwide.
Holding the magazine to strong editorial standards, she says, “New businesses are founded, out-of-staters bring new strengths, established businesses evolve and expand — all of which contributes to the dynamic vitality that I see as the mission of In Business Magazine to be the voice of and vehicle to nurture, in each monthly edition. It is my challenge to ensure each edition is packed with relevant information on a broad spectrum of issues, aimed at a readership that runs the gamut from entrepreneurial startup to major corporation.”
Guest columns are feature articles presented as a special, limited series as well as regular, ongoing series in In Business Magazine
Tyler Butler
Guest Columnist – Social Impact
A long time corporate social responsibility practitioner, Tyler Butler is known for her expertise in creating, launching and developing successful social impact programs. Her commitment to rallying people together to make a positive difference has created sustainable signature programs empowering people to give back in a myriad of ways globally. Butler operates under the ethos of “each one teach one,” and so her contributions to In Business Magazine provide her with an outlet to share the best of what companies are doing to aid humanity. Butler looks to shed light on good corporate citizens and share stories about the magic they are creating through their generous outreach efforts.
Bruce Weber
Guest Columnist – Capacity
Bruce Weber sees In Business Magazine as a valuable forum for topics relevant to our business and nonprofit community. “I am deeply interested in organizational capacity and what makes organizations successful and impactful in the work they do. In my work in the community for more than 16 years, I have worked with all sizes of organizations and leaders in helping their businesses grow and expand their impact. My previous careers with Microsoft and Hewlett Packard involved working with business integration partners to design strategies to engage new markets. In today’s complex world, I enjoy exploring the possibilities and opportunities that change can bring.”
Dan Adams, a chemical engineer with a listing in the National Inventors Hall of Fame, is the founder of The AIM Institute and author of the books Business Builders: How to Become an Admired & Trusted Corporate Leader (The AIM Institute, 2023) and New Product Blueprinting
Brian Crisp, regional president for Arizona at Enterprise Bank & Trust, has more than 20 years of banking experience and close ties to the Phoenix business community.
Dawn Gerundo is the community development and engagement director for education at Valley of the Sun United Way.
Stephen M. Kohn, a founding partner at the whistleblower law firm Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, is recognized as a leading authority in whistleblower law. He is author of the bestselling book Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What’s Right.
Publisher Rick McCartney
Editor
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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Archer Chiang
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Candie Guay
Mike Hunter
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Mikel Lindsaar
Maureen Noe
Stephanie Quinn
Stephen M. Kohl
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Events
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Tim O’Neal is the president & CEO for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona and Thrive Services Group, headquartered in Phoenix. Under O’Neal’s 25-year leadership tenure, the organization has increased retail revenues by 3,000% and offers a broad array of human service programs for more than 50,000 people each year. O’Neal holds a Certificate in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from the Harvard Business School Executive Education program and graduated from Goodwill Industries International’s Executive Leadership Development program. goodwillaz.org tsginc.com
“Continuous improvement” is the mantra for business success. While the phrase usually refers to business operations, it’s also applicable to those organizations’ leadership as well.
As CEO for one of the fastest-growing nonprofit organizations in the country, we have been impacted by the same market trends, supply chain challenges, labor shortages and lack of affordable capital for the past decade as every other business. During a period of both robust growth as well as unprecedented uncertainties, it has been more important than ever to remain a steady, positive and empowering leader to our team of 6,000. Every single leader at Goodwill has a company-sponsored executive coach. Their role is to help our leaders seek out their own wisdom and reach their greatest potential. Regardless of where we are in our career, it is incumbent on each of us to reflect on the impact we are having on the world around us and to seriously ask ourselves the question, “What more can I be doing to improve myself and my team?”
The cover story this month focuses on helping CEOs be even stronger leaders for their organization. In Business Magazine sought out experts in various business pillars to provide tips and insights on self-care, best practices, and more. From finances and profitability to health and wellness, we speak to those empowering leaders about what it can take to be at your best.
Company leaders getting caught up in myriad priorities is the problem Dan Adams addresses in his feature article “Is Your Company Headed for the Commodity Death Spiral?” As he explores ways out of “death spiral,” Adams’ point is business founders will establish their company with a laser focus on delivering superior, differentiated value — but that may gradually become a chase to keep profits up by cutting R&D, resulting in an undifferentiated product and a need to continue cutting costs.
Attorney Stephen M. Kohn offers his Roundtable article on whistleblowers and SEC guidelines as a warning to businesses that “Providing potential witnesses with any monetary incentive or disincentive to hide information from law enforcement is an obstruction of justice.” But this article also serves to underscore the importance of companies’ leaders keeping in touch with what is going on throughout their organization.
This March edition of In Business Magazine also offers its annual “Giving Guide” in the rampup to April 2nd’s Arizona Gives Day, the fundraising powerhouse that has made an increasingly tremendous benefit to our community since its founding in 2013.
I’m honored and pleased to be a part of bringing you this edition of In Business Magazine, helping strengthen our business community with valuable and relevant information.
Sincerely,
Tim O’Neal President and CEO Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona
To say it is lonely at the top is an understatement. It is not lonely because we are alone — it can be lonely because it is usually up to us as leaders to self-direct and self-improve as well as manage others. This issue is about looking inward to a degree and reminding us as leaders that we need to look in the mirror and reflect on what we can be doing to be our best for ourselves — as well as for others.
I want to thank my good friend Tim O’Neal for leading this issue. He is a proven leader whose conscious understanding of
self-improvement and the power of reflection has made him a great leader and someone many want to emulate when it comes to doing the work to bring out the potential in ourselves and in others — and go that step further to make necessary changes to ensure we are great! —Rick
McCartney, PublisherLet us know what you think of this issue of In Business Magazine. Email our publisher at feedback@inbusinessphx.com
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LAVIDGE
Sector: Public Relations
Please visit the March Feedback entry on our website at inbusinessphx.com.
FEEDBACK QUESTION:
Let us know what you want to know from the Valley’s top business leaders. editor@inbusinessphx.com
In terms of succession planning for leadership positions (top-level and/or mid-level) in your company, how are you developing a leadership pipeline within your company?
eeCPA
Sector: Financial
It’s no secret that the accounting market is highly competitive when it comes to attracting and retaining quality senior talent. As the CEO of eeCPA, I recognize the critical importance of succession planning for leadership positions in this environment to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of our company and the industry at large.
Developing a robust leadership pipeline involves a strategic and proactive approach that’s rarely as simple as recruiting someone with the right pedigree. We don’t just bring in talent — we seek out potential and pave the way. This can look like securing opportunities for our CPAs to present at major industry conferences, funding their master’s degree and compensating them often for their success. Not only are all these things good for them, but they build a foundation for us to forge future firm leaders.
It’s crucial to never forget that we’re shaping the future of the entire industry. While the short-term burn of building up a green employee’s potential is temporarily challenging, the longterm benefits are significant to any organization’s success.
eeCPA • eecpa.com • thecashsource.com
DAVIS
Sector: Architecture
As the president of DAVIS, I am aware that a well-structured succession plan and a strong leadership pipeline are essential for the long-term success of our organization. We have implemented a comprehensive approach to succession planning and leadership development to achieve this goal.
Our strategy involves identifying and nurturing talented individuals within our organization. We provide mentorship programs, leadership training and career development opportunities to enable our employees to grow into leadership roles. We also conduct regular performance assessments to identify high-potential candidates and their unique strengths.
We foster a culture of teamwork and knowledge-sharing by encouraging collaboration across different departments and projects. This approach broadens the skill sets of our future leaders and prepares them to take on senior leadership roles.
We are committed to transparent communication about career paths and leadership expectations. We inspire our employees to be ambitious and dedicated, providing them with a clear path to success.
Equality Health
Sector: Healthcare
Equality Health is a leader in value-based care (VBC), an important movement in the U.S. health system toward the quality care model and away from fee for service, a system that has historically prioritized volume over value. We’re based right here in Arizona. As leaders in this crucial movement, we are change agents and we focus on enabling independent primary care providers — especially those in underserved communities — to be successful in this new model.
Because the health plans and providers we work with interact in such diverse communities, our team is made up of diverse voices. Our people at all levels must be passionate about VBC and embody compassion, empathy and cultural humility every day.
We must meet people where they are in their health journey, addressing language, race, culture and social determinants of health. So, as we bring up new leaders and recruit new Equality Health team members, we look for these key characteristics to help our team drive innovation, our business model and PCP- and community-based success. Aligning leaders toward these elements of our DNA is crucial.
For all past Feedbacks go online to inbusinessphx.com and see what Valley executives think on various business topics.
Elizabeth Hale is the CEO of eeCPA, a leading accounting resource for elite entrepreneurs and high-net-worth investors seeking transformational growth in the Phoenix metro area. A CPA and Certified Tax Coach, she has 30-plus years of experience and an enthusiasm for entrepreneurship. Hale is also a co-founder of The Cash Source, which helps entrepreneurs reach their potential creatively and profitably.
Through our strategic initiatives, we ensure a continuous infusion of talent to ensure a bright future for our firm and the architectural excellence that we are renowned for.
DAVIS thedavisexperience.com
Michael Krentz, AIA LEED® AP, has been an architect for 37 years. His design expertise encompasses hospitality, multi-family residential and corporate headquarters.
Sign up for the monthly In Business Magazine eNewsletter at www.inbusinessphx.com. Look for survey questions and other research on our business community.
Christian Leon is the Arizona market president for Equality Health. With more than a decade of experience in the healthcare industry, Leon brings expertise in operations management, strategic planning and scaling value-based care. Originally from Mexico, Leon has a deep understanding of the needs of the Latino community. His background has been pivotal in enhancing access to healthcare in Arizona communities.
Arizona Helping Hands is now The Foster Alliance – same organization, same mission
Arizona Helping Hands, now The Foster Alliance (TFA), celebrated its 25th anniversary with a comprehensive rebrand on October 23rd, 2023. Commemorating a refined focus on supporting the foster community while maintaining the same unwavering mission, this new identity better represents the organization’s values and commitment.
The rebrand isn’t just a superficial makeover; it’s a storytelling asset reflecting the essence of The Foster Alliance. Through extensive research, the organization identified key pillars of its identity: compassion, humanity and innovation. The goal is clear — to provide compassionate services, create a safe and inclusive space, and continuously innovate to meet the evolving needs of the foster community.
Through the past 25 years of service to Arizona, TFA has learned that the trajectory of a foster child’s life is often bleak. The decision to adopt the name “The Foster Alliance” is rooted in the belief that collaboration is essential to help foster children “change their stars.” The term “Alliance” signifies the collective effort required from everyone involved — clients, supporters, volunteers and the community at large.
However, even the best decisions come with challenges. As the organization worked to communicate the rebrand, there were misconceptions among its stakeholders. Some believed Arizona Helping Hands had been acquired or merged with a larger entity named “The Foster Alliance.” Clear communication
has become paramount to dispel these misunderstandings and reaffirm the continuity of the organization’s mission.
Moreover, the financial implications of a rebranding are noteworthy. The transition period an audience can need to adopt the new brand can impact donations up to 45% immediately. The organization’s ability to meet its ambitious goals of serving more than 14,000 children in state and tribal foster care systems across Arizona hinges on the continued support of its donors.
One week after launching the new brand, TFA kicked off The Holiday Joy Drive, a drive that brings in toys and gifts for thousands of foster children for the holidays and more than half of the funds needed to run its largest signature program, Essential Needs. Serving more than 700 foster children per month, this program supplies everything from underwear and socks to clothes and personal care to children when they need it most. During the 2023 holiday giving season, online donations decreased by 12% at TFA. These donations directly affect the number of children TFA can serve. With goals to reach each of the more than 14,000 children in state and tribal foster care systems across Arizona, the public’s help is required to make up that funding. Luckily, TFA remains a Qualified Foster Care Organization and can accept donations as a part of Arizona’s Tax Credit program. —Maureen Noe, CEO of The Foster Alliance (thefosteralliance.org)
According to determ.com, 74% of companies decide to rebrand their business in the first seven years. It includes marketing activities like, changing positioning, logo, brand name, launching targeted ads or conversational chatbot.
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.
Growth & Enterprise | Cover Story | February 2024
Inspired by the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, In Business Magazine has identified seven game-changing projects and events that add to the dynamic vitality of Greater Phoenix and contribute to the continued growth of this fifth-largest metropolitan area in the nation.
Philanthropy | Nonprofit | February 2024
Integrity, authenticity, accountability and trust — these are the hallmarks of any strong relationship, including the relationships between nonprofit organizations and the donors who invest in them.
Growth & Enterprise | From the Top | February 2024
The Lectric eBikes XP 3.0 is the most popular e-bike in America. Based in Phoenix, the company has sold more than 400,000 e-bikes in less than five years, and sells the most popular cargo e-bike and the most popular adult electric trike. Lectric eBikes CEO Levi Conlow co-founded the company with his childhood friend and mechanical engineer, Robby Deziel, in 2019. At the time, Conlow was only 22 years old.
Technology & Innovation | Semi Insights | January 2024
The past few years have been a roller-coaster ride for the semiconductor and electronics industry, particularly in the United States — coming out of a slowdown into a pandemic that created shortages, to a boom year that has the industry talking about reaching a trillion dollars in semiconductor sales, into a downturn that the industry is slowly pulling out of in the last two quarters of 2023.
Accepted to Forbes Coaches Council
Dr. Joel P. Martin, president of Triad West Inc. and founder of the Positively Powerful Programs, has been accepted into the Forbes Coaches Council, an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Dr. Martin was selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of her expertise. positivelypowerful.com/Insights/coaching
AvAir Receives International Aviation Award
For an unprecedented fourth consecutive year, Chandlerbased AvAir, an inventory solutions provider for the aviation aftermarket, was awarded the No. 1 position on Airline Economics’ Aviation 100 “Parts Supplier of the Year” award, recognizing the company as a top leader in the industry with an impeccable reputation. avair.aero
DAS Technology Exalted
DAS Technology, automotive’s leading consumer engagement technology company, was named to Inc. magazine’s 2023 Power Partner list, earned six prestigious Dealers’ Choice Awards, and was named one of the Top 10 privately held companies in the Phoenix metro market, where DAS was founded in 2010. dastechnology.com
5 Stars: Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass earned the 2024 Travel Guide Five-Star award for KAI, Aji Spa and the resort, and remains the only resort in Arizona to boast both a Five-Star restaurant and spa in addition to its Recommended Rating. marriott.com
Plexus Worldwide Combats Food Insecurity
Through its Nourish One® initiative in a partnership with Feeding America® and global partner, Mary’s Meals, leading health and wellness company Plexus Worldwide, achieved the milestone by the start of this year of 40 million meals donated to families experiencing food insecurity. plexusworldwide.com
Over Easy Helps #LovePup Foundation
Scottsdale-based breakfast concept Over Easy raised $12,697 for the #LovePup Foundation through a yearlong fundraising effort that concluded in December 2023, donating to the foundation $1 for every seasonal dish purchased throughout 2023. These funds will be allocated to furthering #LovePup’s mission of helping homeless dogs in the area find their forever homes and educating pet parents on responsible pet ownership. eatatovereasy.com
Tempe-based craft brewery Four Peaks Brewing and Scottsdale-based golf apparel brand Bad Birdie teamed up to launch a limited-edition collection featuring Bad Birdie Juicy Golden Ale. The collaboration blends craft beer and golf culture, creating a unique and accessible experience for enthusiasts.
Arizona is a mecca for golf in the U.S. — rated as one of the country’s top golf states by Golf Magazine. And what goes together better with golf than beer?
With that in mind, the leadership at Four Peaks Brewery reached out to Bad Birdie with a unique collaboration proposal. While most of the apparel brand’s past partnerships requested the incorporation of logos onto Bad Birdie merchandise, Four Peaks suggested something different: create a new Bad Birdie-branded craft beer.
Together, Four Peaks Brewing and Bad Birdie are redefining the beer and golf experience,
stripping away pretentiousness to make the sport more enjoyable for everyone. For Four Peaks, the result of the collaboration is an easy-drinking Bad Birdie Juicy Golden Ale, with a subtly crisp taste of passionfruit, orange and guava flavors.
In return, Bad Birdie created a collection of custom Bad Birdie Juicy Golden Ale golf apparel, blending classic style with a modern flair. The line includes Bad Birdie’s signature polos, graphic tees, hoodies, hats and accessories.
As of this printing, the collaboration has been the most successful innovation brand launch in Four Peaks history. Bad Birdie has sold out of its associated hoodie sweatshirts and is experiencing robust sales for its other associated apparel, exclusively available at BadBirdieGolf. com, on the app or at the Four Peaks Pub in Tempe, Arizona. —Jeremy Bolian, CEO and general manager of Four Peaks Brewing Company (www.fourpeaks.com)
Relocating to a neighboring town for an extra bedroom doesn’t seem to cut it anymore for many Americans. Whether seeking better jobs, friendlier housing markets or more bang for the buck in general, an increasing number of people are taking the longer route to their new homes.
Considering the major impact of relocation on the self-storage industry, we aimed to identify the top moving destinations in the U.S. and the states that excel at retaining residents. Our research is based on the latest U.S. Census data, which includes migration patterns for 2022.
Arizona secured the fourth spot for net migration in 2022 (after Florida, Texas and North Carolina), acquiring more than 77,000 new residents and solidifying its status as a prime relocation destination. The state’s appeal is bolstered by its robust economy, proximity to California and its red-hot housing market — as well as its coveted climate, rendering it a favored choice for retirees.
California emerges as the primary origin of newcomers, with nearly 75,000 individuals making the move to the Grand Canyon State in 2022. It’s not
just individuals but also California corporations that are making a beeline for Arizona. And companies like Intel, Tesla, Charles Schwab and PayPal have substantially expanded their operations in Arizona in recent years, creating a ripple effect that intertwines corporate and individual migration. Promising job prospects creates a magnet for newcomers. Moreover, Arizona’s housing market, while not universally affordable, presents a more accessible option for Californians, with home prices being 44% lower than in Cali.
Washington state stands out as the second significant source, contributing more than 20,000 new Arizonans in 2022, among whom 29% are baby boomers. The average age of those migrating from Washington to Arizona stands at 45, a clear indicator of the current retirement trends. Other states sending significant amounts of people to Arizona include Texas, Colorado and Oregon. — Maria Gatea, a real estate and lifestyle editor for Yardi, which supports StorageCafe (www.storagecafe.com)
StorageCafe Migration Trends
storagecafe.com/blog/state-to-state-moving-trends
Interstate
One rarely discussed aspect of interior design that is actually incredibly common is being hired to pick up where other design teams have left off. It’s so common, in fact, that our firm has created a specific service distinction for the offering: SOS Services. From property positioning to design, floor plan rework to drawing completion, budget review to engineering value, through furniture procurement and installation — we have been called in to do any and all. While our team embraces the creative challenge, getting to the point in a project where it needs to be “rescued” is not an ideal scenario. For our clients, it presents major challenges, especially when it comes to the project timeline and budget. Our many internal discussions about “SOS” projects and the accompanying challenges led us to dive deeper into how clients can avoid projects getting off the rails in the first place.
While it may sound simple, the main thing that should be done during the hiring process is to make sure the team being considered can show examples of all these important project management traits. Every firm will say the same things on their websites, social media, or even in person. But, just like interviewing a new employee, it’s important to ask questions that delve deeper. If the design firm boasts clear communication, it’s important to ask for specifics. They should be able to explain the coordination process on a project — not just how it should go but how it has gone, in their experience. How did their involvement
help it to run smoother? They should be able to provide examples of how they saved their clients money or helped meet a tight time frame. Another place to look is their company culture. Do their employees enjoy working there because it’s fun and fits within their lifestyle? Or, more than that, do they feel seen, heard and respected? The way the employees are treated is often reflected in customer service and project management as well.
The bid and proposal review process often lacks thorough communication and transparency, and the industry standard won’t change until we realize that’s lacking and work to improve it. The focus is almost always on service costs and aesthetics, and all these other details don’t come to light until the middle of the process and it’s apparent that it’s not working. At that point, the next step is to weigh the options and try to decide which route will cost more money: continuing with the team in place or trying to find someone else that might be better. And while we say this in relation to interior design, this easily expands to all collaborations and business relationships. Accountability matters and we should be able to expect that all hands involved are equally invested to see a project cross the finish line successfully. —Christina Johnson, creative director of Phoenix- and 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
Chicanos Por La Causa, one of the largest community development corporations in the nation, recently broke ground on a new mixed-used, market-rate development in Mesa focused on Light Rail transit and community within walking distance of the Downtown area. The Residences on Main will feature nearly 200 apartment units and 19,000 square feet of retail space to promote a walkable, active downtown environment, and is part of a larger vision from Chicanos Por La Causa to offer diverse housing opportunities in Mesa. —Mike Hunter CPLC.org
Scottsdale-based Greenlight Communities, a real-estate developer dedicated to constructing attainable workforce rental housing, recently broke ground on two projects in Glendale. This project will be Greenlight’s first to offer an affordable Streamliner and attainable Cabana community on adjacent sites. Streamliner Aldea will bring 282-new apartment units and Cabana Aldea will offer 257-new apartment units. Located just west of the Loop 101 Freeway across from Westgate’s Entertainment and State Farm Stadium, these are the first affordable and attainable rental housing communities in this area. —Mike Hunter livegreenlight.com
Award-winning real estate development firm Optima® is partnering with Mitsui Fudosan America, Inc. for the development of the first building within its newest Arizona residential development, Optima McDowell Mountain Village™, located on 22-acres on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101 Freeway in North Scottsdale.
The first building, which broke ground last month, will consist of 210 rental residences. The overall development will comprise six, eight-story apartment and condominium buildings that will include 1,330 luxury residences and 36,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. —Mike Hunter optima.inc • optimamcdowellmountainvillage.com
Phoenix boasts 1st place among the markets with the most industrial real estate space under construction at the start of 2024, according to the latest report from CommercialSearch. The total of 42.5 million square feet of industrial space currently under development marks an addition of 11.1% of new industrial inventory space to the metro’s already rapid industrial expansion. commercialsearch.com/blog/national-industrial-construction-report
Scottsdale-based Diversified Partners, a real estate brokerage and development company, recently broke ground on Eastgate Plaza in Mesa. The 17-acre mixed-use development at the northeast corner of Elliot and Ellsworth roads in Mesa is located north of the Eastmark masterplanned community and near the growing Mesa Tech Corridor.
Confirmed tenants include a new drive-thru Starbucks, d’Lite Healthy On The Go, Pure Barre fitness studio, Fit FX group fitness gym, Fresh Monkee handcrafted protein shakes, Playa Bowls, Kolache Café, Southern California-based fastcasual concept Farmer Boys, Ono Hawaiian BBQ, Vero Chicago Pizza, Swig soda shop, Euphoria Nail
Salon, Mecham Orthodontics, MB2 Dental, Andi’s Hair Salon and Barbershop AVEDA, Discount Tire, Senior Taco and a UPS Store.
Diversified Partners is holding the hard right corner of the development for future use, perfect for restaurants.
Amidst the flourishing development, a standout feature is the planned Cambria Hotel. Spanning approximately 91,911 square feet across 2.11 acres, the four-story hotel will encompass 107 rooms and redefine hospitality in Mesa.
Designed with Cambria’s new prototypical plans, the hotel will include additional amenities such as a 500-square-foot rooftop bar and kitchen, tailored to accommodate banquets,
receptions and other private events while providing panoramic views of the Superstition Mountains. A first-floor restaurant and lounge will also extend to a spacious outdoor seating and dining area, complemented by a large outdoor pool with a sundeck and fireplace. The hotel is expected to open on September 1, 2025.
The site is owned by Elliot & Ellsworth Investment Properties LLC — an entity led by Brown Jr. The construction management group overseeing the buildout is Canyon Building & Design, while RKAA Architects is the architect of the project. EPS Group is the civil engineer.
—Mike HunterVineyard Towne Center, a 260,000-square-foot project being developed in two phases by Vestar, one of the leading privately held shopping center owners and managers in the western United States, has achieved a significant milestone in reaching nearly 100% leased for Phase I within a few months of completing construction.
Specialty grocer, Sprouts Farmers Market, was the first tenant to open at Vineyard Towne Center in August 2023. Since then, Pacific Dental Services, European Wax Center, Zara Nail Bar, Chunk Cookies, Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop, and Nekter Juice Bar have opened their doors to service Queen Creek and its neighboring communities.
McDonalds, Zaxby’s Restaurant and Better Buzz Coffee will occupy the remaining vacant outparcels in this initial phase of development.
Another wave of retailers will open in Spring 2024 including Keep It Cut Hair Salon, MOD Pizza, Over Easy, Academy Bank, Crown One Beauty Supply, Wingstop, Cafe Rio and Cinnaholic. Ono Hawaiian BBQ and Mountain America Credit Union are set to join in the Fall of 2024.
Over two phases, Vineyard Towne Center will deliver a mix of shops, services, and restaurants to the heart of Queen Creek. Queen Creek ranks as one of the fastest-growing suburban areas in the nation, part of the expanding Phoenix metropolitan area.
Vineyard Towne Center’s Phase 2 construction, including anchor tenant Target, will commence in the Fall of 2024 with opening dates slated for late 2025. Vestar plans to make additional Phase 2 tenant announcements in the coming months. —Mike
Huntervestar.com
vineyardtownecenter.com
Phoenix claims two of the top 20 largest industrial development projects currently under construction with a 2024 completion date: the 2,850,000-square-foot Lucid AMP - Phase 2 property owned by electric vehicle maker Lucid Motors, ranked 8th, and the 1,755,043-square-foot C|303 - Phase I - Building A, B, C property owned by First Industrial Realty Trust, ranked 18th. Both projects are due for completion in Q1 2024. commercialsearch.com/blog/national-industrial-construction-report
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Amidst the technological strides being made in Arizona, the state continues to develop its extensive network of highly specialized companies that help create the chips that the world literally runs on. According to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, about 20 semiconductor companies have officially announced they will begin operations in Arizona, and about 20 more are in the pipeline. Such growth is necessary if Arizona’s semiconductor hub status is to reach global competitiveness.
A current inflection point for the semiconductor industry is the emerging field of advanced packaging. The increasing demand for smaller, more powerful electronic device advanced packaging goes beyond traditional methods by employing sophisticated techniques to improve performance, reduce size and integrate more functionality. Enter Saras Micro Devices. Saras stands out with a pragmatic solution to a common challenge — power efficiency.
Originally founded in Atlanta, Georgia, the company recently opened its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Chandler, Arizona, with a clear objective: to enhance power delivery for high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence and advanced networking devices. At its core, Saras is tackling the power efficiency problem head-on.
As computers and AI systems become more complex, the need for more efficient power delivery grows. Saras is developing a novel solution, the Saras Tile, or STile, offering a new paradigm for in-package power delivery that significantly improves efficiency and performance while freeing up package real estate to enable higher levels of chiplet integration.
A multi-domain, substrate-embedded, passive module, STile is designed to support the growing number of power rails within the package, enabling the move of power regulation from the system board to the package. By embedding this technology directly into the substrate core of devices, Saras claims it will minimize power loss and reduce loop inductance. This integration will help improve the performance per watt — a critical metric in efficiency — which is a technical way of saying they’re aiming to make power usage more direct and less wasteful.
Its 3D structure provides a centralized, vertical power delivery solution that significantly reduces the number of
separate components needed while better enabling the most advanced HPC and AI applications. The company suggests that its technology could also lead to shorter design cycles and a reduction in the three-dimensional footprint of power components, allowing these and other emerging applications to realize their full potential.
The leadership at Saras Micro Devices boasts more than 150 years of combined experience and believes in its capacity to innovate in power delivery and applications for AI and highperformance computing markets. They emphasize the need for higher power density and the role their technology could play in meeting this demand.
Saras’ decision to relocate its headquarters to Arizona was strategic. Proximity to major tech companies and a quick connection to California provide logistical advantages. With an expanding facility footprint, Saras aims to bolster its capabilities while ramping up production to meet anticipated demand. Looking ahead, Saras has outlined a product roadmap that includes its current STile technology and has a focus on modularity and versatility, allowing for development of more tailored solutions to address specific customer needs.
As Saras Micro Devices introduces its power efficiency solutions for AI and HPC markets with cautious optimism, the company has made significant investments in its Arizona facility. The company has invested $50 million into its Chandler facility, creating 50 jobs by 2025, expanding its operations and contributing to the region’s growing semiconductor industry. The Chandler site will serve as a production facility, with plans to have a pilot line operational within the year and productionready by the following year.
The coming years will be telling as Saras moves from development to production, aiming to advance computing technology, with potential benefits ranging from improved performance to lower costs. Saras Micro Devices is ready for the industry’s growth and is strategically positioned to serve key customers in the tech industry as the ever-growing demand for higher performance, more powerful and more efficient devices drives the microelectronics industry to redefine advanced packaging.
Saras Micro Devices sarasmicro.com
The Arizona Commerce Authority off ers a wide range of programming to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. Find tools to help launch, operate and scale your business with our online, interactive Small Business Checklist. View webinars in our Small Business Boot Camp to help you master everything from finances, to leadership, to business plans. If you want to improve your digital footprint, our Small Business Digital Academy offers hands-on training to help grow your presence online. Plus, we’ll connect you with fellow Arizona business leaders who can share valuable insights and growth strategies to help you find success. Whether you have questions about getting started or you’re looking for a strategic plan to take your business to the next level, we’re here to help.
azcommerce.com/small-business
In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, water is as precious as gold — or, in our case, silicon. Especially as Phoenix is fast becoming a semiconductor stronghold. Semiconductors, the tiny but mighty engines driving much of our technological advances, generate heat and require effective cooling. That’s where water comes in.
Addressing water recycling challenges has long been a concern for Valley residents and businesses, especially as our population and manufacturing blueprint continues to expand. Enter BlueCommons, a pioneering “Blue Bank” dedicated to tackling water recycling. The organization has launched the Cooling Water Conservation Fund, providing a vital resource for local businesses to upgrade their industrial cooling systems without breaking the bank. In collaboration with the City of Phoenix, BlueCommons is fronting the upgrade expenses, and here’s the twist — repayment occurs through the savings accrued from reduced water usage and costs. It’s a win-win.
Why is this significant? Our city’s industrial heartbeat depends on cooling systems that are a lifeline for facilities and especially critical for semiconductor plants, where even a slight increase in temperature could lead to catastrophic consequences. However, these systems also place considerable demand on our water supply. The solution isn’t rocket science — it’s simply improved recycling. By upgrading these systems, water will be more efficiently utilized than previously imagined, significantly reducing our dependence on freshwater resources.
For businesses, this represents an opportunity to embrace environmental stewardship — an investment in their own future, but also in ours, promising lower water bills but also operational cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint. As this program’s success grows, the funds replenished by businesses will extend the initiative’s reach.
This isn’t just about conservation; it’s a strategic maneuver for Phoenix’s growing semiconductor industry. With semiconductors at the core of everything from AI to electric vehicles, optimizing water usage becomes pivotal to sustaining Phoenix’s uninterrupted evolution as a semiconductor hub. This fund goes beyond improving a company’s bottom line; it ensures every drop of water works harder to ensure a lasting impact not just in Phoenix but also beyond its borders. —Stephanie
Quinn
At the heart of every technological advancement, semiconductors are silently powering the future. But as we enter an era where sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity, the semiconductor industry is finding itself at a crossroads. The recent GreenBiz 24 conference in Phoenix not only highlighted the latest sustainable practices but also the challenges and triumphs of intertwining technology with eco-consciousness.
Joel Makower, chairman and co-founder of GreenBiz, opened the event not with traditional remarks but with a poetic cadence, underscoring the urgency and complexity of the sustainability movement. “We need to rid ourselves of the illusion that we can be sustainable without real inclusion,” Makower rhymed, drawing attention to the fact that being environmentally conscious is not just about policies or numbers; it’s a holistic approach that includes every stakeholder in the equation.
The conversation wasn’t just limited to environmentalists or tech enthusiasts either. Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix brought a local perspective, noting the city’s unique approach to sustainability, including leveraging its abundant solar energy and innovating in water management, reflecting the city’s historical roots and the original indigenous communities’ sophisticated canal systems. “We exist because of water management ... and it’s very much in our DNA,” said Mayor Gallego, echoing the city’s commitment to sustainability that is both historical and forward-looking.
transition away from fossil fuels.
Semiconductor companies typically focus on reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions under their direct control. Scope 1 emissions primarily arise from process gases used in manufacturing, while Scope 2 emissions come from purchased electricity and other energy sources. Collaboration across the industry and with external partners is essential for reaching sustainability targets.
While discussions on policy and community engagement were central to the event, GreenBiz 24 also highlighted the influential role of social media in shaping public perception and behavior. Influencers Leah Thomas and Zahra Biabani shared insights on how authentic content creation can lead to real environmental change, bridging the gap between sustainability goals and public action.
It became evident that the semiconductor industry, along with every sector represented at GreenBiz 24, has the shared responsibility of marrying innovation with sustainability.
The semiconductor industry, critical to modern technology, faces its challenges in aligning with sustainability goals. The industry’s leaders are called upon to embrace renewable energy, reduce waste and engage in responsible water usage — a resource that is both critical and scarce, especially in the arid landscape of Arizona. Every step forward in technology must be matched with a mindful footprint on the planet.
BlueCommons thebluebank.org
Bill Weihl, a prominent figure in the sustainability field from his time at Google and Facebook and now with Climate Voice, used his platform to push for more action. Despite his battle with ALS and losing his natural speaking ability, Weil’s synthesized voice was a powerful call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for policy support to meet net-zero goals and a just
As we look to the future, events like GreenBiz 24 are not just gatherings but catalysts for change, reminding us that the work of sustainability is never done in isolation. It requires a chorus of diverse voices, from the poetic chairman to the influential social media creators and every participant in between. In the words of Makower, “That’s how we roll in sustainability.” —Stephanie Quinn
GreenBiz 24 greenbiz.com/events/greenbiz/2024
“We found that there was a gap in the industry for on-demand, judgment-free sexual healthcare,” says Micaela Simon, FNP-C, AAHIVS, who, with Julia Kieffer, FNP-C, founded Be Well Health to provide sexual healthcare to all members of our community.
Expanding from the traditional clinic model they opened in Tempe in 2019, where they specialized in the care of the LGBTQIA+ community, they opened Be Well Health’s first in-store clinic last month.
Located at Walgreens in Phoenix at Central Avenue and Osborne Road with a format similar to a Minute Clinic or Little Clinic, the clinic offers same-day appointments and walk-ins for all demographics.
Walgreens saw the collaboration as another opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to “leveraging our resources and capabilities to champion health and wellbeing within local communities. Our collaboration with Be Well Health is just one more example of that commitment,” according to Amer Hakam, Walgreens regional healthcare director for Greater Phoenix.
“The care of our community starts with the treatment and prevention of some of the hardest-todiscuss healthcare topics,” says Simon. “Our goal is to help our patients understand that there is no such thing as ‘taboo’ within the walls of Be Well Health.
“Unlike the traditional healthcare model, our instore clinic allows our providers to quickly address sexual health concerns with walk-in and same-day appointments, bringing Be Well Health patients immediate peace of mind,” Simon continues. “By collaborating with Walgreens on our in-store clinic, we are better able to serve the Central Phoenix community in a friendly, approachable and familiar atmosphere.” —Mike Hunter bewellhealthaz.com
The University of Arizona College of Medicine –Phoenix and Delta Dental of Arizona are partnering with Harvard University Schools of Medicine’s Center for Integration of Primary Care and Oral Health to develop a comprehensive curriculum that will be integrated across all four years of medical students’ training. A first of its kind, the Oral Health in Medicine Initiative program will be two-fold, offering both classroom instruction and handson training during student clerkships, providing real-world experience with patients in an authentic clinical dental setting.
The OHMI program is intended to give physicians the knowledge to recognize that the mouth can be a window to underlying health issues and the vocabulary to communicate effectively with their dental colleagues.
“Physicians can have a significant impact on patient outcomes, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations, through oral screening evaluations, patient counseling and early intervention,” says Irene Alexandraki, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, senior associate dean of Undergraduate Medical Education at the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and co-primary investigator.
For vulnerable and underserved populations, medical care is often sought for acute care. Lack of access to financial means, nutritious foods and preventive care or unmanaged health conditions can cause patients to delay care until their disease has reached an advanced stage.
The partnership, made through a $850,000 investment by the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, will increase oral health education for all medical students at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix — an anchor to the Phoenix Bioscience Core — and is expected to launch in the 2024-2025 academic year, which commences in July.
“Medical-Dental Integration drives positive health outcomes in vulnerable populations, such as at-risk children, pregnant women, seniors, and
those in need of chronic disease management,” says Michael Jones, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Arizona. “Delta Dental of Arizona is a long-time advocate of increasing communication between dental and medical providers to reduce barriers to care. By integrating oral health curriculum into medical education, the graduating physicians will be better equipped to address health disparities and understand the connection between oral health to overall health, thereby improving the health and wellness of their patients and our communities.”
“We estimate that, upon completion of the program, UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix graduates will be able to make a positive impact on up to 180,000 patients per class, per year,” says Barb Kozuh, executive director of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation.
“Delta Dental of Arizona, whose mission is to create a better path to health and wellness, believes that including oral health curriculum in medical schools will provide medical students a greater breadth of oral health knowledge and will improve the quality of life for patients — especially those with chronic diseases. I also believe that integrating these two care components will, ultimately, reduce healthcare costs over the long run,” says Jones.
“We are excited to have found a partner in Delta Dental who shares our commitment to improving the health of our community through innovative and holistic approaches to patient care,” says Fredric Wondisford, M.D., M.S., MBA, dean of the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. “We hope the Oral Health in Medicine Initiative will set a new standard for interprofessional collaboration to promote oral health and encourage preventive care.” —Mike Hunter
cipcoh.hsdm.harvard.edu
deltadentalaz.com
phoenixbiosciencecore.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
For small business owners who want to increase brand awareness, there’s a massive opportunity to reach consumers showing interest in shopping small. They can do this by networking with other small business owners and asking the community and fans via social to support their business.
The pandemic pushed people to support local businesses like they never had before, but consumers want to know the story behind the business, what makes the business vulnerable, how it struggled or overcame a situation. By being vulnerable and honest, there’s a huge opportunity to reach consumers who want to shop small. Try networking with other small business owners and plug each other’s causes, highlight inspirations, and note the hardships that both have overcome. By establishing a partnership with another small business, the cross-promotional social opportunities become endless and are mutually beneficial to both parties.
Utilizing hashtags to encourage engagement and increase brand awareness among social users allows for a larger number of impressions and more of an opportunity for User Generated Content. Hashtags provide additional context and branding edge to posts, boost and kickstart engagement when used as a discovery tool and build community. It’s important to be strategic with hashtags, though, as a recent study found using 10 or more hashtags can reduce engagement by 68.2%.
Small businesses should also consider connecting with local influencers or local personalities to help promote their product, service or story via social media. Whether it be through content creation to utilize the company’s own marketing materials or through organic social posts, influencers, specifically on the micro-scale, have spent copious amounts of time building trust, loyalty and overall credibility with their audience. This makes them a go-to source for all things having to do with their specific niche. It’s taking word-of-mouth marketing to an entirely new, and more cost-efficient, level. Candie Guay, co-founder and creative director of Scottsdale-based Envida (envida.com), the nation’s leading multifamily creative agency
As the driving influence behind their startup or SMB, entrepreneurs often feel things could be moving faster than they are. Apart from the macroeconomic issues of inflation and interest rates driving up business costs, it is internal issues that are hindering the business from gaining speed.
One of the key traps SMB owners fall into is trying to race the big boys on their track. That track is a volume game, and it isn’t a game SMBs can win. In implementing e-commerce strategies, it isn’t possible to mimic the big boys by making the customer experience “technology-first.”
The problem is that customers then see no difference and they flock to the big company websites.
For example, research by Amazon in 2021 showed that Amazon continues to be the first place consumers look for product information, with 75% of consumers saying they check prices and product reviews on Amazon before making a purchase. Consumers feel they will get a better deal. If SMBs choose to copy the experience, the consumer will treat the whole market as a commodity and select the best deal, not the best experience.
And yet, experience does matter — it is just the consumer isn’t seeing any difference. Research shows that millennials, for example, definitely prioritize experience over “things.”
As SMB owners, entrepreneurs should be all about the human experience. That is where they have the advantage — knowing and providing personal, individual service to customers.
E-commerce, to date, has favored technology first, and customer service second.
Entrepreneurs can’t afford the bespoke systems, so they cobble together dozens of disrelated SaaS solutions and plug-ins — and then they get caught in the time and money wasted getting these systems to talk to each other, all the while customers are getting frustrated because they can’t seem to find business’s information or show any proof the business cares about them or knows them.
I commissioned a significant amount of research on this topic and found SMBs can recapture the high ground on customer experience by finding a single system that can do it all.
This single-system philosophy — where there is one source of data about the customer, which enables entrepreneurs to personalize their experience and communicate with them as an individual — is what they have been looking for. If
they can provide a better experience, customers will buy from them. They will keep buying and stay loyal for longer.
I coined a new phrase for this new singlesystem concept: Customer Commerce. Customer Commerce can be seen as a solution to the timeand money-wasting issues entrepreneurs have been facing.
The approach to implementing Customer Commerce is as follows:
1. Choose a single platform, single source of truth, system. This will deliver a better experience for the customer and streamlined ease of data access for the business’s staff.
2. Choose a system that integrates all the functions of CRM, stock management, pointof-sale, finance and dispatch. This way, the business’s team will be able to handle all customer interactions and find data more easily.
3. Choose a system that has capabilities for multiple stores, in multiple regions — allowing for scale and expansion without adding time and costs to the business.
4. Having implemented a Customer Commerce platform, redeploy staff to higher-value customerfacing roles and improve front-of-house customer experience even further.
The outcome will be entrepreneurs releasing the brakes on their business and improving customer experience and operational profitability.
—Mikel Lindsaar, CEO and founder of StoreConnect (getstoreconnect.com), which was built on the world’s No. 1 CRM (Salesforce) and gives clients a complete, powerful, configurable Customer Commerce solution
Empowering CEOs to be their best
by RaeAnne Marsh
It’s not only lonely at the top, it’s
— as good leaders live up to President Harry Truman’s famous statement acknowledging the responsibility that comes with authority: “The buck stops here.”
Even experienced CEOs running major corporations may not be managing themselves well; focused on managing the company, they’re neglecting some basic aspects of self-care, best practices and more. Ironically, this diminishes their effectiveness in both personal and professional realms.
With strategic and procedural issues constantly coming at them from a multitude of directions, sometimes more basic matters get overlooked or taken for granted. In Business Magazine sought out experts in various business pillars to help empower CEOs to be their best.
In the intricate dance of corporate leadership, CEOs often find themselves entangled in the relentless pursuit of profits, market share and strategic positioning. Amidst these priorities, two crucial elements are frequently overlooked: employee well-being and engagement, and adaptability and future visioning. These aspects, while seemingly secondary, are the linchpin for sustained success in today’s dynamic business environment.
A CEO’s vision for organizational success is incomplete without a steadfast commitment to the well-being and engagement of the workforce. Often treated as a tertiary concern, employee satisfaction plays a pivotal role in the overall health of a company. Contentment and engagement among the workforce not only enhances productivity but also fosters innovation and loyalty.
Employee well-being is not merely about offering attractive benefit packages; it extends to the emotional and mental health of the workforce. In an era where burnout and stress are rampant, CEOs must recognize the significance of cultivating a supportive work environment. Flexible schedules, mental health programs and avenues for skill development should be integral parts of a CEO’s agenda. Tools like Gallop StrengthFinders at the individual and team level can provide a good barometer and roadmap to maximize the use of individual skill strengths to collectively impact team engagement.
The relentless march of time brings with it technological revolutions, market shifts and
unforeseen disruptions. In the haste to meet short-term goals, CEOs often neglect the imperative of building an organization capable of adapting to change and thriving in the face of uncertainty. Adaptability and future visioning are not luxuries but necessities for any business aspiring to long-term success.
Technological obsolescence can be a silent disruptor, rendering established business models obsolete. CEOs should embrace innovation not merely as a buzzword but as a strategic imperative. Investing in cutting-edge technologies that enhance operational efficiency and keep the company ahead of industry trends is paramount. However, true adaptability extends beyond technology; it requires a corporate culture that encourages experimentation, creative thinking and continuous learning. The CEO should take an active role in the process, using company and staff meetings, stakeholder surveys and personal engagement.
Future visioning involves anticipating and preparing for potential disruptions. CEOs should not view strategic planning as a static exercise but as an ongoing, dynamic process. It demands an acute awareness of industry trends, identification of potential risks and a willingness to pivot when necessary. Diversifying product offerings, exploring new markets and forging strategic partnerships are proactive steps CEOs can take to fortify their organizations against unforeseen challenges.
A company’s ability to navigate change is intrinsically tied to the mindset instilled by its leadership. CEOs must champion a culture of agility, where employees are encouraged to adapt to new situations and contribute ideas for innovation. An organization’s resilience is not solely determined by its size or market share but by its ability to evolve and transform in response to external forces.
While the traditional metrics of success are undoubtedly vital, CEOs must recognize that the vitality of their organizations hinges on the well-being of their employees and their capacity to adapt to an ever-evolving landscape. By prioritizing employee engagement and future visioning strategies, CEOs can lay the groundwork for a resilient, innovative and sustainable enterprise — one that not only survives but thrives in the face of constant change.
Bruce Weber, founder, president and CEO of the Weber Group, assists social-sector organizations in realizing their potential and achieving long-term sustainability through transformational execution.
All CEOs confront a complex reality: They must navigate a delicate balance between narcissism and their inner demons. This hidden struggle subtly erodes their potential and impedes their path toward self-discovery, healing and effective leadership. Their true calling transcends facing vulnerabilities; it’s about achieving “entelechy” — a Greek word that means fulfilling one’s utmost potential. However, this path to realization is frequently hindered by the leaders themselves, as they unwittingly obstruct their progress.
In a recent TEDx talk, Brian Murray, CEO of the Ryan Companies, shed light on one common CEO demon. He emphasized the need to destigmatize depression and argued that doing so is essential for freeing CEOs from shame, isolation and imposter syndrome, enabling them to inspire their teams with a compelling vision. Asking for help from a trusted source is critical. Echoing Murray’s message, the legendary musician Prince once advised against having only employees as friends, cautioning that such friends might withhold hard truths to remain in favor. Therefore, CEOs need supportive friends and family outside of work.
The magnetic pull of a narcissistic CEO can swiftly become a double-edged sword, transforming admirable leadership qualities into pitfalls of arrogance and isolation. Traits like self-confidence and charm, crucial for articulating a compelling company vision, can escalate into overbearing pride, detaching leaders from their teams and the reality of diverse perspectives. Bold risk-taking, once a beacon of innovation, may veer into reckless decision-making, jeopardizing the collective wellbeing for personal acclaim. As these leaders bask in the adulation of their role, the thin line between inspiration and narcissism blurs, challenging the very foundation of effective leadership. Authentic connections can mellow the narcissistic behaviors that often mask doubt and fear.
In his provocative book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, Vivek Murthy, our current U.S. Surgeon General, illuminates the critical need for
genuine human connections. Murthy presents a startling analogy, equating the health impact of chronic loneliness and isolation, common with senior leaders, to the risks of smoking 16 cigarettes a day or consuming six strong alcoholic beverages. This stark comparison sheds light on the often-overlooked physical toll of leadership isolation. CEOs frequently prioritize their employees’ needs for meaningful, authentic connections while neglecting their own.
In the demanding life of a CEO, where overwork and lack of rest are common, the neglect of self-reflection and personal growth can alienate leaders from their teams by not walking the talk of the company values (“Do as I say, not as I do”). Embracing humility is not just crucial — it’s transformative, creating a culture of openness, continuous learning and mutual respect. Someone once told me, “Every CEO should have a therapist.”
CEOs must commit to an ongoing journey of self-enhancement, introspection and receptive feedback. Setting aside time for deep reflection can align daily efforts with the company’s vision and values. As highlighted in the book Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise by Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz, the busier the CEO, the more critical the need for quiet time becomes. This solitude is not about inactivity but about creating a space for deep thought, introspection and rejuvenation, allowing leaders to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. Just as regular meetings are essential for a company to reflect and strategize, a CEO also needs dedicated time for similar contemplation and planning. The path to effective leadership at the highest levels is fundamentally linked to personal growth and emotional well-being.
After 31 years of coaching, many of whom have been CEOs, I’ve noticed that many CEOs underestimate just how closely they are watched and the magnitude of influence they wield. This lack of awareness can be a pivotal blind spot, as the company’s culture reflects its leader more than any other factor. Healthy, vibrant cultures stem from healthy, vibrant CEOs, while dysfunctional and unhealthy cultures mirror the state of their leaders. Therefore, CEOs must recognize that their actions, behaviors and well-being set the tone for the entire organization, shaping its values, resilience and culture. Embracing this responsibility can transform their journey toward entelechy and guide their companies toward greater success and fulfillment.
Dean Newlund, founder and CEO of Mission Facilitators International, is an executive coach and leadership development and culture change expert.
Most people think of accounting as the record keepers. These are the people who tell you what happened after the business transactions take place. However, it is important to keep accounting in the loop before a transaction takes place. While there are a number of areas within accounting that CEOs should be focused on, there are typically two areas of accounting where a loss of focus can be detrimental to the organization. These two areas are revenue recognition and cash flow.
Revenue recognition can become an issue when the CEO fails to include the accounting area in key discussions with marketing and sales. It is too often that marketing and sales are given too much freedom to negotiate with customers and potential customers. These negotiations can lead to modifications of terms related to sales of products or services that can have dramatic impact on when the organization is allowed to recognize revenue and how much it is allowed to recognize. Changing small terms related to when a product is delivered, when title passes from the seller to the buyer or whether the seller has future obligations to the buyer can result in changing the timing of when and how much revenue can be recognized in a transaction. It is very important that the accounting team be aware of all the terms and conditions of the transactions in advance so that the impact on financial statements can be examined before the transaction takes place. This will allow accounting to provide suggestions to changes in terms before the transaction takes place in
order to get the desired outcome on the financial statements and cash flow.
Similarly, changing the terms described above can also have dramatic impact on the cash flow of the organization. When the cash flow timing is changed, there can be other important impacts on the organization’s financial performance and thus impact on the financing agreements the organization has with its bank or other lenders. Typically, these lending agreements have covenants that require certain financial ratios to be maintained. Violating these covenants can result in the loan being called. When the revenue recognition and timing of cash flow are impacted by changing the terms of sales agreements, there are dramatic impacts on the organization’s financial statements. CEOs should be informed of these possible changes in advance of agreeing to modification of the sales terms. When accounting is informed in advance, they can help to set terms that allow the organization to get the desired outcomes.
To avoid the problems discussed above, the CEO has to be the leader who keeps the various departments talking to each other. Sales and marketing need to keep accounting informed of sales terms that are changing. The CEO should have accounting model the transactions under the various options to the terms to determine the possible impacts on the financial statements. The CEO needs to make sure that standard sales agreements with standard terms are used so that the expected accounting for revenue recognition, other obligations and cash flows are predictable. Having these be predictable will allow accounting to forecast the results to ensure compliance with technical debt covenants or other areas of compliance that are important to the organization.
The CEO should not only make sure that the departments are communicating on a regular basis, the CEO should be asking how upcoming transactions will impact the financial reporting, cash flow and compliance of the organization. Establishing regular meetings to discuss these areas will keep the CEO current and keep the organization out of trouble.
Chuck McLane, senior managing director of CBIZ’s Phoenix office and the firm’s regional leader for the West, is responsible for the supervision and oversight of the financial services area, including attest, tax, consulting and advisory practices.
CEOs should focus their attention on two critical aspects that often go overlooked but can significantly impact their effectiveness and the well-being of their organization.
First, CEOs should prioritize their organization’s financial “story.” This includes a thorough understanding of the Current and Forecasted Cash Position. CEOs should not only be aware of the numbers but also delve into the what, why and how behind the financials. Utilizing a datadriven decision-making approach is imperative, as it empowers CEOs to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s financial health. CEOs who are confident in the organization’s numbers and comprehends the intricacies of financial data can navigate uncertainties more effectively, fostering a sense of confidence that extends into their personal well-being (e.g., they can sleep better at night).
Second, CEOs must ensure that their organization has strong internal controls. Often, CEOs find themselves distanced from day-to-day financial operations, making it vital to establish proper checks and balances. A key component of internal controls is the segregation of duties.
CEOs must avoid relying upon a single individual to manage all financial responsibilities. This could look like having one staff member handling bookkeeping, cash deposits, reconciliation and reporting. This situation could result in errors, fraud or other discrepancies. Implementing a system that divides these tasks ensures transparency and accountability and reduces risk. By prioritizing internal controls, CEOs not only safeguard the organization’s financial integrity but also create a framework that promotes trust and reliability within the company’s operations. Through prioritization of their financial story and internal controls, CEOs can foster both personal and professional success. Following are strategies to accomplish this:
• CEOs should communicate often with their finance department head (CFO, director of finance, controller, etc.). Consistent conversations regarding plans for the business and its current financial status will ensure that everyone is on the same page.
• Ensure that the right person is in charge. The head of the organization’s finance department should be a trusted advisor who can adjust systems, processes and reporting to meet changing needs. It is imperative that business leaders have timely and accurate financial information to make effective business decisions. A good finance lead will dream with the CEO, listen to the CEOs vision, and then develop a plan to discuss what they may need to ensure the company never loses sight of the financial position amid change. I recommend investing in the finance department systems to streamline processes and help facilitate timely financial reporting in an ever-changing business environment.
Deanna Peterson is a director and market leader for Arizona and New Mexico at the Phoenix office of Your Part-Time Controller, LLC (YPTC), a leading provider of accounting services for nonprofit organizations.
A company’s ability to navigate change is intrinsically tied to the mindset instilled by its leadership. CEOs must champion a culture of agility, where employees are encouraged to adapt to new situations and contribute ideas for innovation. An organization’s resilience is not solely determined by its size or market share but by its ability to evolve and transform in response to external forces.
—Bruce Weber
A people and culture strategy is vital to any organization. Through an effective people and culture plan, businesses can recruit and retain the right talent to help them achieve their goals. When developing this plan, there are two key priorities CEOs should focus on:
• Monitor trends in employee satisfaction. When profits are strong, it is easy to see employee satisfaction as secondary to financial profits or rely on the HR department to keep employees happy. Some CEOs might even assume that positive results for the business reflect a content staff. However, CEOs take a big risk when they leave employee satisfaction to chance. Many professionals can be productive even if a toxic work environment prevents them from achieving their best. Over time, though, employees will become disengaged and less motivated. These negative consequences can lead to problems with retaining top talent in the organization. CEOs should not wait until employee dissatisfaction begins to impact their bottom line.
Monitoring data and trends in employee satisfaction and engagement are key for CEOs who want to build a robust organizational culture. CEOs should work with HR to survey employees regularly, monitor trends in their employee retention rates and ensure HR has the budget necessary to build culture. With survey data, organizations can become aware of microtrends that could predict broader issues. Of course, these data points need to be coupled with qualitative conversations with teams, where HR can delve into employee responses and learn more about why the organization might be falling short in certain areas. Remember, the best CEOs plan for uncertain times when times are good.
The most important step of surveying employees is following through. If CEOs ask their employees how the organization can improve yet make no changes, they may lose their trust. Leaders should only ask employees for their genuine feedback once they are prepared to act on it. With that in mind, any CEO who implements an employee survey should
prepare to make changes based on the feedback and communicate those changes to their teams, so their staff feels heard and appreciated. Otherwise, the CEO has the potential to cause more harm than good to their organizational culture.
• Invest in upskilling. Upskilling is a highly effective solution for many companies struggling to find talent. When organizations train an existing employee or a promising new hire, they can build loyalty from employees at the same time as they fill an open position. As effective as they are, upskilling programs are not easy to implement. They require an upfront investment in learning and development (L&D) even before an organization has measurable results. In addition, to find strong candidates for upskilling, the organization may need to shift its recruitment strategy to consider, for example, internal talent and those without a degree.
Most organizations already have L&D programs, yet they may not have built out a comprehensive plan for upskilling internal talent and new hires. However, with more and more businesses dramatically increasing their emphasis on upskilling, CEOs need to think long-term if they want to stay competitive in the labor market. They can begin by forming a group of trusted leaders to assess the state of L&D and upskilling opportunities within the organization. Then, CEOs can ask for the group’s recommendations on expanding their investment in upskilling and, finally, build a team to implement a plan, with the CEO’s approval. CEOs may find it helpful to appoint a chief upskilling, or L&D, officer to oversee these efforts.
When CEOs have so much on their plate, it can be easy to focus on raising profits and building the business with little attention paid to management. In addition, many CEOs put their faith entirely in their HR leaders to steer the people and culture ship. While that can lead to a positive outcome for employees, it can also leave CEOs feeling disconnected from their own culture and teams.
For CEOs to get back on track and gain a better understanding of people and culture, they must create time in their schedules specifically for HR. That can feel challenging, or even impossible, during busy times, which is why it is so critical for CEOs to make people and culture a priority whenever they can. Whether CEOs are reviewing HR’s plan for people and culture every quarter or building out their own, they need to be actively involved.
Most importantly, CEOs need to build relationships with employees to get back in touch with their longterm people and culture goals. No matter how much they trust their chief HR officer to keep their finger on the pulse, leaders will find their organization’s cohesion and culture depends on their own ability
to stay connected with their staff. The more time CEOs spend on people and culture, the more they will appreciate its value to their business. Sarah Grimstead is a regional vice president with Insperity, a leading provider of human resources offering the most comprehensive suite of scalable HR solutions available in the marketplace.
CEOs need to repeat this empowering statement to themselves: “I am creating the maximum win for everyone.” Embracing this mindset puts them at their peak potential to ensure the personal and professional best for themselves and those around them. Their reality is: What they say goes. Their decisions impact their workforce, customers, suppliers and external communities. They define the strategic initiatives and are the role model of their company’s culture.
“Creating the maximum win for everyone” is the essence and the foundation of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In today’s challenges to DEI, it’s important to remember that diversity is not a new concept. Various cultures have recognized and embraced diversity for centuries.
More recently, 40 years ago, Roosevelt Thomas, “the father of diversity,” founded the American Institute for Managing Diversity, which was, at that time, the leading source for managing diversity focused on workforce diversity.
Today, Diversity Equity and Inclusion is an important and recognized strategic initiative. “You don’t have to explain why you value innovation, resilience, or integrity. So why treat diversity any differently?” This came from a recent study that asked more than 2,500 individuals — including LGBTQ+ professionals, women in STEM fields and Black American college students — to read messages from a prospective Fortune 500 employer’s webpage that made either the business case or the fairness case or offered no justification for valuing diversity.
Researchers found that the neutral versions were the most successful.
Stereotypes, bias, inequality, inequity, discrimination and microaggressions sabotage the CEO Mantra. Stereotypes are thoughts and beliefs applied to all group members without exception. This can be addressed by interrupting stereotypical thinking with learning, education, inclusion and empathetic listening. An effective strategy is to get to know people in that group.
New census population projections confirm that the people referred to as racial minorities will be the primary demographic engine of the nation’s future growth. For those who may be thinking, “I’m uncomfortable having a conversation with someone of a different race than me,” here are three research-backed strategies:
• Learn to recognize differences instead of pretending they don’t exist.
• Work to uncover common ground between you and them.
• Commit to having difficult conversations instead of avoiding them.
One exceptional resource for gender equity is McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace report, conducted in partnership with Lean In. The report is the most extensive study of women in corporate America and Canada, with more than ten million participants. It provides an intersectional look at the specific biases and barriers faced by Asian, Black, Latina and LGBTQ+ women and women with disabilities. To quote the report: “While women’s representation in the C-suite is the highest it has ever been, there is lagging progress in the middle of the pipeline — and a persistent underrepresentation of women of color. True parity remains painfully out of reach.”
In this hybrid workplace environment, the multi-cultural and gender mix of diverse people working together, treating people as highly regarded, world-class individuals who choose to contribute to the organization, is essential. No matter their role or title, their race, gender, age or culture, it is up to the CEO to set the standard as the leader. The CEO can create the maximum win for everyone. We still have a long way to go. However, as Vince Lombardi said, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
Joel P. Martin, Ph.D., president of Triad West and founder of Positively Powerful™ DE&I Consulting, is an internationally known diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging expert who provides DEI&B culture change initiatives, transformational leadership coaching, training and development, events and presentations.
The role of the CEO is all about leadership. The CEO answers to his or her board of directors, provides oversight of management and is ultimately responsible to the shareholders. Strong leadership entails motivation of people and improvement of financial results. A CEO’s impaired mental and physical health can create concerns about whether good decision making is even possible and, as a result, whether effective leadership is being provided to the company. Just as the public fixates on the health and mental lapses of U.S. presidents, shareholders demand strong physical traits and mental acumen in their CEOs. Apart from any hint of mental or physical shortcomings, the CEO might sometimes be viewed as someone who dislikes making decisions or is incapable of making good decisions. The bottom line is that the CEO position can be a lonely one; any transparency of weaknesses exhibited by the CEO often creates misperceptions among the board, management or shareholders about the CEO’s ability to make effective decisions.
Under the Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, the term used for the management style of a CEO is the “tone at the top.” It is used as part of the background in the regulations related to Items 404-407 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Effective corporate governance requires corporate board members, and corporate officers who assist the CEO, to develop and implement strategies to lead the company to meet its goals and objectives within the confines of legal regulations. Professionals refer to this concept as having effective “internal controls” or accountability among the management team members resulting from a division of duties.
Two mistakes I most often see with my corporate clients are in their corporate governance structure and how to properly involve outside legal counsel in this structure. The CEO wants members of the board to encourage, affirm and ratify his or her decisions, and, in turn, might discourage in-person meetings. To further limit legitimate input and disagreement, written consents to ratify decisions replace in-person meetings.
There are strong policy reasons why in-person meetings with independent directors make sense. Independent directors should provide opinions independently from salary concerns or from a myopic focus on the industry in which the company operates. Board meetings run by a chairperson — and not the CEO — are also important, as they provide a healthier environment to elicit input from all members of the board. Ironically, the most difficult decisions need the most input from all members of the board and those are the decisions that an insecure CEO often wants to make without board input. Wise counselors make wise decisions, and input from many usually provides better decision making than from one — even if that one is the CEO.
The role of outside legal counsel for a corporate organization is to help the board of directors and CEO provide a setting where important, meaningful decisions can be made. Instead of facilitating autocratic CEO decision making, a good attorney will encourage the CEO to seek meaningful input from his or her board. When shareholders sue corporations, they sue members of the board and management. A CEO is best protected when board minutes reflect a careful, methodical decisionmaking process. Counsel should be trained to determine when board input is needed.
Unfortunately, counsel is often viewed in an adversarial manner by the CEO. The CEO brings an agenda of results he or she wants to achieve at the meeting and does not want counsel to require the discussion necessary for meaningful input from the board. Instead, the CEO should understand that the role of outside legal counsel is to protect him or her and the board from the failure to make decisions properly and is unconcerned about the outcome unless it violates the law. Effective leadership by the CEO means an inclusive decisionmaking process where the board and its legal counsel both contribute to the process.
One of the most effective CEOs I worked with took more than seven companies public and was a member of the board of directors of Berkshire Hathaway. He sarcastically referred to himself as the stupid little fat man and relied heavily on his legal counsel, whom he saw as an ally, and his board, which he had wisely populated with people smarter than himself. My advice is simple but hard to implement: CEOs should find smart independent board members and view counsel’s advice in the spirit of protecting themselves as the CEO and their board from needless litigation.
Stephen R Boatwright, a shareholder with Gallagher & Kennedy, handles public and private business mergers and acquisitions for buyers and sellers of businesses of all kinds, and advises companies in raising private equity and public financing.
“Who we are is how we lead.” –Dr. Brené Brown
Self-awareness and self-reflection are key. Taking regular time for oneself to slow down, get grounded and self-reflect has a massive ROI for CEOs personally and as a leader.
The adage of “slowing down in order to speed up” has never been truer. Believing busyness is a sign of effectiveness is a big mistake, yet we see it run rampant in organizations everywhere in the US. A colleague once shared, “The speed of the boss is the speed of the gang.” The question for CEOs is, “What are you modeling for your teams?”
Self-awareness is an ongoing and important leadership journey. We often think we know how others experience us as leaders but, without data, it is just our story. CEOs should make a habit and take the time to ask others how they experienced the CEO after a meeting or presentation. Who we are is how we lead. I believe those leaders who have developed greater self-awareness have a responsibility to flex (different from being inauthentic). Leaders who know who they are can flex in those situations where a better outcome is possible — both for those they lead and those they love.
“What is your leadership style?” When I ask leaders this question, they are rarely able to clearly answer the question. For those who can give an answer, they often haven’t verified it is, indeed, how others actually experience them.
The role for CEOs is to focus on doing the right thing — not being right. Their right thing is to identify the true challenges or problems that must be addressed, then find a way to delegate and empower others to solve the issues. CEOs should provide the resources and support so that they may find and own the solutions and path forward. The leadership model that once taught the CEO must have all the answers is dead. Today, the most valuable leaders are amazing at identifying the underlying right problem to solve and aren’t distracted by surface issues. Understanding what is truly in the way and creating a path forward allows for innovation, creativity and better outcomes. Immediate action with inaccurate problem identification wastes both time and resources.
Eileen Rogers, founder of One Creative View, is a seasoned executive coach and business advisor who, as CEO, grew her own marketing and printing company into an award-winning multi-million-dollar business and, in 2020, was one of 500 people worldwide selected and trained by Dr. Brené Brown to facilitate her Dare to Lead™ courage-building program.
Brain and heart health should be the top two priorities in maintaining one’s best personal health. The lifestyle interventions are essentially the same for both: nutrition, regular exercise, restorative sleep, avoidance of toxins (alcohol, tobacco, some medications), stress management and enriching relationships.
CEOs should start with a medical check-up if it has been a year or more since their last exam. A physician can help set optimal targets for health, including blood pressure, weight, cholesterol and glucose. Recommendations on nutrition and exercise should also be discussed. It’s wise to seek medical clearance before embarking on an exercise program. Once the health targets are set and clearance given to begin a new regimen, the real work begins —making and implementing an effective plan.
Lifestyle improvements are as important as pharmaceuticals and medical interventions. In my experience, CEOs know this. Making it a daily priority is the challenging part. Healthy behaviors are contingent on having a routine that becomes habit. However, a predictable routine can be more difficult for executives who may be in multiple time zones each week.
Health and wellness coaching can help CEOs convert what they learned at their medical evaluation into action to achieve meaningful health goals. This includes creating a vision for health with a strategic plan, setting goals and having accountability. CEOs are familiar with executive coaching to optimize professional performance. Health and wellness coaching follows a similar model and can be thought of as a catalyst for personal innovation and an investment in one’s best future.
Michael Hayden, M.D., M.P.H., is part of the Mayo Clinic’s Executive Health Program, which combines Mayo’s traditional diagnostic expertise with recent development in preventive medicine and was developed to respect the fastpaced lives of today’s top executives.
As leaders, there are profound facets that are often neglected, and yet they are essential for CEOs to become not only exceptional leaders but also exemplary human beings.
Consider the notion of sharing this profound journey with children, with the young souls who are poised to inherit the world we shape today. Behavioral health, as we know, can be a tumultuous and sometimes disheartening place. Yet, the most potent form of empowerment for the next generation comes when they witness us, their role models, actively engaged in the transformative work.
It is easy to be swayed by the narratives spun by nightly commentators, painting a stark picture of poverty, addiction and relentless struggle. But true understanding emerges when they encounter individuals such as “Amanda,” a real person with dreams and aspirations, marred by the arduous journey she’s traversed. The power lies in recognizing that Amanda is not a mere story; she’s a living embodiment of resilience, grappling with her fears and inner demons.
This approach may seem unconventional, but we cannot shield young minds from life’s raw realities. I was reminded of this when my daughter, a mere seven years old, alongside her cousins (not much older), embarked on a mission to deliver food to the homeless. Their actions cast a stark light on our own inadequacies, our complacency. To them, extending a helping hand was not just a privilege; it was a sacred responsibility, devoid of vilification or shame.
This profound insight fosters a culture in which seeking assistance is not stigmatized but celebrated as an act of courage and strength. It encourages an ethos of reciprocity, where the future leaders of our world understand that, in their moments of need, they too can turn to the
collective embrace of humanity.
In our drive toward success, there is a truth that frequently slips through the cracks: the importance of returning to the fundamentals. It’s a call to return to the very essence of our roles as executives. How often do we truly invest the time to connect with our clients? Not just within the sterile confines of our offices, but amidst the raw and unfiltered realities of their lives — in the heart of their communities, on the streets, in shelters, temporary housing, during moments of transition?
These experiences have a profound impact, a deep resonance; they are the crucible in which my passion to serve the underserved was forged. Witnessing their daily struggles, experiencing their trials on a daily basis, this visceral connection compels us to intensify our efforts for resources and support. It’s one thing to read the profile of a mother yearning to overcome her challenges, all in pursuit of reuniting with her children; it tugs at our empathy.
But when that same mother finds solace on your shoulder, when her cries echo with the weight of her struggles and adversities, when she implores you to unleash your utmost dedication, then and only then do we transcend the realm of mere statistics. In that sacred moment, we recognize their humanity as an intrinsic part of our own. The fight for resources, the fight for justice, it all becomes deeply personal.
Now, it is vital to acknowledge that this level of direct engagement cannot be an everyday occurrence. Yet, when the world seems to dim the reason of our “why,” when we find ourselves losing sight of the essence that brought us into this space, these encounters serve as the most profound of reminders. They reignite the flames of our purpose — the reason we serve, the reason we fight, the reason we passionately advocate, the reason we willingly sacrifice almost everything in service of the cause.
Liz Agboola is CEO of Trinity Integrated Care, a group of community-based mental health facilities offering 24-hour long term care for those with serious mental illness.
CBIZ cbiz.com
Gallagher & Kennedy gknet.com Insperity insperity.com
Mayo Clinic Executive Health mayoclinic.org/executivehealth
Mission Facilitators mfileadership.com
One Creative View onecreativeview.com
Positively Powerful / Triad West Inc. positivelypowerful.com
Trinity Integrated Care trinityihc.com
Weber Group webergroupaz.com
YPTC yptc.com
Dan Adams is the founder of The AIM Institute and author of the books Business Builders: How to Become an Admired & Trusted Corporate Leader (The AIM Institute, 2023) and New Product Blueprinting, as well as the blog “Awkward Realities” and video series “B2B Organic Growth.” He is a chemical engineer with a listing in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Adams has trained tens of thousands of B2B professionals globally in the front end of innovation and works with senior executives on driving profitable, sustainable growth. theaiminstitute.com
Once upon a time in a company’s evolution, its founder would be laser-focused on delivering superior, differentiated value to customers. Those customers would have specific needs, and the company sets out to fulfill them better than anyone else. But as the years pass and the business grows, that intense focus, well … drifts. Leaders get caught up in other priorities — say, tweaking productivity or quality, forming a powerhouse sales force, or acquiring other businesses.
Leaders who allow this to continue are left with me-too products. Customers start noticing the company’s products are interchangeable with its competitors’. They demand lower prices, and the company must comply. It has to cut its R&D budget to keep profits up. (Ah, the perils of near-term financial thinking!) Now, the company is in the “Commodity Death Spiral” … and its leaders may well not be sure how to reverse it.
I’ve seen this happen over and over when companies fail to make market-facing innovation their top priority.
Business leaders who aren’t constantly working to create new products that deliver more customer value than competitors’ products are eventually forced to compete on price. That way lies mediocrity, irrelevance or even nonexistence. To grow and thrive long-term, businesses must direct the lion’s share of their resources to market-facing innovation.
I’ve done research that bears this out. In a survey of 654 publicly and privately held companies, I found that, on average, senior leaders allocate just 24% of their resources to market-facing innovation (product development). They spend another 16% of their resources on exploratory innovation
Business leaders who aren’t constantly working to create new products that deliver more customer value than competitors’ products are eventually forced to compete on price.
(technology development), which serves to feed their marketfacing innovation.
Here’s the kicker: More resources are devoted to these two types of innovation at companies growing faster than competition (43%) than companies growing slower (36%).
Companies that emphasize market-facing innovation tend to be headed up by “Builders.” In my parlance, a Builder is a leader who still thinks like a founder: driving profitable, sustainable growth by delivering differentiated value to customers, as they brush aside fads, short-term distractions and financial gymnastics. Other types of leaders — most notably the type I call “decorators” — focus on looking good to investors, quarter after quarter after quarter.
(Business leaders can use the quick and easy assessment available at www.areyouabusinessbuilder.com to determine what type of leadership is driving their company.)
So, why is market-facing innovation so vital to long-term success? Here are three reasons:
REASON 1: This is what exceptional companies do. For their book, The Three Rules: How Exceptional Companies Think (New York: Penguin, 2013), authors Michael E. Raynor and Mumtaz Ahmed analyzed data on more than 25,000 companies spanning 45 years. From this, they identified 344 companies with truly exceptional performance. After extensive analysis, they were able to identify a small set of rules used at these companies, but not at lower-performing ones. These exceptional companies followed three rules.
According to Raynor and Ahmed, Rule 1 is “better before
cheaper.” Their research showed the exceptional companies competed more on non-price factors like product performance, while low performers competed more on price. Rule 2 is “revenue before cost” — in a nutshell, it’s better to generate more revenue through growth than to try to cut costs. Rule 3 is “there are no other rules.” This confirms my findings: Builders focus on innovating for their customers (better before cheaper) so they can grow faster (revenue before cost).
REASON 2: We’re now in the Innovation Wave (so plan forward, not backward). Recent history has brought us three “waves”: the Quality Wave, started in the 1950s (associated with Dr. W. Edwards Deming and Toyota), the Productivity Wave (which grew out of Toyota’s success and featured Lean and business product design), and the Innovation Wave — which is the stage we’re in now.
The first two waves applied to current operations, so they reached a point of diminishing returns. What does a company do next if it has zero defects or a fully automated factory? Its leadership immerses the company in the Innovation Wave, which impacts future sales and has unlimited potential. Those who figure this out reach that holy grail of business: profitable, sustainable growth.
The key is to plan forward. Many generals have been guilty of planning for the previous war. Quality and productivity improvements are fine, but they were the last century’s war. Today’s battleground is the Innovation Wave, and the key to winning is superior market-facing innovation.
REASON 3: Nothing else drives profitable, sustainable growth. It’s a simple truth: Senior leaders have many initiatives to choose from, but only market-facing innovation can lead to profitable, sustainable growth. Consider how other popular initiatives fall short of such growth:
• Productivity increases can improve profitability, but they don’t impact the revenue line needed for growth. A point of diminishing returns is eventually reached.
• Quality improvements may help revenue growth, but not to the extent they did a few decades ago. Today, reliable quality is usually considered table stakes.
• Cost reductions, when carelessly applied, can damage a business’s growth capabilities and have a negative — not neutral — effect on sustainable growth.
• Sales training can boost revenue growth and lead to better pricing for increased profitability. But it lacks sustainability; if a business doesn’t keep delivering new value, customers will eventually buy from competitors’ well-trained salespeople.
• Acquisitions will boost revenue and perhaps profits. But if the business doesn’t know how to grow the companies it acquires, it’s just building an unsustainable house of cards.
I’ve heard leaders say, “Last year, we implemented productivity improvements, and this year we’re going to focus on market insight for better innovation.” Market-facing innovation shouldn’t be an initiative a business turns on and off. Understanding and meeting market needs should define the company. This is what Builders do.
Leaders reading this who suspect their company is in the Commodity Death Spiral may wonder if there anything they can do to turn things around. Yes — it won’t be easy, but they’ve got to start restoring the Builder’s spirit that brought them to the party.
It’s vital they breathe new life (and pour more funding) into their market-facing innovation efforts. This is non-negotiable if they’re to differentiate their offerings and stop competing on price. But also, they need to adopt the Builder’s mindset and start thinking long-term rather than trying to placate myopic investors.
In recent years, dreams about our technological future have soured as digital platforms have undermined privacy, eroded labor rights and weakened democratic discourse. In light of the negative consequences of innovation, some blame harmful algorithms or greedy CEOs. Behind the Startup focuses instead on the role of capital and the influence of financiers. Drawing on 19 months of participant-observation research inside a successful Silicon Valley startup, this book examines how the company was organized to meet the needs of the venture capital investors who funded it. With its focus on the financialization of innovation, Behind the Startup explains how the gains generated by startups are funneled into the pockets of a small cadre of elite investors and entrepreneurs. To promote innovation that benefits the many rather than the few, Shestakofsky compellingly argues that we must focus less on fixing the technology and more on changing the financial infrastructure that supports it.
Behind the Startup: How Venture Capital Shapes Work, Innovation, and Inequality
Benjamin Shestakofsky $29.95
University of California Press Available 3/19/2024 328 pages
Thousands of scientists in fields as unrelated as history, botany, anthropology, terrestrial magnetism, sociology and economics — to name only a few — are accumulating facts and figures that promise to make the age-old dream of foretelling the future at least a partial reality. This new science deals with the behavior of events recurring at reasonably regular intervals throughout the universe, and it may ultimately enable us to predict, scientifically and accurately, the events of tomorrow. Edward R. Dewey, president of the Foundation for the Study of Cycles, formerly chief economics analyst for the U.S. Department of Commerce, presents here the results of 30 years of research into these extraordinary phenomena. He examines the literally thousands of cycles uncovered by analysts, going beyond the study of earthquakes, sunspots and commercial crises to the study of interrelationships of biological, geological and astronomical cycles with those that are social, political and psychological.
Cycles: The Mysterious Forces That Trigger Events
Edward R. Dewey
Harriman House
$39.95
Available 3/19/2024 240 pages
The world of money is rapidly changing, but what does it all really mean? Exploring key developments such as blockchain, DeFi, AI and the metaverse, the book brings these technical topics to vivid life via narrative deep dives into selected founders and their companies. Spanning multiple geographies from London to Lagos, via Ahmedabad, Dubai, Hong Kong, Karachi and more, Future Money pulls together the story how money is changing in the internet era. Written in jargon-free language by one of the leading analysts on fintech, Web3 and innovations in finance, this book clearly provides an understanding of new technologies; showcases the democratization of financial access; and presents a vision of the digital future of money, finance and culture.
Future Money: Fintech, AI and Web3
Ronit Ghose $23.99
Kogan Page
Available 3/19/2024 256 pages
It’s better to generate more revenue through growth than to try to cut costs.
Brian Crisp is regional president for Arizona at Enterprise Bank & Trust. With more than 20 years of banking experience and close ties to the Phoenix business community, he oversees all aspects of the bank’s operations in the state and facilitates the bank’s growth in the region to meet existing and prospective clients’ expanding needs. enterprisebank.com
From closing a transaction to merging or selling, a wellrounded financial and legal team can help navigate pivotal moments for a business. By taking advantage of third-party escrow services, funds can be disbursed quickly, securely and in accordance with the terms of an agreement.
A good escrow agent asks the right questions to make sure the transaction is effectively recorded with all disbursement requirements noted on the agreement. Quick turnaround time, nationwide services, competitive prices and experience can set an agent apart in the marketplace.
Both buyers and sellers benefit from leveraging third-party escrow as well as other escrow and capital-raising opportunities. Even when business valuation, buyer pre-qualification and purchase agreement negotiations have been correctly handled, setting up a secure escrow account with a financial services provider effectively serves the needs of both parties.
The intricacies of many business transactions often require much more than a formal agreement, and when a deal falls apart — especially in closing stages — the additional cost related to litigation or pursuing an alternative can create financial strain with ramifications well beyond a missed opportunity or interruption to services or operations.
A third-party escrow expert can provide personalized assistance on major business deals such as mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property sales, real estate sales and capital-raising transactions. Placing funds in escrow can help meet critical financial deadlines, avoid delayed transactions and avoid any counterparty risk associated with the transaction.
Because all terms of engagement will be unique and vary in complexity, a seller, buyer and escrow officer all may enter into a custom agreement based on the purchase agreement terms plus the particulars related to fund transfers and disbursements. The escrow agent, often in association with legal and other applicable guidance, captures and documents all instructions and transactional activity.
The third-party neutrality of the escrow account holder ensures all terms of the agreement are met, while the buyer and seller gain valuable visibility.
In the process, the buyer deposits the money, generally a total matching or exceeding the agreed terms, into the escrow account. By utilizing escrow, the funds process through wire transfer, cashiers’ check or loan transfer from a business purchase lender. The seller can immediately have confidence that the finances required for the deal are in place with the
intention to see the transaction through to the end.
The buyer now also has the ability to perform ongoing due diligence on the business as soon as the escrow account is operational and through closing. This can include audits of the assets, stock and liabilities attached to the sale in addition to accounts receivable and accounts payable, equipment used in the business operations, rental agreements, vehicles, real estate properties and the registered business licenses.
Partnering with a bank can provide a trusted and secure space for funds or assets involved in business transactions. The financial institution can play several key roles in a successful merger, acquisition or any other business deal involving escrow services:
• Custodian of funds: Banks are responsible for holding, verifying and releasing funds in escrow.
• Security measures: Banks protect escrow funds through encryption, multifactor authentication and other safeguards to prevent unauthorized access.
• Neutrality: Banks serve as a neutral third party in escrow transactions, helping to maintain fairness and impartiality.
Options to find an agent who understands the escrow process include consulting trusted peers or getting a referral from a bank, attorney or a broker dealer. This agent can draft transaction documents and closing statements while ensuring all aspects meet legal compliance requirements. An agent can also help with creating the customized escrow agreement to meet specific needs of the parties, offer risk mitigation and offer an alternative to settle disputes between parties, oversee the transfer of funds and ensure all legal documents are properly executed, and manage the disbursement process and offer sub-accounting on complex escrow transactions.
All significant transactions and deals should involve a trusted and coordinated team of professionals. An attorney’s legal expertise adds an extra layer of protection to the escrow process and ensures that transactions are conducted in a legally sound and fair manner. To prepare for significant financial chapters in a successful business journey, it’s essential to have a reliable banking and legal partner to provide input and guide decision-making. With a solid support system in place, partners can collect and process the required information to securely complete important business transactions and take the business to the next step.
In 2002, Jason Berkowitz founded RPM Living in Austin, Texas, managing a mere 10 units. Today, this real estate powerhouse has extended its influence far beyond its origins, making a significant impact in Arizona, emerging as a vital force in the region’s growth and well-being.
RPM Living’s commitment to giving back expands further with the introduction of RPM Serves’ three pillars:
Housing, Empowerment and Families & Companions. These pillars strategically guide the company’s efforts to contribute to organizations that create a sense of home and community for those in need.
With a portfolio now spanning more than 180,000 units across more than 45 markets, RPM Living has achieved remarkable growth, securing the No. 6 spot on the NMHC Top 50 Largest Apartment Manager list in 2023. Arizona, with its thriving communities, has been a strategic focus for RPM Living’s expansion, exemplifying the company’s unwavering commitment to creating exceptional living environments.
At the heart of RPM Living’s success lies its charitable arm, RPM Serves, operating with a mission to empower and strengthen communities. In Arizona, RPM Living has formed impactful partnerships, with initiatives like the RPM Impact Fund providing short-term support to associates in times of need. Since its launch in 2022, the fund has assisted 17 Arizona-based associates, showcasing the company’s commitment to the well-being of its team.
The commitment extends beyond financial assistance. RPM Serves actively engages in local volunteer efforts, contributing nearly 2,000 hours in the first half of 2023 alone. The company’s involvement in the local community is exemplified through its support for Foundation Communities, a nonprofit in Arizona providing affordable homes and support services.
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
RPM Living’s impact isn’t confined to human well-being. The company has made significant strides in animal welfare in Arizona through its support of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. At the annual leadership conference, attended by 1,000 leaders, more than $11,000 was raised for the ASPCA in 2023. This contribution, combined with RPM Living’s ongoing support, resonates deeply with Arizonans passionate about animal rights.
Beyond philanthropy, RPM Living encourages associates to actively participate in local organizations. Lindsay Jacobs, RPM Serves chair and SVP of Marketing, serves as the VP of Arts for the Sequoya Elementary PTA; volunteers for Home Fur Good, a nonprofit animal rescue organization; and supports Arizona Helping Hands, dedicated to assisting children in foster care throughout Arizona.
Associates in Arizona and beyond are not only given the opportunity to give back through eight paid volunteer hours per quarter but are also encouraged to join RPM Serves. The committee’s structure, mirroring that of a nonprofit, fosters a culture where extraordinary individuals thrive by contributing to the betterment of their local communities.
Jacobs shares her perspective on the company’s ethos, saying, “It’s an honor to work for a company that not only
encourages volunteer work but provides paid time off to ensure each associate of RPM Living has the opportunity to pay their ‘civic’ rent and better their local community.”
At a local level, RPM Living encourages associates to find volunteer opportunities that align with RPM Serves’ three pillars. Associates are also welcome to give back to any effort or organization they are passionate about. Nationally, the company leads several companywide efforts each year that align with its pillars, such as Toys for Tots, Soles4Souls and The Trevor Project.
As an avid supporter of the Human Rights Campaign and in support of Pride Month, the company offers an RPMbranded Pride-themed shirt each year, with proceeds directly supporting The Trevor Project. Associates are encouraged to wear these shirts during Pride events attended by RPM and on Fridays throughout the summer.
The company’s annual Toys for Tots toy drive engages all properties and corporate offices, donating more than 6,700 toys in the past two years. The annual Soles4Souls shoe drive, held to coincide with back-to-school, donated more than 400 pairs of shoes during the 2022 campaign.
In addition to the annual companywide initiatives, associates are empowered to organize and lead efforts (with the support of the committee) to give back to local organizations and charities and to further engage associates and residents. RPM Living’s commitment to giving back is not just a corporate strategy; it’s ingrained in the culture, fostering a sense of responsibility and community among its associates and residents alike.
As RPM Living continues to thrive and expand its footprint, the company’s impact goes beyond managing units and corporate rankings. It is about fostering sustainable growth, vibrant communities and a profound sense of responsibility. Arizona, with its diverse landscapes and communities, serves as a living testament to RPM Living’s commitment to being a positive force in every market it touches. The journey that began with ten units in Austin has evolved into a remarkable tale of corporate success intertwined with a genuine dedication to the well-being of individuals, families and the community at large.
RPM Living rpmliving.com
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.
Dawn Gerundo is the community development and engagement director for education at Valley of the Sun United Way. Valley of the Sun United Way envisions a community where every child, family and individual is healthy; has a safe place to live; and has every opportunity to succeed in school, in life and in work. As VSUW works with its community, corporate and nonprofit partners to implement its five-year plan for Mighty Change by 2026, it will put all its efforts toward reaching bold goals for Maricopa County in health, housing and homelessness, education and workforce development. vsuw.org vsuw.org/mightychange
Chronic absenteeism among Arizona students has steadily increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, putting students and our future Arizona leaders at risk. Chronic absenteeism increased from 14% in 2019 to 34% in 2022, according to data from the Arizona Department of Education.
When a K-12 student misses 10% or more of the school year, they are considered chronically absent. This puts students at an increased risk of failing classes and dropping out altogether, thus minimizing their opportunities to secure a high-paying job.
While chronic absenteeism has always been an issue, it has reached a more alarming rate than ever before, with one in three students absent from the classroom on a regular basis. Without substantial changes to help mitigate this alarming trend, there will be a subsequent impact on Arizona’s business health and economy.
Local organizations such as Valley of the Sun United Way, Read On Arizona, the Helios Education Foundation and other local nonprofits have made it their goal to decrease chronic absenteeism by providing essential education, tools and resources for parents, while working in partnership with schools and community leaders to help ensure students show up to school and be present in the classroom.
The partner organizations are working with school districts across Arizona to determine which schools need the most support and which have the highest rates of chronic absenteeism. Resources like coaching and mentorship programs will then be provided for teachers and district administrators to, ultimately, help reduce the rates of absences, in addition to public awareness campaigns to reach parents.
Part of the unified mission is to bring Arizona business leaders, nonprofit leaders, schools and citizens together to increase awareness of and reduce chronic absenteeism. Read On Arizona has launched an Arizona task force to develop resources and guidance for districts across the state, while Valley of the Sun United Way, in partnership with Helios Education Foundation, has created Supporting Attendance Across Maricopa to support schools with coaching and mentoring and to build a peer-to-peer network with the goal of decreasing chronic absenteeism by two percentage points year after year. In addition, Valley of the Sun United Way and its partners have cultivated a community action team, creating a network of key community leaders, educators, students and families to address the growing problem and the dire need for resolution through resources and advocacy.
To find a long-term solution to chronic absenteeism, schools from all over the State of Arizona will be evaluated to determine the similarities and differences of chronic absences,
as chronic absenteeism can look different in communities across the state depending on the environment and circumstances of why students are missing class.
Some students say they miss class to work, to care for younger siblings, to support the older adults in their families, or they are experiencing debilitating stress from school. To keep students focused on school and not the challenging external factors in their lives like housing and homelessness, food security and health must also be addressed in each community as well.
Workforce development must be nurtured in Arizona to ensure parents and caregiving adults have opportunities to find well-paying jobs to support their students. Each child deserves to have the chance to attend school regularly and learn skills that will help them be financially stable as adults and contribute to Arizona’s future. By getting to the root causes of chronic absences, like the systemic issues present in our community, not only will the alarming rates of chronic absenteeism decline, but many other at-risk communities in Arizona will be positively impacted.
The coordinated effort between Arizona schools, business leaders, legislators and families will not only raise awareness of chronic absenteeism but will help find short- and long-term solutions to reduce the rates that negatively impact Arizona.
It starts with people willing to make this a priority and support students. With more students graduating from high school, pursuing higher education and joining the workforce, Arizona’s economy, society and government will benefit.
Making this part of the conversations Arizona is having can benefit students of all kinds and help support the future of Arizona’s economy. It is critical to continue to raise awareness, increase funding and resources for chronic absenteeism and support bills that benefit Arizona students. While there is much work to be done before the chronic absenteeism rates decline, there is hope for a better future where more students are present and attentive in class.
Helios Education Foundation helios.org
Read On Arizona readonarizona.org
Valley of the Sun United Way vsuw.org
The coordinated effort between Arizona schools, business leaders, legislators and families will not only raise awareness of chronic absenteeism but will help find short- and long-term solutions to reduce the rates that negatively impact Arizona.
The all-new 2024 Land Cruiser allows its driver to explore new worlds with confidence, in modern form. Sporting a “TOYOTA” heritage front grille, square side mirrors and athletic fender flares, this rig is ready for adventure, whether it’s conquering rugged trails or navigating through the urban jungle.
Rugged elegance in two distinct grades, Land Cruiser 1958 is a back-to-basics homage to the original FJ25, with iconic round headlights and fabric seats. Land Cruiser grade elevates the ride further with more trail-ready tech, leather-trimmed seating and rectangular headlights inspired by the FJ62.
Land Cruiser trim’s dual-hue LED fog lights provide a new dimension of safety. Drivers can effortlessly switch between a crisp white light for low-light driving scenarios or a dynamic yellow beam that enhances contrast in denser conditions.
Land Cruiser’s thoughtfully designed interior is ready to elevate every journey. From the standard Cold Weather Package that warms up the front seats, steering wheel and heated side mirrors, to available premium leather-trimmed seats and more, comfort is at the forefront of the driver’s adventures.
Land Cruiser’s full-time 4-wheel-drive system provides power continuously to the front and rear axles to improve traction and stability on various surfaces. An electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case allows the driver to select the right amount of torque for specific driving conditions.
Three distinct drive modes let drivers instantly tailor their drive with the touch of a button. Sport Mode indulges a driver’s spirited side with the feeling of sharper acceleration, while Eco Mode adjusts throttle input to help maximize efficiency. Normal Mode blends fuel economy with performance.
Land Cruiser’s new powertrain combines hybrid tech with an impressive turbo 4-cylinder hybrid engine to generate an electrifying 326 net combined horsepower with 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Drivers will also find more confidence to cover even more ground with the car’s EPA-estimated 23 combined mpg rating.
From capable roots rises the next generation of off-road excellence — for the seasoned adventurer or aspiring explorer. —Mike Hunter
Land Cruiser toyota.com/landcruiser
From my perspective on cultivating a dynamic workplace culture, frequent and authentic employee appreciation stands as a cornerstone of our philosophy. It’s not just a matter of routine gestures; it’s about embedding each acknowledgment with a genuine touch that resonates personally, elevating the spirit of our organizational ethos.
I firmly believe that the essence of appreciation extends beyond mere frequency — it’s about the depth of connection it forges. Meaningful appreciation, tailored to each individual, becomes the bedrock of our progressive work environment.
In reshaping our approach, I advocate for a departure from conventional, calendar-tied acknowledgments. I would suggest a more nuanced strategy that values the subtleties of individual contributions. Genuine recognition, akin to personalized feedback,
demands a comprehensive understanding of each team member’s distinct impact.
Within this paradigm, I encourage celebration not only of grand milestones but the everyday victories. By infusing culture with authentic, personalized acknowledgment, we can lay the foundation for a workplace where appreciation isn’t a sporadic sentiment but a continual wellspring of inspiration and success. —Archer Chiang, CEO of Giftpack (giftpack.ai), a global gifting solution
2024 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER
MSRP: $61,950
City: 22 mpg
Hwy.: 25 mpg
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
0-60: 8 sec.
Rolled corn tortilla layered with cheese and braised chicken, topped with red chile sauce
$22 (Cheese enchilada without chicken: $19)
$33
Chile-rubbed, 14-ounce, prime-grade ribeye served with cheese enchiladas, topped with red or green chile sauce and served with pinto beans and rice
$42
Opening El Patron early this year was a restaurateur’s dream: Customers from the Daskaloses’ Albuquerque location — who had either relocated to Phoenix or are Phoenicians who vacation in Albuquerque — were a built-in customer base, stampeding to the Scottsdale location as soon as El Patron’s Facebook page announced the opening.
Long-time restaurateurs Jimmy and Nadine Daskalos bring here the menu that has earned them a “Best in New Mexico” for the past seven years — along with their Albuquerque chef to get the kitchen squared away.
The cuisine is New Mexican. “New Mexican is different from Mexican,” Jimmy Daskalos explains, “in the chile sauces, the use of Hatch chiles, and an emphasis on flavor over heat.” There’s further difference among North, South and Central New
Mexico style, primarily in the method of cooking the chile. “We use roasted and peeled Hatch green chiles. The flavor of the chile comes out,” explains Nadine Daskalos about their Central New Mexico style. Heat varies seasonally, and El Patron takes that into account and mixes hot and milder chiles in its sauces.
Nadine jokingly refers to the menu as “red, green and Serrano cream.” Red and green are sauce choices on such menu items as the enchiladas, burritos, sopapillas and chimichangas, and the Serrano is part of what makes the Blue Corn Seafood Enchiladas — filled with flaky white fish, succulent shrimp and calabacitos — and the signature Green Chile Chicken Lasagna — noodles layered with braised chicken, sautéed mushrooms and a blend of cheeses — even more special.
An El Patron favorite is the Carne Ardovado Plate. Highquality, red chile-braised pork shoulder, swimming in a choice of sauce, can be enjoyed by fork or wrapped in the tortillas it’s served with. Guacamole makes a good go-with, with its fresh, simple and clean flavor of chunky pieces of avocado and tomato mixed with diced pieces of red onion and cilantro.
Service is the same high quality as the food. That’s a natural result of the Daskaloses’ philosophy: “We take care of the staff so they take care of the customers,” says Jimmy, sharing that most of their Albuquerque staff has been with them more than a decade.
El Patron
8977 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale (480) 590-8180
elpatronaz.com
We unite nonprofits and philanthropy to transform Arizona through education, advocacy, and innovation.
SPRING 2024 • AZIMPACTFORGOOD.ORG
AZ Impact for Good, previously the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits + Arizona Grantmakers Forum, is a trusted statewide resource and advocate for the state’s nonprofit and philanthropy communities. AZ Impact for Good envisions a vibrant and equitable Arizona where all people and living things thrive.
Page 4 Elevating Impact
Together: AZ Impact for Good Unveils Empowering Member Enhancements
Page 5 Trends in Corporate Philanthropy
Page 6 Harnessing the Power of Social Media: A Catalyst for Local Nonprofit Impact
In the heart of Arizona, the countdown begins for the much-anticipated 12th anniversary of Arizona Gives Day, a statewide online giving event set to unfold on Tuesday, April 2. As we reflect on the remarkable journey of the last 11 years, where more than $42 million has been raised for a myriad of Arizona nonprofits, the significance of continued community support takes center stage.
What our nonprofits are saying about Arizona Gives Day: “Arizona Gives Day provides SOUNDS Academy the opportunity to connect new givers who share a love of youth empowerment, the arts, social justice or simply music to this worthy mission. Gifts given to SOUNDS Academy during Arizona Gives Day is used to support music education for students in several ways, including putting instruments in students’ hands, providing tuition for instruction, and coaching to audition for pre-eminent music opportunities that can open doors to a career in music. It also provides scholarships for college.” SOUNDS Academy
Arizona Gives Day, fueled by the unwavering commitment of AZ Impact for Good, has become a beacon of hope for communities across the state. These funds, crucial to the resilience of Arizona’s nonprofits, have woven a tapestry of positive change in the very fabric of our society. The impact is undeniable, and it reinforces the critical need for ongoing support from the community.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Beyond personal contributions, businesses play a pivotal role in amplifying the impact of fundraisers. Creating dedicated fundraiser pages for nonprofits aligns with corporate values, fostering a sense of shared purpose. Turning April 2 into a team event not only injects enthusiasm but also strengthens bonds within the organization.
Effective communication is the bridge that connects businesses with their customers and staff, urging them to partake in this philanthropic endeavor. Reminders and encouragement to give back provide a platform for businesses to share their commitment to community welfare. The availability of toolkits, complete with graphics, enhances the efficacy of this communication.
Choosing a nonprofit and providing a “matching” gift is a powerful way for businesses to extend their impact. This act of generosity inspires others to contribute, creating a ripple effect of positive change. It solidifies the bond between businesses and nonprofits, illustrating a shared dedication to making a difference.
For businesses aspiring to play a more significant role, supporting AZ Impact for Good in running the statewide Arizona Gives program is an opportunity to stand as a beacon of philanthropy. Becoming a sponsor not only provides branding recognition but also
exemplifies a commitment to nurturing the philanthropic spirit within the community. Businesses can also consider providing advertising in-kind to support the program.
Arizona Gives Day serves as an impactful reminder that the journey of fundraisers continues, and their sustenance relies on the unwavering support of the surrounding community. Businesses, as integral members of this ecosystem, have the power to transform this support into a force for positive change. As we embark on this philanthropic journey, let us weave a narrative of resilience, compassion and collective impact, ensuring a brighter future for Arizona’s nonprofits and the communities they serve.
For further inquiries, connect
with us through our websites www.azimpactforgood.org or www.azgives.org. Your involvement can contribute to the collective effort of making Arizona’s communities even better.
BOARD CHAIR
Jeri Royce, Advance Community
VICE CHAIR
Wendy Erica Werden
Tucson Electric Power/Unisource Energy
SECRETARY
Matt Ellsworth, Flinn Foundation
CO-TREASURER
Mario Aniles, Aniles & Company
Glenn Wike, The Burton Family Foundation
Marcus Johnson, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
Maria Echeveste, Bank of America
Support Local:
• Every community has unsung heroes — including our local nonprofits.
• This #AZGivesDay empowers change where it matters most: at home!
• Local nonprofits are the backbone of our community.
• Nonprofits create real, tangible impact right in our backyard.
• By supporting local causes, you are investing in a brighter future for your neighbors.
• The power of collective giving is amAZing!
• Share the stories of local nonprofits — spread the word!
• Encourage friends to get involved — peer-to-peer fundraising rocks!
• Optimize AZGives.org for easy giving: Every donation counts, no matter the size.
• Share @azgives posts and inspire others to support local causes.
Penny Allee Taylor, Consultant
Eric Wolverton, Habitat for Humanity Northern Arizona
Jared Langkild, Honor Health Foundation
Margaret Hepburn, Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona
Kate Jensen, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona
Andrea Moreno, Salt River Project
John Amoroso, The David & Lura Lovell Foundation
Monica Nuvamsa, The Hopi Foundation
Annie Clary, Valley of the Sun YMCA
Yvonne Moss, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
Torrie Taj, Child Crisis AZ
Kate Thoene, New Life Center
AZ Impact for Good
Phone: (602) 279-2966
www.azimpactforgood.org
In response to valuable feedback, we are thrilled to announce significant updates to nonprofit and grantmaker organizations’ membership with AZ Impact for Good (previously the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits + Arizona Grantmakers Forum). Brace yourselves
for a suite of enhancements tailored to elevate your experience.
All-Inclusive Membership: Our revamped structure means one annual dues investment, unlocking a plethora of benefits for all members. From professional development and education
to capacity-building programs, fundraising support, grants databases, peer/networking groups, networking opportunities and advocacy resources — enjoy them all at no additional cost!
New Software Solution: Embracing technology, we have adopted an innovative software solution to better manage all your needs. This thoughtful decision is geared toward streamlining processes, simplifying logins, facilitating event registrations and ensuring seamless invoice payments.
Improved Website Efficiency: Continuing our commitment to enhancing your experience, we are taking extra steps to refine our website. Expect a user-friendly platform that makes accessing resources, event registrations and community engagement easier than ever.
Arizona organizations and businesses have complimentary access to our professional development and educational programs. For any other all-inclusive benefits, your membership seamlessly converts to this new model during your next renewal.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, let us amplify Arizona’s impact. For more information about our newly announced, all-inclusive membership, find contact information at www.azimpactforgood.org
In recent years, we have seen distinct shifts in how corporate philanthropy is being done in Arizona (and throughout the U.S.). Donations and volunteerism are still at the heart of what corporate philanthropy is about.
Donations are at the root of what helps keep the nonprofit missions alive and their organization healthy. A growing corporate philanthropy trend is the conscious choice to narrow in on specific nonprofit focus areas, such as the environment, to determine how their monetary giving is distributed. While this can reduce the number of grant requests received, businesses may be missing additional ways in which they can strategically support the nonprofit community.
Monetary support from businesses and corporations can be incredibly impactful for a nonprofit organization. Nationally, corporations provide less than 1% of pre-tax dollars for giving, according to the Giving USA 2023 report — a statistic that most find astonishingly low. When the recession hit, corporations significantly cut back on philanthropic giving out of necessity and, while it has mostly returned to pre-recession numbers, many have revamped how they are giving back to the communities in which they live.
Included in this shift was the development of more robust employee matching-gift programs. These programs encourage employees to submit information on the amount they have personally given out of their own pocket and allow the corporation to match their donation at an established percentage. It is a win for the nonprofits, the employees and the business.
When it became increasingly difficult for businesses to provide monetary donations to nonprofits during the recession, many corporations turned to a “volunteer only” model in which businesses organized group volunteer projects (in-house or externally). Some have even placed more emphasis on volunteerism by creating volunteerism awards.
Source: Giving USA 2023
Currently, Independent Sector equates the hourly value of volunteerism at an average rate of $31.83, $30.13 in Arizona. Many large nonprofit organizations could not provide their services, dare exist, without volunteers’ support.
Even though volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to give back to the community, there are many nonprofits that will never benefit from these types of corporate philanthropy programs simply because they do not have viable volunteer opportunities. By choosing this type of corporate philanthropy only, businesses significantly reduce the number of organizations they can have an impact on.
The best well-rounded approach to corporate philanthropy is through a combination of monetary giving and volunteerism so that all nonprofit organizations can benefit and there is not such a reliance on employees to give back. The most common example of this is businesses encouraging board service and volunteering for their employees and senior leaders while also providing some monetary support to the organizations they serve.
A newer and growing trend in corporate philanthropy can be seen through numerous and varying “Dollars for Doers” programs in which employees are given the opportunity to submit the number of hours they have volunteered for a nonprofit, including board service, and the business then provides a donation based on an established dollar-per-hour figure.
Regardless of the type of corporate philanthropy your organization currently has, these should be evaluated frequently to allow for modifications based on the market, employee input and your company’s desire to give back to the community in a meaningful way. If your business does not have a corporate philanthropy program, we encourage you to use the above information to get started or reach out to AZ Impact for Good for informational resources!
In the digital age, social media stands as a powerful and transformative force, offering a dynamic platform to elevate the impact of local nonprofits. As we navigate the challenges of the present, it becomes increasingly evident that leveraging social media is not just an option but a crucial strategy for fundraising success.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, formerly known as Twitter, boast extensive user bases, providing an unparalleled reach for spreading the message of local nonprofits. When supporters actively share and engage with content, the potential for visibility multiplies exponentially. This amplification effect transforms a single post into a far-reaching advocacy tool, connecting with individuals who may have otherwise remained unaware of the cause.
The visual and storytelling elements of social media humanize local nonprofits’ mission. By sharing impactful stories, highlighting the individuals positively affected by the organization’s work and providing glimpses into the daily efforts, nonprofits can forge authentic connections with their audience. This human touch fosters empathy, making the cause more relatable and inspiring increased engagement and support.
Social media’s real-time nature enables nonprofits to engage with their audience instantaneously. From live-streaming events and Q&A sessions to responding to comments and messages promptly, nonprofits can cultivate a sense of community and transparency. This direct interaction builds trust
and fosters a genuine connection between the organization and its supporters.
Social media platforms offer robust customization and targeting options, allowing nonprofits to tailor their campaigns to specific audiences. This targeted approach ensures that the right message reaches the right people, optimizing the chances of meaningful engagement. Whether promoting a fundraising event, sharing success stories or seeking donations, social media campaigns can be finely tuned for maximum impact.
The analytics tools integrated into social media platforms empower nonprofits to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns in real-time. Insights into engagement rates, reach and audience demographics provide valuable data for refining strategies and enhancing future outreach efforts. This data-driven approach ensures that nonprofits can adapt and optimize their social media presence for the greatest impact.
As we stand at the intersection of technology and philanthropy, the use of social media becomes not just a tool but a catalyst for change. Nonprofits can harness this influential force to drive fundraising success, connect with their communities and amplify their impact. It is an invitation for all — nonprofits, supporters and businesses — to embrace the potential of social media as a force for good, propelling local causes to new heights of awareness and support. Together, let us write a story of positive change, one share, one post and one connection at a time.
Since 2013, Arizona Gives Day has steadily increased the donations to local nonprofits.
2013: raised $1.110 million
2014: raised $1.393 million
2015: raised $2.055 million
2016: raised $2.84 million
2017: raised $2.74 million
2018: raised $3.2 Million
2019: raised $3.6 million
2020: raised $6.1 million
2021: raised $7.1 million
2022: Raised $6 million
2023: Raised $5.3 million
Total: more than $42 million
Donors, collectively, are part of a larger community and can have a significant impact on our lives and our neighbor’s lives. However, according to the National Council of Nonprofits, charitable giving by corporations, foundations, individuals and bequests to support the work of nonprofits dropped 10.5% last year and giving by individuals fell 13.4% after adjusting for inflation.
That’s why this year’s Arizona Gives Day is so important. Here are some great reasons to consider donating a gift on Arizona Gives Day (AZGives.org) on April 2, 2024.
1. Nonprofit organizations are the strength of our local communities. They’re organic, evolving and dynamic ... like grassroots movements often are. For a nonprofit’s mission to thrive, they need the financial support of donors, of those who are willing to get behind what they are trying to solve, treat, protect, save, teach or accomplish. Donations help nonprofits not just run programs but create sustainable and thriving organizations.
2. Nonprofits rely on donations to fulfill their missions; they can’t do their work without your donations. Nonprofit organizations are a critical part of our economy and community eco-system and provide essential services and resources. Nonprofits make up 10% of Arizona’s workforce and contribute more than 9% to Arizona’s GDP (gross domestic product).
3. Arizona Gives (AZGives.org) verifies that the participating nonprofits are legitimate nonprofits. Every year, nonprofits are required to re-enroll, and status with the IRS is verified to ensure donors are donating to organizations that would allow them to take a federal tax deduction. To be safe, an organization should be asking you to donate directly to their organization’s custom web page on AZGives.org.
4. You can give a donation(s) that is meaningful … to you. People often worry about whether their donation is “big enough” or will make a difference. Every nonprofit will tell you that there is no donation too small — every donation makes a difference. Arizona Gives was created to showcase our collective impact and power of giving back!
5. You can filter and sort nonprofit organizations on AZGives.org. If you are passionate about a particular cause
We are pleased to offer the list of Impact for Good members who are participating in Arizona Gives Day coming up on April 2, 2024. In Business Magazine is proud to create this Giving Guide to provide business owners and the more than 36,000 subscribers of the magazine information on local nonprofits that they may work with to better our community. Our goal is to give these groups exposure for a full month prior to Arizona Gives Day so that they may realize additional benefit among the business community.
or causes, you can filter and sort by geography, mission, demographics, county and more to narrow your search.
6. AZGives.org is a shopping cart experience. You can give to as many nonprofits as you want at the same time — all in one single transaction. And if you create a donor account, you can track all the donations you make on AZGives.org each year.
7. You can create a fundraiser page for your favorite nonprofit. Once you’ve created a donor account, it’s just five easy steps to create a fundraiser page. There, you can share your story about why a particular nonprofit is so important to you and why everyone you know should consider donating.
8. You can set up a recurring gift. Maybe a one-time larger gift is too much for your monthly budget. AZGives. org provides you a variety of options to establish a recurring donation so you can easily budget and plan. Donors are always in control and able to adjust their recurring gift at any time.
9. Charitable Giving eCards make the perfect gift. You can purchase an Arizona Gives Giving eCard in any dollar amount for your friends, family and co-workers. Then they can choose which nonprofit organization receives that donation.
10. AZGives.org accepts donations year-round. Donors can make a donation to a participating nonprofit 365 days of the year.
Find your cause at AZGives.org today, on April 2 or any day of the year and support nonprofits that are making our Arizona communities a better place to live.
How to Give: We urge you, as a company or as an individual, to give on Arizona Gives Day. By participating on this day, you connect or even reconnect with a nonprofit to support its cause and become a true supporter of all that is important in our community.
Go Beyond Gives Day: We ask that you connect with your nonprofit, and we challenge you to choose one or more organizations to work with in this coming year. By volunteering time, talent and treasure, your organization is likely to gain in more ways that you might expect.
Thank you for giving back to our community!
* 100 Club of Arizona Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/100club
2ND CHANCE DOG RESCUE Queen Creek azgives.org/2ndchancerescuegroups
* 3 Wings of Life Gold Canyon azgives.org/3wingsoflife
* 3rd Decade azgives.org/3rddecade
* A New Leaf Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/turnanewleaf
* AARF Animal Rescue and Sanctuary Mayer azgives.org/aarfanimalrescue
* Ability360 Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ability360
* ACCEL
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/accel
* ACLU of Arizona Phoenix azgives.org/acluaz
* Advance Community Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/Advance
Advocates for Snake Preservation Silver City azgives.org/snakes
* After The Homestretch-Arizona Phoenix azgives.org/afterthehomestretchaz
Agape Adoption Agency of Arizona, Inc.
Phoenix
Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/AgapeAZ
* AGR Foundation DBA Sol Dog Lodge and Arizona Heartfelt Hounds Tucson azgives.org/SolDogLodge
*
* indicates the organization is a member of Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits.
* Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank Avondale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ AguaFriaFoodandClothingBank
Aid to Adoption of Special Kids Phoenix Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/ aidtoadoptionofspecialkids
Aid to Women Center Tempe
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/aidtowomencenter
Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary Santan Valley azgives.org/ aimeesfarmanimalsanctuary
* Aliento Phoenix azgives.org/alientoaz
Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue Phoenix azgives.org/almostthererescue
Along Side Ministries Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/AlongSideMinistries
* Alwun House Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/alwunhouse
* Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation Tucson azgives.org/alzheimersprevention
* Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ AmandaHopeRainbowAngels
American Cancer SocietyArizona Phoenix azgives.org/ACSArizona
American Islamic Forum for Democracy Phoenix azgives.org/aifdemocracy
American Red Cross of Arizona Phoenix azgives.org/redcross-az
Amplify Voices Tempe azgives.org/amplifyvoices
AMWA Main CHANDLER
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/amwaaz
Andre House of Arizona Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/andrehouse
* Angels on Patrol Phoenix azgives.org/angelsonpatrol
Animal Guardian Network, Inc. Camp Verde azgives.org/animalguardiannetwork
* Animal Loving Friends, Inc Tempe azgives.org/alfrescue
Animal Rez-Q, Inc. Window Rock azgives.org/AnimalRezQ
Annie’s Rescue Ride RIO RICO azgives.org/annniesrescueride
Anthem Pets Animal Rescue Anthem azgives.org/anthempets
Anthony Bates Foundation Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/anthonybates
Anti Animal Cruelty Campaign Inc Peoria azgives.org/ AntiAnimalCrueltyCampaign
Apache Junction Reach Out, Inc. dba Superstition Community Food Bank
Apache Junction
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/superstitionfoodbankorg
* ARC-Administration of Resources & Choices
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/arc-az
* Area Agency on Aging, Region One
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/AreaAgencyonAging
* ARISE Community Solutions Glendale azgives.org/arise
* Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation Tucson azgives.org/az4hyouthfoundation
Arizona Animal Welfare League Phoenix azgives.org/aawl
* Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network Mesa azgives.org/AATN
Arizona Association for Environmental Education Tucson azgives.org/AAEE
* Arizona Autism United Phoenix Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/AZAunited
Arizona Baptist Children’s Services & Family Ministries Tucson Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/abcs
Arizona Beagle Rescue Mesa azgives.org/azbeaglerescue
Arizona Cactus Corgi Rescue Glendale azgives.org/azcactuscorgirescue
* Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children Scottsdale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/AZCancerFoundation
* Arizona Cattle Dog Rescue Carefree azgives.org/arizonacattledogrescue
* Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence Phoenix azgives.org/AZCASE
Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo Phoenix azgives.org/phoenixzoo
* Arizona Center for Rural Leadership, Project CENTRL Phoenix azgives.org/centrl
Arizona Diaper Bank Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/diaperbank
Arizona Faith and Families Charities Peoria
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/AZFFC
Arizona Forward Phoenix azgives.org/arizonaforward
Arizona Health Care Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/azhca
* Arizona Heart Foundation, Inc. Phoenix azgives.org/ArizonaHeartFoundation
Arizona Hydrological Society Foundation Tucson azgives.org/ahsfoundation
Arizona Lions Vision and Hearing Foundation of Multiple District 21 Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/arizonalionsvisionand hearingfoundation
Arizona Maine Coon Cat Rescue Inc Mesa azgives.org/azmccr
* Arizona Master Naturalist Association Tucson azgives.org/azmasternaturalist
Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation Peoria azgives.org/AMSAF
Arizona Museum of Natural History Foundation Mesa azgives.org/azmnh
* Arizona Native Scholastic Enrichment Resources Litchfield Park
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/anserfoundation
Arizona Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation (TAPAZ) Tucson azgives.org/arizonacarcinoid neuroendocrinefoundation
* Arizona Peer and Family Career Academy Buckeye azgives.org/azpfca
Arizona Philharmonic Inc Prescott azgives.org/azphil
* Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicapped (ARCH) Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/archaz
Arizona Refugee Center Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/AZRefugeCenter
* Arizona Science Center Phoenix azgives.org/azscience
Arizona Small Dog Rescue Phoenix azgives.org/azsmalldog
* Arizona Street Railway Museum, A Non Profit Corporation Phoenix azgives.org/PTM
* Arizona Sunshine Angels Glendale Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/sunshineangelsaz
* Arizona Theatre Company Tucson azgives.org/arizonatheatre
* Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP)
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/azyp
Arizona’s Children Association
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/arizonaschildren
Armer Foundation For Kids
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/armerfoundation
* Aster Aging, Inc. Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/aster
* Audrey’s Angels Phoenix azgives.org/audreysangels
* Aunt Ritas Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/auntritas
* Autism Life And Living, Inc. Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/AutismLifeAndLiving
* Autism Society of Greater Phoenix
Surprise
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/asgp
AZ ACEs Consortium azgives.org/azaces
AZ Center For Animal Rescue And Education - AZ Care Florence azgives.org/AZCARERESCUE
AZ Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
Phoenix azgives.org/acesdv
AZ20
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ylphxcap
AzAEYC
Chandler azgives.org/azaeyc
* AZCEND
Chandler
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/azcend
AZK9 Rescue Peoria azgives.org/AZK9RESCUE
Backed by God Avondale azgives.org/backedbygod
* Bag It Tucson azgives.org/BagItCancer
Ballet Arizona Phoenix azgives.org/balletaz
Ballet Etudes Mesa azgives.org/balletetudes
Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ Mesa azgives.org/bfq-az
Balsz Community Education Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/balszfoundation
Barbea Williams Performing Company Inc.
Tucson azgives.org/ BarbeaWilliamsPerfromingCompany
Barrow Neurological Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/supportbarrow
BASIS Charter Schools
Scottsdale Public School Tax Credit azgives.org/basisschools
* Be A Leader Foundation Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/bealeader
* Beacon Group
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/BeaconGroup
Beads of Courage, Inc. Tucson azgives.org/beadsofcourage
* Ben’s Bells Tucson azgives.org/bensbells
* Benevilla (Sun City Area Interfaith Services, Inc) Surprise
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/Benevilla
Better Piggies Rescue Phoenix azgives.org/betterpiggiesrescue
* Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/BBBSAZ
Billy’s Place Glendale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/billysplace
* Black Canyon Heritage Park Black Canyon City azgives.org/BCHeritagePark
Boost A Foster Family
Gilbert Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/boostafosterfamily
* Border Community Alliance, Inc. Tubac azgives.org/bordercommunityalliance
Aunt Rita’s Foundation has a long-standing commitment to ending HIV in Arizona. Since our inception in the 1980s, when we began as a humble bake-sale fundraiser for those being impacted by HIV, we have evolved into the leading philanthropy nonprofit organization in the state, delivering vital funding for programs in at-risk communities and playing a central role in the fight against rising HIV infections.
Through our initiatives, we have granted millions of dollars in support of HIV education, prevention and treatment programs across Arizona.
As the hub of the HIV community, we offer programs that “fill in the gaps,” including FREE at-home HIV test kits, FREE HIV/STI testing statewide through our partners at Albertsons/ Safeway Pharmacies and Sonora Quest Labs,
advocacy, HIV & Aging programs, a Positive Empowerment Youth Retreat, and a Diversity and Culture Council to support minority populations and advise on best practices for lowering incidence rates in our highest-risk communities.
At Aunt Rita’s Foundation, we recognize that social determinants of health play a crucial role in individuals’ health outcomes and quality of life. We provide programming, linkages to HIV prevention and treatment providers, and connections to basic needs such as nutrition support and housing.
Your support of Aunt Rita’s Foundation will enable us to continue operating these critical programs and help us end the HIV epidemic in our great state. Join us today in our mission to create a healthier and more equitable Arizona.
Connecting the HIV Community Since 1988
Name of Organization:
Aunt Rita’s Foundation
Top Local Executive Name: Stacey Jay Cavaliere
No. of Years with Org.: 1
Main Local Office Address: 326 E. Coronado Rd., Suite 102 Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 882-8675
Website: auntritas.org
Number of Locations in
Greater Phoenix: 1
Year Established Locally: 2005
City Nationally Headquartered: Phoenix, AZ
Type of Services: HIV and AIDS Education, Prevention and Treatment services; Education regarding HIV and AIDS; Links in our communities to medical care specific to individuals’ needs to ensure treatment of HIV infections and prevention.
Specialties: HIV and AIDS
Borderlands Produce Rescue Nogales
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/borderlandsproducerescue
* Boxer Luv Rescue Gilbert azgives.org/boxerluv
* Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
Scottsdale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/bgcs
* Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit, Public School Tax Credit azgives.org/bgcaz
* Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/bhghaz
Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue Phoenix azgives.org/Bhrr
Bridge Prison Ministry Oro Valley azgives.org/bridgeprisonministryaz
* Bridges Reentry, Inc. Litchfield Park
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/bridgesreentry
Business Underdogs Green Valley azgives.org/mightyunderdogs
Camp Catanese Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/campcatanese
* Camp Not-A-Wheeze Corp.
Gilbert
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/campnotawheeze
Camp Patrick
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/camppatrick
Cancer Prevention Research Fund Peoria azgives.org/ cnacerpreventionresearchfund
* Cancer Support Community Arizona (CSCAZ)
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/cscaz
Canine Companions for Independence Oceanside azgives.org/ caninecompanionsforindependence
Carbajal Sisters Fighting for Children of Incarcerated Parents Phoenix azgives.org/fightingforchildren
Care Fund Scottsdale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/thecarefund
* Career Connectors Network azgives.org/careerconnectors
* Catholic Charities Community Services
Phoenix
Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/catholiccharitiesaz
Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ccs-soaz
Center for Biological Diversity Tucson azgives.org/biologicaldiversity
* Center for the Future of Arizona Phoenix azgives.org/cfa
Central Arizona Shelter Services Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/cassaz
Cervical Cancer Prevention and Assistance Peoria azgives.org/ cervicalcancerpreventionassistance
Chandler Men Of Action Chandler azgives.org/chandlermoa
Chandler Museum Chandler azgives.org/museumfoundation
Chandler Service Club Chandler azgives.org/CHANDLERERVICECLUB
* Child & Family Resources
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/childfamilyresources
* Child Crisis Arizona Mesa
Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/childcrisisarizona
Children’s Action Alliance Phoenix azgives.org/azchildren
Children’s Emergency Medical Fund Peoria azgives.org/ childrensemerencymedicalfund
Children’s Museum of Phoenix Phoenix azgives.org/childrensmuseumofphoenix
Choices Pregnancy Centers
Glendale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/choices
Christian Family Care Phoenix
Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/cfcare
Chrysalis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/noabuse
* Circle the City Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/circlethecity
* City Hope Chandler
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/cityhope
* Civitan Foundation, Inc. Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/CivitanFoundation
* Cochise Canine Rescue Benson azgives.org/cochisecaninerescue
* College Bound AZ Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/collegeboundaz
* Colten Cowell Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/coltencowellfoundation
Common Sense Institute Arizona Phoenix azgives.org/csiaz
Community Legal Services, Inc. Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/clsaz
Companion Pets in Crisis Phoenix azgives.org/companionpetsincrisis
* Compudopt Mesa azgives.org/Compudopt
Conservation Legacy White or Caucasian azgives.org/conservationlegacy
* Control Alt Delete LLC Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ControlAltDelete
* Cook Native American Ministries Foundation Tempe azgives.org/CookNativeAmerican MinistriesFoundation
Cooper’s Chance Animal Rescue Queen Creek azgives.org/ cooperschanceanimalrescue
Corazon AZ Phoenix azgives.org/corazonaz
Corbin’s Legacy Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/corbinslegacy
* Cornerstone Community Development Corp DBA Mercy House Community Center Cashion
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/mercyhouseaz
Corona del Sol Band Boosters Tempe
Public School Tax Credit azgives.org/coronabands
Creative Contributions Gilbert azgives.org/CreativeContributions
Creighton Community Foundation, Inc.
Phoenix Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/creightoncommunity
Critical Path Institute Tucson azgives.org/c-path
For more than 65 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. BBBSAZ makes meaningful, professionally supported matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in Maricopa County and Pinal County. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Our volunteers help children in our community who need and deserve mentors build self-confidence and realize their potential.
At BBBSAZ, one of our keystone beliefs is that every young person has the potential to do great things. Unfortunately, kids today are in crisis and their potential can be threatened.
Anxiety and depressive symptoms doubled for young people during the pandemic, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on protecting youth mental health. In 2021, emergency room visits by teens for suspected suicide attempts were 51% higher than in 2020.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters, our mentors add additional layers of support for the mentees enrolled in our programs. Bigs provide a safe, trusting environment where youth can share their thoughts, process their feelings and gain confidence to try new things.
According to an article from Mentor.com, “Mentors have always been assets to young people when they are experiencing periods of stress, depression, anxiety, or even more serious mental health challenges. Inherent in the role of mentor is the idea that this person is there for a youth
through the good and the bad, but especially in times when life feels overwhelming or hopeless.”
National research has shown us that kids matched with mentors through BBBS programs had better mental health outcomes than their peers. In addition, research has shown that kids in BBBSAZ mentoring programs are:
• 46% - less likely than their peers to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% - less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% - less likely to skip school
• 37% - less likely to skip a class
• 33% - less likely to hit someone
They also exhibit an increase in resiliency and overall self-esteem.
Please consider joining us to protect the mental health of youth in our community!! Together, we can provide the support kids need to be successful and reach their full potential.
VOLUNTEER to become a Big. Meet up with your Little at least two times per month for one year to do things you enjoy. Explore your common interests together but, most importantly, be a listening ear and a source of guidance for a kid. To learn more visit bbbsaz.org/volunteer.
DONATE in support of our mentorship programs. BBBSAZ is a qualifying organization for the Arizona State Tax Credit. Through this program, your donation becomes a dollar-fordollar tax credit (up to $400 per individual or $800 per couple, filing jointly). To make a gift, please visit bbbsaz.org/donate.
For other questions or to look into enrolling a child, please visit bbbsaz.org.
Name of Organization: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
Top Local Executive Name: Laura Capello
No. of Years with Org.: 11 years, one month
Main Local Office Address: 1615 E. Osborn Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 264-9254
Website: bbbsaz.org
Number of Locations in Greater Phoenix: 1
Year Established Locally: 1955
City Nationally Headquartered: Tampa, FL
Type of Services: Youth Mentorship
Specialties: One-to-One Mentoring, Group Mentoring, College and Career Readiness.
Crossroads, Inc.
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/crossroadsinc
Cultural Coalition, Inc Mesa azgives.org/culturalcoalitioninc
D.O.V.E.S. Network
Maricopa azgives.org/dovesnetwork
Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona Phoenix azgives.org/DPAA
Deep Within Rehab Center, Inc. Peoria
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/DeepWithinRehabCenter
* Defenders of Children
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/defendersofchildren
* Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix azgives.org/dbg
Desert Foothills Land Trust, Inc. Carefree azgives.org/dflt
Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue Glendale azgives.org/ desertlabradorretrieverrescue
* Desert Seed Resource Center Safford azgives.org/ DesertSeedResourceCenter
* Desert Stages Theatre Scottsdale azgives.org/desertstages
* Desert Star Institute for Family Planning, Inc Phoenix azgives.org/DesertStarInstitute
Diabetes Aid Prevention Fund Peoria azgives.org/diabetesaidpreventionfund
Diana Gregory Outreach Services Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/dianagregory
* Don Bluth Front Row Theatre SCOTTSDALE azgives.org/dbfrt
* Down Syndrome Network Arizona Tempe
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/dsnetworkaz
Downtown Tempe Foundation Tempe azgives.org/tempefestivalofthearts
* Dress for Success Phoenix Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/DressforSuccessPhoenix
* Dsquared Homes For The Homeless Chandler
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ Dsquaredhomesforthehomeless
* Duet: Partners In Health & Aging Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/duetaz
* Earth Gives Phoenix azgives.org/earthgives
Chandler azgives.org/eastsideelves
East Valley Children’s Theatre Mesa azgives.org/evct
* Education Forward Arizona Phoenix azgives.org/ EducationForwardArizona
ElderTLC Scottsdale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/eldertlc
* Elevate Phoenix Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/elevatephoenix
* EmpoweRanch Phoenix azgives.org/EmpoweRanch
Environmental Conservation Campaign Peoria azgives.org/ environmentalconservationcampaign
Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary Amado azgives.org/equinevoices
* Equine WellBeing Rescue Inc Snowflake azgives.org/EquineWellBeingRescue
* EricsHouse, Inc. Scottsdale azgives.org/EricsHouse
Esperanza Dance Project Tucson azgives.org/esperanzadanceproject
Everyday Heroes & Hounds Chandler azgives.org/everydayheroeshounds
Families Raising Hope
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/familiesraisinghope
* Family Involvement Center
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/31147
* Family Promise - Greater Phoenix
Scottsdale Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/familypromiseaz
* Fearless Kitty Rescue Fountain Hills azgives.org/fearlesskittyrescue
Feed My Hungry Children
Peoria azgives.org/feedmyhungrychildren
Feeding America’s Children Peoria azgives.org/feedingamericaschidren
Feeding America’s Hungry Children Peoria azgives.org/ feedingamericashungrychildren
Feeding God’s Children Peoria azgives.org/feedinggodschildren
Feeding Hungry Children Peoria azgives.org/Feedinghungrychildren
* Feeding Matters
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/feedingmatters
FIBCO Family Services
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/FIBCOFamilyServices
First Place AZ
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/firstplace
* First Tee-Phoenix
Phoenix azgives.org/firstteephoenix
Five Arts Circle
Phoenix azgives.org/fiveartscircle
* Foothills Animal Rescue Scottsdale azgives.org/foothillsanimalrescue
* Foothills Caring Corps, Inc. Carefree
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/foothillscaringcorps
* Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center
Cave Creek
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/foothillsfoodbank
* Forever Home Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary Inc. Benson azgives.org/foreverhomedonkeyrescue
Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary
Scottsdale azgives.org/foreverlovedpetsanctuary
Foster Arizona
Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/fosterarizona
Foundation for Blind Children
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/seeitourway
* Fountain Hills Theater Fountain Hills azgives.org/FountainHillsTheater
* Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona
Phoenix
Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/freeartsaz
* Friendly House
Phoenix
Public School Tax Credit azgives.org/friendlyhouse
Friends for Life Animal Rescue Gilbert azgives.org/friendsforlife »
For more than 65 years, Junior Achievement of Arizona (JA) has been preparing millions of Arizona students to succeed in work and life. We’re empowering their futures by giving them the knowledge and skills they need to manage their money; plan for their future; and make smart academic, career and economic choices. Delivered by 8,000+ business and community volunteer mentors, our hands-on, age-appropriate programs focus on three key areas: career readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship. At the foundation of all our programs is teaching students the ability to think critically. Equally impactful, we’ll open their eyes to future possibilities and help them apply those important skills to unlock their own future potential.
Set to serve more than 110,000 students this year and more than 3 million since its founding, JA is shaping the college- and career-readiness conversation, and we play an important role in Arizona’s workforce and economic development. Our programs help students connect what they learn in the classroom to the real world, and demonstrate how learning correlates to earning
— knowledge critical to empowering today’s students to be successful, contributing members of society in the future.
We serve students with diverse backgrounds and socio-economic status throughout Arizona. While our programs are invaluable to all students regardless of background, the majority of the students we serve come from low-income households.
Our programs support the K-25 continuum, reaching students wherever and however they are learning today. Today, our programs have expanded to reach primarily low-income learners in 400+ schools across the State of Arizona, in addition to partnering with other nonprofits and organizations focused on reaching opportunity youth.
We are wholly dependent on the financial and volunteer support of individuals, foundations and businesses. Our in-classroom programs are offered at no cost to teachers or students.
Donations to Junior Achievement are Arizona Charitable Tax Credit eligible, up to $400 per individual and $800 per couple filing jointly. Please consider empowering the future of Arizona kids.
At JA, we to help y to invest dreams. DONA AZ TA and ensu for the n
Name of Organization:
Junior Achievement of Arizona
Top Local Executive Name:
Katherine Cecala
No. of Years with Org.: 8 years, 5 months
Main Local Office Address: 636 W. Southern Ave. Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: (480) 377-8500
Website: jaaz.org
Number of Locations in Greater Phoenix: 1
Year Established Locally: 1957
City Nationally Headquartered: Colorado Springs, CO
Type of Services: Career Exploration and Readiness Programs, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship Programs
Friends of Aphasia
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/friendsofaphasia
Friends of Madera Canyon Green Valley azgives.org/friendsofmaderacanyon
* Friends of the Children Phoenix Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/friendsphoenix
Friends of the Tonto National Forest Phoenix azgives.org/ friendsofthetontonationalforest
* Friends of the Verde River Cottonwood azgives.org/verderiver-az
* FSL- Foundation for Senior Living Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/FSL
Fur The Love of Paws Scottsdale azgives.org/furtheloveofpaws
Furniture Bank, Inc.
Queen Creek
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/furniturebank
Fusion You INC
Gilbert azgives.org/fusionyouaz
* Gabriel’s Angels Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/gabrielsangels-az
Gay For Good | Phoenix Chapter Long Beach azgives.org/gayforgood
* GEM Corps Prescott azgives.org/gemcorps
Gesher Disability Resources, Inc. Scottsdale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/gesher
* Gilbert Historical Society/HD SOUTH Gilbert azgives.org/HDSOUTH
Giving Sole, Inc Phoenix azgives.org/GIVINGSOLE
Glendale Arizona Historical Society Glendale azgives.org/GlendaleAZHistory
Glory Days Senior Day Program Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/glory-days
Goats with Horns Animal Sanctuary Gilbert azgives.org/GoatswithHorns
* Grateful Hearts Animal Rescue Mesa azgives.org/GratefulHeartsRescue
Great Old Broads for Wilderness Durango azgives.org/GreatOldBroads
Greater Phoenix Urban League Phoenix azgives.org/GPHXUL
* GreenLight Solutions Foundation Tempe azgives.org/gls
HALO Helping Animals Live On Phoenix azgives.org/halorescue
* Handi-Dogs, Inc. Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/handi-dogs
* HandsOn Greater Phoenix Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/handsonphoenix
* Harvest Compassion Centers Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/harvestcompassioncenter
Heart Disease Prevention Institute Peoria azgives.org/ heartdiseasepreventioninstitute
* Heidi’s Village Phoenix azgives.org/HeidisVillage
Helping Others Together (HOT) Community Foundation
Goodyear Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/hotcommunityfoundation
* Heritage Square Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/heritagesquarephx
Higher Ground a Resource Center
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/higherground
* Higher Octave Healing
Tempe
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/hohmt
* Hillel Jewish Student Center at Arizona State University Tempe azgives.org/asuhillel
Home Fur Good Animal Rescue and Placement
Phoenix azgives.org/homefurgood
* Homeless ID Project
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/HomelessIDProject
* Homeless Youth Connection
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/hycaz
Homeward Bound
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/homewardboundaz
HonorHealth Foundation Scottsdale azgives.org/HonorHealthFoundation
Hoofsnhorns Farm Sanctuary
Tucson azgives.org/ hoofsnhornsfarmsanctuary
* Hope & A Future
Phoenix
Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/azhope
Hope For Addiction
Gilbert
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/hopeforaddiction
* Hope Lives - Vive La Esperanza
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/hopelives
* Hope Women’s Center Inc
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/hopewomenscenter
HOPE, Incorporated
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/hopearizona
* HopeKids Arizona Scottsdale azgives.org/hopekids
Hopi Education Endowment Fund Kykotsmovi azgives.org/ hopieducationendowmentfund
* Horses Help Foundation
Cave Creek
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/horseshelp
* Hospice of the Valley - Phoenix, AZ Phoenix azgives.org/hov
House of Broadcasting, Inc. Phoenix azgives.org/houseofbroadcasting
* House of Refuge
Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/houseofrefuge
* House of Refuge Sunnyslope
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/RefugeSunnyslope
* Human Services Campus dba Keys to Change
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/keystochange
* Humane Society of Southern Arizona Tucson azgives.org/hssaz
Hunkapi Programs, Inc. Scottsdale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/HunkapiPrograms
* Hushabye Nursery
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/hushabyenursery
* ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth
Chandler
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ICAN
Impact for Enterprising Women Phgoenix azgives.org/ impactforenterprisingwomen
* Institute of Harmonic Science Phoenix azgives.org/ instituteofharmonicscience
Intermountain Centers for Human Development
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit, Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/intermountaincenters
Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/azirish
Ironwood Pig Sanctuary Marana azgives.org/ironwoodpigs
Jacob’s Hope
Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/jacobshopeaz
* Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix Phoenix azgives.org/ japanesefriendshipgarden
Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix Scottsdale azgives.org/jcrcphoenix
* Jewish Free Loan Scottsdale Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/jewishfreeloan
JFCS of Southern Arizona
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/jfcstucson
* Jobs For Arizona’s Graduates
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/jagaz
Johnjay and Rich #LoveUp Foundation Scottsdale azgives.org/loveupfoundation
* Junior Achievement of Arizona Tempe
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/jaaz
* Justa Center
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/justacenter
* Keep Phoenix Beautiful Phoenix azgives.org/keepphxbeautiful
* Keepers of the Wild Valentine azgives.org/keepersofthewild
Keli May Foundation
Queen Creek Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/kelimayfoundation
* Kids in Focus Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/kidsinfocus
* Kids Need to Read Mesa azgives.org/kidsneedtoread
In the communities we serve, youth experience poverty and three times the adversity of their peers. Beyond the instability and insecurity that makes it difficult to meet their most basic needs, these youth experience social, emotional and cognitive obstacles that bar them from living the joyful, purposeful life that every young person deserves.
At New Pathways for Youth, we are changing that. We are building a future where every young person can live their life with joy and purpose, confident in their ability to decide their own path.
To make it happen, we provide 1:1 mentoring with a dedicated adult and a proven program for personal growth, including tailored goalsetting and connection to vital resources, all within a supportive peer group. In doing so, we’re transforming the lives of youth by providing the support, stability and skills they need to flourish in the community and in their families.
Each of our youth receives tailored actionplanning and support according to their needs
and personal goals, as well as connections to critical resources for personal well-being, and daily necessities that support the youth’s entire family, ranging from housing assistance to food security to emergency relief. All of this is complemented by 1:1 support from an adult mentor within a group of peers in order to build stable, nurturing, life-changing relationships.
Our holistic, research-based program is proven to generate remarkable outcomes for the youth we serve — from improved mental health and personal wellness to academic success and greater high school graduation rates. We give them the tools and resources to not only achieve safe, healthy lives but find fulfilling career paths, seize new opportunities and enhance their relationships with their families, peers and all those around them.
With the support of the entire New Pathways community, youth are able to transform their lives and confidently find their own path to fulfillment.
Kids Playing For Kids Glendale azgives.org/kidsplayingforkids
Kids’ Chance of Arizona Scottsdale azgives.org/kidschance
* Kord’s Angels Responding & Empowering, Inc. Ajo azgives.org/kordsangels
Larry Thomas Youth Development Chandler azgives.org/ltyd
LatinaStrong® Peoria azgives.org/LatinaStrong
* Lauren’s Institute for Education (LIFE) Gilbert azgives.org/ laurensinstituteforeducation
Name of Organization: New Pathways for Youth
Top Local Executive Name:
Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D.
No. of Years with Org.: 2 years, 6 months
Main Local Office Address: 901 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (602) 258-1012
Website: npfy.org
Number of Locations in Greater Phoenix: 1
Year Established Locally: 1989
City Nationally Headquartered: Phoenix, AZ
Type of Services: Youth Development
Specialties: Teen Personal Development, Mentorship, Goal Setting
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Inc.
azgives.org/lls
Leukemia Foundation for Arizona’s Children
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/azlfac Liberty Wildlife, inc.
Phoenix azgives.org/libertywildlife Lifeline Oro Valley Animal Rescue
Oro Valley azgives.org/LOVAR * LifeologyAZ, Inc
Laveen Village azgives.org/wwwlifeologyazorg
* Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/lvmc
* Local First Arizona Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/localfirstaz
* Lost Dogs Arizona Glendale azgives.org/LostDogsArizona
* Lost Our Home Pet Rescue Tempe azgives.org/lostourhome
Lura Turner Homes, INC Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/luraturnerhomes
* Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/lss-sw
Luv of Dogz Fund Inc. Scottsdale azgives.org/luvofdogzfund
Maggie’s Place
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/maggiesplace
* Make Way for Books
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/makewayforbooks
* Make-A-Wish Arizona Scottsdale azgives.org/makeawishaz
Mariah’s Miracle Goodyear azgives.org/MariahsMiracle
Maricopa Village Christian School Laveen azgives.org/ maricopavillagechristianschool
MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids) Scottsdale azgives.org/maskmatters
Matthew 1914 Project Phoenix azgives.org/thematthew1914project
* Matthews Crossing Food Bank Chandler
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/matthewscrossing
* McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Scottsdale azgives.org/ mcdowellsonoranconservancy
* Mending Souls Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/mendingsouls
* Mercy Housing Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/mercyhousingsouthwest
Mesa Media Inc. Polacca azgives.org/mesamedia
* Midwest Food Bank NFP Gilbert
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/midwestfoodbank
* MIKID - Mentally Ill Kids In Distress Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/mikid
* Million Dollar Teacher Project Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/mdtproject
* Miracle League of Arizona Scottsdale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/mlaz
Miss Maggie Mays Rescue Tucson azgives.org/missmaggiemays
* Mission of Mercy Arizona
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/missionofmercyaz
MoezArt Productions, Inc. Phoenix AZ azgives.org/moezartproductions
* Mom’s Pantry operated by Christian Life Outreach
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/momspantry
Montlure Presbyterian Properties, Inc. Mesa azgives.org/montlure
* More Than A Bed
Tucson
Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/morethanabed
Mulligan’s Manor Tempe azgives.org/mulligansmanor
Multiple Sclerosis Education Foundation Inc.
Phoenix azgives.org/msefphx
Musculoskeletal Orthopedic Research and Education (MORE) Foundation
Phoenix azgives.org/more-foundation
* Musical Instrument MuseumMIM
Phoenix azgives.org/MIM
* NAMI Valley of the Sun Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/namivalleyofthesun
* National Kidney Foundation of Arizona
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/azkidney
Native American Connections
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/nativeconnections
* Native American Fatherhood & Families Association Mesa azgives.org/nativeamerican fatherhoodandfamiliesassociation
Native Health, Inc.
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/nativehealthphoenix
* Native Seeds/S.E.A.R.C.H. TUCSON azgives.org/nativeseeds
* Natural History Institute
Prescott azgives.org/naturalhistoryinstitute
* Neighbors Who Care, Inc. Sun Lakes azgives.org/neighborswhocare
* New Life Center
Goodyear Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/newlifectr
* New Pathways for Youth
Phoenix Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/npfy
* Newborn Kitten Rescue Scottsdale azgives.org/NewbornKittenRescue
* NorthBridge College Success Program
Phoenix azgives.org/NorthBridgeaz
* NourishPHX (Formerly ICM Food & Clothing Bank)
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/nourishphx
* Oakwood Creative Care Inc Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/oakwoodcreativecare
* Oasis Sanctuary Foundation, LTD Benson azgives.org/TheOasisSanctuary
OCJ Kids
Phoenix
Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/ocjkids
* Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home Tucson azgives.org/oldsouls
One Arizona Phoenix azgives.org/onearizona
ONE Community Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/onecommunityfoundation
* One Love Arizona: Rescue, Advocacy + Sterilization Chandler azgives.org/oneloveaz
* One Small Step/Clothes Cabin Gilbert
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/onesmallstep
* one∙n∙ten
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/onenten
Onward Hope, Inc. Phoenix azgives.org/onwardhope
Open Hearts Family Wellness Phoenix azgives.org/openheartsaz
Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/otef
PACC911 (Phoenix Animal Care Coalition)
Phoenix azgives.org/PACC911
* Packages From Home Glendale azgives.org/packagesfromhome
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones Phoenix azgives.org/ parentsofaddictedlovedones
* Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/PMDAlliance
Parkinson’s Foundation Miami azgives.org/parkinsonsfoundation
Paw Placement: A Helping Hand for Pets Scottsdale azgives.org/pawplacement
* Pawsitive Friendships
Gilbert
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/PawsitiveFriendships
* Paz de Cristo
Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/pazdecristo
* Peer Solutions
PHOENIX
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/peersolutions
Pei People Shar Pei Rescue Inc Tucson azgives.org/peipeople
* Peoria Diamond Club Peoria azgives.org/peoriadiamondclub
Persevere Phoenix azgives.org/persevere
* Pets on Wheels of Scottsdale Scottsdale azgives.org/petsonwheelsscottsdale
Phoenix Allies for Community Health
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/azpach
Phoenix Ballet Scottsdale azgives.org/phoenixballet
* Phoenix Boys Choir Association Phoenix azgives.org/phoenixboyschoir
Phoenix Cancer Support Network Scottsdale Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/pcsn
Phoenix Center for the Arts Phoenix azgives.org/phoenixcenterforthearts
* Phoenix Chamber Music Society Phoenix azgives.org/ phoenixchambermusicsociety
* Phoenix Children’s Chorus Phoenix azgives.org/pcchorus
Phoenix Children’s Foundation Phoenix Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/phoenixchildrens »
* Phoenix Chorale Phoenix azgives.org/phoenixchorale
* Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary Scottsdale azgives.org/phoenixherp
Phoenix Institute of Contemporary Art (phICA) Phoenix azgives.org/phica
* Phoenix Performing Arts Center, Inc. dba Herberger Theater Center Phoenix azgives.org/HerbergerTheater
Phoenix Rescue Mission
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/phoenixrescuemission
* Phoenix Union Foundation for Education Phoenix azgives.org/foundation4education
Phoenix Youth Circus Arts (TAPAZ)
Phoenix azgives.org/phxyouthcircus
* Planned Parenthood Arizona Inc.
Phoenix azgives.org/plannedparenthoodarizona
* Playworks Arizona Phoenix azgives.org/playworksarizona
* Positive Paths Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/positivepathsaz
Postpartum Support International Portland azgives.org/PSI_Arizona
* Power Paws Assistance Dogs, Inc.
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ PowerPawsAssistanceDogs
* Primary Aldosteronism Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/primary-aldosteronismfoundation
Project Sleep Tight USA Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/projectsleeptight
Puppies And Kittens Rescue Fund Peoria azgives.org/ puppieskittensrescuefund
* R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly Tempe azgives.org/roseresourcesoutreach tosafeguardtheelderly
RaeRae of Light Peoria
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/raeraeoflight
Rainbow Service Dogs Inc Tucson azgives.org/RainbowServiceDogsInc
* Raising Special Kids
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/raisingspecialkidsorg
* Read Better Be Better Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/readbetterbebetter
Read Between the Bars
Tucson azgives.org/readbetweenthebars
* Recovery Empowerment Network
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/renaz
Resource Conservation Campaign Peoria azgives.org/ resourceconservationcampaign
RightCare Foundation
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/rightcare
Robinson Ranch
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/RobinsonRanch
* Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/rmhccnaz
* Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/rosieshouse
* Ryan House
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ryanhouse
* Saavi Services for the Blind Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/saavi
Sagrado Wellness Tucson azgives.org/sagradowellness
* Sandra Day O’Connor Institute For American Democracy Phoenix azgives.org/oconnorinstitute
* SARSEF
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/sarsef
Save Our Schools Arizona Network Tempe azgives.org/ SaveOurSchoolsArizonaNetwork
Save The Animals Peoria azgives.org/savetheanimals
Save the Cats Arizona Gilbert azgives.org/savethecatsaz
* Science Voices Gilbert azgives.org/sciencevoices
* Scottsdale Arts Scottsdale azgives.org/ScottsdaleArts
Scottsdale Community Partners Scottsdale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/SCP
* Scottsdale Leadership Scottsdale azgives.org/ScottsdaleLeadership
Scottsdale Sister Cities Association Scottsdale azgives.org/ scottsdalesistercitiesassociation
* Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS)
Phoenix/United States
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/starsaz
* Sedona Arts Center Inc Sedona azgives.org/sedonaartscenter
Shoebox Ministry Inc
PHOENIX azgives.org/shoeboxministry
Silver Lining Riding
Litchfield Park
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/silverliningriding1
Six Strings Acoustic Inc
Scottsdale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/sixstringsacoustic
* Sketch Club Cafe
CHANDLER azgives.org/sketchclubcafe
* Skye’s the Limit Foundation
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/skyesthelimitfoundation
* Sojourner Center
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/sojournercenter
* Solari, Inc.
Tempe
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/Solari
Sonoran Institute
Tucson azgives.org/sonoraninstitute
* SOUNDS Academy
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/SOUNDSacademy
Sounds of the Southwest Singers, Inc. Glendale azgives.org/ soundsofthesouthwestsingers
Southern Arizona Against Slavery Tucson azgives.org/SAAS
* Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/saaf
Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance Tucson azgives.org/artsaz
Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption azgives.org/sagreyhoundadoption
* Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center Phoenix azgives.org/SARRC
Southwest Folklife Alliance Tucson azgives.org/southwestfolklife
* Southwest Human Development Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/swhd
* Southwest Indigenous Women’s Coalition Mesa azgives.org/SWIWC
*
Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/swkcf
Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue Tucson azgives.org/solraz
* Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center Scottsdale azgives.org/southwestwildlife
* Special Olympics Arizona Goodyear Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/SpecialOlympicsAZ
St Vincent de Paul Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/stvincentdepaul
* St. Joseph the Worker Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/stjosephtheworker
St. Mary’s Food Bank
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/stmarysfoodbank
Stand for Children Arizona Phoenix azgives.org/StandAZ
* Stardust Non-Profit Building Supplies, Inc Mesa azgives.org/StardustBuildingSupplies
Stealing Hearts Rescue Phoenix azgives.org/stealingheartsrescue
STEP
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/STEPCollegePrep
* Step One Halfway House Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/StepOneHalfwayHouse
At Phoenix Children’s, providing world-class healthcare for every child in Arizona is more than a mission — it is our promise. We epitomize the bold spirit of the state we serve through our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care.
Over the past 40 years, Phoenix Children’s has grown from a single hospital into a nationally recognized pediatric health system serving families across Arizona. Now more than ever, there is an urgent need for pediatric care in our state. Arizona is among the top 10 fastest-growing states in the U.S., and Maricopa County, currently home to more than 1.03 million children, is one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation.
To meet the challenges ahead of us, Phoenix Children’s must continue to evolve. It will take substantial resources to realize these ambitious goals.
In 2022, Phoenix Children’s was named one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals for the 12th consecutive year. The health system also earned recognition as the top children’s hospital in Arizona for the second consecutive year.
Phoenix Children’s is building on these achievements as it continues to invest in the people, research, technologies and programs that make it a destination hospital. That means continuing to recruit physician-scientists who are shaping the future of pediatric medicine; foster discoveries that
improve the quality and length of children’s lives; establish ground-breaking destination programs that attract patients from around the world; and drive innovations that give ill and injured children hope beyond their wildest dreams.
Phoenix Children’s Foundation offers many ways to get involved in and support this work, whether by joining a giving group (phoenixchildrensfoundation.org/givinggroups), attending a Phoenix Children’s event (phoenixchildrensfoundation.org/signature) or finding an inspiring hospital program to support (phoenixchildrensfoundation.org/ways-to-give). Together we can ensure that Phoenix Children’s can provide hope, healing and the best health care to children and families for generations to come.
* Steps to Recovery Homes
Cottonwood
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/stepstorecoveryhomes
* StreetLightUSA
Peoria
Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/streetlightusa
Suenos de Yarali
Gilbert azgives.org/suenosdeyarali
Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue Inc Youngtown azgives.org/4pawsrescue
* Sunnyslope Historical Society Phoenix azgives.org/ sunnyslopehistoricalsociety
* Swift Youth Foundation Scottsdale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/swift »
Name of Organization:
Phoenix Children’s Foundation
Top Local Executive Name: Steve Schnall
No. of Years with Org.: 41
Main Local Office Address: 2929 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 122 Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 933-4483
Website: GiveToPCH.org
Number of Locations in Greater Phoenix: Foundation (1); Phoenix Children’s (58)
Year Established Locally: 1983
City Nationally Headquartered: Phoenix, AZ
Type of Services: Pediatric Healthcare
Specialties: Primary, Emergency and Family-Centered Care
* Tanner Community Development Corp
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/tcdccorp
Teach For America Phoenix azgives.org/phoenixteachforamerica
* Teen Challenge of Arizona, Inc.
Tucson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/tcaz
* Teen Lifeline
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/TeenLifeline
Televerde Foundation, Inc. Phoenix azgives.org/secondchances
* Tempe Community Action Agency
Tempe
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ tempecommunityactionagency
Terros Health
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/terroshealth
TGen - Translational Genomics Research Institute Phoenix azgives.org/TGen
The 3000 Club
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/the3000club
The Arizona Pet Project Phoenix azgives.org/azpetproject
The Bambi Fund (TAPAZ) PHOENIX azgives.org/thebambifund
* The Be Kind People Project Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/bkpp
The Bridge Initiative Tempe azgives.org/bridgeinit
* The Cosanti Foundation | Arcosanti & Cosanti Mayer azgives.org/arcosanti
The Dream Institute Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/shortcreekdreamcenter
* The Foster Alliance formerly Arizona Helping Hands Phoenix Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/thefosteralliance
The Foundation for Homeless Cats Phoenix azgives.org/ thefoundationforhomelesscats
The Harden Education and Recreation Therapy Foundation Glendale azgives.org/theheart-center
* The Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter Tucson azgives.org/hermitagecatshelter
* The HP Foundation Phoenix azgives.org/thehpfoundation
* The Joy Bus Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/thejoybus
The Phoenix Theatre Company Phoenix azgives.org/phoenixtheatrecompany
The Puppy Mamma Apache Junction azgives.org/ThePuppyMamma
The Salvation Army Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/salvationarmy
The Sustenance Research Institute Gilbert azgives.org/visitsri
* The Undie Chest Inc. azgives.org/UndieChest
* The Welcome to America Project Tempe
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/wtap
* TheaterWorks Peoria azgives.org/theaterworks
Theatre Artists Studio Scottsdale azgives.org/thestudiophx
* TigerMountain Foundation (TAPAZ)
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/tigermountainfoundation
* Time Out, Inc. Payson
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/TIMEOUTINC
* Tovrea Carraro Society
Phoenix azgives.org/TovreaCastle
* Transplant Community Alliance Inc
Scottsdale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ TransplantCommunityAlliance
Treasure House
Glendale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/treasurehouse
* Treasures 4 Teachers Tempe azgives.org/treasures4teachers
Trees Matter
Phoenix azgives.org/treesmatteraz
Tucson Cold Wet Noses Fosters, Inc.
Tucson azgives.org/tucsoncoldwetnoses
* Tucson Jazz Music Foundation Tucson azgives.org/ tucsonjazzmusicfoundation
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block Tucson azgives.org/TucsonMuseumofArt
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/usvets
* UMOM New Day Centers
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/umom
Unified Arizona Veterans Inc. Phoenix azgives.org/UnifiedArizonaVeterans
United Cerebral Palsy Association of Central Arizona, Inc. (UCP of Central Arizona)
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/UCPofCentralAZ
* United Food Bank, Inc.
Mesa
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/unitedfoodbank
Valle del Sol
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/valledelsol
Valley Dogs, Inc. / Vets & Their Pets
Mesa azgives.org/valleydogs
* Valley of the Sun YMCA
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/valleyymca
* Valleywise Health Foundation
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ valleywisehealthfoundation
* Verde Valley Sanctuary Sedona
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/verdevalleysanctuary
Verde Valley School Sedona azgives.org/vvsaz
* Veterans Heritage Project Phoenix azgives.org/veteransheritage
Villa Montessori School
Phoenix
Public School Tax Credit azgives.org/villamontessorischool
Voices for CASA Children
Scottsdale
Foster Care Tax Credit azgives.org/voicesforcasachildren
Waste Not, Inc.
Scottsdale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/wastenotaz
* Watershed Management Group
Tucson azgives.org/watershedmg
Welcomed Here, Inc. Flagstaff azgives.org/welcomedhere
Wesley Community Center, Inc.
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/Wesley
Western Environmental Law Center Santa Fe azgives.org/westernlawcenter
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Scottsdale azgives.org/ ScottsdaleMuseumoftheWestInc
* WHEAT (World Hunger Education, Advocacy & Training)
Phoenix
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/WHEAT
* Wild Arizona Tucson azgives.org/wildarizona
Wild At Heart Owls
Cave Creek azgives.org/WildAtHeart
WildEarth Guardians Tucson azgives.org/wildearthguardians
Wildhorse Ranch Rescue Gilbert azgives.org/wildhorse WITL, Inc. Phoenix azgives.org/WITL
Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona Tucson azgives.org/WFSA
* Xico Phoenix azgives.org/xico
You Matter Too Phoenix azgives.org/youmattertoo2017
Young & Empowered Women Scottsdale azgives.org/youngandempowered
* Young Arts Arizona Ltd. Phoenix azgives.org/youngartsaz
* YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix Glendale
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/ywcaaz
Zeriah Foundation Scottsdale azgives.org/zeriahfoundation
* Zuri’s Circle Peoria
Charitable (Working Poor) Tax Credit azgives.org/zuriscircle
The Arizona Pet Project keeps pets with the people who love and need them most by connecting vulnerable community members and families in crisis with services and resources to prevent the unnecessary surrender of their beloved companions.
The Valley’s only organization focused on bridging the gap between human services and animal welfare, The Arizona Pet Project keeps thousands of pets out of shelters each year, and home with the people who love them.
Thanks to our supporters, families can access emergency and preventive veterinary care, temporary boarding, housing assistance, pet food and supplies, and individualized case management.
In 2021, The Arizona Pet Project opened the community’s first pet support center in South Phoenix to increase access to bilingual information and culturally competent care.
And as a crisis responder, our team ensured thousands of pets in rural and indigenous communities had enough to eat by delivering more than 2 million pounds of dog and cat food across the State of Arizona at the height of the pandemic.
This year, we’re aiming higher and are expanding our programs to include a special focus on military veterans and our unhoused neighbors! Will you join us this Arizona Gives Day in protecting families by providing care for them and their pets?
Please visit azgives.org/azpetproject.
Name of Organization: The Arizona Pet Project
Top Local Executive Name: Leanna Taylor
No. of Years with Org.: 11
Main Local Office Address: 3905 N. 7th Ave., Suite 7611 Phoenix, AZ 85011
Phone: (602) 909-5291
Website: azpetproject.org
Number of Locations in Greater Phoenix: 3
Year Established Locally: 2001
City Nationally Headquartered: Phoenix, AZ
Type of Services: Human Services and Pet Care
Specialties: Primary, Emergency and Family-Centered Care
Arizona Gives is a statewide event of giving that has raised $42 MILLION for Arizona nonprofits since 2013.
Your donation on these days can help your favorite organization win a cash prize!
Adams, Don, 32
Agboola, Liz, 24
Alexandraki, Irene, 20
Berkowitz, Jason, 36
Boatwright, Stephen R., 24
Bolian, Jeremy, 12
Butler, Tyler, 36
Capello, Laura, 53
Cavaliere, Stacey Jay, 51
Cecala, Katherine, 55
Chiang, Archer, 39
Crisp, Brian, 34
11ElevenConsulting
AIM Institute, The, 32
Alliance Bank of Arizona, 2
Arizona Commerce Authority, 17
Arizona Community Foundation, 37
Arizona Gives, 64
Arizona Pet Project, The, 63
Aunt Rita’s Foundation, 51
AvAir, 12
AvConcepts, 67
AZ Impact for Good, 41, 47
Be Well Health, 20
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, 53
BlueCommons, 18
CBIZ, 24
Chicanos Por La Causa, 13
DAS Technology, 12
DAVIS, 10
Delta Dental of Arizona, 20
Diversified Partners, 14
eeCPA, 10
El Patron, 40
Enterprise Bank & Trust, 34
Envida, 22
Equality Health, 10
Daskalos, Jimmy, 40
Daskalos, Nadine, 40
Dewey, Edward R., 33
Gatea, Maria, 12
Gerundo, Dawn, 38
Ghose, Ronit. 33
Grimstead, Sarah, 24
Guay, Candie, 22
Hale, Elizabeth, 10
Hayden, Michael, 24
Jacobs, Lindsay, 36
Johnson, Christina, 13
Foster Alliance, The, 11
Four Peaks Brewing Company, 12
Gallagher & Kennedy, 24
Giftpack, 39
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, 5, 9
GreenBiz 24, 18
Greenlight Communities, 13
Helios Education Foundation, 38
HonorHealth, 21
Insperity, 24
Jive, 6
Junior Achievement of Arizona, 55
Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, 66
Mayo Clinic, 24
Mission Facilitators International, 24
Mitsui Fudosan America, Inc., 13
National Bank of Arizona, 15
New Pathways for Youth, 57
One Creative View, 24
One-n-ten, 59
Optima, 13
Over Easy, 12
PADT, 23
Phoenix Children’s Foundation, 61
Phoenix Raceway, 19
Phoenix Symphony, The, 35
Johnson, Karen D., 57
Jones, Michael, 20
Kieffer, Julia, 20
Kohn, Stephen M., 66
Kozuh, Barb, 20
Krentz, Michael, 10 Leon, Christian, 10
Lindsaar, Mikel, 22
Makower, Joel, 18
Martin, Joel P., 12, 24
McLane, Chuck, 24
Newlund, Dean, 24
Noe, Maureen, 11
O’Neal, Tim, 9
Peterson, Deanna, 24
Purcell, Jennifer, 48
Rogers, Eileen, 24
Schnall, Steve, 61
Shestakofsky, Benjamin, 33
Simon, Micaela, 20
Taylor, Leanna, 63
Weber, Bruce, 24
Plexus Worldwide, 12
Polestar, 68
Positively Powerful DE&I Consulting, 24
Private Label International, 13
ProTech Detailing, 15
Read On Arizona, 38
RPM Living, 36
Saras Micro Devices, 16
Sheraton Grand and Wild Horse Pass, 12 SRP, 3
Stearns Bank, 6
StoreConnect, 22
Sunbelt Holdings, 23
Thrive Services Group, 10
Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 7
Toyota, 39
Triad West Inc. 12, 24
Trinity Integrated Care, 24
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, 20
Valley of the Sun United Way, 38
Vestar, 14
Weber Group, 24
Yardi, 12
Your Part-Time Controller, 24
The SEC has made it a priority to sanction companies that use restrictive non-disclosure agreements to interfere with their employees’ right to report violations of law. In enforcing Rule 21F-17(a), the SEC has found illegal language in severance or separation agreements, employee contracts, settlement agreements and compliance manuals.
Recent enforcement actions by the Commission demonstrate the different ways companies can run afoul of Rule 21F-17(a), and, individually and collectively, send a strong message to Wall Street: Silencing whistleblowers will no longer be tolerated.
To see examples of recent SEC enforcement actions, see this article on our website at inbuisnessphx.com
To ensure corporate integrity and longevity, business leaders must use quality employee agreements in line with SEC guidelines on restrictive contracts
by Stephen M. KohnIn recent months, the Securities Exchange Commission has dramatically expanded the enforcement of Rule 21F-17(a), which prohibits companies from impeding employees, contractors and clients from contacting the SEC and other government agencies about a possible securities law violation.
The rule, included within the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations for the SEC Whistleblower Program in 2010, covers nondisclosure requirements typically found in contracts or agreements. It applies not only to employees, but also to investors, contractors and compliance officials.
Compliance with SEC Rule 21F-17(a) is no longer avoidable now that the SEC has increased its enforcement and is no longer charging merely nominal sanctions. Compliance with Rule 21F-17(a) should be celebrated, not feared by companies. Embracing whistleblowers rather than seeking to silence them is an opportunity to improve corporate culture. Encouraging employees to report wrongdoing, both internally and externally, is an opportunity to improve the company rather than simply cover up wrongdoing.
Ensuring that employee and client contracts comply with SEC Rule 21F-17(a) not only avoids the risk of a hefty fine from the SEC but also helps instill a culture of corporate integrity.
Stephen M. Kohn is a founding partner at the whistleblower law firm Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto and is recognized as a leading authority in whistleblower law. He is author of the bestselling book Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What’s Right kkc.com
The SEC’s recent $18 million enforcement order against J.P Morgan Securities for violations of Rule 21F-17(a), now the highest settlement, follows a $10 million enforcement against D.E. Shaw in September 2023. This was a twenty-fold increase to the prior highest penalty, which was $400,000 against Brink’s. The SEC’s significant increase in the number of sanctions for violating Rule 21F-17(a) should send a strong message to companies that they should not use any form of contractual obligations to muffle potential whistleblowers. Furthermore, companies should reevaluate existing contracts to ensure compliance with the rules.
The SEC Enforcement action in J.P. Morgan Securities went beyond prohibiting NDAs against employees and found and held that companies can be sanctioned if they have their clients sign restrictive NDAs.
The Release voided by the SEC prevented the firm’s clients from initiating contact with the SEC and other regulators. J.P. Morgan requested certain clients (typically, advisory and brokerage clients) sign a confidentiality Release if they received a credit or settlement of more than $1,000, regardless of whether JPMS admitted or denied any error or wrongdoing in connection with the credit or settlement. The Release prevented the client from initiating contact with the SEC and other regulators but did not prevent them from responding to inquiries.
The SEC also made clear that Rule 21F-17(a) applied to private companies as well as public companies when they charged Monolith Resources, a private company, with seeking to illegally silence former employees with language in their severance agreements.
The SEC fully understands that attempts to silence whistleblowers through either an adverse employment action or through a contract undermines the rule of law and has a chilling effect on employees and potential witnesses to wrongdoing. The decision in the J.P. Morgan, Shaw and other cases puts teeth behind Rule 21F-17(a).
The SEC’s current regulatory activities should be a warning. Providing potential witnesses with any monetary incentive or disincentive to hide information from law enforcement is an obstruction of justice.
The SEC has clearly spelled out in detail what constitutes violative contractual language. The commission even provides alternative language in their enforcement orders for what should instead be included in contracts.
The commission has not only fined companies, but has also required remedial enforcement action, including:
• Revising documents on a going-forward basis to make it clear that nothing contained in those documents prohibits employees or former employees from voluntarily communicating with the Commission or other authorities of possible violations of law or from recovering a Commission whistleblower award;
• Providing general notice to employees, or notice to employees who signed restrictive agreements, of their right to contact the Commission or other authorities; and
• Contacting former employees who signed severance agreements to inform them that the company does not prohibit them from communicating with the Commission or seeking a whistleblower award.
In the words of Senator Charles Grassley: “whistleblowers should not be viewed as the ‘skunks at the picnic.’” Rather, their contributions to corporate integrity must be celebrated.
The SEC’s current regulatory activities should be a warning. Providing potential witnesses with any monetary incentive or disincentive to hide information from law enforcement is an obstruction of justice.
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