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Business Briefcase

BY LAUREN SERRATO

West Valley View Staff Writer

The West Valley is no stranger to growth. The population continues to rise, economic development is booming, and new and existing businesses are finding success.

This week we’ll look at a business with branches throughout the state, including Goodyear, that reached record income and growth. Additionally, an Avondale-based company was nationally recognized as Best Staffing Firm to Work For, and a Houston-headquartered chain just opened on the northwest corner of McDowell Road and 99th Avenue.

FirstBank has record year

Location: 1559 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear

FirstBank, one of the nation’s largest privately held banks with a focus on “banking for good,” announced yearover-year double-digit percentage increases in assets, deposits and income in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Across FirstBank’s Arizona branches, assets totaled nearly $1.2 billion, up 21.4%. Total deposits were $1.1 billion, up 42.5% from the same time last year, while net loans increased 23% year over year to $1.1 billion.

“Last year was another challenging one, but FirstBank is fortunate to have a lot of milestones and recognitions to celebrate,” said Joel Johnson, FirstBank

Briefcase...continued on page 14 Greg Johnson and Tim Horst are the co-founders of StaffNow. (Photo courtesy of StaffNow)

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“We attribute that success to our dedicated employees and customers. It’s encouraging to see the growth that we were able to attain at the end of 2021, and we’re eager to keep that momentum as we head into 2022.”

Wrapping up 2021, FirstBank awarded 10 businesses $5,000 in prize money and $1,000 to be donated to a nonprofit of their choosing through its Good Business Contest. The winning businesses demonstrated a positive impact on their customers, communities and employees despite the challenges of the pandemic. Three of the 10 businesses awarded were based in Arizona, including Envision Painting, Ground Control Craft Food & Drink, and Social Spin Laundromat.

Additionally, FirstBank received the Phoenix Business Journal’s Corporate Philanthropy 2021 award, which highlighted the organization’s year-round philanthropic efforts strengthening communities around the Valley. In the same quarter, FirstBank was also selected as AZ Big Media’s Most Admired Company for its strong leadership, community involvement, and dedication to its employees and customers.

At the end of December, FirstBank’s assets across all markets totaled $28.9 billion, up 17.9%. Total deposits were $26.6 billion, up 21.6% from the same time last year. Net income grew by 30.2% to $309.4 million, while net loans increased 4.9% year over year to $13.6 billion.

“Among many accomplishments, our team provided more than 5,800 mortgages and over 1,600 real estate loans to customers in 2021 — an exceptional level of production,” FirstBank CEO Jim Reuter said. “We are starting the new year in a strong position, largely due to the hard work that has been shown by our dedicated team members.”

For more information about FirstBank, visit efirstbank.com.

StaffNow recognized as Best Staffing Firm to Work For

Avondale’s StaffNow made the list of the 2022 Best Staffing Firms to Work For awards for North America by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), the global adviser on staffing and workforce solutions.

Close to 300 firms sought participation in the program this year, which was conducted by SIA. Internal employees at each firm were asked to complete an online survey that measured key engagement categories, focusing on items including teamwork, trust in senior leaders, diversity and inclusion, manager effectiveness, compensation and benefits.

“Congratulations to all of the Best Staffing Firm winners for an excellent job in a challenging environment,” said Barry Asin, SIA president. “As we have seen time and again, building a high-performing culture is critical to the long-term success of staffing firms. These firms have demonstrated the ability to develop and maintain a strong and positive culture where employees can do their best work.”

StaffNow is a full-service agency servicing supply chain and logistics industries. StaffNow was also ranked No. 475 on the 2021 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies and is a certified Minority Business Enterprise by the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

StaffNow services clients around the country from its headquarters in Avondale; branch offices in Phoenix and Davenport, Iowa; as well as satellite locations in California, Texas, Ohio and Illinois.

“We are truly honored to receive this

WEST VALLEY VIEW NEWS | MARCH 16, 2022 recognition,” said Greg Johnson, CEO of StaffNow.

“The past year has yet again been extremely challenging for businesses, employees and job seekers. Our goal is to foster a work environment where our associates feel valued and supported as they continue to grow within their respective careers.”

World of Sourdough opens in Avondale

Location: 10220 W. McDowell Road, Suite 120

World of Sourdough, a Houston-based chain of soup and sandwich eateries, has made its Arizona debut on the northwest corner of McDowell Road and 99th Avenue in Avondale.

A second location is coming to the northeast corner of Alma School and Queen Creek roads in south Chandler, and others are planned for Scottsdale and Phoenix.

For more information, visit worldofsourdough.com.

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