Staying strong since last June, the housing market on the local, state and national level has risen to a 14-year high, despite the pandemic, economic uncertainty and a difficult presidential election. Even during historically slow periods, like the holiday season, homebuyers are quickly purchasing the few homes listed for sale. The shortage of housing inventory and extremely low interest rates have driven the hyperactive real estate market, says long-time realtor Gary Nelson, who heads the … [Read more...] about Real Estate Market Maintaining Momentum in the New Year
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Office Space Momentum Anticipated in the New Year
There is no doubt, COVID-19 has had a colossal impact on how and where we do business. Now, as we usher in the new year with a massive rollout of vaccines, Americans are optimistic about an end to our “new normal,” healing for an exhausted healthcare industry and recovery for an ailing economy. However, economists and business owners predict the pandemic’s after-effects will linger on. Some of those impacts may affect lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, realtors, stockbrokers and other … [Read more...] about Office Space Momentum Anticipated in the New Year
5 Ways to Thank Your Local Small Business
In the middle of a pandemic that has taken so much from us, acts of celebration and sharing hold an even deeper significance. Although our holidays celebrations will look different this year, our values remain unchanged. This is a season of caring, a season of giving. We each look for ways to ease suffering and connect with our loved ones, even if over a computer screen. As we care for our neighbors by donating meals and gifts and prepare the same for our families, I urge you to make those … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Thank Your Local Small Business
Appreciating the Value of Knowing Yourself
There is so much to be said about knowing yourself. What do you care about? What interests you? What are your talents? What makes your heart skip a beat? Knowing and honoring your authentic self sets you up for a lifetime of fulfillment and helps you steer away from pain. John Mellencamp says, “You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.” And we should listen to John, even though he smokes and rides a motorcycle without a helmet sometimes, because falling for anything in … [Read more...] about Appreciating the Value of Knowing Yourself
Marketing During the Pandemic
Social media professionals say businesses that have been effectively employing web marketing and communications have benefited from the pandemic lockdown’s 20 to 30% jump in online consumption. “Businesses large and small with internet and social media presence have reaped the rewards of gaining more exposure during COVID-19,” said Northern AZ Social Owner and Marketing Strategist Donna Werking. “Communication with consumers has been critical, and there has been a bigger push for businesses … [Read more...] about Marketing During the Pandemic
Arizona Adds Nearly 80,000 Jobs In August, Unemployment Drops To 5.9%
Arizona’s economy posted strong gains in August, adding nearly 80,000 jobs over the month. The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.9%, down from 10.7% in July and lower than the U.S. overall rate of 8.4%. During August, the private sector in Arizona recorded a gain of 30,400 jobs, which is 12,200 more jobs than the ten year average for the month. Gains were posted across ten private sectors, with ‘education and health services’ and ‘trade, transportation and utilities’ at the top. “This … [Read more...] about Arizona Adds Nearly 80,000 Jobs In August, Unemployment Drops To 5.9%
Encouraging Yourself: Can You Go Three More Feet?
Kyle Maynard and his long-time friend and business partner, Joey Leonardo, know all about failure. Before becoming world-class mountaineers, they weren’t even campers. “We didn’t know how to put up a tent,” said Leonardo. Today, they have over-the-top memories of viewing the world from some of the highest peaks. But, getting there took a rocky path and a mountain of challenges. Their climb in every endeavor is strewn with seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Their success across slippery … [Read more...] about Encouraging Yourself: Can You Go Three More Feet?
Why and How to Advertise in the COVID Times
The COVID-19 pandemic is playing out like a Netflix drama. We’re tuning in to find out the latest twists in this ongoing superbug saga as much as we’re learning how many ways we can braid our hair like the Mother of Dragons when we binge-watch Game of Thrones. We can’t wait to hear from our favorite trending characters, like President Trump’s medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci. With all eyes on the news, whether it’s on national television or in local publications, the media has our attention … [Read more...] about Why and How to Advertise in the COVID Times
McSally Calls on Big Companies to Return Relief Loans Intended for Small Businesses
U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) joined Fox and Friends this morning and called on large businesses with access to capital to return their relief loans so small businesses and mom-and-pop shops can access vital funding. She also spoke about U.S. posture toward Iran. Watch her interview HERE. See excerpts below: STEVE DOOCY: Right and that's why it’s so frustrating, senator, that they already ran out of money early and then it comes to light that places like Shake Shack which has got a … [Read more...] about McSally Calls on Big Companies to Return Relief Loans Intended for Small Businesses
Growing Your Business in 2018
As companies continue to plan for 2018, business owners are determining their priorities for the New Year and how to be best positioned for growth. According to a recent survey, small-mid sized business optimism remains near its highest point in a decade as many business owners report plans to invest in their businesses and add jobs. In the survey, 33 percent of small business owners said they plan to increase capital spending over the next 12 months and 32 percent plan to hire employees in the … [Read more...] about Growing Your Business in 2018