HOT TOPICS

Banner Health Names COO for Insurance Division
Paula Shepherd, a 25-year veteran of health care coverage leadership, has been named senior vice president and chief operating officer of Banner Plans and Networks, which serves 1.2 million people across six states. In this role, Shepherd will advance Banner Plans and Networks’ mission to transform the health care delivery by aligning insurance with coordinated … [More]

$75M Carbon-Free Cooling Plant Breaks Ground in Phoenix Bioscience Core
Cordia celebrated the groundbreaking of Energy Center Phoenix Plant 4, a new state-of-the-art, carbon-free chilled water facility located in the heart of Phoenix's Biomedical Core. The ceremony, held on March 18, 2026 at 709 N. 6th Street, was attended by key partners including the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Phoenix Bioscience Core, and project … [More]

Downtown Chandler Hotel Expansion Increases Room Count, Event Capacity
HCW and Spike Lawrence Ventures announced the successful completion and unveiling of an expansion of the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Chandler. The project includes the addition of 68 new guest rooms, more conference space, and additional hotel amenities. Since opening in the summer of 2020, the hotel has become a premier destination for both business and leisure … [More]

Scottsdale Resort Completes $24M Renovation
Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas unveiled the completion of a $24 million multi-phase renovation, transforming the iconic desert retreat with redesigned Villas, new guest rooms, an all-new Mediterranean restaurant and enhanced fitness offerings. The final phase marks the completion of all 45 two-bedroom Premium Villas, concluding with the redesign of the … [More]

Arizona Chamber Launches AI Initiative Focused on Policy and Innovation
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry announced the launch of the AZ AI Leadership Initiative, a coalition of industry experts, business leaders, and policymakers working to strengthen Arizona’s leadership in next-generation technology, digital infrastructure, and workforce development. The initiative will focus on advancing smart technology policy, … [More]

ACA Program Drives AI Startup’s U.S. Market Entry
TUBR, a Sheffield-based artificial intelligence and predictive analytics startup, is launching commercial trials of its TUBR Pulse analytics platform in Phoenix, Arizona, following participation in a trade program facilitated by the Arizona Commerce Authority. The expansion marks TUBR’s first entry into the United States market and represents a direct outcome of the … [More]
TOP STORIES

Massive Arizona Copper Project Moves Forward following Key Land Exchange
Resolution Copper, a joint venture between Rio Tinto (55%) and BHP (45%), and the United States Forest Service have completed a historic land exchange, unlocking the next phase of one of the world’s largest untapped copper deposits. Completion of the land exchange follows a 13 March decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit which ruled in favour … [More]

Amazon-Backed Robotaxi Co. to Debut in Phoenix, Plans for Operations Hub
Zoox, Amazon's autonomous taxi spin-off, announced that they are launching operations in Arizona, beginning with Phoenix, and expanding testing in Texas to Dallas. To support its growing operations, the company will also be opening new depots in Phoenix and Dallas, as well as a new Fusion Center facility in Scottsdale, creating hundreds of jobs in these communities. … [More]

Arizona–Japan Agreement Sets Stage for Expanded Semiconductor Collaboration
Amid increased international investment and to further strengthen economic and trade ties between Arizona and Japan, the Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and Arizona State University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Japan External Trade Organization, during a signing ceremony on March 4, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. In … [More]

Valley Healthcare Co. Names New CEO and Board Chairman
Equality Health, a category-leading value-based care enablement platform dedicated to improving health outcomes for underserved communities, announced the appointment of Ananya Banerjee as Chief Executive Officer. Ben Wanamaker, who served as Interim CEO during the leadership transition, has been named Chairman of the Board of Directors. The appointment comes at a … [More]
FEATURED STORIES

Middle Market Outlook: Strategy, Investment and Talent
As we enter 2026, U.S. middle market companies are doing more than turning the page on last year—they are repositioning for growth. According to the National Center for the Middle Market’s Q4 2025 Middle Market Indicator, the sector closed the year with renewed momentum, posting year-over-year revenue growth of 11.7% and seeing 85% of companies report higher revenues … [More]

Employees Expected to Innovate, Yet Fear Mistakes Could Cost Them Jobs
Innovation is no longer optional in today’s workplace. According to a new study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of INTOO, nearly three out of four full/part-time employed Americans (74%) say they are expected to bring new ideas to improve things at work, like processes, strategies, or results. The good news: employees are rising to the challenge. More than … [More]

Business Growth Slows Across Southwest as Focus Turns to Execution
BMO released its BMO Business Outlook for the Southwest, showing companies across Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Utah shifting from rapid post‑pandemic expansion to a more measured, execution‑focused phase as growth normalizes and planning visibility improves. Across the Southwest, business leaders are emphasizing disciplined capital allocation, margin protection … [More]
LATEST ISSUE

The Partnership of Hospitality and Healthcare
While 84% of U.S. consumers say wellness is a “top” or “important” priority, per a recent 2026 poll by McKinsey, commercial real estate is activity responding to this growing need. In hospitality especially, hotels and resorts are focusing on how to expand their amenity packages to create experiences that enhance a traveler’s overall well-being. Leveraging emerging … [More]

Guest Editor: Steve Zabilski, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
Grants, Growth and Future Grants represent more than funding for recipients — they are investments that empower communities to adapt and become stronger. Philanthropy at its finest can result in ripple effects far beyond its original intention. Phoenix is home to a robust network of private foundations as well as nonprofit arms of for-profit businesses. Each tends … [More]
LIVE AND LEARN

The Joy Exchange: Finding Life’s Greatest Lessons in Those You Least Expect
In The Joy Exchange, groundbreaking nonprofit leader Laura Whitaker offers readers an inspiring and entertaining invitation to discover for themselves the revolutionary rewards of entering into the lives of those with diverse abilities and experiences. Whitaker illuminates the path to experiencing profound joy by embracing our differences and finding a refreshing … [More]

Red, White & Brew Reintroduces Itself to Mesa
Red, White & Brew has long been a reliable lunch and dinner destination in East Mesa, and its newly remodeled dining room and updated menu gives business leaders new reasons to visit. The restaurant recently completed its first major renovation since opening in 2002, unveiling a brighter, more contemporary interior while preserving the open kitchen that has always … [More]

Modern Protection: Security without the Complexity
As homes increasingly function as workspaces and family hubs, a straightforward security system has become a practical asset rather than a luxury. For many households and small offices, the priority isn’t a sprawling installation; it’s dependable protection that’s easy to deploy and expand. SimpliSafe’s Starter System is built around that simplicity. The wireless kit … [More]
PHILANTHROPY

Valley Nonprofit Celebrates 100 Years with Focus on Future Impact
Valley of the Sun United Way is celebrating a significant milestone — its 100th anniversary — with a two-year commemoration honoring a century of service, impact and community … [More]

Health Insurance Co. Invests $2 Million in Arizona Community Organizations
Wellpoint has committed more than $2 million in community-based organizations across Arizona to strengthen long-term services and supports, expand access to home- and … [More]

Valley Gala Generates $11.4M for Life-Saving Brain Research
The Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation announced that its 61st Barrow Grand Ball, held on January 24, 2026, raised $11.4 million for Barrow Neurological Institute. … [More]
POSITIONS

Cybersecurity Firm Names President of Global Field Operations
Sectigo, a global leader in automated Certificate Lifecycle Management and digital certificates, announced the appointment of Clint Maddox as President, Global Field Operations. … [More]

Phoenix Children’s Expands Leadership Team with Senior Operations Promotion
Phoenix Children’s announced the promotion of Mike Meekins, PharmD, FACHE, to Senior Vice President of Operations, recognizing his exceptional leadership, operational expertise and … [More]

Banking and Wealth Firm Names Scottsdale Market President
First Western Trust, a subsidiary of First Western Financial, Inc., announced the appointment of Jeff Miller as Scottsdale Market President. With more than 15 years of experience … [More]
ACHIEVEMENTS

Boutique Real Estate Brokerage Opens 8,000-SF Biltmore Headquarters
Cambridge Properties, a boutique real estate brokerage known for its relationship-driven approach to luxury and urban living, has announced the opening of its new Phoenix … [More]

Arizona State University Breaks Ground on McCain Library
On a sunny Thursday afternoon along Tempe Town Lake, with Papago Park rising in the distance and Arizona State University just across the water, the setting felt intentional. … [More]

Valley Luxury Builder Marks 40 Years of High-End Home Design
Design trends and home prices have seen dramatic shifts over the past four decades, but what’s remained constant in Arizona’s always-evolving real estate scene is Cullum Homes’ … [More]















