The Business Journal - Serving Phoenix & the Valley of the Sun articles from August 2000, page 4

The Business Journal - Serving Phoenix & the Valley of the Sun archives from August 2000

Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development, Phoenix, was recognized as a Best Practices model for other communities as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's competition entitled Better Tomorrow Best Practices 2000. ...

Staff One Search.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... Staff One Search, Phoenix, was named as Arizona's Top Staffing Firm as part of the Arizona Women's Choice Award 2000. The awards are sponsored by Arizona Women's News, whose readers determine award recipients each month in categories...

TRW.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... TRW, Mesa, was recognized for its Driver Side Module Facility with a Gold Award, presented by DaimlerChrysler Corp. The award is given to supplier locations based on production, non-production and logistics. Six TRW locations were honored...

Transwestern Commercial Services.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... Transwestern Commercial Services, a full-service commercial real estate firm in Phoenix, has been appointed by Volt Development to provide management services for Westwind Terrace on Superstition Springs Boulevard in Mesa.

Maintenance One.
August 18, 2000... Maintenance One, Phoenix, will perform the facility management service for the 3333 East Camelback Road Property, 3333 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. Maintenance One is a division of The Omni Group of Cos., a commercial real estate and property...

Arizona Association of Realtors.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... The Arizona Association of Realtors has changed the name of its Affordable Housing Foundation to better reflect the group's purpose. Now called the Arizona Realtors Housing Needs Foundation, the organization's mission is to accept charitable...

Action Performance cuts back to save $4.5 million.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... In the wake of the failure of its commerce business, goracing.com, Action Performance Cos. Inc. on Aug. 14 released restructuring plans for its U.S. die-cast miniatures and apparel operations. According to a company statement, its labor...

Airline shuffles execs.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... America West Airlines is restructuring its senior management to improve the carrier's operational reliability and customer service, according to a statement the Tempe-based airline released Aug. 15. The move includes consolidation of the...

Group takes mining online.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... A group of 16 metals and mining firms, including Phoenix-based Phelps Dodge Corp., have picked Commerce One Inc. and a unit of German software group SAP AG to help develop an online marketplace for the mining industry. According to an...

Motorola in on convention.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... One of the Valley's largest employers has been busy in the political arena, but its activity doesn't have anything to do with lobbying or a political action committee. Motorola Inc., according to a statement the company issued Aug. 11,...

Honeywell Egyptian deal.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... Honeywell Inc.'s Global Solutions business in Phoenix will renovate the automation systems of two Egyptian Electricity Authority power plants in Egypt. Total value of the two contracts is $28.5 million. Honeywell's Egyptian operations...

Restaurants seek chief.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... The Phoenix Restaurant Group is looking for a new leader. The company, which owns the Black-eyed Pea restaurant chain and is a franchisee of Denny's restaurants, issued a statement Aug. 11 announcing that Jack Lloyd had retired as...

WideOpenWest in Tucson.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... Denver-based WideOpenWest secured a 15-year franchise agreement with the city of Tucson to provide broadband telecommunications services including digital cable television, high-speed Internet, video-on-demand and telephone services to...

Wells Fargo to Hong Kong.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... Arizona's third largest bank is heading to the Orient. According to reports from Reuters, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on Aug. 10 announced that it awarded a banking license to Wells Fargo Bank N.A., owned by Wells Fargo & Co.,...

New quarters for Avnet.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... Avnet Inc., a Phoenix-based Fortune 500 company, on Aug. 15 opened new headquarters for its Computer Marketing Group in Tempe. The multistory facility is in Arizona State University Research Park at Warner Road and Loop 101 Freeway. As...

Cox drops some charges from customer bills.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... Remote control fees no longer will show up on Cox Communication Inc.'s residential customer bills, the company announced Aug. 15. Cox is restructuring its prices and packages this month to support its competitive standing in a growing...

COMPANY OF THE WEEK.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... Del Webb Corporation Del Webb Corp. 6001 N. 24th St. Phoenix 85016 602-808-8000 www.delwebb.com Employees: 4,100 NYSE: WBB Fourth-quarter '00 revenue: $635 million Fourth-quarter '99 revenue: $518...

MANUFACTURING OUTLOOK.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 18, 2000... In the second quarter, manufacturers' confidence took the biggest hit since the fourth quarter of 1998. Manufacturers predict lower sales, lower investment and higher inventory levels, as a possible sign of lower demand, over the next year....

Public deserves better attitude.(Diamondbacks)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 18, 2000... Attitude is great on the playing field but can be bad for business on the sidelines. Phoenix pro sports mogul Jerry Colangelo and wannabe Steve Ellman seem to have a tantrum whenever team finances come into question. We take a dim view...

Stock market needs level playing field.(Brief Article)(Column)
August 18, 2000... Ah, the dawning at the 21st century, and with it comes a technological revolution, the magnitude of such never before seen in history. And the Securities and Exchange Commission is trying to keep pace. I applaud SEC chairman Arthur...

Tax incentives could help revive downtown Scottsdale.(Brief Article)
August 18, 2000... Did you have any inner conflict as to whether you were going to support the now-passe abolition of state income tax ballot initiative? You've got to admit that even if you understood and bought the argument that elimination of the tax...

MEETING & CONVENTION SITES.
August 18, 2000... [TABLE HAS BEEN CLIPPED]

HOTELS & RESORTS.
August 18, 2000... [TABLE HAS BEEN CLIPPED]

Marketplace.
August 18, 2000... [TABLE HAS BEEN CLIPPED]

Stocks.
August 18, 2000... [TABLE HAS BEEN CLIPPED]

MARKET FACTS.
August 18, 2000... [TABLE HAS BEEN CLIPPED]

Minds online.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... Desktop degrees becoming boon for business Cyberspace technology has kicked some Valley businesses into high gear as they race to become the premier provider of e-learning. Each is trying to carve its own niche before newcomers join...

Number of nonprofits at all-time high.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... True, Phoenix is one of the best places to start a small business. It's also one of the best cities to launch a nonprofit enterprise, a fact that's growing the roster of charities and putting more than a little strain on the giving community....

New CEO charged with Dial cleanup.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... The new chairman of The Dial, Corp. has a reputation of putting more sparkle on the corporate bottom line. Herbert Baum also believes in giving back to the community through participation in local advisory groups, said Rick Serrano, audit...

Growth survey shows voters mixed on issue.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)(Polling Data)
August 11, 2000... Nearly 40 percent of Arizona voters see the state's priorities as solving traffic congestion and keeping up with growth, according to the backers of a new survey. Other results of that about 27 percent favor growth-related issues while...

Cookie's fortune.(Linda and Kem Schneider;)(Fat Cat Cookies)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Linda and Kem Schneider once lived for the applause of the theater audience. They were active in local acting groups in Las Vegas and Phoenix. Today, their thrills are the praise and smiling fares of customers. The Schneiders own and...

Turn out the lights, the California party is starting to flicker.(Blackouts, traffic, housing costs, earthquakes, and medical services)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... SAN JOSE -- You no doubt have heard about the power crisis this summer in northern California. People now start their days by checking for chances of rolling blackouts, in addition to fog delays and traffic snarls and once a week they even...

Schools tax would bypass already burdened hotels.(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... Hoteliers are keeping quiet about their exemption from a proposed sales tax increase that would help raise money for Arizona's schools, fearing people may think they are dodging responsibility. But actually, hoteliers say they have been...

Las Vegas deal, East Coast office on the way for Encore Products.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... Encore Products Inc., a Chandler-based manufacturer of standard and customized computer enclosures, has landed an exclusive multimillion-dollar contract with Colocation Gateways in Las Vegas. Under the terms of the contract, Encore will...

Shoppers hold new way to save in palm of hand.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... Ten thousand people from Phoenix and Scottsdale will experience a different way to shop this fall, when Gamut Interactive Inc. debuts a new device that lets consumers create their own way to save money. The Scottsdale-based company will...

Steptoe & Johnson woos partners from two other Valley law firms.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... Law firm Steptoe & Johnson has hired two partners away from other Phoenix firms: Patrick Derdenger and Nancy White. Derdenger, a state and local tax attorney, has left Lewis and Roca LLP after 21 years to join Steptoe & Johnson. His...

Online service provides office connection on road.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Interact Commerce Corp., formerly known as SalesLogix, launched an Internet subscription service this week that lets sales representatives take customer management on the road via laptop, mobile phone or personal digital assistant. The...

NextCard turns to fees for revenue.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... NextCard Inc., an Internet-only credit card issuer, is tapping into old-line credit card tactics -- higher fees and ancillary products. By moving its bank charter from California to Arizona this year, the San Francisco-based company can...

New venues being added to Valley restaurant menu.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... Eddie Matney hopes the new bar area he's adding to his restaurant will make it a Biltmore-area "Cheers." Slated for a Sept. 16 opening, the bar at "Eddie Matney's," at the northwest corner of Camelback Road and 24th Street, is part of...

Airport cybercafe chain planned by Expedia and Arizona architects.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... A group of Arizona architects is sharpening its pencils and drawing up plans for a chain of airport cybercafes. The cafes are part of a joint venture with Expedia Inc., the Microsoftspawned Internet travel company that aims to be "all...

Moses Anshell plans to warehouse its operations.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... It's a downtown state of mind for Phoenix advertising and public relations agency Moses Anshell, which plans to move into an old warehouse it is rehabilitating at 20 W. Jackson St. by the end of the year. The agency will be the first...

Company sees money in the mail.(Advanced Infosystems )(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... Phoenix-based Advanced Infosystems has caught a swelling wave in the outsourcing industry: mail processing. The small business landed three new contracts with Arizona municipalities Yuma and Casa Grande to fold, stuff, presort arid...

Health apparel business oulled from the wash.(SmartHealth Inc. of Phoenix went shopping at bankruptcy court and got a deal. )(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... SmartHealth Inc. of Phoenix went shopping at bankruptcy court and got a deal. One of Arizona's largest privately held companies, SmartHealth paid $725,000 for the trade names and manufacturing rights of S.C.R.U.B.S. Inc., a San Diego...

Real estate veterans unite to open Southwest regional operations.
August 11, 2000... Veterans in real estate management services with various companies throughout the Southwest are opening their own regional firm with offices, in Arizona and California. Tiarna Real Estate Services Inc. is opening a Scottsdale office at...

Technology firms nab top state venture capital share.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Arizona companies received nearly $60 million in venture-capital financing during the second quarter of 2000, with 95 percent of that money going to technology-based companies. Those figures come from the latest PricewaterhouseCoopers...

EFunds, Experian to combine on credit-offer database project.
August 11, 2000... Phoenix based eFunds, a provider of electronic payment, risk management and information technology services, has entered into an agreement with Experian, an Orange, Calif.-based information solutions provider, giving Experian access to...

Jamcracker extends reach with Phoenix presence.
August 11, 2000... One of Silicon Valley's most highly rated companies has opened an office in a new Valley this one. Jamcracker Inc. -- named to Red Herring's list of "100 Most Important Companies" and Fortune's list of "Cool Comparties 2000" -- opened in...

Do a project.
August 11, 2000... A stay-at-home mom has developed a way for independent contract workers in all fields to find new work. Kerry Langmeier developed, and recently improved, a job board for freelancers at www.doaproject.com The site offers, help-wanted...

Seed money available.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Despite US West's merger with Qwest, the annual seed-money contest continues. The "New Ventures $100,000 Seed Money Competition" is accepting applications from entrepreneurs who need start-up financing for their new business ideas. ...

More money.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Another deadline is fast approaching for entrepreneurs. For those needing venture funding or who would like to present at the December Arizona Venture Capital Conference, Aug. 30 is the last day to submit an application and condensed...

HVAC awareness.
August 11, 2000... Environ.com just landed an e-commerce deal with DuPont. Under the agreement, the DuPont site will post regulatory updates and compliance tips provided each month by Environ.com -- the online arm of Mesa-based Environmental Support...

Partnerin' Up.
August 11, 2000... Scottsdale-based MarketNOW! was selected as a "preferred provider" and reseller for the messaging application DeliveryMan by Rulebase in Scottsdale. Delivery Man is a message management tool that can deliver and receive personalized data...

Desert Health Products stock goes on the market.
August 11, 2000... Desert Health Products Inc. has been cleared by the National Association of Securities Dealers Inc. to begin trading its common stock on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol DHPI. The Scottsdale company distributes...

A new vision.(Nationwide Vision opens new offices)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Nationwide Vision of Phoenix is on a major expansion plan, already opening a new optical center every two weeks for the first half of the year. The optical retailer has 36 offices in Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott. More new stores are...

Back to school.(Phoenix Memorial Hospital)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Phoenix Memorial Hospital officials are reminding parents to give their kids a health check and. immunizations. before going back to school. "Making sure that your child is healthy and that his immunizations are up-to-date before' school...

New study.(RainStar University and I.B. Scientific LLC)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... RainStar University in Scottsdale and I.B. Scientific LLC of Phoenix are collaborating on a research project to study the effects of acupuncture on smoking cessation. The project is funded by the Arizona Disease Control Research...

Global recruiting.(Triad Hospitals)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Dallas-based Triad Hospitals Inc., which operates Paradise Valley Hospital in Phoenix, is working with KM Associates of Austin, Texas, to look for foreign nurses to staff its hospitals nationwide. The company's Arizona hospitals have...

Tooth spa.(SmileBrite)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... SmileBrite, a new tenant at Biltmore Fashion Square in Phoenix, is giving shoppers a reason to smile. The tooth-brightening company has picked Phoenix to open its 17th store nationwide. After shelling out $500, patients get to it...

Stock drop.(Rural/Metro Corp.)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Rural/Metro Corp. of Scottsdale is now trading its common stock on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market. Its stock had traded on the Nasdaq National Market since its November 1993 initial public offering. However, because its stock has...

AHCCCS kudos.(Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... The national trade publication Health Affairs named the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System the "Best-Practice" state for running a managed Medicaid program. A group of academic researchers examined five states -- Arizona,...

Alzheimer's groups merge.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Three local chapters of the Arizona Alzheimer's Association have merged to create a new state chapter. The offices in Prescott, Phoenix and Tucson will continue to operate as regional offices. Angela Gonzales, senior reporter, covers...

Mercy Care expansion.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Mercy Care Plan has expanded its offices at 2800 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Jerry Jacobs and Michael Myrick of Grubb & Ellis' Office Advisory Group represented the building owner Gaedeke Holdings II Ltd. in the lease transaction. Chris...

Online technology directory offered as grant idea.(AZSoft.net)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... AZSoft.net is looking for a partner to create a new online technology directory. The trade association is applying for a grant from the Governor's Strategic Partnership for Economic Development. The goal of the grant program is to...

New production suite.(Cierna and Associates Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... CAI Television Producers & Media Productions, a division of Ciernia & Associates Inc.; has opened Executive Edit Finishing in a new suite at the Executive Center at Chandler Crossing, across from the recently opened Casa Paloma Shopping...

Pueblo Airmotive picked.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 11, 2000... Pueblo Airmotive Inc., a Tempe-based turbine-engine repair and overhaul station specializing in helicopter engine maintenance, has been named by Honeywell International Inc. as an Authorized T53 Service Center for the territory of Mexico. ...

New partnership.(ClearData Communications Inc, and Arthur Andersen LLP)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Arthur Andersen LLP has signed a comprehensive outsourcing agreement with ClearData Communications Inc., a national provider of data communications services. Under the five-year partnership arrangement, ClearData will outsource its...

Firm has 'feet on street'.(Cablesoft Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Cablesoft Inc. has recruited four companies to sell iTRACS, the company's new infrastructure management product, which is scheduled for release in September. The organizations will coordinate and manage all parties, including reseller...

New hire.(Steve Aninye to InfoImage Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Phoenix-based InfoImage Inc., the developer, of Freedom portal software has hired Steve Aninye as its new chief technology officer. Aninye will provide technology vision and strategy to the rapidly growing InfoImage. "Steve brings 20...

Stevens Tarr has designs on three technology clients.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Stevens Tarr, Scottsdale, has tacked three large-scale corporate accounts onto its client roster. Denver-based Qwest Communications Inc., (formerly US West); San Jose, Calif.-based Cisco Systems; and Schaumburg, Ill.-based Motorola Inc. ...

Radio run around.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Another Valley entertainment property soon will fall under the Clears Channel Communications umbrella, but this purchase isn't one of the radio stations the San Antonio-based media company has been scooping up. Clear Channel last week...

Ad site out-of-sight.(AdCritic.com)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... For those who find TV commercials more entertaining than the programs they interrupt, here's a web site for you: AdCritic.com, which serves up videos of hundreds of commercials, such as the Budweiser's "Wasssssup!" ads, or the EDS's...

New faces at 12 News.(KPNX-TV 12)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Tracey Kiest has joined KPNX-TV 12 as producer for the 5 a.m. newscast, starting Aug. 21. She comes to the post from Little Rock, Ark., where she spent eight years at KATV-TV, the ABC affiliate, producing a variety, of shows, including both...

Metris is title sponsor.(Metris Companies Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Look for colorful, giant hot-air balloons sailing, though Valley skies in November during the 26th annual Thunderbird Balloon Classic. The Nov. 3-5 outdoor event, to be held at WestWorld in Scottsdale, will benefit the scholarship fund at...

Jamba Juice is jumpin'.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Hanson, Moser & Associates will handle "Free Smoothie Day" for its client, San Francisco-based Jamba Juice Co. from 11 am. to 2 p.m. Aug. 11 to help raise funds for Phoenix Children's Hospital. During that time, all 18 Jamba Juice locations...

Quick hits.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Tammy Brockman, president and chief executive of Phoenix-based Brockman Production Services, has been named president of The Media Communications Association, Arizona Chapter #44, formerly known as the International Television Association....

Phoenix in holding pattern after Lufthansa reps depart.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Lufthansa officials have come and gone but the decision to initiate service into either Phoenix or Denver remains in the air. The Valley's business community rallied last week to give the German airline officials a warm -- OK, scorching...

An ounce of prevention.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Last week Southwest Airlines Co. spent time getting its local employees registered to vote. The drive is part of the company's plan to have employees eligible in the event the airline wants to launch a grassroots campaign to lobby...

Taking it on the road.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Valley Hotel and Resort Association executive director Debbie Sweeney may show up on your hotel's doorstep. Sweeney is taking the lead role in the grassroots Arizona Wins campaign rallying voters to support the Tourism & Sports Enhancement...

Good cheer.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... The Arizona Biltmore's first wine and food tasting event held last weekend was a success, drawing about 200 people. Debi Bridges said she is happy with the number of attendees and already is anticipating more guests next year. The...

Southbound?(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... A new travel guide extolling the sites of Cochise County now is available to south eastern Arizona visitors. The guide highlights six major communities: Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Sierra Vista; Tombstone and Willcox. It includes contact...

Welcome to paradise.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Best Western International is planning its annual convention, to be held this year in Hawaii, Oct. 15-18 To give attendees optimum time to play on the beach, events begin early and end early each day. More information is available on the...

Another way to see.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... The Heard Museum's newest exhibit invites visitors to touch the artwork on display. The exhibit, called Inner Visions: The Sculpture of Michael Naranjo, opens Sept. 9. "I find that so often we aren't allowed to touch;" said Naranjo, of...

What's up at the fair.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Talent has been confirmed for the nightly concerts in the Coliseum during the 2000 Arizona State Fair, to be held Oct. 12-29. The line-up includes Clay Walker, "Weird Al" Yankovic, The Isley Brothers and War, Kenny Chesney, Gallagher, Culture...

Qwest promises service upgrades in US West's wake.(Brief Article)
August 11, 2000... Qwest Communication International's point man on service problems promises the company won't resort to legal or economic maneuvering to hide from US West's legacy of chronic service problems. Despite what had become a tradition of...