The Business Journal - Serving Phoenix & the Valley of the Sun articles from January 2000

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

Condos on Esplanade drawing board.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... The developer of the Camelback Esplanade, one of the Valley's largest and most controversial mixed-use projects, is moving forward with plans to add a luxury condominium tower. With 56 units and a premier view of central Phoenix, the...

Growth among top business issues facing new legislature.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Businesses are fired up for this year's Arizona legislative session, anticipating some long-debated policy issues may at last take center stage. The session, which begins Jan. 10, will focus on growth. Other key, issues will include sales...

Arizona tech stocks soar in 1999 but others stall.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Arizona high-tech stocks followed New Economy superstars to record heights in 1999 but, overall, public companies in the state lost ground compared with double-digit gains across national indexes. But looks can be deceiving. Arizona's...

The long and wine-ing road.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... When Chuck Campbell left the construction industry, he decided to build his own business, one that had little to do with bricks and mortar. Campbell picked grapes. Not literally, but close enough. In January, the man who once was a...

Carpitano's efforts at Xerox, golf hard to duplicate.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Say farewell to one of the Valley's most influential businesswomen -- and a friend to the golfing community. Donna Carpitano, who has run Xerox Southwest operations here for four years, has a new role starting this week at company...

Scottsdale sees greens.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Think things are not in Scottsdale? now about these headlines on recent happenings, courtesy of the city's convention and visitors bureau: * Four Seasons resort hotel opens. * Coyotes score a new arena. * Fairmont Princess...

Good start for Finova.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... The Finova Group is off to a good start for its new season. The Phoenix commercial finance company this week made the Forbes Platinum 400, a list of the best-performing big companies in the country. Last month, it was among Fortune...

How you play the game.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Here's an interesting study of now workplace cultures and business expectations differ in organizations, especially those in the same industry. Example: the Green Ray Packers beat the Cardinals 49-24 on Sunday. The Packers, who break even...

JOB SEARCH.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... JOB SEARCH Students from the 1997 class at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) were polled six months after graduation on the effects of using ...

Riverfront hotel proposed at Fort McDowell casino.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Because their land is bisected by a river, members of a Native American community northeast of Phoenix are betting their plan for a hotel next to their casino has good odds. There are proposals for other hotels on Indian casino operations...

Former magazine publisher Holden joins Moses Anshell.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... It's taken several years, but Moses Anshell finally has its man. The Phoenix marketing communications agency has hired Win Holden, former Phoenix Magazine publisher, as executive vice president and chief operating officer. He's the No. 3...

Computer products seller has strong future in sight.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Although many of its computer products are sure to be replaced by newer models, Insight Enterprises Inc. is out to prove that its business model never will become obsolete. Both earnings and stock price (when adjusted for a 3:2 split in...

Vodavi revamps staff, shifts focus.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Despite relatively slow revenue growth and the recent sale of its repair operations division, Vodavi Technology Inc. officials hope new blood and a new focus will make 2000 a breakthrough year for the Scottsdale telephone systems seller. ...

Procurement fair teaches small firms to cut deals.
January 7, 2000... Small businesses that want to learn about cutting deals with industry giants have an opportunity to meet them face to face. The second annual procurement fair, "Mastering the Purchasing Maze," will connect small businesses with larger...

Glendale councilman elected to National League of Cities board.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Lowering high school drop-out rates among Hispanics and increasing leadership potential for Hispanics in their communities are just a couple of changes Glendale Councilman Martin Samaniego would like to see in his city. And he may well...

America West Arena's luxury suites are available to license.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Ten of America West Arena's 88 private luxury suites are available to license. When the arena opened in 1992, most suite holders opted for an eight-year license. With a renewal rate of nearly 90 percent, that leaves 10 units available,...

Alice Cooper rocks into full-scale catering project.
January 7, 2000... Look for Alice Cooper at your neighbor's next pool party or at your annual office picnic. Alice Coopers'town, the rock-and-sports themed bar and restaurant owned by the Valley resident rock star, is launching a full-scale catering...

Empyrean hits national markets.(with Preventex hand sanitizer)
January 7, 2000... Empyrean Bioscience Inc. of Phoenix is beginning to make inroads into national retailers, with the inking of a purchase order from Marc's discount drug chain. Marc's has agreed to carry Empyrean's new Preventx hand sanitizer in all 47 of...

Tax change could hurt small-business sellers.
January 7, 2000... A new tax law will make it harder for small-business owners to cash in on their life's work by selling their enterprises. At the end of its 1999 session, Congress paid for part of the expense of extending various tax credits by changing how...

American Express buys leased building.
January 7, 2000... American Express now is the owner of the north Phoenix building complex the company's financial resource center has leased since 1993. Mack-Cali Realty Corp. sold the buildings at 20002 N. 19th Ave. on Dec. 15 to American Express Travel...

Bank gives $2.4M for Arizona home buyers, renters.(Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Arizona residents will benefit as eight banks across the state share $2.4 million in housing grants given by the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. The grants, primarily in Arizona, California and Nevada, will create almost 6,000...

Tax filing information.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Since all the talk about the apocalypse really was just talk, Americans' next opportunity to come together and commiserate is April 15. And, just to keep dedicated taxpayers hopping, the Arizona Department of Revenue has some new...

Mobile Mini expands.(acquires Big Orange Trailer Rentals in Knoxville)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Mobile Mini Inc., Tempe, recently announced its move into Knoxville, Tenn., and a 38 percent increase in its revolving line of credit that now totals $120 million. The company, which provides portable storage containers, also announced...

Don't expect Paul Hogan.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Bank of America is hosting its Down Under Tour, a free multisensory traveling exhibit highlighting some of Australia's history and culture. The bank is a sponsor of the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney, Australia. The exhibit will be held...

BofA named top sponsor.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Total dollar value at charitable giving in 1998 has made the Bank of America Foundation the top corporate giver by Worth magazine. The bank was named in a survey of the 500 largest publicly held corporations in America. Bank of America...

Fifth Third dividend.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Fifth Third Bank's board of directors announced a dividend of 24 cents per share on its common stock -- a 20 percent increase from 1998's fourth-quarter dividend. The dividend is payable Jan. 14 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 31. ...

New year is weighty issue for some local companies.
January 7, 2000... From the Flex-O-Gym designed by a Tempe chiropractor to the new fat-blocker medication, local fitness and weight-loss experts are hoping to cash in on New Year's resolutions. Holistic chiropractor Brett Saks said his exercise device,...

Wound certification.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Health care professionals interested in earning board certification through the American Academy of Wound Management can apply to take the National Wound Care Board Certification Examination in Phoenix. The examination, which is...

FDA approval.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... OrthoLogic Corp. has begun selling and distributing its SpinaLogic medical device in the United States. The Tempe company received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month. The SpinaLogic medical device is placed...

Smaller holes.(laparoscopic nephrectomy)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix is pioneering a new procedure to remove diseased kidneys using a laparoscope. This technique allows for a smaller incision and results in a shorter hospital stay and recovery time for the patient. Called...

Tax credits.(Abstract)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... A refundable tax credit is the topic of a Jan. 18 breakfast event sponsored by the Greater Phoenix Association of Health Underwriters. Scheduled as keynote speaker is Rick Rebel, co-chair of the task force developing the National...

Ad exec Martz rings in New Year with new ventures.
January 7, 2000... The New Year is starting nicely for Carrie Martz. The Scottsdale advertising exec has a new client, is featured in a new book and, soon, will have, a new office. The new client is ASM America Inc., a semiconductor equipment...

Cities West networks.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Cities West Publishing Inc. is working to lure advertisers interested in one-stop advertising. The Phoenix publisher has formed the Cities West Magazine Network, made up of Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix Home & Garden and ScottsdaleLife...

BobCat, Reynolds team.(promotional materials for Right Place Properties)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... BobCat Studios in Chandler and Robin Reynolds Creative in Tempe recently created some promotional materials for Right Place Properties. Phoenix-based Right Place converts dilapidated apartment complexes into condominiums for low- and...

Chamber advertising.(Accounts)
January 7, 2000... The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is offering its members advertising opportunities. Options at the group's web site, www.phoenixchamber.com include marquee banners on its home page with a link to the company's site; banner ads in...

American Fair Credit Association.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... * The American Fair Credit Association has hired Grupo Romero, Scottsdale, for Hispanic advertising and public relations services. The association issues unsecured Visa credit cards. Angela Gabriel covers marketing/media, small business and...

RadioDigest.com.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... * For a detailed review of the Phoenix radio industry during 1999, check out RadioDigest.com's web site at www.radiodigest.com/phoenix. There's a month-by-month report of station sales and personnel and format changes. Angela Gabriel...

Studio 522 Productions.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... * Studio 522 Productions has relocated to 6710 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. The firm provides design, animation, effects and illustration services. Angela Gabriel covers marketing/media, small business and retail.

Merger leading Tempe software company to India.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... A local company's recent three-way merger is proof that in the age of information technology, even smaller firms can go global. Fortech Software Consulting Inc., a Tempe software developer, has agreed to be acquired by Goldstone Engineering...

Y2 what?(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... So far, the only Y2K-related complaints reported in the Valley have been by journalists angry because they wasted so much time writing about the non-event. Local businesses and municipalities, such as Arizona Bank and the city of...

ACC focusing on 2000.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... The Arizona Corporation Commission's utilities division released a recap of major accomplishments in 1999 and a list of focus items for 2000. Among the commission's biggest cases of 1999 were the addition of two new telephone area codes in...

Tempe webs start up.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... The city of Tempe's push to become known as an Internet haven seems to be paying off. The newest addition to the city's growing list of tech companies is WebExpress.com, a local startup that signed a lease for 2,500 square feet of downtown...

What's my name?(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... The group formerly known as the Arizona Software Association, which then changed its name to the Arizona Software and Internet Association, has given itself yet another moniker makeover. Ed Denison, president of the association, which...

Bonus time.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Information technology companies aren't just offering signing bonuses to executives, according to a recent survey by RHI Consulting. The survey, which polled 1,400 chief information officers from a random sample of U.S. companies, found...

Digital director.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Phoenix will be the setting for the first film shot in Arizona entirely in digital format, according to Roo Productions of Tempe. The science-fiction film, Secret Messages, will be shot in January and could mark the beginning of a new age...

Merger completed.
January 7, 2000... Inter-Tel Inc., a Phoenix computer telephony provider, completed its acquisition of the computer telephony division of Executone Information Systems Inc. The $44.3 million deal, which included the assumption of liabilities and acquisition...

Retailers told 'bidi' sales will bring harsh response.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... They might come in strawberry, grape and mandarin orange flavors but they're a far cry from those candy cigarettes you used to puff. Arizona Attorney General Janet Napolitano, along with attorneys general from across the country, sent out a...

Appellete judge named.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... James Mario Ackerman was named judge to the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One. Currently with Phoenix law firm Jennings, Strouss and Salmon, Ackerman is charged with appellate matters in the Arizona and U.S. appeals courts. He....

Arbitration still the rule.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Observers waiting to see changes in the way Wall Street brokerages deal with discrimination complaints shouldn't hold their breath. After the recent Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch sexual harassment lawsuits -- which questioned Wall Street's...

Tempe diversity winners.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Yolanda King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is the keynote speaker for the city of Tempe's Human Relations Commission's Diversity Award Dinner Jan. 15. Twelve organizations, individuals and community programs will receive awards...

Texas-sized account.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Brownstone Egan Ltd., a Phoenix consulting firm, signed a deal with Circle K's licensee in Texas and Oklahoma. The licensee, SSP, will retain Brown-stone Egan to develop a marketing and real estate strategy for it's Circle K convenience...

The Finova Group is only Arizona company on best-to-work-for list.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Only one Arizona-based company made it onto Fortune magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" list, where most contenders offered employee perks such as on-site day care and flexible work schedules. Phoenix-based The Finova...

Food for thought: Arizona restaurants sales up 6.6%.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 7, 2000... A study by the National Restaurant Association is predicting record growth in the new year for eateries in Arizona and throughout the United States. "A strong national economy, continued growth in our state and the ever-changing...

Wand buys SkyMall stock.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... E-commerce retailer SkyMall Inc., Phoenix, will be asking shareholders to approve an $8 million private placement of 1.143 million shares of common stock at a price of $7 per share to investment firm Wand Partners. Wand Partners is a...

Scholarship created.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... An endowment scholarship at Northern Arizona University was named in honor of The Wigwam Resort's vice president and general manager, Cecil Ravenswood. The $11,000 scholarship was funded by SunCor, the company that manages the 330-room...

E-Bike not for the lazy.(bicycles rented by Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa is giving guests the opportunity to hop on one of the latest in electric mountain bikes called E-Bikes. The E-Bike is a mountain bike with a battery-powered motor designed by Harold Belker, who also...

Holy Hampton Inn!(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... A 110-room Hampton Inn & Suites has opened in Goodyear. The hotel features the usual amenities -- an exercise room, pool, meeting space and breakfast service. But it's got something a bit different too. The hotel plans to house a...

No news not necessarily good news in education.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Education is front-page news these days, from a politician's quest for reform to test scores to school shootings. The problem is that most coverage of educational issues is reactive and therefore negative. After observing public and...

Up to the task.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Leader seeks recognition on front lines In December 1972, all Sergio Carlos wanted to do was take a few months off. Who can blame him? He had just gotten his marketing degree from the University of Arizona -- earned in three and, a...

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Boards of directors David S. "Sid" Wilson, general manager of Central Arizona Project, Phoenix, was elected to represent Arizona on the Colorado River Water Users Association board of directors. Civic The Greater Phoenix Urban...

ADVERTISING AGENCIES.(Statistical Data Included)
January 7, 2000... ADVERTISING AGENCIES Ranking: 1999 local capitalized billings Rank Telephone 2000 Company name ...

HEALTH CLUBS.(Statistical Data Included)
January 7, 2000... HEALTH CLUBS Private health & fitness clubs Ranking: Active Valley membership units Rank Telephone 2000 Club...

New infill project revives dream for Sunnyslope area.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... The city of Phoenix has bought seven vacant lots from Seventh to 12th streets, between Northern and Dunlap avenues, for at least nine single-family homes. The area has been named Bellanger Heights in honor of Paul and Betty Bellanger. The...

San Diego bound.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... The trip between Phoenix and San Diego could become less frantic if Arizona is allowed to widen a 35-mile stretch of state blacktop. At public hearings set for 6 p.m. Jan. 13, state highway planners will outline their proposal to make a...

Steel deals.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Schuff Steel Co. and its subsidiaries have been awarded six new contracts in Phoenix, California and Florida worth $17 million. The Phoenix work by Schuff Steel involves a 153,000-square-foot expansion of the Charles Schwab Data Center,...

Peoria learning center to open with Challenger legacy in mind.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Late this month, every electric saw, nail gun, pneumatic wrench and other equipment will be turned off for a moment of silence at a Peoria construction site. The silence will be part of the Jan. 28 topping out ceremony as workers add the...

Kafka resigns at Gosnell.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... The president of Gosnell Builders and Pointe Resorts International plans to resign this month. Richard Kafka, who has been president since 1991, wants to pursue outside interests while doing consulting work for the company. Kafka is a...

WHO'S WHO.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Thomas W. Roberts President, CEO Opus West Corp. Age: 41 Years with firm: 14 Tom Roberts and Opus West have been involved in developing several prominent properties in the Valley. They include Collier Center, a $500...

Hot Deals.(property sales in the Phoenix area)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... COMMERCIAL * $12.03 million Type: Warehouse/distribution for Smith's Food and Drug Where: 5305 W. Buckeye Road, Phoenix Buyer: Kroger Co., Cincinnati Seller: Rock Properties, Minnetonka, Minn. Listing agent: None...

Alliance can cut workers' comp insurance costs.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and its affiliates have teamed with the State Fund Workers' Compensation Insurance Co. so members can reduce insurance costs through a group dividend program. Members of the Greater Phoenix chamber --...

Franchising advice.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Those interested in owning a franchise might want to check out The Entrepreneur's Source. The Connecticut-based business helps entrepreneurs determine if franchising is right for them and matches their background and personality with...

Speaking of franchising.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Another source or franchising information is the International Franchise Association, a membership organization of franchisors, franchisees and suppliers. IFA functions as a resource center and as an advocate of franchise issues before...

Focus: D.O.A.(Designing Original Artistry)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... For Michael Palacio, a college assignment in the early 1990s turned into a full-fledged business. His task: create a fictional company that had a name, logo and business cards. His response: Designing Original Artistry, also known as...

Paving the way.(profile of Armor-Deck Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Deck builder bends over backwards for customers Armor-Deck Inc. Remodeler of backyard environments. The company's entry product is a material named Armor-Deck, a coating material that can be applied to concrete surfaces or over old...

What are your keys to customer service?(executive quotations)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Vice president, Fairytale Brownies, Chandler "One thing we do is we offer an unconditional guarantee on our product. Our guarantee states that your gift will arrive in perfect condition. If for any reason you're not satisfied fled, call us...

Business maturity determines best path to improve profits.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Which is a better way to improve profits -- increase sales or reduce expenses? The answer to this question depends on the maturity stage of a business. If a business is in the development or start-up stage, then the focus should. be...

Furnishing a home-based office has its own style.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Gary Dunn and Bill Moorhead recognize the Catch-22 that owners of new home-based businesses face when making the critical decision on how to furnish their offices. On the one hand, fledgling businesses generally aren't in a position to pay...

Rainbow Produce blossoming with more sales to more clients.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Company: Rainbow Produce Co., Phoenix Type of business: Produce wholesaler to the Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott markets Originally profiled: May 1, 1998 Revenue: $5 million in 1998; $6.2 million projected for 1999 Employees:...

Tips for opposite-gender sales.(Lee Robert to speak)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Lee Robert, a veteran sales executive, speaker, author and coach, will provide marketing tips at the next meeting of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Phoenix Metropolitan chapter. Robert, who co-authored the book...

Sales goals for 2000? Here's how to achieve them.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Where will you be one year from today? Where will your sales be? How will you get there? Are your goals established for 2000? Are they written down? If not, next year you'll likely be where you are today -- wishing you were...

Secure computer access can save company's future.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... I once fired a computer consultant who wasn't doing a good job, but not until after I asked him for a network server password. I didn't feel bad. I wasn't going to let him hold me hostage with a password. My then-new employer had...

Who' Who Advertising agencies.
January 7, 2000... Name: Brian Landauer Company: Cramer-Krasselt Title: Senior vice president/general manager Age: 39 Years with firm: 14 Where from/how long in Valley: Schenectady, N.Y.; 32 years. One change for Valley: I'd expand the...

Dressed for success.(dress codes in Arizona business)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... Valley business sets the trends on casual attire Arizona charts a different course when it comes to casual business attire, according to image consultants who claim the trend in some cases has gone too far. "The heat affects the...

Busy executives rely on personal shoppers for help.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2000... For business professionals, knowing where to shop is just as important as knowing what to buy. And because many don't have time to shop or need assistance finding the best stores and selections, they turn to image consultants and personal...