The Business Journal - Serving Phoenix & the Valley of the Sun articles from November 2001

The Business Journal - Serving Phoenix & the Valley of the Sun archives from November 2001

Central lands first new office building in a decade.
November 30, 2001... For the first time in about 10 years, the building lineup along Central Avenue is about to change. A three-story office building totaling 125,000 square feet is planned on the block occupied by a parking lot at the southeast corner of...

Rx marks the spot: ASU, UA collaborate to develop downtown medical campus. (Downtown Site 'Fits the Bill').
November 30, 2001... Arizona State University and University of Arizona Health Sciences Center are in early discussions to develop a health sciences center in downtown Phoenix. The medical center would not only spur economic development for the area, but...

Joining forces: Manufacturers pool resources to retain talent. (Up Front).
November 30, 2001... The Arizona Manufacturing Network is moving forward with a pilot program for local manufacturers to tap into a shared labor pool and, in the process, retain technically knowledgeable employees to boost the region's competitive edge. As...

Consumers 'nesting' after attacks, buying more items for the home. (Up Front).
November 30, 2001... "Warm, fuzzy, cozy" -- those are some or the terms local and national retailers are using to describe consumers' tastes for all things home-related in the wake of September's terrorist attacks and amid a still-uncertain economy. Many...

Texas food maker moves HQ to Valley. (Up Front).
November 30, 2001... The Valley soon will be headquarters to a company that would rank within the top 40 privately held companies in the greater Phoenix area. Texas prepackaged food manufacturer Market-Fare Foods Inc. plans to relocate here in early 2002,...

Airline industry's spirits lifted by holiday traffic. (News).
November 30, 2001... America West Airlines executives report they were pleased with Thanksgiving traffic, a benchmark since it was the first major travel holiday since Sept. 11 and likely set a precedent for Christmas. Airlines reported better-than-expected...

Interest rates fuel sales of economy hotel properties. (News).
November 30, 2001... Resort and hotel sales have all but ceased since the recession began, yet interest is picking up in one subset - more investors are buying small, economy properties. Wisened entrepreneurs and long-time hotel buyers are recognizing deals...

Legislature kills plan for tourism, commerce combo. (News).
November 30, 2001... The Arizona Legislature killed a proposal to combine the state tourism and commerce departments, and cut their budgets in half. The idea was floated as one way to offset a $1.5 billion deficit projected over the next two years. The...

Arizona job loss emphasizes challenging economy. (News).
November 30, 2001... The net loss of jobs statewide for the past two months is a "bad sign" that underscores the difficulties Arizona faces in the recession, according to economic experts. "Arizona almost never loses jobs," said Lee McPheters, associate dean...

DOC spearheads economic study to assist business development strategy. (News).
November 30, 2001... The Arizona Department of Commerce has launched a comprehensive economic study that is expected to yield information to help develop a "sound economic development strategy" to propel the state's progress in the future. The study, which...

Microsoft showcases Valley firm for online tool usage. (News).
November 30, 2001... Call it a Cinderella tale for small-business owner Judy Gifford: King-sized corporation Microsoft has swept up her independent company into its national marketing arms, sending the lesser-known entrepreneur toward a new level of recognition....

'Layoff Luau' set to boost morale for out-of-work Valley professionals. (News).
November 30, 2001... Victims of corporate downsizing, startup closings and general budget cuts may want to put on a tropical print shirt or grass skirt and head to the first "Layoff Luau." The Hawaiian-themed party will kick off Dec. 3 as the first of what...

Study to identify opportunities along light-rail line. (News).
November 30, 2001... A blueprint for development is on the wish list of Phoenix officials awaiting a report focusing on how the Valley's proposed light-rail system can be a financial dream or nightmare -- for the business community. During construction of...

Cox begins work on high-speed Internet system. (News).
November 30, 2001... Cox Commuincations Inc. is building its own high-speed Internet network as contracted provider Excite@Home struggles through bankruptcy court. Excite@Home, which filed for Chapter 11 reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in...

Holiday shopping season off to less-than-brisk start. (Week in Review).
November 30, 2001... Sales totals at most of the Valley's malls were down as the holiday shopping season began the weekend following Thanksgiving. Phoenix-based Westcor, which owns Arrowhead Towne Center, Scottsdale Fashion Square and the newly opened...

Desert Hills Bank reaches profitability in first year. (Finance & Services).
November 30, 2001... This month Desert Hills Bank in Phoenix celebrates the completion of its first year with a total of more than $40 million in assets and some $70,000 in profits as of the end of October. The bank was founded last year by seven former...

Docs expand house-call practice to Phoenix market. (Health).
November 30, 2001... Doc Com, a Denver-based physician practice that makes house calls, has established an office in Phoenix. The practice was formed by Dr. Patrick Roney in Denver. His brother, David Roney, moved his family to Phoenix to open an office...

Bashas' extends services with Lavidge & Baumayr. (Marketing & Media).
November 30, 2001... Lavidge & Baumayr Advertising & Public Relations of Scottsdale has been awarded an addition to its account with Bashas' Inc. In addition to the Bashas' grocery stores, the Chandler company operates A.J.'s Purveyor of Fine Foods and Food...

Out-of-state suitors courting Baseball headquarters. (Tourism).
November 30, 2001... The USA Baseball national headquarters in Tucson is entertaining proposals to move. The organization, established in 1978, puts together the USA Olympic baseball teams. It's been in Tucson for four years but is considering proposals...

Six degrees of examination: ASU teams with Columbia University to offer classes online. (Tech).
November 30, 2001... Arizona State University will boost online learning for its 50,000 students and the public through a new relationship with Columbia University in New York. ASU has partnered with Columbia's for profit venture Fathom, to provide 10 online...

One Question. (Tech).
November 30, 2001... Should shareholders approve Hewlett Packard's acquisition of Compaq? "I think it is a bad idea. Both companies are suffering greatly through this market, and I don't' see what good a marriage would do at this point. It's like two drunks...

Seattle company buys ISP, plans to service apartments. (Tech).
November 30, 2001... A Seattle company will try to win back dissatisfied apartment dwellers who abruptly lost high-speed Internet access during last year's ISP shake-up. Several Internet providers who had contracted with multitenant residences in Arizona are...

Accountants count cans. (Finance & Services).
November 30, 2001... The Arizona branch of the American Society of Women Accountants has begun its annual food drive to collect canned goods for Westside Food Bank. They will be collected at the Dec. 13 meeting at Treulich's Restaurant, 5020 Black Canyon Highway....

State Bar directory available. (Finance & Services).
November 30, 2001... The State Bar of Arizona's 2002 membership directory is available. The 475-page book has contact information for attorneys licensed to practice law in Arizona. In addition, the directory has contact information for community resources,...

Vacations help school. (Finance & Services).
November 30, 2001... Desert Schools Federal Credit Union is encouraging its members to go away - and help Valley school districts in the process. Seven Valley school districts will share more than $6,200 this year as part of a cooperative promotion with Get...

Tech conversion complete. (Finance & Services).
November 30, 2001... Bank One Corp. completed the conversion of its deposit and related systems in Arizona and Utah to a common technology platform. This is the second major conversion the bank has undertaken this year. Bank One conducted its first conversion...

Compass talks turkey. (Finance & Services).
November 30, 2001... Employees of Compass Bank helped the Phoenix Rescue mission kick off its holiday food program by packing holiday dinner boxes for Thanksgiving and loading them into the Phoenix Rescue Mission truck. Compass donated $2,000 to purchase 150...

EFunds Corp. gets award. (Finance & Services).
November 30, 2001... EFunds Corp. a locally based provider of electronic payment, risk management and related information technology and business process improvement services, has received the "Availability Award" from the International Tandem Users" Group for...

Senior housing site launched. (Health).
November 30, 2001... Tarik Shirif has acquired Senior Alternatives Inc. and the company's two senior guide books. The Mesa-based company also has launched an Internet Web site, www.azseniors.com, to help seniors find housing. "Seniors will now be able to...

United selects Nationwide. (Health).
November 30, 2001... Nationwide Vision has been selected as the largest participating provider for the United Healthcare vision benefit program. The Chandler-based company has 40 vision centers in Phoenix, Tucson, Casa Grande, Prescott and Flagstaff.

MedFinance expanding here. (Health).
November 30, 2001... MedFinance, a Berkeley, Calif.-based application service provider for health care companies, has opened an office in Scottsdale. Bob Raddemann, senior vice president of MedFinance, will head the office at 4725 N. Scottsdale Road, Ste....

MediSun named top plan. (Health).
November 30, 2001... For the third consecutive year, Sun Health MediSun has been recognized as one of the top Valley health maintenance organizations for seniors. Columbus, Ohio-based HealthMetrix Research Inc. awarded the 2002 Senior Choice Gold Award to...

HMO profits soar. (Health).
November 30, 2001... The nation's health maintenance organizations recorded a net profit of $323 million during the first quarter of 2001, according to Weiss Ratings Inc. of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. This followed earnings of $1 billion for all of 2000 and...

HMA expands to Hawaii. (Health).
November 30, 2001... HMA Inc., a Tempe-based integrated health care company, has secured its first contract in Hawaii. HMA has reached an agreement with the 18,000-member AFL Hotel and Restaurant Workers Health and Welfare Trust Fund to administer their...

30-day contacts approved. (Health).
November 30, 2001... The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Bausch & Lomb PureVision contact lenses for up to 30 days of continuous wear. Made from balafilcon A, a silicone hydrogel, the material is patented by the Rochester, N.Y., company. The...

Riester-Robb adds AmeriScan. (Marketing & Media).
November 30, 2001... Riester~Robb has added Arizona-based AmeriScan, a health-screening services provider, to its client list. The Phoenix agency will provide AmeriScan with brand planning, advertising, public relations and media buying. AmeriScan has...

Naked News taps local talent. (Marketing & Media).
November 30, 2001... Toronto-based "Naked News.com," a live newscast featuring unclothed male and female Webcasters, has chosen Kaye Grant, a former medical assistant, as its Phoenix correspondent. Naked Broadcasting Inc. started in 1999 and claims about 6...

B.J. seeks applications. (Marketing & Media).
November 30, 2001... B.J. Communications of Phoenix is accepting applications from Valley nonprofits for its pro bono services. This marks the fourth year the public relations agency will be conducting a search for a nonprofit account. Past recipients,...

Newspaper debuts. (Marketing & Media).
November 30, 2001... The Midtown Messenger, which covers Phoenix's historic neighborhoods, has launched its first Valley issue. The monthly publication is published by Phoenix-based Quick Silver Publishing. Editor and publisher David Tell said the...

Cereus to boost business. (Marketing & Media).
November 30, 2001... Cereus Graphics of Phoenix, part of the Kelmscott Communications network, will take part in a national effort to boost the business community. San Francisco-based Kelmscott is a national consolidator of printing and graphic companies....

KAET readies appetizers. (Marketing & Media).
November 30, 2001... For those seeking holiday party recipes, KAET-TV 8 may have a few ideas for you. The station will air "A is For Appetizers" Dec. 1 and 8. The program, a marathon cooking show, will feature family recipes and tips from Arizona cooks. ...

ExhibitPro to open in Valley. (Tourism).
November 30, 2001... ExhibitPro Inc., a maker of custom-built trade show booths, announced plans for a Phoenix facility to open in the first quarter of next year. The Columbus, Qhio, company is selecting a site to house a sales office, showroom and...

Arena make over under way. (Tourism).
November 30, 2001... Phase One of America West Arena's $13 million renovation is complete. The Phoenix Suns' home arena -- the 17th oldest in the NBA -- has new flooring and ceiling, surfaces and improved concourses and restrooms. The Platinum Club a...

Association names board. (Tourism).
November 30, 2001... The Valley Hotel & Resort Association, the 220-member trade association, has appointed three new board members: Tom Harris, general manager of La Quinta Inn North Phoenix; Shaun Robinson, general manager, Hilton Scottsdale Resort; and Brenda...

Sweet Tomatoes profitable. (Tourism).
November 30, 2001... Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., operator of Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes restaurants, reported a fiscal year net income of $2.4 million on revenue of $198.5 million, a 20 percent increase over last year. The San Diego company operates...

Science center raises Titanic. (Tourism).
November 30, 2001... The Arizona Science Center's largest exhibit -- physically and financially -- opens this week. For the first time, the museum is selling tickets specifying a date and time for guests to view a piece of the Titanic's hull; the largest...

Flocking from all over. (Tourism).
November 30, 2001... Airline captain Ron Nielsen, who helps people overcome their fear of flying, received inquiries nationwide after the class was featured on the Today show and the NBC nightly news. One man drove from Seattle to attend the last workshop,...

Mill Avenue expects 60,000. (Tourism).
November 30, 2001... Tempe's Mill Avenue is anticipated to draw about 60,000 people through Jan. 6 to view Arizona's taste of winter with lights; outdoor ice skating and even snow. The Tempe Fantasy of Lights Foundation, a nonprofit group, creates the winter...

Online reservations starting. (Tourism).
November 30, 2001... Arizona Trails Reservation Service has partnered with FountainHillsGuide.com to provide online reservations at area hotels and bed and breakfasts. Area properties include the Comfort Inn, CoopperWynd Resort and Spa, Southwest Inn at...

FutureCom Global works to simplify communication. (Tech).
November 30, 2001... FutureCom Global Inc., a Scottsdale company focused on developing and distributing convergent, mobile technologies, has big plans for two new devices executives say simplify communication. Its V-Touch product is a vocal-chord sensitive,...

Consulting firm calls it quits in wake of economic slump. (Tech).
November 30, 2001... After five years in business and more than $5 million in revenue, the founders of Computer Management Technologies Inc. have decided to call it quits. The information technology consulting firm, run by husband-and-wife team Mark and...

Local ISP looks to boost market share with others. (E-Business).
November 30, 2001... The president of Deru Communications Corp.,. an Internet service provider in Scottsdale, hopes to resurrect the market presence of local ISPs. Deru has received many customers since Qwest handed off DSL service to MSN, and those...

Company adds services. (E-Business).
November 30, 2001... Huglies-Calihan, a family-owned copier reseller in Phoenix, recently opened a network operations center and added information technology management to its list of services. The company has been in business for 44 years providing copy...

Holding the purse strings. (E-Business).
November 30, 2001... Integrated Information Systems Inc. has hired William Mahan as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Mahan, a Certified Public Accountant, previously was a consultant with The Brenner Group in Cupertino, Calif., where he...

Fuji's enabled. (E-Business).
November 30, 2001... Trax Software & Consulting Inc. has enabled four components of its SmartStore software for loss prevention to work on Fujitsu's TeamPad handheld computers. Trax software helps retail store owners calculate inventory and prevent price...

Golfers get online regimen. (E-Business).
November 30, 2001... Golf-trainer.com of Scottsdale recently formed a content partnership with Golf Magazine's site www.golfonline.com. Golf-trainer.com offers golf-specific exercise programs to help players' strength, flexibility, cardiovascular and...

Third-quarter sales slow. (E-Business).
November 30, 2001... Third-quarter market analysis of voiceover-IP telephony showed flat gains, although sales in that market have increased 42 percent so far this year, according to Phoenix-based Synergy Research Group, an analytical firm specializing in...

Birth of a new group. (E-Business).
November 30, 2001... Rather than continue as a local chapter of an International organization for women in technology, DigitalEve Phoenix has decided to cut the umbilical cord and give birth to a new group. A letter was sent Nov. 26 to all Phoenix members and...

Canadian company acquires Pipeline Technologies. (Technology).
November 30, 2001... The Pressure Pipe Inspection Co. Ltd. of Ontario, Canada, recently acquired Scottsdale-based Pipeline Technologies. The acquisition marks 4-year-old Pressure Pipe's first step toward globalization with business development plans for...

Micro Symplex lands deal. (Technology).
November 30, 2001... Micro Symplex of Phoenix signed a deal to provide onsite support to all of Comp-USA's corporate and government accounts in Arizona. According to Micro Symplex vice president Keshav Bandekar, the company will be servicing about 3,500...

Entertaining techies. (Technology).
November 30, 2001... Workplace humorist Steve Saffron will entertain local members of the Society for Technical Communication at the organization's next Phoenix Chapter meeting, Dec. 11. The society is a national professional association of technical...

In living color. (Technology).
November 30, 2001... Tempe-based Three-Five Systems Inc. has created a color display module designed specifically for portable and handheld devices. Capable of displaying 256 colors, the standard color super-twisted nematic display is an alternative to...

Domestic victims agencies get help. (Technology).
November 30, 2001... Verizon Wireless' partnership with Motorola Inc. and the state of Arizona to do some good for victims of domestic violence paid off last month. Verizon Wireless awarded a total of $42,000 in grants to Arizona agencies addressing domestic...

Bridging the divide. (Technology).
November 30, 2001... Mercy Housing Southwest, a division of Mercy Housing Inc. with offices in Phoenix and Denver, has been awarded a $283,942 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to build Community Technology Centers at six of its complexes. Mercy...

The List: "On-Premise" Sign Cos.
November 30, 2001... The List: "On-Premise" Sign Cos. Ranking: Valley employees # of Valley Rank Telephone employees/ 2001 Company ...

Who's Who. (Real Estate).
November 30, 2001... WAYNE MINDE Title: President Company: Trilite Builders Inc. Age: 47 Years with company: 19 Secret to your success: "It is really no secret -- we believe in being honest and dependable. If you do what you say you will do...

Waste removed, Superlund site on the block: City seeks suitors for 10-acre commercial parcel near downtown. (Real Estate).
November 30, 2001... Phoenix is preparing a marketing campaign this month to sell a 10-acre parcel for commercial construction just south of downtown. It is one of the largest remaining parcels in the downtown area, it has a terrific view of the city skyline,...

Hot Deals. (Real Estate).
November 30, 2001... * Commercial $6.5 million Project: Pinecliff Village Apartments, Flagstaff Buyer: Sanchez Brothers Mesa Partnership Seller: Farnam Cos., Phoenix Broker: Doug Fielding, Marcus & Millichap, Phoenix $3.6 million ...

Market Facts. (Real Estate).
November 30, 2001... MARKET FACTS Valley housing statistics as of the end of October: New home closings 27,395 Percent change from last year 2.61% New average price $194,026 Resale closings 61,613...

Restaurant carved out of historic Phoenix building. (Real Estate).
November 30, 2001... Take, a healthy dose of imagination, add equal parts of entrepreneurship and a prime location, and the result is a promising new business. In this case, it's Walker's Cafe, a restaurant opening in one of the oldest buildings in downtown...

Redevelopment approved. (Real Estate).
November 30, 2001... Developer Camden/Benton-Robb has received approval from the Chandler City Council to buy and redevelop 6 acres in the downtown area. In the first phase, the company plans to build about 230 apartment and for-sale condominium units, more than...

Realtors showing patriotism. (Real Estate).
November 30, 2001... For the next six months, 14 Realtors from RE/MAX Fine Properties in Scottsdale are donating a percentage of their commissions on home sales to an account set up to help children whose parents were killed in the Sept. 11 attack in New York...

Power Ranch adding grocery. (Real Estate).
November 30, 2001... Sunbelt Holdings and Shea Homes for Active Adults have sold 11 acres at Power Ranch in Gilbert to LDR-II LLC. The property is planned for a shopping center that will have Albertson's as the major tenant. Power Ranch is a master-planned...

New offices opening. (Real Estate).
November 30, 2001... The One Compass Center is open for tenants at 3150 S. 48th St. in Phoenix. D.L. Withers Construction recently finished the $6 million; Class A office building two months ahead of schedule. John Mahoney Architects is the designer of the...

Exhibit starts public tour. (Real Estate).
November 30, 2001... Glendale is the first stop for Valley Forward's 21st annual environmental excellence awards traveling exhibit, presented by Honeywell. The exhibit will be displayed at 14 locations in the Valley through August 2002. The first stop was...

Chamber helps to grow market for manufacturers.
November 30, 2001... In an economic downturn businesses must become creative in their planning and strategies to remain competitive. Activities such as forming strategic partnerships and creating new alliances were key points discussed at the recent Greater...

Inaugural 2001 Phoenix Forum series wraps up with former Clinton aide and economist.
November 30, 2001... The Greater Phoenix Chamber will welcome Mike McCurry, White House Press Secretary to President Bill Clinton, for their eighth Forum luncheon on December 13. McCurry served in the White House as Press Secretary to President Clinton from...

Power Breakfast to feature Phoenix Suns leadership.
November 30, 2001... The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, The Business Journal, and NewsRadio 620 KTAR Will host Jerry Colangelo, Chairman and CEO; Bryan Colangero, President and General Manager; Scott Skiles, Head Coach; and...

Calling all entrepreneurs.
November 30, 2001... As part of the tenth annual Arizona Venture Capital Conference, an Entrepreneur Summit will be held December 5 from noon-5 p.m. to provide valuable information on a variety of issues such as venture capital funding and survival in to day's...

Gift certificates support local economy.
November 30, 2001... The Greater Phoenix Chamber is sponsoring the Community Gift Certificate[TM]. This one gift certificate is honored at many local restaurants, hotels and retailers in the Greater Phoenix area and is ideal for employee incentives and...

Local author seeks service horror stories for book. (Business Notes).
November 30, 2001... For those who have had the sad experience of less-than-ideal customer service and would like to vent, Gary Held is seeking stories to include in his book "Sorry, that's not my section." The most interesting stories will run with the...

Accreditation. (Business Notes).
November 30, 2001... * Devereux Arizona, a Scottsdale behavioral health, child welfare agency, received accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Valley Youth Theatre. (Awards).
November 30, 2001... * Valley Youth Theatre received the "Outstanding Nonprofit Organization" award from the Black Board of Directors Project for having diversity on its board and in its programs.

T. Cook's at Royal Palms Hotel and Casitas. (Awards).
November 30, 2001... * T. Cook's at Royal Palms Hotel and Casitas received the "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine for its wine program excellence. Royal Palms also received the "2001 Gold Key Award" from Meetings & Conventions, magazine.