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

Direct hit.(direct mail marketing hurt by economic problems and anthrax scare)
November 2, 2001... Anthrax scare forces changes in direct mail Many of the Valley's direct marketers say their businesses have been hit hard by the impact of anthrax and the national terrorist threat it poses to the U.S. mail system. For those clients...

Aviation firm flies solo.(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
November 2, 2001... Honeywell offshoot lands big contracts A year and a half after becoming a fullfledged company, Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems LLC has nearly quadrupled its staff, moved into a new home and landed major contracts that have it...

Clock ticking, cost rising on stadium delay.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The number of critics for the Arizona Cardinals Tempe stadium site is growing -- and so is its price tag. Each day's delay in construction is costing about $100,000 in future overtime to get the stadium ready for the 2004 football season --...

In the spotlight.(Phoenix, Arizona, benefits from World Series coverage)
November 2, 2001... World Series brings Valley national attention Yankees' starter Roger Clemens blew warm breath into his hand before pitching the ball in Game 3 of the World Series. Meanwhile, tens of millions of television viewers heard Fox...

Local firm debuts Web TV shopping.(EmpacTV of Mesa, Arizona)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
November 2, 2001... Stephen Ward believes anything your see can be bought -- whether you're meandering aisles at Home Depot or admiring kitchen cabinets on the set of your favorite TV show. Whether it's an outfit, a martini glass, a grand piano or artwork,...

Venture-capital activity slides in third quarter.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... The latest study reveals that outlays to venture-backed startups fell once again in the third quarter -- a trend reflected in the slowing activity of venture-capital firms and corporate investment units alike. According to...

Valley job growth dwindles to 200.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... The Valley's job growth from August 2000 to August 2001 was 200, a whisper compared to the booming 56,300 additional jobs created in the prior 12-month period, according to a national consulting company's third-quarter review of the Valley...

Rodgers' career leadership garners award from Arizona's WISH.(Laraine Rodgers, of Arizona Partnership for Higher Education and Business)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Laraine Rodgers, technology proponent and president of the Arizona Partnership for Higher Education and Business, was honored with four other Valley women for leadership last week by the Arizona WISH Foundation. WISH is a national...

Better education needed to attract headquarters.(to Arizona)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... People want. to come to Arizona, but the d\educational system needs to be improved if. the state expects to attract corporate head quarters, according to former Vice President Dan Quayle, a Valley resident. "This is a great place to live...

Vans Inc. continues skate parks expansion, despite economic worries.(building skate board facilities and retail stores)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Vans Inc., which is opening a 37, 000-square-foot indoor skate park at Metrocenter mall on Nov. 8, is committed to opening additional parks nationwide, despite economic worries. Neal Lyons, president of Vans retail division, said the Santa...

Metrocenter hosting community evening of giving.(shopping mall aids community groups with fund-raiser)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... A fund-raiser to benefit the Washington Elementary School District may be the boost retailers at Metrocenter Mall need during this tepid economy. Called "An Evening of Giving," the Nov. 18 event is a private night of shopping at the...

Aetna's Klima leaving firm in wake of restructuring.(Cliff Klima, general manager of the Arizona market for Aetna U.S. Healthcare)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Cliff Klima is spending his last days as general manager of the Arizona market for Aetna U.S. Healthcare, as the national managed care organization reshuffles the way it does business. Klima said he will stay with the company over the next...

Two bids, same result as E.B. Lane captures anti-smoking account.(E.B. Lane Marketing Communications gets Arizona account for anti-smoking ads)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The long-running anti-tobacco bid process has reached its final act: E.B. Lane Marketing Communications has won the multimillion dollar state account beating out two other suitors, Cramer-Krasselt and Moses Anshell. Phoenix-based E.B. Lane...

CVS affirms commitment to Phoenix.(still planning to open stores in Phoenix market, despite national store closings)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... CVS Corp. will expand into the Phoenix market, despite its announcement this week that it will close 200 stores nationwide next year. "We expect to have stores open in the Phoenix market in 2002," said Todd Andrews, director of corporate...

Passenger decline evident in airline's $31.7M loss.(America West Holdings 3rd-quarter earnings)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... America West Holdings, the parent company of America West Airlines and The Leisure Co., Wednesday reported a third-quarter net loss of $31.7 million, or 94 cents per share, due to a drop in passenger traffic following the Sept. 11 terrorist...

Avnet Inc.(third-quarter results)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Avnet Inc. reported a third-quarter loss of $19.2 million, down from the preceding year's $82.4 million gain. Revenue was $2.2 billion, compared to $3.3 billion the year before.

Phelps Dodge Corp.(Companhia Vale do Rio Doce makes offer)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Phelps Dodge Corp. was offered $42.5 million by Brazilian mining company Companhia Vale do Rio Doce SA, or CVRD, for a 50 percent stake in the Sossego, Brazil, copper mine.

Syntellect Inc.(third-quarter results)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Syntellect Inc. representatives announced third-quarter revenue of $8.5 million and a net loss of $2.3 million, compared with the previous year, when revenue was $11.7 million and there was a net gain of $476,000.

Ugly Duckling Corp.(third-quarter results)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Ugly Duckling Corp. reported a third-quarter net loss of $6.8 million, or 56 cents per share, compared with net earnings the year before of nearly $2.7 million, or 21 cents per share. Increased loan losses were blamed.

Schuff International Inc.(Third-quarter results)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Schuff International Inc. reported third-quarter 2001 net income of nearly $1.6 million on revenue of $62.9 million, compared with net income of $1.9 million on revenue of $72.3 million a year earlier.

Motorola Inc.(securities offering raises funds)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Motorola Inc. raised $1.05 billion from an offering of securities automatically convertible into company stock after three years. The sale is part of the firm's plan to raise up to $1.8 billion to help cut short-term debt.

Giant Industries Inc.(third-quarter results)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Giant Industries Inc. reported third-quarter net income of $5.1 million, or 57 cents per share, compared with $5 million, or 55 cents per share, in the same period last year.

Simula Inc.(contract)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Simula Inc. received a contract that could be worth up to $42 million to produce small arms protective insert armor plates that will be added to vests worn by U.S. Marines.

Russ Lyon Realty.(president resigns)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Russ Lyon Realty president and chief executive Dennis Lyon is handing the title of president to general manager and designated broker Michael Messenger.

The Consumer Confidence Index.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... The Consumer Confidence Index for Arizona dropped in October to 95.1, its lowest level in nearly eight years. Only 39 percent of those surveyed rate current business conditions as "good."

University of Phoenix.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... University of Phoenix president Laura Palmer Noone was nominated to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity.

Poore Brothers Inc.(third-quarter results)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Poore Brothers Inc. reported that third-quarter revenue was $14.7 million and net income was $160,951, compared with $10.7 million in revenue and net income of $113,831 a year earlier.

Honeywell International Inc.(revenue from Joint Strike fighter)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Honeywell International Inc. officials announced they expect $5 billion in revenue over the life of the Joint Strike fighter contract. The deal was awarded to Lockheed Martin, which used Honeywell parts in the prototype.

ON Semiconductor Corp.(third quarter report)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... ON Semiconductor Corp. reported revenue of $276.5 million and a net loss of $68.9 million for the third quarter, compared with revenue of $543.2 million and a net income of $30.2 million.

United Airlines.(Skywest Airlines adds service)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... United Airlines announced that United Express regional carrier SkyWest Airlines would take over six of the airline's roundtrip flights from Los Angeles to Phoenix and four from Los Angeles to Tucson.

Hypercom Corp.(third quarter finances)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Hypercom Corp. reported a decrease in revenue of $71 million and a loss of $2.4 million for the third quarter, compared with revenue of $75.9 million and a net loss of $21.6 million for the year-earlier period.

White Electronic Designs Corp.(Lockheed Martin selected for Joint Strike Fighter)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... White Electronic Designs Corp. officials said they have a positive outlook on the announcement that Lockheed Martin, a 'long-time customer, was selected as the prime contractor for the Joint Strike Fighter.

Meritage Corp.(earnings)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Meritage Corp. announced third-quarter revenue of $207.2 million and net income of $14.8 million, up from the $134.5 million in revenue and $10.5 million in net income for 2000.

ConSyGen Inc.(new president)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... ConSyGen Inc. officials announced the appointment of Bruce Shirey as the company's new president and chief executive.

[0] Simula Inc.(wins new contract with Army)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Simula Inc. received a second major contract, a $15 million deal, to deliver small arms protective insert armor plates for use in ballistic vests for U.S. Army ground forces.

Allied Waste Industries Inc.(president resigns)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Allied Waste Industries Inc. announced the resignation of president and chief operating officer Larry Henk, and said that CEO Tom Van Weelden would take over as president and Don Slater would be COO.

Qwest Communications International Inc.(earnings)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Qwest Communications International Inc. posted a third-quarter net loss of $142 million compared with a net loss of $248 million a year earlier. Revenue in both quarters was $4.8 billion.

Perception keeps customers loyal to health insurers.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The first national study to explore consumer loyalty in health care shows the No. 1 reason people stay loyal to their health insurers is their belief that the insurer provides better medical care than its competitors, according to the HSM Group...

Heart Institute turns 30.(Arizona Heart Institute, cardiovascular research)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Arizona Heart Institute is preparing for the next 30 years by introducing another first in Arizona medical history. AHI is working on the transplant of a person's skeletal muscle cells to their heart to...

Quality Care nabs BCBS.(Quality Care Solutions Inc. contracted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Quality Care Solutions Inc., a Phoenix-based provider of information technology software and services for health care payers, has been selected by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska to provide a comprehensive health care administration...

Assistants in demand.(Phoenix College sees rise in enrollment for medical assistants)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... As the demand for medical assistants in Arizona continues to increase; the Fast-Track program at Phoenix College is experiencing an increase in enrollment. The program to educate medical assistants quickly was developed in early 2000. ...

Commission asks Supreme Court to pull Dobronski.(Mark Dobronski cited for misconduct)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Commission on Judicial Conduct, an independent state agency, has recommended to the Arizona Supreme Court that Scottsdale Justice of the Peace Mark Dobronski be permanently removed from the bench for misconduct. The commission has...

Ziegler expands retail.(Ziegler Companies Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Ziegler Cos. Inc., a Milwaukee-based financial-services company, is expanding its retail brokerage operations to Scottsdale at Gainey Center II. The company, which already had capital markets and asset-management relationships around...

Seidler in new offices.(Seidler Companies Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Seidler Cos. Inc. investment banking firm has moved into its new offices at 14500 N. Northsight Boulevard in Scottsdale. "With the tightening bank market and small, encouraging signs of life in the public equity market, we are finding...

Consulting firms merge.(AZ Team Builders Resources and Solutions 21)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... AZ Team Builders Resources of Tempe has merged with Solutions 21, an international consulting firm with headquarters in Pittsburgh. This move marks Solutions 21's expansion into the Phoenix market. Thomas Bourdo, founder of AZ Team, will...

Jurisprudence expert to lecture.
November 2, 2001... Ronald Dworkin, an expert in contemporary jurisprudence and professor of law at New York University, will be the speaker at this year's Pedrick lecture at the ASU College of Law. His talk will be on "Jurisprudence and the 2000 Election." ...

Wasatch opens in Tempe.(Wasatch Venture Fund)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Venture capital firm Wasatch Venture Fund is having a Nov. 7 grand opening for its offices at 51 W. Third St., Tempe. Wasatch Venture Fund, which has operated since April 1994, has offices in Salt Lake City and. Redwood City, Calif. It has...

M&I names Kuester.(Marshall and Ilsley Corp. appoints Dennis Keuster CEO)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Marshall & Ilsley Corp., which operates M&I Bank in Arizona, has announced that, effective Jan. 1, 2002, president Dennis Kuester will take on the additional title of chief executive. The position currently is held by James Wigdale, who will...

New site for Piper Jaffray.(U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Web site)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray has launched a new Web site, www.piperjaffray.com. All four divisions of the company -- private advisory services, equity capital markets, fixed income capital markets and asset management -- are represented on the...

Downtown Scottsdale will have paper to call its own.(The Scottsdale Times -- Downtown Edition)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The North Scottsdale Times will debut a new edition in November to serve the downtown Scottsdale community, according to publisher. Steve Strickbine. Officially named The Scottsdale Times -- Downtown Edition, the paper will be a monthly...

PR firm closes.(Porter Novelli Convergence Group)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Porter Novelli Convergence Group, a national high-tech public relations company owned by New York-based The Omnicom Group, will cose its Scottsdale office in December, according to officials. The Scottsdale office, located at Kierland...

Graphics buyer's guide debuts.(online)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Southwest Graphics Buyer's Guide and Directory is now available via the Web. Published by Tempe-based Runbeck Graphics, the site, www.southwestgraphics.net, also features information on Southwest Graphics magazine. The directory lists...

Zamora joins 15.(Carrie Zamora, KNXV-TV 15)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... KNXV-TV 15 has hired Texas anchor and reporter Carrie Zamora to join its news team starting Nov. 5. Zamora will serve as an anchor and reporter for the station's news programs: She comes to the Valley from KLBC/KAMC in Lubbock, Texas,...

Tunes for seniors.(Golden Age Entertainment)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... A new radio company out of upstate New York servicing Valley senior centers has lured several national advertisers, according to spokeswoman Myra Richman of Phoenix-based The Rainmakers. Richman represents the Pittsford-based company,...

Staying KOOL this summer.(Arbitron radio ratings )(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Arbitron radio ratings are in for the summer months Looks like over-heated listeners were looking for anything connected to "cool." KOOL-FM 94.5 topped the list in the 12-plus and 25-54 age categories with a 7.0 and 7.9 ratings score...

Celebrities aid Girls Ranch.
November 2, 2001... The Sugar & Spice Holiday Celebrity Fashion Show on Nov. 27 at the Biltmore Resort will feature several local TV anchors and benefit the Girls Ranch of Arizona. Long-time philanthropist Jewell Lewis will serve as honorary chairwoman and...

30 companies contribute to downtown block party.(Entertainment Solutions of Arizona Inc. plans World Series party)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The block party that's assembled in downtown Phoenix next to Bank One Ballpark is like a massive college bash that came together at the last minute and cost next to nothing. It's essentially Ken and Kevin Koziol's party, and it will go on...

Phoenician hires GM.(Bunty Ahamad appointed general manager)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Phoenician has a new leader. Bunty Ahamad has been hired as general manager. Ahamad is not new to the property. He served as executive assistant manager for three years before Starwood Hotels & Resorts promoted him in 1999 to general...

AARP, Best Western team up.(discounts for AARP members)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Best Western International Inc. has partnered with AARP to give a minimum of 10 percent off standard rates to the organization's 35 million members. AARP is a nonprofit membership organization for people ages 50 and over. Travelers over...

AmWest feeding flyers again.(America West Airlines)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... America West Airlines is restoring food service on some flights this week, a sign that the Tempe carrier's business is achieving some normalcy. Long-haul flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Boston; Baltimore; New...

Industry pushes initiatives.(Arizona Tourism Alliance)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Arizona Tourism Alliance has adopted a series of public policy initiatives aimed at helping the state's ailing tourism industry. The alliance's proposal calls for the following: * Appropriating 50 percent of the Arizona Office of...

Miceli joins TSA board.(Valarie Miceli replaces Kate Monahan on Tourism and Sports Authority board)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Valarie Miceli has been selected to replace Kate Monahan on the Tourism and Sports Authority board. Monahan, the former general manager of the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix, stepped down from the TSA board after she took a position managing a hotel...

State parks honor Veterans.
November 2, 2001... Arizona's 27 state parks will waive entrance fees on Nov. 10-12 in honor of Veteran's Day. Arizona Gov. Jane Hull encouraged people to enjoy "the solitude and comfort that only the natural outdoors can provide" during this time of national...

BEST-SELLING LUXURY VEHICLES in Maricopa County.(Arizona)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... BEST-SELLING LUXURY VEHICLES in Maricopa County Ranking: Number of sales in 2000 Number of sales of new ...

Mail drop.(direct mail industry plans marketing)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Postal tampering gives boost to online marketers While no one wants to admit they could profit from new domestic terrorism, online marketing firms say this could be their year. Heightened fears of germ warfare spreading through the mail...

Internet game publisher gets $4.5M venture deal.(Artifact Entertainment Corp. fund raising)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... A small Mesa company received $4.5 million in venture funding that may help it become Arizona's next Internet game publisher. Artifact Entertainment, a 2-year-old business, will use the money from Forest Binidey & Brown of California to finish...

ONE QUESTION.(interviews with executives of various companies about good news since September 11 attacks)(Brief Article)(Interview)
November 2, 2001... With all of the news pertaining to the economy and the war against terrorism, what is some good news your company has had recently? "In light of the Sept. 11 attack, our clients and associates have been considerably patient and...

Wireless networks convenient, but experts question security.(wireless local area networks)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Wireless networking is in the midst of a growth spurt, but some business owners buying into the technology are unaware of the potential risk it poses to security. Shipments of wireless local area network, or WLAN, equipment increased 147...

Mighty Interactive, finds success in narrowed focus.(Mighty Interactive Media L. L. C.)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The recent economic slowdown hasn't hurt Mighty Interactive Media LLC, says Jason Baer, founder of the Phoenix-based Internet marketing firm. He credits part of his continued success to narrowing the firm's focus. Mighty Interactive now...

Top honors achieved.(Rhino Interactive created website for Arizona Public Service wins award)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Also making headway in the Internet services realm is Rhino Interactive. The company was the brains behind Arizona Public Service's Web site, which recently won an award. APS.com was acknowledged as "Best Customer Service Web Site" by the...

AdPak closed.(AdPak Communications Inc.)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Local Internet security and design firm AdPak Communications Inc. has closed. President David Bryant said AdPak is out of business because his partner decided to leave the company. AdPak was founded in 1995 and collected $.127,000 in...

Feds fund tech.
November 2, 2001... Looking for investment dollars? Technology businesses may want to turn to Uncle Sam for help. The U.S. Department of Defense is looking to spend again through the "Small Business Innovation Research" program -- a $500 million fund...

VC tidbits.(venture capital industry information)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 2, 2001... Profit Dynamics LLC in Fountain Hills reports that more than half of venture capitalists believe the current, level of investing in early-stage companies will further decrease during the next 12 months. However, those same surveyed VCs said the...

Networthy stocks.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... If you think Internet stocks still are a bad bet, take a look at the recommendations some have picked up. According to Multex Investor, an online investment research source, these 10 Internet stocks are the most recommended: AOL-Time Warner...

Cooking online and offline.(Recipes)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The holidays aren't far off and that means many of us soon will don aprons and attempt our best Emeril Lagasse impersonations. (I said, "attempt.") But forget Lagasse and wow your guests with a truly diplomatic meal -- a la recipes from...

AZSoft.net wants to help Homeland Security Office.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Arizona Software & Internet Association wants to do its share to help the Office of Homeland Security get acclimated to its new and crucial post in the United States' war against terrorism, "It occurs to us that some Arizona software...

Solar technology used by SRP.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Salt River Project continues to do its part to raise the visibility of renewable sources of energy. It partnered with Calex Homes to install solar panel technology on five model homes at Johnson Ranch Estates in Queen Creek. The SRP...

Feeling the pinch.(Job cuts)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... ASML is the latest semiconductor company to feel the pinch of the economic downturn. The Netherlands-based provider of technology used to manufacture complex integrated circuits recently announced plans to downsize 17 percent of its global...

Bucking the trend.(Radyne ComStream success)(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Radyne ComStream continues to buck downward economic trends. The Phoenix-based company, which manufactures ground-based equipment that enables Internet communications via satellite, recently reported its 10th consecutive profitable quarter....

More DSL on the way.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Tired of that slow dial-up connection at home? According to Scottsdale-based market research firm Cahners k-Stat Group, you won't have to wait much longer to upgrade. That's because the availability of digital subscriber line, known as...

New 'TEC Squad' formed.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Valley Partnership has created a new committee designed to provide its members with information about how technology can positively affect their industries. The Technology Education Committee, also known as the TEC Squad, is comprised of...

Mr. Handyman now in Valley.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Local resident Jerry Mullen has opened the first Mr. Handyman franchise in Arizona. This service offers uniformed, bonded technicians who provide basic fix-it services to homes and businesses. Mullen, who lives in north Scottsdale, had...

Consultant helps CVS sites.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... Ninyo & Moore geotechnical and environmental sciences consultants has been hired to provide services in conjunction with the design and construction of about 50 CVS pharmacies in Arizona. The Phoenix company's services include assessing...

Jobing intros database.(Brief Article)
November 2, 2001... The Arizona employment Website, Jobing.com, has launched a database of local universities, colleges and career training institutions/programs. According. to president Aaron Matos, the current economy has many people looking "to enhance...