The Business Journal - Serving Phoenix & the Valley of the Sun articles from October 1999

The Business Journal - Serving Phoenix & the Valley of the Sun archives from October 1999

Vstore nears $25M in venture funds.(online retail service)
October 1, 1999... No e-commerce infrastructure? No Internet experience? Nothing, even, to sell? No problem, says Dan Kennedy. The 27-year-old Scottsdale entrepreneur is closing in on $25 million in venture capital for Vstore, a concept he thinks can...

Buyer resuscitates Community Hospital.(Phoenix Health Inc.'s acquisition of Community Hospital Medical Center keeps it operational)
October 1, 1999... Less than a week after Community Hospital Medical Center in Phoenix stopped accepting patients, a buyer has stepped in to keep the 59-bed hospital from closing. A new company called Phoenix Health Inc. has signed a preliminary agreement to...

Phoenix firm working to cut colds down to size.(Gum Tech International Inc. has began the second round of testing for Zicam)
October 1, 1999... If not a cure, Gum Tech International Inc. believes it at least has some major relief for the common cold. The Phoenix company has begun its second round of clinical trials for a nasal gel that could shorten the duration of a cold. ...

Phoenix developer files plans for new community near White Tank Mountains.(DMB Associates)
October 1, 1999... Buckeye town officials are reviewing a request to annex nearly 14 square miles planned for a new community tucked up against the White Tank Mountains west of Phoenix. The application was filed in mid-September by DMB Associates, which is...

Stoxnow software directly accesses stock market.(online brokerage firm's Pro Trader software)
October 1, 1999... The president of an online brokerage firm in Scottsdale is hoping his company's latest product offering will help boost its electronic trading clientele. Stoxnow started offering Pro Trader, a trading package that uses the TradeCast...

Swaying opinion.(profile on public relations firm Jamieson and Gutierrez Inc.'s president Alfredo Gutierrez)
October 1, 1999... Gutierrez delivers on controversial issues Clarity in conflict - the ability to keep a cool head when surrounded by hot tempers. It is that quality that makes Alfredo Gutierrez so successful at managing unmanageable situations. ...

Passion for people.(Small Biz)(profile on Hospice Family Care Inc.)(Interview)
October 1, 1999... Hospice Family Care works toward longevity Hospice Family Care Inc.: Provides care for the terminally ill (hospice services). Chief executive Nancy Turner and chief operating officer Nancy Smith run the Arizona-incorporated company...

Business: companies cope with an evolving economy.(Quality of Life)(Arizona)
October 1, 1999... When businesses look to hire, they get a variety of applicants, and some, let's just say, are better than others. Many prospective employees, however, can't even read the application, much less communicate effectively during an interview,...

How education system can respond.(Quality of Life)(Arizona work force development)
October 1, 1999... Educators and employers say they are separated by a chasm that is hindering the success of Arizona's work force. "Bridging this gap is one of the most critical things education should be focused on today," said Jim Van Dyke, dean of...

High school students rack up college credits.(Quality of Life)(Maricopa County, Arizona)
October 1, 1999... Moving from high school to college can be a difficult transition, both academically and financially. Some Maricopa County community colleges are hoping to help students with that transition. Through dual or concurrent enrollment plans high...

Orcutt Winslow acquires community planning firm.(Orcutt Winslow Partnership purchases Synergy+)
October 1, 1999... One of the Valley's top architectural companies is acquiring a community planning firm with experience throughout the Southwest. The Orcutt Winslow Partnership, with 80 employees, is expanding with the expertise of Synergy+, a five-person...

Westcor on Starwood's Waterfront list.(Westcor Partners; Starwood Capital Group's Scottsdale Waterfront project)
October 8, 1999... Westcor Partners could pump up its muscle at one of the Valley's hottest retail sites as co-developer of the $140 million Scottsdale Waterfront project. Westcor, owner of the adjacent Scottsdale Fashion square, is on a short list of...

Overcooked? Theme restaurants facing tough times.(Phoenix Metropolitan Area)
October 8, 1999... For theme restaurants fighting to be profitable in the crowded world of dining, seducing customers is a struggle. Just ask Matt VanAuken, general manager of Hard Rock Care in Phoenix. He said when he arrived at the rock-and-roll restaurant...

Sun Community forms real estate holding company.(Sun Community Bancorp Ltd.'s formation of Sunrise Capital Corp.)
October 8, 1999... Sun Community Bancorp Ltd. of Phoenix already is spawning more spin-offs than a Successful TV sitcom. Sun, Which became a public company in July, has formed Sunrise Capital Corp., a bank holding company that will open banks focusing on...

Kroger merger creams dairy.(merger between Kroger Co. and Fred Meyer Inc.)
October 8, 1999... One Valley dairy is preparing to close at the same time another moves to better milk the industry. Jackson & Co. in Phoenix, which has 88 employees, will shut down in late November as a result of its parent company's recently completed...

MacAmerica prepares to re-create local web site.(MacAmerica Communications; Azfamily.com)
October 8, 1999... It's hard to miss the diagram near Jason Baer's desk, a schematic of an ant's anatomy that serves as a backdrop to a couple of ant farms and models of the mythical "Cooties" microbe that decorate his office. "I used to have one of these as...

Wire-free computing is hitting the Phoenix market.
October 8, 1999... Time to cut the cord. Most of the major wireless phone services in the Valley are gearing up to launch a new wave of wireless data services that will make retrieving e-mail or browsing the web as easy as checking voice mail or receiving a...

Making baseball playoffs not a guarantee of profit.
October 8, 1999... When Arizona Diamondbacks chairman and chief executive Jerry Colangelo asked his partners to invest an additional $25 million this summer to overcome a budget deficit born of sluggish ticket sales, he said he was addressing long-term issues...

A caring heart: surgeon strives for quality with perfection.(Profile)(Edward B. Diethrich, founder and medical director of Arizona Heart Institute and Hospital)
October 8, 1999... Dr. Edward T. Diethrich is an early riser and hard driver - and he expects nothing less of those around him. As medical director and co-founder of the Arizona Heart Institute and Hospital in Phoenix, Diethrich will not hesitate to squeeze...

Pro hockey in Arizona could face a pricey future.
October 8, 1999... The Phoenix Coyotes appear to be the model of a successful professional sports team. They played to 96 percent of their arena capacity, last season, finished with the fourth-best record in the NHL's Western Conference and own a unique...

Smooth landing: Southwest Jet knows which way the wind is blowing.(Small Biz)(Southwest Jet Aviation)(Company Profile)
October 8, 1999... Southwest Jet knows which way the wind is blowing Southwest Jet Aviation/SJA LLC: Provides aviation services including charter service, aircraft and maintenance management, aircraft sales and acquisition, hangar services, fractional...

Buyer of two Phoenix eye practices looks for more.(Prime Medical Services Inc.)
October 8, 1999... Prime Medical Services Inc. is on a Multimillion-dollar acquisition binge throughout the country as it rapidly expands into the eye-care industry. The Austin, Texas-based company, which had focused just on kidney stone treatment through a...

Charter schools set for $40M in bonds.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... Nine Arizona charter schools are in line to receive $40 million under a new state law designed to bring charters a step closer to being the financial equals of public schools. The bond package keeps Arizona in the forefront as charter...

Ticket to ride.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... Couple strives to give state fair festive face lift Charlene Leavitt chuckles when she recalls a complaint letter from a disappointed fair-goer. "He wanted to show his son what an old-world carnie looked like," says Charlene, who...

Phoenix Children's Hospital finds partner in Scottsdale Healthcare.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Phoenix Children's Hospital and Scottsdale Healthcare have signed an agreement that will give sick kids in north Scottsdale more immediate access to pediatric specialists. The affiliation also helps PCH strengthen its referral base when...

Goracing.com cruising toward $56 million IPO.
October 15, 1999... Wave the starting flag for Goracing.com Inc., the latest Arizona company to speed its way toward an initial public offering. Goracing.com, which hosts a motor-sports news and information web site, is expected to complete a $56 million IPO...

Salvation for worn-out soles.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Bruce Baker couldn't quite figure out why his mobile shoe-repair company was steadily losing business. He had setup a nice business for himself in 1985 by traveling to Valley offices and replacing the small-heel tips on women's pumps. ...

IF YOU BUILD IT [ldots] THEY WILL WORK.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... IF YOU BUILD IT [ldots] THEY WILL WORK Construction job growth Percent change from first half of 1998 vs. first half of 1999 ARIZONA 10.2%...

Plan gives Valley chambers a way to bury hatchet.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... A white flag is being waved over the chambers of commerce battle zone in the Valley. It comes with a plan to unite them into a group -- the Valley Business Council -- and give them a way to work together on issues. That would be an...

Forum on the edge.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... The Arizona Forum's fate will be known next Thursday when its board decides whether it has the financial backing to continue. The forum, modeled after San Francisco's Commonwealth Club, has drawn lots of notable news makers during its...

Enterprise Network.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... The Enterprise Network, meanwhile, is up and running for a new season. Featured this month is Rich Rudow, CEO of Fleet Management Services, which helps companies such as Rural/Metro manage their vehicle operations. It's Oct. 21 at the...

Garden blooming.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Bennett Dorrance hosted a number of heavy hitters at his new home in Paradise Valley this week to say thanks for their work on the Desert Botanical Garden's capital fundraising campaign. And to make sure they hit the goal. The garden has...

Thought for the day.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... An Officeteam survey found that 91 percent of executives consider their assistant's opinion important when hiring a job applicant. Just shows it pays to be nice to everyone you encounter, including the boss' secretary.

Planet Hollywood latest key spot open at Biltmore.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... The inability of Obachine and Planet Hollywood to establish themselves at Biltmore Fashion Park has left two key vacancies in the Phoenix shopping center. Obachine closed at the end of May and Planet Hollywood exited on Oct. 11. ...

New software is aimed at helping newspapers retain ad revenue.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... David Frenkel sees himself as an arms dealer in the civil war between Internet and print media. Frenkel, president and chief executive of Pentawave Inc., Scottsdale, is developing software designed to help traditional newspapers retain...

CORRECTIONS.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... A list of the Valley Leadership roster Oct. 1 was labeled incorrectly as the graduating class. The roster listed members of the current class. The phone number for the Tempe Community Action Agency was listed incorrectly Oct. 1. It should...

East Valley greenbelt plan mirrors Indian Bend Wash.(Maricopa County, AZ)(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Maricopa County officials are considering their own version of Scottsdale's people-friendly Indian Bend Wash. The goal is to redesign the Maricopa County Floodway in the East Valley into a linear park. The flood control channel starts at...

Report criticized by homebuilders.(Sierra Club's report on sprawl)(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... The Sierra Club's latest report criticizing Arizona and other high-growth states is based on incomplete information, a Valley homebuilders' group says. The report, called "Solving Sprawl," was released Oct. 4. It gives mediocre or low...

CPA report: Women move to top of accounting game.(CPA Personnel Report)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... Women are making steady progress toward partnerships at accounting firms, according to a survey conducted by CPA Personnel Report, an Atlanta newsletter. The survey showed that an average of one in 10 partners at accounting firms...

Minority business owners, buyers gather for supplier convention.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... About 4,000 minority business owners and buying organizations will be arriving in Phoenix this month as part of a national convention. The National Minority Supplier Development Council's annual conference is held in hopes, of acquainting...

Cranial Technologies Inc. plans to expand to Spain.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Cranial Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of bands used to reshape infants' abnormal heads, is expanding into Spain. With this new franchise, Cranial Technologies has centers in three countries in addition to its 12 U.S. locations. The...

Emery Worldwide quadruples its office space to increase efficiency.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... The Phoenix office of Emery Worldwide is anticipating a long-awaited move into nearly four times its current office space. The air-freight company is moving from a 16,000-square-foot facility to one that is 60,000 square feet at 2937 E....

Symmetry Data Systems inks deal with Florida firm.(Medical Artificial Intelligence )(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Whenever Mitchell Portnoy is at a party and tries to explain what his company does, people's eyes glaze over and they glance around for someone else to talk to. Even his parents don't know exactly what he does, but they are proud of their...

NASCAR's COO to speak in Phoenix.(Mike Helton)(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... What sport is looking for a more professional image yet has been one of the fastest growing over the past five years? Motorcar racing, according to Mike Helton, senior vice president and chief operating officer of NASCAR, who will speak at...

Tucson's Brake Masters to add 7 Valley stores.(Brake Masters Systems Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... A Tucson brake-repair business will strengthen its Valley presence with seven locations next year. Brake Masters Systems Inc. already has 11 stores in metropolitan Phoenix. New units will start opening in January. There will be two in...

Chicago investment firm scouts Valley for more office buildings.(CMD Realty Investors Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... A Chicago-based private investment company is upping the ante in the high-stakes game of office building ownership in metro Phoenix. CMD Realty Investors Inc. is scouting for more office complexes to add to the three it bought in early...

Wage hike could hurt welfare-to-work efforts.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... As vice president of new concepts development, Darrell Woods helped San Antonio-based Luby's develop a smaller prototype restaurant that can be staffed with only 35 full-time employees, compared with 70 in the chain's full-size cafeterias. ...

Students give new look to architecture 'Owards'.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... The recipients at Orchids & Onions Owards on Nov. 5 in Phoenix will be receiving something a bit unusual this year. Oward winners will get pieces of artwork with unusual design concepts -- all in keeping with the spirit of the Owards, which...

University of Phoenix starts new health curriculum.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... University of Phoenix is launching an undergraduate business degree program in health care services on Oct. 26. The goal is to prepare working adult students for management positions in the health care industry. Based in the...

Rural/Metro 'steels' deal.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... Rural/Metro Corp. of Scottsdale has been awarded a $16 million contract to provide industrial fire protection and security services to Bethlehem Steel Corp.'s facility in Burns Harbor, Ind. Under this five-year agreement, Rural/Metro will...

Scottsdale Healthcare.(www.shc.org)(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Scottsdale Healthcare is offering online physician referrals through its redesigned interactive web site, www.shc.org. Interactive physician referrals allow viewers to input criteria such as the name of the insurance provider in which they...

Tax breaks.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... ACSIA Insurance Services in Tempe is offering a free booklet that describes tax savings for business owners considering long-term-care insurance. The booklet is published by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. ...

Child center on horizon.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... Bright Horizons is nearing completion of its child-development center for Motorola Inc. The 231-capacity center is under construction at the Arizona State University Research Park, 2145 E. Research Drive, Tempe. It is expected to open in...

Secondhand smoke.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... The Environmental Protection Agency is implementing a new outreach campaign to keep secondhand smoke away from children. The key message of the campaign is "if you can't quit, smoke outside for your kids." Secondhand smoke is the name...

Breast HealthCare Associates.(National Breast Cancer Awareness Month)(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Dr. Gabriel de Freitas of Breast HealthCare Associates has teamed with Bashas' HealthStyles to present free breast health information clinics during October as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Angela Gonzales, senior...

VA Hospital expansion.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... The Veterans Administration Hospital in Tucson awarded a $2.2 million contract to Sun Belt Builders Inc. of Sonoita, Ariz. Sun Belt recently was certified by the, Small Business Administration for meeting the criteria for a firm located in...

Sexual-abuse fund raiser.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... The city of Phoenix has opened the Family Advocacy Center for domestic violence and sexual abuse victims and has kicked off a $100,000 fund-raising campaign. Angela Gonzales, senior reporter, covers health care and work force development...

New graphic design firm targeting small business.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... A new Tempe graphic design firm is focusing on creating new images for successful small businesses. EVO Design Integration LLC is targeting manufacturers with $3 million to $30 million in annual sales. "We believe that companies in...

Barclay adds accounts.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Barclay Communications Inc. recently added five pieces of business: McCormick & Schmick's, Barnum's Kaleidoscape, Firebird International Raceway, Destination Films and Komen Race for the Cure. The Phoenix public relations and advertising...

Marketecture.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Marketecture has been occupied by more than its clients lately. The strategic marketing, advertising, audio-visual production and PR agency has moved from Scottsdale to Mesa and plans to open a satellite office in Austin, Texas, next year....

Haynie, Steward global.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Art Haynie and Brad Steward have finished a five-spot package for Saloman Sports, a ski, shoe, snowboard and in-line skate manufacturer based in France. The pair landed the work through London-based Bullet Films, which represents the...

International winners.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Mark your calendars for this one. The Phoenix Ad Club's next luncheon will feature International Advertising Festival winners. The prestigious awards are held in Cannes, France, every June. This year, there were more than 4,500 entries...

Foundation picks Element.(Arizona Foundation for Women hires Element Design + Communications)(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... The Arizona Foundation for Women has hired Element Design + Communications in Mesa to design its newsletter and handle communication services. The not-for-profit foundation funds projects and programs that help Arizona women and children....

Long-time Valley lawyer tapped for Regents board.(Gary Stuart appointed to Arizona Board of Regents)(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Phoenix attorney Gary Stuart, with Jennings Strouss & Salmon, was appointed by Gov. Jane Hull to the Arizona Board of Regents for a four-year term. The board governs Arizona's three public universities. Stuart has been with Jennings...

Firm honors alumnus.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Deloitte & Touche honored Rex Maughan at its annual alumni reception, where one former associate or partner is recognized each year as an Outstanding Alumni. The Oct. 5 event also marked the accounting firm's partnership with the Desert...

No shallow attacks.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... After Arizona Speaker of the House Jeff Groscost, R-Mesa, called the state's judiciary a "shallow pond," Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Zlacket retaliated. In a recent newspaper article, Groscost referred to Justice William...

Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... The Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments has recommended 11 people to Gov. Jane Hull as potential judicial appointments to Maricopa County Superior Court. The new judges will fill vacancies in Divisions 72, 73, and 74. ...

Lucky 13.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... A number of Lewis & Roca attorneys, 13 to be exact, were awarded the distinction of "best legal talent" by The Best Lawyers in America 1999-2000, a reference guide of attorneys nationwide. Included in the latest edition, published by...

Screening the batch.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... In the realm at employment law, Profit Protection Consulting in Mesa has created a "do-it-yourself" pre-employment screening guide for human-resource managers, small-business owners and other professionals. The kit supplies employers with...

Big construction projects showcased on bus tour.
October 15, 1999... Realtors, property owners and other real estate junkies are signing up for a bus tour of major projects in the Valley. Registration for the Oct. 26 tour is at 11:30 a.m. at Camelback Esplanade IV, 24th Street and Camelback Road, Phoenix....

Jim Colson.(appointed economic development director of Glendale, AZ)(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Glendale's city hall has a new face. Jim Colson is moving in to become the new economic development director. He replaces Jim Devine, who earlier this year moved to the Midwest to become the economic development director of Lee's Summit, Mo....

Healthy transition.(New Mexico and Arizona Land Co. financial results)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... New Mexico and Arizona Land Co. (AMEX:NZ), also operating under the name NZ/Bridge Financial, enjoyed soaring revenue for the quarter and nine months that ended Sept. 30. Revenue for the quarter was $8.9 million, up from $2.8 million in...

New offices for Moerkerke.(Moerkerke Realty Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... A long-time family realty business, in downtown Scottsdale is moving north to keep up with the fast-paced market. Moerkerke Realty Inc., a fixture for 30 years in offices at Indian School Road and Goldwater Boulevard, has moved to 14550 N....

Helping abused children.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Six exclusive homes in the gated communities of Desert Highlands and Desert Mountain will be open Oct. 24 for public tours to raise money for Free Arts for Abused Children. Volunteers in the nonprofit organization teach creative arts to...

A final phase.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Homebuilder Geoffrey H. Edmunds is planning Cimarron Ridge, its final phase of Cimarron Hills and One Hundred Hills developments at McDowell Mountain Ranch in north Scottsdale. Presales will begin later this year. The first models are...

iTool patrons get no fee domain name.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... Phoenix web-design and hosting firm iTool.com is wasting no time taking advantage of its certification from Internet Corp. for Assigned Names and Numbers, the agency that helps assign web-site names and addresses. The Phoenix company is...

Tech Oasis gains support.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... The Tech Oasis plan being promoted by the Arizona Software and Internet Association appears to be picking up steam, to use an industrial Age metaphor. After seeing the group's idea for a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the needs...

Jotter in discussions.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Jotter Technologies Inc., the Mesa software company known for a tool bar that automatically fills out forms on web sites, kicked butt and took names at last week's Internet World trade show. According to chairman Ken Wilton, some of the...

Motorola gets under skin.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Motorola might not be the first company you think of when you get sick, but thanks to a $9 million project with Arizona State University and CFD Research Corp. of Huntsville, Ala., it just might. The company has been selected to help work...

Going Yellow.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... RIGL Corp., a Mesa company that hopes to compete with local phone companies' online Yellow Pages, has renamed itself YP.Net Inc. Company officials say they hope to align themselves closer to the Internet business and make the directory...

ASU West launches 2 tourism management courses.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... Arizona State University West's Department of Recreation and Tourism Management are offering two new minors: tourism management and special events management. The tourism management program develops students' understanding of tourist...

Four Seasons advertising.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon is gearing up for its mid-December opening with an ad campaign running in upscale magazines such as Wine Spectator and Golf Digest from now through December. "It's a very extensive national media...

Take the Hohokam route.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
October 15, 1999... A nonprofit organization committed to promoting and protecting the Sonoran desert culture is launching a series of weekend tours that retrace the footsteps of the ancient Hohokam people, the Spanish missionaries or explore the desert outdoors....

Fighting breast cancer.(Brief Article)
October 15, 1999... For the remainder of the month, Tempe's Wyndham Buttes Resort will be donating a percentage of guests' room bills to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of breast cancer awareness month. The "Dream for the Cure" program...