RealtyHop last month released its 2021 list of the in the nation and one of them was from Arizona.

on the list is Arizona鈥檚 zip code in Paradise Valley. The Paradise Valley zip code had a 12.88% increase in the median listing price from 2020 to 2021. The median listing price in 2020 for 85253 jumped from $2.299 million to $2.595 million.  

Arizona statewide real estate and property values performed exceptionally well. According to the , Metro Phoenix was ranked tops in the nation when it came to home price growth with an outstanding 33% year-over-year gain, a full 13% higher than the national average of 19.8%. 

, a data analyst for Realty Hop who published the study for the second year in a row, pointed out the effects Covid had on real estate growth. Because many have adopted either a completely virtual work environment or hybrid work environment, many have chosen to move to their dream cities where they will feel more comfortable spending time at home; one of the cities many people seem to have their sights set on happens to be Phoenix. 

Hybrid and virtual work environments reduce the hours and expense of commuting,  creating more financial stability and the ability to afford larger homes in nicer areas. As migration increases, prices in housing did as well. 

Only 11 states made the list this year, with the them being in California. Sixty three zip codes from California are on the list, followed by 20 in New York and five in New Jersey. The zip code that holds the number one spot is Atherton, , in California with a in 2021 of $8.95 million.

California may have made the top of the list, but in the next few years this could change due to the large number of businesses choosing to leave California. conducted a seven-year study that monitored where these businesses are choosing to go, with  Arizona registering as the third most popular destination. The study shows that more than $68 billion in capital was diverted form California companies, with Arizona as the largest beneficiary of that divestment. 
鈥淩eal estate seems to be stable, and more people are moving to the state than leaving,” said , president of SKC Strategies and executive vice president of business development for .”More businesses are moving to Arizona because of the favorable business environment and the relatively low cost of living.”

Author: Flannery Sloan, Arizona Junior Fellow

The post Arizona zip code among most expensive in the nation appeared first on 探花精选.

The Arizona State Legislature passed a bill earlier this year allowing licensed restaurants, bars, and liquor stores the opportunity to sell mixed cocktails to-go. This new market will expand Arizona鈥檚 to-go and delivery industry. 

To-Go Alcohol 2021 was one of the largest changes to Arizona Liquor law in the form of HB 2773 to the Arizona Restaurant Association. The bill will provide any business that obtains an approved lease the ability to sell mixed cocktails for off-premise consumption. 

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants, bars, and liquor stores across the state faced closures and shut-downs, but Gov. Doug Ducey signed an executive order in March 2020 legalizing the sale of spirits to-go. The sale of alcohol to-go becomes permanent with the implementation of HB 2773, even after the pandemic ends.

Upon signing HB 2773 Gov. Ducey , 鈥淗ouse Bill 2773 will make sure restaurants and bars have the opportunity to expand operations and meet the needs of their customers, especially after weathering the effects of the pandemic.鈥�

The bill gives businesses two different ways to access this new market, one for mixed cocktails and one for packaged goods. Mixed cocktails refer to any drink combined on the premises of the business that contains liquor and one other ingredient. Packaged goods refer to liquor, wine, beer, or other types of spirituous liquors that are in the original container. 

The legislation was sponsored by Chander state Rep. Jeff Weninger, a restaurateur. 

鈥淢any businesses were hard hit by the pandemic, but smart policies like permitting to-go beverages helped keep many afloat,鈥� Weninger at the time of the bill鈥檚 passage. 鈥淗ouse Bill 2773 will help bars, liquor stores and restaurants grow, and it will attract new businesses to our state. This is a major win for Arizona鈥檚 food and beverage industry, and I thank Governor Ducey for signing this legislation.鈥�

Beginning October 1, bars and liquor stores were able to start selling mixed cocktails to-go. Restaurants that are licensed to sell alcohol are able to apply for a lease granting them the ability to participate in this new way of selling. If a restaurant is approved by the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC), the business will be assigned an automatic yearly renewable lease for to-go cocktails. Restaurants will have to pay a fee of $200 for the application and a fee of $2,500 for the lease.

The to-go mixed cocktails must be sold in a container that is clean, approved by the national sanitation organization, and does not exceed 32 ounces. There is no limit to how many containers one can buy in an order, but each individual container must be under 32 ounces. These containers must only be filled with the drink on the premises of the business after it has been ordered. It must also have a 鈥榯amper-proof seal,鈥� all government warning labels, and the business鈥檚 logo or name. 

In a similar fashion to restaurants, any bar is given the ability to sell packaged goods to restaurants for off-premises consumption on a lease. The DLLC must approve the lease and there is a $200 application fee. Beer and wine bars only can sell beer and wine, whereas bars can sell beer, wine, and other spirituous liquors to restaurants. 

Both bars and restaurants are also given the ability to do alcohol deliveries, directly from the business or utilize a third-party delivery system only during the hours of 6:00 am to 2:00 am of the next day. Any third-party service must register with the DLLC before starting to deliver alcohol on behalf of businesses.  

Any time an order is placed for both to-go cocktails and packaged goods, a business or third-party delivery system is allowed to ask for age verification and documentation requirements.

The new law still ensures that restaurants follow certain regulations regarding alcohol distribution. Restaurants must maintain a 40/60 ratio of food to alcohol, all employees must be given liquor training, restaurants may receive no more than 30% of their total alcohol sales from to-go sales, and they must make sure that all to-go alcohol sales include food.

The Arizona Restaurant Association has cheered the new law.

鈥淩estaurants, bars and liquor stores throughout the state will have the opportunity to drastically expand their operations thanks to the signing of House Bill 2773,鈥� Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri said. 鈥淭o-go cocktails will help businesses bring in revenue and attract new customers, and it will draw new restaurants and bars to our state. My thanks to Representative Weninger for sponsoring the legislation, and to Governor Ducey for signing it.鈥�

Further information and guidelines are expected to come out from The Department of Liquor Licenses and Control and the DLLC later this month.If you鈥檇 like to read more, check out

Author: Flannery Sloan, Arizona Junior Fellow

The post Arizona restaurants can now sell cocktails to-go thanks to new law appeared first on 探花精选.

A new report from a leading Arizona economist finds that the state鈥檚 economic development prospects would brighten if policymakers made the commercial property tax more competitive.

An analysis of tax rates in key markets in the Southwest and the West found that Arizona has some of the highest for office and industrial space, putting it at a disadvantage in the region. 

鈥淚n Arizona, the commercial property tax remains relatively high despite recent efforts to reduce the business tax burden,鈥� said Jim Rounds, an economist specializing in public policy and economic forecasting, who prepared the report for the of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP). 鈥淪tate tax policy must be designed so businesses can remain competitive.鈥� 

Currently, the state鈥檚 assessment ratio on commercial property stands at 18 percent versus 10 percent for residential, Rounds鈥� analysis shows. 

鈥淭his means that office industrial, retail and other business properties are paying significantly higher property taxes than comparable residential properties,鈥� he said.

Legislation would gradually reduce assessment ratio

To remedy the situation, Rounds recommends passage of a proposal at the state Legislature to gradually phase down the commercial property assessment ratio from 18 percent to 17 percent over the next two years. 

Ideally, dropping the rate down to 15 percent over time would be a strong catalyst for investment here, Rounds said. 

Business advocacy organizations statewide are in support of the proposal, including the Arizona Chapter of the NAIOP, which represents developers, owners and investors of office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate in the state.

鈥淐oming out of the pandemic, there are going to be a lot of companies looking to relocate and we want the whole state of Arizona to be in that top tier of the markets that companies are going to when they are either locating or expanding into the western region,鈥� said Suzanne Kinney, Arizona NAIOP president and CEO. 

鈥淩ight now, the commercial property tax is one area where we鈥檙e simply not competitive, and unfortunately, it causes us to not make it into the final consideration for some site selectors.鈥�

Office and industrial tax rates 鈥渢hrough the roof鈥� 

According to the report, compared to the most popular markets in the Western United States, Arizona has the second highest commercial property tax rate for industrial space and third highest for office.  

鈥淗ouston is at the top of the list, but it鈥檚 not apples to apples. They have zero income tax and extremely generous cash incentives,鈥� Kinney said. 

And while everyone is celebrating recent successes in Arizona with the semiconductor sector, most of these companies are located in Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), which provide cost savings and incentives, she said. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 a wonderful program, but it鈥檚 not available to all companies,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey are restricted to certain geographic areas and companies get a dramatic reduction in their property tax and that鈥檚 factored into their decision to choose Arizona.

鈥淲hat we鈥檙e really hoping for is to broaden out the competitive nature of our tax climate so that businesses, wherever they want to locate in the state, are going to see us as a competitive market.鈥�

Reduced tax revenues would be offset by economic growth 

By dropping the tax rate from 18 to 17 percent, the Legislature estimates that the net assessed value reduction will equal $1.39 billion by tax year 2023. That represents a  1.7 percent reduction, Rounds said. 

That does not mean the tax burden would have to be shifted to residential or other classifications, Rounds said. There are a number of factors that could easily offset the loss in tax revenues. 

For one, other incentives currently in place for businesses could be removed or reduced down the line. Years of rising commercial property values have also increased tax revenues from the sector and that will continue with new growth.   

鈥淪tatewide commercial property values have been increasing by more than 6 percent per year over the last five years,鈥� the report states. 鈥淭hus, the anticipated growth will more than full offset any modest reductions in the assessment ratio.鈥� 

A reduction in the commercial assessment ratio of the property tax formula would result in municipalities modifying local government tax rates, resulting in a 鈥渕ore competitive balance鈥� in the tax code, the report says. 

History shows it works 

Arizona has taken steps in the past to reduce commercial property taxes. Prior to 2006, the assessment ratio on commercial property was 25 percent. 

Over the past 15 years, the ratio has gradually reduced to 18 percent. As the rate declined, the value of commercial property increased at an average annual rate of 5.1 percent between 2000 and 2020, according to the analysis. 

That improved the state鈥檚 competitive position, helping fuel new economic growth and resulted in 鈥渁 net gain in tax collections.鈥� 

Chambers, utilities and trade associations in support 

Organizations in support of lowering the tax rate for commercial property include:

Arizona Association For Economic Development

Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry 

Arizona Fire District Association

Arizona Free Enterprise Club

Arizona Public Service Company

Arizona Tax Research Association

Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Phoenix

East Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce 

Lumen Technologies 

National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, Arizona Chapter 

National Federation of Independent Businesses

National Association of Commercial Real Estate Executives for Economic Development, Arizona Chapter 

National Association of Theatre Owners 

Salt River Project

Southwest Gas 

Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

The post Commercial property tax reduction recommended to spur growth in Arizona appeared first on 探花精选.

Chandler鈥檚 expanding tech sector is shrinking the gender pay gap and beating out many of the top markets when it comes to salaries for women in the field, according to a new report from the popular financial services website, SmartAsset. 

Chandler ranked the 14th best city for women employed in technology careers, according to the report, the annual . 

To determine the rankings, SmartAsset compared U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics of 63 cities in four areas: gender pay gap, income after housing costs, females as a percentage of workers, and three-year growth in employment.

Chandler beat out top markets like Atlanta, Chicago 

Chandler ranked higher than most cities in all categories. For example, Chandler fared better than top markets like Atlanta, Chicago and Fort Worth for the number of women in the tech workforce.  

The findings for Chandler show that: 

• After housing costs, the city ranks fifth highest in the nation for salaries with the average annual pay of $60,269
• From 2016 to 2019, Chandler saw a 23 percent increase in women in the tech workforce, tying for eighth fastest growing market for women alongside Washington, D.C.; Chesapeake, Va.; and Philadelphia
• Women constitute 28.1 percent of the city鈥檚 tech workforce
• For every dollar that men make, women in tech here earn 85 cents, above the national average

Some cities virtually eliminated pay gap 

Overall, men still outrank women in pay and rank across the U.S. But many cities have almost erased inequities in the tech industry. 

Long Beach and Baltimore, Md., now can claim that women are paid virtually the same as men in the field, earning 101 cents and 99 cents respectively for every dollar men earn, the report shows. 

Washington, D.C., saw the most equity in hiring. It has the highest percentage of women in the tech workforce at 38.9 percent.  

Chandler鈥檚 tech scene 

Chandler鈥檚 lure for tech workers comes down to many factors. A Southwest lifestyle, moderate housing prices and quality schools are often cited for reasons people move here, city officials said.  

High-tech jobs are another. As Arizona鈥檚 fourth largest, Chandler is becoming known as an important in the Southwest for high-tech manufacturing and development. Over the past decade, it has attracted data centers, network solutions, software engineering, payment processing and other mission critical operations. 

Among those who call the city home are: Intel, NXP Semiconductors, Microchip Technology, Northrop Grumman, Avnet, Rogers Corporation, Isola and Everspin Technologies.

Chandler also is home to multiple resources for entrepreneurs and tech startups including a city-funded business incubator, , which offers incubation programming and services delivered by . Other resources are , the community-based workshop and prototyping studio and technology-based education at the .

Thousands of new jobs coming

Chandler鈥檚 tech sector is in a growth phase with thousands of jobs coming on line with several new announcements from existing and new industries locating here. 

Among the most recent announcements are:

Intel to build two new fabrication facilities 

is investing $20 billion to expand its semiconductor manufacturing operations with at its Ocotillo Campus in Chandler.

This is the largest private investment of any kind in Arizona history, Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke said when the news broke. 

鈥淚ntel鈥檚 continued expansion of its largest, most advanced manufacturing site in the world exemplifies the presence of innovation in Chandler,鈥� Mayor Hartke said. 鈥淎 talented workforce, excellent quality of life, proactive planning and decades of infrastructure investments enable global innovators like Intel to excel in our community.鈥� 

Intel鈥檚 expansion is projected to add more than 3,000 high-tech, high-wage jobs and support an additional 15,000 jobs indirectly. Another 3,000 construction jobs will be employed while the fabrication facilities are being built. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year.

Northrop Grumman selected for next generation fighter aircraft

, which has a corporate campus in Chandler, was awarded a contract by the Missile Defense Agency for the . The contract is for the 鈥渞apid鈥� development and flight test of an interceptor designed to defend the nation against the most complex long-ranged threats. Northrop Grumman is teamed with Raytheon Missiles & Defense to deliver the aircraft.

Viavi headquarters and manufacturing plant

San Jose based , a manufacturer of testing and monitoring equipment for networks, announced for its Optical Security and Performance Products segment to establish a new manufacturing facility in Chandler. Viavi also is transitioning its headquarters to the new facility, which is anticipated to house at least 100 employees by 2022.

To see a list of other key industries in Chandler, visit: To read SmartAssets report on women in tech, visit: .

The post Chandler beating most of U.S. in hiring, salaries for women in tech appeared first on 探花精选.

Restaurants, bars and other food service providers in Arizona could see more relief to carry them through the final throes of the pandemic that has negatively impacted almost every dining and drinking establishment here. 

On Saturday, the U.S. House worked into the wee hours to pass the $1.9 trillion that includes $25 billion in restaurant relief. Now, the package is  in the Senate for consideration. While there are disagreements over some sections, a provision to help restaurants and bars that are still struggling has strong support. 

Relief for small and mid-sized restaurants

Included in the package is the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide $25 billion in relief for small and mid-sized restaurants. It is based on an amendment overwhelmingly approved by Congress last month that added a dedicated restaurant relief fund to the plan.The amendment was introduced as a bipartisan, bicameral effort from four senators and representatives including Arizona U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D).

鈥淎rizona restaurants fuel jobs across our state, and these employers need support now more than ever,鈥� Sinema said. 鈥淓stablishing a restaurant rescue plan will get Arizonans back to work and ensure local Arizona restaurants can keep their doors open as we continue to fight the ongoing pandemic and lay the groundwork for a full economic recovery.鈥� 

Forgivable grants would provide aid for payroll, mortgage, utilities and more 

Restaurants, bars and other food service businesses that receive grants through the relief package would not need to pay them back as long as they use the funds for essential operating expenses such as payroll, mortgages, rent, utilities, and personal protection equipment. 

鈥淪enator Sinema鈥檚 bill is a game-changer for an industry that is a critical jobs and economic driver for Arizona. Almost 90 percent of restaurants have furloughed or laid off employees, and that number is on track to only get worse as this pandemic wrecks the industry,鈥� said Steve Chucri, president and CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association. 

Food trucks, caterers, food stands and brew pubs included in aid package 

In addition to restaurants and bars, other entities eligible for support from the RRF include food stands, food trucks, food carts, caterers, saloons, inns, taverns, lounges, brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms, and any licensed facility or premise of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products.

The act allows for grants equal to a pandemic-related revenue loss of up to $10 million per entity or $5 million per physical location. The grants are calculated by subtracting 2020 revenue from 2019 revenue. Entities are limited to 20 locations.

Restaurant relief grants could be used for a variety of expenses including:

• Payroll costs
• Principal and interest payments on a mortgage, not including any prepayments on principal
• Rent payments, not including prepayments
• Utilities
• Maintenance expenses including construction to accommodate outdoor seating and walls, floods, deck surfaces, furniture, fixtures, and equipment
• Supplies including personal protective equipment and cleaning materials
• Food and beverage expenses within the eligible entity’s scope of normal business practice before the covered period, which runs from Feb. 15, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2021, or another date as determined by the Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Covered supplier costs
• Operational expenses
• Paid sick leave

Economically disadvantaged, women and veterans would receive priority 

During the first 21 days of the grants, the SBA will prioritize applications from restaurants owned and operated or controlled by women, veterans, or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

The plan requires applicants to make a good-faith certification that the uncertainty of current economic conditions makes the grant request necessary to support the applicant’s ongoing operations and that the applicant has not also applied for or received a grant.

The plan sets aside $5 billion for eligible applicants with 2019 gross receipts of $500,000 or less. The bill also charges the SBA with awarding the other $20 billion in grants in “an equitable manner to eligible entities of different sizes based on annual gross receipts.”

Concern over $15 an hour mandate in the bill 

Many restaurant owners and small businesses in Arizona expressed concern over a provision that sought to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour over four years. It also proposes to eliminate tip credits. The changes would mean that employers would have to pay every worker at least $15 an hour, even if they receive tips. 

Flagstaff, Ariz. already has a $15 an hour minimum wage. If Congress were to approve a federal wage hike, Flagstaff would automatically see its minimum wage raise to $17 an hour due to a measure approved by the Flagstaff City Council. 

For now, the controversial provision is unlikely to appear in a final deal. The Senate parliamentarian, a neutral arbiter of the chamber鈥檚 rules, issued guidance saying she thought it didn鈥檛 meet the guidelines for a budget reconciliation package. Under reconciliation, bills can pass with a simple majority, rather than the 60 votes required to invoke cloture, which ends a filibuster on a bill.

What else is in the American Rescue Plan 

Other measures included in the rescue plan are:

• An extension of federal unemployment benefits from $300 to $400 per week through the end of September
• A new $15 billion grant program for struggling small business owners, separate from the existing Paycheck Protection Program, along with a $35 billion investment in local financing programs that provide businesses with low-interest loans
• An extension of eviction and foreclosure moratoriums until the end of September, with $5 billion set aside to help tenants struggling to pay rent.
• Restoration of emergency paid sick leave through the end of September
• $350 billion in aid for state and local governments
• $170 billion in aid for K-12 schools and higher education
• $50 billion for Covid-19 testing
• 15 percent increase in SNAP benefits through September
• $20 billion toward a national vaccine program, in partnership with state and local governments
• Increasing the Child Tax Credit to $3,000 per child ($3,600 for children under 6) and making it refundable for the year

Read the full text of the proposal at:  

The post Restaurant relief served up in federal stimulus package appeared first on 探花精选.

Attracting high paying jobs and new industry and securing funding for infrastructure projects are top priorities for Arizona鈥檚 new U.S. senator, Mark Kelly, who spoke to the real estate community Friday. 

At the top of his list, however, is helping to quickly advance a new federal stimulus package to help families and small businesses still struggling from the effects of the pandemic, said Kelly (D), who laid out his priorities at a virtual breakfast meeting of the nonprofit , the voice of the real estate community in the Phoenix region. 

鈥淭here鈥檚 still a lot or work ahead to beat this virus and rebuild our economy. That鈥檚 my focus,鈥� Kelly said. 鈥淲e need to pass this relief bill quickly. Not only to tackle the virus but also to get our economy back on track. That is critical. We need to do that now.鈥�

The U.S. House approved a $1.9 trillion stimulus package Saturday and now it goes to the Senate where there is pressure to approve a package before enhanced unemployment benefits run out on March 14. But its fate clearly is in question. The House proposal was voted mostly along party lines. The bill would provide funds for vaccine distribution, manufacturing, public health, direct payments to families, relief for small businesses, and resources for schools so they can safely reopen. 

Help for seniors in crisis   

Many of Arizona鈥檚 seniors need immediate help as well, Kelly said. They are struggling with severe isolation and an inability to schedule and get to Covid vaccine appointments. Mobile meal services are overwhelmed. 

To address the crisis, Kelly co-sponsored to provide $1.5 billion to the aging network for meal delivery, vaccine outreach, programming, and caregiver support.

Looking ahead  

More than 180 attendees tuned in to hear Kelly list his goals for the coming year. In addition to Covid relief, Kelly listed a number of priorities to further economic recovery in Arizona including: 

Semiconductor manufacturing, military installations 

Attracting manufacturing jobs and protecting Arizona鈥檚 military installations are near the top of the list, said Kelly, a former NASA Space Shuttle pilot and retired U.S. Navy captain and pilot. 

Kelly said he supported the bipartisan CHIPS for America Act passed by Congress in December as part of the annual defense bill. An important piece of the legislation for Arizona are incentives for the domestic manufacturing of semiconductors to compete on the global stage, he said.

鈥淭his will help bring high paying manufacturing jobs to Arizona,鈥� Kelly said. 鈥淣ot only is this important to rebuilding our economy, it鈥檚 also a national security imperative to grow American leadership in our semiconductor sector.鈥�

Arizona鈥檚 semiconductor industry is an economic engine for the state. In 2020, the industry in Arizona had an $8 billion wage impact and was ranked No. 4 in the U.S. for semiconductor manufacturing jobs, according to the . 

Light rail, freeway to Vegas, border ports of entry 

Kelly listed several transportation infrastructure projects he supports including funding for the modernization of border ports of entry in Arizona, completion of the Interstate-11 freeway from Phoenix to Las Vegas, and infrastructure projects for tribal and rural areas. 

Another goal is to ensure progress stays on track for a project to extend light rail to connect South Phoenix with the downtown corridor. The U.S.  Department of Transportation鈥檚 Federal Transit Administration recently approved a $529.8 million grant to go towards Valley Metro鈥檚 5.5-mile South Central light rail extension and downtown hub project. 

The grant will cover close to a third of the $1.35 billion project, according to , with another $108 million coming from the Federal Highway Administration. The South Central light rail extension and downtown hub project is scheduled to be completed by 2024.

鈥淓xpansion of Valley Metro light rail is going to continue to connect the region with affordable transportation options and it’s going to lead to  greater economic growth as we work to attract more companies to come to Arizona, which is a priority of mine,鈥� he said.

Renewable energy, broadband, drought 

Other important projects include renewable energy infrastructure and jobs, expanded broadband statewide, and protection and infrastructure for Arizona water supplies, Kelly said. 

鈥淲e cannot grow our economy without securing the future of water in Arizona and we want to grow our economy. We want folks to come here. We want business to come here,鈥� Kelly said.

Bipartisanship

Kelly also spoke about his commitment to work with others on Capitol Hill. 

鈥淭he way we are going to tackle these challenges is by finding common ground and working together,鈥� said Kelly, who was elected in a special election Nov. 3 to finish out the last two years of the vacant seat of Sen. John McCain, who died in 2018.  

鈥淭he legacy of this Senate seat, previously held by Senator John McCain, is one of independence and integrity and working across the aisle. He was willing to stand up for his country and do what he believed was in the best interest of Arizona and our nation,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat legacy of service, I don’t think it will ever be matched, but it is something we should all strive for, especially right now.鈥� 

Kelly said he will be a strong advocate for all Arizonans and that starts with 鈥渓istening and learning.鈥�

Sen. Kelly鈥檚 committee assignments

As a new senator, Kelly received six committee assignments: 

• Armed Services
• SubCommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities 
• Special Committee on Aging 
• Energy and Natural Resources 
• Environment and Public Works 
• Joint Economic Committee

The post Arizona鈥檚 new U.S. Senator Mark Kelly talks to real estate community about priorities appeared first on 探花精选.

Arizona鈥檚 top public health official spoke with the business community last week about the Covid vaccine rollout in the state and recommendations for bringing workers back to the office. 

Vaccines are the key to getting back to normalcy, said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS), who spoke to employers last week at an event hosted by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. 

Limited supplies are arriving weekly to the state, and CEOs, managers and team members should get vaccinated as soon as they are able and share their experiences with employees, Christ said.

鈥淭alk confidently about the vaccine. Get the vaccine and share your experience,鈥� said Christ, who added that few people experience side effects and the shot is less painful than a flu shot. 鈥淭he vaccine is safe and effective. Encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they can.鈥�  

At the virtual event, Christ talked about what businesses and other organizations can expect in the next few months. 

Among her key points:

Supply expected to meet demand by April 

Arizona has vaccinated more than 1.2 million people. Around 150,000 vaccine doses are arriving into the state weekly and the new Johnson and Johnson one-dose vaccine is expected to start arriving in small quantities in March. The vaccination is 87 percent effective, a higher rate than the flu vaccine, Christ said. 

Currently, all counties have moved into the second phase of six vaccination phases, Phase 1B. In Phase IB, people 65 and older may receive vaccinations. Essential employees and the general public will follow over the next two months. 

In Phase 1B, counties will be prioritizing populations based on risk. Teachers and childcare workers are among those who will be at the front of the line. Other essential workers like restaurants and food service will follow. 

Finally, the general public under 65 years old could see vaccines available as soon as next month. In April, the state should be able to meet all demand, Christ said. By June, everyone who is going to get a vaccine should be immunized.聽聽

Employers of essential employees can fill out vaccine request 

Essential frontline workers will be vaccinated in Phase 1B and 1C as vaccine availability increases statewide.

Employers with essential employees who have not done so may complete the

so counties can notify them as vaccines become available. 

Also, large employers may contact their respective counties to set up on-site vaccination programs when they become available, Christ said. 

Anyone may also register for an appointment on the state website and may get vaccinated at a location near them. Many health care providers and pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens are offering vaccinations as doses become available. 

Continue to take precautions, follow requirements for capacity

While Covid case numbers, hospitalizations, ICU admissions and ventilations are down, positivity rates are still not where they should be, Christ said. 

Current positivity rates in the state are at 6.9 percent, well below the peak of 24.4 percent in December. For the virus to be considered well under control, health officials recommend it stay below 5 percent for at least two weeks. 

For that reason, businesses are still required to take measures to protect the public. Certain industries like restaurants, gyms, theaters, and water parks are required to limit capacity. To see requirements and recommendations for specific businesses, visit: . 

For now, all employers are advised to continue to take all precautions to protect their employees and customers including wearing masks, sanitizing frequently and not coming to work when ill, Christ said. 

For employers considering moving remote workers back to the office, Christ said she would like to see 鈥渓ow-moderate or minimal spread鈥� in the community with low positivity and hospitalization rates. 

鈥淲e know Covid is still circulating and want to make sure even if you are vaccinated or around other people vaccinated to still wear masks,鈥� Christ said. 

Vaccinations are opening up in phases 

Vaccines are being administered in six phases:

Phase 1A – Healthcare workers and healthcare support occupations, emergency medical services workers, long-term care facility staff and residents

Priority Phase 1B – Education and childcare workers, protective services occupations, adults 65 and older and remaining 1A populations

Phase 1B – Essential services and critical industry workers, adults with high-risk conditions in congregate settings, and remaining 1A and prioritized 1B populations

Phase 1C – Adults of any age with high-risk medical conditions, adults living in congregate settings, and remaining 1A and 1B populations

Phase 2 – Additional high-risk and critical populations, general public and remaining phase 1 populations

Phase 3 – General public and remaining phase 1 and 2 populations

More vaccination appointments opening this month  

Currently, all appointments are filled right now but more openings are expected at the end of February and beginning of March, Christ said.

About 500 provider sites are administering vaccines and anyone wishing to get vaccinated can register on the state at the DHS interactive site at . If anyone does not have the technology to register or make an appointment online, they can call 1-844-542-8201 and receive assistance in English or Spanish. 

Many health care providers and doctors as well as pharmacies including Walgreens, CVS, Fry鈥檚 and Safeway are administering vaccines as they come in. 

Christ said the impressive rollout of vaccines could not have been possible without the  health care partners 鈥渨ho have really stepped up to provide vaccinations鈥� and other services.

鈥淭his is a team effort. A week ago we were below 50 percent utilization. Now we鈥檙e at 80 percent,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e hoping where eventually everyone can find a vaccine in their normal location or with their normal health care provider.鈥�

For frequently asked questions about where to get a vaccine, visit:

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

As Arizona progresses through the phased vaccination process, public health officials recommend everyone continue to:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Check if your hand sanitizer has been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA maintains anof hand sanitizers that consumers should avoid due to possible toxic effects. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay at home when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact (within six feet) with others.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) and immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Wear masks in public settings if they can be safely managed.
• If you are at higher risk for severe illness, you should avoid attending congregate settings. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.

The post State鈥檚 top health official updates employers on vaccine rollout and what it means for them appeared first on 探花精选.

A bill to provide Covid liability protection for businesses, schools, healthcare workers, and others is advancing at the Arizona Legislature.  

The Senate Judiciary Committee last week voted 5-3 to approve the legislation to offer a shield for responsible businesses and workers who have been on the front line of the virus. 

鈥淪ince the first outbreak of COVID in Arizona in March 2020, we鈥檝e seen businesses really step up to remain open, while taking numerous safety precautions. We鈥檝e seen Arizona鈥檚 health care heroes on the front lines, battling the pandemic daily,鈥� said the sponsor of the bill, state Sen. Vince Leach, R-SaddleBrooke. 鈥淯nfortunately, there will always be people who will try to take advantage of the situation and file reckless lawsuits. I hope this legislation will give people the assurance that if they鈥檙e following health and safety precautions, they won鈥檛 be hit with a nuisance lawsuit.鈥� 

Safe harbor from unwarranted litigation

The bill, , would offer protection from reckless litigation for businesses and others who act in 鈥済ood faith鈥� to implement reasonable policies to protect their customers, clients and patients. 

SB 1377 also offers protection for injuries that result from indirect causes, such as a patient who was unable to get admitted to a hospital when healthcare facilities were barred from performing non-elective surgeries during the public health emergency. 

Under the legislation, plaintiffs would have to prove 鈥渃lear and convincing evidence that a person or provider failed to act or acted with wilful misconduct or gross negligence鈥� in order to win a civil suit. 

Thousands of employers support liability protection

The bill has seen a groundswell of support from employers and advocacy groups statewide. At the hearing last week, representatives from a variety of sectors including healthcare, education and industry urged lawmakers to pass the bill.

鈥淪enate Bill 1377 provides targeted and reasonable liability protection for responsible actors working under extraordinary circumstances,鈥� said Courtney Coolidge, vice president for government affairs at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

鈥淭his is not blanket immunity,鈥� Coolidge said. 鈥淚t provides reasonable recourse for truly bad actors.鈥�  

Steve Barclay, an attorney and lobbyist who spoke on behalf of the Arizona Medical Association, said frontline workers deserve protection and from being 鈥渟econd guessed鈥� in the future. 

鈥淥ur physicians, our nurses, our health professionals have served so admirably, tirelessly, and at personal sacrifice to treat thousands and thousands of patients across this state for a never-before-seen virus,鈥� Barclay said. 鈥淥ur heroes deserve some added protection from being second-guessed later and subjected to unmeritorious lawsuits for alleged errors in the care that they provided under adverse conditions to the best of their ability. That鈥檚 what this bill intends to do.鈥� 

Chad Heinrich, Arizona state director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), said small businesses are more at risk of financial ruin if faced with nuisance lawsuits.

鈥淥ur members in Arizona have made it clear that this is the top priority for them this session,鈥� he said. 

Meanwhile, Barry Aarons, a lobbyist for the Arizona Trial Attorneys Association voiced opposition to the bill, saying it places the standard for proof so high that legitimate medical malpractice claims will be almost impossible to litigate.

Responsible operators deserve protection 

Most businesses and organizations have proven that they can act responsibly, proponents of the measure said. They have shifted their business models, put up plexiglass shields, personal protection equipment for employees, and followed guidelines for sanitizing and social distancing from the Centers for Disease Control.

Leach and other state lawmakers began working on a liability bill last year when the U.S. Congress failed to adopt protective legislation through the CARES Act or subsequent legislation. 

Since then, Leach and other legislators have heard from hundreds of constituents calling for a state-sponsored protection bill. Stakeholders like the Arizona Chamber, the Greater Phoenix Chamber and the NFIB worked with industry groups and provided input to help put together a bill that was simple and straightforward. 

Half of states now have Covid liability laws 

At least 25 states have passed similar Covid liability protection laws, Coolidge said. Like Arizona, several others are currently considering legislation. 

Passage of the bill would provide some reassurance to employers that they will not be hit with nuisance lawsuits, which could derail an economic recovery, she said. 

Coolidge said the millions of dollars in advertising by trial lawyers already on Covid exposure is 鈥渁 clear indication of what鈥檚 to come鈥� in terms of the number of forthcoming lawsuits.   

To read the bill鈥檚 full text, go to: .

Organizations supporting the bill 

21st Century Healthcare

Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits

American Academy of Pediatrics – AZ Chapter

American Heart Association

American Property Casualty Insurance Association

Americans for Prosperity

Amigos Trade Association

Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce

Arizona Academy of Family Physicians

Arizona Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs

Arizona Assisted Leving Homes Association

Arizona Association of Community Managers

Arizona Association of Health Plans

Arizona Association of Providers for People with Disabilities

Arizona Automobile Dealers Association

Arizona Automotive Wholesalers Association

Arizona Bankers Association

Arizona Board of Regents

Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Arizona Chapter National Safety Council

Arizona Charter Schools Association

Arizona Council of Human Services Providers

Arizona Dental Association

Arizona Farm Bureau Federation

Arizona Foot and Ankel Medical Association

Arizona Health Care Association

Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association

Arizona Leading Age

Arizona Licensed Beverage Association

Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association

Arizona Manufacturers Council

Arizona Medical Association

Arizona Mining Association

Arizona Multihousing Association

Arizona Nurses Association

Arizona Optometric Association

Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association

Arizona Petorleum Marketers Association

Arizona Pharmacy Association

Arizona Realtors

Arizona Restaurant Association

Arizona Retailers Association

Arizona Rock Products Association

Arizona School Risk Retention Trust, Inc.

Arizona Small Business Association

Arizona Soccer Association

Arizona State Association of Physicians Assisitants

Arizona State University

Arizona Technology Council

Arizona Trucking Association

Associated General Contractors of America Arizona Chapter

Buckeye Chamber of Commerce

Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Phoenix (BOMA)

Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce

Chandler Chamber of Commerce

Chubb Insurance

City of Surprise

City of Yuma

Coconino County

County Supervisors Association of Arizona

East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance

Education Finance Reform Group

Experience Scottsdale

Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce

Fresenius Medical Care North America

Gilbert Chamber of Commerce

Glendale Chamber of Commerce

Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce

Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce

Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

Greater Phoenix Economic Council

Greater Phoenix Leadership

Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

Health System Alliance of Arizona

Home Builders Association of Central Arizona

HonorHealth

InvisionAZ

Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce

League of Arizona Cities and Towns

Marana Chamber of Commerce

Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona (MICA)

National Association of Industrial Office Properties (NAIOP) Arizona Chapter

National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company

Northern Arizona University

Page Lake Powell Chamber of Commerce

Peoria Chamber of Commerce

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

Phoenix Formulations

Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce

Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce

Republic National Distributing Company of Arizona

Republican Liberty Caucus of Arizona

Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce

Southern Arizona Home Builders Association

Southern Arizona Leadership Council

Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce

Southwest Veteran’s Chamber of Commerce

State Farm Insurance Companies

Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce

Tempe Chamber of Commerce

Total Spectrum

Town of Queen Creek

Tucson Metro Chamber

United Dairymen of Arizona

United Servcies Automobile Association (USAA)

University of Arizona

Valley Partnership

West Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance

Western Plant Health Association

Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce

Wine Spirits Wholesales Association of Arizona

Yavapai County Contractors Association

The post Arizona lawmakers advance Covid liability protection bill appeared first on 探花精选.

As the last days of the year on the congressional calendar tick away, Arizona鈥檚 travel and tourism industry is in desperate need of relief. 

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic鈥攚hich effectively grounded global travel and crippled Arizona鈥檚 local tourism economy鈥攖he U.S. has lost direct travel jobs and due to decreased travel spending. In Arizona alone, we have lost nearly 40% of hotel jobs and have lost $10 billion in visitor spending in the first six months of 2020 alone. 

The situation for this once-healthy economic segment grows more dire every day. By the end of December, that 50% of all travel-supported jobs will be lost鈥攁n additional loss of 948,000 jobs and a total loss of 4.5 million direct travel jobs. Further, more than half (55%) of all small travel businesses in the U.S. are at risk of either taking longer than six months to recover or never recovering鈥攁ll but ensuring a nationwide economic recovery will be impossible without relief for the travel and tourism industry. Arizona鈥檚 travel and tourism industry simply cannot wait any longer. 

To ensure these businesses can remain open and keep workers on the payroll, Congress must act immediately. While there鈥檚 great need for a larger, comprehensive relief package to support all segments of the U.S. travel and tourism industry, we are asking鈥攁t the very least鈥攆or a targeted relief package now to provide immediate support. Such a relief package should include provisions to extend and expand the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to include 501(c)(6) and quasi-governmental destination marketing organizations and allow for a second draw on PPP funds, and to extend the Coronavirus Relief Fund through the end of 2021. 

Travel and tourism is the backbone of our community, supporting more than 360,000 jobs and contributing $3.78 billion in tax revenue pre-pandemic. Tax revenue from tourism spending is essential to funding vital public services in our community such as firefighters, police officers and public-school teachers. Funding for these essential services and others will be jeopardized if small travel industry businesses do not get the support they need and are forced to shut their doors. 

Arizona鈥檚 travel and tourism industry is what gives our state its unique character. The small businesses, attractions, restaurants and shops in Arizona contribute so much to the cultural fabric of our community. From the majestic sights of the Grand Canyon to Tombstone鈥檚 iconic OK Corral, Arizona is a top destination for travelers. 

There is not a moment to lose. Congress must come together鈥攊mmediately鈥攖o provide relief to small travel businesses to ensure the industry is prepared to help power a nationwide economic recovery. Arizona鈥檚 travel industry businesses and workers are counting on it.  

Kim Sabow is president and CEO of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association.

The post Arizona鈥檚 Travel and Tourism Industry Is Running Out of Time: We Need Relief Today appeared first on 探花精选.

Arizonans who have had a significant impact on economic development and social progress in the state were named winners of the annual 2020 Black & White Ball and Business Awards from the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (AHCC). 

Four individuals and one company were honored for their long service and contributions to Arizona and the Latino community at the chamber鈥檚 62nd Business Awards last Friday. Cox Communications was the prime sponsor and presenter.  

This year, the event was held during the AHCC鈥檚 new virtual Leadership Conference to Address Diversity & Inclusion. Due to COVID-19, the Black & White Ball — the state鈥檚 longest running formal gala — had to be rescheduled to next year.  

“It is times like this, that our resilience is tested most. The event takes on new meaning this year as we hear firsthand how these exceptional individuals from our community are leading their organizations through these uncertain times, emerging stronger and more successful,鈥� said Monica Villalobos, CEO and president of the chamber. 

The 2020 winners are:

Man of the Year Award David Adame, president and CEO of Chicanos Por La Causa (), has helped build the nonprofit into one of the largest Hispanic community development corporations in the U.S. He has led its expansive growth in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. 

CPLC, which was founded in 1969 to confront discrimination against Mexican-American students in Phoenix, today provides services to help almost 380,000 people access healthcare, affordable housing, a quality education, political representation, and more.

Adame, who was born and raised just south of downtown Phoenix, got his first professional start at CPLC as the director of economic development in 1985. Along the way, he also has crafted a career in business, including extensive experience in real estate and development projects. Among his former positions are vice president of Arizona operations for McCormack Baron & Salazar and senior deputy director of Fannie Mae鈥檚 Arizona Partnership Office. 

Over the decades, Adame has served on too many boards to mention, including the Greater Phoenix Economic Council; the AARP Foundation; the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders; the Arizona-Mexico Commission; the Maricopa

Community Colleges Foundation; Unidos US; and Community Reinvestment Fund USA. 

Adame is the recipient of numerous honors, as well, including the Individual Hero of Education Award by Maricopa Community Colleges and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce.

Woman of the Year Maria Lacal is the first female chief nuclear officer at Arizona Public Service鈥檚 Palo Verde Generating Station, one of the world鈥檚 largest producers of carbon-free energy. Lacal, who was promoted to the position last year, is only the second woman in the U.S. to hold such a title.  

Lacal joined APS in 2007 as director of strategic projects. Today, she is responsible for all nuclear-related activities associated with the power plant, the nuclear assurance division, and employee concerns and safety culture programs.

Lacal鈥檚 long record of community service includes as chairman of the Academy Council for the National Academy for Nuclear Training; and member of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations Executive Advisory Group; the University of Arizona鈥檚 Eller School of Business National Board of Advisors; and U.S. Women in Nuclear Executive Advisory Council.

Entrepreneur of the Year Omar Alvarez鈥� desire to create economic opportunity coupled with his love of a particular torta shop in his family鈥檚 homeland of Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico, inspired him to go into the restaurant business in Arizona. Today, Alvarez operates popular and growing culinary concepts in the Phoenix metro area: Tortas Paquime, Paquime Street Food of Mexico and Pa鈥橪a Wood Fired Cooking.

In 2002, Omar opened Tortas Paquime #1 with a few employees to bring a taste of Mexico to an emerging market. Today, TPQ Foods operates eight locations with 3 distinct concepts and a central commissary, which employ more than 100 employees.

Through it all, Alvarez said he focuses on three principles: hard work, collaboration and quality. Among his restaurant musts? A professional staff, top customer service, spotless dining areas and consistency in a 鈥渕om and pop鈥� environment. 

Alvarez鈥� also supports multiple local non-profit organizations and hosts annual holiday parties to provide food, gifts and toys to children and families; sponsors local school events; and provides scholarships to students. 

Legacy Award Sharon Harper is the longtime chairman, CEO and co-founder of Plaza Companies, overseeing all facets of operations, including the ownership, development, leasing or management of nearly 12 million square feet of Arizona medical office properties, senior living facilities and bioscience/biotechnology centers.

With Harper at the helm, Plaza Companies has emerged as an industry leader, setting a national standard of excellence for an impressive lineup of award-winning facilities.

In addition to her business acumen, Harper has decades of community service in Arizona. To name just a few of her current and former positions: vice chairman of Trustees of ASU; trustee of McCain Institute for International Leadership; trustee of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust; board member of TGen; past chair of Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Greater Phoenix Leadership; and chair of the Banner Health Foundation.

Among her many accolades are NAIOP鈥檚 2019 Award of Excellence; 2019 Leader of the Year in Public Policy for the Economy; 2019 In茅s Pascal Award for Generous Service by Brophy College Preparatory Academy: 2019 Induction into the Arizona Women鈥檚 Hall of Fame; and 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from Phoenix Theatre.

Corporation of the Year Award The American Automobile Association in the Grand Canyon region also was recognized for its community involvement under Regional Vice President Tiger Lapira. 

In his role, Lapira has been the executive sponsor for the Business Resource Group, E.X.C.E.L (Excellence in Cultural Engagement & Leadership), and the Grand Canyon Region is host to the Business Resource Group, Unidos.

AHCC helping businesses grow聽

Founded in 1948, the AZHCC has been playing an important role in the state’s business community for over 70 years by promoting economic development, entrepreneurship, and representing the interests of the state鈥檚 more than 125,000 Hispanic-owned businesses and more than 2 million Hispanic consumers statewide.

Along with workshops, seminars, public forums and business networking activities, the chamber operates Arizona鈥檚 only federally funded Minority Business Development Agency, which provides access to contracts and capital for mid-sized companies in the state. 

The AZHCC also operates the center serving American Indian, Native Alaskan and Native Hawaiians in Arizona, Utah and Nevada.

For more information, go to . 

The post Business leaders honored by Arizona Hispanic Chamber for positive impact on community appeared first on 探花精选.