Tag Archives: Arizona Business

Soul Carrier Releases Limited Football Leather Handbag Collection at Phoenix Luxury Resorts

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- As Phoenix hotels and resorts prepare for the influx of guests attending the Professional Football Championship Game in February, fashion-conscious visitors who love football are sure to get excited about Soul Carrier's new football leather handbag collection.

A clutch and purse, made from the same leather that's used in manufacturing official footballs, will make a fashion statement at the big game or watching party.

Jennifer Paige Boonlorn, founder and lead designer, Soul Carrier, says that she loves to find unique materials and then figure out ways to fashion them into handbags that age gracefully with use. She also enjoys staying on top of current events and trends.

So, when Boonlorn, a Parsons School of Design graduate, learned that Phoenix was going to host the big game, she got busy. She wanted to create something super special for Soul Carrier's local retail partners in the Phoenix area.

"Arizona Biltmore has a long-standing commitment to supporting our local businesses, and a big part of that is curating our 'Only at Biltmore' shop to include high-quality, unique and locally-sourced brands - like Soul Carrier," Madison LaBerge, Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, says. "We can't wait to offer our guests something special to take home in memory of such a monumental event like this year's big game."

The early stages of Boonlorn's research about leather footballs led her to The Tannery Row, a leather outfitter in Chicago that distributes Horween leather, the official leather used in manufacturing professional footballs.

"I love seeing Horween Football Leather being used in new and unique ways and these Soul Carrier handbags are a perfect example of just that," Kyle Gerber of The Tannery Row, shares.

So, with the release of these fun and luxurious, football-themed handbags, football fashionistas can sport a bag that not only gives a nod to their favorite sport, but keeps them looking super sharp and stylish too.

A zip code locator for retail boutiques that feature Soul Carrier products is available at: https://soulcarrier.com/boutiques.

About Soul Carrier:

Founded in 2009, Soul Carrier is a luxury travel accessories brand based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jennifer Paige Boonlorn is the founder and lead designer behind the brand. Her products are featured at prestigious resort boutiques including Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont and the Beverly Hills Hotel.

MORE INFORMATION:

Soul Carrier: https://soulcarrier.com/

As Phoenix hotels and resorts prepare for the influx of guests attending the Professional Football Championship Game in February, fashion-conscious visitors who love football are sure to get excited about Soul Carrier's new football leather handbag collection.

Related link: https://soulcarrier.com/

Scorecard Ranks States for Water Efficiency and Sustainability Policies – Arizona Ranks #3 in the Nation, But Improvement is Needed to Address Water Crisis

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) released the 2022 U.S. State Policy Scorecard for Water Efficiency and Sustainability (Scorecard), which ranked each U.S. state based on its adoption of laws and policies that advance water efficiency, conservation, sustainability, and affordability. Arizona was ranked third in the nation, and second in the Colorado River Basin region, scoring 50 out of 89 possible points.

"With its desert climate, rapid population growth, and dwindling water supplies, Arizona needs to continue to make progress, such as the additional water efficiency funding approved in 2022," said Ron Burke, President and CEO of AWE. "Despite its #3 ranking, Arizona only scored 50 out of 89 possible points; the state can and should do more to address its expanding water crisis."

AWE found several gaps in how Arizona supports local water agencies, businesses, and residents in managing water efficiently and sustainably.

The report includes three priority recommendations:

* Require plumbing fixtures sold in-state to meet WaterSense efficiency specifications

* Require water rate structures that encourage conservation

* Require coordination between land use and water planning

While some states improved since AWE's previous Scorecard was released in 2017, the analysis found little progress overall, even as droughts and other climate change impacts increasingly undermine affordable, reliable water services. The average state score was only 23 out of 89 possible points.

"Water efficiency and conservation are typically the fastest and least expensive ways to save water while also lowering water bills, reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, protecting rivers and lakes, and enhancing resilience to extreme weather events," said Burke.

Effective state-level water conservation policies are even more important now that the U.S. Congress has authorized billions of dollars in loans and grants for water services as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Many of these funds will be administered by states and can only be maximized with good state policies in place.

California ranked first in the nation, with 72.5 points, followed by Texas with 54.5 points. The remaining top ten highest-ranked states, in order, are Arizona, Georgia, Washington, New York, Nevada, New Hampshire, Colorado, Minnesota.

Key findings include:

* Connecticut was the only state that reported using its own funds to support customer water bill assistance

* California is the only state that requires water utilities to plan for climate change

* 18 states use their own revenues to fund water efficiency and conservation

* 16 states provide funding for water reuse.

* 13 states require rate structures that encourage water efficiency

* 19 states require coordination between local land use and water planning agencies.

Despite the low scores, there were some bright spots, including ten states adopting point-of-sale plumbing efficiency requirements since 2017 that go beyond federal standards, for a current total of 15 states plus the District of Columbia.

To download the full report and access individual state scorecards, click here: https://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/2022scorecard

About the Alliance for Water Efficiency:

The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) is a nonprofit organization with more than 500 organizational members dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water across North America. AWE provides training, research, and other resources for water efficiency professionals, and we encourage the public to conserve water through tools like our Home Water Works Calculator. In addition, AWE advocates for products, programs, and policies that advance water efficiency.

Today the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) released the 2022 U.S. State Policy Scorecard for Water Efficiency and Sustainability (Scorecard), which ranked each U.S. state based on its adoption of laws and policies that advance water efficiency, conservation, sustainability, and affordability. Arizona was ranked third in the nation, and second in the Colorado River Basin region, scoring 50 out of 89 possible points.

IMPACT AZ 2025 Keys in on Supplier Diversity Readiness to Close Racial Wealth Gap for Black-owned Businesses

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Designed to make an impact for Black-owned businesses in the new year and beyond, IMPACT AZ 2025 focuses on supplier diversity readiness to close the racial wealth gap for diverse business owners. The Millionaire Mastermind Academy program is accepting applications from serious entrepreneurs interested in a solutions-driven accelerator program that will help them grow business with corporations, expand customer discovery and market validation, and enhance financial management and business development, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

IMPACT AZ 2025 is the first direct response to the State of Black Business Report, which highlighted both the financial gaps in this community as well as the opportunity: The Black community is fastest-growing demographic in Arizona, with 33% growth from 2010 to 2020. The nine-month program is a collaboration between the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a leading nonprofit organization that has mentored more than 8,000 diverse women entrepreneurs while addressing barriers to economic mobility, in conjunction with the Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce.

"While Arizona continues to grow its commitment to diverse business ownership, institutional barriers to success such as lack of access to capital and quality business trainings are still a reality. That's what we're here to change," said Dr. Velma Trayham, founder of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy. "This unique program invites more voices to the table and more support in developing and realizing entrepreneurial goals."

Applications opened Jan. 10 with a deadline of March 15. The initial accelerator program will kick off April 24. The Millionaire Mastermind Academy's Scottsdale, office, located at Arizona State University's Skysong 3, will provide a physical space for entrepreneurs to meet with mentors and corporations part of the Supplier Diversity program. The space will also support collaboration, networking opportunities and round table discussions for business growth.

By 2025, the initiative aims to expose more than 25,000 individuals to entrepreneurship opportunity and education, a minimum of 50 businesses awarded contracts with companies for supplier diversity while empowering more than 200 new businesses to launch and more than 500 established businesses to grow their employee base. IMPACT AZ 2025 is targeting the food service, real estate, beauty/fashion, technology, professional services, retail and trade, and manufacturing industries.

"For Arizona to thrive, attract industries, and be a place people want to live, work and raise their families, we cannot afford - financially or morally - to leave anyone out. This is not about helping one group at the expense of another. We must continue to make intentional, targeted investments of political, social and business capital to aid in our priority to building a better ecosystem for Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. It is a matter of good business which creates greater opportunities for all Arizonans," noted Teniqua Broughton, Executive Director, State of Black Arizona.

"Breaking down barriers and helping Black business owners overcome obstacles to entrepreneurship, we are creating meaningful economic opportunity through the power of supplier diversity programs, which are more critical than ever to businesses of all sizes," Robin Reed, CEO of Black Chamber of Arizona added.

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy expanded to Arizona two years ago and has helped minority women nationwide gain the entrepreneurial resources needed to succeed in business, while awarding more than $200,000 in scholarships and more than $50,000 in seed funding. The program also offers a Real Estate Accelerator Program to help minority women create diversity in the real estate industry.

Corporations interested in supporting IMPACT AZ 2025 to develop a ready-made pipeline of diverse suppliers can contact info@impactaz2025.com or call 888-508-1145. Sponsors will be announced shortly.

About IMPACT AZ 2025

IMPACT AZ 2025 is a supplier diversity readiness program designed to close the racial wealth gap of business owners. Supported by the Millionaire Mastermind Academy in partnership with the Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce, IMPACT AZ 2025 is a nine-month business accelerator focused on supplier diversity training to grow business opportunities. For more information visit https://impactaz2025.com/

About Millionaire Mastermind Academy

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a Nationwide pioneering 501(c)(3) nonprofit addressing the barriers to economic mobility for minority women who have been systemically and historically underserved and excluded. We remove systemic barriers. We've helped more than 8000 Women Across the country and serve thousands of women annually with entrepreneurial resources, tools, and access to move forward in life. For more information visit https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/.

About the Black Chamber of Commerce

The Black Chamber of Arizona help increase entrepreneurial and corporate diversity by building stronger businesses that serve all communities. We do this by providing tools and education to create more "bankable" businesses, by removing barriers that impede access to capital, and by partnering with leading educational institutions to help create competitive business advantages through workforce diversity. For more information visit https://blackchamberaz.com/.

About The State of Black Arizona

The State of Black Arizona is the leader in the production, synthesis and socialization of actionable data and insights for all Arizonans with a primary focus on the Black community. Across Arizona, communities of color are underrepresented in the public sphere and significantly disproportionately impacted by many conditions that result in unequitable outcomes in areas such as education, economic mobility, and health and well-being. A concerted effort is needed to ensure these concerns are identified, validated, and brought to the attention to the Black community in addition to civic and community leaders. For more information visit https://stateofblackarizona.org/

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.gpec.org/blog/regional-report-state-of-black-business-2022/

Designed to make an impact for Black-owned businesses in the new year and beyond, IMPACT AZ 2025 focuses on supplier diversity readiness to close the racial wealth gap for diverse business owners. The Millionaire Mastermind Academy program is accepting applications from serious entrepreneurs interested in a solutions-driven accelerator program, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

3rd Annual Synergy Achievement Awards Program Recognizes Partner Districts for Commitment to Stakeholders

MESA. Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Edupoint® Educational Systems, creator of the industry-leading Synergy® Education Platform for K-12 student information and learning management, announced this year's Synergy Achievement Awards recipients at its Synergy Connect National Users Conference last month at the Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. The annual awards program recognizes exceptional application of Synergy functionality to significantly benefit district stakeholders.

Four districts were selected as 2022 award winners. Cobb County School District (GA) and Bassett Unified School District (CA) were awarded $5,000 technology grants, and Chesapeake Public Schools (VA) and Loudoun County Public Schools (VA) were awarded $2,500 technology grants.

"It's a pleasure each year to see how our Synergy Achievement Awards nominees are applying Synergy features and capabilities to fit their districts' unique needs," said Rob Wilson, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Edupoint. "I am happy to congratulate this year's winners, who were selected in recognition of their commitment to maximizing the Synergy modules they have licensed and making everyday tasks easier for all users."

The 2022 awards program received nominations from Edupoint partner districts of all sizes across the country.

About Edupoint Educational Systems:

For over 35 years, the leadership of Edupoint Educational Systems has provided well-designed, technologically advanced student data management systems that empower K-12 stakeholders to improve student achievement. Synergy Education Platform by Edupoint is an industry-leading student data management ecosystem built to fit the way educators already work. Synergy is unique among student data management solutions in providing an array of role-based mobile apps designed to give all stakeholders access to the tools they need when and where they need them. More than 5.5 million students use Synergy in 22 states.

Learn more: https://www.edupoint.com/

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.edupoint.com/Company/Synergy-Achievement-Awards

Edupoint® Educational Systems, creator of the industry-leading Synergy® Education Platform for K-12 student information and learning management, announced this year's Synergy Achievement Awards recipients at its Synergy Connect National Users Conference last month at the Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. The annual awards program recognizes exceptional application of Synergy functionality to significantly benefit district stakeholders.

Related link: https://www.edupoint.com/

Edupoint Selects Gwinnett County Public Schools for 7th Annual Partner for Life Award

MESA, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Edupoint® Educational Systems, creator of the industry-leading Synergy® Education Platform for K-12 student information and learning management, is pleased to announce that Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) has been selected as the recipient of the company's seventh annual Partner for Life Award. Edupoint Founder and CEO Bob Weathers presented the award to Debbie Durrence, Ed.D., Executive Director for GCPS's Department of Data Governance, at the 2022 Synergy Connect Users Conference last month at the Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee.

Gwinnett County Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the country, serving a diverse population of approximately 181,000 students across 144 schools in 20 geographic "clusters." The district has nearly doubled in size since 2010, while retaining its collaborative, student-centered culture through the prioritization of teachers and staff support for teachers.

The relationship between Edupoint and GCPS has been one of mutual trust and partnership from the beginning. Gwinnett licensed the full suite of Synergy Education Platform modules in 2014, becoming the first Edupoint client to launch the Synergy Online Registration module before going live with Synergy Student Information System. The district was also an early adopter of Synergy MTSS and the first in Georgia to use Synergy Special Education.

"As we've been able to work with different Edupoint staff and engage in collaborative partnerships around projects, we've become not just a vendor and a school district, but true partners in every sense of the word," said Durrence. "We know that we can come to the table to solution together what will best meet the needs of our students, staff, and families."

"From the start, we have had a unique relationship with Gwinnett County Public Schools," said Bob Weathers, Founder and CEO at Edupoint. "Since the very beginning with the rollout of Synergy Online Registration they have always been interested in maximizing the use of technology to improve processes and better serve their constituents. Working closely together, we have developed a strong mutual trust and respect for each other, and this has helped lay the foundation for the steadfast partnership we have today. I am pleased to recognize Gwinnett County Public Schools as this year's Partner for Life Award recipient."

Edupoint has awarded $10,000 to Gwinnett County Public Schools to be granted as a student scholarship.

About Edupoint Educational Systems

For over 35 years, the leadership of Edupoint Educational Systems has provided well-designed, technologically advanced student data management systems that empower K-12 stakeholders to improve student achievement. Synergy Education Platform by Edupoint is an industry-leading student data management ecosystem built to fit the way educators already work. Synergy is unique among student data management solutions in providing an array of role-based mobile apps designed to give all stakeholders access to the tools they need when and where they need them. More than 5.5 million students use Synergy in 22 states.

Learn more: https://www.edupoint.com/

Edupoint® Educational Systems, creator of the industry-leading Synergy® Education Platform for K-12 student information and learning management, is pleased to announce that Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) has been selected as the recipient of the company's seventh annual Partner for Life Award. Edupoint Founder and CEO Bob Weathers presented the award to Debbie Durrence, Ed.D., Executive Director for GCPS's Department of Data Governance, at the 2022 Synergy Connect Users Conference last month at the Opryland Resort in Nashville.

Related link: https://www.edupoint.com/

Ketolicious Kitchens Launches Keto Mexican Comfort Food Product Line

GILBERT, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Ketolicious Kitchens recently launched a new brand - Sonora™ - that caters to the Keto and low-carb lifestyle, specifically those looking for authentic Mexican fare. Founded by Lupita Aguilera Hicks, she shares that the basis of her product line all started at home. Some of her family members experienced serious complications from heart disease and diabetes and she even observed close friends who died from related complications from the disease.

After diabetes claimed her grandmother's life, she made it a personal mission to help not just her mother and friends manage their health through better food, but to bring these healthy, new choices to the world.

Lupita said she tried to find off-the-shelf options that would allow her to create family favorites, but she came up short each time. She sought healthy choices combined with the flavors and comfort from her childhood in Sonora, Mexico. After much experimenting on her own, she realized she could create great tasting keto meals that didn't taste like keto substitutes.

"For me, Sonora means flavor, family and home," Lupita says. "And, it's healthier comfort food."

The current Sonora™ product line consists of four dry mixes for tortillas, tamales, pan dulce (sweet bread) and bolillos (French bread). And, people who buy the mixes don't need to add eggs or milk. All that's needed is a little water (and love!).

The dry mix ingredients are natural and include items such as almond flour, eggs, yeast and salt - real ingredients for people who want to enjoy the flavors of Mexico without the heavy carbs. There's one-gram net carbs per tortilla; 4 grams net carbs per tamale; 8 grams net carbs per pan dulce; and one-gram net carbs per bolillo.

Mike Hicks, Lupita's husband, directs product development and experienced first-hand how a low-carb ketogenic diet could help him to lose weight and lower his A1C numbers.

These simple and delicious "just add water" recipes are perfect for anyone who is trying to reduce their carb intake, reduce inflammation and improve their overall health.

"The Sonora brand gives people healthier choices when it comes to home-made desserts and breads," he says. "Plus, they taste as good or better than the traditional carb-heavy versions. There's enormous potential here."

About Ketolicious Kitchens, LLC:

Ketolicious Kitchens, LLC is a Mexican-American/Native American, woman-owned company proudly based in Gilbert, Arizona. All products are low carb and no sugar added.

MORE INFORMATION:

Sonora Kitchen: https://sonorakitchen.com/

Ketolicious Kitchens: https://ketoliciouskitchens.com/

Ketolicious Kitchens recently launched a new brand - Sonora™ - that caters to the Keto and low-carb lifestyle, specifically those looking for authentic Mexican fare. Founded by Lupita Aguilera Hicks, she shares that the basis of her product line all started at home. Some of her family members experienced serious complications from heart disease and diabetes and she even observed close friends who died from related complications from the disease.

Related link: https://ketoliciouskitchens.com/

Christmas at Schnepf Farms 2022 Opens in Queen Creek the Day After Thanksgiving

QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- It's the time of year when Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek transforms into a magical winter wonderland. The east valley mainstay has partnered for the fourth year with World of Illumination - known for producing the largest drive-through light shows in the world - to present Christmas at Schnepf Farms, opening to the public on November 25, 2022.

More than 30 acres of the farm are transformed into a hub of family holiday entertainment, including the two-lane Sleigh Bell Slide and a giant Christmas-themed obstacle course. Visitors can stop by Santa's workshop that offers a letter-writing station and authentic mailboxes to send notes to the North Pole.

Also on the list of attractions is pine-cone decorating, a historic Christmas carousel, ice skating and snow-globe mini golf. Additionally, guests can take a hayride to feed the reindeer, shop along the promenade, listen to carolers and watch holiday movies.

Another highlight of Christmas at Schnepf Farms is the Illumination Express train ride. Thanks to the partnership with World of Illumination, guests can experience a train trip through an RGB LED tunnel that doubles as Santa's magic portal. When finished, visitors can soak up the warmth of one of the farm's Christmas campfires, complete with the option of an added-on s'mores kit.

In addition to a variety of food vendors, adults can enjoy a large beer and wine garden while the children explore the park.

"Every year, Christmas at Schnepf Farms expands and amplifies the best parts of the holidays," said one of the farm's organizers, Callie Graham. "With dozens of activities, it's outdoor entertainment perfect for all ages."

It is highly recommended that guests purchase tickets in advance at https://schnepfchristmas.com/.

Ticket prices begin at $18.95 online for the twilight ticket, which begins at 7:30 p.m.. Those who wish to arrive early at 5 p.m. can purchase a general admission ticket for $22.95 online. Children 2 years of age and under are free of charge.

Christmas at Schnepf Farms runs Thursday through Sunday, beginning November 25 until December 24, 2022. For more information, visit https://schnepfchristmas.com/.

It's the time of year when Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek transforms into a magical winter wonderland. The east valley mainstay has partnered for the fourth year with World of Illumination - known for producing the largest drive-through light shows in the world - to present Christmas at Schnepf Farms, opening to the public on November 25, 2022.

Related link: https://schnepfchristmas.com/

The World’s Largest Drive-Through Animated Light Show Opens Three Shows in the Valley

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- World of Illumination, the producer of the world's largest drive-through animated light show, announced its lineup of new theme parks for the 2022 holiday season and headlining the list are three Arizona locations. World of Illumination is constructing its larger-than-life holiday light event in the parking area of Six Flags in Phoenix, Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale and Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Visitors to three shows will experience a different show at each location: The all-new Enchanted Safari debuts in Glendale, Rockin' Christmas comes to Phoenix and Candy Rush hits Tempe. Each show has unique elements never before seen and feature millions of colorful lights and hundreds of animated displays.

"World of Illumination is thrilled to be adding a third location to the Valley of the Sun," said CEO Yakir Urman. "As we expand into yet another venue, we also push the boundaries of what is technically and creatively possible to give our guests the most epic holiday experience imaginable."

The Tempe and Phoenix shows run from November 16, 2022 to January 1, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly, while the Glendale theme park opens November 23. Visitors enjoy the dancing LED lights - customizable to up to 16 million shades of color - and the towering-high structures, fanciful tunnels and other surprises all from the comfort of their cars.

Pricing starts at $39.99 per vehicle, so guests can bring as many people as they like through the experience at one low rate. All reservations must be made in advance online.

For tickets and more information, visit:

Glendale, AZ: https://www.worldofillumination.com/glendale-arizona

Tempe, AZ: https://www.worldofillumination.com/tempe-arizona

Phoenix, AZ: https://www.worldofillumination.com/north-phoenix-arizona

About World of Illumination:

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, World of Illumination is the producer of the world's largest drive-through animated light show, featuring millions of state-of-the-art lights and displays set to music. The industry leader in executing holiday light shows, World of Illumination has partnered with major stadiums and iconic parks to bring shows to such states as Arizona, Georgia, Missouri and Utah. Connect at @worldofillumination.

Learn more about each of the company's holiday light shows: https://www.worldofillumination.com/

World of Illumination, the producer of the world's largest drive-through animated light show, announced its lineup of new theme parks for the 2022 holiday season and headlining the list are three Arizona locations. World of Illumination is constructing its larger-than-life holiday light event in the parking area of Six Flags in Phoenix, and Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Related link: https://worldofillumination.com/

Almost 30% of Restaurateurs Want to Change Their POS Provider, Says RestaurantOwner.com Survey

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- This week, RestaurantOwner.com released its 2022 POS Survey Report. The survey asked over 800 independent restaurant owners to rate and comment on their POS systems' installation and operational costs, system and contract characteristics, and their satisfaction with POS features and support.

A lot has changed since the RestaurantOwner.com POS Survey was last conducted in 2017. Here are some key takeaways from this year's survey:

* The ten most popular brands account for over three quarters of the market. Toast and Square were the most popular POS brands, a significant shift from 2017 when Aloha and Micros were the industry leaders.

* POS system upfront costs have fallen more than 30% since 2017, as today's restaurateurs are spending an average of only $9,289 to get up and running with their systems. On the other hand, monthly fees have increased by 274% to $379 on average over that same period.

* The growth in monthly subscriptions is due in part to flexibility in contract length in exchange for limitations on credit card processing. Almost half of those surveyed said they are locked into using their system's credit card processor.

* 61% of respondents report that they use one or more handheld devices in their operations compared with only 27% five years ago.

* Many survey takers say that they do not use many of their POS's features because they are hard to implement or operators lack the time and support to get the necessary training.

* Respondents are disappointed by the support they receive from their providers. In the 2017 survey, 84% of respondents were satisfied with vendor support but in the most recent survey, that proportion dropped to 69%. One restaurateur told us: "The phone support is terrible. You wait on hold for an hour just to speak with someone who is learning the system. Super frustrating all around."

* Challenges like these are driving about 30% of those surveyed to consider switching their POS provider within the next year.

The RestaurantOwner.com 2022 POS Survey provides valuable insights for those restaurateurs looking for a new POS system or wanting to make a change. POS providers will find that the survey gives them a wealth of data and straight-from-the-user comments that can help them improve their systems and services as well as attract new customers.

Explore the full survey results at https://RestaurantOwner.com/POS2022.

About RestaurantOwner.com:

RestaurantOwner.com is a community of independent restaurant owners. With more than 69,000 members since 1998, RestaurantOwner.com serves a worldwide member base that operates in more than 160 countries. RestaurantOwner.com members represent a wide range of restaurant concepts of all sizes, with over 35% of members operating multiple locations. Learn more: https://www.restaurantowner.com/.

RestaurantOwner.com, 20235 N. Cave Creek Rd., Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

This week, RestaurantOwner.com released its 2022 POS Survey Report. The survey asked over 800 independent restaurant owners to rate and comment on their POS systems' installation and operational costs, system and contract characteristics, and their satisfaction with POS features and support.

Related link: https://www.restaurantowner.com/

Economic Empowerment Event Teaches Minority Women Business Owners How to Scale using social media

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Helping minority women entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level, powerhouses Dr. Velma Trayham, founder of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a leading nonprofit organization that has mentored more than 8,000 women, and Santia Deck, the founder of TRONUS, the first sneaker company owned by a woman athlete, are coming together for a particular online event on using social media for good. The free event, Building a Brand through Social Media, takes place online on November 21 at 2 p.m. EST, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

Geared towards underserved and underrepresented aspiring and established women entrepreneurs, "Building a Brand through Social Media" will share the essential steps entrepreneurs need to take to establish and expand their brands through various platforms while employing self-love. Truist Bank sponsors this program to inspire and build better lives and communities through economic empowerment.

Santia Deck of TRONUS is a history-making professional female football player and social media influencer. She recently made history by being offered the highest-paid contract in women's football history. In addition, Deck is a published author, fitness model, TV personality and host, social media consultant, and public speaker.

"Black women have notoriously been underrepresented in many ways, but things are finally changing and I'm excited to see us rise up and show the world our value and why we are the creators and trendsetters of almost EVERYTHING," Deck said.

Dr. Velma Trayham is a 2022 recipient of President Biden's Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Trayham is a dynamic personality and business leader in professional circles for Fortune 500 companies, small business owners, startup entrepreneurs, and community leaders from all walks of life. Her mission is to end poverty through entrepreneurship. To date, Dr. Trayham has mentored thousands of business owners across the country and has built community engagement programs supporting supplier diversity professionals seeking to engage diverse business owners.

"Women's empowerment is not only equal consideration; it is necessary for sustainable economic and social development," said Millionaire Mastermind Academy founder Dr. Velma Trayham. "Economic Empowerment is a powerful tool against Poverty, which is why Millionaire Mastermind Academy was created to end Poverty through empowered entrepreneurship.

Registration is now open at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-a-brand-through-social-media-tickets-407552489467

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy services underserved Arizona, Georgia, Florida, and Texas business communities. The organization houses several impactful programs, including statewide Entrepreneur and Real Estate Accelerator Programs to help more minority women succeed in business.

About Millionaire Mastermind Academy:

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and support the growth of women-owned business enterprises, thereby strengthening the economic impact in their community. Additionally, we address the barriers to economic mobility for women who have been systemically and historically underserved and excluded.

For more information, visit https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/.

Helping minority women entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level, powerhouses Dr. Velma Trayham, founder of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a leading nonprofit organization that has mentored more than 8,000 women, and Santia Deck, the founder of TRONUS, are coming together for a particular online event on using social media for good. The free event, Building a Brand through Social Media, takes place online Nov. 21, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Business and Empowerment Leader Dr. Velma Trayham Named Keynote Speaker for Black Changemaker Series Presented by ASU and the State of Black Arizona

TEMPE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- With a focus on building generational wealth, award-winning B2B/diversity consultant and leader Dr. Velma Trayham will serve as keynote speaker for the Black Changemaker Series on Nov. 9. The Black Changemaker Series: Building Generational Wealth, Empowering the Black Entrepreneur will share conversations and tools around growing wealth and using education as a springboard, connecting the local community to higher education leaders and entrepreneurs.

Dr. Trayham is the CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting, a Black- and woman-owned brand engagement and program development agency that opened its third office in Scottsdale, Arizona last year, and founder of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a nationwide nonprofit that provides entrepreneurial training and mentorship programming to help minority women rise above poverty through empowered entrepreneurship and spiritual development. Dr. Trayham is also an award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker and mentor.

The special event takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Junior Achievement, 636 W. Southern Ave. in Tempe. Registration is free.

The overall effort is a multifaceted approach to a multifaceted issue that can have a significant effect on not only individuals' livelihoods but on Arizona's economy overall, said Teniqua Broughton, executive director of the State of Black Arizona.

"Investing in Black Arizonans is critical to the future of Arizona's economy. The Grand Canyon state cannot reach its full growth and development potential without understanding and acting upon the merits of inclusive prosperity," Broughton said.

Panelists include:

Joseph Early, an Arizona State University senior and business owner of Mane Strategies; Jay Hutchins, who recently launched his second business, Allied Help; and Adylia Gutierrez, a wellness coach for Yhor Life. The Black Changemaker Series is presented by Arizona State University, Arizona Public Service, The State of Black Arizona, Black Philanthropy Initiative Social Justice Impact Fund and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

"The Black Changemaker Series is already making waves and sparking change for young entrepreneurs across Arizona, and I am honored to share my insights on the ability to build wealth through entrepreneurship," said Dr. Trayham. "When we share our wisdom and pool our strengths, we build stronger individuals, businesses and communities."

Nationally recognized for creating programs for Fortune 500 companies and government entities that engage underrepresented communities and minority women, Trayham's previous national speaking and Influencer campaigns include Vistaprint, Cheddar News, Atlanta Black Chamber, Truist bank among others. Her previous speaking engagements include the American Heart Association, Georgia Power, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Greater Phoenix Urban League, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Texas Black Expo and many more.

She is the recipient of President Biden's Lifetime Achievement Award and was named Top 100 Women of Influence in Atlanta 2020, 2021 and 2022 as well as Women of the Year Finalist by the Atlanta Business League. To date, her programs have helped more than 8,000 women create small businesses and achieve economic empowerment.

About Dr. Velma Trayham:

Dr. Velma Trayham is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker and economic empowerment specialist who believes in the power of inclusive, equitable businesses to create community and spark change. The CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group, which brings greater awareness to initiatives that support underserved communities. For more information, please visit https://velmatrayham.com/.

With a focus on building generational wealth, award-winning B2B/diversity consultant and leader Dr. Velma Trayham will serve as keynote speaker for the Black Changemaker Series on Nov. 9. The Black Changemaker Series: Building Generational Wealth, Empowering the Black Entrepreneur will share conversations and tools around growing wealth and using education as a springboard, connecting the local community to higher education leaders and entrepreneurs.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Dosaggio™ by SottoPelle® Partners with PatientNow

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dosaggio™ by SottoPelle® and PatientNow announced today that they have entered into a partnership that integrates the two companies' innovative technologies, to improve efficiencies and elevate patient care for providers offering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

This collaboration offers medical providers a powerful and seamless integration of capabilities for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy practices.

This partnership brings together PatientNow's robust functional EHR with the advanced and powerful Dosaggio™ hormone dosing tool, enabling medical providers to expand their functional medicine practices into the bioidentical hormone therapy arena.

PatientNow is a functional, full-service EHR that offers customized and integrated scheduling, charting, billing, reporting, prescription management, and treatment plan solutions for medical practices. The PatientNow EHR offers flexibility for each provider's needs - all with fair pricing.

The Dosaggio™ bioidentical hormone pellet therapy dosing application allows medical providers to optimize their patient's hormone health through precise, individualized hormone dosing. Dosaggio™ by SottoPelle® offers providers a proprietary online hormone dosing calculator that uses the patient's unique health data to calculate a precise, individualized BHRT dose. Dosaggio™ combines a powerful algorithm with on-screen clinical guidance that enables medical providers to approach each patient's hormone health care in an individualized manner.

The integration of these two platforms allows medical providers to pull patient data such as lab work, demographics, past hormone therapy notes, and other documentation from their PatientNow EHR into the Dosaggio™ dosing application. This eliminates the need for double documentation and helps seamlessly maintain continuity of care for BHRT patients.

"The Dosaggio and PatientNow integration will help providers bring quality care to their patients who suffer from hormonal imbalance," stated CarolAnn Tutera, CEO of Dosaggio™ by SottoPelle®. "It is our mission to help providers bring individualized care to more patients, to help them age gracefully."

Practices that are currently using PatientNow's EHR can conveniently set up their Dosaggio™ account by visiting the integrations page within their account. Medical providers who are interested in learning more about this exciting integration may visit: https://sottopelle.health.

Dosaggio™ by SottoPelle® and PatientNow announced today that they have entered into a partnership that integrates the two companies' innovative technologies, to improve efficiencies and elevate patient care for providers offering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

Related link: https://www.sottopelletherapy.com/

Desert Chic: Scottsdale-Based Luxury Accessories Brand Launches Arizona-Inspired Variation of Best-Selling Clutch Handbag

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- For travelers and locals alike looking to always be reminded of the heart, soul and grandeur for which Arizona is known, Soul Carrier, a Scottsdale-based luxury accessories brand, announced today the launch of a chic new variation of the best-selling clutch handbag paying homage to The Grand Canyon State and the more than 30-million guests annually who seek rest, relaxation and rejuvenation within its buzzing resort community.

Available at some of Arizona's most prestigious resort boutiques including The Phoenician, JW Marriott Camelback Inn and the historic Arizona Biltmore Waldorf Astoria, Soul Carrier was founded by Jennifer Paige Boonlorn, a first generation Thai American, with the intent of helping women confidently transport the things that are important to them while catering to a luxury resort clientele.

While Jennifer chose to focus this new line on her home state, Soul Carrier handbags can be found nationally from the Beverly Hills Hotel to the new Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C.

As versatile as it is functional, this unique handbag works as a clutch, or when dropped into a larger carrier can organize smaller items. Complete with a debossed message on the inner leather pocket that reads, "I Found Myself in Arizona," this version of the clutch also features a few new enhancements including a velvet liner, a side leather tassel, and gold hardware to allow the bag to double as a crossbody with the addition of a strap. This style is offered in a variety of options including full grain leather and hair on natural cowhide, with additional specialty leather releases planned in the coming months.

"Arizona is such a metaphor for space and how you want to respond to life, from the grandiosity of our mountain ranges and the sunny skies that go on for miles to the rambling desert that extends out of Phoenix in every direction. The wild-west ethos provides a can-do-get-up-and-go-entrepreneurial spirit, which is what these variations are inspired by," said Jennifer. "Since the bags are sold at Arizona resorts, we're looking at this line as a way to create lasting connections with tourists and the many locals who long for nearby staycations, in hopes of contributing to their evangelism and return visits."

An Arizona State University graduate, Jennifer found solace in travel and connecting with others seeking peace after a tragic accident in which she lost both of her parents. Following her father's footsteps as a designer, she founded Soul Carrier in 2009.

No stranger to the fashion world, Jennifer lived and worked in New York City, obtaining valuable experience in fashion and visual merchandising with designers such as Oscar de la Renta and brands including American Eagle Outfitters. At Conde Nast, she focused on Women's Wear Daily Accessories, procuring items and coordinating photo shoots for women's accessory guides and feature articles.

"I remember subway rides where I daydreamed of cacti, intense sunshine, and the intangible vibe of the desert community. I never stopped longing for the nourishment that came via living in Arizona. The warm heat of the southwest was ingrained in my being, and that fever never fully broke during my time back east," said Jennifer. "Yet, through all the glamor of Fashion Week, all the sparkling lights that make up the Big Apple, all the golden opportunities, my soul longed for the dry-dusty desert, and I hope with this new line, the essence of Arizona can be taken and experienced just about everywhere."

For more information about Soul Carrier or to learn more about which resorts will carry the new line, visit https://soulcarrier.com/.

Be sure to follow @SoulCarrier on Instagram for the latest product launches and announcements.

For travelers and locals alike looking to always be reminded of the heart, soul and grandeur for which Arizona is known, Soul Carrier, a Scottsdale-based luxury accessories brand, announced today the launch of a chic new variation of the best-selling clutch handbag paying homage to The Grand Canyon State and the more than 30-million guests annually who seek rest, relaxation and rejuvenation within its buzzing resort community.

Related link: https://soulcarrier.com/

Dosaggio by SottoPelle Partners with Cerbo

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dosaggio™ by SottoPelle® and Cerbo announced today that they have entered into a partnership that integrates the two companies' innovative technologies, to improve efficiencies and elevate patient care for providers offering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

Dosaggio™, the original, multi-patented hormone therapy dosing platform for physicians, announces its exciting new partnership with Cerbo electronic health records (EMR). This collaboration offers medical providers a powerful and seamless integration of capabilities for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy practices.

This partnership brings together Cerbo's robust functional EHR with the advanced and powerful Dosaggio™ hormone dosing tool, enabling medical providers to expand their functional medicine practices into the bioidentical hormone therapy arena.

Cerbo is a functional, full-service EHR that offers customized and integrated scheduling, charting, billing, reporting, prescription management, and treatment plan solutions for medical practices. The Cerbo EHR offers flexibility for each provider's needs - all with fair pricing.

The Dosaggio™ bioidentical hormone pellet therapy dosing application allows medical providers to optimize their patient's hormone health through precise, individualized hormone dosing. Dosaggio™ by SottoPelle® offers providers a proprietary online hormone dosing calculator that uses the patient's unique health data to calculate a precise, individualized BHRT dose. Dosaggio™ combines a powerful algorithm with on-screen clinical guidance that enables medical providers to approach each patient's hormone health care in an individualized manner.

The integration of these two platforms allows medical providers to pull patient data such as lab work, demographics, past hormone therapy notes, and other documentation from their Cerbo EHR into the Dosaggio™ dosing application. This eliminates the need for double documentation and helps seamlessly maintain continuity of care for BHRT patients.

"The Dosaggio and Cerbo integration will help providers bring quality care to their patients who suffer from hormonal imbalance," stated CarolAnn Tutera, CEO of Dosaggio™ by SottoPelle®. "It is our mission to help providers bring individualized care to more patients, to help them age gracefully."

Practices that are currently using Cerbo's EHR can conveniently set up their Dosaggio™ account by visiting the integrations page within their account.

Medical providers who are interested in learning more about this exciting integration may visit: https://sottopelle.health.

Learn more about SottoPelle® Therapy at: https://www.sottopelletherapy.com/.

Dosaggio™ by SottoPelle® and Cerbo announced today that they have entered into a partnership that integrates the two companies' innovative technologies, to improve efficiencies and elevate patient care for providers offering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

Related link: https://www.sottopelletherapy.com/

United Diversity Business Summit Provides Full Day of Discussion on Key Issues Relating to Diversity, Inclusion

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- The second-annual United Diversity Business Summit last week brought together hundreds of local business and community leaders for insightful and important discussion of issues related to diversity and inclusion, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

More than two dozen speakers provided their thoughts on key issues in both panel discussions and individual presentations that included "Overcoming Barriers to Entry & Promoting Statewide Economic Growth," "Moving from Transactional to Transformational," "Increasing Visibility in Underrepresented Demographics" and "Diversity in Progress: Strides Made to Date and Work Moving Forward," to name just a few.

Keynote sessions were complemented by breakout sessions on two tracks, one for corporate and one for entrepreneurs, providing even more information for the attendees.

"We are so pleased with the important dialogue that was created as part of this year's United Diversity Business Summit," said Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of ThinkZilla Consulting Group, which produced the summit in partnership with the City of Scottsdale. "We are grateful to everyone who attended the event, the many great speakers and panelists we had and all of the sponsors and community partners that made the event happen."

The 2022 United Diversity Business Summit was held on September 14 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with the theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation." It was free for attendees.

Taniqua Broughton, Executive Director of the State of Black Arizona, said the conference was an important event for discussion of diversity particularly considering the findings of the organization's 2022 study.

Broughton said it's not about helping one group at the expense of others, "But we must continue our fight to make intentional, target[ed] investments of political, social and business capital to aid in our priorities of building a better ecosystem for Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. It is a matter of good business, which creates a greater opportunity for all Arizonans."

A link to view the entire programming can be found on the City of Scottsdale, YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkuaheoOhjU

The event's sponsors included Fry's Food Stores, Salt River Project, Blaylock Van, Country Financial, Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Arizona State University Office of Economic Development. Community Partners included the Black Chamber of Arizona, Base Arizona, Maricopa Community Colleges, Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals, and Associated Minority Contractors of Arizona.

The United Diversity Business Summit offers corporations and governmental entities the opportunity to reach hundreds of business owners during the event and through pre-and post-event marketing. Planning for the 2023 conference is now underway, with details to be shared at www.UnitedDiversityBusinessSummit.com.

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

ThinkZILLA is one of the country's fastest-growing DE&I Consulting, digital engagement, and program management firms. Making brands more relevant, ThinkZILLA builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers. For more information on ThinkZILLA or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/.

About the City of Scottsdale:

Scottsdale is one of the state's leading job centers, with a diverse economy built on medical research, high-tech innovation, tourism, and corporate headquarters. Scottsdale is home to nearly 18,000 businesses supplying over 150,000 jobs. The high-tech innovation center SkySong, located just a few miles from Downtown, is designed to help companies grow through a unique partnership with nearby Arizona State University. For more information, visit https://www.choosescottsdale.com/.

The second-annual United Diversity Business Summit last week brought together hundreds of local business and community leaders for insightful and important discussion of issues related to diversity and inclusion, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Black Ops Machine Inc (UTV Part and Accessory Manufacturer) Launches Website and Grand Opening Date – ‘So Affordable, It’s Offensive!’

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Black Ops Machine Inc is announcing its grand opening date. We are a brand new UTV part and accessory manufacturer. Black Ops Machine is a new business with affordable products and they support our United States troops and ALL first responders.

"These next statements may not be politically correct, or some people may find them offensive. But with these crazy high fuel prices and a loaf of bread costing $5, how can anyone expect to be able to afford the off-road experience?" asks Ryan Bezanson - founder Black Ops Machine. "At the same time, it seems like every time you go to prepare the car for another trip something is due to be replaced. These replacements are almost always at least $500. Unfortunately, this is the cost to play in/on the best playground this world has to offer. The outdoors."

He adds, "We've always loved the thrill of driving off-road vehicles. There really isn't anything like sliding around a corner in the desert at 50+ miles per hour. Or cruising around in the shade of the forest up north and seeing a herd of elk run by. Or just being outside and seeing what the remote hidden parts of the world have to offer. But it is so expensive! Why can't this be more affordable to the average consumer?"

"This is the reason Black Ops Machine was started," Ryan continues to explain. "We want great quality replacement parts and accessories to be more affordable for everyone. Why shouldn't the average Joe be able to buy a UTV and maintain it all while paying his mortgage? We feel this outdoor/offroad experience is too amazing not to offer it to everyone."

All first responders get an additional 5% off their online orders with coupon code MILITARYFIRSTRESPONDER. Black Ops will be at the "RideNow Off-road Expo" in Avondale October 15-16. Their grand opening date is Saturday, October 22, 2022! Also, for a limited time, when you spend $100+ you can add a t-shirt to your order for free!

Come check out the website at https://blackopsmachine.com/ and keep an eye out for videos where Black Ops Machine will be introducing the "The Boss." If you have any questions, email Black Ops at contact@blackopsmachine.com.

"Our great prices may offend other manufacturers," Ryan proclaims, "but Black Ops isn't worried about offending anyone. We will continue to bring great quality products at an amazing price no matter whose feelings it hurts!"

About Black Ops Machine Inc:

Black Ops Machine is set on making this amazing off-road experience more affordable. We are straight forward about what we offer. If you are easily offended, or if this makes you angry, feel free to go pay more for the same, or lesser quality parts elsewhere. You can also email us at: sorefeelings@blackopsmachine.com.

Complete company information: https://blackopsmachine.com/

Black Ops Machine Inc is announcing its grand opening date. We are a brand new UTV part and accessory manufacturer. Black Ops Machine is a new business with affordable products and they support our United States troops and ALL first responders.

Related link: https://blackopsmachine.com/

This Startup Wants to Turn Your Email Signature to a Team Building Tool

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scottsdale startup JabberYak introduces the first of its kind Team Building Email Signature for corporations and companies that are experiencing challenges with building cohesive teams in remote, hybrid or in-person work models.

"At JabberYak, we are developing new solutions to solve for team building challenges of the new remote, hybrid and in-person work models. Our products are built on our patent-pending '7 degrees of interest' technology, which enables employees to learn something interesting about each other," says, JabberYak co-founder, Shideh Doerr.

Many employees have been working from home and mostly interact with team members by ZOOM calls and messaging apps. Although workers have started to transition to a hybrid model, there is still a lingering feeling of disconnect and detachment from team members, co-workers and even the company. Employees are missing those shared experiences that create connections and form a bond that goes beyond work.

So how do you create an environment where people once again feel that connection and relationship with coworkers? You reintroduce your teams and get them talking!

By enabling employees to select their top 7 personal interests that give insight into who they are, JabberYak technology turns employee emails to a team building tool. Employee selects 7 interests from a larger list that includes, sports, activities, hobbies, food, arts, adventures and more. JabberYak's platform, then, creates a customized email signature that includes employee's 7 interests along with the picture, name, title, phone number and other professional information. This stylish email signature is the ultimate conversation starter and gets your employees and customers build connections based on common interests.

"Your employees send hundreds of emails every month. And every email is an opportunity for your teams to connect, bond and learn something interesting about each other," says, Co-Founder and CEO, Gail Levinthal.

JabberYak's Data Analytics dashboard helps companies understand what activities are valued by the team members and what appreciation perks and incentives should be offered to individual employees.

JabberYak's other team-building products include customized Office Name Plates, T-Shirts, event badges, name tags, designed to ignite meaningful communication.

Learn more at: https://www.jabberyak.com/about

For more information, contact info @ jabberyak.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jabberyak/

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/ZOK6EZzSi40

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.jabberyak.com/jabbertar

https://www.jabberyak.com/data-analytics

Scottsdale startup JabberYak introduces the first of its kind Team Building Email Signature for corporations and companies that are experiencing challenges with building cohesive teams in remote, hybrid or in-person work models.

Related link: https://www.jabberyak.com/

Blaylock Van Partners to Support 2nd Annual United Diversity Business Summit

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation's longest continuously operating Black-owned investment bank, will serve as a sponsorship partner for the 2nd annual United Diversity Business Summit, Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group & The City of Scottsdale. The Sept. 14 summit will convene diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs across Arizona.

The annual summit is a critical part of the work to accelerate DEI progress; each person's new tools, connections, and understanding will be taken and transformed into action. Whether that is a conversion, a commitment to action, a policy change, a new community partnership, etc., the need to carry the energy, information, and momentum forward is essential to driving equity and inclusion.

Certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by the State of New York, Wisconsin, the City of New York, and the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Blaylock Van is 81 percent Black-owned. It recently established a formal training program as part of its DEI initiatives. It serves corporations, municipalities, investment managers, and pension funds with a diverse employee base committed to working beyond financial services.

"We are honored to again have the support of an organization that threads diversity and inclusivity into everything it does," said summit's founder and CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting, Dr. Velma Trayham. "Blaylock Van has an incredible history. We are thrilled that Eric Standifer will share some secrets to their ongoing success with diversity, inclusivity, and equity in the investment world."

"As the oldest Black-owned investment bank in the country, we have a unique perspective on diversity best practices," Standifer added. "I look forward to sharing some of our challenges, opportunities, and insights on making decisions and taking actions that truly incorporate diverse perspectives."

The 2022 United Diversity Business Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with the theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation." It is free for attendees.

Attendees will learn from more than 25 keynote experts on innovative approaches and best practices to improve economic diversity outcomes for organizations and entrepreneurs. The summit will host two tracks: Track 1 is designed for public and private companies seeking to increase diversity outcomes, and Track 2 incorporates business development programs to attract and grow the minority small business community. Workshop topics will include using disruption to advance business strategy, entrepreneurship 101, supplier diversity, inclusive decision-making, overcoming financial challenges, and more.

In addition to Standifer, speakers for the 2022 summit include David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla; Jackie Johnson, Diversity Director for the City of Scottsdale; Rob Millar, Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale; Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group; Danny Seiden, President, and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cloves Campbell, co-publisher of the Arizona Informant and more to be announced.

Other Event Sponsors Include SRP (Salt River Project), ASU Office of Economic Development, Country Financial, Fry's Food Stores, and Truist Bank.

Registration is now available at https://uniteddiversitybusinesssummit.com/

About Blaylock Van, LLC:

Blaylock Van, LLC (BV) is the oldest and continuously operating Black-owned investment bank in the United States, providing personalized services for clients across the country. Clients include corporations, municipalities, investment managers, pension funds, and family offices.

The Firm's headquarters are in New York City, with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and Oakland, Calif. For more information, please visit https://brv-llc.com/.

Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation's longest continuously operating Black-owned investment bank, will serve as a sponsorship partner for the 2nd annual United Diversity Business Summit, Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group & The City of Scottsdale. The Sept. 14 summit will convene diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs across Arizona.

Related link: https://brv-llc.com/

Momentum Builds for United Diversity Business Summit on September 14

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Response from the business community has been strong as the 2nd Annual installment of Arizona's top conference on diversity and inclusion grows closer, with several major sponsors on board and a list of expert speakers committing to the event, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

The 2022 United Diversity Business Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with a theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation." It is free for attendees.

The event's organizers have announced four new major sponsors that are helping to make this important conference a reality: Salt River Project, Blaylock Van, Country Financial and the Arizona State University Office of Economic Development.

And, the lineup of quality speakers continues to grow. Speakers for the 2022 summit include:

* David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale

* Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla

* Jackie Johnson, Diversity Director for the City of Scottsdale

* Rob Millar, Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale

* Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group

* Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry

* Cloves Campbell, co-publisher of the Arizona Informant

* Eric Standifer, President and CEO of Blaylock Van

* Ashlee Atkins, President of Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals (YP)

* Mark Stanton, President & CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce

* Keasha Beach, Executive Director of BASE Arizona

Registration for the event has been brisk and has increased in the past couple of weeks, so potential attendees are encouraged to register now to ensure their attendance.

"We are very excited about how the event is coming together and the compelling speakers and content we will be bringing together on September 14," Dr. Trayham said. "We are grateful to our sponsors - particularly Salt River Project, Blaylock Van, Country Financial and the ASU Office of Economic Development - for making this event possible. We are looking forward to advancing the discussion of diversity in business and creating invaluable connections for corporations and entrepreneurs in our community."

The summit recently announced its distinguished co-chairs: Cameron Robb, Senior Development Consultant at APS; Jackie Johnson, City of Scottsdale Diversity Director; and former Arizona State Representative Art Hamilton. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale, the Sept. 14 summit will convene diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs from across Arizona to share ideas and innovations.

The United Diversity Business Summit will spearhead break-out sessions and training workshops covering various topics and industries with the aim of moving 100 or more companies forward and expanding fast-growing diverse small businesses across the Valley.

The United Diversity Business Summit offers corporations and governmental entities the opportunity to reach more than 500 business owners during the event and through pre- and post-event marketing. Each year as a part of Thinkzilla Consulting Group's "Diversity Business Awareness" aimed at increasing patronage of Inclusive Organizations, the "Diversity Business Summit " Co-Chair committee salutes and highlights the accomplishments of five diverse businesses in Scottsdale.

Attendees will learn from more than 25 speakers on innovative approaches and best practices to improve economic diversity outcomes for organizations and entrepreneurs. This year's summit will host two tracks: Track 1 is designed for public and private companies seeking to increase diversity outcomes and Track 2 incorporates business development programs to attract and grow the minority small business community. Workshop topics will include using disruption to advance business strategy, entrepreneurship 101, supplier diversity, inclusive decision-making, recognizing and overcoming financial challenges, and more.

Registration is now available at https://uniteddiversitybusinesssummit.com/

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

ThinkZILLA is one of the country's fastest-growing DE&I Consulting, digital engagement, and program management firms. Making brands more relevant, ThinkZILLA builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers. For more information on ThinkZILLA or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/.

About the City of Scottsdale:

Scottsdale is one of the state's leading job centers, with a diverse economy built on medical research, high-tech innovation, tourism, and corporate headquarters. Scottsdale is home to nearly 18,000 businesses supplying over 150,000 jobs. The high-tech innovation center SkySong, located just a few miles from Downtown, is designed to help companies grow through a unique partnership with nearby Arizona State University. For more information, visit https://www.choosescottsdale.com/.

Response from the business community has been strong as the 2nd Annual installment of Arizona's top conference on diversity and inclusion grows closer, with several major sponsors on board and a list of expert speakers committing to the event, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Co-Chairs Announced for 2nd Annual United Diversity Business Summit, Cameron Robb, Jackie Johnson and Art Hamilton

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Building on the impact and success of 2021 "United Diversity Business Summit," bringing together a trifecta of leadership and insight, the 2nd annual Summit has announced its distinguished co-chairs: Cameron Robb, Senior Development Consultant at APS; Jackie Johnson, City of Scottsdale Diversity Director; and former Arizona State Representative Art Hamilton. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale, the Sept. 14 summit will convene diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs from across Arizona to share ideas and innovations.

With this expanded leadership team, the United Diversity Business Summit will spearhead break-out sessions and training workshops covering various topics and industries. With the aim of moving 100 or more companies forward and expanding fast-growing diverse small businesses across the valley.

Cameron Robb's role at APS, helps bring clean, reliable and affordable energy to more than 2.7 million Arizonans. Further diversity throughout the City of Scottsdale, Jackie Johnson sets the strategic direction for DEI initiatives, integrating diversity with the city's core mission and values. A 26-year-public servant, Art Hamilton became a state legislator at age 21 and served as minority leader of the Arizona House of Representatives for nearly two decades; he was also the first Black and only Arizonan to be elected to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The 2022 United Diversity Business Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with a theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation." It is free for attendees.

"Creating a sustainable future for everyone in Arizona means that we must offer a path to reliable and affordable energy for everyone," Robb said. "We believe in leading the way with innovation and supporting everyone in the diverse communities we serve. I am honored to serve as co-chair for the United Diversity Business Summit and help to bring more voices and perspectives to the leader's table."

Attendees will learn from more than 25 speakers on innovative approaches and best practices to improve economic diversity outcomes for organizations and entrepreneurs. This year's summit will host two tracks: Track 1 is designed for public and private companies seeking to increase diversity outcomes and Track 2 incorporates business development programs to attract and grow the minority small business community. Workshop topics will include using disruption to advance business strategy, entrepreneurship 101, supplier diversity, inclusive decision-making, recognizing and overcoming financial challenges, and more.

"As a steady voice for the underrepresented, I appreciate the opportunity to engage greater diversity, equity and inclusion throughout Scottsdale with this summit and all of the incredible initiatives it sparks," Johnson added. "This year's event has an extraordinary wealth of talent, insight, and diverse perspectives and expertise."

Speakers for the 2022 summit include: David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla; Jackie Johnson, Diversity Director for the City of Scottsdale; Rob Millar, Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale; Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group; Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cloves Campbell, co-publisher of the Arizona Informant; Eric Standifer, President and CEO of Blaylock Van and more to be announced.

Registration is now available at https://uniteddiversitybusinesssummit.com/

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

ThinkZILLA is one of the country's fastest-growing DE&I Consulting, digital engagement, and program management firms. Making brands more relevant, ThinkZILLA builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers. For more information on ThinkZILLA or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/.

About the City of Scottsdale:

Scottsdale is one of the state's leading job centers, with a diverse economy built on medical research, high-tech innovation, tourism, and corporate headquarters. Scottsdale is home to nearly 18,000 businesses supplying over 150,000 jobs. The high-tech innovation center SkySong, located just a few miles from Downtown, is designed to help companies grow through a unique partnership with nearby Arizona State University. For more information, visit https://www.choosescottsdale.com/.

Building on the impact and success of 2021 "United Diversity Business Summit, bringing together a trifecta of leadership and insight, the 2nd annual Summit has announced its distinguished co-chairs: Cameron Robb, Senior Development Consultant at APS; Jackie Johnson, City of Scottsdale Diversity Director; and former Arizona State Representative Art Hamilton. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

2nd Annual United Diversity Business Summit Announced Sept. 14 to Improve Economic Diversity Outcomes

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Building on the success of 2021 "United Diversity Business Summit Day," which included a special proclamation from Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega, the second annual United Diversity Business Summit will be held on Sept. 14, 2022. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale, the summit will engage business and community leaders in efforts to create more diverse and inclusive outcomes.

The Summit will feature keynote speakers, substantive breakout sessions, business opportunity exchange, networking opportunities, and insightful resources for the business community. Presentations are targeted toward businesses with well-developed Diversity and Inclusion programs and those without current efforts but who want to engage.

In addition, leading professionals will spearhead break-out sessions and training workshops covering various topics and industries. With the aim of moving 100 or more companies forward and expanding fast-growing diverse small businesses, the 2022 United Diversity Business Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with a theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation."

"This summit brings us closer to our aim of a diverse business community where everyone's ideas can flourish," said the CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting, Dr. Velma Trayham. "My hope is that this summit empowers attendees to share valuable resources and best practices in DEI and leadership with their organizations, coworkers, managers, and senior leaders."

Attendees will hear from more than 25 Speakers to improve economic diversity outcomes for both organizations and entrepreneurs. This year's summit will host two tracks: Track 1 is designed for public and private companies seeking to increase diversity outcomes, and Track 2 incorporates business development programs to attract and grow the small business community. Workshop topics will include using disruption to advance business strategy, strengthening supplier diversity, inclusive decision-making, funding opportunities, women empowerment, and more.

Early-bird registration now available at https://uniteddiversitybusinesssummit.com/

Speakers for the 2022 summit include David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; Dr. Jackie Johnson, Diversity Director for the City of Scottsdale; Rob Millar, Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale; Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group; Danny Seiden, President, and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cloves Campbell, co-publisher of the Arizona Informant; Eric Standifer, President, and CEO of Blaylock Van and more to be announced.

Limited Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting: Thinkzilla Consulting Group - 480.572.1838.

About the City of Scottsdale:

Scottsdale is one of the state's leading job centers, with a diverse economy built on medical research, high-tech innovation, tourism, and corporate headquarters. Scottsdale is home to nearly 18,000 businesses supplying over 150,000 jobs. The high-tech innovation center SkySong, located just a few miles from Downtown, is designed to help companies grow through a unique partnership with nearby Arizona State University. For more information, visit https://www.choosescottsdale.com/.

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

ThinkZILLA specializes in DE&I Consulting, digital engagement, and program development. Making brands more relevant, ThinkZILLA builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers. For more information on ThinkZILLA or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/.

Building on the success of 2021 "United Diversity Business Summit Day," which included a special proclamation from Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega, the second annual United Diversity Business Summit will be held on Sept. 14, 2022. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale, the summit will engage business and community leaders in efforts to create more diverse and inclusive outcomes.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

ACE Home Services Honors Our Warriors by Providing a New AC to an Active Military Member on July 27, 2022

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- ACE Home Services is a top HVAC and Plumbing company servicing the Phoenix Metro area. For years since it was founded, they have provided homes with quality AC and Heating facility maintenance, equipment installation, and repair, ensuring smooth operation in homes. This veteran operated company is proud to support and hire military members for over 25 years.

For the third annual A/C Veteran Giveaway, ACE Home Services has taken close to a hundred nominations from the Phoenix Metro community to select another military member. We are proud that each year the community steps up and participates in helping those that make the ultimate sacrifice.

This year, we are proud to announce the winner as Petty Officer First Class Devin Munyon, an active-duty Navy recruiter.

Petty Officer First Class Munyon is active-duty in the U.S. Navy and has been serving our great nation for 14 years. During his time in service, he has earned a total of 14 medals. Petty Officer First Class Munyon Devin is a native to Arizona and loves the fact that as a recruiter, he is able to work in AZ and help young men and women sign up and change their lives like someone helped him so long ago. ACE Home Services will be providing and installing a brand new a/c unit for Petty Officer First Class Munyon and his family on July 27, 2022. We thank him for his service and everything he continues to do for all of us.

The President of ACE Home Services, John Trimble served as an Army Infantryman and then a Special Forces Officer - or Green Beret - for more than 13 years. Working closely with various international special operations units, John primarily worked counterterror and counter drug operations across multiple deployments to Afghanistan and South America, receiving two Bronze Star medals, a Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge amongst other awards and citations. Prior to being medically retired as a Major, John's final military assignment was serving as an advisor and lead strategist for a senior military commander at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

The Director of Marketing, James Sesay, is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Regarding the overall goal of the campaign, James says, "Too often many of us take the sacrifices that led to our independence and current freedoms for granted. As a company, we want to go above and beyond the normal discounts and appreciations. Each year, we want to truly give back to those that serve our country."

In addition to actively hiring veterans of all military branches, ACE Home Services also gives additional discounts to all military members and first responders.

About ACE Home Services:

With an A+ rating from the BBB, ACE Home Services provides support for businesses and homes in more than 28 cities. They offer air-conditioning installation, maintenance and repair, heating equipment placement, bathroom remodeling, water softeners and heaters, water leak protection, heating replacement, and a range of additional services. They are fast, efficient, reliable, experienced, highly reliable, and they always put the customers first in all they do.

For more information, please visit the website: https://acehomeaz.com/about-us/.

A brief testimonial can be found here: https://youtu.be/9m6LxrjdogU

AZ Family News covered the 2021 giveaway here: https://youtu.be/dO30Y_7pjU4

Local FOX 10 News covered the 2020 giveaway here: https://youtu.be/lFzMccDIYws

ACE Home Services is a top HVAC and Plumbing company servicing the Phoenix Metro area. For years since it was founded, they have provided homes with quality AC and Heating facility maintenance, equipment installation, and repair, ensuring smooth operation in homes. This veteran operated company is proud to support and hire military members for over 25 years.

Related link: https://acehomeaz.com/

ACE Home Services Honors Our Warriors by Providing a New A/C to Military Veteran for the 3rd Annual Giveaway

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- ACE Home Services is a top HVAC and Plumbing company servicing the Phoenix Metro area. For years since it was founded, they have provided homes with quality AC and Heating facility maintenance, equipment installation, and repair, ensuring smooth operation in homes. This veteran operated company is proud to support and hire military members for over 25 years.

ACE Home Services is currently taking hundreds of nominations from the Phoenix Metro community to select a military recipient of the third annual AC giveaway. Veterans, active duty and reserve military members are all eligible to be nominated. The winner will be announced on July 5th. The date of install will be within two weeks of the announcement date based on the needs of the recipient.

Last year, the community selected Captain Alfred "Benny" Ashley. Benny served the Phoenix Fire Department from 1942 through the end of 1973. Benny is a military combat veteran and twice left the firehouse to serve as a U.S. Navy Corpsman during the WWII and Korean wars. He served as a medic at Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands in the South Pacific.

After returning to his firefighting career Benny led the Phoenix firefighters union as the President of IAFF Local 493 in the 1960's. In 1968 his idea for a statewide, combined, firefighters and police officers pension system was signed into law by AZ Governor Jack Williams to create the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS).

Our selected 2020 winner was Master Sergeant Keith Tucker, a veteran who honorably served our country for 24 years in the Air Force and was stationed at Luke Air Force Base. This opportunity came at the perfect time for Mr. Tucker, as he and his wife Diana were moving into their new home that had an existing unit that was over 15 years old.

The President of ACE Home Services, John Trimble served as an Army Infantryman and then a Special Forces Officer - or Green Beret - for more than 13 years. Working closely with various international special operations units, John primarily worked counterterror and counter drug operations across multiple deployments to Afghanistan and South America, receiving two Bronze Star medals, a Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge amongst other awards and citations.

Prior to being medically retired as a Major, John's final military assignment was serving as an advisor and lead strategist for a senior military commander at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. The Director of Marketing, James Sesay, is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Regarding the overall goal of the campaign, James says, "Too often many of us take the sacrifices that led to our independence and current freedoms for granted. As a company, we want to go above and beyond the normal discounts and appreciations. This year, we want to truly give back to those that serve our country."

In addition to actively hiring veterans of all military branches, ACE Home Services also gives additional discounts to all military members and first responders.

About ACE Home Services:

With an A+ rating from the BBB, ACE Home Services provides support for businesses and homes in more than 28 cities. They offer air-conditioning installation, maintenance and repair, heating equipment placement, bathroom remodeling, water softeners and heaters, water leak protection, heating replacement, and so on. They are fast, efficient, reliable, experienced, highly reliable, and they always put the customers first in all they do.

For more information, please visit their website at https://acehomeaz.com/about-us/

A brief testimonial can be found here https://youtu.be/9m6LxrjdogU

AZ Family News covered the 2021 giveaway here https://youtu.be/dO30Y_7pjU4

Local FOX 10 News covered the 2020 giveaway here: https://youtu.be/lFzMccDIYws

Veteran nominations can be done here: https://azcentral.secondstreetapp.com/2022-Honor-Our-Warriors-Sweepstakes/

ACE Home Services is a top HVAC and Plumbing company servicing the Phoenix Metro area. For years since it was founded, they have provided homes with quality AC and Heating facility maintenance, equipment installation, and repair, ensuring smooth operation in homes. This veteran operated company is proud to support and hire military members for over 25 years.

Related link: https://acehomeaz.com/

Doing Business with the Federal Government Community Event Opens up Access to More than $500 Million in Annual Contracting

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Expanding access to more than $500 million in annual contracting, Thinkzilla Consulting and the Arizona District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration are collaborating to host a special event on "How to Do Business with the Federal Government." The free in-person event takes place May 24 from 10 to 12:30 p.m. and registration is now available.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consulting firm, Thinkzilla expanded its third office to Scottsdale in 2020 based on its diverse and entrepreneurial community, where local leaders are committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. Thinkzilla has a forward-focused mission of developing economic growth initiatives to encourage job creation and business expansion. Arizona is home to more than 600,000 small businesses, yet only 11 percent are helmed by racial minorities, according to the Arizona Small Business Economic Profile, and many businesses struggle to understand the vast opportunities available with federal government contracts.

"We believe that inclusive, equitable businesses drive prosperity and know there is a lot of untapped potential in contracting with the federal government, which is why we wanted to share this initiative with more diverse small business owners looking to grow and evolve," said Thinkzilla CEO and founder Dr. Velma Trayham. "We strive to be the trusted partner of choice for the nation's leading organizations, including the federal government, bridging the gap by fostering meaningful connections with underrepresented communities and disadvantaged entrepreneurs."

Topics to be covered include: the procurement process and how to get certified; documents and business structure required for doing business with the government; program to support minority- and women-owned small businesses; upcoming county infrastructure construction projects; top categories where federal agencies spend the most on contracting and more.

The upcoming seminar will be held at Thinkzilla's Skysong office in Scottsdale at 1365 N. Scottsdale Rd.

To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/doing-business-with-the-federal-government-tickets-330396072547

Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Amber@thinkzillaconsulting.com or 480-572-1838.

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

The only firm that combines program management resources with extensive DE&I expertise, and full-service marketing capabilities, Thinkzilla recently launched a proprietary DEI scorecard. It can be used for audits, to support training and programs, and to help organizations build more inclusive workplaces and workforces. For more information on Thinkzilla, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Expanding access to more than $500 million in annual contracting, Thinkzilla Consulting and the Arizona District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration are collaborating to host a special event on "How to Do Business with the Federal Government." The free in-person event takes place May 24 from 10 to 12:30 p.m. and registration is now available.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Sleep in an Unforgettable Luxury Sky Dome Near the Grand Canyon: Clear Sky Resorts Launches Second Season on May 26

TEMPE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Looking for a unique vacation experience this year? Tempe, Arizona-based Clear Sky Resorts launches their second season on May 26, 2022. Their resort near the Grand Canyon has elevated glamping to a whole new level of luxury by bringing the outdoors inside.

"At one of America's most unique and spectacular places to vacation, our guests stay in spacious Luxury Sky Domes with expansive windows and skylights that provide epic stargazing and sunrise watching from the comfort of their luxurious bed," says Clear Sky Resorts founder, Hal Feinberg.

"Nights in your dome are magical, I definitely got lost in the stars," said a guest who rated their Clear Sky Resorts experience as five-star plus a few thousand. After falling asleep under a sky full of stars, you wake up to a magnificent Arizona sunrise over an other-worldly high desert landscape. "I loved this place! You feel as though you're on another planet," exclaimed another guest.

One of Clear Sky Resorts' most popular 2-person Sky Dome floor plans, Stairway to the Stars, features a spiral staircase leading up to a bed suspended from the ceiling's skylight. Guests feel the essence of the Grand Canyon with wall-sized murals of canyon scenery featured in most of the domes, including the Grand Canyon XL which sleeps five. Clear Sky Resorts also offers domes that sleep up to seven in a variety of fun, uniquely styled Luxury Sky Domes, including 80's Video Game, British Secret Agent, Deep Space and Pink Kitten themes.

Beyond ordinary, Clear Sky Resorts' Luxury Sky Domes come outfitted with luxurious touches not always found at other glamping resorts. Each Luxury Sky Dome features a climate-control system to keep you cool during the warm days and warm during the cool nights. Every dome has its own private bath with a large glass-enclosed shower featuring a rain showerhead and plush towels. Cozy up at night around the artisan firepit or the chic free-standing ethanol fireplaces found in many of Clear Sky Resorts' Luxury Sky Domes.

Although each dome is placed to maximize privacy, solitude, and breathtaking high desert views, this 40-acre resort is also about fun-filled opportunities to get to know your fellow guests, your family and even yourself. Fun, family-friendly activities connect people to each other and make every Clear Sky Resorts vacation a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you'll want to experience again and again.

* Oversized in-ground air pillow trampoline

* Glow-in-the-dark nine-hole frisbee golf course

* Sand volleyball court / swings / playground

* Lots of fun yard games

* Live music, storytelling, wildlife demos and movie nights

* Nightly s'mores around artisan firepits

Opening for the 2022 season on Memorial Day weekend, book your Clear Sky Resorts' Grand Canyon vacation by April 30, 2022, and save 15%.

For reservations and information, go to https://grandcanyon.clearskyresorts.com/ or contact Clear Sky Resorts by phone at +1-406-219-7811 or email at information@clearskyresorts.com.

About Clear Sky Resorts:

Founded in 2020, Clear Sky Resorts is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. As the first resort of its kind in the U.S., Clear Sky Resorts delivers a unique hospitality experience with luxurious Sky Domes, perfect for nighttime stargazing and lots of fun activities for the whole family. Learn more: https://clearskyresorts.com/.

Looking for a unique vacation experience this year? Tempe, Arizona-based Clear Sky Resorts launches their second season on May 26, 2022. Their resort near the Grand Canyon has elevated glamping to a whole new level of luxury by bringing the outdoors inside.

Related link: https://clearskyresorts.com/

This Start-up wants to help companies re-engage employees while returning to the office

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scottsdale start-up, JabberYak, has developed a new team-building Office Name Plate to help employees re-connect and re-engage as they return to the office.

"As we enter a post-pandemic world, we are seeing companies go through major transitions as they try to navigate the return to the office. Isolation, Zoom fatigue, and lack of social interactions among team members have had an adverse mental impact on employees," says Gail Levinthal, CEO of JabberYak.

At the same time, employees can feel overwhelmed and disconnected during the transition and a poorly designed work model can have a profound negative impact on teamwork and productivity.

JabberYak is set to make the transition smoother by getting co-workers to re-connect and get to know each other again. JabberYak's platform enables employees to select their top seven personal interests that give insight into who they are. The selected interests then get printed on customized name plates and displayed on offices, cubicles, or collaborative workspaces. This will enable employees to learn something new about each other, build relationships based on common interests, ease social interactions, and improve the level of engagement with team members.

"Folks are returning to the office, and they have not seen each other for a year or two and many new employees have not even met their team members. There is lot of pressure on companies to find ways to build cohesive teams that know and trust each other," adds Levinthal. "We have taken an old office item, like a name plate, which is there for everyone to basically ignore... completely revamped it and turned it to a fun team building tool."

JabberYak's analytics dashboard helps companies understand what activities are valued by the team members and what appreciation perks should be offered.

JabberYak's other icebreaker, team-building, and customer engagement products include customized T-Shirts, event badges, name tags, and free event scheduling tool, designed to ignite meaningful, face-to-face communication.

Learn more at: https://www.jabberyak.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jabberyak/

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/ZOK6EZzSi40

RELATED LINKS:
https://www.jabberyak.com/office-name-plates

https://www.jabberyak.com/event-registration-tool

Scottsdale start-up, JabberYak, has developed a new team-building Office Name Plate to help employees re-connect and re-engage as they return to the office. JabberYak is set to make the transition smoother by getting co-workers to re-connect and get to know each other again.

Related link: https://www.jabberyak.com/

The Secret to the Best Family Vacation Ever? Fun Activities Abound at Clear Sky Resorts

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Clear Sky Resorts is pretty sure that if you have kids, you've been there. What was supposed to be a restful, restorative time away dissolves into your busy daily routine with a change of scenery. You manage to convince yourself it was worth the effort because your family had a new experience together but secretly wish you could leave them with their grandparents for your next getaway.

Family vacations do NOT have to be this way! If the kids are busy having fun, you will get the time to yourself you deserve. Time to put your feet up, pour a refreshing beverage, read a book, or just take in the views.

Inspired by parents who introduced them to travel at a young age, the owners of Clear Sky Resorts developed a deep love of the great outdoors on fun family trips. Fond memories of their fun childhood vacations led to the development of their resort near the Grand Canyon, and a commitment to creating one-of-a-kind experiences by combining unique accommodations with fun family-friendly activities at the country's most special places.

This 40-acre resort is about the chance to form bonds that last a lifetime - a sort of upscale summer camp for all ages that creates fun-filled opportunities to get to know your fellow guests, your family and even yourself. Fun, family-friendly activities connect people to each other and make every Clear Sky Resorts vacation the best vacation ever.

* Oversized in-ground air pillow trampoline

* Glow-in-the-dark nine-hole frisbee golf course

* Sand volleyball court / swings / playground

* Lots of fun yard games

* Live music, storytelling, wildlife demos and movie nights

* Nightly s'mores around artisan firepits

Clear Sky Resorts' unique geodesic dome accommodations feature expansive windows and skylights providing epic stargazing from the comfort of luxurious beds. Beyond ordinary, every Clear Sky Resorts Sky Dome comes outfitted with a telescope for viewing starry night skies, cozy hanging chair inside and a comfy hammock outside on the private deck. Clear Sky Resorts' family-sized domes sleep up to seven with a handful of domes featuring fun themed décor and features.

Comments from families that visited during the resort's inaugural 2021 season speak for themselves. "Our kids did not want to leave" or "our kids want to know when they get to go back" are as common as the resort is unique.

Hey kids, do we have a deal for you! Opening for the 2022 season on Memorial Day weekend, if your parents book your Clear Sky Resorts' Grand Canyon vacation by April 30, 2022, they save 15%.

For reservations and information, go to https://grandcanyon.clearskyresorts.com/ or contact Clear Sky Resorts by phone at +1-406-219-7811 or email at information@clearskyresorts.com.

About Clear Sky Resorts:

Founded in 2020, Clear Sky Resorts is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. As the first resort of its kind in the U.S., Clear Sky Resorts delivers a unique hospitality experience with luxurious Sky Domes, perfect for nighttime stargazing and lots of activities that are fun for the whole family.

Clear Sky Resorts is pretty sure that if you have kids, you've been there. What was supposed to be a restful, restorative time away dissolves into your busy daily routine with a change of scenery. You manage to convince yourself it was worth the effort because your family had a new experience together but secretly wish you could leave them with their grandparents for your next getaway.

Related link: https://clearskyresorts.com/

Scottsdale Mayor Ortega Welcomes Minority Business Accelerator participants during Spring kickoff event

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- With a welcome from Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega and President of the Black Chamber of Commerce Arizona Robin Reed, the Minority Business Accelerator Program, in collaboration with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, kicked off on March 8, welcoming more than 40 women-owned small businesses, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

The 2022 program is sponsored by American Landmark; one of the fastest-growing multifamily owner-operators in the United States and Blaylock Van, LLC, the oldest and continuously operating African American-owned banking firm in the United States.

With a focus on minority business growth, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy has already helped more than 7,000 women across the country conquer poverty through entrepreneurship. With a forward-focused mission of developing economic growth initiatives for minority- and women-owned businesses to encourage job creation and business expansion, the organization focuses its work in the Arizona, Florida, and Georgia markets. A $500,000 scholarship fund for the program was launched by Dr. Velma Trayham in February to help small businesses owned by African American women.

"While Arizona continues to grow its commitment to diverse business ownership, institutional barriers to success such as lack of access to capital and access to quality business training are still a reality. That's what we're here to change," said Thinkzilla Consulting Group founder Dr. Velma Trayham. "This unique program invites more voices to the table and more support in developing and realizing entrepreneurial goals."

While Arizona is home to more than 600,000 small businesses, only about 11 percent are helmed by racial minorities, according to the Arizona Small Business Economic Profile.

The 15-week Minority Business Accelerator engages entrepreneurs with a proprietary curriculum, including startup tools, access to a diverse local and national mentor network, funding opportunities to rapidly grow and scale operations, and support in learning how to do business with the government and corporations. The economic goals of the program include supporting the launch of more than 500 new companies while empowering a minimum of 50,000 entrepreneurs.

Program participants represent industries including counseling and mental health, consulting, spa/beauty, IT, restaurants, and education, among others.

2022 Spring Cohort Participating businesses are:

Black HMU, UnitedABowens Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Southern Roots Vegan, Nursing Apparel & ThangZ, Waters Cover Senior Living Community, Simply Celeste's, Shaping Minds Therapeutic Services, Divine Vision Enterprises, Permananet Management MakeUP, Maxim Wellness Centers, New Phoenix, Powerfuel Bites, Her Sisu, Kream's Kreations, Riley-Jones, Walking in Wellness, Ms. Martha's Caribbean Kitchen, Holistic Pathwayz, Nikki L. Sims, Healthier New You, Limitless Scholars, Purpose-Driven Therapeutic Services, Aylee Consulting, Positive Vibes, Foxy Holdings, The Martin Walsh Realty Group, Above the Curve Design Co. and Vuvoi.

The Entrepreneur Accelerator program is offered twice a year, will begin accepting applicants for its upcoming fall program in July. Past alumni's boast acceleration of business growth, click here for past testimonials - https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/success-stories/

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group

Thinkzilla offers DEI Programming that focuses on economic, strategic growth initiatives for minority and women-owned small businesses. Our Award-Winning team helps our clients increase supplier diversity across their supply chains and assist in launching programs to engage communities across the globe. For more information, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

About Millionaire Mastermind Academy

Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a 501(c)(3) organization that addresses the barriers to economic mobility for women who have been systemically and historically underserved and excluded. The mission is to educate and support the growth of women-owned businesses, thereby strengthening their impact on the economy and mitigating the problems presented by poverty.

RELATED LINKS:
https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/minoritybusiness/

https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/30141144/Small-Business-Economic-Profile-AZ.pdf

With a welcome from Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega and President of the Black Chamber of Commerce Arizona Robin Reed, the Minority Business Accelerator Program, in collaboration with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, kicked off on March 8, welcoming more than 40 women-owned small businesses, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Doctor with an Autism Podcast Believes We Are All on The Autism Spectrum and It Is About Living with Autism, Not Trying to Fix It

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Otherness Podcast is a narrative exploring and engaging autism through experienced stories from those who have lived with it. Dr. Todd Peter Levine, a psychiatrist with a brother with autism, presents conversations, concepts and guests covering an array of interactions and experiences from those with or close to autism. It is the establishment of a voice to curate the stories that he feels have deep meaning for those people who are living with autism in their daily lives.

The Otherness Podcast started when Todd was with close friends on a boat and he asked for their advice on what a creative endeavor on a life spent in autism could look like. The idea of a podcast took shape and became a narration of family stories of autism. Todd remembers how the support of his friends started his path towards opening up the conversations he was having in his office treating children and adults with autism, "It was really the establishment of a voice, a narration to curate the stories that I knew would have deep meaning for those people that have lived with autism, whether they have autism themselves or whether they are family members of someone on the spectrum."

Dr. Todd Peter Levine now has one season under his belt and as the second season has started, he is sharing more stories of what it means to feel the vast spectrum of feelings that include terror, rage, sadness, and pain that can create a venue to move into the humanity of autism and away from the diagnosis itself.

Todd believes "We define our children by who they are as humans. Then looking with the lens through which autism is viewed, while different, has a unique perspective that can actually open our minds up to humanity in a greater way.

"I feel everyone is on the autism spectrum to some degree and the official diagnosis comes from the realization that some of us have more struggles with how our minds and bodies respond differently to the social and non-social environment."

The Otherness Podcast is also amplifying how the stories of living with autism have been much more important than any textbook, any medical journal or any lecture he's ever been to. Todd also states "Most of these stories do not have happy endings, mostly because they are still being told."

For season 2 and beyond, Todd wants to have people come on and share their stories, and ask questions that can get us to those places of vulnerability and resilience that many can relate to. He is particularly interested in those who have family members affected by autism and are affected by autism themselves.

For more information, visit: https://othernesspodcast.com/

Listen to the Otherness Podcast and Dr. Todd Peter Levine on:

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/otherness-podcast/id1558614588

Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/otherness-podcast/PC:78573

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0syuA1Py9z8am7FkpbI9yp

And wherever else podcasts are available.

The Otherness Podcast is a narrative exploring and engaging autism through experienced stories from those who have lived with it. Dr. Todd Peter Levine, a psychiatrist with a brother with autism, presents conversations, concepts and guests covering an array of interactions and experiences from those with or close to autism.

Related link: https://othernesspodcast.com/

Applications are open for the second year in a row at this Arizona-based accelerator built for female founders 40+

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- RECREATE Now LLC is taking applications for its second cohort in Arizona and it's first cohort in San Francisco, California to help aspiring women entrepreneurs build and launch their idea. Following an expansion into the Bay Area, the Arizona-based organization is aiming to support the underserved market of women over 40 who are transitioning from the corporate world and wanting to start their own business or non-profit without being surrounded by twenty-something tech bros.

* Even as millions of women in the U.S. quit their jobs, women over 40 are still an underserved demographic in the entrepreneurship community

* Start-up funding for female founders is on the rise for both for-profit and non-profit sectors

* The deadline to apply for the Recreate Action Tank is March 1, 2022

Coming from the world of executive coaching and corporate training on Diversity and Inclusion, Recreate Co-founder Melissa Lamson knows how to identify a gap in the market. Even with nearly 40 million people leaving their jobs in 2021 and a clear rise in entrepreneurship, she hasn't found an accelerator tailored to the uniqueness of women over 40-so she built one.

"I've seen so many women hesitate on their own ideas, and not having the guidance they need means those ideas fall by the wayside. We want to give them a chance by surrounding them with extraordinary women who have done it before and who are doing it now," says Lamson.

With full-day sessions led by big-name entrepreneurs like Heidi Jannenga of WebPT and Courtney Klein co-founder of SEED SPOT, among other talented women, the accelerator aims to nourish the founders with a cohort of talented women building alongside them.

Encouraging this new wave of female founders, the Recreate Action Tank is in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority and has been sponsored by Carvana, Bank 34 and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

"We curate the tools, practices, connections, and funding opportunities - everything these women need to give their business idea or non-profit a chance to thrive," says Lamson, "It's not just about teaching or lecturing, it's about taking action with a core community to support you."

To learn more about the program or to apply, visit https://www.recreateactiontank.org/

RECREATE Now LLC is taking applications for its second cohort in Arizona and it's first cohort in San Francisco, California to help aspiring women entrepreneurs build and launch their idea. The organization is aiming to support the underserved market of women over 40 who are transitioning from the corporate world and wanting to start their own business or non-profit without being surrounded by twenty-something tech bros.

Related link: https://www.recreatenow.org/

Luxury brand leader, Lisa Baldwin, joins TAG CXO

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Lisa Baldwin, an industry veteran with a track record of successes with paramount brands like Tiffany and Co., Coach and Macy's, is bringing her earned expertise to TAG CXO as a fractional CIO.

"We are very pleased to welcome Lisa to the firm and delighted to share her battle-tested experience and industry expertise with clients. Forged through an impressive career track, Lisa brings a genuine blend of executive traits, CIO accomplishments and personal poise to the table for mid-market operators. From large organizations and big brands, her people-focused demeanor, global program exposure and practical approach are second only to her poise and preparedness for each challenge," says Paul Theisen, founder of TAG CXO. "And now her unique talent is available to more firms, more often, on a more affordable and fractional basis!"

Baldwin's remarkable insights come from 30 years of IT experience, managing modernization and transformation across all aspects of business.

In her most recent role as CIO of a luxury jewelry retailer, Baldwin led technology globally and successfully launched an e-commerce website on Microsoft Azure in China. The revenue-generating website used the company's own tech and cloud computing stack, as compared to previous on-premise systems. The launch surpassed revenue targets and was a huge win for the company.

Baldwin is well versed in managing multi-faceted IT organizations. In previous roles, she's led the transformation and re-platforming of applications and tools delivered across the company - from supply chain to retail to cybersecurity.

While her resume boasts many successes, Baldwin credits the people around her. As a people-focused leader, Baldwin's tactic is to educate and motivate teams to reach their highest potential.

Those values translate well to the fractional CIO service model. Baldwin says her years of experience can benefit mid-market companies facing challenges as they grow.

"I like the idea of being able to help more than one company at a more strategic and advisory level," Baldwin says.

Baldwin is the recipient of the 2020 National Diversity & Leadership Award "Top CIOs". She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia State University.

To learn more visit: https://tagcxo.com/about/lisa-baldwin

About TAG CXO:

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, TAG CXO is a privately held company, providing Interim and Fractional IT leadership executives, founded in 2019. The company maintains a distinguished reserve of industry-trained, enterprise-level executives, available on demand to mid-market CEOs. TAG CXO executives help to round out a firm's leadership team and close the IT talent gap with fully qualified expertise, offering a more affordable, lower-risk option than hiring full-time staff. Learn more at: https://tagcxo.com/.

TAG CXO, 7000 N 16th Street, Suite 120-167, Phoenix, AZ 85020.

Lisa Baldwin, an industry veteran with a track record of successes with paramount brands like Tiffany and Co., Coach and Macy's, is bringing her earned expertise to TAG CXO as a fractional CIO. Baldwin's remarkable insights come from 30 years of IT experience, managing modernization and transformation across all aspects of business.

Related link: https://tagcxo.com/

Thinkzilla Launches New DEI Scorecard to help Organizations Grow Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Focus

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Companies with ethnically diverse executive teams outperform their peers by a full 33 percent when it comes to profitability, according to a recent McKinsey report, and yet many companies still come up short in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion work. Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced the launch of a proprietary DEI Scorecard to help clients improve DEI outcomes based on research, data, best practices and organizational goals.

The scorecard can be used for audits, to support training and programs, and to help organizations build more inclusive workplaces and workforces. Thinkzilla Consulting is the only firm that combines program development with extensive DE&I expertise, a network of thousands of minority-led business suppliers and full-service marketing capabilities,

"Every organization should develop DE&I goals customized to their team, their industry and their goals, which is why we launched this scorecard," said the CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting, Velma Trayham, who was recently featured in the Business News Ledger for her DE&I work. "Based on feedback from companies interested in growing their diversity and inclusion programming and outreach, the scorecard can be part of your strategic plan and overall growth efforts. It's all about inspiring change in a meaningful way."

After launching the United Diversity Business Summit in 2021 with a proclamation from the city of Scottsdale, Ariz., Thinkzilla's team in Scottsdale, Atlanta, and Houston has continued to innovate and support minority business owners through its work in supplier diversity program development & evaluation, Marketing Services and DE&I assessments and training.

"While everyone knows that diverse, inclusive and equitable companies do better across many metrics, not every organization knows how to get there," said Dr. Trayham. "Our data, our knowledge and our passion can help organizations of all sizes get the information they need to take equitable action and make a true difference."

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group

Thinkzilla Consulting helps organizations create a positive economic impact through cultural diversity. Making brands more relevant, Thinkzilla builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers.

For more information on Thinkzilla or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/delivering-through-diversity

https://businessnewsledger.com/innovative-solutions-of-dr-velma-trayham-ceo-of-thinkzilla-consulting-group/

Companies with ethnically diverse executive teams outperform their peers by a full 33 percent when it comes to profitability, according to a recent McKinsey report, and yet many companies still come up short in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion work.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Minority Business Accelerator Program Expands to Support Small Underrepresented Female Entrepreneurs in Arizona, Georgia and Florida

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- ThinkZILLA Consulting, announced its 15-week entrepreneur accelerator program for female minority entrepreneurs. The only firm that combines program management resources with extensive DE&I expertise, a network of thousands of minority-led business suppliers and full-service marketing capabilities, has expanded programming to combat poverty and support entrepreneurs in need of access. Quality business training and mentorship.

Earlier this year, ThinkZILLA expanded to Scottsdale at the Arizona State University SkySong Innovation Center, where it launched the first United Diversity Business Summit, convening business experts and CEOs to share innovative approaches to enhancing Arizona's economic growth outcomes.

The recent "State of Black Business" report highlighted racial gaps in Arizona, where Black workers are underrepresented in most industries yet overrepresented in the state's lowest earning brackets, and the business accelerator intends to reverse these trends.

"Education and entrepreneurship can support individuals and business owners in rising from poverty, creating sustainable enterprises and making a true mark on the Arizona business world and culture," said Dr. Trayham. "We are proud to lead the way in executing to seeing more business owners build and scale across the state."

ThinkZILLA's 15-Week Accelerator Program is in partnership with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to end poverty through entrepreneurship, has helped more than 7,000 women nationwide gain the education and training they need to succeed in business. Since its founding in 2017, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy has awarded $60,000 in scholarships and more than $30,000 in seed funding to help African American women entrepreneurs create successful and sustainable business enterprises.

"The Pioneer Accelerator Program couldn't have selected a better time to launch in Arizona," noted Cloves Campbell, Jr., owner and publisher of the Arizona Informant, which recently celebrated 50 years of recording Black history. "As the Black population has increased astronomically, so, too, has the number of Black businesses. The need for programs that can specifically assist our Black entrepreneurs is long overdue. Dr. Velma Trayham and her team are providing a service that will not only create more Black businesses in Arizona but will also stimulate the economy for all of Arizona!"

Companies that commit to diversity, equity and inclusion benefit broadly with financial growth, a more diverse and stable employee base, deeper diverse supply chain engagement, greater innovation and enhanced company reputation.

Applications for the Hybrid business accelerator will begin accepting applications Jan. 10, with a deadline of Feb 15. The program will kick off with orientation at ThinkZILLA's SkySong office on March 1.

Learn more: https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/entrepreneur-accelerator-program/

The 15-week program will cover branding, doing business with local government and corporations, funding a business for growth, sales and marketing, and more. In addition, it will provide mentorship and networking to expand entrepreneurial knowledge, connections, and opportunities with the aim of helping business owners and entrepreneurs acquire the skills and support they need to scale and succeed in Arizona.

This program is made possible by public and private partnerships. Founding sponsors for the Accelerator program include American Landmark, M&T Bank and Blaylock Van, LLC.

About the Millionaire Mastermind Academy:

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy was designed to empower Black women to overcome the challenges of economic instability through entrepreneurship and small business. The Millionaire Mastermind Academy educates women and support the growth of their small businesses, engages entrepreneurship to combat the threat of poverty and gender-based income disparities, and enhance local community economies.

For more information, please visit http://millionairemastermindacademy.org/.

About ThinkZILLA:

With its mission to increase economic impact through cultural diversity, ThinkZILLA helps organizations create a positive economic impact. ThinkZILLA supports clients interested in addressing inequities and realizing growth opportunities through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programming, while impacting the local community.

To learn more about ThinkZILLA visit https://ThinkZILLAconsulting.com/.

CITATION:

"State of Black Business" report - (PDF) https://2301uj1nvlmrmp0ty21tpfxk-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/State-of-Black-Business-Report_small.pdf

ThinkZILLA Consulting, announced its 15-week entrepreneur accelerator program for female minority entrepreneurs. The only firm that combines program management resources with extensive DE&I expertise, a network of thousands of minority-led business suppliers and full-service marketing capabilities, has expanded programming to combat poverty and support entrepreneurs in need of access.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

This Startup Wants to Get People Talking Again!

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- A new Arizona company, JabberYak, is on a mission to engage people with common interests using their ice breakers products, including customized T-Shirts, event badges, name tags, and office name plates designed to ignite meaningful, face-to-face communication without relying on personal devices.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting more than 40 million adults*. During the pandemic, about four in ten adults in the U.S. reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder. As things start to open post-pandemic, many people are experiencing even more anxiety when thinking about getting back into a social routine after isolating for so long. (*Citation: see link below.)

One area that is most concerning to people is the socialization that comes with returning to the office or events. Many professionals haven't seen their coworkers in over a year and those that are new to the company will be meeting their peers in person for the first time. When you are in the office, you're expected to connect with new people, and it can be difficult to navigate the flow of conversation.

JabberYak is founded by two Scottsdale-based women. Gail Levinthal is a former event planner who immigrated from South Africa in the 1990s, and Shideh Doerr is an entrepreneur and first generation Persian American. The two women developed JabberYak after seeing how difficult it was for those around them to connect with others, especially in large group settings such as corporate and singles events, holiday parties and even family reunions. While on a cruise with her family, Levinthal noticed how many people stopped to talk to her son because of the college shirt he was wearing. She saw that people were more willing to connect if they had a common interest.

The duo connected with serial entrepreneur and investor, Mack Baniameri and launched the JabberYak products in June 2021.

"The pandemic disrupted our lives in such a way that going back to a pre-covid routine can be intimidating," said Gail Levinthal, co-founder and CEO of JabberYak. "It's natural to feel anxious about the world opening up again, but with the right tools in place, the transition can be smooth and seamless. Knowing the interests of the people around you before the first word is even spoken can ease social anxiety and lead to more quality, meaningful conversations."

JabberYak's platform enables individuals to select their top seven personal interests that give insight into who they are. The selected interests then get printed on customized items that can be worn to work, meetings, events and displayed in the office. JabberYak products ultimately create a fun atmosphere, eases social interaction, build relationships, and improve the level of engagement with conference attendees, co-workers or customers.

JabberYak also offers an analytics dashboard to organizers prior to an event, providing valuable insight into who will be attending.

Learn more at: https://www.jabberyak.com/

For more information, contact shideh@jabberyak.com

CITATION:

NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/ZOK6EZzSi40

A new Arizona company, JabberYak, is on a mission to engage people with common interests using their ice breakers products, including customized T-Shirts, event badges, name tags, and office name plates designed to ignite meaningful, face-to-face communication without relying on personal devices.

Related link: https://www.jabberyak.com/

Ahwatukee Realtor, Mike Holt, Joins COR Consultants

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- COR Consultants is pleased to announce that Mike Holt has joined the team as a real estate agent. Mike Holt is an Ahwatukee Realtor who has a degree in Computer Science and past experience managing teams at Amazon.

"We are excited to have Mike Holt join the team. He exudes positivity, hard work, and tenacity. I am confident Mike has a very bright future in this industry and at COR Consultants," says Jeffrey Buettner, Team Leader.

At Amazon, Mike spent nine years in the logistics and supply side. That experience prepared him to be detail-oriented with a focus on customer fulfillment. In addition, his analytical mind helps him in the real estate field. Breaking down complex issues and teaching people how to understand the situation and what to do next is key.

Anyone interested in connecting with Mike about buying or selling real estate can reach out to him via his website: https://mikeholtsellshomes.com/.

About COR Consultants:

COR Consultants is a Phoenix-based real estate team dedicated to helping real estate agents flourish by providing top-of-the-line technology and training. Learn more: https://yourcorconsultants.com/.

COR Consultants is pleased to announce that Mike Holt has joined the team as a real estate agent. Mike Holt is an Ahwatukee Realtor who has a degree in Computer Science and past experience managing teams at Amazon.

Related link: https://yourcorconsultants.com/