At the recent State of Arizona Cyber Summit, the former acting head of the White House’s Office of the National Cyber Director emphasized how investments in cybersecurity infrastructure are important for protecting Arizona’s school districts, water utilities, and economy, while showing the need for better systems to allocate funding effectively.

Jake Braun, who delivered keynote remarks, talked about some critical cybersecurity challenges, emerging threats, and solutions tailored to local communities. 

The White House and cybersecurity

“The White House sees things uniquely,” Braun said. “Things that other organizations might not have visibility into. One of the things we’re mandated by Congress to do is to create the National Cyber Posture Report, which helps us identify where threats are coming from and what we can do about them.”

Challenges such as AI

Braun talked about how artificial intelligence is becoming a surprising cybersecurity concern. “You wouldn’t normally think of AI as a cybersecurity issue,” he explained. “But if the algorithms banks or utilities rely on are manipulated, the impacts can be huge.”

The risks are most significant for critical infrastructure, where small disruptions can create ripple effects across entire communities.

Impacts on local communities

One of the takeaways was how cybersecurity failures can affect day-to-day life, especially in a state like Arizona. Braun discussed the vulnerability of school districts and utilities:

“When a school district goes offline, it’s not just about students losing access to classes. For some kids, that’s the only place where they get lunch for the day or the only place they have access to electricity,” he said. “In a state like Arizona, where air conditioning during the summer is critical, these impacts are even more dangerous.”

Water utilities were also a focus. Braun referenced smaller communities where resources are scarce. “We’re talking about rural counties with no cyber budgets. Sometimes, they haven’t even changed default passwords on critical systems, and those are the first things attackers exploit.”

Investments in local cybersecurity

Braun emphasized the importance of using federal and private investments to improve cybersecurity in states like Arizona. He discussed initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act, which have brought significant funding to Arizona’s technology sector. “Arizona has already seen major investments, but we need to make sure those investments also support local cybersecurity efforts, whether that’s school districts, small businesses, or utilities.”

By strengthening cyber defenses, Braun argued, the state not only protects its infrastructure but also enhances economic stability. “Cybersecurity isn’t just about defense, it’s about economic security,” he noted. “If businesses can trust their systems, if schools can stay online, and if utilities remain resilient, the entire economy benefits.”

The need for improved funding

One challenge Braun discussed was the complexity of allocating funds for cybersecurity improvements. “There are grants from all kinds of federal agencies, but local governments often struggle to navigate them,” he said. “We need to make it easier for funding to flow to where it’s needed most.”

Braun called for a more improved process that ensures critical resources reach smaller communities that tend to lack the capacity to apply for complex grants or implement solutions.

Solutions for utilities

Braun shared an inspiring pilot program where volunteer cybersecurity experts partnered with small water utilities to resolve basic security issues. “We put a call out to volunteers, grad students, professionals, you name it, and we had so many sign up, we had to shut down the form after two weeks,” he said.

Though Arizona utilities were not part of the pilot, Braun expressed his hope to bring the program to the state. “We want to make sure small utilities here in Arizona are equipped to handle these challenges,” he said.

To address ongoing resource gaps, Braun introduced the idea of “universal basic cybersecurity.” He explained, “Foundational cybersecurity protections need to be accessible and free. There’s no point where we say, ‘You’ve used too much support, now you have to pay us.’ Cybersecurity has to be universal.”

A path forward for Arizona

Braun concluded the discussion by encouraging Arizona leaders to prioritize local investments and partnerships. Governments, businesses, schools, and individuals, need to work together to address this problem. If smart investments are made now, Arizona can lead the way in cybersecurity innovation and infrastructure.

The post Former White House cyber lead discusses security threats at Ariz. Cyber Summit appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

Disinformation is not just a political issue, it’s a pressing challenge that threatens democracy, trust in institutions, and the business community, according to experts who spoke at a recent panel hosted by the Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry. Panelists explained the need for collaboration between businesses, government, and civil society to address the growing problem of intentional efforts to mislead citizens.

“This isn’t just about politics. It impacts our business community in a major way, and it really affects every aspect of our life,” said Matt Salmon, a former Arizona congressman and co-chairman of the Conservative Agenda for Arizona, who served as the panel moderator.

The role of disinformation in society

Disinformation, deliberate falsehoods designed to mislead, is distinct from misinformation, which involves spreading inaccurate information without harmful intent. Panelists explained that disinformation tends to exploit social media algorithms and emotional reactions to create more division.

“Fact-checking is no longer working,” Katherine Keneally, director of U.S. Threat Analysis and Prevention at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, explained. “People don’t even trust the fact-checkers anymore. We need to attack the systems enabling this environment.”

The consequences of unchecked disinformation go beyond politics. Businesses, for example, are increasingly vulnerable to viral misinformation campaigns that can damage reputations or manipulate markets.

“There are actors out there who will use disinformation to gain a market advantage, undermine customer confidence, and even force businesses to take positions they otherwise wouldn’t,” Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. 

Joining Keneally and Seiden on the panel were Paul Fagan, the director of democracy programs for the McCain Institute, and Travis Bruner, the Arizona director for Protect Democracy.

Challenges for businesses and communities

Arizona’s position as a leader in industries like aerospace and defense makes it a target for malicious actors, panelists warned. For example, foreign entities could use disinformation to disrupt supply chains or damage public trust in these very critical industries.

“We’re number 5 (nationally) in aerospace and defense in Arizona,” Seiden said. “We have Raytheon here manufacturing a lot of things that keep people safe around the world. But that also makes us a target.”

The panelists pointed out that misinformation about Arizona’s water supply has created unnecessary panic and policy challenges, despite the state’s forward-thinking water management strategies.

“For everyone who says there’s a big water crisis in Arizona, I come back and say there’s not,” Seiden said. “We’re one of the best-planned states in the country, with a 100-year water assurance requirement, far ahead of other states.”

Collaborative solutions

Addressing disinformation requires businesses to be proactive rather than reactive, the experts said. Online reputation management (ORM) is becoming an important tool for companies to fight the false narratives that have been evolving and to build trust with customers.

“Every company has to manage, make sure their customers understand where they are, and ensure they can trust them,” Seiden said.

Panelists also emphasized the importance of civic education to help citizens understand what information is credible and understand how disinformation operates. Local journalism, once an important line of defense against misinformation, has been weakened by resource constraints, leaving communities more vulnerable.

The panelists called for federal-level policies to regulate social media platforms and artificial intelligence-generated content to ensure consistency nationwide. They also urged the business community to engage in partnerships and advocacy to fight false narratives and support democratic resilience.

As Arizona continues to navigate these challenges, the panel showed the importance of collaboration among all sectors to counter the threat of disinformation and build a less divided future.

The post Business climate at risk from disinformation, experts warn appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

As the new academic year starts, Arizona’s educational institutions face the challenge of connecting with Gen Z students in the always changing digital landscape. The , a collaborative project between LaneTerralever and Convince & Convert, offers many insights into student preferences and the strategies needed to engage with them. 

Understanding Gen Z: What do students want? 

The report shows that 82% of students are motivated to pursue higher education primarily for career opportunities, with academic reputation and cost being secondary factors. This career-centric mindset shows the need for institutions to align their programs and marketing efforts with the job market’s demands. 

Lauren Hillery, an expert in higher education marketing, emphasized the significance of understanding student preferences. “Students particularly trust content and information from sources that look and feel more like them,” she said. “Seventy percent of students are interested in content from ‘students like me,’ student leaders, and even admissions staff.” This can show the importance of user-generated content and authentic storytelling in student outreach. 

The role of AI in higher education marketing 

The report also talks about the increasing role of AI, or artificial intelligence, in marketing, with 38% of higher education marketers using AI daily, primarily for personalized website content and ad creation. However, there is a noticeable gap in leveraging AI for student storytelling. This gap can present opportunities, but there are also some risks associated with this. 

“The most effective way marketers can and should be leveraging AI right now is to make their processes more effective and efficient,” Hillery said. “Students, especially younger generations, have a keen eye for picking up on AI-generated content, which can sometimes erode trust if not done carefully.” 

Hillery says that AI should be used as a tool to improve marketing efficiency, not as a substitute for genuine content. “Marketers should focus on gathering user-generated content and speaking directly with students to ensure their content remains authentic,” she said. 

Tradition and innovation 

One of the most surprising findings from the report is the power of traditional communication methods. Despite the rise of social media and digital platforms, 55% of students still prefer email over text during the application process. Yet, many marketers tend not to invest as much in email marketing, as they believe it may not resonate with Gen Z. 

“My assumption is that marketers have been a little hesitant to get budget approval for email campaigns because recent research suggests younger generations are not using the same channels as before,” Hillery said. However, this report proves that email is still a powerful tool, especially when used at the right point in the student journey.” 

Economic implications for Arizona’s job market 

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into higher education marketing, its impact on the local job market becomes an important factor to note. Hillery says that while AI might lead to some displacement in the marketplace, it can also offer a lot of benefits.

“In terms of the economic impact, I think what we see is the marketers who can lean into AI as a means of making them more efficient, making them better marketers, in terms of being able to focus on spending less time doing the grind work and more time doing the strategic thinking and strategy. They’re going to be stronger marketers with better job prospects,” she said.

The 2024 Higher Education Marketing Report provides Arizona’s colleges and universities with a guide for connecting with Gen Z students. These insights will be very important in ensuring that institutions remain competitive and continue to attract and retain the next generation of students and also drive economic growth in the state.

courtesy Jernej Furman from Slovenia, ,via Wikimedia Commons.

The post How Arizona’s colleges can leverage AI to connect with Gen Z students�� appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

The Arizona Multihousing Charitable Foundation (AMCF) has distributed more than $200,000 in grants to housing and human services organizations in Phoenix and Tucson. This is part of an ongoing effort by the Arizona Multihousing Association to address affordable housing and community safety across the state. 

In Phoenix, UMOM New Day Centers and the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) each received $46,870. 

UMOM, which supports nearly 700 women and children experiencing homelessness, along with 550 units of affordable housing. 

“The industry’s support enables UMOM to make a substantial impact in our community,” said Jackson Fonder of UMOM. 

SARRC focuses on innovative research and inclusive community-building for individuals with autism. The grant will support SARRC’s First Place Transition Academy, which helps individuals with autism develop independent living and career-readiness skills. 

“This funding will help us build more inclusive communities for individuals with autism across Arizona,” said Maureen Jorden, SARRC’s chief development officer. 

In Tucson, the HSL Center of Opportunity received $75,250 to continue providing holistic support for the homeless, including shelter, food, and addiction recovery services. The Center was established by Humberto Lopez to support health and welfare causes. “This grant will allow us to continue offering vital programs and services to individuals experiencing homelessness,” said Lisa Chastain, the organization’s CEO.

Interfaith Community Services (ICS) in Tucson received $29,140 to help seniors and people with disabilities remain safe and independent in their homes. “This financial gift demonstrates a further commitment to supporting people through times of crisis,” said ICS CEO Tom McKinney.

Since 2005, AMCF has distributed about $1.5 million in grants statewide, supported by fundraising events like the Bowl-A-Thon and Annual Fun Run.

The post AMCF awards more than $200,000 in grants to Phoenix and Tucson housing services appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

APS customers this month set a record for energy demand, using an unprecedented 8,212 megawatts (MW) of power. This new peak achieved on August 4 surpasses last year’s record of 8,162 MW.��

What they’re saying: APS President Ted Geisler acknowledged the challenges of keeping up with the state’s growing energy needs, especially during the summer. “We are committed to providing our customers with reliable energy,” he said. “I’m proud of our employees who work hard to maintain a reliable power grid and respond to the impact of monsoon storms. These team members dedicate their efforts year-round to expanding and maintaining the grid so power is there when customers need it most. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our customers during yet another record-breaking summer.” 

Future demand: With a growing population, expanding business community, and increased summer temperatures, the demand for electricity is at an all-time high in Arizona. APS projects that by 2031, the energy needs of its customers will exceed 13,000 MW, a 40% increase from today’s levels. Currently, the company maintains a supply of over 9,740 MW so they can meet customer needs. 

A mix of energy sources: APS doesn’t rely on a single type of energy, instead using a mix that includes solar, wind, battery storage, and natural gas. This strategy allows for APS to keep the power on during peak periods, like the summer months. This also helps to support the company’s long-term goal of delivering 100% clean energy by 2050. 

An important part of APS’s energy mix is the Palo Verde Generating Station, one of the nation’s largest producers of carbon-free electricity. APS crews are constantly at work across the state, maintaining over 38,000 miles of power lines, upgrading equipment, and using advanced technology to prevent outages.

Smart Ways to Cut Summer Energy Costs 

While APS is well-equipped to handle the demand, customers can take steps to lower their energy bills during the hot summer months: 

• ��Pre-cool Your Home: If you’re on a time-of-use plan, lowering your thermostat before 4 p.m. and then raising it during peak hours can help manage your energy costs.
• Adjust Your Thermostat: Raising the thermostat by just one degree can result in a 2-3% savings on cooling costs.
• Smart Thermostat: Using a smart thermostat can simplify energy management and help you save. APS offers rebates and discounts to make these devices more accessible.
• Block Out the Sun: Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day to reduce heat inside your home.
• Use Fans Efficiently: Ceiling fans can make you feel up to 5 degrees cooler, but be sure to turn them off when you leave the room.
• Cook Smarter: Opt for the microwave or outdoor grill instead of the oven to avoid heating up your home.
• Stay Educated: APS provides tools on their mobile app and website to help you monitor and manage your energy use, along with personalized tips to help you save.

The post APS customers set record for energy demand, surpassing last year’s peak appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Glendale Arrowhead Campus. The hospital will serve up to 72,000 pediatric patients, offering inpatient care, a surgery center, imaging services, and a 24/7 emergency department to the fast growing West Valley.

˿����Ƶ Business News sat down with PCH President and CEO Bob Meyer to talk about the new facility and PCH’s plans for growth.

˿����Ƶ Business News: How does the Arrowhead Campus align with Phoenix Children’s long-term strategic goals? What did you have in mind for the future?

Bob Meyer: Our strategic plan aims to expand our brand and level of care across the entire Valley. Years ago, we analyzed population growth and freeway developments to identify key areas for expansion. We first bought land in Avondale and opened there in 2007, but the recession delayed further developments. Today, the fastest-growing areas for pediatrics are Surprise and the West Valley. 

Our strategy involves being nimble and targeting where population growth is highest. We collaborated with partners like Abrazo and Dignity Health, expanding services such as NICUs and creating a comprehensive maternal-fetal strategy. We chose this site in Glendale for its strategic location and partnership opportunities.

CBN: With the West Valley growing rapidly, how are you able to ensure that Phoenix Children’s stays at the front of pediatric care and provides the best care possible with these new facilities?

Bob Meyer: Ensuring our leading position involves more than just hospitals. We have an entirely employed medical staff, enabling integrated planning across all services and specialties. We recruit physicians for specialized care in areas like pulmonology and endocrinology, essential for running complex programs. Collaborations with Abrazo and Dignity Health enhance our capacity to provide high-quality care. Consistency in training, standards, and medical practice across all our campuses ensures we deliver the best care possible.

CBN: What experiences and amenities are you focusing on for patients and families at the new facility to ensure they receive the best care?

Bob Meyer: We focus on providing a consistent and high-quality experience for all patients and families. We have family advisory committees that help us tailor services to specific needs, and we’ve integrated amenities like Alexa devices for communication and interpretation, facilitating family involvement. Consistency across all campuses in exam room design and medical records systems ensures seamless care. These efforts allow us to provide efficient and effective medical services while accommodating the needs of families.

The post Five questions with Phoenix Children’s CEO Bob Meyer appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

CANNES, FRANCE – Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz says the Mattel Adventure Park under construction in Glendale, Ariz. will be a central part of his company’s growing footprint in the entertainment field. 

Kreiz spoke at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity this month, the annual gathering of creative and advertising leaders in the south of France. 

Kreiz was named the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity’s Entertainment Person of the Year. 

At the festival, he discussed the broader role of entertainment in the marketing and communications landscape and shared his vision for the company’s growth. 

Kreiz joined the company as CEO in April 2018 and was appointed chairman of the board of directors in May 2018. During his tenure, Mattel Films has announced 15 motion pictures in active development with major studio partners. 

The Mattel Adventure Park is set to be the first real-world attraction to feature properties adapted from Mattel’s toys and games. It will also be Arizona’s first fully themed indoor/outdoor amusement park. 

Scheduled to open in late 2024, the park promises to be a significant addition to the offerings around the entertainment district anchored by State Farm Stadium. The park will be adjacent to the massive new VAI Resort, a 1,200-room property slated to begin a phased opening in 2025. 

Glendale last year media outlets that the park and resort would deliver far more than the $13 million in new tax revenue that was originally estimated when the project was first discussed. 

Insights from the Cannes Lions Festival

In his remarks, Kreiz emphasized the importance of a strong toy business as a foundation for further growth. 

“A strong toy business is a great place to start our journey,” he said. “What we believe makes the toy foundation strong is that toys, being tactile, provide the highest form of emotional engagement because kids and fans touch our product. They have our product, and that level of emotional connection is key to continue to expand outside of the toy aisle and participate in other verticals.” 

A new tourism attraction

The park will likely attract many visitors, including from out of state, contributing to the state’s tourism revenue. 

A new theme park can lead to more spending in the local economy, benefiting nearby businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. This influx of tourists and the associated economic activity can provide a boost to the state’s GDP.

Noemi Santaella is an ASU undergraduate. She attended the Cannes Lions Festival this month. 

The post Mattel leader cites new Glendale theme park as key part of growth strategy appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

Valleywise Health has opened a brand-new medical center, a significant contribution to the region’s healthcare offerings. The 673,000-square-foot, 10-story facility is designed to provide excellent patient care and comfort, replacing the legacy hospital that served the community for more than 50 years. 

The facility is a result of dedication and meticulous planning that created a careful transition for more than 200 patients moving into their new rooms. Patients can now enjoy private bathrooms and sleeper sofas/recliners which ensures their comfort.

“The new Valleywise Health Medical Center has been decades in the making,” Valleywise President and CEO Steve Purves said. “We’re thrilled to open it to the community today and grateful for all the support we’ve received since our funding measure was passed in 2014.”

A highlight of the new facility is the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center, occupying an entire floor with state-of-the-art amenities including trauma bays, a pediatric wing, a large physical occupational therapy room, a hyperbaric chamber, and plenty of space for research and teaching. 

“It’s hard to overstate the value of having a world-class public teaching hospital right here in this neighborhood,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “Valleywise Health has been a fixture in our community for over 100 years, and I think it’s safe to say the $935 million commitment to bring this new facility to fruition couldn’t have been put to better use.” 

The new medical center also has a 34,550-square-foot emergency department, which includes three trauma bays, 88 private rooms, dedicated pediatric space, and both indoor and rooftop decontamination showers. By 2026, the facility is expected to handle nearly 86,000 emergency visits annually. 

Purves stressed the patient-centric design of the new hospital. “The new hospital was designed to put patients first. It incorporates both the latest technology and design improvements that will ensure comfort for both patients and their families,” he said. “Beyond that, it makes unprecedented resources available to the hundreds of residents that Valleywise Health doctors train every year.”

Valleywise Health is Arizona’s only public teaching hospital and Level 1 trauma center, able to treat both adults and children.

Architectural firm Cuningham Group and general contractor Kitchell have created a facility that helps improve patient care and also supports a wide range of medical specialties. The new center

includes 10 operating rooms, two interventional radiology areas, two cardiac catheterization labs, and two helipads.

The post Valleywise Health unveils state-of-the-art medical center appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

Arizona Autism Charter Schools next week will open a new Entrepreneurial Training Center as part of an effort to better prepare high school students and young adults on the autism spectrum for their future careers. 

Four social enterprise businesses will operate out of the center: a coffee shop, a silk screening and retail shop, a shipping and receiving store, and a tech repair and coding design studio. These ventures, known as Essential Piece Enterprises, will provide students with critical job skills in a supportive environment. 

AZACS Founder and Executive Director Diana Diaz was inspired to start the first school in 2014 due to the lack of quality school options for her son Sammy. Now that Sammy and many other students are graduating from the K-12 school, Diana is excited to expand its transition programming with the new Essential Piece Enterprises.��

“These four community-facing businesses – the cafe, the silk screening shop, the shipping and receiving store, and the tech studio – are not just businesses, they are a game-changer for our community, providing high school and adults on the spectrum with the opportunity to acquire job skills in an innovative, safe, and supportive setting,” Diaz said. “We’re excited to launch this program and watch it change the trajectory of young adults on the spectrum, and we invite you to be a part of this exciting journey.” 

The project was achieved through a collaboration with the Charter Schools Development Corporation and funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. SD Crane Builders, a charter long-time partner, oversaw the build to ensure that the facilities are state-of-the-art. 

“The creation of the Entrepreneurial Training Center will provide AZACS students with a top-notch educational facility, ensuring they are prepared for success in the workforce,” said Laura Fiemann, chief development officer for the Charter Schools Development Corp.

AZACS has a record of innovation in education. Over the past decade, it has opened five campuses and received national recognition, including winning the Yass Prize in 2022, a highly sought recognition that honors excellence in educational organizations. 

The post Arizona Autism Charter Schools to open Entrepreneurial Training Center appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

At the Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry’s annual Update from Capitol Hill luncheon on Tuesday, Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I) urged business leaders to overcome partisan divides and advocate for commonsense legislation that puts Arizona first. Sinema called on the business community to engage in the legislative process and avoid extreme political rhetoric.

“Arizona’s success is at risk if businesses don’t step up and help solve problems,” she said. “The leaders in this room must look to the future and ensure commonsense legislation is passed to protect it.”

The event was sponsored by Philip Morris International.

“At Philip Morris International, we’re on a mission to end cigarettes and believe the nearly 30 million adult smokers in the U.S. should have��smoke-free alternatives that are scientifically substantiated to be better than continued smoking,” said Amanda Wheeler, PMI’s��regional director of external affairs for the Southwest. “By working together, we can get there faster, and that’s why we’re proud to partner with the Arizona ˿����Ƶ as the presenting sponsor of its 2024 Update from Capitol Hill luncheon.”

A strong record of legislative accomplishment

In her speech, Sinema highlighted her contributions to the passage of bipartisan legislation, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS and Science Act.��

These legislative successes have brought many investments to Arizona, positioning the state as a national hub for research, innovation, and economic freedom. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, she noted, has provided over $1.5 billion for high-speed internet and $1 billion for clean water infrastructure in Arizona. Also, the CHIPS and Science Act secured $15 billion for semiconductor facilities in the state. Arizona is now home to two of arguably the most important construction projects in the world: the construction of new fabrication plants for TSMC in North Phoenix and Intel in Chandler.

A call for business community to back thoughtful candidates

Sinema urged Arizona businesses to support candidates who demonstrate independent thought and prioritize real solutions over partisan loyalty.

“I encourage you to support people with whom you agree 60 percent of the time because that means they are thinking for themselves,” Sinema said. She emphasized the need for leaders who are willing to compromise to achieve meaningful results for Arizona.

During a question-and-answer session with ˿����Ƶ President and CEO Danny Seiden, Sinema reflected on her political journey, while Seiden praised Sinema’s long record of service to the state, noting the positive impact of her legislative efforts.

Social media’s effect on Congress

When asked about how today’s political environment compares to the past, Sinema discussed the increased polarization.

“It is worse than it was before,” she said, reflecting on her 20 years of experience across various legislative bodies at the state and federal level. She attributed much of the increased polarization to the rise of social media, which increases partisan divides and limits opportunities for genuine problem-solving. “We live in an instant social media world, but we don’t live in an immediate work product world,” she said.

Seiden also asked about Sinema’s decision to re-register as an independent, a move she described as a natural progression given her focus on independent thinking and bipartisan collaboration. 

“It’s who I am, and it’s who I’ve always been,” she said.

Sinema explained that the hyper-partisan environment and the pressure to conform to the expectations of the loudest voices motivated her to officially break away from the Democratic Party, but also not to join the Republicans.

“They’ve built these multibillion-dollar industries that are really not focused on moving forward with an agenda for our country. They’re really focused on just winning and beating the other guy,” she said. 

By advocating for commonsense legislation and supporting independent-minded candidates, the business community can ensure long-term success for the state. As Sinema said, “By putting Arizona first, businesses can thrive for the long term.”

The post Sen. Sinema urges business leaders to prioritize Arizona’s best interests, reject extreme partisanship appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.