By Recker McDowell — The city of Peoria is hosting a virtual Second Saturday event on May 9th to help promote small businesses as well as local restaurants, musicians, and artists. Residents and business owners can attend the event at www.facebook.com/Peorias2ndSaturdays. Local business and entrepreneurs are being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the type of event all … Read More
The Sweet Lyrics of SkySong
Once upon a time it was the site of a beloved mall. Then voters directed the City Council to create a next generation mixed-use development anchored by a sports arena. When that was fumbled a less imaginative Walmart Supercenter-centric retail plan was put forth. But progress was not made at the southeast corner of Scottsdale and McDowell Roads until a … Read More
Atta Boy
Friends don’t let friends drive drunk. And friends shouldn’t let friends govern by groupthink. Over the years Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane have been very close. Speeches at States of City. Appearances at each other’s campaign fundraisers. Ideological allies. So, it must have been difficult for Lane to criticize the Governor’s recent extension of his stay … Read More
Today’s Editorial Cartoon
Memo to Governor Ducey: Quit Jumping The Shark So We Can Get To Happier Economic Days
Guest Editorial: Mesa Fights for Small Businesses, Jobs; Scottsdale’s COVID-19 Efforts Still Slow and Stumbling
By Recker McDowell — The city of Mesa is tapping into the $90 million it is receiving from the CARES Act to help save small businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mesa is looking to dedicate $18 million — or 20 percent — from its federal Coronavirus money for business survival. Other cities, including Scottsdale, need to also take … Read More
Virginia Korte: Responding To COVID-19 For The Short Term And Long Run
By Virginia Korte — There are two things that I continue to think about in light of the economic impact of COVID-19 on the Scottsdale economy. The first is what we need to do in the next few months to best respond to the economic shortfall the current crisis is causing. As I said in a previous article, we don’t … Read More
Guest Editorial: The Keys to Reopen The Economy and Save Jobs
By Recker McDowell — Being at the tip of the spear, taking the first step or the giant leap forward is not for the faint of heart. That is true when it comes to starting a business, finding a new job or taking a purpose-driven path in life. The stakes are even higher when it comes to re-opening the economy … Read More
Guest Editorial: A Scottsdale Lifeline For Small Businesses
By Recker McDowell — The Scottsdale Industrial Development Authority has expanded a COVID-19 small business grant program to $200,000. The Scottsdale IDA is offering $5,000 grants to small businesses who need help because of the Coronavirus and all its impacts. The IDA is working with the city of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Charros, Scottsdale Leadership, Experience Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Area Chamber … Read More
Turf Paradise Owner Donates $1 Million To Support Medical Professionals, Arizonans In Need
PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey announced today that Turf Paradise Race Course owner Jerry Simms has personally donated $1 million to the AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund, established to provide financial support to organizations providing essential aid to those affected by COVID-19. Turf Paradise also recently donated $25,000 worth of food to St. Mary’s Food Bank. “Businesses throughout the state have done tremendous … Read More
Breaking News: Scottsdale Activist Targets Incumbent Councilman, Mayoral Aspirant
By Recker McDowell — Scottsdale’s Independent Ethics Panel has instructed City Councilman Guy Phillips to answer questions related to a complaint filed against him by activist Mike Norton. A new order issued today by the Ethics Panel requires Phillips to answer questions related to whether money that went into a GoFundMe account last year amounted to a financial gift that … Read More