business | KJZZ.org

Voters to decide on business tax in November

Arizona voters will decide in November whether to reduce property taxes, but not for themselves.

U.S. Commerce Department promoting cross-border trade

The U.S. Commerce Department has sent a representative to the Southwest to promote cross-border trade with Mexico.

Glendale businesses await mayor, city council elections

As Glendale voters prepare to elect a new mayor for the first time in nearly two decades, and new city council members, the city is dealing with several major issues: the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes and payments to run the city-owned arena, and a controversial sales tax increase to name just a few. But, as KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports, some business owners still seem upbeat about the city’s future.

Study shows immigrant-owned small businesses boosting economy

Nearly one in six small business owners in the United States these days are immigrants. That’s according to a new study that shows small businesses owned by immigrants are impacting communities and the economy now more than ever.

Social media can help small businesses engage with customers

A majority of small business owners say attracting new customers is key to surviving a competitive market. Many owners are turning to social media, like Facebook and Twitter to grow their business.

KJZZ Future of Solar Energy Forum - May 18

Learn Where We Stand, Where We're Going and How We'll Get There

As supplies of non-renewable resources dwindle and the cost of powering our cities continues to rise, KJZZ examines the most abundant energy source in Arizona—solar power.

Join KJZZ, Rio Salado College and Greater Phoenix Mensa for a lively discussion about the Future of Solar Energy, Fri., May 18 at 6 p.m. at Rio Salado College’s Conference Center, 2323 W. 14th St., Tempe, AZ 85281.

KJZZ’s Associate General Manager of News and Editorial Strategy Mark Moran will serve as the forum moderator. Moran will be joined by a panel of experts who will provide insight into the current state of the solar energy industry, the latest developments in solar technology, whether it’s cost-effective to expand the industry and what the potential impacts on the economy and environment might be.

Panelists include ASU Sustainability Scientist and Director of Lightworks, Gary Dirks; entrepreneur, innovator and Eyedestu.com CEO, Don Eyermann; and Axiom Capital Managing Director and Senior Equity Research Analyst covering Alternative Energy Companies, Gordon Johnson.

KJZZ Future of Solar Energy
Community Forum
Fri., May 18
6 - 7:30 p.m.

The event is open to the public but seating is limited. Please reserve your seats by contacting Claire Kerrigan at (480) 774-8444 or ckerrigan@rioradio.org.

What do you want to know about solar energy? Share your questions and comments in advance.

This event will be televised by MCTV.

In kind production support is made possible by Greater Phoenix Mensa.

Selling Spanish Immersion

Throughout the Southwest, adult Americans are heading for the border-- the Guatemalan border-- to learn Spanish. KJZZ General Manager Jim Paluzzi embedded himself at a Spanish immersion school in Guatemala to learn about this cottage industry. He'll explore who's going there, who's teaching them and why.

Tune in to hear these stories on KJZZ at 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. during Morning Edition

MON., 3/19: WHY SPANISH?
Americans are notorious for being monolingual. Gallup poll research shows that three out of every four Americans can’t carry on a conversation in a second language. If you’re going to learn another language in the Southwest, that usually means Spanish. Paluzzi investigates why some adult English speakers sought to be bi-lingual and how they’re using Spanish in their lives.

TUE., 3/20: WHY GUATEMALA?
These days, the ability to communicate in Spanish can be a key asset in the job market. To speak with confidence, however, often takes an immersion experience in a Spanish-speaking country. The Central American nation of Guatemala is developing a reputation as the go-to place for Spanish immersion. Paluzzi discovers first-hand why Guatemala is in demand.

WED., 3/21: IT TAKES A MAESTRA
Students are flocking to Spanish immersion programs in countries like Guatemala. It has given birth to a new industry that attracts many women to the business. Paluzzi discovered that when you study with one of these Spanish teachers, your investment is a lifeline.

Visit fronterasdesk.org to engage in the dialogue, view pictures and videos, read essays and listen to other audio stories relating to the series-- beginning Monday, March 19.

TV ad asks businesses and tourists to come to Arizona

A new television commercial is promoting Arizona as a business and tourism destination. It features some higher-profile Arizonans who made the state their home. KJZZ’s Paul Atkinson reports.

Gov. Brewer Calls for More Tax Cuts, Less Regulation in State of the State Address

Governor Jan Brewer looked back…and forward in her state of the state address to the centennial legislature Monday. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

Sporting Image

Steve Goldstein talks to Board of Regents member Rick Myers about the business behind college football, budgeting sports at a university, and why athletics are important in the big picture of a university's image. Richard Lapchick, director of the Devos Sports Management program at the University of Central Florida also joins the discussion.