AZ Big 100: 50 Arizona businesses to watch in 2024

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that it would be impossible to project an accurate economic outlook for 2024. However, as we head into the new year, one thing is for certain: The 50 people and 50 companies who made the AZ Big 100 list for 2024 are going to have a tremendous impact on how the business landscape is shaped this year. The editorial board for Az Business magazine met with Arizona industry leaders to identify the 100 people and companies who will shape Arizona’s business community in 2024. Learn more about the 50 Arizona businesses to watch in 2024 below.

Achieve

The leaders at Achieve strive to nurture an inclusive, caring culture that positions everyone to do their best work. Achieve is passionate about its mission to help everyday people get on, and stay on, the path to a better financial future using innovative technology and personalized support. The company’s core values of Care, Get Better, Act with Integrity, and Collaborate shape how it interact with its members, coworkers and the community.

Adecco

Adecco is a staffing and temp agency in Metro Phoenix. Right now, the company is focused on Phoenix’s strong markets, such as banking, construction and healthcare, but Adecco places workers at some of the best companies across all industries and in all corners of the city. These companies rely on Adecco’s recruiters to find people just like you to fill open positions every day.

Alerus

Alerus is a commercial wealth bank and national retirement provider with an emphasis on personalized guidance and comprehensive financial solutions for clients. Their offerings include business and consumer banking, private banking, mortgage, retirement and benefit services and wealth management. Alerus is an SBA Preferred Lender and is publicly traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol ALRS.

“Our purpose is to help clients achieve their goals,” says Steve Haggard, commercial banking executive for Alerus, “and we accomplish this by serving each client’s unique needs and offering the right products at the right times to help them achieve their immediate and long-term goals.”

Heading into 2024, Alerus expects to continue expanding all its business lines, focusing on commercial lending and SBA portfolios, business banking relationships, private banking services and niche areas of lending.

“In 2024, Alerus will celebrate 15 years serving clients in the Phoenix Metro,” Haggard says. “We have an incredible team of financial experts and fantastic clients who appreciate our unique ability to offer the same capabilities as the large banks, but with a personalized, community bank service model.”

Learn more: alerus.com

Amkor Technology

Amkor Technology, a global leader in semiconductor packaging and test services since its founding in 1968, recently expanded with a $1.6 billion chip factory in Bac Ninh, Vietnam, and plans for a new facility in Peoria, Arizona. As the sole US-based OSAT (outsourced semiconductor assembly and test) provider, Amkor strategically positions itself within a robust ecosystem, including front-end fabs, IDMs, and key suppliers.

The Peoria project, supported by the City of Peoria and the Arizona Commerce Authority, aligns with Amkor’s commitment to the semiconductor industry’s growth and economic vitality in the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area. To ensure success, Amkor applied for funding under the CHIPS Act, which allocates $52.7 billion, with $39 billion available for US companies through competitive grants for construction, expansion, and modernization efforts.

Established in the Greater Phoenix area since 1984, Amkor provides turnkey manufacturing services globally, emphasizing its leadership in semiconductor packaging and test services across diverse industries, including communication, automotive, computing, and consumer sectors.

Learn more: amkor.com

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks are coming off one of the most exciting seasons in franchise history, which resulted in the team’s second trip to the World Series. The Diamondbacks will start defense of their National League title when they play their first spring training home game on Saturday, Feb. 24 against the Colorado Rockies. This will be the team’s 13th year at the award-winning Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

Arizona Financial Credit Union

Arizona Financial is not only a provider of consumer and small business banking services, it is also dedicated to making a difference in the communities it serves by supporting local nonprofits across Arizona. Since launching the Local Causes Visa debit card program in 2020, Arizona Federal has supported more than 60 nonprofits throughout Metro Phoenix, providing nearly $200,000 to nonprofits with annual operating budgets under $2 million.

Arizona State University

In June, ASU announced ambitious plans to open a medical school focused on medical engineering and technology as part of a new “ASU Health” initiative that addresses the state’s long-term health needs. The plan is in response to the Arizona Board of Regents’ request for new approaches to its AZ Healthy Tomorrow, a strategy to deal with Arizona’s shortage of health care professionals.

Avnet

Avnet has distinguished itself with groundbreaking projects that leverage established and emerging tech to up productivity and efficiency. An example is Avnet’s Design Hub, which serves as a one-stop shop for product design and engineering, as well as a comprehensive portal to speed up product design processes.

Banner Health

Banner Health has joined Graphite, a provider-led software company creating the first comprehensive and universally computable representation of health data, as new Governing Member. Banner Health is joining Graphite’s four founding health systems and other systems as the group gains momentum for creating a common language for digital health.

Barrow Neurological Institute

In October, Barrow Neurological Institute received $16.7 million National Institutes of Health award to help coordinate a new national ALS research consortium. As part of this new consortium, Barrow will manage half of 34 clinical sites in the study which spans the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

BOK Financial

BOK Financial is a top 25 U.S.-based bank, offering sophisticated wealth, commercial and consumer products and services. BOK Financial’s team includes proactive thought leaders who offer perspectives on a range of topics from how to avoid cash flow mistakes to establishing a long-term financial plan.

Burch & Cracchiolo

Burch & Cracchiolo was founded 52 years ago and today, its lawyers are among the most highly regarded and recognized leaders in the areas of business and corporate law, construction, insurance defense, personal injury, estate and wealth preservation planning, family law, finance, labor and employment, litigation, real estate and taxation.

Camelot Homes

On the heels of winning multiple awards, including Home of the Year at the PCBC Gold Nugget Awards in May, Scottsdale’s Camelot Homes earned the highest honor for operational excellence in the home building industry, taking home the gold in the 2024 National Housing Quality Award, sponsored by Pro Builder Media.

Child Crisis Arizona

Since 1977, Child Crisis Arizona has served vulnerable children and families in Arizona and is committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through education and intervention. Child Crisis Arizona offers emergency shelter and residential care for children and youth from birth to 21 and offers foster care and adoption services, early education as well communitywide parenting classes, workshops, support groups and much more.

In 2024, Child Crisis Arizona will open the doors to its Child & Family Wellness, a 38,000-square-foot, climate-friendly, netzero campus offering a broad spectrum of programs and services, including counseling, parenting classes and child enrichment, designed to create a safe, nurturing, supportive environment where children and families can thrive. The facility will be a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative impact of philanthropy from supporters including The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, Thunderbird Charities, The Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation, the Neely Foundation, APS Foundation and more.

Child Crisis Arizona will also continue its expansion statewide via a partnership with First Things First to provide resources for every baby born in Arizona. By year’s end the organization will have staff with boots on the ground throughout Arizona to mentor and support youth through its Extended Foster Care program.

Learn more: childcrisisaz.org

City of Buckeye

Buckeye, which is located about 30 minutes west of Downtown Phoenix, saw the No. 1 population growth rate in the U.S. with an increase of 48.1%, according to a SmartAsset report, citing U.S. Census Bureau data. The fast-growing city had more than 105,567 residents in 2022.

City of Goodyear

Goodyear started as a small town known for aviation and cotton fields. Today it’s among the fastest growing cities in the nation and had the third-highest population growth rate in the U.S. at 27.42%, according to a SmartAsset report, citing U.S. Census Bureau data.

Desert Diamond Casino

The first phase of the upcoming Desert Diamond Casino, to be located off Loop 303 near Glendale, is on track to open by the end of 2024. The $450 million gaming venue will become the Tohono O’odham Nation’s fifth casino upon completion and is expected to create 1,000 permanent jobs.

Desert Financial Credit Union

Celebrating more than 84 years in Arizona, Desert Financial has more than $8 billion in assets, 400,000-plus members and 48 branches. Membership eligibility is open across Arizona with contactless solutions, making it easy to click, call or come in.

As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2023, Desert Financial team members volunteered 13,700 hours, awarded 26 Arizona nonprofits $300,000 in grants, and performed more than 11,500 Random Acts of Kindness.

“We have a positive outlook for 2024 and we are looking at new products and tools to help guide and support our members with their borrowing and savings needs,” says Jeff Meshey, president and CEO. “Our goal is to continue to assist our members in their financial journey as well as sharing our success by supporting Arizona communities with our community give back programs.”

Desert Financial also believes financial literacy is incredibly important, especially during economic uncertainty. In 2024, the financial organization plans to continue its efforts to provide financial literacy to the community.

“We believe that when our community, members and employees are financially strong, so is Desert Financial Credit Union,” Meshey says.

Also in the new year, Desert Financial maintains its highest commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, something Meshey says sets them apart. “We genuinely believe in doing what’s right for our members, community and team every day,” he says. “Desert Financial gives back to the community because we know that when our community thrives, we all benefit.”

Learn more: desertfinancial.com

Dignity Health

According to plans on file with the City of Surprise, Dignity Health hopes to build a 502,744-square-foot hospital in three phases, along with a 240,000-square-foot medical office building spanning three floors within four phases. The hospital campus would be within Prasada, a 3,355-acre master-planned community.

Edkey Sequoia Schools

Internationally recognized as one of the most unique network of public charter schools, Edkey Inc. is a 501c3 support organization, consisting of 26 schools and programs, operating exclusively in Arizona, each with their own, individual missions and visions.

Headquartered in Mesa, Edkey schools provide K-12 educational opportunities that focus on the individual student and community needs — not a traditional cookie-cutter model of curriculum or delivery. Over the past six years, student outcomes have outpaced the traditional public district schools — in large part — due to the consistency created by teacher and staff retention rates that exceed national averages.

“With everything that has happened over the past few years, we have been very fortunate to see academic growth, student population growth and financial viability all increase dramatically since 2019,” says Mark Plitzuweit, president and CEO Edkey Sequoia Schools. “These are not the typical results that are being experienced in the educational space, countrywide.”

One significant initiative that Edkey embraces is parent involvement in education. Edkey welcomes conversations with parents and caregivers to always do what is best for students, encouraging a posture of “what can we do to help?”

Another key initiative is the expansion of Edkey’s offerings by increasing micro-schools, additional high-end athletic prep programs, Edsoma Reads literacy programming and increased ESL support at Downtown Academy in Nogales.

“In the education space, traditional models have been in place attempting to educate all students in the same manner for decades,” Plitzuweit says. “We don’t believe that is the most efficient and effective way to help students achieve their potential. All students have different needs and many students that are underserved have not had the same opportunities to participate in educational programs that mirror what success looks like.”

Learn more: edkey.org

Enterprise Bank & Trust

Enterprise Bank & Trust is a financial services partner focused on guiding people to a lifetime of financial success. Enterprise Bank empowers privately held businesses to succeed, helping families to secure their financial futures, and invest to advance the quality of life for the communities it serves. Enterprise is built on trusted, personal relationships and offers business and personal banking services, wealth management services and specialized banking services. Ranked No. 3 by Forbes’ America’s Best Banks 2023, Enterprise operates more than 40 branch offices across several states. Enterprise Financial Services Corp (NASDAQ: EFSC) is a financial holding company headquartered in Clayton, Missouri.

Company goals and initiatives: Enterprise Bank & Trust continues to prioritize its personalized, high-touch approach to banking and developing strong, trusted relationships to bring the Enterprise advantage to privately held businesses in its community. Enterprise Bank’s ability to tailor its banking, wealth management and trust services to the unique needs of its clients is what allows Enterprise Bank to guide its clients and communities to a lifetime of financial success. Enterprise Bank’s strong team of experienced bankers will continue to bring new opportunities, nurture and develop relationships and serve in its community to deliver on its promise. Enterprise Bank’s commitment to the community is unwavering; whether it is sponsoring a charity event, hosting a networking event or providing educational resources for business owners and their employees, you will find Enterprise Bank there. Enterprise University, the bank’s signature no-cost, business education program, supports business leaders and their teams in bringing their businesses and careers to the next level. Learn more about Enterprise University at enterprisebank.com/eu.

Learn more: enterprisebank.com

evolvedMD

evolvedMD is leading the integration of behavioral health services in modern primary care by using a uniquely upfront, innovative and ongoing approach that places its clinicians on site and in person at each of the practices it serves.

Fennemore

Rooted in the Southwest for 138 years, Fennemore’s legacy and future-ready vision propel the firm into tomorrow. With more than 500 attorneys and legal professionals throughout the West, Fennemore cultivates a culture of innovation and collaboration. The firm was named the fastest-growing law firm in the country and continually surpasses employee retention rates for a reason: Fennemore prioritizes its people.

“That’s why our people stay, building their careers to make a meaningful impact on their clients, communities and one another,” says James Goodnow, president and CEO of Fennemore.

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, Fennemore charts a course for accelerated success through its value-driven culture. Empowering a dynamic, diverse talent pool with cutting-edge tools and knowledge, the firm takes pride in consistently exceeding standards year after year.

Fennemore supports its employees through ongoing learning and a flexible work platform. The firm champions client relationships and services and leverages idea incubations for new ways to meet and exceed expectations. Fennemore is a legal powerhouse, setting the standard in the ever-evolving legal landscape.

Learn more: fennemorelaw.com

FirstBank

FirstBank began providing banking services in 1963. It has grown to be one of the largest privately held banks in the nation, maintaining more than $28 billion in assets and 100 branch locations across Arizona, Colorado and California. It opened its first Arizona location in 2007 and now operates 14 branches across the Phoenix area. In addition to being recognized as a top corporate philanthropist, FirstBank has contributed more than $85 million and thousands of volunteer hours to charitable organizations since 2000. In 2019, FirstBank became the official bank sponsor of the Phoenix Suns.

Heading into 2024, FirstBank has three primary goals. The first goal is to “Bring banking for good to life,” ensuring the company’s mission/vision of “doing what’s right” for stakeholders is consistently demonstrated and continues to positively impact customers, community members and employees. The second area of focus for 2024 is “Include all,” making sure diversity is represented at each level of the organization, and resources are provided to bolster equality and inclusion within and outside of the company. The last of FirstBank’s three 2024 goals is to “Take market share,” continuing to responsibly and sustainably grow FirstBank’s customer base.

Learn more: efirstbank.com

Gila River Resorts & Casinos

In 2023, Gila River Resorts & Casinos opened Santan Mountain, its newest casino. Santan Mountain offers a variety of gambling machines and table games, specialty restaurants and a 7,000-square-foot BetMGM sportsbook that is the largest in the state of Arizona.

Greenberg Traurig

Practicing locally and nationally and combining local experience and global reach, Greenberg Traurig’s Phoenix attorneys represent clients in matters related to commercial litigation, securities, mergers and acquisitions, health care, municipal and corporate finance, intellectual property, labor and employment, real estate and tax.

Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona

In December, Habitat held its grand opening for The Habitat Construction Training Center, a transformative initiative aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary skills in the field of construction to meet the growing need for construction workers in Arizona.

Hospice of the Valley

On Dec. 1, Hospice of the Valley became the hospice provider for Banner Health in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. “This strengthens the mission-driven care we are committed to preserving and ensures a safety net for those in need,” says Hospice of the Valley Executive Director Debbie Shumway.

IBG Fox & Fin

IBG Fox & Fin is recognized for its distinctive character and shared values, defined by commitments to deliver business owners excellence in M&A services. The firm helps businesses get sold, facilitating sales of private companies up to $150 million in market value.

Business owners seeking top dollar in the sale of their company benefit from IBG Fox & Fin’s distinctive advantages, including: an 86% deal-closing rate (three times the M&A industry average) in over 1,100 closed transactions; expertise in key verticals and industry sectors; and international exposure to buyers and sellers.

As evidenced by its No. 1 ranking in Ranking Arizona for 22 straight years, IBG Fox & Fin combines a proven process with professionalism, passion and performance in generating buyer competition and achieving maximum value.

IBG Fox & Fin’s reach extends nationally and globally. The firm is a founding member of IBG Business, which provides a nationwide platform in marketing closely held, mid-market U.S. companies. Their partnership with Eaton Square, an international M&A and capital service firm, expands the company’s exposure to buyers and sellers through 26 offices in 11 countries.

Learn more: foxfin.com

Intel

The construction of two new fabs in Chandler — a $20 billion investment — is expected to create more than 3,000 high-tech, high-wage direct jobs and 3,000 construction jobs. Additionally, the expansion will support an estimated 15,000 indirect jobs within the local community.

LAVIDGE

LAVIDGE, founded in 1982, is a Phoenix marketing, digital, public relations and advertising agency with a reputation of corporate social responsibility and staying ahead of technology trends (robust trading desk, proprietary digital dashboard for clients, artificial intelligence policy and guidance on using AI tools responsibly).

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Arizona and the Phoenix metro area according to U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” 2023-2024. Mayo Clinic in Arizona has retained the top ranking in Arizona for 11 consecutive years.

Minimal Living Concepts

Minimal Living Concepts, Arizona’s leading builder of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), is poised for significant growth in 2024 after the City of Phoenix recently passed an amendment allowing all Phoenix homeowners to add an ADU in their backyard to help address the city’s housing shortage.

Northern Arizona University

In September, Northern Arizona University announced the creation of NAU Health, a forward-thinking initiative aimed at improving health outcomes for all Arizonans, particularly those in rural, Indigenous and underserved communities. At the center of this initiative is the creation of a new College of Medicine.

OneAZ Credit Union

OneAZ Credit Union is an Arizona-based credit union that upholds the member-centric and community-focused values of a credit union while delivering a 21st century banking experience.

Focusing on member experience and community allows OneAZ to fulfill its mission, which is, “We exist to truly improve the lives of our members, our associates and the communities we serve.”

In 2022, OneAZ was able to improve Arizona’s economy by lending nearly $1 billion to Arizona consumers, including more than $266 million in home loans and more than $100 million in loans to local businesses. OneAZ is home to more than 160,000 members and holds in excess of $3.3 billion in assets.

OneAZ places a high value on giving back to the communities where its members live and work. Since 2016, the OneAZ Community Foundation has donated more than $1 million to Arizona-based nonprofits. This effort is growing every year. In 2022 alone, the Foundation gave in excess of $460,000 to community organizations. In 2023, OneAZ pledged even more — $500,000. Furthermore, OneAZ associates donated over 1,500 hours of community service to help local charitable organizations.

In addition, in 2022, OneAZ launched the Legacy Grant Program, where $193,000 was awarded to support six initiatives in need of a greater financial commitment. For example, a $40,000 Legacy Grant went towards the construction of one of nine tiny homes in partnership with I Am You 360 in Tucson. The tiny homes will provide housing for young adults who have aged out of the foster system. These youth are part of I Am You 360’s programs that provide education and resources needed to ensure they never face homelessness again.

OneAZ launched two annual fundraising initiatives in 2022 to support Arizona Gives Day and Giving Tuesday. Collectively, more than $30,000 was raised by OneAZ associates and members that benefited eight nonprofits, such as food banks, STEM programs for youth and entrepreneurship programs.

By impacting the economy and giving back to the community, OneAZ is living out its mission and improving the lives of everyone across Arizona.

Learn more: oneazcu.com

Optum Arizona

In line with Optum’s mission to help people live healthier lives, Optum Community Centers are state-of-the-art fitness facilities designed for adaptable capabilities, along with classes covering a variety of interests and “living room” spaces where seniors can meet with friends.

Phoenix Children’s

In November, Phoenix Children’s Hospital cut the ribbon on a new campus in Glendale. The new, 45,000-square-foot clinic at the Arrowhead campus offers more than 20 specialties. Phoenix Children’s also opened a new campus in Avondale in 2023.

Pinnacle Bank

Pinnacle Bank is a family-owned, community-focused bank that was founded on values of honesty and integrity.

“As we grow in Arizona, we recognize that each community has a unique culture and set of needs for us to adapt to,” says Mason Heffelman, market president for Pinnacle Bank Arizona. “Banking decisions, as well as how we support our neighbors beyond our branch walls, are decided locally by people who are a part of, and have, a vested interest in the community.”

Currently, Pinnacle Bank has four locations in Arizona, serving customers in Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona and Scottsdale.

Moving forward, Pinnacle Bank will continue to ingratiate within the greater Scottsdale community. Assisting local businesses in reaching their goals, both professionally and personally, is always top of mind for their team.

“We combine this focus with community involvement to provide an ‘old school’ approach to banking that continues to differentiate us in the market,” Heffelman says. “Our ability to make quick loan decisions locally is another pillar of our model that we leverage for our clients.”

In 2024, Pinnacle Bank believes that its ongoing commitment to lending, partnering with and supporting the business community will position it well for the years ahead.

Learn more: pinnbankaz.com

Olsson

Olsson is an employee-owned engineering firm made up of people who craft expert solutions and designs that improve communities. The firm is one of the top 75 largest engineering and design firms in the nation, listed as No. 74 on Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms list.

In 2022, Olson lent its engineering expertise to the Goodyear Civic Square at GSQ project (photo), a development consisting of a two-acre park, new city hall, two-story library, 100,000 square feet of Class A office space and a parking garage. The project represents the first speculative, upscale office building in the West Valley.

The Goodyear Civic Square project is indicative of Olsson’s mission to improve communities by making them more sustainable, better connected and more efficient. For more than 25 years, the engineering company has helped provide services throughout Arizona, and has offices in Phoenix, Chandler and Tempe. Olsson’s experienced and dedicated engineering professionals in Arizona focus on projects of all sizes and disciplines. The expert teams build solutions, generate ideas and create designs that enhance communities in Arizona and throughout the U.S.

Learn more: olsson.com

qBotica

qBotica, a leading technology and automation solutions provider, announce in November its strategic investment in Healthomation Inc, a healthcare automation company, to further its suite of offerings and expand its reach within the healthcare sector. Healthomation Inc is at the forefront of healthcare process automation, similar to industry competitors like Olive.AI.

Raytheon

A Raytheon interceptor built at the company’s Tucson missiles and defense operation successfully took out an intermediate-range ballistic missile during a test in December. The weapon, called the exoatmospheric kill vehicle, or EKV, is designed to destroy long-range ballistic missiles while they are still in space, Raytheon said.

StenTam

As a tax technology firm, StenTam has helped thousands of clients access government incentives and tax credit opportunities with their compliance-first process. Under CEO Eric Stenson’s leadership, StenTam swiftly rose as Arizona’s premier Tax Technology firm post-pandemic. The company’s success has paved the way for expansion into a forward-thinking, full-service tax firm, complemented by comprehensive employer benefits solutions. This transformation allows for a vertically integrated tax and business solution for both existing and new clients.

Above and beyond offering diversified tax services for their clients, StenTam also places priority on the integration of tax services and employee benefits, providing a client-centric approach, driven by a core fundamental belief to bring local, state and federal tax credits and government incentive programs to the average American business.

“Prior to StenTam, traditionally tax credits and incentives have been reserved for large corporations,” says Eric Stenson, CEO of StenTam. “The small-mid size businesses were not presented with legitimate options.”

The future is bright for StenTam, moving forward, according to Stenson. “Our outlook for 2024 is optimistic,” he says, “and focused on strengthening existing relationships and continuing to expand our business by providing the right mix of tax and employee benefit products and services that help our clients navigate their business challenges and plan for long-term success.”

Learn more: stentam.com

The CORE Institute

The CORE Institute was founded to deliver the best in orthopedic and spine care, and built upon a foundation of pioneering research, academics and community service. Today, it is one of the premier destinations for musculoskeletal care in the world and has a vision of excellence in patient

TruWest Credit Union

TruWest Credit Union announced in December that all its branch locations will be renamed as financial service centers. The name change is being made to better reflect the services offered at each location, including expanded financial education resources and programs, and a variety of elevated support for members.

UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth received a contract from the Medicaid agency of Arizona, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System for serving members of the Arizona Long Term Care System EPD program. The program is meant to cater to the elderly and/or physically disabled population of the state.

University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. The University of Phoenix’s commitment is to provide accessible, equitable and diverse education through online learning, practitioner faculty, skills mapping, evolving program offerings, a tuition guarantee, the Career Services for Life® commitment and more. The University is working on initiatives to help diversify academic offerings based on market demands and trends from employers, generate high-impact non-degree programs, and increase resources toward better serving students in their pursuit of career-relevant education. The University of Phoenix established the University of Phoenix Career Institute® to address systemic barriers to career advancement through research-based solutions and impactful partnerships, beginning with the annual Career Optimism Index ® study. The University is pleased to deepen this work’s scope by furthering collaboration with external partners like the project building social capital for Black learners and workers with Jobs for the Future’s Center for Racial Economic Equity, and with Motherly on the M.O.M. ReportTM detailing the experiences and opportunities to support working mothers.

Learn more: phoenix.edu

USAA

For the fifth year in a row the Intellectual Property Owners Association’s Patent 300 has recognized USAA as one of the top innovators in the patent field. This year, USAA jumps to the 125th spot among the top 300 companies, organizations and universities for the most patents issued during 2022, continuing USAA’s steady climb in the rankings and marking a notable 164 percent increase in patents issued to USAA since 2018. This innovative spirit is embodied in USAA’s more than 3,000 pending and issued patents and is inspired by USAA’s commitment to serving its members for over 100 years. USAA’s innovations in serving members stretches back to early use of 1-800 numbers for customers and now includes modern, patented achievements like pioneering the use of remote deposit capture to ease members’ check deposits.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo announced in November nearly $11 million in grants to 28 organizations across six states as part of its Invest Native program. Invest Native is a $20 million philanthropic initiative by Wells Fargo to strengthen housing access and affordability, small business growth and sustainability in Native communities.

Western Alliance Bank

With more than $70 billion in assets, Western Alliance Bancorporation is one of the country’s top-performing banking companies. Its primary subsidiary, Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, offers a full spectrum of tailored commercial banking solutions and consumer products, all delivered with outstanding service by experts who put customers first. Major accolades include being ranked as a top U.S. bank in 2023 by American Banker and Bank Director. Serving clients across the country wherever business happens, Western Alliance Bank operates individual, full-service brands — including Alliance Bank of Arizona, Arizona’s largest locally headquartered bank — and has offices in key markets nationwide.

Western Alliance Bank, the state’s largest locally headquartered bank, and its local division Alliance Bank of Arizona, look forward to doing even more for Arizona companies in 2024 and beyond. The organization is sharply focused on a number of strategic initiatives designed to expand customized services and solutions for the state’s growing Commercial and Industrial market, while continuing to deliver the outstanding, personalized service for which it is well known. As well, building on its bankers’ trusted advisor model, teams are set to provide heightened offerings, alongside continued excellent service. This means specialized focus for small to mid-sized companies, which are highly important market segments here in Arizona. Over the next year, Alliance Bank of Arizona looks forward to expanding our teams across the state, helping Arizona companies of all sizes to excel, engaging with community partners and ultimately supporting economic growth across the region.

Learn more: westernalliancebancorporation.com