AzBiz.com

Helping a good cause can help bring you loyal customers

Now more than ever, your customers are being bombarded with messages from your competitors demanding their attention and motivating them to open their wallets.

How one Tucson company creates its own good luck

AGM Container Controls, named the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Small Business of the Year, is a company on top of its game. The chamber award honors the Tucson-based manufacturer for being a leader in the community, demonstrating intelligent business judgment, and showing a true commitment to its employees and customers.

Friendly fraud is latest challenge for businesses

If until today you had never heard the term Friendly Fraud, join the club. I hadn’t heard of it until recently and thought to myself, “boy, if that doesn’t fit the definition of oxymoron.”

Something you probably forgot when setting up your business

So sister, you started your own business. You worked out a business plan; made sure to get all the proper permits; had an attorney draw up the incorporation papers; secured start-up funding; bought business insurance to protect assets from lawsuits by competitors, clients, and possible employees; ensured compliance with payroll taxes; began social networking with other businesswomen; and are weathering the financial downturn. You are successful and have every reason to be proud of your accomplishments.

What it takes to be in business with your spouse

A question-and-answer session with two women business owners who know what it’s like to be in business with your spouse. Rosemary Beck and her husband Jon are the  owners of TimeTrak Systems of Arizona and Marion Hook and her husband Jim are owners of Adobe Rose Inn Bed and Breakfast, and Adobe Rose Buttermilk Scone Mix.