6 local Arizona businesses you have to try

According to data from the U.S Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Arizona's job growth ranked 2nd in the nation last year. Arizona added 84,400 jobs in 2019 giving us a 2.8% increase in job growth. “Our focus will continue to be on cutting red tape and eliminating unnecessary regulations, while empowering people to get to work. My thanks to all our partners in the Legislature who have helped make Arizona competitive for people and businesses, and all the entrepreneurs and employees around the state working hard to grow our economy.” - Governor Doug Ducey Since 2015, Arizona has added more than 350,000 new private-sector jobs. From 2015 to 2019, Arizona saw the fastest decrease in its poverty rate of any state in the U.S. — equal to approximately 175,000 Arizonans who have lifted themselves out of poverty. Job growth in 2019 was driven largely by employment gains in sectors including trade, transportation, and utilities (17,700), education and health services (20,400), and professional and business services (6,600). Below are Arizona's 50 largest employers ranked by number of employees. It is important to note that since 1995 State of Arizona was the leader in jobs but has been overtaken by Banner Health int he last 5 years partly due to the increase in aging population and relocation of new residents to Arizona. *Employer name is followed with total number of employees. Banner Health - 47,000 State of Arizona - 41,847 Arizona State University - 35,730 Walmart, Inc. - 33,460 Fry's Food Stores - 21,738 University of Arizona - 20,462 Wells Fargo & Co. 17,217 City of Phoenix - 14,858 Maricopa County - 13,933 Intel Corp. - 12,190 HonorHealth - 12,163 Maricopa County Community College District - 10,870 Dignity Health Arizona - 10,598 JPMorgan Chase & Co. - 9,500 Amazon.com Inc. - 9,500 Freeport-McMoRan Inc. - 9,370 Bank of America - 9,000 Grand Canyon University - 8,682 Bashas' Family of Stores - 8,454 American Express - 7,940 Honeywell International - 7,661 State Farm - 7,600 Mayo Clinic - 7,500 UnitedHealthcare of Arizona - 7,056 Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) - 5,911 Phoenix Children's Hospital - 5,580 Salt River Project (SRP) - 5,286 Cigna - 4,700 The Boeing Company - 4,600 Abrazo Health - 4,363 City of Mesa - 4,013 Grand Canyon Education, Inc. - 3,910 Pride Group LLC - 3,883 Northrop Grumman - 3,600 Sonora Quest Laboratories - 3,328 ABM Industries - 3,125 Cox Communications Arizona - 3,100 Charles Schwab & Co. - 3,000 General Dynamics Mission Systems - 2,600 Humana, Inc. - 2,534 Waste Management - 2,352 City of Chandler - 2,227 Freedom Financial Network - 2,203 Discount Tire - 2,162 Empire Southwest - 2,160 Earnhardt Auto Centers - 2,121 Microchip Technology, Inc. - 2,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona - 1,938 Insight Enterprises Inc. - 1,723 Avnet - 1,416 *data contributed by Phoenix Business Journal

I don’t just mean your regular, run of the mill, sunsets. I am talking big, rich, hot pink sunsets! They get especially beautiful during our monsoon season. There is actual science behind the fiery show. Dry conditions and upper-level clouds create ideal mix for iridescent pink, orange and purple hues. There are lots of great spots to catch the sun going down, but we wanted to share with you the go-to spots! Isabella’s Kitchen at Grayhawk – North Scottsdale This spot was built with great weather in mind. Right on Grayhawk Golf Course, Isabella’s Kitchen offers a friendly, neighborhood vibe with epic sunset views! Sip on one of their signature cocktails, while taking in the beauty that is Arizona! We recommend the Jalapeno Paloma. It’s a cocktail with a kick, that will make your visit and views that much more enjoyable. Papago Park – Tempe The Hole at Papago Park is an easy hike, with crazy good sunset views. Grab a blanket, and a basket and take the trek! Sit in the beautiful red rock formation, while watching the entire Valley, glow pink! Elements at Sanctuary – Paradise Valley Elements is the fine-dining establishment at Sanctuary Resort and Spa. Over half of the entire restaurant is open with glass windows. It is built at the base of Camelback Mountain and captures the sunset perfectly. The entire restaurant glows. We believe it is one the most romantic places in Arizona. Get a bottle of champagne and ask to be seated on the patio, for optimum views! Tempe Town Lake – Tempe Tempe town lake peers perfectly between Tempe’s multiple bridges. The sunset view from the middle of the lake is simply breathtaking. We highly recommend renting a kayak or paddle board about 30min, prior to sunset, and picking a sport right in the center of the lake. Watching the water change colors is pretty amazing. Dobbins Lookout at South Mountain- Phoenix The easy and beautiful drive up to Dobbins Lookout is a must! Upon arrival you’re greeted by a large brick structure, perfect for sitting on, and getting perfect views of The Valley, below. The sunsets are especially beautiful up here because the whole city lights up! Honestly, you can watch a sunset from anywhere in Arizona, and still witness one of the most beautiful views you have ever seen. However, we know that visiting these places will allow you to experience a true, proper Arizona Sunset.

We love our local businesses and support them whenever we can! From local restaurants, makers and artists, to local photographers and entrepreneurs. We believe our local businesses are what makes us unique, and such an incredible place to live. Here is a small list of local businesses you must know about! Ruby Rideout – Photographer Ruby is a local Valley photographer, and she is an expert at her craft! She specializes in weddings, business photography and product shots! Her creative style allows her to capture people at their best and shine a light on their most important moments. If you’re looking a professional and experienced photographer, in The Valley head to Ruby’s website: www.rubyrideout.com (Ruby was the photographer for all the professional photos of myself on my website) Citizen Home Décor – Handcrafted Wood Décor Citizen HD is owned and operated by a sweet little family of Arizona natives. Scott Goodson brings us beautiful, Arizona inspired décor by using quality wood and craftsmanship. You can shop their items online, and follow them on Insta at: @citizenhd Berdenas – Coffee and Tea This hidden gem is located in Old Town Scottsdale and serves up the best avocado toast in The Valley! Known for their vibrant décor, and Honey Lavender Latte, this place is sure to give you small town vibes with style. Worth Takeaway – Sandwich Shop Worth is Mesa’s most popular local spot. The food is fresh, the staff is amazing, and it has revived Downtown Mesa! They even do a popup event, during October, where they turn their shop into Bob’s Burgers. Trust me when I say, they go all out! Also, keep an eye out for their Monday night specials! They serve up some of the best rotating features in the East Valley. Birdytell – Curated Gifts Lisa Morrow is an entrepreneur with compassion, and a love for the local community. She builds stunning curated gift boxes with local, quality, handmade goods! Her business offers support to local artisans and provides opportunities to build custom gifts for people you love. Follow her in Instagram here: @birdytell Paige Poppe – Artist Paige Poppe is a watercolor artist, who creates the most vibrant Southwest-inspired artwork. Her color schemes are bright, beautiful and she builds some amazing products through her illustrations. Her Instagram is filled with her work! You can find her here: @paigepoppe We have SO many amazing local businesses that you can support. Phoenix has always perpetuated the love and backing of our local business owners. We know they are the reason our city is so eclectic and unique. Check back for our next local business feature!