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Copper State of Mind

Independence Day

While much of the country is still bundled up and experiencing extremely chilly weather, Arizonans welcome spring and the weeks-long Cactus League Spring Training baseball. Our special Cactus League issue of the Arizona 100 posted last week. Winter visitors and locals alike take advantage of this annual tradition.

But there is so much more to enjoy in the Copper State this time of year. If your preferences include outdoor activities, like hiking and biking, or something more relaxing, like reading a good book by the pool or enjoying dinner on the patio, get out there and spring into March.

– Abbie S. Fink, HMA Public Relations

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Copper State of Mind

Independence Day

For most people, Feb. 14 means hearts and flowers. But for Arizonans, it also marks the state’s 107th birthday.

Did you know that our state’s roots hearken back to the 5 Cs – citrus, cotton, cattle, copper and climate? Or that the state flower is a saguaro cactus blossom? The official state neck wear is the bola tie. Other than the Navajo Nation in the northern part of the state, Arizona does not observe daylight saving time. Arizona is the 48th state and last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union.

Happy Valentine’s Day. Happy Birthday, Arizona.

– Abbie S. Fink, HMA Public Relations

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Copper State of Mind

Independence Day

Chances are at some point, you’ll tune in to the Super Bowl. The game commemorates a season of ups and downs, wins and losses. It is a chance to gather with friends and snack till your heart’s content.

For brands, this day sets the course for their advertising strategy for the remainder of the year. Anheuser Busch and Doritos will be back. Newcomers like beauty brand Olay and dating app Bumble are plunking down $5 million for 30 seconds of your time. Who can blame them when it is estimated that more than 110 million people worldwide will tune in?

– Abbie S. Fink, HMA Public Relations

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Copper State of Mind

Independence Day

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions this year? We are 10 days in, how is it going?

If you’re like most of us, you start off the year with the right attitude and a commitment that this year is going to be the year to … lose weight, run a marathon, read more, etc. And as the calendar rolls along and life gets busy, those resolutions seem harder and harder to keep.

Setting resolutions can be inspiring, but not achieving them can be frustrating. Experts tell us to set small, attainable goals as these are more likely to be accomplished.

– Abbie S. Fink, HMA Public Relations

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Copper State of Mind

Copper State of Mind

The holiday season is upon is. The hustle and the bustle. The parties and the shopping. The winding down of the year and the gearing up for the new one.

And during the holiday season, we should also be grateful for those who have been on the journey with us this past year.

So no matter what winter holiday you celebrate, the editorial team at The Arizona 100 wishes you peace, joy and prosperity throughout the coming year. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to working with you in the years to come. Happy Holidays.

– Abbie S. Fink, HMA Public Relations

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Copper State of Mind

Copper State of Mind

According to Visit Phoenix, more than 44 million people will visit Arizona this year. The influx of visitors is evident this time of year in the number of additional cars on the road and how busy our restaurants and retailers are. Many of the visitors return year after year to enjoy our state’s many golf courses, museums and sporting events.

Economic developers capitalize on our many assets when talking to companies considering relocating their businesses to our state. With mild winter temperatures throughout much of our state, there are plenty of reasons for these businesses to consider Arizona their home.

– Abbie S. Fink, HMA Public Relations

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Copper State of Mind

Independence Day

A recent survey shows that spending for Halloween is expected to reach $9 billion this year. Celebrants are planning to spend an average of $86.79, up from last year’s $86.13, with more than 175 million Americans planning to partake in Halloween festivities.

According to Matthew Shaw of the National Retail Federation, “The economy is good and consumer confidence is high, so families are ready to spend on Halloween this year.”

Among the many festivities? Handing out candy, decorating your home, dressing up the family pet, attending or throwing a party and of course, trick-or-treating.

Happy Halloween.

– Abbie S. Fink, HMA Public Relations

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Making sense of Arizona cents

Copper State of Mind

In this week’s issue of The Arizona 100, the Arizona Office of Tourism notes record spending by visitors in 2017. This got me to thinking about how these – and other dollars – are spent.

According to the State Spending Database, Arizona governments ranked 41st in total spending per resident. Per resident, it spends 67 percent less than the top state, Alaska ($24,040 per resident), and 15 percent more than Idaho ($6,790), the lowest.

Conversely, we rank toward the top in spending on schools for the blind, visually impaired and deaf; adult, special and vocational education; and veteran’s services.

– Abbie S. Fink, HMA Public Relations

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Lessons from Mr. Rogers

Copper State of Mind

Many of us grew up watching programming on PBS – “Sesame Street,” “Electric Company” and of course, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” I recently saw the documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor.” Co-workers, family and friends talk about the impact he had not only on the children who tuned in daily, but on them, too.

Dealing with topical issues – the assassination of Bobby Kennedy, the Challenger explosion, civil rights, disabilities, among others, he taught us the importance of being kind to each other and while the nation changed around him, he stood firm in his beliefs about the importance of protecting childhood.

– Abbie S. Fink, HMA Public Relations

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International capabilities are key for Arizona businesses

copper state of mind

Arizona companies who can do work across borders are in demand. Our proximity to Mexico, coupled with Arizona’s attractiveness to Canadians, are two of the obvious reasons.

Having expertise in other cross-border markets should not be overlooked, as Europe and other emerging markets provide businesses with plenty of opportunities to demonstrate international capabilities. This is particularly true in the public relations arena.

Some Arizona companies, like HMA Public Relations, utilize a network of their peers featuring other PR and communications firms that have similar expertise and integrity to deliver results for their clients on an as-needed, international scale.

– Abbie S. Fink, HMA Public Relations