The communications industry is constantly evolving and growing, so it’s important to continue learning about new resources, especially apps you can download on your phone.
Canva
Ever wonder how people create such eye-catching graphics for events? Canva allows you to become artsy, creative and original.
Lightroom
This app costs nothing to download and edits pictures beautifully. Users find it simple, and they have fun exploring their own editing styles.
Unfold
Want to add a nice background and text to your Instagram stories? Try this app to add a unique touch, and improve the quality of the content you feature.
– Carolyn Taylor, The Oklahoma 100
(PHOENIX – Aug. __, 2019) – “Microsoft’s Arizona Story” will be the topic at the Arizona Association for Economic Development’s (AAED) September luncheon. It will be held on Sept. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1lftssss:15 p.m. at 2901 N. Seventh St. in Phoenix.
Jim Collins, Microsoft’s director of energy markets, Americas; datacenter strategy, planning and development; and Microsoft Cloud infrastructure and operations (MCIO), will share information about Microsoft’s commitment to Arizona and why the company has decided to have such a presence in the state.
As part of the energy team at Microsoft, Collins’ responsibilities include oversight of energy supply agreements, regulatory strategy development and establishment of strategic partnerships to ensure reliable power supply. He joined Microsoft in 2012 after 12 years in the energy industry where he assisted Fortune 500 companies and government entities with energy procurement, regulatory policy and sustainability matters.
The cost of the luncheon is $50 for AAED members, $65 for non-members and $75 for late registrants. To register, visit www.aaed.com/event/sept10. The registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 5 at noon. Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance. For more information, call AAED at (602) 240-AAED (2233), or visit www.aaed.com.
AAED, founded in 1974, has a mission to serve as Arizona’s unified voice advocating for responsible economic development through an effective program of professional education, public policy and collaboration.
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AT&T has unveiled a new, state-of-the-art customer call center in Mesa, Arizona, that has created 500 local jobs. The 97,000-square-foot center is located within AT&T’s corporate campus.
The center will support customers with multiple AT&T products and services, including wireless and DIRECTV. The space offers the latest technology and a fun, modern interior design with an Arizona theme.
AT&T has a long history in Mesa and has owned the corporate campus since 1972. New additions to the campus also include an auditorium, fitness center, recreation rooms and updated outdoor landscaping.
– Scott Huscher, AT&T
The key to connecting with your target audience online is the creation of compelling content.
• Be original: Use fresh interviews, videos and how-to articles on a regular basis.
• Develop actionable content: Create stories, articles and posts with a call to action. If your audience doesn’t know what you want them to do, then you are wasting marketing resources.
• Ensure accuracy: If the target market can trust your content, then they will begin to feel more comfortable and connected to your brand.
Content creation isn’t an intern’s job: It is a full-time job. Consider hiring outside professionals to manage.
– Eric Olsen, Fasturtle Digital
Occasionally making yourself inaccessible is essential to boosting focus. A survey found that always being reachable – checking emails during off days, scrolling through social media, responding to texts 24/7 – is associated with higher stress levels. This is known as “continuous partial attention,” a state of alertness largely driven by FOMO.
Need reasons to part with your devices?
• Doing so allows the brain to make space for more creative moments.
• Focusing intensely for 45 minutes, then taking a 15 minute break, allows for peak productivity.
• With advance planning and self-control, a 24-hour break will help you feel calmer.
– Morgan Fayard, The Atlanta 100
“Just Google it” has become the standard refrain when a question arises in this internet age. But sometimes the search results are overwhelming. That’s when Google Advanced Search comes to the rescue.
With Google Advanced, you select additional search parameters to narrow down the results. I use it to specify a website and time frame, along with search words, to find that elusive article I remember reading but can no longer find. It’s also a good substitute for ineffective search engines found on websites.
Be sure to bookmark it so you can have a powerful search engine at your fingertips.
– Grant Coyle, The Ohio 100
Rogers Corporation, global manufacturer of tech-focused materials, is expanding again in Chandler, Arizona. The company has purchased an additional facility along Chandler’s Price Corridor and is expected to create 90 new jobs.
The company plans to start upgrading the facilities and equipment immediately and will have the site ready for commercial production in 2019. Rogers Corporation currently employs about 500 people at its locations in Chandler.
The new Chandler operation will produce components and systems for its Advanced Connectivity Solutions (ACS) business segment, which is projecting significant growth in key markets that include 5G and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
– Sandra Watson, Arizona Commerce Authority
Vocera Communications, Inc. (NYSE:VCRA), a leader in clinical communication and workflow solutions, has expanded its technology throughout Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC).
Initially used in the emergency department, the Vocera solution is now being deployed throughout the 406-bed hospital, enabling physicians and nurses to collaborate quickly using secure texting and hands-free voice communication. The solution also empowers YRMC patients, connecting them directly to caregivers during their hospital stay.
“We are proud to support the hospital’s growing and evolving needs and improve patient care delivery now and in the future,” said Brent Lang, president and CEO of Vocera.
– Shanna Hearon, Vocera Communications
The California legislature passed The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA), which will have sweeping impact across U.S. businesses. CCPA increases consumers’ control of how personal information is collected, used and shared by companies.
Companies subject to CCPA across the country will almost certainly need to change their data privacy and security practices to comply. While CCPA doesn’t take effect until 2020, its passage reflects the more general worldwide trend of increased regulatory oversight of data privacy and security. Savvy companies should evaluate data privacy and security processes and policies now to avoid being an unwanted headline later.
– Heather Buchta, Quarles & Brady
Arizona-based Avnet (NASDAQ: AVT), a leading global technology distributor, will now offer ParceLive, a real-time shipment tracking system, on a global basis to its customer base.
By including a small ParceLive tracker in any parcel, users are able to receive insight into a shipment’s journey, whether across country or around the world. The ParceLive system captures real-time information, including location, temperature and humidity. It also sends alerts if the package has been dropped, opened or mishandled.
After use, ParceLive trackers are returned using a pre-set mail service license, which is active in more than 40 countries.
– Maureen O’Leary, Avnet