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On my way in to the office one morning last week, I tuned in to Darrell Ankarlo on KTAR, who amongst other things, discussed the challenging economy and job cuts here in Arizona. Like most CEOs, I do a lot of reading, surfing the web and listening to news and talk radio so that I have a balanced and current view of what’s happening in the world. Balanced. We hear a lot about balance- balanced reporting, achieving work-life balance, balance, balance, balance.

Unfortunately, I just don’t see balance in the media right now. Don’t get me wrong- I like Ankarlo, and I am genuinely interested in his point of view. But I just cannot sit back anymore, watching and listening to the “gloom and doom” stories on the TV and radio, and reading about it in newspapers and magazines these days. A lot of Arizona businesses are not only surviving in this economy, they are thriving in this economy, experiencing growth and creating new jobs!

I don’t mean to sound like a Pollyanna, our country’s economic struggles are difficult and problematic. It will take time and hard work for our economy to recover and for small businesses to make it through this challenge. But tough times also require business owners and CEOs to get very hands on, get creative, and discover new innovative solutions. It’s what Small Business does best!

Yes, there is inspirational news in Arizona’s small business community- With over 300 great companies nominated, we had our greatest challenge this year in pairing down to 50 awardees for the Comerica Bank Arizona Companies to Watch.  They will be  honored at our awards ceremony on November 11th (http://www.asba.com/programs/az_companies.aspx).  If you need a little positive inspiration - check it out at ASBA.com - tickets are still available. 

The “Success Stories” of successful ASBA members roll in every day, written by business owners who wish to share their tips, achievements and support with other business owners.

So, I issue this challenge to the media- how about a little balance. Gloom and doom sells papers and gets viewers’ attention, but offer both sides of the story. Feature the businesses that are adding jobs, doing great things for our community and experiencing growth. Times are tough but Arizona businesses know how to take a bull by the horns, and create their own good fortune!