As we celebrate International Credit Union Week, it feels appropriate to talk about savings, one of the services for which credit unions are best known.  Credit unions now offer a robust line of business and consumer loans and a variety of supplemental financial services, from insurance to warranties. But, for an American population that has, over the past decade, strayed from savings, the service for which credit unions are known can be a big plus.

For our latest FI Highlight, we spoke with Jill Casey, Assistant Vice President of eCommerce and Public Relations at Vantage West Credit Union (VWCU). Jill discussed VWCU’s ongoing partnership with University of Arizona’s football organization and how their recent online video campaign has increased engagement with the local community.

Women business owners, leaders, and those in the workforce in general make an impact on the communities in which they live and work, while at the same time leaving an impression on the economy, both locally and globally.  While it’s difficult to measure the value of a strong leader, market analysis provides insight into the power and influence of women, the businesses they own and work for, and the ripple effect they are responsible for in business.

Whether you need a new company car for your business, or it’s time to upgrade the family vehicle, most auto buyers who finance a purchase share a common denominator:  a desire to save.  There are a number of different ways to save when it comes to buying a new car, even if that “new” car is simply new to you.  Local vehicle dealerships offer a variety of models, programs, prices and incentives, giving local drivers numerous options when it comes time to purchase.

The U.S. Hispanic population is one of the fastest-growing consumer segments in the country, while Hispanic-owned businesses are also growing at the fastest pace in the nation.  Statistics indicate the Hispanic population will reach 132.8 million by 2050, which will constitute 30 percent of the U.S. population.  Arizona’s economy is home to more than 67,000 Hispanic-owned businesses, the overwhelming majority of the state’s 100,000 minority-owned businesses.

Business is booming. Sales are steady and traffic is strong. It’s time to expand, right? Not so fast. Before business owners plow ahead with plans for new space, locations and markets, a little planning is needed.