On Monday, following Arizona’s certification of the November 3rd election results, Gov. Doug Ducey took to Twitter to defend the state’s electoral process and voting system.

Ducey has repeatedly defended Arizona’s long-standing mail-in voting system. At the Oval Office with President Donald Trump in August of this year, he that “we’ve established a system that works and can be trusted.”

The post Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey defends state’s election integrity appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

The policies adopted by Gov. Doug Ducey and his administration during the outbreak of Covid-19 have prevented Arizona’s health care system from being overwhelmed and have kept most of the state’s economy open. Although we’ve still lost north of 500,000 jobs, thanks to the public’s cooperation and collaboration we’re now in Phase 1 of the economic recovery and, step by step, we’re reenergizing. 

As Gov. Ducey said in recent press conference, this new phase “is a green light to continue going forward on the way out of this pandemic. Now, this is not a green light to speed. This is a green light to proceed with caution.”

If we want to preserve the progress we’ve made and not backslide toward more infections and overstressed hospitals and risk more business closures, then we’ll all have to adhere to heightened protocols and demonstrate a commitment to responsibly protect ourselves and our fellow Arizonans.

It’s the least we can do.

The Arizona business community is deeply invested in this effort. No business wants to compromise the health of its employees, its customers, or the public, or jeopardize a broader economic reopening.

One of these protocols will include wearing masks in a variety of settings.

Already some brand name big-box retailers, which remained open during the original stay-at-home order since their continued operation was deemed essential, have announced that wearing masks will be required to enter their premises. Other retailers, which have been reopening since getting the May 8 go-ahead from Gov. Ducey, have similarly announced that they’ll require customers to wear masks.

I’ve heard the grumbling, and I get it. Wearing masks isn’t terribly comfortable, and it takes some getting used to. I received plenty of good-natured but deserved ribbing for a photo I posted on social media of yours truly at a special event with President Trump at Honeywell that showed me wearing my mask incorrectly. Over the nose next time! But businesses that are adopting policies to prevent the spread of the virus deserve our applause. They’re demonstrating a genuine concern not only for their own business, but for you, me, and the rest of Arizona.

Another protocol we’ll have to adhere to is the continued practice of physical distancing in retail establishments, dine-in restaurants, and other businesses as they welcome back customers.

Things like one-way aisles in grocery stores and tables appropriately spaced in restaurants will likely be the norm for the near future, as will new check-in procedures at restaurants where before you just grabbed an available table. And don’t be surprised if your hands get a squirt of sanitizer before you’re seated. Some businesses may ask for temperature checks.

If these minor accommodations are what it takes to protect public health and build consumer confidence to get the Arizona economy back into gear and to get tens of thousands of Arizonans back to work (and give others in vulnerable populations a chance to get a long overdue haircut as we advance phases in the reopening), then let’s do it. 

I’m encouraged that the vast majority of the feedback I’m getting is how restaurants, smaller retailers, and barbers and salons are being innovative in the steps they’re taking to protect workers and customers.

Now, not every business and customer will comply. We’ve all seen the pictures of a few places that look mostly like they did pre-pandemic. But hopefully whatever criticism they incur from the public will convince them to change their behavior.

Gov. Ducey throughout this period has wisely and prudently pursued a lighter touch than some other governors during the pandemic, and he has no desire to throw the book at anyone and disrupt any businesses any more than it already has been. A little social pressure and some education in these cases can go a long way.

The news over the last few months has been bleak, but Arizona’s has earned its share of positive headlines.

We’re in the midst of a testing blitz that has dramatically increased the number of tests given in just a few weeks. Maricopa County has undertaken a massive contact tracing effort. Honeywell is churning out millions of N95 masks as it adds 500 manufacturing jobs in the Valley. Professional sports have gotten the ok to resume games here when the leagues start up again. Hotel pools are open again. Zoom, whose video conference software has been indispensable as many of us work from home, announced it is bringing hundreds of jobs here. And, surprising everyone except the outstanding Arizona Commerce Authority team, Taiwan’s TSMC — a global semiconductor powerhouse — made international news with its plans to bring 1,600 jobs to Arizona as part of a $12 billion investment in the state.

So, the ball’s in our court. We can sustain the progress we’ve achieved, continue to control the spread of the virus, and ensure that our economy returns stronger. But it’s up to all of us to act smartly and responsibly.

Glenn Hamer is president and CEO of the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce and Industry. 

The post The ball’s in our court appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

In a first-ever collaboration, top sports organizations in Arizona have come together to offer 19 one-of-a-kind experiences for fans to raise money for Governor Doug Ducey’s Arizona Together Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Organizations like the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, and Phoenix Raceway are selling raffle tickets to win unique, elite-level packages like four passes to the President’s Suite for the NASCAR Championship race with complimentary food and beverages and a meet-and-greet with Phoenix native and driver Michael McDowell.

“There’s never been a collaborative effort like this. It’s great to see all of us come together and who knows what this can lead to to help our fellow Arizonans and for future collaborations,” said Mike Nealy, executive director of the Fiesta Bowl and Cactus Bowl.

Called the Coronavirus Relief Raffle, anyone can purchase tickets online through May 22. 

All proceeds will be donated to the governor’s emergency relief fund that was launched in April. On Tuesday, Ducey announced that the relief fund has raised more than $8.2 million. 

The provides financial support to organizations working to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 in Arizona. There are three areas of focus: personal protective equipment for frontline medical workers; non profit organizations that support the most vulnerable Arizonans; and technology for online learning for low-income students.

Sports groups jumped at the chance to offer unique prize packages 

A Fiesta Bowl “yellow jacket” member thought of the idea after seeing the positive impact of the national All in Challenge, Nealy said. 

The is the largest digital fundraiser in history, raising more than $38 million to aid those affected by the pandemic. Actors, athletes, singers and others offer up items or experiences in an auction or giveaway.

“We said, let’s put something together for Arizona. This is right in our wheelhouse and there is a need there,” Nealy said. “We started to call a couple of sports entities and boom, boom, everybody jumped in to say, ‘Count us in, count us in.’

“We all want to help Arizona and have a commitment to the community that has shown its commitment to all of our organizations.”

Pro teams, college bowls and university teams offer prize packages

Participating organizations include the Arizona Bowl, Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Coyotes, Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona State Athletics, University of Arizona Athletics, Cactus Bowl, Cactus League, PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, Grand Canyon University Athletics, Northern Arizona University Athletics, Phoenix Mercury, Phoenix Raceway, Phoenix Rising, Phoenix Suns, Scottsdale Charros and Waste Management Phoenix Open.

“These are ‘money-can’t-buy’ experiences being offered to fans that wouldn’t otherwise be available. And the proceeds go to a great cause to help provide emergency relief for COVID-19,” Nealy said. “If we can get this word out, we’re pretty sure people will be interested.”  

Raffle tickets can be purchased at . All purchases must be made by entrants who are located within the state of Arizona, with an Arizona IP address, at the time of sale.

Prize packages galore 

The collective group wanted to offer fans something they cannot buy, Nealy said. There are 19 unique prize packages.

Arizona Bowl: Four Stadium Club tickets with VIP pregame party passes, including food and beverages, on-field experience and tour, and four tickets for private players party.

Arizona Cardinals: Four VIP tickets with pregame hospitality in Big Red Brew Haus or Red Zone Tailgate, pregame field passes to watch teams warm up, attendance at postgame press conference, and Cardinals fan gear.

Arizona Coyotes: Four on-the-glass tickets with BMW Club access and food and beverage, watch pregame warm-ups from the penalty box, behind-the-scenes tour with Tyson Nash and Paul Bissonnette, postgame player meet-and-greet, autographed jersey, and a stick and puck from team captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Four premium tickets in the D-backs Dugout Box, watch batting practice and the national anthem from the field, a keepsake photo in the D-backs dugout, behind-the-scenes tour with Luis Gonzalez, and ballpark treats delivered to the winners’ seats.

Arizona State Football: Four game tickets in the Athletic Director’s Suite with pregame sideline passes and parking pass.

Arizona State Women’s Basketball: Two passes to  attend pregame shootaround practice and pregame team meal, inside access to locker room for pregame, halftime and postgame coach talks, and seats on bench during game plus two tickets for other attendees, and gameday polo. 

University of Arizona Football: Two to four tickets (depends on game and availability) in Athletic Director’s Skybox for a home football game, and join the voice of the Wildcats Brian Jeffries in the radio booth before the game.

University of Arizona Men’s Basketball: Two middle-section tickets (depends on game and availability) for a home men’s basketball game at McKale Center, and experience Arizona team introductions on court a few feet away from the bench.

Cactus Bowl: Four premium game tickets, on-field experience during pregame,  a portion of in-game and postgame ceremony, helmet from one of the participating teams, signed football by both head coaches, and the ability to attend media day.

Cactus League: Two spring training packages for four to the team and facility of their choice, subject to availability, includes tickets, ballpark cash and Cactus League swag for four people.

Grand Canyon University Athletics: Four premium tickets to a GCU men’s basketball game with VIP parking and Lopes Club entry, honorary game ball presentation, gameday polo shirts, round of golf and lunch for 4 players at GCU Golf Course.

Northern Arizona University Athletics: Travel with NAU Football team to a mutually agreed upon away game of choice, including two seats on the NAU charter plane, Friday evening entertainment, two game tickets and hotel accommodations. Typical departure time is Noon on Friday and return departs immediately following the game, with an evening landing in Flagstaff.

Phoenix Mercury: Four premium tickets with VIP access to watch warm-ups from the court, photo with a Mercury player, parking pass, autographed jersey, prize pack, meet and greet with Hall of Famer Ann Meyers Drysdale, invitation to attend practice

Phoenix Raceway: Four passes to the President’s Suite for the NASCAR Championship race with complimentary food and beverages, VIP rooftop seating, INfield experience, VIP parking, meet-and-greet with NASCAR Cup series driver and Phoenix-native Michael McDowell, pace car ride around Phoenix Raceway, photo with the 2020 NASCAR champion following the race, VIP viewing area for pre race ceremonies, photo in the Cactus Flagstand overlooking the start and finish line, and VIP access to the championship party at The Barn.

Phoenix Rising: Training session for four people, four personalized jerseys, a signed Didier Drogba jersey, and four field seats.

Phoenix Suns: Four lower level tickets with dinner in the new premium club, on-court access to watch pregame warm-ups, professional photo on court, autographed jersey, private all-access tour by Alvan Adams, and post game passes.

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: Four premium tickets, premier pregame party tickets, on-field visit pregame and for a portion of the in-game, ability to attend media day and postgame press conferences, and signed helmet with two head coaches.

Scottsdale Charros: Four VIP tickets to the Charro Lodge at Scottsdale Stadium with complimentary food and beverage, and throw the ceremonial first pitch before San Francisco Giants spring training game.

Waste Management Phoenix Open: Two Chairman’s Club passes that includes exclusive VIP access to hospitality venues on course including the 16th hole, Greenskeeper and Bay Club, tee box access at the 16th hole for the celebrity Shot at Glory, and VIP access to Coors Light Birds Nest.

There are some age restrictions with some of the packages. For example, packages that include activities where alcohol is served may be limited to people who are at least 21 years old. 

Az Sports Together has not set a fundraising goal for the raffle because this is a brand new effort, Nealy said. 

“We’d love to raise as much as possible. This is the first time we’ve done this so we don’t know what to expect.”  For more details, visit: .

The post One-of-a-kind sports experience raffle to help those hurt by pandemic appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

This column appeared in the May 1 print edition of the Arizona Capitol Times. You can view the survey referenced below here:

What does a successful reopening of the Arizona economy look like? Since the outset of Gov. Doug Ducey’s stay-at-home order, the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce & Industry has been leading a weekly conference call with our colleagues in business organizations across the state attempting to answer that question.

Our groups’ members are responsible for thousands of jobs, but more than just comparing notes among ourselves, we’ve surveyed our members about the very real needs they’re facing during this time. Our survey isn’t scientific, but, nonetheless the findings underscore something most Arizonans already know — no segment of the Arizona economy has been left untouched by this pandemic’s impact.

Respondents to our survey represent employers of all stripes, from agriculture to financial services, lodging and hospitality to nonprofits.

When asked what coronavirus’ biggest effect on operations has been, the most common responses were that employers are continuing with the fewest employees possible to keep the doors open, or that they’ve furloughed employees, with the intent of bringing them back as soon as they’re able.

Of our respondents who said they’ve sought some sort of financial relief, more than 60% have applied for the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the lifeline for employers to maintain their payrolls, make rent payments, or pay utility bills, reiterating why chambers of commerce across Arizona and other business associations have been so adamant about the need for Congress to ensure that this program and the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program are adequately funded and that any business that needs help gets it. The PPP is expected for a second time to exhaust all of its funds, which means that Congress’ work on this issue is far from finished.

Obviously, there’s a tremendous sense of urgency among Arizona’s job creators. More than one-third of survey respondents told us they’ll only be able to sustain operations for another three months at most.

It’s against this backdrop that employers not only want to reopen the Arizona economy more fully, but that they also want to work alongside public health officials in designing the plans and protocols that will allow them to do so safely and responsibly, protecting their employees and customers, while limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

We’ve already seen Arizona employers make adjustments in order to keep serving their customers within CDC guidelines, including changing their usual hours of service in order to spread customer interactions throughout the workday, or allowing customers to make appointments. Others are installing partitions between employees and customers. Based on the feedback we’ve received, Arizonans can anticipate businesses adapting to meet the challenges of Covid-19, while still delivering a high level of customer service.

There is some hesitancy, however. More than half of the businesses that responded to our survey said they are concerned that they’ll be exposed to lawsuits from enterprising trial lawyers despite their best efforts to adhere to all state and federal guidelines and to protect their employees and customers.

No one’s looking for a free pass, but employers responsibly striving to stop the spread of a highly contagious virus should be able to concentrate on safely managing their workplaces, not on fending off questionable lawsuits.

Businesses are also concerned about a one-size-fits-all approach. What might work for one type of business, might not work for another.

Thriving small businesses are often successful because of creative individuals who have proven their ability to navigate unforeseen challenges. Public health officials at all levels of government can count on that ingenuity to develop solutions for increased workplace health and safety without imposing harsh regulations.

A successful reopening of the Arizona economy will, first and foremost, see a dramatic downturn in the spread of Covid-19. But it will also see the creativity and resourcefulness of Arizona’s job creators on full display as we return to work safely, responsibly, and maybe a little financially battered, but not beaten. Arizona’s business community agrees with Gov. Ducey that we can return stronger.

Courtney Coolidge is the vice president of government affairs for the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce & Industry.

The post Opinion: Creativity key to reopening battered but unbeaten economy appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

Hospitals and outpatient surgical centers across the state are performing non-emergency surgeries once again after Governor Doug Ducey lifted a ban that was put in place in mid-March to ensure facilities had enough protective equipment and empty beds to handle all COVID-19 patients. 

Hospital officials said they now are well equipped and have started necessary surgeries and procedures like knee and hip replacements, tumor removals and colonoscopies.

“We exist to take care of patients, so we really want to get back to doing what we do best,” said Dr. J. Scott Anderson, chief medical officer for Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City and Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center in Sun City West. “That’s the motivation for our physicians and nurses, and we’re really eager to do it in the safest way possible.”

Sigh of relief for patients, strapped health care providers

The move is not only important for patients needing surgery, but for medical providers that suffered significant financial losses with facilities operating well below capacity for six weeks. 

An analysis by the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare estimates that its member hospitals alone lost an estimated $430 million to $575 million per month during the ban.

“Member hospitals report revenues are down 30-40 percent due to cancellation of elective procedures and a reduction in emergency department visits,” the association said in a statement issued April 22. 

Hospitals a $30 billion powerhouse for Arizona economy 

Arizona hospitals contribute an estimated $29.8 billion to the state’s economy and employ almost 185,000 employees, according to economic impact by the Health System Alliance for Arizona.

The report states that direct, indirect, and induced jobs earned a combined $12.3 billion in wages. State and local governments collected $808.7 million in tax revenues from hospitals in 2018.

For large organizations like the nonprofit Banner system and Mayo Clinic, the financial hit has been tremendous. 

Mayo, which has major operations in Arizona, $3 billion companywide in operating losses for 2020 due to COVID-19, according to a financial issued April 24. 

About 30,000 employees’ hours are targeted for cuts, the disclosure document states. To offset the impact, Mayo has received $150 million from the CARES Act, $900 million in advance Medicare payments, and is securing loans. 

Banner, which is headquartered in Phoenix, is the largest hospital system in Arizona and the state’s largest private employer with about 43,000 employees. Like Mayo and other hospital systems, it has had to furlough employees and institute pay cuts. 

“For hospitals and practices, it’s definitely had some very significant financial losses, but everyone has had setbacks,” Anderson said. “Health care is no different.”

With elective surgeries back on board, Anderson is optimistic about the industry’s likelihood of financial recovery.

“It’s going to take time but we intend to be here for as long as it takes,” he said. “There’s always going to be a need for doctors, so now our focus is on taking care of the community.”

Green light for elective surgery includes new precautions  

Banner and other hospitals have taken steps to isolate COVID-19 hospital units from other units and visitor areas. 

Under Gov. Ducey’s executive order, hospitals and surgical centers are required to take a number of protective measures, including providing 20 percent of their capacity for COVID patients. The order, which allowed elective surgeries to start back on May 1, contains a number of requirements including:

-Coronavirus testing of all at-risk health care workers and patients prior to surgery 

-Demonstrate greater than a 14-day supply of personal protective equipment like masks, gloves and ventilators

-Ensure adequate staffing and beds

-Ensure appropriate discharge plans for patients being transferred to nursing care facilities, including diagnostic testing for COVID-19

-Implement a universal symptom screening process for staff, patients, and visitors

-Establish an enhanced cleaning process for waiting areas

-Prioritize the restart of elective surgeries based on urgency

Facilities that meet the specified standards also must receive approval from the Department of Health Services before resuming elective surgeries. 

Ducey’s executive order is to be considered for repeal or revision every two weeks.

Arizona saving lives under social distancing  

As health care facilities slowly come back to life, the governor’s stay-at-home orders likely prevented a crisis similar to the one that overwhelmed New York City, Dr. Amish Shah said in an for �鶹��ýӳ��. 

Arizona’s wide open spaces played a part, said Shah, an attending physician for nonprofit Dignity Health in Phoenix.  

“In Arizona, we are much more spread out and we rely much less on elevators, small apartments in older buildings, and public transportation,” Shah said. “We do not have as much international traffic. We also had a few more weeks to prepare and acclimate to the idea of social distancing, whereas New York was quickly caught off guard.”

An analysis of other countries that took measures similar to Arizona reveal that social distancing also likely saved about 1,400 lives, with more to come, Dr. Shah said.  

“This might be a low estimate given we have a large senior population. Moreover, with an estimated 3-4 people hospitalized to every one death, Arizona’s health care system would have been easily overwhelmed without our lockdown measures,” he said.

“Millions of pieces of personal protective equipment are getting to where they are needed, hospital bed and ICU bed and ventilator capacity have increased tremendously, and testing has increased greatly. We are much better prepared than we were six weeks ago.”

The post Non-emergency surgeries resume in Arizona appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

This op-ed was originally published in the Arizona Republic on 4/28/2020 .

Gov. Doug Ducey’s decision to let on May 1 is an important step on the path to reopening big portions of the Arizona economy from its coronavirus-induced coma.

The state’s business community, which is comprised of innovative, creative thinkers who are leading enterprises large and small, is ready to work with public health officials to adopt policies and procedures that will allow for an even broader reopening of the Arizona economy, safely.

On an April 16 conference call with business leaders, the governor solicited ideas for the reopening. The Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce & Industry, along with more than 150 other entities, have since provided input.

The governor wisely makes clear that he’ll rely on CDC protocols and Arizona public health data to drive decision-making.

Data such as the number of hospitalizations, new cases, available ICU beds and ventilators are the key benchmarks. The rapid scale-up of diagnostic and contact tracing and antibody testing is critical to our efforts to contain the virus and reopen greater swaths of the economy.

1.  Businesses need flexibility

Flexibility is key. Not all employers are the same, so not all guidelines for a reopening should be the same.

Certain types of small businesses might rarely have large numbers of people congregating in one place and can reopen soon, while businesses that engage in face-to-face customer interactions will need to implement appointment-based transactions to limit foot traffic, or can alter their hours to limit interactions throughout the workday.

Industries in close-contact fields like cosmetology, which already must meet rigorous public health standards, will need to develop options to serve their customers in new ways, increasing sanitization measures and utilizing personal protective equipment to protect employees and customers.

Sectors that have been walloped by the pandemic are pivoting to serve a new type of customer.  and first responders a place for some needed rest without the worry of exposing loved ones to the virus at home. As contact tracing programs grow, hotels can host those who need to be quarantined, too.

Meanwhile, businesses that have shifted their workforces to telework should continue those arrangements for the foreseeable future, particularly for workers most at risk.

As certain essential service providers like grocery stores and restaurants delivering takeout have already demonstrated, businesses can be counted on to be nimble, meeting customer needs while still adhering to CDC guidelines. Government should be nimble, too, relying first on industry best practices before rigid mandates.  

2.  Businesses need protection

Liquidity is key. Businesses need every dime right now to keep their operations afloat, so, where possible, governments should delay things like sales tax remittances and property tax payments, and eliminate penalties for businesses that need forbearance. Our congressional delegation must ensure that financial lifeboats like the Paycheck Protection Program have adequate funding.

We should also reduce job creators’ exposure to legal liability.

Governor Ducey took the right approach through an executive order in  to Arizona’s health care workers and medical facilities on the frontlines of combating COVID-19.

Similar protections should be extended to businesses that take all proper steps in accordance with state and federal guidelines to stop the transmission of the virus among employees and customers.

If employers are hesitant to reopen out of fear of inviting a potential lawsuit, then Arizona’s economic recovery will be delayed.

The governor and his entire team throughout this ordeal have demonstrated that prudence does not have to mean paralysis.

It may not feel like it, but a majority of the economy has remained open as we have slowed the spread of the disease. The governor’s declaration of essential services and activities was among the most comprehensive in the country and became a national model, ensuring continuity in sectors as varied as manufacturing to telecommunications to construction.

We are confident that Arizona will exit this pandemic how we entered it: with the nation’s strongest economy.

Glenn Hamer is president and CEO of the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce and Industry. Twitter: .

The post Gov. Doug Ducey is taking the right steps to reopen Arizona businesses safely appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

As we move to the phase of breathing more oxygen into our economy, it’s clear from a recent Public Opinion Strategies poll that Governor Doug Ducey has the confidence of Arizonans.

In my book, the poll’s lead author, , is the best in the nation. He has been the GOP mainstay of the NBC/Wall Street Journal poll for many years. The Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� has relied on his work for many of our most important policy initiatives.

The key takeaways in the poll, which was commissioned by Arizona Rock Products Association:

• A very engaged electorate voices strong support for Governor Ducey and his handling of the coronavirus crisis. More than six out of ten voters (63%) approve of the job Governor Ducey is doing as governor.
• His handling of the coronavirus situation earns him 71% approval. This includes 80% among Republicans, 65% among Independents, and 67% among Democrats.
• Voters believe Governor Ducey has struck the right balance in his approach to dealing with the virus. When asked about Governor Ducey’s “proposals and actions to deal with the current coronavirus situation here in Arizona,” 61% believe his approach has “been about right.”

I encourage you to .

Glenn Hamer is the president and CEO of the Arizona �鶹��ýӳ�� of Commerce and Industry.

The post Arizona has confidence in Gov. Doug Ducey appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.