Mekong Plaza expansion brings fresh options for holiday shopping in the Asian District
Mekong Plaza has opened its newest expansion in the Asian District Mesa, AZ®, located at 138 S. Dobson Rd. in Mesa. The project adds 32,000 square feet of retail, dining, and family-friendly activities, giving holiday shoppers fresh options beyond the usual stores and gift ideas.
Miniso offers playful, affordable items that work well for stocking stuffers or last-minute gifts. Heads Up Spa provides giftable head spa services and beauty treatments for anyone seeking a relaxing experience during the busy season. New restaurants and entertainment, including claw machine-style attractions, create more choices for families looking to mix up their holiday shopping routine.
To see a full list of businesses in the Asian District, visit AsianDistrictMesaAZ.com.
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How AI Is eliminating the outdated organizational structures that cost businesses time and money
AI is changing the “architecture of roles” in companies. Anna Belova writes for Entrepreneur.com, that roles are now defined not by job title, but by a set of tasks and the skills needed to complete them.
Belova shares these key takeaways:
- Companies are moving from rigid hierarchies to flexible, task-oriented workflows where both humans and AI collaborate, eliminating bottlenecks and increasing efficiency.
- Soft skills, systems thinking, clear communication, and the ability to orchestrate AI-driven tasks are becoming more valuable than traditional hard skills.
- By breaking processes into steps, assigning tasks to humans or AI, implementing orchestration, and measuring outcomes, businesses can achieve faster, more transparent and accountable operations.
For decades, businesses operated in a familiar way: rigid structures, clear job titles, and departments with their own areas of responsibility. Today, artificial intelligence is changing this picture. It is literally restructuring the very “architecture of roles” in companies. Instead of a rigid hierarchy, a flexible end-to-end model of work appears: companies now define roles by a set of tasks and the skills needed to complete them. Read the full story.
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Businesses wanting a professional meeting space have a great option waiting
Businesses can reserve a FREE space to meet for post-holiday planning, strategic discussions or hybrid team collaboration through Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios. One of the most popular options, The Den, is a private conference room ideal for team strategy sessions, virtual discussions, client appointments and more.
The Den is equipped with a 75-inch TV screen, sound bar, wireless connectivity, a magnetic whiteboard, and a conference table with seating for eight.
Reservations can be made online at MBBTheStudios.com, or businesses may access the room on a walk-in basis during open hours, Monday–Thursday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios is located in Downtown Mesa at 59 E. First St.
For more information, email mbbthestudios@mesaaz.gov.
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Why holistic marketing is non-negotiable as marketing channels and strategies work together
Many businesses still think of marketing as a collection of disconnected tactics, with SEO in one place, social media in another, and pay-per-click ads running quietly in the background. That approach is already behind the curve. Right now, holistic marketing is not a luxury. It’s survival. Marketing has never stood still, but this year and going forward, the landscape is changing.
Generative AI is rewriting how consumers discover information. Google rolled out AI Overviews and is shifting the entire search experience. And buyers? They are everywhere, bouncing between platforms and skimming dozens of digital touchpoints before making a decision. As Justin Lynch writes on Inc.com, brands need consistency. Consumers no longer buy from a single great ad. They want proof. Consistency signals that a business is credible. When consumers don’t find consistency, they move on.
Read more about holistic marketing to improve results.
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SCORE offers small business growth series in January
Start the new year with SCORE’s small business series, Growing and Expanding your Business, designed to empower entrepreneurs and business owners. Participants gain actionable insights, innovative techniques, and proven methodologies to scale their ventures effectively. Whether a startup seeking traction or a seasoned business aiming for exponential growth, the series provides the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to propel ventures forward in today’s competitive landscape. The program equips participants with strategies to elevate their businesses and achieve sustainable growth.
When: Wednesdays, Jan. 7 - Feb. 4 | 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Main Branch – Mesa Public Library (64 E. 1st St., Mesa, AZ 85201), 2nd Floor Saguaro Room
Registration links below:
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From vacant land to vibrant community in Downtown Mesa, Culdesac is coming to Mesa Dr. and University
Forty years after land acquisition began, and several development proposals later, Mesa City Council has approved a landmark agreement to transform an underutilized 27-acre property into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood that will bring new housing, retail, and energy to the heart of Mesa.
Culdesac will include approximately 1,000 new homes, featuring townhomes, condominiums, and rental apartments, along with 25,000 – 50,000 square feet of retail and community space designed to bring people together. This neighborhood will put residents at the center, with shaded walking and biking paths, lively plazas, and a convenient mobility hub that makes getting around simple and stress-free. Phase I includes 40 for-sale townhomes and live-work units, giving residents the chance to set roots in Downtown Mesa. Construction is expected to begin before September 2027.
Ryan Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of Culdesac, shared his excitement about the project, “Culdesac Mesa builds on the momentum already making downtown Mesa such a special place. We’re proud to contribute homeownership opportunities and thriving shops that celebrate the uniquely local spirit of downtown. This project shows what’s possible when cities prioritize a culture of belonging, transportation freedom, and vibrant local retail.” Site 17 is ready to become a thriving neighborhood that adds energy, connection, and momentum to Downtown Mesa!
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Video Production Training - The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 5 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
Businesses already using the Podcast Studio at Mesa Business Builder can elevate their content with the Beginner’s Video Production Training. This hands-on, interactive session covers available video tools, how to use them, and strategies for leveraging media in business. Spots are limited and early registration is recommended.
Presented by Ita Udo-Ema, Founder of View from Above Entertainment, the session includes:
- An overview of on-site video production equipment
- Hands-on training for setup, recording, and sound
- A Q&A on using video to complement a podcast or grow a brand
Start Smart - Arizona LLC Essentials for Entrepreneurs - Lawnch Law
Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 6 – 7 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Are you thinking about starting a business? Or already selling but have not filed anything official yet? This workshop is your go-to guide for understanding how and why to form an LLC in Arizona and how to do it right. We’ll break down what an LLC actually is, how it protects you, and why it’s one of the most important legal steps for long-term business growth. You’ll learn - What an LLC is and isn’t - When to form one, and when you might not need to yet - How to keep your business protected after you file - What to do about business bank accounts, contracts, and EINs - The top mistakes new founders make, and how to avoid them, Whether you're side-hustling, scaling, or still in brainstorm mode, this is your legal foundation. Come with questions. Leave with clarity.
Post-Holiday Strategy: Turning One-Time Buyers into Repeat Customers
Thursday, Dec. 11 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE for CO+HOOTS members or $2.95 | Virtual
Register
Learn to build customer loyalty, create retention strategies, and design revenue streams for long-term growth. You have turned a lead into a customer…now what? For many businesses, conversion is just the beginning of sustainable growth. The real opportunity lies in nurturing the clients you already have. Retaining and re-engaging existing customers not only drives higher profitability, it costs significantly less than constant acquisition.
Explore how to turn one-time buyers into lifelong advocates. Learn how to build customer engagement programs that create lasting brand relationships, develop strategies for retention marketing, and design lifetime revenue streams that fuel long-term growth. Discover how cultivating your existing customer base can become your most powerful engine for business success.
THREE TAKEAWAYS:
- Have a framework for considering lifecycle revenue streams
- Be prepared to implement a retention marketing program
- Have the groundwork for establishing an ambassador program
Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program Orientation
Thursday, Dec. 11 | 5 – 6:30 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
Mesa Business Builder Project Manager Kelley Keffer will provide an overview of the Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program, Mesa Business Builder Educates U, and the many tools and resources available to Mesa’s small businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other business owners, have their questions answered, and learn how to maximize the program’s benefits to support business growth.
How To Purchase A Business – Snell & Wilmer Law
Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
You always wanted to run, but not start, your own business. Or perhaps you have an existing business, but are looking to accelerate your growth with a strategic acquisition. How do you go about identifying and evaluating quality acquisition targets? What should your initial offer contain? How do you negotiate and then document the transaction both to protect your business interests and to reduce legal liability? What can you do to increase your chances of closing the deal? Topics include:
- Defining your personal objectives
- Identifying acquisition targets
- Performing due diligence
- Selecting the transaction structure
- Understanding key tax considerations
- Negotiating the deal
- Drafting the transaction documents
- Creating and working with your deal team
Grow Your Business with AI-Powered Tools
Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Google’s AI-powered tools are designed to help businesses of all sizes, particularly small businesses, become more efficient, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth.
Video Production Training - The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Dec. 30 | 5 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
Businesses already using the Podcast Studio at Mesa Business Builder can elevate their content with the Beginner’s Video Production Training. This hands-on, interactive session covers available video tools, how to use them, and strategies for leveraging media in business. Spots are limited and early registration is recommended.
Presented by Ita Udo-Ema, Founder of View from Above Entertainment, the session includes:
- An overview of on-site video production equipment
- Hands-on training for setup, recording, and sound
- A Q&A on using video to complement a podcast or grow a brand
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