From the November 24, 2000 print edition

Plentiful reasons to pause and say thanks this year

Don Henninger

Things to be thankful for:

People who say thank you.

The defeat of Proposition 202, the urban sprawl Pac Man, and the victory of Prop. 301, education's best friend. With it comes the satisfaction of knowing that Arizona voters got it right this time, not exactly a routine result.

Those in our real estate community who heard the 202 alarm bell and won't ignore it. Even now. So we don't have to face another crisis down the road.

People with thick skin.

Executives who buck the trends. Bob Fitting comes to mind. He's a 60-something CEO whose company was king of the FastTech 50 list. When you think of the fastest-growing tech companies, images of 30-somethings come to mind. Said Fitting, who runs the winner, Radyne ComStream: "It's nice to see old farts can keep up with the young crowd." Well said.

A new stadium for the Cardinals. Which means they're here to stay. Which means now our expectations are for a greater number of wins than losses. That's pretty much what we expect in our business models, isn't it?

People who say sorry.

That no one is keeping track of all the magazines I subscribe to each week but never find time to read.

Callers who leave short voice-mail messages.

People who keep their egos in check, especially those with real reasons to have them in the first place.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. One of the easiest airports to negotiate in an ideal location so close to downtown. It's one of the biggest feathers in the Valley's recruiting cap. I hope I don't have to eat these words after the Thanksgiving weekend.

Associations like AZIPA, AZSoft.Net and Tempe Tech Oasis that provide a strong backbone and networking system for people setting the pace in the Valley's tech industry.

Bosses who give honest employee appraisals and aren't afraid to be frank.

Employees who tend to speak their minds but know a little tact can go a long way.

Good leaders ... while we have them. The lesson today is don't take them for granted, for in this community they may not be around so long. Especially if they are running big banks. Jon Campbell comes to mind. A second thought: this revolving door at the CEO office of our largest institutions is getting old.

People who are loyal.

Those who are gifted at remembering the names of all the people they meet, especially when there are a lot of them. I wish I had that knack.

Hand-held personal digital assistants. When they work.

Good old-fashioned customer service. Apparently the makers of hand-held personal digital assistants don't agree. Evidence: three calls and four hours of down time on hold trying to arrange for delivery of a repaired unit. Which may arrive by Christmas. Or maybe not.

Smart thinkers with vision and courage to put the spotlight on tough issues. Lattie Coor comes to mind.

Readers who call with good ideas. Keep them coming.

© 2000 American City Business Journals Inc.