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July 24, 2008 | Business

Rural/Metro settles billing claims

Scottsdale-based company settles charges it improperly billed for ambulance services in Washington D.C.

Army's effort to rush technology to troops boosts defense firms

A recent decision by the U.S. Army to speed delivery of advanced missiles, robots and unmanned aircraft to infantry units in Iraq and Afghanistan could be a boon to Arizona defense contractors.

June resales rise - so do foreclosures

Renewed investor interest in low-priced properties made June the best month so far this year for Valley home resale activity, but foreclosures were almost just as prevalent, according to the latest report from Arizona State University's Realty Studies department.

Jobless claims up, home prices sink

Two cornerstones of the economy, jobs and housing, sank to new depths Thursday, with unemployment claims bolting higher and home prices recording one of their steepest drops on record.

Taser International reports 1st quarterly loss in 2 years

The Scottsdale-based stun-gun manufacturer on Thursday reported a net loss of $1.5 million for the quarter that ended June 30 compared with a $3.7 million profit in the year-ago period.

Theft of brass nuts leaves hydrants useless, creates delays for firefighters

Dogs aren't the only ones casting a longing eye at fire hydrants these days. Fire departments across the country report that thieves are twisting the brass nuts off the tops and selling them for scrap, raising concerns that the hydrants won't work when needed most.

Turbocharged wheelchair?

Tired of those motorized carts passing you in the grocery aisles? Does your wheelchair handle corners like a municipal bus? Allegro Medical of Mesa may have the product for you.

Trail group pitches TV plan

The non-profit hopeful Western Trails Association made a pitch to the Surprise City Council, looking to secure cross-promotional opportunities, donations and spots on a city-operated TV channel.

Scottsdale revenue dips, but officials hopeful

Scottsdale tourism is facing a mix of factors that could keep hotel vacancies up, rates down and industry officials hustling to lure more visitors.

Railroads post solid 2Q profits despite floods

Despite rapidly accelerating fuel costs and Midwest floods putting a damper on profits, the nation's two largest railroad's second-quarter profits were boosted by demand for farm products, coal and improving operational efficiency.

Stocks tumble after sales of existing homes fall

Wall Street abruptly ended an earnings-driven rally and closed sharply lower Thursday after a steeper-than-expected decline in existing-home sales and worries about the financial sector chilled the market's recent optimism.

Hospitality dollars flow in W. Valley

The West Valley is playing an increasing role in bringing tourism dollars to Arizona, according to Margie Emmermann, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism.

Wood collectors go against the grain

While mixing old with new isn't, well, new, the demand for the beauty of decades-old wood is helping some people who collect and sell the bones of old buildings prosper in a difficult economy

Ariz. Fry's stores pull jalapeņos off shelves

Arizona Fry's Food Stores pulled raw jalapeņos off their shelves Monday night as a precautionary measure after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported a recall Monday of jalapeņos that were potentially contaminated with salmonella.

Microchip Technology's net income fell in 1st quarter

Relatively flat sales growth and higher interest costs related to a $1.1 billion subordinated debt offering in December led to a modest slip in net income reported Thursday by Microchip Technology Inc.

Medical advocates expanding

After three surgeries, Judy Sherer still had chronic pain in her left shoulder. She had lost faith in her doctors, and in despair tried a new health benefit offered by her employer.

3 Ariz. utility companies rank high in solar use

Arizona Public Service Co., Salt River Project and Tucson Electric Power Co. all rank high among U.S. utilities for solar use, behind top-ranked Southern California Edison, according to a new report.

Valley Leadership participants announced

Phoenix-based non-profit Valley Leadership has announced the 54 participants of its 2008-09 Class of Leadership Institute, which is now in its 30th year.