Spring 2O19 • aztechcouncil.org
IN THIS ISSUE 2 National Group Honors Schweikert for Tech Efforts 3 Digital Goods Bill Threatens Heavy Taxation 4 Global Impact in the Sights of Committee 5 New Reader Experience Accompanies Magazine 6 2 Board Additions Bring Innovation Experience
Arizona Technology Report
Arizona Technology Council: The Voice of the Technology Industry
President’s Message
You might say Clyde Tombaugh was literally starstruck when he worked to help put Arizona on the map in the world of astronomy. What? You’ve never heard of him? His was a story filled with persistence and alertness. Although he wanted to pursue astronomy after an uncle loaned him a telescope, a lack of funds kept Tombaugh out of college and forced him Steven G. Zylstra, President and CEO, Arizona to build his own telescopes. Drawings Technology Council of the planets Mars and Jupiter that he made with the help of those homemade telescopes caught the attention of staff at Lowell Observatory. As a result, Tombaugh The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona’s premier trade association for was hired to conduct planet-search photography in Flagstaff, with a focus on finding science and technology companies. “Planet-X” at the edge of the solar system. Did he find anything? We recently marked the 89th anniversary of his discovery that Phoenix Office came to be known as Pluto, at the time considered the ninth planet. Tombaugh did this 2800 N. Central Ave., Suite 1530 just a few weeks after his 24th birthday. (You can bet getting a scholarship to attend Phoenix, AZ 85004 Phone: 602-343-8324 • Fax: 602-343-8330 college wasn’t a problem after that.) info@aztechcouncil.org Regardless of Pluto later being reclassified as a dwarf planet, there is no discounting Tombaugh’s discovery still was a breakthrough of major proportions. In fact, he was Tucson Office recognized recently by members of the Arizona Senate as an example of the tremendous 1215 E. Pennsylvania St. contributions that the state’s scientific community make. Tucson, AZ 85714 Phone: 520-388-5760 In their resolution, the senators cited Arizona’s rich history of scientific discovery and tucson@aztechcouncil.org excellence that now is sustained by a new generation. They include scientists ranging from those who make major contributions that support the health and well-being of our citizens through biomedical and clinical research to those who explore and MANAGEMENT AND STAFF protect Arizona’s history through their work in the field of archaeology. Steven G. Zylstra President + CEO In addition, innovators involved with water conservation, one of the most Leigh Goldstein COO + Vice President, Programs + Events Pat Krueger Director, Finance + Administration pressing issues facing Arizona’s citizens and economy today, were credited Jill Brownley Director, Marketing + Communication with thinking of new solutions. Also, the state’s scientists and engineers are Deborah Zack Senior Director, Membership Services helping make the state safer through infrastructure research and construction. Meredith Orr Director, Membership Services Laura DeGeorge Executive Assistant to President + CEO The legacy established by Tombaugh and other pioneers continues Angelica Espinoza Bookkeeper with nearly 100,000 scientists and engineers working in Arizona as of 2017, Jeff Sales Executive Director, Southern Arizona Regional Office Jamie Neilson Operations Manager, Southern Arizona Regional Office according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The resulting culture of Don Rodriguez Editor excellence has become a draw credited with more than 4,000 technologyRon Schott Executive Emeritus, Phoenix sector jobs being added here in 2017. Don Ruedy Executive Emeritus, Tucson Justin Williams Executive Emeritus, Tucson The resolution cites that all scientific work done in Arizona benefits our citizens directly and indirectly since the strong relationship between scientists ARIZONA TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL FOUNDATION and the state improves life for everyone. More specifically, while Arizona’s Steven G. Zylstra, President + CEO Jeremy Babendure, Ph.D., Executive Director scientific community fuels economic growth through innovation, the results of Kelly Greene, COO + Director of Student Success scientific inquiry also promote health and prosperity. Take a look at Arizona’s Rhonda Hemming, Director of Manufacturing Outreach thriving economy as proof. Pat Krueger, Director, Finance + Administration
WHO WE ARE
Kindra Maples, Director of Mentor Outreach Jasper Pena, Digital Systems Manager Kaci Fankhauser, STEM Ecosystem Coordinator Angelica Espinoza, Bookkeeper Kassandra Camarillo, AmeriCorps VISTA Tanya Rincon, AmeriCorps VISTA Don Ruedy, Executive Emeritus, Tucson
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ARIZONA TECHNOLOGY REPORT
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