And we’ve become (economic development) partners, not government sugar daddies.” McCusker said the new, improved version of Rio Nuevo District has about $40 million, “a far cry from the $300 million Rio Nuevo had in its first tenure.” He said the new Rio Nuevo Board “has invested $17 million in downtown projects which has helped create $175 million of downtown economic activity, a 10-1 positive ratio. “What are we doing with your money now? If you haven’t been to the arena, I would encourage you to go down there. It has gone from an obsolete basket case to a world-class arena,” McCusker said. “James Taylor is on his way here and we are negotiating with the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League to play pro hockey in this arena. None of that would have happened without this renovation.” A few days after McCusker made those comments, the Rio Nuevo District Board unanimously approved a $3.2 million “back-of-the-house” investment at the TCC Arena to build out new locker rooms, weight rooms and other components required to bring professional American Hockey League games to Tucson. The board’s decision came following a presentation by Anthony LeBlanc, CEO and owner of the Arizona Coyotes, a National Hockey League franchise formerly known as the Phoenix Coyotes. The American Hockey League is a 30team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary development league for the NHL. The Rio Nuevo Board’s action is subject to the approval of the AHL and finalization of an acceptable lease between the City of Tucson and the Coyotes. To assure that Rio Nuevo recoups its expenditures, the board will likely require a $2 surcharge on all hockey tickets sold, and require that the team reimburse Rio Nuevo if it chooses to leave before the lease terminates. The Rio Nuevo Board also expressed an interest in investing in an offsite rink where the team could practice, along with the Arizona Wildcat hockey team, which would double as a public skating rink when the teams were not practicing. Le Blanc indicated the team would be interested in such a public/private partnership conversation.
Biz
Caterpillar Moving Into Downtown Tucson 600 Jobs Could Mean $600 Million Impact By David Pittman Caterpillar, the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, has selected Tucson as the new home of its surface mining and technology offices. The Tucson facility is expected to create more than 600 new jobs over five years, with employees in executive management, engineering, product development and support positions. State economists have estimated Caterpillar’s consolidation will bring a $600 million economic impact to the local community. “This is a huge win for Tucson and the entire region,” said Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who on May 3 announced Caterpillar’s move to Tucson. “I’d like to thank the Caterpillar team for their commitment to and confidence in Arizona. I’d also like to thank our partners, the Arizona Commerce Authority, Sun Corridor, Pima County, Rio Nuevo District and the City of Tucson, for their hard work in bringing this project to our state.” Caterpillar has a more than 70-year presence in Arizona. Its existing operations at the Tucson Proving Ground and Tinaja Hills Demonstration Center, both located west of Green Valley, already employ about 300 people. Caterpillar will begin moving employees to Tucson this summer. “Southern Arizona is a growing region known for a workforce rich in mining, technology and engineering expertise, as well as an attractive quality of life for both families and young
graduates,” said Caterpillar VP Tom Bluth. Pending formal approval by state, county and local governing boards, Caterpillar’s Surface Mining and Technology Division will be located in downtown Tucson, which is experiencing a major economic resurgence. In the short term, Caterpillar will lease approximately 40,000 square feet of office space at 97 E. Congress, with renovation planned to meet the unique needs of Caterpillar’s business. Sharon Bronson, chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, said the new Caterpillar facility will soon “transition into a new cutting-edge collaborative workspace to allow the Cat engineering and product development and support teams to work closely together.” Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild said Tucson is “an ideal location” for Caterpillar because of Tucson’s “tech companies, our university, our workforce and our proximity to Mexico. It’s a great fit all around and these are great jobs Caterpillar is bringing to our community.” Joe Snell, president & CEO of Sun Corridor, said Caterpillar’s decision to consolidate its mining division here will bring “hundreds of high-paying jobs” to Tucson and “be felt for many years to come.” Caterpillar, headquartered in Peoria, Ill., had revenues of more than $47 billion in 2015.
Biz
789D Large Mining Truck
Tom Bluth VP, Caterpillar Summer 2016 > > > BizTucson 99