BizTucson Fall 2018 Sun Corridor

SPECIAL REPORT 2018–2019

THE REGION’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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SOUTHERN ARIZONA:

‘On the

Doorstep of Greatness’ Sun Corridor Inc. Teams with Region’s Leaders to Build Momentum

By June C. Hussey Economic development in Southern Arizona has been an uphill climb for a lot of reasons and a lot of years. However, the region now finds itself in the midst of a multi-year winning streak attracting A-list companies with thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of economic impact.

Today, the focus is on keeping Southern Arizona in play for relocation and expansion by the companies and industries coveted by virtually every region.

“I think we’re on the doorstep of greatness – but we have got to stay vigilant,” said Joe Snell, president and CEO of Sun Corridor Inc., the region’s economic development arm that has been knee-deep in the recent success. “We’ve had some success the last few years, but we have more work to do. We’ve got to continue to think very big and bold to propel ourselves to the next level.”

Not long ago, Southern Arizona was – more often than not – an underdog in competing for top companies and industries.

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door when companies like Caterpillar, Amazon and Raytheon were being courted by seemingly superior competitors. But those who believed in Southern Arizona went to work gathering more believers and before you knew it, small victories became big victories and there was a momentum swing.

For the past two years, Southern Arizona – with Sun Corridor Inc. at the forefront – has been building considerable steam, working with the private sector, government and academic institutions to achieve unprecedented gains in regional employment. Helped along by an improving national economy, this past fiscal year marked one of the region’s best years in job growth, capital investment and economic impact since before the recession of 2008.

Perseverance and a positive outlook pays, Snell said. But he’s quick to caution civic leaders and residents alike that the work here isn’t done. It will take continued focus for the region to keep pounding at the door of economic prosperity.

Southern Arizona’s economic momentum is coming in large part from stalwart business and community leaders like Tucson www.BizTucson.com

BizECONOMY

Electric Power’s David Hutchens, Raytheon Missile Systems’ Taylor Lawrence and entrepreneur Fletcher McCusker, a private business owner who is directing the resurgence of Tucson’s downtown as chair of the Rio Nuevo board.

Economic development organizations like Sun Corridor Inc. bring these leaders together specifically to win new business opportunities for the region. And winning them they are.

How Economic Development Deals Get Done

Relying on private investment for 75 percent of its funding, Sun Corridor Inc. uses funds to fuel nuts and bolts efforts in recruiting industry to the region. www.BizTucson.com

Strategies and functions include: u

Outbound sales missions and road shows across the nation with site selectors and companies

u Hosting client visits for companies considering Tucson and

Southern Arizona for a location u Central analysis of municipal, county and state economic

development tools for client projects u Real estate and facility research assistance u Soft Landing Program management u Supply chain assistance u National/international media tours u Relationship-building with site selectors u Relationship-building with real estate and economic development reporters u Email, newsletters, social media and web-based marketing

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BizECONOMY continued from page 37 The recruiting process that has helped land companies like Caterpillar, Hexagon Mining and Amazon in Tucson is long – typically 9 to 12 months – and highly customized and highly organized.

For Sun Corridor Inc.’s staff, it often begins when a Request for Proposal is received from a company or its consulting site selector. That triggers the collection of data from jurisdictions, utilities and real estate brokers. If the data matches up to the needs of the employer, a site visit usually results.

Sun Corridor Inc. helps facilitate the visit, making introductions to industry peers and others. Along the way, an economic impact study is conducted, incentives are evaluated, negotiations ensue, and board members are engaged in winning the prospect over.

Once a company makes its decision, Sun Corridor Inc.’s work is not done.

The organization assists in making the announcement and is available to make the company’s transition successful in every way possible – whether it is working with government to ensure necessary services are available for their selected site or, through its Soft Landing Program, providing relocating employees with tools and information about living and working in Southern Arizona, such as housing, schools, healthcare and more.

Celebrating Success

For Snell and the team at Sun Corridor Inc., it feels pretty good when they get a “yes” from a company to relocate here. Take the news earlier this year that Amazon was going to build a major distribution center on the southeast side of Tucson.

Snell said, “We were thrilled – and I think what it did more than anything was just validate what we do. We’ve been spending a lot of time in the last two years positioning ourselves as a major logistics center, and I think Amazon just verified that. HomeGoods was a big win. But when Amazon came in, it put the cherry on top.

“I believe that we have the best economic development team in the country and I say that after doing this in multiple locations. One of our keys is we have very little turnover. We’ve been able to put together a team that has been together for 12, 13 years. And I think that 38 BizTucson

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McCusker, who also is CEO of newly formed UAVenture Capital, agrees that Tucson has seen “unprecedented momentum” and is “on the radar” in several sectors – while the surrounding region also has become “increasingly competitive for corporate relocation.”

McCusker affirms that with the region’s recent success, “outsiders are taking notice.”

Lawrence, the president at Raytheon Missile Systems which is in the middle of a major expansion, said the improved collaboration is already leading to more success within his own company and should also have a ripple effect throughout the region.

“We’re continuing to win new programs in new development areas,” Lawrence said. “The demand for new capabilities is increasing, and we’re winning significantly more than others in these areas.”

“We live in a world where technology continues to shape how we live, work and interact,” Robbins said. “The digital, physical and biological worlds are converging. At the University of Arizona, we aspire to build the next generation of adaptive problem solvers.”

Pima College has embarked on a strategy to develop “centers of excellence” in a number of sectors by working closely with business, industry and community partners, said Lisa Brosky, vice chancellor for external relations at PCC. Each center – in applied technology, health professions, public safety and security, the arts and humanities, hospitality, and information technology – will feature the most up-to-date facilities, equipment and curriculum, and provide students with opportunities for handson application of the skills they learn in class.

Critical to the success of the centers, Brosky said, is the cooperation and partnership of employers, who participate in employer advisory committees, providing on-the-job learning for students through internships and apprenticeships, and encouraging employees to teach as adjunct instructors to bring real life to the classroom.

Shift to High-Tech Workforce

Infrastructure Remains a Priority

makes a big difference in the production.

“We don’t have a big staff, but we have a very dedicated, smart and disciplined team that knows what to do. And sometimes they don’t get enough credit.

I couldn’t say enough about them.”

‘On the Radar’

Targeting cluster industries has been at the heart of Sun Corridor Inc.’s economic blueprint from the beginning.

Hutchens maintains that the key factor in improving Southern Arizona’s posture in bringing in more high-paying jobs is having the necessary workforce.

“Workforce availability and education level are almost always the prime consideration of any business looking to relocate or expand,” Hutchens said, “especially given the higher education and training levels that will be needed as our economy becomes more high-tech.”

The University of Arizona and Pima Community College are both key to the region’s economic development strategies in their roles to develop the hightech workforce that bring companies and jobs.

One of the first efforts initiated by UA President Dr. Robert C. Robbins after his arrival in June 2017 was to launch a comprehensive strategic planning process to position the university for what Robbins calls the “fourth industrial revolution.”

There remains much work to be done to get through the “doorstep of greatness,” Snell said.

“We’ve got to get infrastructure in place. We’ve got to get roads fixed. It’s the #1 issue,” he said. “We’ve got to continue to find ways to attract the labor into the market and train our people – because without skilled talent we will not grow.”

Beyond the physical aspects of the region, the collaboration across varying interests that has surfaced over the last several years is what is keeping Southern Arizona’s economic engine on the tracks.

“Participation across the entire community spectrum is what gets deals done – we’ve heard that time and time again from businesses,” Hutchens said. “Being able to sit down with our community leaders at the same table, all pulling in the same direction, allows us to be flexible and reactive to businesses’ needs.”

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Total Package

BizECONOMY

The

Region’s Attributes Attract Array of Industries

By June C. Hussey As any experienced salesperson will tell you, if you knock on enough doors, eventually one is going to open.

The challenge is having something to sell – the total package – once you get the customer’s attention.

Southern Arizona has generated significant economic development momentum by putting all the pieces together necessary to attract companies for relocation or expansion like Accelerate Diagnostics, Pharos DX, HomeGoods, Comcast, Caterpillar, ADP, Raytheon Missile Systems, Hexagon Mining, GEICO and Amazon over the last several years.

Those companies’ decisions to relocate or expand in Southern Arizona have added 44,560 new jobs with an economic impact of $24.7 billion since 2005, according to Sun Corridor Inc. “I feel like people forget sometimes how many major corporations we have in Tucson – Raytheon, Roche, Honeywell, Texas Instruments, Amazon, HomeGoods, GEICO and Caterpillar,” said Ian McDowell, VP and regional director for Sundt Construction in Tucson. “That is a pretty good resume of companies for a community our size.”

While the full brunt of that level of economic impact takes years to materialize, it bodes well for the strategies that have been in place and the track record 40 BizTucson

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the region has established filling the needs of large and highly visible companies. To say nothing of what it does economically for the region.

For example, Raytheon Missile Systems’ decision to expand its Tucson operation with about 2,000 jobs, most of them high-paying tech and engineering jobs, is expected to have an economic impact in the billions. With most of those jobs already hired, according to Raytheon officials, that impact is already taking place.

The economic growth in the region the past two years doesn’t just happen overnight. Nor does it happen in a vacuum. It takes a talented and nimble organization like Sun Corridor Inc. working together with strong community leaders, sophisticated site selectors and other local and regional entities, to make it happen. Savvy site selectors dig deep to determine if a location is the right match. Sun Corridor Inc. quarterbacks the region’s projects, which include analysis of demographic, industry and real estate data, coordination with jurisdictions and more.

Site Selection Process

Site selection is a sophisticated business. According to consultant Dennis J. Donovan, principal at Wadley Donovan Gutshaw Consulting, companies hire

site selectors for their experience, expertise and judgment. They have the siteselection process down to a science and can sift through analytics while their clients stay focused on the day-to-day challenges of running their businesses.

From his perspective as a site selector, Donovan cites metro Tucson’s top strengths as:

1. Breadth and depth of talent pool 2. Ability to relocate talent from around the country

including California

3. Lower-cost alternative to California 4. University and community college resources 5. Competitive cost of energy 6. Attractive and reasonable cost of living 7.

Excellent logistics including an inland port

8. Proximity to Mexico 9. Moderate taxation (business and personal)

A cross section of business and community leaders who work with Sun Corridor Inc. agrees that Southern Arizona has the assets many site selectors are seeking. Topping the list is the steady river of talent flowing out of the University of Arizona, Arizona State Uniwww.BizTucson.com

versity, Northern Arizona University and Pima Community College. Companies also are attracted to the formidable industry presence in aerospace and defense, transportation and logistics, mining, and biotech/healthcare sectors as well as the strategic location in the growing Southwest, real estate fit and cost, a vibrant downtown with continued room for redevelopment, availability of incentives and the increasingly coveted quality of life.

“I think we just need to look at the recent experience of Amazon and others and let the site selectors know we are open for business,” said Joe Snell, president and CEO at Sun Corridor Inc. “We can move with tremendous speed.

We’re a great location for the logistics industry – and we can supply that workforce very readily and at real reasonable costs. I think they’re starting to figure that out. It’s our job to just make sure we’re continually pushing that message over and over and over to them.”

David Hutchens, president and CEO of UNS Energy Corp., Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy, believes Southern Arizona is “very competitive” with similar-sized communities for two main reasons.

“First, we have a phenomenal resource in the University of Arizona to help provide companies the talent they www.BizTucson.com

need to be successful. Second, our community works well together across government and key businesses to provide new companies with the information and resources they need to be successful here.”

As chair of Sun Corridor Inc., Hutchens helps coordinate the vast resources of board members to grow the region through the attraction, growth and retention of high-wage jobs. He said this requires them all to be community ambassadors to help market Southern Arizona and, just as importantly, it requires them to keep a critical eye open for ways to continuously improve the community.

Snell emphasizes the vital role industry community leaders play in the recruitment process.

“The feedback we’ve gotten from companies is, ‘We really like working with your leaders direct’ because I think that they know that I’m pitching Tucson – but they know it’s a different candidness when it comes from one of their industry peers that tells them the exact same thing,” Snell said.

Workforce Talent Is King

While Southern Arizona’s sunny days and star-filled nights may rank high on locals’ reasons for loving life here, Sun Corridor Inc. identifies quality of life as a lesser factor in a site selector’s equa-

tion. On the other hand, workforce talent is king and that’s where size plays to Southern Arizona’s favor.

“We’re big enough to have the workforce companies need along with entertainment and leisure options, but small enough to avoid the traffic, environmental issues and higher living costs of larger cities,” Hutchens said.

Tucson’s revitalized downtown also is a critical piece that was long missing from the total package of the region.

“Our new downtown is a huge part of the chemistry attracting new companies and millennial workers, with much more on the drawing board,” said Fletcher McCusker, a local businessman who also is chair of the Rio Nuevo Board and the recognized instigator of the downtown resurgence.

“The developments at The Bridges, UA Tech Park and the new incubator downtown confirm the region’s interest in nurturing startup activity. The innovation and invention at the University of Arizona has created a number of spin-out companies that are now staying in Tucson,” he said.

Five-Year Outlook

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BizECONOMY continued from page 41 tation, energy – will lead to bold new growth opportunities within the next five years. He added that the vision of UA President Dr. Robert C. Robbins will be key to the region’s high-tech growth opportunities.

The UA, at Robbins’ direction, is undergoing a long-term strategic planning process with workforce development and vision of the “fourth industrial revolution” as critical components of the UA’s future.

Business leaders see the region as having the capability and flexibility to make inroads in a wide range of industries.

“Our mining sector is reemerging with the presence of Hexagon, Caterpillar and Hudbay,” said Lisa Lovallo, market VP for Cox Communications and a member of Sun Corridor Inc.’s Chairman’s Circle. “We’ve made solid progress in logistics with HomeGoods, Target and Amazon. We have a very strong and growing aerospace sector with Raytheon adding 2,000-plus jobs, and an established call-center sector with GEICO, Citigroup, Comcast and

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C3 paying wages and benefits above minimum requirements.

“We have been building infrastructure to support these industries, including $500 million in city road bonds and $100 million in public safety. In addition, telecommunications investments are growing and UNS and TEP are leading in renewables and upgrading the grid.”

“We need to continue to build on our success in these sectors,” Lovallo said.

“That will take a lot of collaboration between the UA, government and the private sector. We cannot lose our focus.”

Invest in Roads, Improve Schools

While the local economy is trending upwards and Sun Corridor Inc. is hyper-aggressively marketing the region’s assets, community leaders like Robert D. Ramirez, president and CEO at Vantage West Credit Union and secretary/treasurer at Sun Corridor Inc., urges peers and fellow citizens to remain focused on two key areas he considers essential to ongoing economic progress – roads and schools. Fortunately, there

has been some progress on both fronts, with high hopes for more ahead.

“The governor’s plan to give teachers a 20-percent raise by 2020 is a step in the right direction to help retain and attract quality teachers,” Ramirez said.

Also, on Nov. 6, Pima County voters will be given the chance to approve Proposition 463, which would award $430 million in bonds for regional road repairs. “We need to make sure that we are passing bonds to improve our roads and streets,” Lovallo said.

No package, however complete, is ever perfect. Every region, including Southern Arizona, always has some work to do. But the region is in perpetual motion thanks to forward-thinking business leaders who invest so much of themselves in the process of continual improvement.

“Do we have places we can improve?

Certainly,” McDowell said. “There are a host of people in this community who are constantly working to improve it.

But I refuse to focus on negatives when there is so much here to celebrate.”

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21st-Century Convergence Center Airport, Railroad, Interstate Highway

By June C. Hussey One of the biggest opportunities looming on the horizon for Southern Arizona is the transformative potential of the airport region to become a largescale employment center as well as a transportation and logistics hub.

Yet establishing a bold direction for any community requires a shared vision and consensus among community members and their leaders.

Sun Corridor Inc. and the Tucson Airport Authority entered into a formal agreement in April for Sun Corridor Inc. to take the lead in marketing TAA and the airport property as an employment center and transportation hub.

The airport already is the landlord for a number of employers, including Raytheon Missile Systems.

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ecutive with Cox Communications is on board. “The Sun Corridor Inc./Tucson Airport Authority partnership has the potential to revolutionize our aerospace corridor and logistics footprint.”

“The partnership with Sun Corridor Inc. is an opportunity to take advantage of the synergies between TAA’s already strong $7.4 billion annual economic impact and the region’s other successes,” said Bonnie Allin, TAA president and CEO. “From the airport side we have Raytheon Missile Systems, Bombardier Aerospace, Aerovation, Ascent Aviation and others that could be leveraged with the recent arrivals nearby including HomeGoods’ distribution center, Federal Express, Faribault Foods, Target and of course the new Amazon fulfillment center.”

Joe Snell, president and CEO of Sun

Corridor Inc., said “I think the continual focus on our key industries that drive us will be important – that’s continuing to work to bring in vertically integrated companies in the mining industry and the biotech arena, and continuing to focus on our spot as an aerospace and defense hub. But some of the bigger opportunities I see in the next 10 years surround the whole Sonoran Corridor and airport employment region.”

TAA has also been an active participant in the Arizona Department of Transportation’s work and studies regarding rail. A north-south Union Pacific line runs along the west property line of Tucson International Airport, and TAA has various plans and studies that would connect that line to airport property for future non-aeronautical development. In addition, TAA enjoys www.BizTucson.com

a close relationship with the Port of Tucson, a privately owned, full-service inland port east of the airport that offers unrivaled logistics and warehousing opportunities in the region.

In the case of Raytheon Missile Systems, the cooperation it took to move a road and build a buffer zone for the region’s largest private employer to select Tucson for expansion is a prime example of developing creative solutions for needed infrastructure.

Raytheon looked at sites in several states when it was looking to expand its missile facility. What it needed in Tucson was space around its existing facility south of Tucson International Airport and it literally needed an adjustment to the map – a new road creating a buffer zone – for Tucson to have a competitive bid. www.BizTucson.com

“The road was a big deal for us,” Raytheon Missile Systems President Taylor Lawrence said at the ribbon cutting for a new facility on the new East Aero Park Boulevard. The result was a winning bid for 2,000 quality jobs, the vast majority of which have already been filled.

Positioned for Success

Snell recently returned from Ohio where he met with business and airport leaders to get ideas about how to transform the airport region into a major logistics hub, building on the recent success of HomeGoods, Target and Amazon.

“We’re in a nice position to be a convergence center to capture goods and services coming up from Mexico and from the east to west through the nation’s busiest port of Long Beach,” Snell

said. “We’re going to have to look at that and devise a long-term strategy – how to really convert our airport, which is a great airport, from more of a leisure airport to a truly commercial airport. How do we get more air cargo through that region and really capture that?

“I see really exploiting and capitalizing on that wonderful asset – but transforming it into much more of an aggressive, inland, commercial port. That’s one of the biggest things I see in our future. I do say, outside the University of Arizona and Raytheon Missile Systems, the airport is a top-three asset for our region. There’s just so much we can do with that whole area.”

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. LEADERSHIP

David G. Hutchens CHAIR President & CEO UNS Energy Corporation Tucson Electric Power UniSource Energy Services

As a business leader and officer of Sun Corridor Inc., what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

Tucson Electric Power’s primary contribution is operating and maintaining a modern energy grid that makes clean, affordable and reliable power available throughout our community. We invest about $400 million annually to maintain and upgrade our system, and we’re expanding our already ambitious wind and solar power portfolio.

TEP also is committed to improving the quality of life in our community through philanthropy and volunteer service. We focus on supporting efforts to improve education, protect our environment and support limitedincome families.

Our involvement with Sun Corridor allows us to bring together leaders from business and government to collaborate and develop a shared strategic approach to attracting and retaining businesses. These partnerships have been very successful over the past five years.

All of these efforts help create a high quality of life here and make Tucson an attractive place for new companies to plant roots and grow.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

We need to stay on the same path that has led to our recent successes. We all share the same vision of growing our economic base, creating good jobs and supporting STEM education and workforce development. Having open communications, transparent agendas and concrete metrics that we all agree upon will help us extend our recent success and achieve additional economic wins for our community.

PHOTO: CHRIS MOONEY

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

By far, the greatest return on our efforts has come from the collaboration between business and government. Involving and engaging leaders from both the public and private sectors keeps all of us pulling in the same direction with a unified approach to achieving our goals.

We’re working to create a stronger, healthier economy by bringing in new business, creating good jobs and promoting workforce development. This improves the overall quality of life for residents and entices others to relocate here. Even in a desert community like ours, a rising tide lifts all boats.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. LEADERSHIP

Robert D. Ramirez SECRETARY/TREASURER President & CEO Vantage West Credit Union

As a business leader and officer of Sun Corridor Inc., what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

As treasurer/secretary for Sun Corridor Inc., my role is to collaborate with fellow board members to provide strategic direction to our CEO Joe Snell. As the president and CEO of Vantage West Credit Union, my role is to ensure we stay true to our mission of igniting collaborative relationships with our members and the communities we serve so we can thrive together.

Our mission aligns with economic development efforts in the region, as we share a common goal of thriving communities. As a financial institution, we provide commercial loans, competitive dividends and other resources to local businesses. We also offer practical financial solutions, including generous rewards options and other useful resources, to all our members, so they can thrive. Beyond that, we support local causes, including education, financial literacy, military and economic development to help strengthen our community.

Because we are a local financial institution, the revenue we generate stays here so it can be reinvested in the community and the local economy.

PHOTO: CHRIS MOONEY

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

The key to working and collaborating with our government and business leaders is to fully understand our mission, and the key results we wish to accomplish along with the people and the processes to make it happen. Transparency is key to building and sustaining trust with all our key players within our region. What Tucson is experiencing is a renewed focus on working together and communicating with our city, county and business leaders. There is real synergy in our town and the results are economic development for our region.

And lastly, the key to building anything of value starts with trusting who you work with. Trust is built by being consistent and being transparent, understanding everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and wants and making the right decisions.

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

Our real estate market has experienced a significant improvement over the last five years. With new employers coming into our town and a resurgence in consumer confidence, we have seen a very positive trajectory in new builds as well as resale of existing homes.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. LEADERSHIP

Dennis R. Minano IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Managing Director, Convergence Mitigation Management Retired VP Public Policy, Chief Environmental Officer General Motors

As a business leader and officer of Sun Corridor Inc., what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

It is essential that those working on growth and employment opportunities strive to maintain the unified vision for economic development in Southern Arizona.

The creation of the Sun Corridor Inc. geographic footprint, which presents the assets and strengths of all the counties and cities in Southern Arizona, is a core factor in the decision process companies utilize in making new investment decisions in the region. It demonstrates that we value the success of each other.

Secondly, government and business cannot become complacent with the success achieved to date. Recent results are a product of diligence and collaboration.

Frankly, it is hard work that cannot be turned on and off, but requires perseverence.

Third, there must a relentless focus on the future.

All community leaders need to be focusing on the next step that will make the region an even more attractive location to grow.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

Collaboration has been essential and is the single most significant factor in the region’s success. To maintain this success, we all must first be willing to engage with each other in a spirit of mutual respect. Integral to that is considering new approaches that may differ from conventional thinking and a willingness to embrace the possibility of a new idea. Lastly, we must have the fortitude to change course when a new idea is vetted and found to be best for the region.

PHOTO: CHRIS MOONEY

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

The region’s ability to execute the vision. Great plans do not ensure success unless they can be implemented.

The region has been remarkable in this phase of vision and securing projects. Often local government will be the lead and an existing business, academic institution or the state government might be required at different phases of a project. There is no one entity that can deliver the outcome alone. These many entities have shown the capacity to take the lead role when called upon and hand the project off for the next step. Fundamental to this is a realization that no project is identical. They are separate engagements.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. LEADERSHIP

Joe Snell

PRESIDENT & CEO Sun Corridor Inc.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years.

What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

Over the last decade, the most positive thing that I have seen is a changing of our culture. We went from a culture of infighting to an era of cooperation. We’ve seen that cooperation in the last several major relocations, where the government entities came together, put aside jurisdictional differences and worked cooperatively in a very effective manner. That’s been refreshing and I think that will continue.

In addition, we’ve gotten much more competitive and I’ll give a shout out to Pima County in particular, which really transformed its economic development culture in the last decade to “let’s just get it done, we’re not going to give any reasons why we can’t.” I think that’s been the most positive aspect of the last few years.

There’s nothing more important than industry leaders talking to industry leaders, peer to peer. And in some cases, clients need to talk to the president of the university or talk to government officials who can make desired changes. I don’t think you can replicate going right to the source. It’s been very effective for us.

When you sign up for Sun Corridor Inc., it’s a pretty straightforward value proposition. You will become the sales agents and the marketing agents for our region.

There’s no better army to do that than the members of Sun Corridor Inc.

PHOTO: CHRIS MOONEY

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

In the last few years we’ve finally seen some significant momentum. It was a long recession. It really hurt us worse than most and we were slow to come out of recovery.

Things are starting to really hum on the economic front. It’s good to see people go back to work and see the dollars flowing through government coffers again.

We do need to leverage the Tucson International Airport as an economic driver. We must develop a blueprint to drive industry near and at the airport.

And we must protect and improve our product. With the national unemployment rate so low, communities are competing for skilled labor. People with skills hold all the cards and can choose to live where they want.

Communities with high quality of life will win this game. It is imperative that we fix our roads and other infrastructure needs if we hope to compete. We also must support our education institutions at all levels.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

Tucson International Airport directly benefits from the momentum as shown in our recent announcements of new airlines and new routes, not to mention 25 consecutive months of year-over-year passenger growth. In return, the Tucson Airport Authority is a significant contributor to the economic prosperity of our region. TAA airports support more than 43,000 jobs and contribute $7.4 billion annually to the economy of the region, according to the Elliott D. Pollack and Company study released in April. The average annual salary, with benefits, of these jobs in 2017 was $81,731. This year we’ve partnered with Sun Corridor Inc. to further grow and enhance our economic impact on the region.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

Open communication. The more we share ideas and information, the better chance we have for successful collaboration. It’s vital for any discussion to start with knowing the facts.

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

PHOTO: CHRIS MOONEY

The sense of urgency and aggressiveness in the last few years with which all economic development stakeholders are approaching the need for improving the economic health of the region, and therefore the quality of life for everyone in Southern Arizona, has been impressive.

BONNIE ALLIN President & CEO Tucson Airport Authority

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your organization in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

As a member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, my role is to advocate for the County to engage in the activities within our capabilities to ensure that adequate infrastructure and workforce are in place to facilitate and sustain this growth. It also is the Board’s responsibility to review, approve and fund the action plans as enumerated in the County’s Economic Development Plan. As the regional governmental body, our participation in Sun Corridor Inc. is to advocate for steady, strategic growth and increased disposable income, not only in unincorporated Pima County but also the various jurisdictions throughout Pima County. A win in any Pima County jurisdiction is a win for the region.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

SHARON BRONSON Board of Supervisors, District 3 Pima County

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Recognizing and emphasizing our individual and mutual strengths and learning what industries provide the highest potential chances of success based on those strengths has impacted the success rate of our recruiting efforts. These are exemplified by Sun Corridor Inc.’s target industries. Qualifying opportunities based on these strengths allows the economic development teams in the region to focus strategic plans and recruitment efforts more effectively. www.BizTucson.com

PHOTO: CHRIS MOONEY

For over four years, Pima County has hosted an Economic Development Forum that includes both public and private sector participants, not only from Pima County, but also from Santa Cruz, Cochise and Pinal counties and the Arizona Commerce Authority. The purpose is to facilitate collaboration, discuss strengths and areas needing improvement, explore issues impacting various economic development efforts, and educate all sectors on a wide range of topics. The group continues to grow with over 45 members now participating.

As mentioned, this team effort results in a collective benefit as long as new prospects land in one of the jurisdictions or do business with one of the private sector participants. Our most important focus as economic development leaders is for both the public and private sectors to highlight common priorities and work together to achieve solutions. One example is exemplified by SAMP – Southern Arizona Manufacturing Partnership – where governments, schools and the benefitting industry provide materials, equipment and sometimes instructors to educate youth and young adults in the skills associated with manufacturing, especially machining. With a focus on workers in several critical trades, Pima County is working with many construction and contractor organizations as well as schools and nonprofits to achieve the model that has made SAMP such a success.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your organization in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

My role is to continue to evolve Arizona State University as a world-class institution that attracts businesses of all kinds and links them to the intellectual capacity of the university to advance and support their growth. ASU graduates more than 23,000 students annually and we are routinely cited as a premier university for recruiting graduates by companies from across the U.S., filling critical workforce needs. Further, we have many comprehensive partnerships with businesses beyond student recruiting. For example, Raytheon recently partnered with our Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering to have a group of students fix a $350,000 robot. Other partners, like Intel, rely on ASU for research in packaging, machine vision, gamification and course development in electrical engineering and computer science. We’re here to help businesses solve challenges they might not be able to on their own.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

Collaborate and partner. That is largely the model we operate on at ASU and one that we need to continue to encourage more broadly. No one entity can solve all problems on its own and generally speaking, no one entity can scale to meet the needs of the community on its own. We need to eradicate the mindset that there’s a competition between Phoenix and Tucson or that we can’t achieve things. These are two unique and different cities and the quicker we get into the habit of looking at the strengths of the region and joining forces to expand, the faster Arizona will become a vibrant destination for business and growth.

MICHAEL CROW President Arizona State University

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The fact that businesses, civic organizations and other groups have come to rally around a statewide educational attainment goal of having 60 percent of our population obtain some type of postsecondary credential by the year 2030. Now, we need to mobilize to achieve that goal. We need everyone in the state working toward this goal and finding innovative ways to connect our residents to higher education. Increasing the educational attainment levels of a state population is the quickest way to grow our economy. The most successful cities and regions from an economic standpoint have highly educated populations.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

As the largest private nonprofit employer in the state of Arizona, our goal is to continue to grow and expand to make healthcare more convenient, more accessible and more affordable for our community members.

Banner Health’s $1 billion investment to modernize our academic medical centers in Tucson and Phoenix is driving economic development in both these cities. Earlier this year in Tucson, Banner opened a stunning new outpatient facility on North Campbell, and in April we will welcome patients to a new, $420 million tower at Banner–University Medical Center Tucson to replace the aging original hospital.

Additionally, the National Institutes for Health grants awarded to Banner Health and University of Arizona for the All of Us Research Program are the largest in Arizona’s history. The program’s goal is to create a health databank that scientists will use to generate new cures and treatments. These research dollars not only contribute to Tucson’s economic development but they will create a healthier future for all of us.

The historic partnership between the UA and Banner Health is a prime example of a public/private collaboration benefiting our community. Our 30-year academic affiliation agreement is the foundation for a new model of academic medicine that supports medical education and research at the UA Colleges of Medicine while ensuring the economic stability of three Banner–University Medical Centers in Tucson and Phoenix, all of them safety-net hospitals for their communities.

I would also mention the successful public/private partnership between Banner Health and Pima County. Banner–University Medical Center South is owned by Pima County and operated by Banner Health under a management contract. The hospital and entire Kino health campus is thriving under this arrangement, providing critically important behavioral health services and hospital care to Pima County residents. And for the first time in many years, the county-owned hospital is operating in the black.

LARRY M. GOLDBERG President Banner–University Medicine Division

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What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

We believe the entry of nonprofit Banner Health into Southern Arizona 3½ years ago has improved the region’s healthcare landscape, a key factor for economic development. We are recruiting more primary care providers and adding more ICU beds, two things Tucson needs. www.BizTucson.com

PHOTO: CHRIS MOONEY

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

Human capital is the #1 driver of economic development, and area leaders recognize that better-educated workers not only help existing businesses be more productive, innovative, and adaptable, but also will attract new businesses to the region. Education helps promote technological advances and entrepreneurship, while increasing workers’ earnings and productivity.

Given this backdrop, Pima Community College’s economic development role is to develop the talent – the human capital – that determines the success of a company, city or nation. We accept the challenge of enhancing the attractiveness of our region to companies that are responsive to the rapid changes crackling through society. These companies, which are positioning themselves to leverage emerging technologies – cloud computing, mobile tech, artificial intelligence, the internet of things – will be the source of the high-paying jobs of tomorrow.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like you need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

Leaders must simultaneously focus on realizing opportunities within their grasp today while preparing for opportunities of the future – admittedly, a task that requires creativity, nimbleness and foresight. The need for speed and adaptability are among the guiding principles behind our Centers of Excellence initiative. A Center of Excellence is a workforce development headquarters for lifelong learning in which incoming students and incumbent workers get exactly the education they need to succeed, because they are training in a state-of-the-art environment to fulfill a curriculum devised through collaboration with industry.

Just as important, it’s also a center of thought leadership where experts gather to analyze, discuss and engage with real-time data to better understand and respond to community and business sector needs.

LEE LAMBERT Chancellor & CEO Pima Community College

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As a community-college educator, the most heartening development of the recent past is the growing realization among leaders that economic development means “workforce development.” With strong ties to K-12, industry and the state’s four-year universities, Pima is uniquely situated in the human capital pipeline to have a positive impact.

In addition to Centers of Excellence, we are enhancing a program that provides a high school diploma to adults who don’t have one – there are at least 80,000 adults in Pima County without one. This approach provides them with education that combines GED test preparation with industry-approved training in fields with high employee need, such as machining or behavioral health services. www.BizTucson.com

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

As a participant in Sun Corridor Inc., my job is to provide advice and counsel on initiatives that they’re pursuing, and to help them think through what are the most important areas where they can put energy and emphasis. I also need to be a conduit of information so they know what’s going on in our industry, what’s going on in aerospace and defense, and what we see in the future – so they can combine all of our industries into a comprehensive plan for the region.

Having a tech base in the community that connects into education, that connects into the community, and that gives back to the community is one of the most important things to help build momentum. I think we’ve done a great job here.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

We need to continue to focus on having a businessfriendly environment and an environment that is conducive to business reinvestment and business growth. We have to connect that back to all the institutions and to the education infrastructure that is needed to give you a pipeline to continue to grow.

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

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The alignment between local county, state and federal leaders. Late Sen. John McCain was part of that focus that helped bring people together. I also give Gov. Doug Ducey credit over the last four years in helping to bring the state into alignment, as well as county and city leaders. It feels like everybody has – at least from a business creation and growth standpoint – focused in the same direction. The alignment here is significantly better than it was a while back.

TAYLOR W. LAWRENCE VP, Raytheon Company President, Raytheon Missile Systems

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

COX is proud to be part of the Southern Arizona community. We see our engagement in economic development as a corporate responsibility and one we take very seriously. To help the region grow, we are committed to rapidly expanding our fiber network to meet the growing telecommunication and entertainment needs of businesses and families. COX is investing over $10 billion in upgrading and improving our networks across the U.S. and Southern Arizona is benefiting from that investment. As COX’s representative on the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, I am focused on helping the team sell Southern Arizona to site selectors and companies interested in making Tucson their home.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

Every community is trying to recruit new businesses and grow their existing ones. It’s a street fight. Every city in America wants to say they landed Amazon or Caterpillar or Raytheon. We are winning because we are ALL working together. It’s citizens voting to improve our roads, parks and infrastructure. It’s neighborhood associations doing their part to help keep our city clean. It’s school districts improving academic achievement. It’s our university bringing innovation and young talent to the marketplace. It’s our cyclists, our hikers, our artists and our philanthropists all leaning in to make Southern Arizona a special place. That’s how we get the knock outs.

I think our airport modernization is transformational.

Tens of millions of dollars have been invested in making our airport best in class. Our air service options continue to improve, our passenger counts are way up and you can eat an El Charro enchilada waiting to get on your Delta flight. If that’s doesn’t convince you, Tucson Airport Authority is responsible for over $7 billion in economic impact. The partnership with Sun Corridor Inc. and TIA has the potential to bring an even greater impact to our community in the years to come.

LISA LOVALLO Market VP, Southern Arizona Cox Communications

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

I am honored to share my time with two organizations that are contributing immensely to our region’s economic development. As chair of the Rio Nuevo Board of Directors, I have witnessed first-hand the resurgence of our downtown. Not only the growth in food and entertainment but with corporate relocations and now residential development. Rio Nuevo has launched 21 downtown projects with an equal number yet to come. UAVenture Capital launched this year as a growth capital fund dedicated to the commercialization of University of Arizona technology and science. The biggest challenge facing our faculty inventors has been attracting capital to advance a company or discovery. UAVC has invested in four such spinouts in 2018 and will launch Fund II in the fall.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

Face-to-face time has been the primary driver of these partnerships. Our government leaders have never been more accessible and the success of these collaborations is evident. I believe we are all on the same page when it comes to our role in advancing successful partnerships and helping Tucson compete.

FLETCHER McCUSKER

I would say there are two, maybe three things that are driving our success: Our thriving downtown is a case study in turning miles of empty buildings and parking lots into a vibrant urban center. Every great city has a walkable urban environment. Two, the University of Arizona has stepped up big time in economic development, with the launching of The Bridges, a downtown incubator and the improvements at the Tech Park. Tech Launch Arizona has enabled more than 1,000 patents and these new spinout companies are staying in Tucson. Finally, success breeds success. Tucson is on the radar everywhere and now attractive to Fortune 50 companies, to foodies, to millennials, to professional sports. We used to rely on our weather for economic development. This new era is the result of hard work and focus. Great weather is nice but it won’t, alone, attract the new work force to Tucson over Portland, Austin, San Diego, Denver or Seattle.

CEO UAVenture Capital

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your organization in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

We have really good momentum. People forget sometimes how many major corporations we have in Tucson – Raytheon, Roche, Honeywell, Texas Instruments, Amazon, HomeGoods, GEICO – and now we add Caterpillar. That is a pretty good resume of companies for a community our size.

I lived in Tucson from the mid ’90s through 2006. I left for 10 years. When I moved back I felt like the city had been transformed. We had all the things I used to love yet added so much more to the mix. I still cannot get over how much downtown has changed. When I left it was a not a place where people went. Now you go downtown on a Tuesday night and there are people walking up and down the street, visiting restaurants or attending concerts.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

I have never seen such a high level of collaboration between government entities. Tucson has a great story to tell in how government and business have aligned.

There may be no better example of this alignment than the recent relocation of Caterpillar to Tucson. You have Caterpillar making a temporary residence in a county facility on Congress Street with funding arranged for by Rio Nuevo and a project jointly executed with the City of Tucson. There are people in each of those entities not only participating, but leading this effort. Our community has rallied around projects like this and we should be proud of the collaborative efforts everyone has shown.

I believe one of the Tucson region’s key strengths is the diverse nature of the amenities we have to offer. Hiking and biking trails, great weather and year-round sunshine.

Like to eat? We have that too as a City of Gastronomy.

Mountains ranges surround us. We have a vibrant university with all the benefits that follow a large-scale college town. With the revitalization of the downtown corridor we have a place where young people can go. There is literally something here for everyone.

IAN McDOWELL VP & Regional Director, Tucson Sundt Construction

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

As a longtime Sun Corridor Inc. member my primary role has been that of advocate. As an entrepreneur and member of CopperPoint Mutual’s board of directors, I’ve been able to leverage my professional experience, business network and corporate position to help publicize the Economic Blueprint, support small business and promote the area. Like most economic regions, when jobs are created everybody wins. It’s no different for CopperPoint, which is why we look to be an advocate for businesses large and small.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

They say nothing succeeds like success, and successful economic development is built on collaboration. I think it’s important to bring together the various organizations and individuals who have achieved a goal to “celebrate the win.” Our objectives for the blueprint are being realized in significant ways. One way to continue that momentum is to reinforce the power of collaboration by commemorating milestones and having some fun along the way. Beyond that, I’d like to focus on attracting new Sun Corridor Inc. members, particularly business owners who have benefitted from the downstream effects of new or expanding companies.

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

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It’s hard to list just one factor but I believe our proactive recruiting measures have yielded substantial results.

Setting the intention to vigorously pursue potential business locates through the media, site-selector road trips and targeted outreach garnered new leads, new relationships and even national publicity. What’s not to love?

JUDY PATRICK

Board Director CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

The role of the Industrial Development Authority of the County of Pima, known as Pima IDA, is to recognize projects that meet its statutory framework and provide alternative financing or take an equity position to make the project successful. The Pima IDA is uniquely positioned to nurture public-private partnerships in advancing the economic development efforts of Pima County. Those partnerships are vital in establishing the collective effort and a community-ownership culture in pursuing the economic future of Pima County.

As a business leader in the financial community, as well as a Pima IDA board member, I believe my role is to aid in bridging the relationship between the public and private sector – specifically, by communicating with other business leaders about the unique options and assistance the Pima IDA can provide.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

The Pima IDA understands the importance of the public-private partnership. The most important part of that partnership is communicating each parties’ needs, abilities and expectations. The Pima IDA is here to help, just communicate with us about what you need to make your project successful. The Pima IDA can then communicate its options to aid in your success.

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

PHOTO: CHRIS MOONEY

The most significant factor impacting economic development in Pima County is the increased availability of skilled labor. The development of skilled labor by educational institutions has been improving the economic growth over the past five years. Continuing to produce a skilled labor force, while matching that force to employer needs, will be the impetus of Pima County’s future economic growth.

DIANE QUIHUIS Treasurer, Board of Directors The Industrial Development Authority of the County of Pima 74 BizTucson

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

As leaders of Tucson’s community hospital, we never forget that our patients come first – and by extension, we evaluate every decision we make through the prism of how it impacts the community. Among those impacts, local business leaders have to be cognizant of the role we play as economic engines for this region.

At TMC, we invest locally. We also take opportunities to consider how we can work with other industry partners – whether it’s participating in Teachers in Industry, training future physicians, supporting workforce investment efforts or considering how we can help build upon the region’s strengths in biosciences.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

We all know we are stronger when we work together – which is why we’ve worked with other hospitals, Pima County and providers such as El Rio Health to make sure we’re working in alignment to address Southern Arizona’s unique health needs.

On a broader scale, it has been heartening to see elected and business leaders coming together around a common vision. We have seen all too often across the country that turf battles cannot happily coexist with prosperous, thriving communities. The fact that we are more focused on success than on who gets credit has worked in our favor as we build a better region. That’s something worth celebrating.

My own path to CEO was three-fold – say yes to opportunity, be fearless and never lose sight of your larger purpose. Similarly, this region has said yes, we can. Most importantly, we have held onto our core values. As a community, we have demonstrated that economic growth can live in a place that celebrates kindness, that is inclusive and that doesn’t leave the vulnerable behind. Our optimism is warranted and I see remarkable things for the future of this region.

JUDY RICH President & CEO TMC HealthCare

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What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your organization in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

The University of Arizona is deeply rooted in Southern Arizona and creates a positive impact through innovation, service to our community, and workforce development. We are a student-centric research university, preparing our students to be master adaptive learners for the Fourth Industrial Revolution economy. To be successful in this endeavor, we must work closely with partners across the state to ensure we are meeting workforce needs and developing opportunities so graduates stay in the region. We want to make sure our students are career-ready, even before they complete their degree. Our graduates go on to work in key sectors like aerospace, education, medicine, health, physical and life sciences research, engineering and other technology disciplines. Our students and alumni in the workforce, and the innovations of our faculty members, are incredible sources of pride when it comes to generating economic development wins.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

The UA is committed to aligning our goals related to student success, research outcomes, and the pursuit of innovation with the needs of Arizona. As we complete and implement our new strategic plan, our success will depend upon the collaboration and participation of every part of the UA with the larger communities we serve, including business and industry. An important part of my role is to ensure that we are seeking out mutually beneficial partnerships that will drive economic, societal, and cultural impact across our state and our region.

PHOTO: CHRIS MOONEY

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

I haven’t been in Tucson long enough to say for sure, but my sense is that there is a lot of opportunity and good things are on the horizon. I think a lot of the growth and energy here over the past five years can be attributed to a collaborative mentality focused on the collective strengths and success of the region. One of the reasons I was excited to come to the UA was Tucson’s incredible potential to be – for the Southwest – what Silicon Valley is to California. We have the opportunity to drive innovation and commercialization that translate into benefits for humankind and economic opportunity for the people of our region.

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DR. ROBERT C. ROBBINS President University of Arizona

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

To start, it is an honor for Caterpillar to be mentioned as part of Tucson’s economic success story, and it’s a role we take very seriously. As leaders, the most important thing we can do to strengthen the foundation for continued growth is to show how Tucson plays a role in our global success. When we build strong teams, innovative products and a winning culture among our businesses and educational institutions here, that success will attract others to follow. The Tucson location is an asset we can all leverage as this region continues to establish itself as a global hub for technology, education, innovation and quality of life. There are great things happening here. It’s all of our jobs to get out and spread the word.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

It starts with open and transparent communication among our economic pillars. We need to share our vision for the future and our needs, and then partner to achieve great things. When we collaborate to win, and help each other solve real-world issues, it benefits everyone. For example, Caterpillar is extremely proud of our relationships with the University of Arizona and Pima Community College, and see them as essential partners in developing the best talent and deep expertise in our industry. Our entire team has been impressed with the openness, creativity, ideas and solutions developed each time we’ve brought leaders together to address a need.

That sense of common purpose and community is part of what makes Tucson unique and a great place to be.

The positive momentum alone created in the past few years will yield results for the years ahead. Success breeds success, and when you look at how the downtown has evolved and come alive, how the university remains on the cutting edge of technology and research, and how the businesses that choose to call Tucson home are winning in their fields, that message will spread and will attract more success stories.

JEAN SAVAGE VP Caterpillar Surface Mining & Technology Division 78 BizTucson

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www.BizTucson.com

PHOTO: CHRIS MOONEY

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your business in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

As a Pinal County Supervisor, I have had opportunities to effect change in ways not generally available to corporate business leaders. For example, a key ingredient for expanding local economies is a healthy transportation network. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors took the lead in initiating a major transportation improvement plan. Last November, through the efforts of numerous partners, a Regional Transportation Plan with a 20-year funding strategy was approved by voters. This new transportation network will be a major factor in maintaining the momentum we have established for business attraction.

Another example is workforce development. The supervisors re-positioned and re-focused our local workforce development board to concentrate on industries more compatible with our needs and to re-establish partnerships with higher education, business and other agencies capable of ensuring our success.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

We have a multi-prong approach to provide good paying jobs for our county. Our economic development program director and his team collaborate with cities, towns, chambers and economic development groups such as Sun Corridor Inc. We are much stronger and viable for large projects if we work together as a team. Pinal County also supports the diligent efforts of our community college districts (Central Arizona, Maricopa and Pima) to make their curriculum more in-touch with the jobs coming to this area. We already see those efforts paying off with Central Arizona College’s Youth Advanced Technical Academy, which inspired our next generation of workers and entrepreneurs to use their imaginations to create robots that do everything from household chores to baking cookies.

Pinal County and Moses Incorporated produced two high-quality videos marketing what the county has to offer to potential locators. Aggressively marketing Pinal County has been worth it because businesses are contacting our Economic Development Program.

PHOTO: CHRIS MOONEY

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

Our approach to workforce development has been outstanding at examining, addressing and meeting employer’s needs. A few years ago, Pinal County created its own regional workforce entity which proved to be the spark needed to take us to the next level of economic development.

The companies that are here, and who are coming to Pinal County, are targeting future technologies. Attesa will be testing our future vehicles, Lucid will be developing our future vehicles and several energy-centric companies are developing solar and bio-fuel technologies.

ANTHONY SMITH Board of Supervisors, District 4 Pinal County

Fall 2018

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE As a business leader and member of the Sun Corridor Inc. Chairman’s Circle, what do you consider your role and the role of your organization in the region’s economic development efforts to continue generating economic development wins for the region?

The Arizona Commerce Authority is the only economic development organization with a statewide focus. When companies are seeking a location in Arizona, we identify the best options to suit their requirements, regardless of geographic location. As evidenced by projects including Amazon, Caterpillar, AXISCADES, Hexagon Mining, Ernst & Young, Comcast and many others, Southern Arizona is always a serious contender. In fact, since 2015, the ACA has worked with companies that have committed to creating over 13,500 projected new jobs in the region.

Cooperation between public and private organizations is obviously a key to economic development success in a region, and the general opinion is that collaboration has improved over the last several years. What do the region’s economic development leaders like yourself need to focus on to keep the collaboration working for the community?

Arizona is known for its highly collaborative economic development approach. When we all work together, companies locating in our state have a streamlined, pleasant experience and we all achieve more as a result. Regardless of where a project locates, it creates a ripple effect throughout the state and benefits our economy as a whole. At the ACA, we’re in regular communication with our southern Arizona partners including Sun Corridor Inc., cities, counties, academia and the existing business community – ensuring everyone is on the same page is critical for effective collaboration. I’m proud to say that we have a strong track record of success in doing so.

SANDRA WATSON President & CEO Arizona Commerce Authority

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These days, it is all about access to talent with the necessary skills. This is a top factor for companies when they are evaluating options for expansion. Fortunately, Arizona is nationally recognized as a top state for talent – the recent CNBC 2018 Best States for Business Rankings placed Arizona among the top 10. The ACA has partnered closely with academia at both the university and community college level in Southern Arizona to ensure we’re shaping the workforce not only for today, but for the future. This has resulted in the creation of partnerships like the Advanced Technologies Corridor, a historic agreement among Pima Community College, Central Arizona College and Maricopa Community Colleges to align on a shared curriculum for training advanced manufacturing talent. Large employers in the region are also creating unique initiatives, such a Caterpillar’s Applied Technology Academy, a partnership with Pima Community College designed to increase engineering capabilities in the region’s workforce. The University of Arizona is, of course, a significant contributor to the talent pool, with over 44,000 students enrolled during the 2017 academic year. Programs at UA focused on crossborder economic development also benefit the region, such as the Tech Park’s Global Advantage Program.

PHOTO: CHRIS MOONEY

What factor that significantly impacts economic development in the region has shown the most improvement in the last five years?

SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Adame

Mara G. Aspinall

David Adame

Garry Brav

Founded in 1969

Founded 1973

One of the largest nonprofit, community development corporations in the Southwest

Ranked among Tucsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top 10 commercial contractors

Located in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico

45 FTE

President & CEO Chicanos Por La Causa

More than 850 employees Four areas of impact: health and human services, housing, education, economic development 2017 impact: more than 305,000 people

Mara G. Aspinall

Managing Director, BlueStone Venture Partners CEO, Health Catalysts Groups $50 million venture capital fund focused on life sciences investments in the Southwestern states Board of Directors of BCBS of Arizona, Allscripts, Orasure, 3Scan and Castle Biosciences Co-Founder of ASU School of Biomedical Diagnostics, the only school in the world focused entirely on the study of diagnostics

Don Bourn

Don Bourn

CEO BFL Construction Co.

$100 Million in annual revenues In January 2018, BFL Construction Co. Inc. became part of JV Driver Group, an international construction firm headquartered in Canada

Ben Cordani

Lead Human Resources Manager Caterpillar Surface Mining & Technology Division Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change for 90 years as the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives

Garry Brav

The Surface Mining & Technology Division hub is located in downtown Tucson, with a new building opening at the base of Sentinel Peak anticipated in early 2019. The Customer Learning and Demonstration Center and the Caterpillar Proving Ground are located 30 miles southwest of Tucson

CEO Bourn Companies Headquartered in Tucson since 1990 Privately held real estate development company specializing in corporate office, retail, and mixed-use properties Completed more than 4 million square feet of projects across the western U.S.

www.BizTucson.com

Ben Cordani

Fall 2018

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Coyle

Marc D. Fleischman

Joe Coyle

Marc D. Fleischman

Management consulting and executive search for the aerospace and healthcare fields

One of the largest locally owned public accounting, business advisory and consulting firms in Arizona with offices in Tucson and Phoenix

Managing Director The Patrick Group

Coyle previously held senior executive positions with Raytheon Missile Systems, Hughes Aircraft, Loral Aerospace and Ford Motor Companies

Jon Dudas

Jon Dudas

Sarah Frost

CEO BeachFleischman

Serves more than 7,000 private enterprises, nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurs in the U.S., Mexico and Canada

Senior VP and Chief of Staff University of Arizona

A “Top 200” largest public accounting firm in the U.S.

Founded in 1885, this land-grant university has more than 44,000 students and ranks among the top 25 public research universities with $622 million of research activity annually

Sarah Frost

The UA has an annual economic impact of $4.3 billion

Michael Eastman

VP – Customer Service Strategy and Operations Tucson National Center of Excellence Comcast The new center houses more than 1,100 employees, providing support for residential products and services At least 15 percent of these positions are being filled by reservists, veterans and their spouses or domestic partners

Interim CEO Banner – University Medical Center Tucson Campus Banner – University Medical Center South Campus Nonprofit health system in Tucson making the highest level of care accessible for Arizona residents Creation of a partnership between the University of Arizona and Banner allows for aligned leadership of academic research and clinical care delivery in Tucson and throughout the state Nearly 7,000 employees providing exceptional patient care, teaching future health care professionals and conducting groundbreaking research Over $500 million in new construction, including a 280,000 square foot outpatient complex and 9-story tower open for patients April 2019

Guy Gunther

General Manager, Central Region Consumer Markets CenturyLink

Michael Eastman

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CenturyLink is the second largest U.S. communications provider to global enterprise customers with customers in more than 60 countries

www.BizTucson.com

SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Guy Gunther

Lawrence M. Hecker

Mary Jacobs

The company offers high-speed broadband, video and voice solutions to residential customers, and data systems management, analytics, managed security services, hosting, cloud and IT consulting services to businesses of all sizes Proudly serving Arizona since 1881 with many employees living and working in Tucson and throughout Southern Arizona

Lawrence M. Hecker Managing Member Hecker, PLLC

Of Counsel, Sun Corridor Inc. 46 years practicing law in Tucson Best Lawyers in America, Corporate Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Governance Law and Venture Capital Law, 1993 - 2019

Nancy Johnson

Mary Jacobs

Tom Kearney

Incorporated 1974

A world leader and innovator of tissuebased cancer diagnostic solutions

Town Manager Town of Oro Valley Population: 43,565

Head of IT Roche Tissue Diagnostics

Home to global bioscience and high-tech companies

Provides 250+ cancer tests with related instruments globally to improve outcomes for the 14 million people diagnosed with cancer annually

Nancy Johnson

Bill Kelley

Founded in 1970 as a neighborhood health center and currently providing medical, dental and behavioral health for more than 103,000 individuals

Founded 1988

Median household income: $74,480

CEO El Rio Health

14 Tucson locations with more than 1,200 employees

CFO Diamond Ventures Privately held company specializing in real estate development and private equity investments 2 million+ square feet of developed industrial, office and retail projects 20,000+ acres of developed and planned residential projects

www.BizTucson.com

Tom Kearney

Bill Kelley

Fall 2018

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Clinton Kuntz

Clint Mabie

Dr. Clinton Kuntz

Clint Mabie

Arizona’s oldest community health center, founded in 1957

CFSA was created in 1980 to help connect individuals, families and businesses to the causes they care about by serving as a vital link between philanthropy and the community’s needs

Doctor of Behavioral Health CEO MHC Healthcare

First nonprofit community health center in Arizona to integrate medical and behavioral healthcare into one facility (integrated healthcare model) Currently serves Marana and greater Tucson region Most services provided under one roof – primary care, behavioral health, dental, radiology, lab, pharmacy, urgent care, women’s health/OBGYN and WIC

Steve Lace

Senior VP Southwest Region Wells Fargo Middle Market Banking

The service was suspended during the Civil War Wells Fargo returned to Arizona in 1877 with five offices – including Phoenix and Tucson

Tucson New Car Dealers Association established 1947

Today Wells Fargo is the fourth largest corporate employer in Arizona

Organized by dealers to offer support for economic development and transportation initiatives

In 2017, Wells Fargo served its customers and communities through more than $6.9 million in Arizona nonprofits and schools through corporate and foundation giving more than 113,000 volunteer hours contributed by team members, equal to more than $2.7 million at the rate of $24.12 per volunteer hour

Established 1963

Fall 2018

Xavier Manrique

Steve Lace

COO GLHN Architects & Engineers

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To date, CFSA and its donors have awarded more than $175 million to regional nonprofits and educational institutions

In 2008 Wells Fargo celebrated its 150th anniversary in Arizona, dating from October 1858, when the Overland Mail first came to the state

Robert Lamb

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President & CEO Community Foundation for Southern Arizona

14 health centers in the MHC Healthcare family serving more than 50,000 patients a year, employing more than 545 employees Past President Tucson New Car Dealers Association VP Royal Automotive Group & Lexus of Tucson

Robert Lamb

Xavier Manrique

Employee-owned, offering services in architecture and mechanical, electrical, civil and technology engineering

Edmund Marquez

60+ employees with offices in Tucson and Phoenix

Founded agency in 1996 and now owns and operates three Allstate agencies, the largest Allstate group in Southern Arizona

Agency Principal Edmund Marquez Allstate Agencies

www.BizTucson.com

SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Edmund Marquez

Appointed by Gov. Doug Ducey to serve on the board of the Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District Vice Chair, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Chair, Pima Community College Foundation Received 2004 Businessman of the Year from the Tucson Hispanic Chamber Received 2016 Father of the Year award by the Father’s Day Council

Enrique J. Marroquin President, Hunt Mexico Senior VP, Hunt Power

Hunt Mexico and Hunt Power are part of Hunt Consolidated a diversified holding company for a privately owned group of entities based in Dallas, Texas. The areas of activity of the different Hunt companies include oil and gas exploration and production, refining, LNG, power, real estate, investments, ranching and infrastructure Hunt Power develops and invests in entrepreneurial electric and gas utility opportunities, including traditional regulated assets as well as renewable and alternative energy markets Hunt Mexico seeks investment opportunities in which it can bring strategic value in addition to its capital. Its main areas of focus are hydrocarbon exploration and production, power infrastructure, power marketing and energy management resource management opportunities in Mexico

Kelle Maslyn

Executive Director of Community Relations ASU Tucson Arizona State University continues to earn national recognition as a top university for graduate employability, is #1

www.BizTucson.com

Enrique J. Marroquin

Kelle Maslyn

in the U.S. for innovation three years in a row, #1 fastest-growing research university, #10 in the U.S. for total research expenditures This is where Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners teach master learners This is where nationally ranked and internationally ranked programs prepare next-generation innovators to thrive while advancing pioneering research, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship and economic development ASU’s nationally ranked programs inspire the top-qualified graduates and have positioned the university as a “top-tier” recruiting and hiring institution by more than 50 of the country’s top corporations, according to professional recruiters and rankings services around the world

Omar Mireles

Omar Mireles President HSL Properties

Founded 1975 Owns and operates 38 apartment communities in Arizona, including 31 in the Tucson metro area, totaling more than 10,000 apartment homes Owns and operates hotels and resorts, including the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Resort and The Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain

Mark Mistler

CEO – Tucson & Southern Arizona BBVA Compass Company ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. banks, with 672 branches and 15 Southern Arizona branches Benefits Southern Arizona charitable organizations through employee volunteerism and financial contributions

Mark Mistler

Fall 2018

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Farhad Moghimi

Ricardo Pineda Albarran

Farhad Moghimi

Executive Director Pima Association of Governments/ Regional Transportation Authority Coordinates regional planning efforts to enhance mobility, sustainability, livability and economic vitality of the region Programs federal, state, regional and local funding for all regional transportation investments Manages the locally funded RTA and its 20-year, $2.1 billion regional transportation plan

Tom Murphy

Mayor Town of Sahuarita

Tom Murphy

Population – 30,225 Median Household Income – $73,579 Full-time-equivalent employees – 129 Incorporated in 1994, Sahuarita is the fifth youngest town in the state. The town’s focus on economic development is embodied in Sahuarita Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Center, a project that will allow the expansion of two, high-tech area firms (Hydronalix and Control Vision) and offer opportunities to other firms seeking relocation or expansion. Regionally known for its great schools, pristine neighborhoods, highly-educated population and strong community spirit, Sahuarita is one of Sun Corridor Inc.’s emerging leaders

Charles P. Potucek

Steve Odenkirk

Executive VP, Southern Regional Manager Alliance Bank of Arizona, a division of Western Alliance Bank. Member FDIC Founded in 2003, Alliance Bank of Arizona offers a full spectrum of loan, deposit and treasury management capabilities, plus superior service to meet the needs of local businesses Alliance Bank of Arizona is a division of Western Alliance Bank, one of the country’s top-performing banking companies Western Alliance ranks #2 on the Forbes 2018 “Best Banks in America” list

Ricardo Pineda Albarran Consul of Mexico Consulate of Mexico in Tucson Established in 1882 The official representation of the Mexican government in Pima and Pinal counties Promotes stronger ties between Mexico and the Sun Corridor region Fosters trade and investments across the border

Charles P. Potucek City Manager City of Sierra Vista

Population – 43,888 Home of Fort Huachuca, largest military installation in Arizona Member of the Great American Defense Communities Class of 2017

Steve Odenkirk

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Barbi Reuter

Walter Richter

Barbi Reuter

Adriana Kong Romero

Tucson-based, founded 1985

Bank of America through its commitment to our community has invested more than $1.5 million in grants and matching gifts to local nonprofits over the past five years

President / Principal Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR Commercial Real Estate Services Leading independently owned, fullservice commercial real estate company Licensed in Southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico

Walter Richter

Public Affairs Administrator Southwest Gas Corporation

Founded in 1931, Southwest Gas serves more than 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in parts of Arizona, Nevada and California

Randy Rogers

CEO Tucson Association of REALTORS®

Senior VP Tucson Market President Bank of America

Last year, Bank of America employees volunteered more than 3,500 hours in service to our community and provided more than $238 million in loans to Tucson businesses

Steven E. Rosenberg Publisher & Owner BizTucson

Founded in Spring 2009, BizTucson is the region’s premiere business magazine

Advocates for homeownership and property rights issues

BizTucson provides in-depth coverage of the region’s business news, including economic development, university research, technology, the arts, education, tourism, defense, bioscience, hospitality and nonprofits

Invests in the community through membership engagement in the Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation

Produced quarterly in print and online, the magazine has received national awards

Represents more than 6,000 members and is the largest trade association in Southern Arizona

Randy Rogers

Adriana Kong Romero

Steven E. Rosenberg

www.BizTucson.com

Fall 2018

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jonathan Rothschild

Kevin Stockton

Jonathan Rothschild

David Smallhouse

Since taking office, the mayor helped settle the long-standing Rio Nuevo dispute, opening a new era of downtown redevelopment

Real estate, private equity and venture capital investments

Mayor City of Tucson

He codified and increased incentives for Tucson businesses and he led efforts to invest in Tucsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roads and police and fire departments, making for better streets and a safer city

Keri Lazarus Silvyn

Introduced program initiatives such as: Community Schools, supporting college and career readiness; Help for Homebuyers, providing down payment and other assistance; Steps to Success, re-enrolling dropouts in high school; and 10,000 Trees, adding shade and beauty to our city These programs are just a few examples of how Mayor Rothschild works to engage the community in creating a better Tucson

Keri Lazarus Silvyn Partner/Owner Lazarus, Silvyn & Bangs

Lazarus, Silvyn & Bangs is Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preeminent land-use law firm, serving all of Arizona from its offices in Phoenix and Tucson Lazarus, Silvyn & Bangs specializes in zoning, land use, entitlements, negotiating development agreements, and assisting with all aspects of project approvals in jurisdictions throughout the state Lazarus, Silvyn & Bangs also represents local jurisdictions to assist in drafting land use codes and ordinances

David Smallhouse

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James Stover

Silvyn has been appointed to the Arizona State Land Board of Appeals by Gov. Doug Ducey and serves on the Tucson Airport Authority Board of Directors

Managing Director Miramar Ventures

Active investor in angel and early-stage ventures, many with close ties to the University of Arizona and Desert Angels of Southern Arizona

Kevin Stockton

Market CEO Northwest Healthcare Northwest Healthcare includes Northwest Medical Center, Oro Valley Hospital, Northwest Allied Physicians, Northwest Cardiology, Northwest Urgent Care and Northwest Emergency Centers Northwest has also announced it will build a new hospital in Sahuarita in late 2019 Caring for patients throughout Tucson and surrounding areas, Northwest Healthcare is dedicated to offering a variety of convenient access points such as urgent care, free-standing emergency centers, and primary and specialty care clinics With online check-in for the emergency room and urgent care, and online scheduling for primary care appointments, Northwest Healthcare is making it easy for patients to access healthcare when and where they need it

James V. Stover

Medicaid President Arizona Complete Health (Formerly Health Net of Arizona and Cenpatico Integrated Care) Serving about 250,000 Arizonans across 10 counties through Medicare Advantage, Marketplace and Medicaid by using a whole health, communitybased local approach to healthcare

www.BizTucson.com

SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Guillermo Valencia

Robert E. Walkup

Offices in Tucson, Tempe, Yuma, Casa Grande, Sierra Vista

Matt Wandoloski

Subsidiary of Centene, a Fortune 500 company, a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise that provides a portfolio of services to government-sponsored healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer

Nearly 2,000 total employees statewide, with emphasis on supporting diversity and inclusion

Guillermo Valencia

Chairman Greater Nogales and Santa Cruz County Port Authority Founded in December 2004, the Port Authority brings together the key stakeholders from the Ambos Nogales area to address issues that impact ports of entry Works with local, state, federal and international partners to improve Arizona’s largest port facilities, streamline the crossing process at the Nogales ports of entry and to enhance economic development in the Nogales-Santa Cruz County region Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales processes 600,000 commercial vehicles annually which equates to $30 billion in imports into the U.S. and $11 billion in exports into Mexico

Robert E. Walkup

Honorary Consul South Korea in Arizona Sworn in July 2013 Provides efforts to protect overseas Korean nationals residing in Arizona Liaison for the promotion of trade, economic, cultural, scientific and educational relations Facilitates commercial transactions and/ or introduction of foreign capital

www.BizTucson.com

Matt Wandoloski

VP of Corporate Strategy and Analytics Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

With a focus on connecting people with the care they need, BCBSAZ offers health insurance and related services to nearly 1.5 million customers BCBSAZ, a not-for-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association The company employs nearly 1,500 people in its Phoenix, Chandler, Flagstaff and Tucson offices Through advanced clinical programs and community outreach, BCBSAZ is moving health forward

Joshua Weiss

Joshua Weiss President & CEO Hexagon Mining

Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, with offices worldwide, Hexagon Mining is shaping smart change by helping to connect all parts of a mine with technologies that make sense of data in real time Develops products and programs that connect surveying, design, fleet management, production optimization, and collision avoidance for mining companies and operations worldwide

Steven G. Zylstra

President & CEO Arizona Technology Council Established 2002, Arizona’s premier trade association, for science & technology companies Sponsors events, resources and educational forums, to grow Arizona’s technology industry

Steven G. Zylstra

Fall 2018

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. BUSINESS ATTRACTION & EXPANSION FY 2017-2018 Amazon Project Type: Attraction Industry Sector: Distribution Center Number of Direct New Jobs: 1,500 Amazon has selected Tucson/Pima County as the site for a new, high-tech distribution center, which will be located at the Port of Tucson. The company will be adding 1,500 jobs in one of the largest buildings ever built in the Tucson area, with a capital expenditure of $145 million. The new 855,000 square-foot facility will allow Amazon to scale up its operations in Southern Arizona and continue its rapid global expansion. The economic impact will be $600 million added to the regional economy over the next five years.

Arconic Fastening Systems Project Type: Expansion Industry Sector: Aerospace & Defense Number of Direct New Jobs: 70 Arconic holds the #1 global position in aerospace fastening systems, and is the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Arconic’s hightech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose-to-tail on aircraft and aero engines. The Tucson expansion represents an addition of a new product line.

Atlas Copco Project Type: Expansion Industry Sector: Renewable & Mining Technology/Manufacturing Number of Direct New Jobs: 20 Atlas Copco is a world-leading provider of products and service solutions focused on productivity, energy-efficiency, safety and ergonomics. The company focuses on aftersales service and rental of equipment for surface and underground rock excavation, exploration drilling, rock reinforcement, ground engineering, water well, and oil and gas drilling. Atlas Copco is expected to hire 20 new employees within the next year and plans to invest $6 million in capital expenditures.

Burns McDonnell Project Type: Attraction Industry Sector: Advanced Business Services Number of Direct New Jobs: 20 Burns McDonnell is a full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting solutions firm that is expanding its operations into Tucson. Burns McDonnell plans to open a new office in Tucson with positions that include engineers, architects and other construction professionals involved in the planning, design, permitting and con90 BizTucson

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struction of facilities. The company plans to invest $500,000 in capital expenditures with an economic impact of more than $25 million in five years.

Citi Tucson Project Type: Expansion Industry Sector: Back Office – Call Center (Enterprise) Number of Direct New Jobs: 639 Citigroup, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. The company will be adding 639 new positions to support new contracts and plans to invest $5 million in capital expenditures.

The 2017-2018 fiscal year marked one of Sun Corridor Inc.’s best years in job growth, capital investment and economic impact since the recession of 2008-10.

• Successful Projects 11 • Projected Direct New Jobs 3,595 • Projected Capital Investment $244.7 million • Economic and Fiscal Impact $2.4 billion Convergys Project Type: Expansion Industry Sector: Call Center Number of Direct New Jobs: 150 Convergys is a third-party call center supporting clients such as Walgreens The company is expected to hire 150 new employees within the next year with an economic impact of $63 million over the next five years.

GEICO Project Type: Expansion Industry Sector: Advanced Business Services Number of Direct New Jobs: 861 GEICO is the second-largest private passenger automobile insurance company in the U.S. and is a leading employer in Tucson with 2,100 employees. Bourn

Companies is purchasing, rezoning and developing approximately 115 acres at The Bridges and GEICO will be the first corporate employer to locate in the development. With this move, the company plans to add 861 jobs over time.

Kelpac Medical Project Type: Expansion Industry Sector: Bio Health/ Manufacturing Number of Direct New Jobs: 32 Kelpac Medical, a medical device manufacturing company, is expanding its operations in Nogales, Arizona. Kelpac makes a variety of extruded plastic tubing for the medical industry.

Mister Car Wash Project Type: Expansion Industry Sector: Advanced Business Services - HQ Number of Direct New Jobs: 47 Mister Car Wash is expanding its Tucsonbased headquarters. The company operates 244 car washes and 33 lube centers in 21 states. It operates 15 car washes in Pima County which employ 615 people.

Mister Car Wash is expected to hire 47 new employees within the next year and plans to invest $6 million in capital expenditures.

Northwest Healthcare Project Type: Expansion Industry Sector: Healthcare Number of Direct New Jobs: 156 Northwest Healthcare announced a new 18-bed hospital and expanded medical services on the southeast corner of I-19 and Sahuarita Road. This new facility and related physician offices/services will add 156 high-wage jobs in the Town of Sahuarita. The economic impact will be $165 million added to the regional economy over the next five years.

TuSimple Project Type: Attraction Industry Sector: Transportation & Logistics Number of Direct New Jobs: 100 TuSimple, an autonomous commercial vehicle technology company based in China, has opened a new facility in Tucson.

The company projects to hire 100 people within a five-year time period. The majority of those hired will be advanced engineering positions, in addition to truck drivers and operators. TuSimple also projects to invest $15 million in capital expenditures bringing its economic impact to $81.7 million over five years.

www.BizTucson.com

SUN CORRIDOR INC. INVESTORS & STAFF

Sun Corridor Inc. Investors Alliance Bank of Arizona Arizona Commerce Authority Arizona Complete Health Arizona State University Arizona Technology Council Bank of America Banner University Medicine BBVA Compass Bank BeachFleischman BFL Construction BizTucson Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona Bluespan Wireless Bourn Companies Business Development Finance Corporation

Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR Commercial Real Estate Services

Pinal County

Diamond Ventures

Rancho Sahuarita

DPR Construction

Raytheon Missile Systems

Edmund Marquez Allstate Agency

Republic of Korea in Tucson

El Rio Health

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s

FreePort McMoRan

SAHBA

GEICO

Southwest Gas

GLHN Architects & Engineers

Sundt Companies

Greater Nogales and Santa Cruz County Port Authority

Town of Oro Valley

Hacienda Del Sol Resort Health Catalysts/ GenePeeks Hecker PLLC Hexagon Mining

Port of Tucson

Tucson Association of REALTORS®

UAVenture Capital

CBRE

Industrial Development Authority of Pima County

University of Arizona

City of Sierra Vista City of Tucson The Clements Agency Comcast Community Foundation for Southern Arizona Concord General Contracting Consulate of Mexico in Tucson CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company

Lloyd Construction Long Realty MHC Healthcare Miramar Ventures Nextrio Northwest Healthcare Nova Home Loans The Patrick Group Pima Association of Governments/Regional Transportation Authority

COX Communications

Pima Community College

Crest Insurance

Pima County

www.BizTucson.com

5

6

7

8

Tucson Airport Authority

Hunt Mexico

Lazarus, Silvyn and Bangs

4

Trico Electric Cooperative

HSL Properties

Chicanos Por La Causa

3

Town of Sahuarita

Caterpillar, Surface Mining & Technology Division

CenturyLink

2

TMC Healthcare

Tucson New Car Dealers Association/Royal Automotive Group and Lexus of Tucson

Hilton El Conquistador

1

9

UNS Energy Corp, Tucson Electric Power & UniSource Energy Services

1. Cathy Casper, Senior VP

Vantage West Credit Union

2. Sydney Chong

Marketing Coordinator

Ventana Medical Systems Venture West Visit Tucson Wells Fargo Bank West Press Westland Resources

3. Susan Dumon

VP, Economic Development 4. Daniela Gallagher

VP, Economic Development 5. Danielle Gonzalez,

Administrative Receptionist 6. Skye Mendonca

Corporate Administrator 7. Laura Shaw, Senior VP 8. Joe Snell, President & CEO 9. David Welsh, Executive VP

Fall 2018

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Fall 2018

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