Category: Economic Development

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) has launched a new, interactive map that identifies statewide assets and resources, such as infrastructure, land ownership, educational resources and community profiles. The Arizona Assets Map was developed by the ACA to assist businesses considering relocation or expansion in Arizona as well as visitors and citizens.

Boundaries of legislative districts, tribal lands, military installations, Opportunity Zones and mines in Arizona are identified. The Arizona Assets Map also allows for a statewide search of points of interest, including schools, libraries, hospitals, airports, arts and cultural landmarks and outdoor activities like state and national parks and monuments.

– Arizona Commerce Authority

Arizona Mining, Inc. recently released a study, conducted by the L. William Seidman Research Institute and the W.P. Carey School of Business, reporting its Hermosa Project will have an impact on Arizona of $21.6 billion in GDP, $8.5 billion in disposable personal income and $860 million in state government revenues.

The Hermosa Project, a high-grade zinc-lead-silver resource located near Patagonia, is expected to be constructed/produced over the next 33 years. The study also noted the project will employ an average of 451 workers and will support an average of 3,225 additional jobs.

– Susan Muir, Arizona Mining Inc.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament broke ground on its 10th North American castle, to be located in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s Talking Stick Entertainment District in Scottsdale, Arizona.

With construction slated for completion in 2019, the 79,000-square-foot, 11th century-style castle will be one of the most architecturally distinctive among its nationwide properties.

Designed to appear as if it is organically rising from the land, the edifice will incorporate the motifs of medieval Spain. Once open, “knights” will engage in displays of strength and skill as fans enjoy a feast without using utensils.

– Dave Drennon, Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association

Arizona business leaders, trade advocates and government officials gathered at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to celebrate the operational launch of SkyBridge Arizona, the world’s first international air cargo hub to house both Mexican and U.S. customs.

The concept of joint inspections was first launched in Arizona at the Mariposa Land Port of Entry in Nogales in 2016. Inspection times have been reduced thanks to binational cooperation. The success in Nogales is considered to be the catalyst behind five additional joint inspections sites.

SkyBridge Park will encompass five million square feet of office, warehouse, logistics/cargo, hospitality and retail space.

– Allison Gilbreath, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The Arizona Association for Development (AAED) has presented its prestigious annual Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to economic growth in Arizona.

This year’s winners are:

• Jaye O’Donnell, assistant economic development director, Mesa.
• Dan Henderson, CEcD, economic development director, Gilbert.
• Richard Wilkie, CEcD, AZED Pro, economic development director, Casa Grande.
• Wendy Bridges, AZED Pro, economic development coordinator, Prescott.
• Lena Fowler, Coconino County Board of Supervisors, District.
• Ben Hooper, economic development coordinator, Prescott Valley.
• Joel Millman, program manager, Pinal County.
• Gilbert, Pinal County and the Town of Queen Creek.

– Scott Hanson, HMA Public Relations