I’m fortunate to be in the position of seeing and supporting Arizona’s quest for greatness every day. Specifically, I’m referring to the activities surrounding the building of a technology ecosystem that impacts not just our state but the world. It’s not surprising that many members of that global community want to be part of the action, too. But to reach for the stars, we … [More]
Say Hello to Ada
Chatbot created to answer Council questions 24/7
In this 24/7 world, it’s hard to imagine anyone not getting what they need when they need it. Arizona Technology Council members are no different, especially when many work at businesses where customers expect to be served around the clock. But what happens when a member traveling on the other side of the world needs to know details about an upcoming Council event when it’s … [More]
What’s in a Name?
SciTech Institute initiative identifies cross-over workforce skills
When it comes to preparing the future workforce for careers, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. This is a key discovery arising from discussions led by SciTech Institute with stakeholders in Arizona’s science, technology, engineering and math ecosystem to determine what skills are really necessary. “When we have these conversations, we ask employers what they need and … [More]
The Ties That Bind
New committee unites aerospace, defense community
Council President and CEO Steven G. Zylstra addresses attendees of the inaugural meeting of the Aerospace, Aviation, Space, and Defense Committee. To his immediate right are (in order) co-chairs Jonathan Roll and Darren Long. It’s no secret that Arizona is home to a community that creates and supports the technology that fills the skies and protects the nation. Who would be … [More]
Council President and CEO Feted for His Efforts
Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of Arizona Technology Council and SciTech Institute, has been recognized for his efforts on two fronts. Zylstra was named to the Arizona Space Commission Board of Directors in September by Arizona House of Representatives Speaker Ben Toma. Zylstra’s leadership has been pivotal in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and public-private … [More]
Engineering Firm President Named Newest Board Member
Patrick Marcus, president of Tucson-based Marcus Engineering, was elected unanimously to serve a three-year term at the Arizona Technology Council’s quarterly board meeting in late October. Marcus’ company provides regulated electronics products for medical, military, aerospace, mining and other industries where design quality is critical. Marcus also sits on the advisory … [More]
August 2024 President’s Message
Like most people who live here, the summer heat is something we at the Arizona Technology Council endure or dread, depending on the day. That is one of the reasons we tune in to developments related to clean energy technology. No matter your stance on climate change, there is no denying that power generated by renewable sources does not generate carbon dioxide and other … [More]
Intelligent Conversations
Committee created to leverage shared knowledge about artificial intelligence
As the business world begins wrestling with the challenge of how to incorporate artificial intelligence into company operations, the Arizona Technology Council has stepped forward to help sort through the clutter. The Council’s Arizona Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem (AAIE) Committee’s mission is to lead the state’s journey into the era of artificial intelligence by … [More]
Focus on the Future
Public policy efforts continue despite state’s budget deficit
With public policy being one of the mainstay activities of the Arizona Technology Council, it stands to reason that the Legislature is the place to find the group’s members as they work to progress a pro technology agenda. But in a year when the legislative session focused on dealing with the state’s huge budget deficit, it was understandable for the Council to pick key … [More]
Diana White Joins Council as New Chief of Staff
Diana White has been appointed the new chief of staff for the Arizona Technology Council, bringing her experience in the technology and entrepreneurial communities. In this role, White is responsible for partnering with the Council’s president and CEO to represent the association with its board of directors and external constituency groups. She will also serve on the … [More]
Dynamic Duo
E-mobility, clean energy companies make mark in Arizona
When trying to gauge where the focus of the technology community is these days, the Arizona Technology Council needs only to look at the makeup of its membership — and toward the White House. The Council is seeing a great deal of interest among members in the fields of electric vehicles — more commonly known as e-mobility — and clean energy. New types of companies whose … [More]
Study Reveals Arizona Still on Top in Tech Job Growth
Arizona still leads the Southwest states in technology job growth, according to the Arizona Technology Council’s Q4 2023 Arizona Technology Industry Impact Report. In addition, tech industry earnings across Arizona reached $30.65 billion, a 12-month earnings increase of 9.8%. In addition to Arizona having the top job increase in the Southwest — including Nevada, Utah, Texas … [More]
Members Up Benefit Packages with 401(k) Multiple Employer Plan
At a time when only the best talent will do when hiring staff to take a business to the next level, salary alone often isn’t enough. The benefits package also needs to reach a higher level to beat the competition. That’s where the Arizona Technology Council’s partnership with Empower and Legacy Wealth Management comes in by providing a robust 401(k) Multiple Employer Plan … [More]
Global Conversations
Students get chance to make their case with leaders
When it comes to having conversations about important topics including sustainability, tech for good, aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence, the appropriate forum that quickly comes to mind is the United Nations. That might seem too limiting to the SciTech Institute, a nonprofit whose parent is the Arizona Technology Council. Instead, the Institute envisions … [More]
Council Adds 2 New Professionals to Team
Two new team members have joined the staff of the Arizona Technology Council. Chris O’Neal serves as chief of staff, responsible for partnering with the president and CEO to represent the Council with external constituency groups and the board of directors. As a member of the executive team, he provides resources and support with an emphasis on strategy, operations and … [More]
Awards Recognize Efforts to Make a Difference
The Arizona Technology Council recently was named the I-Squared Ecosystem Impact Award winner by Tech Launch Arizona at The University of Arizona (UArizona). The award is reserved for a person or entity outside UArizona whose contributions have generated maximum success for university inventions and startups during the past year, as well as an extended period of time. The … [More]
Dynamic Duo
VPs from PayPal and ASU join board of directors
Experts in finance and higher education are the latest additions to the Arizona Technology Council board of directors. The new board members are Art Taylor, PayPal’s vice president of Global Compliance Investigations, and Grace O’Sullivan, vice president of corporate engagement and partnerships at Arizona State University. Both were elected unanimously to serve three-year … [More]
New Year, New Members for CEO Networks
The Arizona Technology Council is committed to equipping technology company CEOs with the resources, network and support they need to lead with purpose and confidence. To help, the Council’s CEO Networks in Phoenix and Tucson were created to help grow members’ leadership, recognize their big wins, share their most frustrating obstacles, and problem solve with other CEOs … [More]
