As VP of Web Development at Go Fish Digital, I’m often asked whether building a website today looks different from a year ago. The surface-level answer might appear to be no. Most sites follow a familiar journey: discovery, sitemap, design, build, SEO and launch. This lines up with our broader E.C.H.O. model (Explore, Correlate, Harness, Optimize), which centers on connecting … [More]
The Power of Global Partnerships in Shaping the Future of Innovation
… And Arizona’s expanding role in advanced technology
Global partnerships are no longer just a public-sector initiative or a trade mission objective. For corporations in fast-moving, system-level industries, it has become a strategic lever for innovation, supply chain resilience and early visibility into emerging technologies. The most effective models link startups, established industry, universities and government into a … [More]
From Fabs to Classrooms
Arizona’s semiconductor buildout is no longer measured only in factories and cleanrooms. It is being shaped in classrooms, research labs and, increasingly, in cross-border partnerships. The University of Arizona has formalized an agreement with National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, an applied research powerhouse deeply embedded in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. Together, … [More]
Mental Health Is a Leadership Imperative
Survey finds small business owners struggle with mental health
Running a small business is a mental game long before it ever shows up on a balance sheet. On paper, ownership looks like freedom: no boss, your own hours, the satisfaction of building something that’s yours. In reality, it’s equal parts purpose and pressure. Payroll, cash flow, lawsuits that come out of nowhere, the “what if this all disappears?” questions that show up at 3 … [More]
Driving Community Impact: How the Valley Toyota Dealers Turn Local Commitment into Lasting Change
For more than two decades, the Valley Toyota Dealers have demonstrated what it looks like when a business coalition treats community investment not as a marketing strategy but as a shared responsibility. Representing 10 dealerships across the Phoenix metropolitan area, the association has built a model of giving rooted in proximity: They live here, work here, raise their … [More]
The Partnership of Hospitality and Healthcare
While 84% of U.S. consumers say wellness is a “top” or “important” priority, per a recent 2026 poll by McKinsey, commercial real estate is activity responding to this growing need. In hospitality especially, hotels and resorts are focusing on how to expand their amenity packages to create experiences that enhance a traveler’s overall well-being. Leveraging emerging tech, … [More]
Workplace Safety Starts at the Top: Practical Steps Every Business Can Adopt
Creating a safe workplace is more than a compliance requirement. It is one of the strongest investments a business can make in its people, its culture and its long-term stability. In Arizona, companies of every size face daily challenges that range from ergonomic strain to hazardous equipment, and many of these risks can be prevented with proactive planning. We see the … [More]
Cycle Boat Brings Party Cruisin’ to Tempe Town Lake, Pedaling Optional
The first Tempe Boat Cruisin’ experience officially set sail on Thursday, February 5. Fully captained and crewed, the cycle boat experience is designed to be interactive, social and safe. The idea stems from Robert Mayer’s success with Arizona Party Bike, which has brought hundreds of thousands of people together since its launch. “Building on that proven demand for social, … [More]
New Class-Action Lawsuit Trend Potential Threat to Bar and Restaurant Owners
Bar and restaurant owners need to be vigilant and wear a lot of hats every single day. While they may be experts at running back- and front-of-house operations, they may not be up to date on the changing laws or even the trending lawsuits that can affect their businesses. One current trend taking place on a national scale is plaintiff attorneys bringing lawsuits on a class or … [More]
Guest Editor: Steve Zabilski, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
Grants, Growth and Future Grants represent more than funding for recipients — they are investments that empower communities to adapt and become stronger. Philanthropy at its finest can result in ripple effects far beyond its original intention. Phoenix is home to a robust network of private foundations as well as nonprofit arms of for-profit businesses. Each tends to focus … [More]
New Group to Help Shape Skills of Corporate Leaders
Leaders whose headquarters may be on the other side of the country or the planet sometimes have no choice but to rely on seat-of-the-pants reactions when called upon to make the hard local decisions that, in turn, may impact the entire organization. Help is here, thanks to the Arizona Technology Council. Formerly known as the Phoenix CEO Network, the Phoenix – Executive … [More]
Avnet, Job Trends and Best Buddies
Employment growth is strongest in sectors shaped by digital transformation and artificial intelligence. IT roles are expanding due to increased demand for cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development and data analytics. STEM positions are also rising as technical expertise becomes critical for innovation and automation. Sales roles now require proficiency with digital … [More]
New Products and Services With Bonuses Offered to Council Members
A new year brings new additions to the list of companies and organizations that provide products and services with discounts to Arizona Technology Council member companies and their employees. Oracle – NetSuite’s powerful cloud business software is offered through the NetSuite Associations and Buying Groups Program, with members receiving 40% off new subscriptions. NetSuite is … [More]
President and CEO Joins Binational Science and Innovation Organization’s Board
Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council and SciTech Institute, has been appointed to United States-Mexico Foundation for Science’s board of governors. The Foundation is more commonly known as FUMEC (Fundación México-Estados Unidos para la Ciencia), a binational, non-governmental organization created to promote cross-border collaboration in … [More]
3 Named to AZTC Board
Directors bring backgrounds in academia and law
Paul Lambertson, dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University; Charles B. Chadwell, dean of the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering at Northern Arizona University; and Heather Buchta, partner and chair of the IT and Tech Transactions Team at Quarles & Brady, were elected unanimously recently to serve three-year terms on the Arizona Technology … [More]
STEM for All
Kits Expand Access to Hands-On Learning across State
Access to hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) has been uneven for many students across Arizona, particularly in rural and historically underserved communities. But a solution is now available through a program launched by SciTech Institute, a collaborative initiative of the Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority. STEM for … [More]
A Place to Call Home
Explosive growth of data triggers need for more Arizona-based centers
Arizona is playing a growing role in a global challenge: managing the enormous amount of data created every day. From smart devices to virtual meetings to online shopping, data is now at the heart of how businesses operate, as well as how people live and work. Behind all of it are data centers that store, process and move digital information around the clock. Several powerful … [More]
Powering Innovation
Council makes case for solar and battery systems to meet energy needs
It’s a straightforward equation: more businesses + more people = higher energy demand. This is what Arizona faces in communities both large and small across the state. And about the only thing to change in the calculation will be a multiplier that increases as the years pass and the commercial and resident populations grow. The Arizona Technology Council has embraced the … [More]
