In the world of startups, striving to be the best is a given. But that can be easier said than done when first launching. Thanks to a new agreement signed in Mexico City, startups will get the chance to benefit from best practices, no matter on which side of the border they were born. Leaders of the Arizona Technology Council, the Arizona Business Incubation Association … [More]
Venture Madness tops Invest Southwest agenda
Why wait until March to follow your bracket? Venture Madness, presented by Invest Southwest in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, offers the chance for 64 of the most promising startups to go head-to-head-for a share of $100,000 in cash prizes. The competition is a highlight of Invest Southwest, which will be held March 2–4 at Talking Stick Resort in … [More]
Startups Get Chance to Make Best Pitch
When first launching a company, it’s not unusual to wonder: Is anyone listening? For Mesa-based Crowd Mics, winner of the pitch contest at the Arizona Technology Council’s AZ StartupConnect last year, the answer is “yes.” Telling the audience about the product that turns a cell phone into a personal microphone and voting device at events, company CEO and co-founder Tom … [More]
Taking the Lead
Three executives from technology and securities firms recently were named to the Arizona Technology Council’s Board of Directors for three-year terms ending October 31, 2018. Mike Chadwick is managing director at CKS Securities — a division of Scottsdale-based CKS Advisors, a full-service capital and growth advisory services provider that supports businesses throughout their … [More]
July 2015 President’s Message
Who would have thought a clever, even simple solution to help restore Arizona’s ailing K-12 education system actually lies in something we often take for granted: our untouched land? The business community is excited about Gov. Doug Ducey’s plan for increasing the amount of distributions from the state land trust to support our schools. But even earlier, he had been putting … [More]
Coming Up Short
When it comes to coming up with science and technology ideas that can change lives, Arizona is fortunate to have a wealth of talent that could make practically anything possible. But when it comes to finding the money needed to make these ideas reality, the state can be viewed more like a poor stepchild waiting for its turn to get its share. Arizona lacks an adequate supply … [More]
Making a Mark
Leaders from education, defense and technology have been named the four finalists for the OneNeck IT Solutions People’s Choice Lifetime Achievement Award that will be presented at the 12th annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation on Nov. 12. The event is the Arizona Technology Council’s awards gala held in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority to honor leaders … [More]
Enterprising Minds
For student Jessica Calfee, becoming the chief science officer at Chandler Early College is more than just something to add to her resume. Being part of an online-based program, students are missing out on support for such subjects as science, especially from outside organizations and companies. “I’m really interested in getting some fundamentals needed for our school to … [More]
Take Charge
In a first for the Southwest, the Arizona Technology Council is offering a transformational leadership executive certificate program to offer experienced business leaders a framework for a new way of thinking to lead self, others and organizations. Graduates of the program conducted in partnership with ImpaQ Solutions will gain insight and multiple perspectives to advance … [More]
Publisher named to board of directors
Ray Schey, publisher of the Phoenix Business Journal, is one of the newest members of the Arizona Technology Council’s board of directors. In his role as publisher, Schey is responsible for managing all day-to-day aspects of the publication, which reaches more than 60,000 business professionals in the Phoenix area. He was promoted to the role in May 2014 after serving as … [More]
Arizona Technology Council debuts first annual report
In the inaugural edition of its annual report, the Arizona Technology Council recaps a year of strong results to help demonstrate why it has become the state’s voice for technology and the driving force behind the effort to make Arizona the fastest-growing tech hub in the nation. “This report crystalizes how strategic elements that we have honed for years contribute to a … [More]
March 2015 President’s Message
As president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, I often am asked to help shape public policy affecting the state’s tech industry. (If you want to know more about two measures that are part of our focus in this legislative session, see Page 3 in this section.) But it’s my work as chairman of Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) that takes me to Capitol Hill to … [More]
Common Ground
Arizona universities have experienced an increase in the number of degrees granted in high-demand fields, including those requiring emphases in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). According to the Arizona Board of Regents, credentials in the fields grew from 4 percent in the 2009-2010 academic year to 47 percent in 2013-2014 school year. An interest in STEM … [More]
ROI Worth Raves
As the Arizona Technology Council tries to get the Arizona Legislature in the 2015 session to recapitalize one tax credit program and expand another, two reports authored by the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) show substantial return on both so far that make proposed changes worth pursuing. Included in the Council’s legislative priorities are recapitalization of the Angel … [More]
Business Essentials
Finding cost-effective ways to get the products and services needed to keep a business operating is a challenge for any company. When they also are essential to help retain quality employees, they can become mission critical. But when the competition is made up of goliaths with deep pockets, the challenge can seem even larger to small businesses, especially tech firms trying to … [More]
At the Top
Ron Thompson Jr. has been named the new chair of the Arizona Technology Council’s Phoenix CEO Network. In his regular career, Thompson is Senior Vice President – Western US at DataBank IMX, one of the largest enterprise document management solution companies in North America. “Ron is a genuine, down-to-earth business leader with a passion for helping organizations, employees … [More]
Welcome Aboard
Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy is senior vice president for research at The University of Arizona. As the university’s chief research officer and a member of the president’s senior executive team, Espy is charged with advancing transformative excellence in research across the campus toward achievement of the goals articulated in Never Settle, the … [More]
Giving Back
STEM Drive In partnership with the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Arizona Technology Council’s Phoenix Ambassador Committee launched and promoted a STEM Drive leading up to the Jobing.com-presented After5 Networking Event/Tech the Hall Holiday Party. Council member companies were encouraged to donate STEM-related items for use in 1 Darn Cool School, the school … [More]
