Rivalries on Hold

by Don Rodriguez

Who would have guessed that science could trump sports rivalries when it came to Arizona universities actually getting along in the     same space? Instead of heated competition, the annual Connect2STEM event at The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix was the scene where representatives from Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University joined their … [More]

System Support

by Don Rodriguez

An idea that’s good for Safford might be good for Globe. And it might even be perfect for Chinle. But without the right network to share that idea, it might just stay in Safford — or miss the opportunity to get even better with feedback from others. This is an example of a scenario that the Arizona Technology Council and others supporting a STEM ecosystem are trying to … [More]

October 2019 President’s Message

by Steven G. Zylstra

It’s no secret that the Arizona Technology Council can’t exist without the support of its members. That’s why our team at the Council does everything it can to provide the types of services that help our members move the ball forward. From events that help members stay abreast of new trends to providing an outlet where they can spread the word about job openings to ongoing … [More]

Leveling the Playing Field

by Don Rodriguez

There was a time when benefits were the last thing anyone asked about when accepting a new job. After all, it seemed like every position, especially those for professionals, offered a package at an affordable price — if anything at all was paid — so the new employee could focus on what he or she was hired to do: work. Different time, different world. It’s no longer a … [More]

Association Health Plan Features

by Don Rodriguez

Health Program Bundle The Arizona Technology Council Association Benefits Program offers a comprehensive health insurance product bundle that includes: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Medical – 15 different medical plans on four networks Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Dental – Five dental options, including a Dental HMO you can pair with a Dental PPO VSP – Five … [More]

Future Maker

by Don Rodriguez

If there’s one word that best describes how the SciTech Institute has left its mark, it’s “advanced.” The organization grew what some considered a science fair for kids into its namesake statewide festival that has entire communities thinking about opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). It has established the Chief Science Officers program that … [More]

Familiar Territory

by Don Rodriguez

The tide may be turning where it comes to a large portion of Arizona college students preparing for STEM careers then taking their degrees to another state after graduation. This is a conclusion included in the most recent update of the Arizona Technology Council Industry Impact Report, which uses data from different sources to offer a glimpse of trends in the state’s … [More]

Governor’s Celebration

by Don Rodriguez

Heidi Jannenga (center), president and co-founder of WebPT, was winner of the Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year Award in 2018. She received her award at last year’s GCOI from Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, and Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. The leaders and visionaries whose body of work … [More]

On Board

by Don Rodriguez

An executive involved in some of Intel’s noteworthy strategic moves and a co-founder of the region’s key provider of services and products for simulation, product development and rapid prototyping have been elected unanimously by the Arizona Technology Council’s board of directors to serve as chair and vice-chair, respectively. Chair David Tuhy is general manager, NSG … [More]

April 2019 President Message

by Steven G. Zylstra

You might say Clyde Tombaugh was literally starstruck when he worked to help put Arizona on the map in the world of astronomy.  What? You’ve never heard of him? His was a story filled with persistence and alertness.  Although he wanted to pursue astronomy after an uncle loaned him a telescope, a lack of funds kept Tombaugh out of college and forced him to build his own … [More]

National Group Honors Schweikert for Tech Efforts

by Don Rodriguez

Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) is winner of a CompTIA Tech Champion Award given to leaders focused on driving innovation, job growth and advancements for the information technology industry. The Tech Champion Awards are given annually to a member of the House of Representatives, as well as a member of the Senate and an industry executive who has exemplified leadership in the … [More]

Grant Is Sign of SciTech Institute’s Stepping Into Its Own Spotlight

by Don Rodriguez

It’s one thing to take the lead on building Arizona’s STEM ecosystem, but it’s a plus when that recognition goes beyond the state’s borders. The SciTech Institute, a collaborative initiative of the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority, has been awarded part of a $1 million Southwest Airlines Charitable Grant, which focuses on building a stronger … [More]

Digital Goods Bill Threatens Heavy Taxation for Arizona

by Don Rodriguez

Paying your fair share of taxes. Members of the Arizona Technology Council recognize that is part of doing business.  Consider Senate Bill 1460 in the Arizona Legislature. The measure was designed to create parameters for determining the taxable status of digital goods and services at state and local levels. The Council and its members fully support the original intent of … [More]

Global Impact in the Sights of Committee

by Don Rodiguez

With a focus on success, Optics Valley members have been working to capture the world’s attention for an industry that serves fields ranging from aerospace to telecommunications. A new workforce development program now gives this Arizona Technology Council committee the chance to influence others who are considering joining this cutting-edge profession. Formerly known as the … [More]

Increased Costs Bring Council Membership Dues Hike

by Don Rodriguez

Just as the roster of programs and services provided by the Arizona Technology Council has grown, so have the related costs. That’s why its board of directors has voted to institute an approximately 10 percent increase in annual membership dues.  Existing members will see their increase when it’s time for renewal, while the increase for new members became effective April 1. … [More]

New Reader Experience Accompanies Magazine Update

by Don Rodriguez

Think of your favorite magazine. If it still exists after all this time, odds are it has been through some changes but is still a part of you. That captures what has happened with TechConnect magazine. Since its launch in 2005 by the Arizona Technology Council, the publication has gone through redesigns and evolved from print only to an online digital format. After 56 … [More]

Meet 3 Newest Members of Council Staff

by Don Rodriguez

Jill Brownley Director, Marketing + Communications Brownley’s experience includes public relations, marketing communications, social media, copywriting and technical writing, public affairs, internal communications, advertising and graphic design. Most recently, she was a public relations consultant serving bioscience clients. Previously, she was director of marketing and … [More]

Planner Becomes Critical Partner for Council Events

by Don Rodriguez

Chuck Smith still remembers his first experience with the Arizona Technology Council. He was invited to attend its annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation in November 2016 and was shocked to see people considered competitors actually getting along throughout the event. “We were just blown away by the camaraderie,” he says. “If we wanted to get into the pulse of the local … [More]

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