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]
2015 Public Policy Guide
As the nation prepares to vote for new lawmakers at the state and federal levels, the Arizona Technology Council and its Public Policy Committee already have prepared a slate of public policy positions intended to make Arizona the best place for technology firms to do business. The 2015 Public Policy Guide offers key ideas, goals and legislative initiatives that: Improve … [More]
Steven G. Zylstra Message: Nov. 2014
As a business leader in Arizona, I’m passionate about making sure our state is building a competitive economy that creates jobs. As a parent, I’ve always tried to instill the value of a good education into my children’s core beliefs. It’s always been easy for me to see how the two issues are intrinsically intertwined. The world is rapidly changing, and if Arizona is going to … [More]
Colombia Connection
When the Arizona SciTech Festival was created, one of the ideas was to use science, technology, engineering and math as a way to draw the state together. Little did organizers realize it had the potential to bring the world closer together. Launched by the Arizona Technology Council Foundation and Arizona State University in 2012, the festival’s success was to be partially … [More]
Setting the Pace
Eric S. Lewis, Partner, EY Lewis was appointed to a three-year board term in April. He also will serve as treasurer on the executive committee. At EY, he is an audit partner, serving SEC registrants, private-equity investees and venture-capital-funded private companies in the technology and life science industries. He has extensive experience serving semiconductor, … [More]
