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]
President’s Message
Call it taking the quantum lead. I’m referring to Arizona’s advancements in quantum computing. What’s that? To help, here’s a short course: Pretend your computer is a light switch. It’s either on or off. In computer speak, it uses bits that are either 0 or 1 to process information. By comparison, quantum computers are like switches featuring both dimmers for lights and … [More]
Why We Chose an ESOP for Our Growth, Succession and Legacy Options
Restaurant transitions a unique benefit for its employees
In October 2025, our family-owned restaurant announced we were doing something unique: After more than five decades, Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen transitioned 49% of company ownership to eligible employees in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Now as an ESOP, one out of three Spinato’s employees is an owner. An ESOP is an employee benefit plan that provides … [More]
