When SEMICON West opens in downtown Phoenix this October, it won’t just be industry leaders gathering. Just a few blocks away, students will step into SEMIquest, a new interactive exhibit at the Arizona Science Center that brings the semiconductor world to life for Arizona’s middle and high schoolers. Created by the SEMI Foundation, the experience blends hands-on science, … [More]
New Facility Opens for Advanced Manufacturing and More at West-MEC Campus
Western Maricopa Education Center, known as West-MEC, recently celebrated the completion of its new Advanced Manufacturing and Welding building and Electric Vehicle building addition at its Northeast Campus in Phoenix. The new 16,500-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing building features an advanced manufacturing lab with an ISO-X cleanroom and industry-standard equipment from … [More]
An Economy in the Chips
Arizona is the U.S. Semiconductor epicenter
Thanks to a purposeful focus and our vaunted collaborative environment among economic development organizations that include Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department, Arizona stands in the national spotlight as the epicenter of America’s semiconductor resurgence. ACA reports that … [More]
Joe Stockunas Eyes Growth Opportunities for SEMICON West
The SEMI Americas president focuses on attendance, relevance and – in 2025 – on Phoenix
When Joe Stockunas talks about SEMI, he doesn’t sound like someone running a trade association. He sounds like an industry guy who’s spent decades in the trenches and knows how hard it is to get things done. That’s because he is. Before joining SEMI Americas, Stockunas spent more than 30 years leading businesses at Air Products and Nordson, working directly with customers and … [More]
Sustainable Water Management Starts with Strong Infrastructure
Living in a desert under drought conditions inevitably makes water management a priority for Arizona residents, municipalities and businesses. As Maricopa County continues to see residential and commercial growth, the demand for reliable water and wastewater infrastructure increases. Expansion and growth in the semiconductor industry adds even more pressure to balance supply … [More]
Not Just Dollars: Why U.S. Firms Should Consider Transacting in Foreign Currencies
For decades, most U.S. businesses have defaulted to transacting international business in U.S. dollars. The dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency makes this possible, with approximately 55% of bank customers’ cross-border flows denominated in dollars, according to a recent report from the International Monetary Fund. However, “possible” doesn’t always mean … [More]
Layoff Logic: How to Avoid a Short Circuit with a Lawful Workforce Contraction Strategy
As technology, demand and regulations rapidly evolve, the tech sector generally and semiconductor companies specifically must learn and master how to legally expand and contract their workforces to meet both business needs and budgetary constraints. Fluctuating demand due to the cyclical nature of the industry and the growing talent shortage with nuanced and evolving laws … [More]
Understanding AI in the Nonprofit Setting
Transparency and AI use policies make the difference
When the National Eating Disorders Association implemented a wellness chatbot named Tessa as a replacement for its human-staffed national helpline, the generative AI program began dispensing diet-culture advice harmful to the disordered-eating community. The technology was quickly yanked, but the negative media attention and reputational harm to the nonprofit was already … [More]
2025 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring
The Lucid Gravity Grand Touring's spec sheet reads like it was purpose-built for executives who live on the move: long legs for statewide trips, a quiet cabin for calls, and hardware that shrugs off Phoenix heat and freeway miles. Range and recharge are the headline numbers — up to an EPA-estimated 450 miles in the two-row Grand Touring setup, with DC fast-charge capability up … [More]
Lost and Found
One of the biggest fears around flying is losing luggage, but even for quick business trips finding overhead space for carry-ons can be iffy. An answer to that concern comes from a “find me” technology, and Apple AirTags is one of the easy-to-use products available. The AirTag connects through Bluetooth to iPhone or iPad on the Find My app – with a network of hundreds of … [More]
Hanny’s Is Palate to Palette Experience
One of the Phoenix Convention Center’s best amenities isn’t actually in the convention center — but it’s within walking distance. Located in the historic building that once housed Hanny’s Department Store, Hanny’s restaurant blends early twentieth century mercantile with art patronage for an atmosphere as satisfying as the dishes it serves. The gold and maroon terrazzo tiles at … [More]
Import Tariffs: The Hidden Costs of Staying Competitive
In Arizona, where population growth and record-breaking demand are stretching the power grid, the push for new solar and energy infrastructure is as strong as it has ever been. Every project we deliver connects to a system that needs more capacity and more resilience. Yet, the pace at which we can build is increasingly shaped by a factor that feels far removed from substations … [More]
Guest Editor: Rose Castanares, TSMC Arizona
Chip Power Chips power more than the devices — from smart phones to medical applications to home appliances and to cars –— that define contemporary life; here in Arizona, they also power our community. TSMC first announced its plan to bring cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing capability to the U.S. in May 2020. According to the Arizona Commerce Authority, since 2020 … [More]
From Campus to Cleanroom: Tempe’s Rise in the Semiconductor Race
Tempe, Arizona — best known as the home of Arizona State University — is quickly becoming a key location in the global semiconductor industry. While nearby cities like Chandler and Phoenix often grab headlines, Tempe quietly hosts several companies and research centers that are critical to the design, packaging and innovation of microchips used in everything from smartphones to … [More]
Tempe Chamber Presents the 2025 ASU Sun Devil Football Kickoff Luncheon
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 2025 ASU Sun Devil Football Kickoff Luncheon presented by San Tan Ford. The Luncheon was held at the San Tan Ford Club perched high above the Mountain America Stadium. Amidst a sea of maroon and gold, the event was packed full of fun and special guests as Sun Devil Football builds momentum for the start of Coach Kenny … [More]
Tempe’s Business Community Shines at Annual Excellence Awards Luncheon
Tempe is more than just a city — it’s a thriving hub of innovation, resilience and community spirit. That energy was on full display at the sold-out Business Excellence Awards Annual Luncheon, hosted by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and presented by Southwest Airlines. Held at Culinary Dropout and emceed by AZFamily’s Nicole Crites, the event celebrated the incredible … [More]
Tempe Business License Applications Now Open
The City of Tempe Business License went into effect August 1, 2025. Applications for the license are now open. Businesses are encouraged to apply before the end of the year to receive waived fees through Jan. 1, 2027. Why did Tempe establish a business license? The license will provide a single point of intake for information and establish a more complete database to better … [More]
Leadership through the Tempe Chamber: Guiding Today, Leading Tomorrow
Tempe Chamber Mentorship Program The Tempe Chamber’s Mentoring Program, presented by the Women in Business Council, kicks off its 2025 cohort this October. Designed to support both women and men, the program empowers participants to achieve their personal and professional goals in a supportive, success-driven environment. Mentorship remains one of the most impactful ways to … [More]
