A recent study conducted by local economic consulting firm, Elliot D. Pollack & Company, concluded that Cox Communications has a significant impact on Arizona’s economy in numerous ways. Cox generates more than $1.1 billion total annual economic impact. It employs more than 3,100 Arizona residents, making it the third-largest private, for-profit employer in the state – and the multiplier effect of the direct operations results in a total employment impact of 6,908 jobs with annual wages at $451.2 million. It pays wages and benefits 45 percent higher than the state average. It generates $74 million in taxes and fees to local and state governments. And it has invested more than $150 million in infrastructure upgrades since 2010.
The study outlines Cox Communication’s impact on the Arizona economy based on annual operations and infrastructure investment. The study also examines the company’s output, earnings and job creation, and the fiscal impact analysis evaluates the public revenues and costs associated with a particular activity conducted by Cox, such as support to education and construction activity. “As illustrated in the study, Cox Communications has been, and continues to be, an ongoing contributor to the state’s economic well-being,” said Pollack. “Its more than $1 billion annual impact is generated by the above average wages for employees and investment in infrastructure across the state, among other factors, make Cox a valuable corporate player.”
The average value of construction generated by Cox Communications in Arizona is estimated at $28.2 million over the past five years, creating 285 jobs annually and pumping more than $17.6 million in wages into the local economy. Over the past five years, the State of Arizona has also collected about $2.5 million in construction sales taxes and other construction related fees as a result of Cox’s infrastructure investment. Cox related construction and operations generated more than $74 million in taxes and fees to city, county and state government in 2014 alone.
As an investor and partner in local communities, Cox has invested more than $150 million in Arizona communities through infrastructure upgrades in the past five years, according to the study. With 15,000 miles of broadband network, 3,000 miles of fiber optics and planned 1 gig availability throughout the Valley in the coming years, Cox is helping to build Arizona’s economic future through various outlets. Cox Arizona’s charitable contributions include nearly $17 million annually in cash and in-kind support focused primarily on youth and educational programs, including grants to 90 Arizona nonprofit organizations this past year alone.
“This study demonstrates that Cox Communications’ investment in the communities where we do business, and our continued investment in advanced technologies, is essential for a healthy economy and vibrant community,” said John Wolfe, senior VP and region manager of Cox Communications Southwest.
The report also highlights Cox’s community commitment, with one-third of Cox Arizona employees volunteering, logging more than 39,000 hours annually. Another way Cox supports its local community is by purchasing nearly $50 million annually in products and services from minority-, women- or LGBT-owned businesses.
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