Microchip Technology Incorporated, a leading provider of smart, connected, and secure embedded control solutions, announced that Steve Sanghi has agreed to continue to serve as the company’s Chief Executive Officer and President on a permanent basis. Mr. Sanghi had been serving in such roles on an interim basis since November 2024. Mr. Sanghi will also continue to serve as … [More]
Job Openings Remain a Challenge for Main Street in June
NFIB’s June jobs report found that 36% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in June, up two points from May. “Despite the slowing labor market, many small business owners are still looking to attract applicants and hire for their open positions,” said Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Compensation pressures remain strong … [More]
Tech-Centric Public Relations Co. Acquired by California Communications Firm
Leading California communications firm Southwest Strategies Group announced the acquisition of Kiterocket, one of the nation’s leading public relations agencies for emerging technologies, semiconductors, renewable energy and sustainability. “Kiterocket’s client-centric philosophy and commitment to investing in their team align with our core values,” said Southwest Strategies … [More]
Real Estate Group Acquires Scottsdale Quarter, Plans $100M Renovation
FalconEye Ventures announced it has acquired Scottsdale Quarter, the premier 755,000-square-foot open-air mixed-use destination encompassing retail, dining, and office components, complemented by nearly 600 residential units. FalconEye Ventures is a real estate investment company founded by tech entrepreneur George Kurtz in 2020. The company also announced today that … [More]
Chris Camacho’s Next Chapter: From Regional Transformation to Global Innovation at Axon
For nearly two decades, Chris Camacho has been a driving force behind Arizona’s economic renaissance. Rising from business development roles in Yuma to helming GPEC as President & CEO since 2015, he has built a reputation for visionary leadership and formidable achievement. Now, he embarks on a new journey—joining Axon in a senior executive capacity, bringing his deep … [More]
Fine Dining Concept House Purchases Iconic Scottsdale Property for Signature Restaurant
Locally and family-owned Prime Steak Concepts is pleased to announce it has acquired the property of the former Chart House on Camelback Lake in Scottsdale, Arizona. Prime Steak Concepts is owned by James Beard-nominated brothers Michael and Jeffrey Mastro, Dennis Mastro and business partner Scott Troilo. Together, the foursome own and operate Dominick’s Steakhouse, Steak … [More]
Arizona Showcases Leadership at International Semiconductor Forum
To further strengthen economic ties between Arizona and Mexico, Arizona hosted a collaboration forum focused on semiconductor advancement on June 23-24. Held for the first time in the U.S. and Arizona, the U.S.-Mexico Semiconductor Collaboration Forum: Advancing Subnational Priorities and Strengthening Bilateral Collaboration included a welcome reception on June 23 at Phoenix … [More]
Global Chemical Supply Co. Opens Semiconductor-Focused Manufacturing and R&D Center
Moses Lake Industries, a global leader in advanced performance chemical solutions for the semiconductor industry, announced the grand opening of its new 50,000-square-foot manufacturing and research facility in Mesa, Arizona. Powered by nearly a hundred million dollars in strategic investment, this state-of-the-art facility reinforces MLIs commitment to advancing cutting-edge … [More]
Arizona Public Universities Launch The Next Wave of Women Engineers
Arizona’s public universities are driving the state’s rise as a national hub for engineering and technology talent. With Arizona among the fastest-growing states in the nation and demand accelerating across the semiconductor, health care and tech sectors, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona are producing skilled graduates who are … [More]
Arizona at the Forefront of Aerospace and Defense
As the Paris Air Show kicks off, Arizona’s premier aerospace and defense (A&D) attractiveness is once again on the global stage. Home to some of the world’s largest A&D companies, innovative startups, and next-generation technologies and manufacturing, Arizona is at the forefront of the aerospace and defense industry. Over the last five years, Arizona has attracted … [More]
EV Innovator Expands Valley Footprint With New Hub
Lucid Group, Inc. maker of the world’s most advanced electric vehicles, announced the opening of its Phoenix Hub facility in Arizona, following the company’s acquisition of select Nikola assets in early April. The new Lucid facility marks a strategic expansion for the company, furthering its manufacturing, product development and warehousing footprint while advancing the … [More]
Powering Arizona’s Remarkable Growth; Utility’s Response to Increased Commercial and Industrial Demand
As Arizona’s population and economy continue to grow, so does the state’s appetite for electricity. APS’s customer base, which for decades leaned heavily residential, is now more diversified than ever before. A robust increase in commercial and industrial customers in our service territory – including new chip manufacturing and expanding data center operations – is leading to … [More]
Small Business Optimism Increases in May
Taxes are now small business owners’ single most important problem
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased by three points in May to 98.8, slightly above the 51-year average of 98. Expected business conditions and sales expectations contributed the most to the rise in the index. The Uncertainty Index rose two points from April to 94. Eighteen percent of small business owners reported taxes as their single most important problem, up … [More]
Main Street Labor Market Weakened in May
Small business owners continue searching for qualified applicants
NFIB’s May jobs report found that 34% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in May, unchanged from April, and the lowest since January 2021. “Amid uncertainty, small business owners’ hiring plans remain subdued in May,” said Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Compensation pressures have also eased offering some much needed … [More]
$10.5M Grant to Revitalize News Industry through ASU’s Knight Center for the Future of News
Powered by funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and an additional $4 million investment from Arizona State University the Knight Center for the Future of News at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication aims to transform and strengthen the American news ecosystem. Upon its official launch July 1, the … [More]
Ready to Roll: Celebrating Major Transportation Projects across the Region
Two of the Valley’s most high-profile transportation projects are nearing completion, and the week of June 2–7 marks a regional celebration of this long-awaited progress. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), in partnership with regional and local agencies, is launching Ready to Roll Week, a celebration showcasing newly completed infrastructure, key safety … [More]
Verizon Business Launches Vehicle-to-Everything Connected-Driving Platform, ACA Partners
Arizona Commerce Authority the first partner to sign on for the Edge Transportation Exchange platform
Verizon Business has commercially launched Edge Transportation Exchange, a mobile-network vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication platform for connected vehicles, with multiple customers already signed on, including the Arizona Commerce Authority. Following a successful U.S. Department of Transportation and 5G Automotive Association joint demonstration, the Arizona … [More]
VC Joins $51M Arizona AI Data Center Land Deal
Arizona Land Consulting (ALC), Arizona’s AI data center investment fund led by Anita Verma-Lallian, has closed on a landmark $51 million land deal, further solidifying its position as a driving force in the state’s AI infrastructure race. In a major vote of confidence, renowned venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya has joined the investment group backing the deal, alongside … [More]
