In Arizona our economy once relied on the “five C’s” of commerce – cattle, cotton, citrus, copper and climate. That wasn’t enough to thrive into the 21st century. Neither was the once-booming construction and real estate industry.
Fortunately our business and community leaders had a vision to “diversify the desert,” as Joe Snell puts it. He’s the founding president and CEO of Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities.
Economic development – business attraction, retention, expansion and creation – is the central mission of TREO. Today TREO remains “laser focused” on growing four key industry sectors – aerospace & defense, bioscience, solar and transportation/logistics.
These key sectors are already attracting national attention in Time, Forbes, Business Facilities and other publications. Read how these industries are growing in this BizTucson Special Report.
Prior to 2007 Arizona was consistently ranked in the top five states for growth in jobs, population and income - before plummeting nearly to the bottom of the nation in all three categories. There has been
a seismic shift in what corporations identify as priorities today. Climate, outdoor recreation and cultural amenities no longer top the list. Now relocation choices are made based on whether the region can provide the workforce talent, research and infrastructure to grow business. Learn how we measure up with site selectors and other decision makers.
Arizona is one of about 10 areas in the nation with the potential to become a “megapolitan” economy – with a thriving Sun Corridor spanning from Tucson to Phoenix and beyond. Megapolitan regions around the U.S. provide a model for our future.
Public and private sector leaders re- cently proposed a $200 million infrastructure plan (part of a $700 million bond package) that could take Tucson from good to great.
We have Solar Zone, Innovation Park, UA BioPark, UA Tech Park and Port of Tucson in our portfolio of business loca- tions – plus a concept for an aerospace & defense research park to give Ray- theon and others room to expand. The plan would connect these and other key business centers, making our communi- ty more economically competitive. We bring you an update on these promising improvements.
TREO’s Chairman’s Circle harnesses the collective energy of 15 stellar busi- ness leaders from the private and public sectors. This is TREO’s new think tank. Find out their key issues for growing our economy.
This region is poised for growth. This BizTucson special report by Romi Carrell Wittman, Gabrielle Fimbres, Christy Krueger and Brad Poole ex- plores how we’re preparing now for the future.
Steven E. Rosenberg
Publisher & Owner BizTucson