In 1948, my father was honorably discharged from the Navy. His plans were to go back to Ohio. His buddy, George, discharged at the same time, had other ideas. Go west – to Arizona. It seems there was a manufacturing and technology boom back then and George’s dream was to pool their money, open a business, and make it rich.
I’d like to say that’s exactly what my dad did. Or, that his friend – who did go to Arizona – realized his dream. Instead, my dad went to Ohio. His friend opened a small technology business and made a nice, comfortable living. The point of my story, however, is that if they had pooled their money and gone to Arizona, the story might have ended differently. According to Steven G. Zylstra, President & CEO, Arizona Technology Council (and Chairman, Technology Councils of North America) the aerospace and defense industries were revving up in Arizona after World War II. In fact, “Arizona’s technology industry in semiconductors and electronics started at about the same time as Silicon Valley in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s,” he said, adding, “They had HP and we had Motorola. We have a long tradition in technology.”
That tradition was recently celebrated by Governor Jan Brewer during October’s Arizona Manufacturing Month. Brewer signed a proclamation, recognizing contributions to the state’s economy from technology and manufacturing, to coincide with National Manufacturing Month. It was an opportunity for visits around the state, including one to medical technology company, Medtronic, in Tempe on October 23. The good news about manufacturing and technology was one of the many topics she discussed at the Arizona Federation of Republican Women’s Biennial Convention, which took place at the Prescott Resort and Conference Center on Friday, Oct. 25.
The consensus on manufacturing and technology in Arizona is that both point to better economic times for the state and its citizens. More than 4,500 manufacturers call Arizona home. They produce $23.66 billion for the state’s economy. According to Governor Brewer’s office manufacturing accounts for 10 percent of Arizona’s GDP.
Zylstra cites a long list of companies that put Arizona in the “cutting-edge” category of technology as well. “We have the fourth largest semiconductor and electronics industry in the U.S. – Intel, Avnet, Freescale, MicroSemi, Microchip, and many others,” he said. “Arizona also has the second largest data center concentration in the U.S.,” said Zylstra, pointing to companies like Cyrus One, Phoenix NAP, and Digital Reality Trust.
The state has bragging rights in renewable energy, too. “The world’s largest solar company is here: First Solar. Arizona has arrived as a tech hub.”
Manufacturing tells a similar story, according to Steve Macias, the chairman of the Arizona Manufacturers Council. The state “is home to a diverse group,” he said, “ranging from biopharmaceuticals to electronics to defense and aerospace. Each of these sectors contributes not only to the Arizona economy but also to the U.S. economy.” Macias is also president and CEO of Pivot Manufacturing, located in Phoenix.
Manufacturing is responsible for employing “over 150,000 people at higher than average wages,” he said. It is “a critical component of Arizona’s economic growth.”
In Prescott, fabricated metals, precision machining, electronic devices and food processing are growth areas to watch for according to Jeff Burt, director of economic initiatives for the City of Prescott. David Maurer, CEO of Prescott Chamber of Commerce, said the city traditionally relied on tourism but is poised for economic transition. Burt agrees. “Tourism will continue to be a strong focus,” he said, but added “2014 will be something of a transition year in terms of job creation and new capital investment.” He sees Prescott Municipal Airport as an important asset. “The city is looking to better leverage the airport in economic development.”
Arizonans have reason to anticipate economic good times. “Governor Brewer and the ACA have been working hard to attract and advance high-tech manufacturing to our state, and our hard work is paying off,” said Andrew Wilder, director of communications for Governor Brewer. Apple, Inc. recently announced plans to open a manufacturing facility in Mesa. Kansas-based Garmin, International’s up-coming expansion into Arizona has an $11 million price tag.
Macias credits efforts of the Arizona Legislature and Arizona Commerce Authority for improving the state’s business climate. “The state’s leaders have done an excellent job in putting the tools in our job attraction toolbox that will win the jobs of tomorrow.” QCBN
By Constance DeVeraux, Quad Cities Business News
Photo caption:
Governor Jan Brewer recognized technology and manufacturing contributions to Arizona’s economy during a visit with the Arizona Federation of Republican Women in Prescott.
Photo courtesy Governor Jan Brewer’s office.
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