TechTalk eNews: September 2024

• AZ HR Hub Guest Blog Post: HR Technology – Streamlining Operations to Unlock Strategic Potential
• Crest Insurance Acquires Scottsdale Agency
• Raytheon Gets Patriot GEM-T Missile Contract
• Optiv Guest Blog Post: The Ever-Evolving Cyber Insurance Landscape
• DMD Systems Recovery Named on 2024 Inc. 5000 List for the Eighth Time
• Critical Path Institute Announces FDA Commissioner Robert Califf to Participate in Opening Session at Inaugural Global Impact Conference
• Council Partners with Silicon Desert Maps to Promote Western Tech Sector
• Aurora Innovation Readies Customers for Driverless Operations
• Inside Raytheon’s Space Systems Operations facility in Tucson
• Three NAU programs in the College of Health and Human Services were ranked best in the state of Arizona by US News and World Report
• Arizona Universities ASU and U of A Lead the Way in AI Healthcare Innovations
• GCU Scholarship Program Triples in Size
• U of A researchers working to prevent EV battery fires
• Intel lands grant to make semiconductors for U.S. military
• Huge CHIPS Act grant goes to ASU-led defense microelectronics hub
• Governor Hobbs and Arizona Commerce Authority Announce Millions to Support Arizona Small Businesses
• Intero Digital Guest Blog Post: Navigating Amazon’s Marketplace for Tech Product Success
• Scottsdale approves development agreement for ASM’s new flagship facility
• Scottsdale solar power provider Arevon closes financing for latest project
• South32 Hermosa Project Notified of U.S. Department of Energy Grant
• Plug and Play accelerateAZ Announces Sustainability Accelerator Program Partners
• Intel Named a Phoenix Business Journal’s 2024 Champions of Inclusion award winner, leading the charge for DEI in Arizona
• Trade in Motion Guest Blog: The Global Talent Race: A Call to Action for US and Canadian Companies
• Maricopa colleges to benefit from chip sector job training investment

Read the full update >>

Save the Date! 21st Annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation

The countdown is on! The Council, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, is proud to present the 21st Annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards November 13. This year, we’re pulling out all the stops to make this prestigious event the most memorable yet! Join over 400 of Arizona’s brightest minds for an unforgettable night of networking, dining, and top-notch entertainment. Tickets on sale soon! Want a sneak peek? Watch our promo video featuring last year’s gala-style event for a taste of what attendees can expect this year. Register >>

Announcing the 2024 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Future Innovators and Teacher of the Year Awardees

The Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority announced the winners of the Future Innovators of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards for the 2024 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation (GCOI). These esteemed awards celebrate the top talent in Arizona’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education community, as well as the remarkable teachers who motivate their students to reach their goals. Congratulations! Read More >>

The Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo is 2 WEEKS Away!

Join over 450 local business leaders in discovering new technologies, great products, innovative and emerging Arizona-based tech companies and much more at the largest Tech + Business Expo in Tucson, showcasing over 75 booths!
Plus new this year – a Manufacturing Pavilion! Register >>

Mark Your Calendars! 2024 Cybersecurity Breakfast Forum December 4

The Council once again joins forces with Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (ACTRA) to present the 9th annual Cybersecurity Breakfast Forum at Grand Canyon University. Are you ready to fortify your defenses against cyber threats? This is your chance to dive deep into the world of cybersecurity with top-tier government and business leaders. At the Cybersecurity Breakfast Forum, you’ll uncover the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences surrounding data security and privacy. Register >>

My View: Explore how life can be better for all with smart cities, IoT

Steve Zylstra, Council president and CEO, writes about the Council’s Smart City + IoT Conference and how it will showcase the latest in communication technology while attendees learn how urban landscapes will transform into smart, connected communities.! Read More >>

Arizona Technology Council and Advanced Energy United Hosts Arizona Corporation Commission Candidate Forum

On September 9, Arizona Technology Council and Advanced Energy United co-hosted an Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) candidate forum, bringing together interested member companies from both organizations to engage in thoughtful conversations and dialogue with ACC candidates. Read More >>

Steve Zylstra and Several Council Members Named Among 2024 Leaders of the Year in Public Policy

The Arizona Capitol Times recently announced the 2024 Leaders of the Year, recognizing 38 leaders, including the Council’s Steven G. Zylstra, who advance the interest of the people of Arizona. Also awarded were AZTC members Tammy McLeod from the Flinn Foundation, Mike Huckins from Greater Phoenix Chamber, Katherine Cecala from Jr. Achievement, Ruth Wylie from ASU, Autumn Johnson from Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association and Jason Bagley from Intel. Read More >>

Historic Federal Investments Fueling Arizona’s Success – But We Must Harness Their Full Potential

Dan Stellar, the state director of The Nature Conservancy in Arizona, and the Council’s Steve Zylstra recently penned an op-ed about the funding that Arizona has received from the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to support billions of investments supporting hundreds of clean energy projects in the state – a reason to be hopeful. Read More >>

Their Take: Keep Arizona’s Technology Industry Growing

Check out Steve’s recent op-ed about the importance of the Bayh-Dole Act and why protecting the act and its many positive achievements should be a top priority for policymakers in Washington. Register >>

4th Quarter VIP Tech Mixer: Hosted by Stockdale Capital Partners

Join us for an exclusive evening at the Q4 VIP Tech Mixer, hosted by the Council and Stockdale Capital Partners! Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 24, and experience the stunning Illume Innovation Center in Scottsdale. Mingle with our board members and fellow tech enthusiasts in a vibrant, modern setting. Enjoy delicious food, engaging conversations and a fantastic networking opportunity. Don’t miss out on this exciting event! Register >>

Tech Inclusion Forum: Disability Inclusion in Technology

In this second Tech Inclusion Forum of 2024, our panel of experts will explore the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the workplace, focusing on the current lack of inclusiveness and accessibility. Join us November 20! Register >>

The Council’s Political Action Committee advocates for tech companies at the local, state and federal level, vets political candidates and endorses those with track records in supporting pro-tech legislation. Support the PAC to take a stand for technology and bolstering Arizona’s economic recovery.

Tucson after5 Tech Mixer: November 15

Discover how Pima Community College’s Center of Excellence in Information Technology and Cybersecurity delivers an experiential approach to Cybersecurity education. Network with other professionals while touring the building and participating in labs. Register >>

The Council can be your one-stop shop for comprehensive healthcare and retirement benefits.

From our comprehensive health insurance product bundle managed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and DiMartino & Associates to the flexible and low-maintenance 401(k) Multiple Employer Plan offered by Empower and Legacy Wealth Management, the Council can be your one-stop shop for comprehensive employee benefits. Learn more about the Council’s Association Health Plan HERE and our 401(k) Multiple Employer Plan HERE.

• Resource Innovations Partners with Office of Resiliency to Launch ‘Efficiency Arizona’ Energy Saving Programs
• Navajo Nation receives funding to alleviate pollution concerns with orphaned gas, oil wells
• Mesa making strides on climate action plan
• Town of Gilbert to identify potential EV charging sites
• Tucson school board approves project to purchase 10 electric school buses
• Hopi Nation to receive funding for solar power project
• U of A researchers working to prevent EV battery fires
• U.S. Bureau of Land Management releases solar energy plan for 11 western states
• Hopi and Pima-Maricopa tribes win funding to help clean up pollution and transition to clean energy
• Biden Administration Announces Billions to Support America’s Battery Manufacturing Sector
• Arizona sees surge in clean energy jobs under Inflation Reduction Act, but some object to the cost
• New clean energy initiative brings jobs and lower costs to Arizona
• The impact of renewable energy on Arizona’s real estate market

Read the full report >>

CLICK HERE to learn more about benefits and opportunities available through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

2024 PLATINUM SPONSORS

2024 VISIONARY & CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

AGM Precision Machining | Alliance Bank | APS | Blue Canoe Marketing | Caterpillar | Full Swing Studios | Involta | Keap | Meta | Metz & Associates PLLC | MicroAge | MSS Business Transformation Advisory | Pima Community College | Rincon Research | Solugenix | Sonora Quest Laboratories | Sun Corridor Inc. | Tech Parks Arizona

Register for the Council’s upcoming Phoenix and Tucson tech events and Optics Valley optics + photonics events.