Many Arizona tech companies and organizations already have rolled up their sleeves and are taking action. But this is no surprise to those who know that innovation and compassion are traits of Arizona’s technology community.
A large reason for Arizona’s growth in the technology sector can be attributed to the East Valley. Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert are home to some of the most prominent technology companies in the world, a thriving startup ecosystem and some of the nation’s top post-secondary and high school educational institutions for STEM.
Although we are now working remotely, the Council’s team is more dedicated than ever to supporting the development, growth and advancement of science- and technology-driven companies in Arizona, fostering a climate of creativity and community for its members, and strengthening the state as an innovation hub.
Agile. It’s a term we use in technology to describe the groups who have everyone and everything needed to get a new product out the door. Is that even possible when you’re by yourself facing what could be one of the most stressful situations in a generation? Arizona Technology Council CEO Steve Zylstra offers timely work advice during this critical time to stay productive, connected and sane.
You’ve no doubt had your fill of conjecture and fear from media coverage of the coronavirus. From the Centers for Disease Control to our own Gov. Doug Ducey, we’re getting the latest news on the few who are affected and what the vast majority of us should be doing to take care of ourselves. What gives me cause for confidence is knowing the solutions to this situation will come through innovation.
Arizona enjoys a diverse mix of tech industries and professions, with the average technology wage nearly double the average wage in non-tech sectors. Currently, employees in computer systems design, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace product and parts manufacturing account for roughly half of all annual wages across the state of Arizona.
As the Arizona Legislature approaches the midpoint of their current session, I would like to share with you some pending legislation lawmakers are considering that would not only support our technology community but also residents of Arizona. Two bills would extend two enormously successful tax credit programs while another measure would help fuel expansion of a mindset focused on science, technology, engineering and math.
Steven G. Zylstra, President and CEO of Arizona Technology Council, explains why the board’s New Economy Initiative is critical for Arizona’s workforce development and addresses economic challenges the state will face in the future.
With Arizona’s technology sector growing at a pace 40% faster than the rest of the nation, we are increasingly pleased with the Governor’s leadership in investing in K12, higher education and specifically in STEM. The Council is advocating for STEM ecosystem investment and cultivation as one of its 2020 legislative priorities, and we look forward to working with the Governor on making our vision a reality.
The Arizona Technology Council announced it has appointed Sandra Watson, president and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA); Austin D. Harris, vice president, Commercial Banking, Alliance Bank of Arizona; Sheila Kloefkorn, CEO, KEO Marketing Inc.; and Aaron Zeper, vice president, Customer Demand, MDSL, to its board of directors.