This Native American Heritage Month, we’d like to introduce you to Darryle Emerson, the Arizona Technology Council’s director of programs and events. He’d like to encourage everyone reading this blog post to find and support at least one indigenous business for your holiday gift shopping.
Benefits are a key part of any employee compensation package because they are essential to attracting and retaining top talent. As you plan to take your career to the next level, so too should you be more discerning of the employee benefits packages that employers offer. In fact, 51% of employees view benefits as a vital part of their decision on whether to stay on with their current jobs or move on to the next one. With that being said, some 83% of companies are now looking to enhance their benefits packages to meet their employees’ needs halfway and ensure they attract and keep the best talent.
Arizona Commerce Authority recently announced 15 finalists have been selected for the 2022 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC). The finalists will advance to the final round of the competition, after which judges will select up to 10 companies as AIC awardees for 2022. The AIC is designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by helping early-stage ventures scale. 2021 AIC Finalists who were chosen as 2021 AIC Awardees include Bluetail, an online aircraft document, records and data platform, Navi Nurses, a concierge nurse provider, and VIVAHR, which provides hiring software for small businesses.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is vying for federal funds by highlighting its work globally and its current and future operations at its planned Phoenix factory. In response to the U.S. Department of Commerce request for information on the implementation of the CHIPS incentives program, TSMC said that the CHIPS Program Office should prioritize grant applicants that have a “long successful track record in advanced logic fabrication, R&D and existing sizable headcount that offers decisive proof points that the incentives provided will lead to a successful investment result.”
Alabama will soon welcome an Arizona green manufacturer that will invest more than $1.1 billion bringing a facility to the state. Tempe-headquartered First Solar Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) plans to establish a photovoltaic (PV) solar module manufacturing facility in Lawrence County, creating more than 700 new jobs in North Alabama. According to a release, the factory is part of the company’s previously announced investment in scaling its American manufacturing footprint to more than 10 gigawatts by 2025.
Yesterday, utility regulators at Arizona Corporation Commission approved new energy saving programs for Arizona Public Service (APS) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) customers. The energy efficiency programs, unique to each service territory, will give customers more options to save money on their utility bills and improve the health and safety of individuals. The decision to approve $97 million annually for both utilities includes funding for several new offerings, such as Advanced Rooftop Controls that improve indoor air quality for public schools and expanded access to home weatherization services that can make or break many customers’ electric bills.
Viavi Solutions boosts Arizona economy with opening of optical production facility and new headquarters; Apple to buy chips from TSMC semiconductor plant; Phantom Space heralds milestone with successful rocket engine test; Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce announces 2023 inductees for 28th annual Scottsdale History Hall of Fame; November 2022 episode of AZTechCast focuses on doing business with the public sector and features speakers from the Arizona Department of Administration; Google Cloud and Traversant Group; The PMO Squad earns Platinum Medallion from U.S. Department of Labor; 15 unique resume skills to stand out in a sea of candidates according to BestCompanies AZ; Axon stock surges after company reports Q3 revenue gains; TSMC could be planning another $12B investment in Phoenix; Arizona allocates $100 million to Arizona Commerce Authority to boost semiconductor industry in state; Terkel shares 10 reasons why e-waste recycling is important; how Grand Canyon University keeps its curriculum updated to meet the needs of today’s workforce; Qwick unveils all-new brand celebrating the hospitality industry; Digital Air Strike awarded and speaking at two industry events showcasing CX tech that solves top automotive challenges; Sprouts partners with DoorDash for grocery delivery; second annual Avnet Insights survey finds that chip shortage underscores opportunity to strengthen strategic relationships; Per Scholas expands to Phoenix to offer free tech training for high-growth IT positions; Waymo and Sky Harbor partner to offer ‘ride-hail’ service to downtown Phoenix; Quarles & Brady names new managing partner for Phoenix office; Honeywell Aerospace providing component for B-52 bomber’s upgrade; Intel’s Mobileye jumps nearly 38% after target-topping IPO; and October 2022 episode of AZTechCast focuses on Arizona’s contributions to the James Webb Telescope and features speakers from 4D Technology, the University of Arizona’s Astronomy Department and Viavi Solutions.
AZ Corporation Commission approves changes to plan to expand wind power in Arizona; Arizona plans to give millions to ASU for water innovation, research; Lucid delivers first of its lower-priced Touring EVs; Nikola partners to accelerate charging infrastructure solutions; ASU leads $25M project to develop climate and environmental laboratory; Nov. 10 Arizona Electrification Summit convened energy leaders, highlighted new federal grants and tax incentives; EV fleet service provider signs purchase order for 100 zero-emission Nikola Tre battery-electric trucks; Chairwoman Lea Márquez Peterson proposes that APS partner with local startups and entrepreneurs to promote venture capital and innovation in Arizona energy industry; SRP honors Valley businesses for outstanding efforts in energy efficiency and being green leaders; EV carbon footprint will decrease over time, report says; driving an electric vehicle doesn’t need to cause range anxiety; Lucid enhances ownership experience with official line of Lucid vehicle accessories; SRP signs deal for two more battery storage stations to handle peak power demand; eight Arizona school districts get federal funding for electric school buses; Lectric eBikes announces new XP 3.0 model, next step in becoming greatest urban transportation solution; My View: Arizona policymakers set pace for innovators – and us – to keep water in our future; Cordia launches as new energy solutions provider dedicated to sustainability; and Phoenix private sector leads effort to build electric charging stations.
The Arizona Corporation Commission has approved a modification to a plan for new transmission lines. The vote could pave the way for more wind energy in Arizona. The SunZia Southwest Transmission Project will move wind power from central New Mexico to substations in Pinal County, bringing clean energy to rural communities and California markets.
Viavi Solutions Inc. announced it has opened its new production facility in Chandler, Arizona. The company has added to U.S. manufacturing capacity as it has grown its presence in the state, including the move of its global headquarters. Since preparations to move its global headquarters from California began in 2021, the company has already made significant contributions to the business and technology community.