TechTalk eNews: April 2022

Nikola shows off Coolidge factory with deliveries expected this quarter; Mesa Community College names new president; Raytheon wins large contract to work on new class of Navy destroyers; Grand Canyon University to graduate largest graduating class in history in 2021-22 academic year; Oryx Additive announces the Oryx Partnership Program; ASU plants ‘mechanical tree’ on Tempe campus to remove carbon dioxide; Banner Health to build new hospital in Buckeye; ASU and Wells Fargo want to make sustainability ‘everyday’ and actionable; UArizona tops out new Applied Research building in Tucson; University of Advancing Technology environmental studies students explore Arizona energy sources; Axon acquires virtual reality studio that makes training modules for corporate clients; UArizona Center for Innovation launches incubator outpost at Biosphere 2; Kore Power closes on 214-acre site in Buckeye; DocSolid expands leadership team with new senior director of services; Qwick eyes a four-day workweek to double workforce; Intel, Maricopa Community College District launch first-of-its-kind AI lab; Banner, UArizona and Space X partner to host aerospace surgery fellowship; Raytheon signs large contract for US Navy radar systems; Waymo expanding driverless taxi service to downtown Phoenix; Arizona allows storage of state ID, driver’s license on Apple‘s Wallet app; and Intel hopes to increase workforce diversity by 2030 through two Valley programs. Read the complete update >>

Tune in to the Council’s next TechCast episode TODAY, April 29 from 1:00-2:00pm MST on Phoenix Business RadioX.

By emphasizing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in hiring, Arizona businesses can position the state as a more vibrant economic powerhouse that sets a precedent nationally and globally. Join the Council today, April 29 from 1:00-2:00pm to hear a group of leaders from One Community AZ, FairHire, the Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired and SHRM share tips for how to build a talented and diverse team. This is one podcast episode you won’t want to miss.

Listen >>

Join the Council in Washington, DC on May 11-12 to help influence national technological policy priorities.

The DC Fly-In is right around the corner! AZTC member companies are invited to accompany Steve Zylstra on a trip to DC on May 11-12 for legislative briefings, policymaker panel discussions, an inside view of the 2022 mid-term elections and Capitol Hill visits with members of Congress. Plan your trip today!

Register >>

Introducing AZTC’s 2021 Annual Report: Resurgence

The Council is proud to present its 2021 Annual Report, designed by Ideas Collide. Centered on “resurgence,” this report highlights how Arizona’s economy and technology ecosystem are coming back to life and thriving like never before.

Read more >>

Note from the president & CEO: Offer a 401(k) plan to attract and retain top talent

In today’s job market, it is important to offer a benefits package that attracts and retains top-tier technology talent. That’s why AZTC partnered with Empower Retirement and UBS Institutional Consulting Group to offer members exclusive access to our 401(k) Multiple Employer Plan.

Read more >>

Meet Jamie Neilson, director of operations for the Council’s Southern Arizona office 

In her four years of working for the Council, Jamie has become known for coordinating seamless events and creating strong relationships with members of the Tucson community. She also has the hook up for Girl Scout cookies!.

Read more >>

My View: Time is right to learn to be ‘cyber defensive’

As our workplaces become more remote, there is no telling how close any of us is to devastation with one wrong click. That’s why the Council, the ACA and ACTRA are planning the ninth annual Cybersecurity Summit on Thursday, May 12.

Read more >>

AZTC’s Q4 2021 Impact Report shows tech industry growth continues to grow state

The Council recently released its Q4 2021 AZ Tech Industry Impact Report, which showed that AZ’s tech industry multiplier has risen from 3.76 to 5.1. This means that for every 100 jobs added, 510 new jobs are created in other industries.

Read more >>

Our View: Semiconductors offer a chance for Arizona to play an award-winning role

Find out why Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council, and Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, are urging lawmakers to prioritize swift reconciliation of the the CHIPS for America Act and America Competes Act of 2022.

Read more >>

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.  

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your organization is protected against cybersecurity threats. Get a head start by RSVPing for AZTC’s Cybersecurity Summit!

Register >> 

Optics Valley invites you to the International Day of Light on Sunday, May 15 at Flandrau Planetarium in Tucson.

Save your spot for the next Tucson after5 Tech Mixer at World View on Tuesday, May 18 to tour their facility.

Queen Creek is new home for high-tech battery facility; Arizona lawmakers pass bill to restrict competition in electricity market; how businesses can cash in on infrastructure dollars coming to Arizona; utility company makes progress on infrastructure for Taiwan Semiconductor project in north Phoenix; federal infrastructure funds are flowing into Arizona — how local businesses tap in; study looks at attitudes toward plastic, sustainability and climate change; Valley solar services company plans further push into rental market after large raise; how the Phoenix East Valley is transforming electric vehicles industry; recycling solar panels is complicated — here’s how one Yuma company does it; energy companies engage Utilicast to oversee strategic improvement planning; science needs data to solve problems — climate change is making that harder; how high gasoline prices are affecting transportation across Arizona; how EVs will revolutionize transportation needs for small businesses; and Intel pledges net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Read the full report >>

2022 PLATINUM SPONSORS

2022 VISIONARY & CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

AGM Container Controls  |  Alliance Bank  |  Arizona Public Service  |  AudioEye  |  Blue Canoe Marketing | BlueYonder  | Caterpillar | cStor  |  Encora  |  Involta  |  Keap  | Meta | Metz & Associates PLLC | Michael Beach Consulting | MSS Business Transformation Advisory | Pacific Office Automation  |  Pima Community College  | Qwick | Rincon Research | Solugenix | Sun Corridor Inc. | Tech Parks Arizona | Waymo

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