TechTalk enews: June 2019
GPEC launches a unique campaign to attract high-tech companies, IMNA announces its board of directors, ASU jumps to top 10 in global patent rankings, Axon provides updates on tech upgrades and market opportunities, Solera Health recognized for industry leadership, Republic Services promotes two execs in its C-suite, Phoenix Sky Harbor lays out a long-term, big-picture expansion plan, and more. See the full update here.
Spring 2019 Arizona Innovation Challenge awardees announced
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) announced the selection of 10 awardees in the Spring 2019 Arizona Innovation Challenge, its business plan competition designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by helping early-stage ventures scale. All awardees will participate in Venture Ready, the ACA’s rigorous, year-long mentorship program that connects early-stage companies with other founders, senior executives and subject matter experts to further refine business plans and investor pitches. Read more about this group of talented entrepreneurs.
CEO Chuck Vermillion nominated for Entrepreneur of The Year
Chuck Vermillion, CEO of AccountabilIT, is an unstoppable entrepreneur and an innovative leader. only a few leaders are part of a special group: the ones who never give up. Driven by their desire to better the world around them, they stop at nothing to achieve their greatest ambitions. They cut through the noise of this transformative age by breaking away from the pack — and then end up leading it. Read more about Vermillion’s history of proven success.
Coplex sets its sights on high-growth potential tech companies
On the heels of the expansion of its executive staff, board of directors and mentor network, Coplex recently announced a $2.5 million equity financing round. Coplex will use the funds for market expansion, focused on building the infrastructure required to support the start of over 60 high-growth tech companies in 2019. Coplex is also launching a corporate venture builder program designed for enterprises looking to create high-growth tech “spin-outs.” Read more about Coplex’s ambitious plans.
MSS recognized as one of 2019’s Top Companies to Work For
This honorable feat is the result of the consulting firm’s ongoing commitment to innovation, transparency and devotion to the Arizona community. MSS exemplifies what it means to be a top Arizona company and has worked for the last few decades to support not only Arizona’s growth, but the growth of their work culture and environment. Learn how MSS employees have created a unique work culture.
Solugenix Knowledge19 Conference: 5 top customer service trends
Achieving superior customer care has become increasingly more challenging for businesses. There’s no margin for error in a digital era of near-instant gratification and customers with very little patience. Learn the top trends to maintaining customer loyalty for your business.
KEO Marketing: Top social media marketing & web design firm
The Phoenix Business Journal recently honored KEO Marketing as a Top Web Design Firm and Top Women-Owned Business. Led by CEO Sheila Kloefkorn, KEO Marketing is a leading B2B marketing agency that delivers tangible and substantial results for some of the world’s largest brands. Read more about KEO Marketing’s expertise and innovation.
Tucson, Arizona: From black boxes to the boneyard
Tucson’s sunshine and low humidity not only are attractive to tourists and residents. They also are two of the many reasons why Tucson is a key player in the aerospace & defense industry. This white paper written by Commercial Real Estate Group of Tucson identifies a number of reasons why Tucson has been, and continues to be, a hub for aerospace and defense industry leaders and suppliers. Learn why commercial and government-contracted companies find a ready workforce and a supportive business environment in Tucson.
SRP is on the path to becoming a sustainability leader
Setting a positive example for electric utilities across the nation, SRP’s board of directors voted to reduce water consumption and waste while increasing commitments to energy efficiency and electric vehicles, each of which can save money for SRP ratepayers. Read more about SRP’s commitment to building a sustainable future.
Driving innovation as we power our future
Forward thinking, eco-friendly businesses are increasingly expecting their electricity to come from renewable sources. After all, for many companies, renewable energy is the future. Unfortunately, the state is stuck in the past as far as renewable energy regulations are concerned. While increasing the Renewable Energy Standard & Tariff (REST) in 2006 was notable, Arizona has since fallen behind many other states in setting a strong REST. It’s time for Arizona to catch up. Read the article in the Phoenix Business Journal.
June 2019 Preferred Business Partner
As a member of the Council, you now have greater access to Pacific Office Automation, a recognized leader in office management solutions that offers workflow solutions to help businesses thrive and makes office printing and IT easy. Pacific Office Automation’s motto is “Problem Solved.” That means providing custom office solutions that are fast, efficient and secure. The result: a connected and highly productive office that functions at top efficiency, whether it’s a one-person shop that wants document management advice or a Fortune 500 company concerned with network security. To learn how Pacific Office Automation can help your business stand out from the competition, visit www.pacificoffice.com.
Arizona Technology Council is now accepting GCOI nominations
The Arizona Technology Council, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), honors technology leaders and innovators from across the state with the 16th annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards. Nominations for the prestigious tech awards are open to all Arizona companies. View the award categories and download the nomination form applicable to your organization: www.aztechcouncil.org/event/gcoi2019. The deadline to submit GCOI nominations is Friday, July 26, 2019.
2019 CEO Leadership Retreat
Escape the heat and head north for this two-day event that gathers business owners, presidents and CEOs for speakers, workshops, keynote presentations, golf, wine tasting and networking. The Council’s 12th annual CEO Retreat is August 8-9 in beautiful Prescott, Ariz. The event will take place at the historic Hassayampa Inn with golf at Capital Canyon Golf Club. View the action-packed agenda and register to attend…this is one event you don’t want to miss!
TechConnect Magazine: the Energy Issue
The future is really about alternatives. More specifically, that means renewable energy. Having a finger on the pulse of how energy powers Arizona’s economic development, businesses and startups, the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority are pleased to release its Spring 2019 issue of TechConnect Magazine: the Energy Issue.
Tech shifts, Arizona’s growing tech hub, and becoming the Silicon Desert
Grab your favorite beverage and listen to some Arizona tech titans on Phoenix Business Radio’s recent podcast featuring Arizona Technology Council President + CEO Steve Zylstra, PADT Co-founder Eric Miller, MSS Business Transformation’s Managing Director David Lee, and SciTech Institute Board Chairman Bob Witwer.