The Leader - July/August 2008 - (Page 59)

executIve p r o f Il e by megan mccann greg Weiner arizona’s greg Weiner fINdINg the Best possIBle solutIoNs for BusINess Editor’s note: Greg Weiner is the Director of Business Attraction for the Arizona Department of Commerce. Since 2004, he has assisted in locating 60 projects in Arizona, generating $1.2 billion in capital investment and creating more than 14,000 jobs with a combined payroll of $681 million. leader: cer therapeutics, bioengineering and neurological sciences. leader: leader: What do you think is unique about the way your organization works? WeINer: Give our readers a few examples of companies, large and small, that have located or expanded their businesses in the state in the last few years. How and why did they choose Arizona? WeINer: Arizona competes in a global economy in which companies are looking for places that offer them access to markets, talent and technology. How is the state positioned to compete? WeINer: Arizona brings together all the key elements for success in a global economy: access to markets; talent; technology; plus a location that offers operating cost advantages. Recognizing nationally-projected skilled work force shortages, knowledgebased businesses look to expand in highgrowth areas. Arizona boasts one of the most attractive work forces in the nation. Arizona has well-established technology industries including aerospace, electronics, optics and semiconductors. And, the state considered a growing force in environmental technologies, nanotechnology, and life sciences. The spirit of collaboration is alive and well in Arizona; in just the last few years, Arizona’s private and public partnerships have established the state as a leader in can- Last fiscal year, the Arizona Department of Commerce (ADOC) successfully completed 47 projects with total capital investment of nearly $1.7 billion. ADOC managed to retain the proving ground operations of both GM and Chrysler by repositioning them within the state and working with them to reduce operating costs. Cancer Treatment Centers of America was looking for a location in the West because of population demographics. Arizona succeeded on that project due to operating cost advantages, superior flight frequency and affordability, and collaborative opportunities in cancer therapeutics. From the international community, we welcomed Ubidyne, a German engineering firm in the telecommunications sector that needed Arizona’s skilled work force. Finally, cost advantages and work force strengths are driving Arizona’s success in attracting manufacturing firms across many sectors including concrete products (Skycast), glass (Pilkington Glass), and steel (CMC Steel). The Arizona Department of Commerce is the only agency in the state that serves as a single point of contact for statewide site selection, business and community development, coordinating with regional and local economic development groups. Arizona is a great place to live, but business decisions in a global economy are driven by costs, taxes and a host of comparative analysis data points that form the core of our work with prospects. leader How will your organization continue to evolve to maintain its competitive edge? WeINer In the private sector, companies stay competitive by listening to their customers, thinking strategically and bringing value to the transaction. This is a simple paradigm that can work for economic development organizations and certainly has worked for ADOC and the many companies we have assisted over the years. Armed with technical expertise, financial and business experience, Commerce will continue to work with clients to find the best possible solutions for the business. the le ade r 59 May / J u N e

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Leader - July/August 2008

The Leader - July/August 2008 Leadership Contents Message from the CEO Real Estate in the News Organizational Design Accommodating Growth Responding to the Challenge EMEA's Building Energy Rating TVA's Shortcut to Success ANZ Banking Group’s Jane Hamilton Tractus Asia’s Dennis Messeroll Arizona’s Greg Weiner Workplace Design Workplace Directory The Texas Report Industry Tracker Discovery Forum Findings Career Development Congratulations to 2008 Corenet Global Award Winners! Young Leader Economic Development in the News Connect with Corenet Global A Look Ahead

The Leader - July/August 2008

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