Business Facilities -November 2008

BUSINESS REPORT Arizona By Jenny Vickers Sky’s the Limit for High Tech in the Grand Canyon State A skilled, knowledge-based workforce and a competitive business climate have given Arizona one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation. A rizona’s tech sector is heating up the sun-kissed state due to a number of unique university programs and government economic development initiatives, as well as a growing biotech hub. Businesses interested in expanding and relocating to Arizona will find one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation, a skilled, knowledge-based workforce, and a competitive business climate and tax structure. Phoenix, the state’s capital, is now the fifth most populated city in the country. The Grand Canyon State is well known for its technology-related industry specializing in semiconductors, aerospace and defense, navigation and controls, and business information services. One of the largest portion’s of the state’s high-tech industry is semiconductor manufacturing, which produces chips for a myriad of consumer electronic products such as MP3 players, cell phones, and computers. The industry was recently enhanced when ASIC North, a Vermont-based semiconductor design company, announced plans to expand its operations to Tempe in September, creating 25 new jobs with an annual payroll of $1.75 million. Its location in Tempe puts the company in close proximity to other major semiconductor producers such as Intel, Freescale, Microchip Technology and ON Semiconductor. After looking at many locations, including the Pacific Northwest, North Carolina and Austin, TX, ASIC North selected metro Phoenix because of its large semiconductor industry, good transportation and proximity to Silicon Valley, where many of the firm’s customers are located. “ASIC North is growing into new markets,” says ASIC North president Mike Slattery. “After surveying many cities it was apparent metro Phoenix was the best choice to provide the new business opportunities and skilled workforce needed for our expansion.” Arizona also is home to a burgeoning bioscience industry. According to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, bioscience employment and number of establishments has outpaced nationwide growth since 2002. Between 2002 and 2006, employment in Arizona’s bioscience industry increased 18.5 percent (compared to ARIZONA FAST FACTS Population (2006): 6,166,318 Largest Cities (2005): Phoenix, 1,461,575; Tucson, 515,526; Mesa, 442,780; Glendale 239,435 Targeted Industries: biotech, environmental technology, food, fiber and natural products, optics, advanced composites, metal fabrication, transportation and distribution, software Key Incentives: Commerce and Economic Development Commission grants; R&D Tax Credit Program; Enterprise Zones; Governor’s Strategic Plan for Economic Development; Arizona Technology Incubator; Small Business Innovative Research Loans INVESTMENT ACTIVITY • Abraxis BioScience CEO, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, announced a $14-million letter of intent to establish Catapult Bio, a nonprofit that will accelerate research to commercialization. • Science Foundation Arizona is committed to investing $100 million over the next four years to strengthen the region’s existing scientific, medical and engineering research infrastructure. • The $20-million TRAC fund finances early-stage life science companies located in Arizona or those planning to move to the state. • Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale received a $49-million grant to accelerate cancer research and treatment. • The Angel Investment program is a state tax credit to expand early-stage investments for targeted. BUSINESS FACILITIES 35

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Business Facilities -November 2008 Contents First Word Sanpshots Corporate Moves: Utah Kodak Develops a Megasite in Upstate New York Anatomy of a Deal: Studley Finds a New Space for Myspace Metro Spotlight: Johnson City, TN A Renaissance of Growth in Medical Plastics The Lone Star State Flexes Its Muscles Asia: A Portrait of Growth Sky's the Limit for High-tech in Arizona Corporate Moves: Pennsylvania Ohio Leads the Way Alabama's Tide Rolls to the Future IEDC 2008 Award Winners Advertiser Index Introducing Navigator Livexchange

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