How does TREO attract new businesses?

Attraction activities usually start with an analysis of targeted industries or “clusters.” This process analyzes the growing industrial segments of the national economy and compares these growth sectors with the local community’s industrial base. It examines why these sectors are growing or not growing in the local community. It determines reasons why some segments are not suited for the local economy (too distant from markets, workforce shortages, etc.) and what gaps might be filled to make the local community more desirable to these companies. It looks at companies that are a “good fit” for the community and that can diversify the local economic base.

When TREO launched its Economic Blueprint, the report identified 10 industry clusters that were evaluated as having the greatest business development potential in the Tucson region. In a phased approach, that list has now been narrowed down to four industry clusters that TREO will proactively target (in Phase 1) for business development opportunities. A strong, proactive focus on these industries will be critical to diversifying our economy.

The four targeted industries are: 1) Aerospace & Defense; Tucson is among the top 5 regions in the U.S.; 2) Biotechnology; regional assets are growing and the state strategy is already strong; 3) Solar; an emerging industry and a natural fit for the Tucson region; and 4) Transportation & Logistics; Tucson is building on an already strategic location.

Business attraction programs then develop an advertising and marketing effort, usually a combination of the following: