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President's Message
As TREO's third year of operation comes to a close on June 30, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on some of our achievements, as well as fill you in on some of our plans for the future.
TREO's third year has been its most successful yet. We have increased our number of attraction, expansion and relocation projects over Fiscal Year 2006-2007, and a greater percentage of the companies are in our targeted industries, which translates into higher wages for the jobs created. This has led to national recognition of Tucson as a competitor in the global economy.
In Fiscal Year 2007-2008, TREO:
- Attracted, expanded and retained 14 companies
- Reported a 40% increase over Fiscal Year 2006-2007 in attraction/recruitment
- Reported 44% direct new primary jobs created in target industries
You will be proud that in such a short time, TREO has been able to provide such a high return on investment. In fact, for every $1 invested in TREO, $120 is returned to the community in new wealth.
In TREO's three years of operation there have been a total of 25 major relocation and expansion projects announced in the Tucson region, resulting in thousands of new jobs and a $1.1 billion fiscal and economic impact (Source: Applied Economics). Click here for a map of TREO's relocation and expansion projects since inception.
Also, TREO is well on its way to implementing a targeted industry specific business development approach, with a focus on aerospace, bioscence, solar, and transportation and logistics companies. This targeted approach includes industry specific marketing materials, programs and web sites; proactive efforts to meet with companies in these industries; and the formation of TREO Industry Advisory Councils in each of the four target areas.
These councils are being formed with the help of local industry experts who will provide guidance to TREO on opportunities and/or issues of concern related to expansion, relocation, partnerships, supply chain, and other key issues. The councils will also advise TREO on marketing strategies and programs to best reach key decision makers in these industries. The councils are continuing to be formed and will meet periodically throughout the year.
Results of these targeted efforts are already positive, including the announcement of solar manufacturer Schletter Inc. choosing Tucson as the location of its first U.S. facility.
As we move into our fourth year of operation, the TREO staff is working hard towards our goal of improving High-Skilled/High-Wage jobs in the community. We look forward to another exciting year, including the unveiling of the first annual Community Report Card on Oct. 2.
On behalf of our Board of Directors and the entire TREO staff I would like to thank you all for your support of economic development in the Tucson region.
TREO Expands Private Sector on Board
Four New Leaders Join TREO Board
TREO has welcomed four new leaders representing the private sector to its Board of Directors. They are:
- Omar Mireles, Executive Vice President, HSL Properties, Inc.
- James Pignatelli, Chairman, President and CEO of UniSource Energy Corporation
- Christopher Sheafe, President, C. Sheafe Company
- Sarah Brown Smallhouse, President, Brown Family Foundations
New Tucson Chamber Chair Joins Board
Bonnie Allin, President and CEO of Tucson Airport Authority, has joined TREO's Board of Directors upon her appointment as Chair of the Board of the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (TMCC). Allin replaces Steve Christy, TMCC's previous Chairman.
A new TMCC Chair is elected annually, resulting in a new TREO Board member each year as a representative of the Chamber. TREO would like to thank Steve Christy for his year of service on the TREO Board, and we wish him luck on his future endeavors.
Blueprint Mobilization Update
Community Report Card
As part of the implementation of the Economic Blueprint, TREO plans to issue a Community Report Card on the Tucson region in 2008 and annually in subsequent years.
TREO has secured University of Arizona experts to develop the Report Card, measuring year to year how the community is doing in achieving a competitive economy.
These report cards, common among highly competitive communities, measure regional progress of indicators of economic health, prosperity and competitiveness. They tell us, based on an agreed set of measures among all of the organizations, whether we are advancing, falling behind or maintaining status quo - and most importantly, where our opportunities lie ahead.
Don't miss the unveiling of the baseline Community Report Card at TREO's Annual Luncheon Oct. 2, 2008 at Hilton El Conquistador. More details to come.
Mobilization Council Update
In May and early June, TREO held a series of meetings with members of the Blueprint Mobilization Council where they reviewed data and prioritized action steps for implementing strategies in the Blueprint. The prioritization and action items generated during these meetings will be incorporated into the Community Report Card published later this year, based on recommendations from subcommittee members representing these Power of Five focus areas: Educational Excellence, Urban Renaissance, Livable Communities, and Collaborative Governance & Stewardship.
Business Development Update
Business Development activity has been high in the first half of 2008.
Current Deal Flow:
Active Projects by Industry
Call Center - 3
Manufacturing - 11
Other/Professional Services - 10
Transportation/Warehousing - 1
Total - 25
Potential Jobs by Industry
Call Center - 200
Manufacturing/R&D - 245
Other/Professional Services - 835
Transportation/Warehousing - N/A
Known Total Jobs - 1,280
Sources of Inquiry (FY 07-08)
Site Selector - 6
ADOC - 12
Company Direct - 85
Total - 103
Click here to download information on Business Development activity for Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
Latest Business Development News
Schletter Chooses Tucson for First U.S. Location
Schletter Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of solar mounting systems based in Germany, has chosen Tucson for its first U.S.-based operations center. The new operation is located in a 22,000 sq. foot facility at 2520 N. Jackrabbit Ave.
The expansion came as a result of the efforts of the Arizona Global Network (AGN), a super regional marketing alliance designed to promote foreign direct investment in the state, and Global Advantage, a joint partnership of University of Arizona, TREO and other international business partners. Schletter worked with Realty Executives to broker the deal. Click here to read the full press release.
New Afni, Inc. Contact Center Opens Doors for Business
June 11 - Afni, Inc. a premeir provider of specialized call center, collections and insurance services for the nation's leading companies, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of its Riverside Crossing contact center at 5320 N. La Cholla Blvd. The 53,000 square-foot facility will house 700 employees at full capacity.
"We love Tucson because of the quality of the employees' work ethic," said Bruce Griffin, Afni CEO and Chairman. "This new contact center location is truly a place where our employees can live, work and play."
Click here to read the press release announcing Afni's expansion and groundbreaking in August 2007.
TREO and Tucson in the News
Since TREO was formed in July 2005 there have been more than 300 media articles on TREO or economic development news in Tucson.
In 2008 alone, there have been several significant feature articles as well as new national rankings of Tucson. Click on the links below to read the articles or rankings:
Articles:
Arizona Commercial Real Estate magazine, May/June 2008 -"Rough & Tumble Town"
Optics & Laser Europe magazine, May 2008 - "Entrepreneurial spirit creates optical oasis"
Business Facilities magazine, March 2008 - "Outside the Biotechnology Clusters"
Rankings:
Men's Journal, June 2008 - Tucson was named to the magazine's list of the top 5 best places to live. The magazine ranks cities based on career opportunities, access to nature and the quality of urban life. The magazine recognized Tucson for its bike paths, Mexican food and natural amenities. Portland, Ore., topped the list, and Tucson joined Seattle, San Diego and Memphis, Tenn., as the next best four (in no particular order).
Newsweek magazine, May 2008 - BASIS Charter School was ranked as the top public school in the United States. The ranking is based on Newsweek's Challenge Index, which is the number of college-level tests, such as the Advanced Placement exam, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge tests, divided by the number of graduating seniors. This is the third straight year BASIS has been honored with a top 10 ranking.
MSNBC.com, May 2008 - Tucson ranked #55 on a list of the top 100 cities to raise a family.
Fortune Small Business magazine, March 2008 - The magazine named Oro Valley #44 on its list of the "100 Best Places to Live and Launch."
Forbes magazine, March 2008 - Tucson ranked #49 on a list of the Best Places for Business and Careers among the nation's 200 largest cities. The region also ranked #27 for job growth.
Self magazine, December 2007 - Tucson ranked #1 healthiest environment for women, cited for its combination of clean air, water and land, making Tucson the most eco-friendly place to be.
Investor News
Town of Marana
Despite the recent economic downturn, the Town of Marana has continued to move forward in its plans to create a vibrant and sustainable downtown in the heart of the community. In May, the Marana Town Council approved the geographic designation of a Single Central Business District stretching along Interstate 10 from Tangerine Road to north of Marana Road. This corridor highlights what will be the commercial core of the Marana community, and the Council’s decision allows the Town the ability to research incentives to stimulate business investment and job growth in the area.
Earlier this year, the Marana Council approved a downtown road alignment plan, created after months of engineering studies and public discussion about how to maintain the long-term viability of the existing Marana business community along north Sandario Road while ensuring adequate roadway infrastructure to handle anticipated downtown commercial and residential growth. The approved alignment for Marana Main Street and improvements to Marana Road do both, allowing for a pedestrian-friendly downtown center while preserving businesses that have been in Marana for decades.
Additional plans for Marana's downtown call for shopping, eateries and services, as well as a hotel and public gathering places. For more information about the Town of Marana, visit www.marana.com.
Upcoming Events
Save the Date
Save the Date for TREO's Annual Luncheon, to be held Thursday, Oct. 2 at Hilton El Conquistador. This year's luncheon will feature the unveiling of the 2008 Community Report Card.
The 2008 TREO Annual Luncheon will once again be sponsored by Cox Communications, who will provide the results of its annual consumer survey at the event.
New and Renewed Investors
Thank you to the TREO Investors who have renewed their commitment to supporting economic development in Tucson as well as our new investor: Commerce Bank of Arizona.
New renewals since March:
Carondelet Health Network
COX Communications
Environmental Strategies
First National Bank
Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc.
Goodmans Interior Structure
Quarles & Brady LLP
Southwest Gas Corporation
Tucson Newspapers
TucsonRealty & Trust
Walsh Bros. Office Environments
Wells Fargo
Order Your Economic Profile Today
Additional copies of TREO's 2008 Economic Profile are available for only $10, or buy in bulk and save money!
TREO's Economic Profile provides an assessment of the Tucson regional economy including information on the business environment, workforce, population, employment, demographics, cost of living, housing, and lifestyle. It is a valuable resource guide for national site selectors and top corporate real estate decision makers as well as local CEOs and business owners.
Click here for a sample of the Profile, including an order form. For more information about TREO's Economic Profile, contact erin.coulter@treoaz.org.
Did you know?
TREO's website features Success Stories and photos from local businesses and organizations in the Tucson region. Click here to read the Success Stories.
Would you like your business or organization to be featured on TREO's website as a Business Success Story? Contact Erin.Coulter@treoaz.org or call 520-243-1935 for more information.
120 North Stone Ave., Suite 200
Tucson, Arizona 85701
520.243.1900 * 1.866.600.0331 * Fax 520.243.1910
www.treoaz.org
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