Revised Rates Would Be Lowest of Any State with an Income Tax, says Tax Foundation analysts. (An Arizona Senate committee has voted for a 'flat tax' . The Senate Finance committee voted 4-2 this week to pass the income tax reform which would eliminate some deductions including those for mortgage interest, charitable donations and those for dependents. The house has already passed a similar version of the bill. Analysis shows nearly nine out of 10 Arizonans would pay higher taxes under the … [Read more...] about Analysis of AZ Income Tax Reform
State
Expansion of Solar Industry in Arizona
Governor Jan Brewer is announcing expansion of First Solar Manufacturing Company. Headquartered in Tempe, the company will expand its presence in Arizona with a 135-acre technology campus in Mesa. Their initial investment totals $300 million and is expected to create 600 quality jobs – with the potential for far more in the years to come. “This is thrilling news for Arizona. First Solar has become a global leader in the renewable energy field, and its commitment to Arizona today further … [Read more...] about Expansion of Solar Industry in Arizona
NAU Boosts Local Economy –- Businesses Thrive
Northern Arizona University is a prominent player in the economic vitality of Flagstaff and the state of Arizona. That’s according to a report recently released by NAU’s Arizona Rural Policy Institute. The report, The Economic Contributions of Northern Arizona University to the State of Arizona in 2010, claims that NAU has contributed nearly $1.5 billion to the state’s economy during the last fiscal year. Rich Bowen, NAU vice president of development and sustainability said, “We bring … [Read more...] about NAU Boosts Local Economy –- Businesses Thrive
Governor Announces Economic Competitiveness Package
PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today called the Legislature into Special Session for the consideration of a comprehensive plan to put Arizona back to work. Known as the Arizona Competitiveness Package, the proposal includes a mix of targeted business incentives and broad tax reforms designed to rev the Arizona economy. “The Competitiveness Package will make Arizona a magnet for business expansion, relocation, capital formation and investment,” said Governor Brewer. “This is our roadmap for … [Read more...] about Governor Announces Economic Competitiveness Package
AZ Bioscience Jobs Grew During Recession
During the recessionary years of 2008-09, bioscience jobs in Arizona grew by 7 percent while Arizona’s overall private sector lost 11 percent of its jobs, according to a new performance analysis of Arizona’s bioscience sector, commissioned by the Flinn Foundation. The annual study by the Battelle Technology Partnership Practice found that Arizona continues to outpace the nation in generating bioscience jobs and firms, and the state has reached an all-time high in grants awarded by the … [Read more...] about AZ Bioscience Jobs Grew During Recession
Cementing Hopes for Regional and National Economic Growth
Drake Cement’s nearly-complete $310 million production plant is located within Yavapai County in Paulden, Arizona – once a historic ghost town and about 60 miles southwest of Flagstaff. Bringing Drake to the region is expected to employ approximately 550 people in construction projects and provide 90 full-time jobs within the plant. Local and Regional Development Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Ab Jackson envisions Drake as a critical first step in expanding regional … [Read more...] about Cementing Hopes for Regional and National Economic Growth
Governor’s Flagstaff Speech
(Governor Jan Brewer's speech in Flagstaff today, addressing the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce annual luncheon. These remarks were made at the High Country Conference Center at Northern Arizona University.) Good afternoon. Today I found out, I received a call on my cell phone from someone who said, 'Congratulations. You now have served two years as the governor of Arizona.' So I have an anniversary today. Anyway, I want to share with you today, some other really important milestones … [Read more...] about Governor’s Flagstaff Speech
Governor Addresses Flagstaff This Week
Gov. Jan Brewer will discuss the state of Arizona, key aspects of the upcoming legislative session and the recently formed Arizona Commerce Authority during her keynote speech at the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & ATHENA Awards ceremony on Friday, January 21, 2011. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. at the High Country Conference Center. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Gov. Brewer and have her address the largest annual business gathering in Northern Arizona,” said … [Read more...] about Governor Addresses Flagstaff This Week
Cautious Optimism For Arizona Business
While many people say Arizona’s economic recovery is going to be slower than other states, there seems to be a consensus that things will improve in this new year. A change is welcomed at Hunt’s True Value Lumber in Flagstaff. They have had an up close look at the outcomes of the near halt in construction. President Curtis Crane describes his company as a partnership business. “We partner with builders, remodelers and do-it-yourselfers. And there are few incentives … [Read more...] about Cautious Optimism For Arizona Business