News from September 2015


New Arizona Office of Tourism exec helps plot marketing strategy

Travel and tourism are crucial to the state’s economic success, Stephanie Dowling, the new deputy director for the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) -- the only statewide marketing agency promoting the Grand Canyon State -- said.

Arizona breweries score big at Great American Beer Festival

The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild announced that of over 1,500 entrants vying for 275 awards, four Arizona breweries won medals at the Great American Beer Festival Saturday in Denver.

APS agrees not to raise rates if 'cost of service' hearings on solar power are held

In fairness to customers and to uphold Arizona's leadership in solar power, Arizona Public Service Company (APS) asked the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) late last week to hold “cost of service” hearings, postponing its previously requested grid-access fee increase.

Bank 34 expands in Arizona and names new director

Mortgage lending specialist Bank 34 said it has opened new branches in Arizona and New Mexico and named Jim Lyddon as director of residential lending to oversee the expansion. "This strategic step is consistent with our 80-year history of continually seeking to prudently expand our mortgage financing footprint geographically and competitively,” Bank 34 CEO Jill Gutierrez said.

Metso comes to Mesa, reflecting commitment to customer proximity

Metso Corp., a Finnish mining and aggregates industries and flow control firm, launched a Mesa, Arizona office with a grand opening Sept. 18 officiated by Metso's President for Mining and Aggregates Services Perttu Louhiluoto.

Nobilis Health expands hospital network to Phoenix area

Nobilis Health Corp. announced today its intention to jointly own and oversee the former Freedom Pain Hospital located in Scottsdale, Arizona, significantly expanding its presence in the American Southwest.

Tombstone Exploration Corp. stakes further territory in Yuma County

Scottsdale-based Tombstone Exploration Corp. announced today that as it stakes additional lands in Yuma County, Arizona, the company has appointed geologist Rob McEwen as vice president of exploration in conjunction with its expansion.

BAE Systems to ramp up production of lightweight body armor

Phoenix facility will manufacture armor for U.S. Army as part of $45 million contract.

Certive Solutions expands growth strategy through health care industry

Arizona-based company plans to cash in on U.S. health care reform.

Phoenix mayor co-hosts “Beyond Traffic” forum

To discuss America’s infrastructure, Transportation Deputy Secretary Victor Mendez and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton today hosted the second of 11 nationwide regional forums on the "Beyond Traffic" framework at Phoenix’s Steele Indian School Park.

Busy monsoon season keeps APS crews busy restoring power

After hurricane-strength winds destroyed utility poles in last week’s storm, Phoenix-based Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) followed right behind, well prepared to clean up after the storm disrupted power for hundreds of thousands of area electricity customers.

CellTrust a finalist for Arizona Technology Council award

Scottsdale mobile communication provider recognized as an innovative small business.

Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Coop agrees to purchase deal for new solar plant

California's SunPower to construct 20-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant in Cochise County.

100,000 Opportunities Initiative brings nationwide youth hiring campaign to Phoenix

Following 100,000 Opportunities Initiative’s successful premiere Opportunity Fair & Forum last month, the group today announced its plan to repeat the event in Phoenix on Oct. 30.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit fires up for Arizona expansion

Fast-growing plans for slow-smoked barbecue will fuel Arizona’s dining choices as Dallas-based Dickey's Barbecue Pit expands to the Grand Canyon State with plans for four Phoenix-area locations, the company announced Tuesday.

Arizona Manufacturers Council supports funding for career and technical education

Arizona Manufacturers Council Chairman Steve Macias praises Gov. Doug Ducey’s adept promotional and organizational skills for Arizona businesses, and asks constituents to consider the importance of support for career and technical education, stating that underfunded programs cannot provide enough skilled workers to satisfy the state’s expanding technical and manufacturing sectors.

Market demand lures Oncology Services International to Arizona

There is a specific strategy behind why Oncology Services International (OSI), an independent service provider for radiation oncology devices, recently expanded into Arizona, according to OSI President and CEO Richard Hall.

Spindle, unified commerce provider, to acquire Catalyst Business Development

Commerce solutions provider Spindle recently announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire specific assets of Catalyst Business Development Inc., a Scottsdale-based provider of payment gateway services, sales and software solutions.

Stephanie Dowling joins Arizona Office of Tourism

Stephanie Dowling has joined the the Arizona Office of Tourism’s executive marketing team as deputy director of the state's travel destination marketing agency, to focus on strategic advertising and PR development, AOT announced Wednesday in Phoenix.

McCain, Flake praise Senate approval of port-patrol jobs bill for vets

U.S. Sens. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and John McCain (R-AZ), along with other senators, applauded the unanimous Senate approval recently of S. 1603, the Border Jobs for Veterans Act. The bipartisan bill was designed to put veterans to work as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at understaffed U.S. ports of entry.