Greater Phoenix Economic Council

GPEC focuses on bringing high-wage jobs to Arizona

Creating high-wage jobs in Arizona will help the state build a more robust economy. Arizona needs a jobs bill to help replace the 294,000 jobs lost since the economic downturn started in 2007. Job creation legislation that provides more incentives for high-technology, bioscience, and renewable energy companies will help generate additional quality jobs for Arizonans.

As a leading economic development organization in Arizona, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council travels extensively throughout the United States and to international markets each year to attract new companies to Greater Phoenix. GPEC focuses much of its efforts on attracting high-wage jobs to Arizona and Greater Phoenix. In fiscal year 2010, GPEC assisted in bringing 2,400 jobs to Greater Phoenix which generated about $89.3 million in payroll.

"GPEC is focused on finding long-term solutions for Arizona's economy," said Barry Broome, GPEC president and CEO. "Arizona's affordable cost of business, talented workforce, and quality of life appeals to companies. The state needs additional tools to draw more high-wage jobs."

Arizona has already experienced benefits from smart legislation. The Renewable Energy Tax Incentive program, which the Legislature approved in 2009, enticed Suntech to open its North American manufacturing headquarters in Goodyear. Suntech, based in China, is one of the world's largest solar photovoltaic module manufacturers. Arizona is on its way to attracting more solar companies.

"We feel that Maracay Homes has a responsibility to be an active and involved member of the community," comments Andy Warren, Maracay Homes' president and GPEC board of director.  "Along with Maracay's involvement with organizations that respond to important community needs, such as Starlight Children's Foundation or Phoenix Rescue Mission, we also live out this responsibility through our support of organizations that provide leadership in the business community." Andy Warren continues, "A healthy, stable and growing economy that creates high wage employment opportunities for the citizens of our state is the essence of the mission of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.  Maracay Homes is proud to come alongside other leading business organizations and local jurisdictions in the support of GPEC and its vitally important mission."

As state budget challenges continue, approving measures to advance Arizona's economy will become even more important. The state also will see gains with legislation that stimulates high-paying jobs and restructures the enterprise zone program to attract large public companies to Arizona.

Arizona legislators have a responsibility to create jobs for Arizonans. Policy-makers value hearing from their constituents. Arizonans are encouraged to ask what their representatives and senators are doing to create a more viable economy for our state.

About GPEC
GPEC has been attracting companies to the region since 1989. A true private-public partnership, GPEC works with 18 member communities and more than 140 investors to bring high performing jobs to the region. For more information about GPEC, call Karen DeCarlo at 602-262-8635 or go to www.gpec.org.