Greater Phoenix Market Economic Tracker
The Greater Phoenix Market Economic Tracker, sponsored by SRP and the Phoenix Business Journal, looks at
local and national trends, as well as Phoenix-area economic benchmarks.
Each month, we feature special information in the economic tracker. Get the complete details below.
July: Energy conservation
With the cost of doing business and concerns about the environment increasing, many companies are focusing even more on saving energy. The SRP PowerWise Business Solutions portfolio offers programs that address a variety of ways businesses can reduce energy costs. SRP can help you improve the energy efficiency of facilities and processes, reduce start-up costs and mitigate operating expenses.
June: Women in Business
SRP is a proud sponsor of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce's 21st annual ATHENA Awards, honoring women in business. The award recipients are outstanding female business leaders dedicated to making a difference in the community and developing the skills and leadership potential of other women. This year's awards will be divided into three categories: private sector, public sector, and young professional. To nominate a deserving woman for one of these prestigious awards, obtain an application and submit it to the Chamber by July 18. The Awards Luncheon will be Oct. 21.
For further information about the ATHENA Awards, please e-mail Katie Campana or call (602) 495-6480.
May: Biotechnology
In support of the state's economic development objectives, SRP will join a group of Arizona delegates June 17-20 at BIO2008 in San Diego. It is the largest international event in the bioscience industry. The Arizona contingent will join other states and countries from around the world to network, share ideas, and promote the development of biotechnology with over 20,000 global professionals. The "Biozona" Pavilion will highlight local biotech companies, university research, and state initiatives that will continue to foster growth in Arizona Bioscience. For more information or to get involved, visit the Arizona Department of Commerce.
To learn more about Arizona's bioscience industry, visit www.arizonabiobasics.com.
April: Growth and development
The Valley has been one of the most rapidly developing areas of the country for years, and SRP has planned for the increasing energy demands of our area. Looking forward, responsible growth is a priority for many residents. SRP is a proud sponsor of "The Future of Our Region: Promises and Perils of the East Valley and Northern Pinal County," an event hosted by East Valley Partnership and Pinal Partnership, that looks ahead at future development and explores what these growing communities need to do to address necessary changes in infrastructure and environment.
You can register for this May 1 event online at the East Valley Partnership website.
March: Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology, "the science of the small," has many applications in electronics, biomedical research, energy, structural materials and the environment. SRP is a proud sponsor of the third annual Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster Symposium that will be held at Scottsdale Community College on April 10th. The theme of this year's symposium is "Small is Big: Global Perspectives on Nanotechnology." Speakers from around the globe will deliver worldwide perspectives on nanotechnology, and are expected to draw 350 participants from both industry and academia.
For more information on the symposium, visit the Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster online.
February: High Tech U
As the current workforce ages and new technologies emerge, building the local knowledge economy has become a key objective of Salt River Project's economic development efforts.
Because of this focus, SRP is a proud sponsor of High Tech U, a three-day program created by the SEMI Foundation. High Tech U exposes high school students to high-tech careers and opportunities through the use of hands-on math and science.
Interactive activities, college and industry tours, and exposure to statistical problem solving introduce students to some of the basics in the semiconductor, biotechnology and other advanced industries. SRP sponsored the program March 17-19, 2008, for students of Tolleson High School.
For more information on the program or to find out how to get involved, visit www.semi.org/foundation.
January: Super Bowl and tourism
For over a century, SRP has been a key force behind growing a strong, sustainable economy in the Valley of the Sun. At the beginning of February, Super Bowl XLII arrived in Glendale. As the local provider of electricity for Super Bowl XLII, SRP helped to make this a green energy event. Through SRP's EarthWise Energy Program, the NFL purchased clean, renewable energy for the game and for the NFL Experience Football Theme Park. Other green efforts included planting trees on 42 acres in Arizona forests as well as at Valley schools.
For more information, view the press release on SRP's efforts or visit the Super Bowl's official Web site.
December: SRP update
SRP recognizes the importance of the climate change issue and is committed to implementing balanced solutions to reduce greenhouse gases over time. That's why we've developed Trees for Change, an SRP EarthWise program in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.
By opting to add $3 to their monthly bills, SRP customers have the opportunity to plant thousands of ponderosa pine seedlings. SRP will match up to $80,000, with 100% of the funds going to planting trees in Arizona forests. Each customer's monthly contribution, plus the SRP match, will plant 72 trees per year.
Find out more about the Trees for Change program.
November: Minority-Owned Business
Minority businesses are growing at a tremendous pace, and they continue to make an enormous contribution to the local economy. To help us better understand this segment of the greater Phoenix metropolitan market, SRP partnered with the Hispanic Research Center at Arizona State University (ASU) to conduct the third annual SRP Arizona Minority-Owned Business Study.
The report provides an in-depth profile of Arizona minority-owned businesses and identifies the most critical issues facing those business segments. This year's study surveyed not only Hispanic business owners, but other minority groups as well. View study results for more information.
October: Low income assistance
SRP is committed to strengthening the economic vitality of the Valley of the Sun. One way we do this is through our sponsorship of Arizona Women's Education and Employment, Inc. (AWEE). 
AWEE invests in women, families, and the community through life and career success planning, training and support. SRP is pleased to sponsor AWEE's 13th annual Faces of Success Luncheon on Nov. 1, 2007 at the Arizona Biltmore. In addition, SRP helps low income customers by offering a number of ways to manage their energy bills, including M-Power and an Economy Price Plan to households on tight budgets.
September: Economic development
In today's environment, economic prosperity is linked to a region's ability to compete in and adapt to an increasingly global, high-tech, and knowledge-based economy. To help economic development professionals build competitive communities, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) hosted its annual conference in Phoenix this month. SRP was a sponsor. The event drew more than 1,500 from around the workd, who heard from internationally recognized professionals on competing in our dynamic economy, dealing with emerging workforce challenges, and adapting to new models in economic development.
Visit IEDC online to view materials presented.
August: Education
SRP is committed to supporting and enhancing educational goals in the state of Arizona. Each year, SRP contributes funds, scholarships, in-kind services, and volunteer assistance to educational programs in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area and those communities which SRP's operations impact. SRP also provides workshops and comprehensive in-service programs for educators. Find out more details about SRP's educational resources.
