Quite a few things, according to local business owners and workers who sounded off on what virtues may attract companies to our state and city.
We at Commercial Real Estate Group of Tucson often report on surveys and studies that rank Arizona and Tucson in terms of their business-friendly environment.
Most of those come from national reporting companies and media that use government statistics. Recently, we got a look from locals, Tucson business owners and workers, on what makes our city and state attractive to commercial real estate site selectors.
We’ve been asking folks for some suggestions on what to focus on when we meet with European business executives at the “Doing Business in the Americas” symposium Sept. 12 in London.
The event will update European and worldwide corporate executives on business expansion and site selection issues in the Western Hemisphere. Several economic development groups—but not Arizona—will talk about conditions that make our part of the world an attractive place to relocate or expand business operations.
Good Points About Arizona and Tucson
From what we’ve been gathering, several themes have emerged that we think will play well at the symposium. Here they are in no particular order.
Proximity to Mexico. Our strong economic presence at the border allows foreign investment in Mexico to spill over into Arizona. Good logistics and a skilled bi-cultural workforce can attract companies looking for U.S. headquarter or executive space as a base for Mexican operations.
University of Arizona. Research, workforce development and other assets from a top U.S. university enhance our ability to attract high-tech industries.
High-tech focus. Raytheon and aerospace companies, bioscience firms, small businesses that support high-tech and a good pool of skilled workers establish an industry concentration that will attract even more companies.
Supportive business climate. Low commercial and property tax rates, inexpensive utility costs and affordable commercial real estate make us a cost-effective area.
Attractive lifestyle. Good climate, natural beauty and few natural disasters are some of the intangibles that count in our favor.
Thanks to all of those who gave us some great ideas on how to best market Arizona. We feel well armed to tell Arizona’s story to commercial real estate decision-makers.
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