When the legislative session adjourned June 19 after 158 days of hard work, Arizona unquestionably became a better place — and even more important, Arizona’s future became brighter.

Arizona’s legislative leadership and Governor Napolitano had taken visionary action on two difficult yet critical issues of importance to our state’s economic health and vitality by investing in Arizona’s tourism and high technology industries. By passing legislation to expand the Phoenix Civic Plaza and to construct research facilities at our three public universities, they took measures that will provide an enormous long-term boost to our state’s economic strength.

The Business Leadership Coalition — which formed in November 2001 to address issues and concerns facing our region and our state — stepped up for the first time this legislative session to partner with policymakers and to bring to the table a strategic statewide business perspective.

The Coalition is made up of 10 organizations. In the months following its formation, the Coalition developed a business agenda, focusing on strengthening Arizona’s economic foundations necessary for building an internationally competitive and strong economy.

Last September, following lengthy debates and discussions, the Coalition established its priorities and focus for 2003: supporting the Greater Phoenix Economic Council’s plan to enhance the competitive position of the region in targeting high-wage industries; expanding the Phoenix Civic Plaza, extending the half-cent transportation sales tax and strengthening public education from kindergarten through the university level.

As the Coalition brought its voice to the Legislature, we saw the courage and fortitude of our legislative leadership and Governor Napolitano as they listened to, debated with and understood what the business community was saying about investing in the future of Arizona. We appreciate that they saw us as partners in Arizona’s future; and that they acted on issues we both deemed important.

The Coalition was never intended to be — nor will it become — a new organization. Rather, the spirit behind the Coalition is to have a venue for thinking and planning beyond the goals and objectives of individual business organizations and to reach beyond the boundaries of their distinct communities and neighborhoods. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the business community to participate in a vigorous, consistent and strategic manner on regional and statewide issues that affect the economic vitality of Arizona.

The voices of our business leadership organizations — from the West Valley to Phoenix to the East Valley and to Tucson — brought an urgent and compelling perspective to our policy makers this session, which I believe is part of our responsibility to our state and to the communities where we work, live and raise our families.

The Coalition will not rest this summer; but will continue to review, discuss and prioritize the issues facing Arizona. This is the essence of a continuous business agenda. This is the resolve of the Coalition: to bring expertise, talent, resources and a strategic business perspective into the policy decision-making arena.

Bill Post is chairman and CEO of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation.

Member Organizations of The Business Leadership Coalition include: Arizona Association of Industries, Arizona Chamber of Commerce, East Valley Partnership, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Greater Phoenix Leadership, Southern Arizona Leadership Council and Westmarc.