Arizona’s economy continues to recover, just very slowly
Spurred by slow but steady employment and housing growth, local and national economists remain cautiously positive about the economic forecast for Arizona.
Voting is vitally important even in elections without great drama
Voting is the cornerstone of a democracy and is key to the health of our political system. It is your opportunity for your voice to be heard, to have a say in issues that affect your community, and to hold elected officials accountable for their decisions.
Our good neighbor should be a good business partner
“God made us neighbors. We should endeavor to be good neighbors.” Former Arizona Governor Paul Fannin, who created the Arizona-Mexico Commission and recognized the importance of good relations and commerce with our neighbors to the south, said that in 1959.
Renewed trade agreements benefit Americans, create jobs
Creating jobs in America depends on our ability to sell American-made goods and services to the 95 percent of the world’s customers living outside the United States. That is why it is imperative for Congress to renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation.
Phoenix Forward initiative focuses on improving state’s economic base
The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce’s newly announced economic development initiative, Phoenix Forward, is more than an idea whose time has come: It’s an idea that’s been needed for a long time.
Higher academic standards = a stronger economy
With the noise of HB2190 now in our rearview mirror, we can now focus on student achievement. High academic standards are here to stay in Arizona, at least for now, as Arizona lawmakers defeated yet another effort to prohibit the state from using the Arizona College and Career Ready Standards (ACCRS).
Deputy Secretary of Labor offers suggestions on Arizona wage, job growth
Creating a pipeline of skilled workers and diversifying the economy will help Arizona keep lowering unemployment rates and increasing wages, according to a federal labor department official.
Reversing higher education standards would cripple economy, education
While signs of economic recovery are a welcome relief, Arizona is by no means out of the ashes just yet. Our state has consistently had one of the lowest-ranked education systems in the country, a problem that severely hinders the development of a workforce with 21st century skills.
Arizona is back in the game
Hundreds of millions of eyes will be on our Valley for the Super Bowl. While Glendale’s University of Phoenix Stadium hosts the game, the entire Valley and state stand to benefit from an influx of visitors, media coverage and economic activity that can only be described as, well....super!
Reduce carbon emissions in accordance with federal law
Representing over 2,500 businesses across all industry sectors in Arizona, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce understands the need for clean air and a healthy and safe environment in which to live, work and play. However, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed state-specific carbon dioxide emission guidelines would result in Arizona facing one of the most stringent restriction[...]
EPA should ditch proposed water rule modification
Water is a very precious and scarce resource in Arizona. We are fortunate to have innovative water management that has enabled Arizona to prosper while providing a quality water supply for industries, businesses, residents and visitors.
Arizona cannot delay education finance reform much longer
Arizonans went to the polls earlier this month to elect a new governor and decide who would represent them in many state offices and the United States Congress. Of the 35 legislative candidates that the Chamber’s Political Action Committee endorsed in the General Election, 34 won their races and will join or re-join the Arizona Legislature when the session begins in January. These candidates are[...]