News from November 2015


Arizona Corporation Commission announces open meeting

The Arizona Corporation Commission said it will be meeting at 10 a.m Tuesday and Wednesday in Phoenix.

Grand Canyon University clarifies decision to extend employee benefits to partners in same-sex marriages

Grand Canyon University urges compassion amid issues raised by U.S. decisions on same-sex marriages.

Arizona Technology Council honors top innovators

Arizona tech firms congratulated top innovators at the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation awards.

Flake favors EPA’s Exceptional Events Rule revision

EPA agrees to revisit rule that led to Arizona municipalities being fined for naturally occurring events.

Gosar commends Arizona Supreme Court’s support of water rights decision

Ruling could resolve territorial dispute over watershed in west-central Arizona.

TEP awards $100,000 in grants for Arizona youth, families and seniors

To strengthen the health of Arizona’s youth, families and senior citizens, Tucson Electric Power awarded more than $100,000 in Grants That Make a Difference to 18 nonprofits in a ceremony at the utility’s Tucson headquarters on Tuesday.

Wilkes University ranks in nation’s top 25 colleges for economic value

Mesa, Arizona’s Wilkes University has gained top national ranking for fiscal value by The Economist, a leading international periodical, placing not only 25th in the country, but higher than any other Arizona higher learning institution.

Salt River Project ramps up military, veteran hiring

The Salt River Project (SRP) will provide full pay to employees called to active duty for up to two years and current employees who are members or reservists for the Arizona National Guard will be granted 22 days per year of paid leave—twice the amount previously allotted. 

Wood Partners plans midtown Phoenix project

Wood Partners, a national real estate development firm, announced plans on Tuesday for a new 225-unit apartment community called “3rd and Thomas” to be constructed in Phoenix, Arizona.

What is a PBM?

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs for short) might be the most important health care companies you’ve never heard of.

Sinema, Valadao pioneer law for non-native startups, job creation in Arizona

Supporting job startups in Arizona and nationwide, U.S. Reps. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and David Valadao (R-CA) introduced the Jobs in America Act recently in Washington, D.C., to help foreign-born graduates stay in the U.S.

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce calls for 2016 IMPACT nominations

Recognizing exemplary Valley businesses for their impact on the greater Phoenix business community, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations for its 2016 IMPACT Awards through Jan. 8.

Southline Transmission Line Project achieves Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) phase

Western Area Power Administration and the Bureau of Land Management released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 360-mile Southline Transmission Line Project proposed to run from New Mexico to Arizona.

Flake sponsors crop insurance reform bill

Paralleling similar legislation in the House, U.S. Sens. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) recently sponsored the Assisting Family Farmers through Insurance Reform Measures (AFFIRM) Act to save U.S. taxpayers approximately $24.4 billion over the next decade by reforming crop insurance methods.

Metso opens new office in Mesa

The new venue represents Metso’s investment in local services that are offered close to customers' business locations.

AMC Chairman asks for enhanced tech training

Steve Macias remarked on the current gains and challenges of the AMC.

McCain praises House vote to expand Arizona’s highway system

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) this week praised the House of Representatives’ passage of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act for its ensured boost to Arizona’s highway infrastructure with new thoroughfares.

TEP asks for rate hike to cover sustainable electric outlay

To recoup its billion-dollar investment over the past four years for equipment, performance and service upgrades, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) on Thursday filed a proposal seeking rate changes with the Arizona Commission Corp. (ACC).

Watchdog group wants federal probe of Arizona Corporation Commissioner

AZCC's Susan Bitter Smith allegedly working as lobbyist for industry she regulates.

Ducey pronounces November Veteran Employment Month in Arizona

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey declared November as Veteran Employment Month in recognition of both the state’s military vets and the Arizona businesses that hire them following their service stints, yesterday in Phoenix.