News from 2015


Tempe, Arizona’s Amkor Technology honored with CSO50 Award for security innovation

Amkor Technology Inc., a Tempe-based semiconductor packaging and test services provider, said last week that it has won IDG Enterprise’s 2016 CSO50 Award in recognition of its work in creating security programs that support business value.

Audi picks Arizona-based Microchip's MOST 150 software for its A4 sedan

Audi AG, maker of luxury automobiles, has installed Microchip Technology Inc.’s MOST system into the “virtual cockpit systems” of its newest line of high-end sedans, Microchip, based in Chandler, Arizona, said last week.

Wells Fargo delivers $5 million for Maricopa homeowner program

Trellis and its parent organization NeighborWorks America recently shared that Wells Fargo has pledged $5 million via its “NeighborhoodLIFT” program to support homeownership in Arizona’s Maricopa County.

Arizona chamber, manufacturers council urge transparency in asbestos cases

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council (AMC) sent a letter in April asking U.S. Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) to support the proposed Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act (FACT) and calling for an end to asbestos-case fraud.

El Pollo Loco opens third restaurant in Tempe

Fire-grilled chicken fans can flock to El Pollo Loco’s newest venue at 1314 S. Rural Road in Tempe, the restaurant's third location in the city and 20th in Arizona, the California-based company said Monday.

McSally supports Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for expanded drone missions

U.S. Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ) said last week she applauded a U.S. Air Force announcement that Arizona’s Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is a potential site for hosting growing remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations.

APS completes Mount Elden power line project

Intensive power-line infrastructure improvement work on Mount Elden reached its peak last week as Arizona Public Service (APS) crews concluded efforts atop difficult terrain for the benefit of Flagstaff-area consumers.

Gosar alleges illicit ‘deceit’ in EPA’s Waters of the United States actions

U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) responded Monday to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report indicating that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) violated federal law in promoting its widely controversial environmental legislation.

UniSource Energy Services planning three solar energy projects

UniSource Energy Services (UES) said recently it will add to its renewable energy portfolio in 2016 with a large-scale photovoltaic (PV) system in Mohave County and smaller solar arrays for two area schools.

Salt River Project offering online tools, giveaways for energy efficiency

Phoenix-based Salt River Project (SRP) is shedding light on energy efficiency this holiday season with tools, products and free LED lightbulb samples for the first 35,000 customers who take advantage of its special online offer.

Arizona’s SRP fills vacancy on district board

Salt River Project (SRP) recently appointed Association and District Council Member for Seat 8 Christopher Dobson to fill a vacancy left by Carolyn Pendergast, who announced that she was stepping down from her District At-Large Seat 11 post.

McCain responds to Gilbert, Arizona mayor’s East Valley Partnership appointment

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) praised Gilbert, Arizona, Mayor John Lewis last week after learning that Lewis will be leaving his post to become president and CEO of the East Valley Partnership (EVP).

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce put focus on economic development

Economic development was a new area of focus for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) during 2015, GPCC President and CEO Todd Sanders said.

Corporation Commission approves Farnsworth proposal, says ‘Arizona is open for investment’

The Arizona Corporation Commission voted on a proposal introduced by State Sen. David Farnsworth (R-District 16) this week in Phoenix that could make permit investment advisers who advise private funds exempt from licensing requirements.

Gosar wages battle on rulings that could slow domestic coal production

U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) issued a statement this week from Washington, D.C., following two committee hearings concerning rulings that could hurt domestic coal production.

Quarles & Brady, Arizona Technology Council commend SEC crowdfunding ruling

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s recent decision to permit equity crowdfunding, in accordance with October’s Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, could open up an attractive option to Arizona businesses, Quarles & Brady LLP and the Arizona Technology Council said this week. 

Arizona Corporation Commission endorses rail crossing upgrade in Surprise

An interchange study undertaken in 2014 has yielded benefits for Surprise as the Arizona Corporation Commission approved a public railroad crossing upgrade at the intersection of two major Arizona roads this week.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona may exclude Abrazo Community Health as network provider

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) said Monday that it will be forced to exclude Maricopa County’s Abrazo Community Health Network as a provider if a pricing agreement cannot be reached by the end of the year.

Flake objects to reversal on $3 billion crop insurance subsidy

U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) recently objected to a budget bill provision in order to prevent extra subsidies from going to private companies associated with the federal crop insurance program.

Navy teams up with APS on microgrid backup power network in Yuma

To guarantee backup power in case of a grid disturbance, the Department of the Navy recently partnered with APS, Arizona's largest electric utility, to create a 25-MW microgrid network at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma in Arizona.