News from July 2016


ABB mass layoff in Phoenix to begin next month

ABB, a global leader in power electronics and automation, will be ceasing its U.S.-based manufacturing operations at its Phoenix production plant, jeopardizing 89 jobs.

Five Phoenix Children's Hospital employees awarded full-tuition scholarships

Phoenix Children’s Hospital is now offering full-tuition scholarships to five employees pursuing degrees through a joint effort with University of Phoenix.

McCain applauds award of $54 million for ADOT improvements to I-10

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) recently released a statement applauding the news from the U.S. Department of Transportation that Arizona will be awarded $54 million for infrastructure improvements along Interstate 10.

APS aims to offer more support for low-income customers

Arizona Public Services (APS) has proposed to offer a flat monthly discount of $34 for customers with limited incomes and seeks a $12 million expansion of its current financial relief program.

Valley Young Professionals gains three board members

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) welcomes three new members to its Valley Young Professionals (VYP) board of directors: Julie Sorensen, operations administrator at CIGNA; Bethany Bennick, youth and education program coordinator with Phoenix Sister Cities, City of Phoenix; and Ashley LaRae Sampson, director of community relations for the Art Institute of Phoenix.

KB Home opens Oakmore Reserve development in Tucson

Homebuilder KB Home recently opened its Oakmore Reserve development in Tucson.

University of Phoenix, Arizona Diamondbacks ‘step up to the plate’ with five scholarships

Applications for the “Teaming Up For Education” scholarship program, an initiative co-sponsored by the University of Phoenix and the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation since 2011, may be submitted through July 31 to the university.

Algae Biomass Organization announces agenda for Phoenix summit

The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, announced a preliminary agenda for the 10th annual Algae Biomass Summit in Phoenix on Oct. 23-26.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers acquires full ownership of Tanger Outlets Westlake in Glendale

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. became the sole owner of Tanger Outlets Westgate in Glendale after acquiring its partners' ownership interests last week.

Natural Grocers opening two stores in Gilbert

Natural Grocers will open two new stores in Gilbert on Tuesday with grand opening celebrations at each location.

Tax firm Ryan named among top 100 Arizona employers

Ryan, a global tax services firm with offices in Scottsdale, has been named to the 2016 Top Companies to Work for in Arizona.

West USA Realty to host 100 simultaneous open houses in Phoenix area

West USA Realty Inc. said it will be holding more than 100 simultaneous open houses in the Phoenix metropolitan area on Sunday.

Texas Canyon rest area on I-10 reopens

After six months of renovations, the Texas Canyon rest area on Interstate 10 has reopened as the Arizona Department of Transportation moves past the halfway point in a decade-long effort to improve rest areas across the state.

Arizona Department of Transportation director plans for future highway improvements

John Halikowski, director of the Arizona Department of Transportation, noted the 60th anniversary of the national interstate highway system initiated by President Dwight Eisenhower and said this essential infrastructure requires sustained investment.

Wal-Mart introduces mobile pay app in its Arizona stores

Wal-Mart has introduced Walmart Pay, a safe, convenient way for customers to pay with their smartphones, in its stores in Arizona.

Arizona Corporation Commission approves policies to ensure safe water to customers

The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) recently approved key measures to help water companies become more sustainable and provide emergency help to ensure safe, reliable water for customers.

Sidhu School of Business associate dean elected to national accreditation board

Dr. Justin Matus, associate dean of the Sidhu School of Business & Leadership at Wilkes University, has been elected to the board of commissioners by the membership of the The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Amkor Technology opens new packaging line in Shanghai

Driven by the increase in global demand for sensors for the smartphone and automotive markets, Amkor Technology Inc. is adding a new MEMS and sensor packaging line at its facility in Shanghai.

Stark to fill interim Phoenix City Council seat

Former county and city planning director Debra Stark has been selected by the Phoenix City Council to fill the District 3 council seat being vacated by Councilman Bill Gates, who is running for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Governor signs anti-lobbyist executive order

The governor signed executive order #2016-05 this week in an effort to protect taxpayers and reduce the influence of special interests at the state capitol.