Consultants Forum   |   FacilityLocations    |   FastFacility    |   Advertise   |   Subscribe   |   Newsletter   |   RSS RSS
Inward Investment Guides
United States Inward Investing Guide

United States Inward Investing Guide

Location USA is a guide for international companies looking to invest or establish operations within the United States. Location USA provides practical advice and guidance about facilities deployment, labor force skills, taxes and incentives, and more. For specific information on all 50 states, utilize the State Resources links.


Arizona: Focused on Next Generation Innovations
Arizona is growing existing industries and preparing for the future with new areas of innovation.
Area Development Online Research Desk (Location USA 2010)
 
In today's fast-paced, global knowledge economy, Arizona is focused on cultivating and sustaining specialized areas of expertise where it can be a world leader. The goal is to drive economic growth through areas of focus. In the current global economy, advances in technology and solar energy are shaping Arizona for a robust future.

Vision of a Solar Capitol
The U.S. solar market is dramatically expanding and is poised to become the largest in the world. Now is Arizona's time to advance in renewable energy - to become a solar capital of the world. Indeed, the state is experiencing a boom in the renewable energy industry - both in manufacturing and generation projects. This success has been fueled by China-based Suntech Power Holdings' decision to locate its first U.S. photovoltaic panel manufacturing plant in the metro-Phoenix community of Goodyear.
"With our Goodyear facility, we have the opportunity to design a truly innovative module manufacturing center that can accelerate innovation, allowing us to deploy new products designed to meet the burgeoning U.S. solar market," said Steven Chan, Chief Strategy Officer at Suntech.
The state is focused on next-generation advances in solar, and ensuring an adequate work force exists as industry demand increases. ASU's School of Sustainability - the nation's first - offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in sustainability. And Solar Technology Institute at Science Foundation Arizona supports research and collaboration within the universities and private sector to advance commercialization of the highest potential solar innovation technologies.

Karla Teixeira, Director of International Trade and Investment
Arizona Commerce Authority
1700 W. Washington
Suite 600
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Phone: 602-771-1156 or
800-528-8421
Fax: 602-771-1200
E-mail: karlat@azcommerce.com
www.azcommerce.com
Advancing Technology
Next-generation electronics and ICT industries also flourish with a large presence of microelectronics and software firms, including Intel, Agilent Technologies, and Microchip Technologies, as well as a pipeline of emerging technologies stemming from state universities.
Arizona is an ideal base for companies that need to reach out to the world. That's one reason Avnet, one of today's largest business-to-business distributors of electronic components and systems, moved to Phoenix. 
"In Arizona, we enjoy a dynamic business climate and a wonderful quality of life that not many other cities can match, making it easier for Avnet to attract and retain a talented work force," said Roy Vallee, CEO of Avnet.
With an average age of 34, Arizona offers a high-quality, young and talented work force that supports the research and development necessary to keep up with accelerating product cycles and global competition.

Competitive Business Environment
A "fund of funds" was recently launched to raise and manage up to $200 million for private venture-capital investments in early-stage bioscience and technology firms in Arizona. In addition, companies find a series of tax relief measures designed to attract, expand, and retain high-value, high-growth companies. The State's Angel Investment Tax Credit aims to increase funding benefiting Arizona's emerging companies, by providing $20 million in income tax credits to investors. The Sales Factor Bill allows multi-state businesses doing business in Arizona to opt to "super-weight" their sales factor to reduce income tax liability to the state. In addition, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance rates in Arizona are among the lowest in the nation. 
More than ever, business leaders are recognizing Arizona as a prime location for expanding, innovative companies. Connect to key resources by contacting the Arizona Commerce Authority.

 
X
Save/Share Article
Have questions, comments or concerns about this article? Submit to Ask Area Development here and the author or an expert from our network of site selection and facility planning professionals will answer:
News Items
 
Around The Web
 
Studies/Research
News Items
 
Around The Web
 
Studies/Research
State Resource map
Click on any state for links to current state news and data, contact directory, corporate taxes, financial and business incentives, credits, grants and available buildings and sites
State Resource Sponsor
United States Inward Investment Location Profiles
ARIZONA
Arizona - A Great Place For Business

Arizona is one of the fastest-growing, most dynamic economies in the United States. Both Fortune 500 and start-up technology companies call Arizona home, reaping the advantages of a competitive business climate and tax structure; a skilled, knowledge based work force; and world-class innovation, cultural, and scenic resources.

ARKANSAS
Your Success Story Starts In Arkansas

Arkansas's transportation network and central U.S. location define the state as a strategic distribution center. Midway between Mexico City and Montreal, Arkansas offers a valuable distribution advantage.

Little Rock, Arkansas: A Globally Recognized Brand

For two years in a row, the Little Rock region has been named "America's Fourth Strongest Economy" by the Brookings Institution's MetroMonitor. The Wall Street Journal calls it the nation's "Sixth Best Real Estate Market," while Forbes says it is America's "Seventh Best Place for Jobs."

KANSAS
Wichita, Kansas USA - Site of Choice for Advanced Manufacturing Enterprises

Wichita, better known as the Air Capital of the World, has also been ranked #1 U.S. metro for aviation manufacturing. Wichita has the highest concentration of aircraft and aircraft parts manufacturing employment (skills) in the United States.

KENTUCKY
Kentucky Is a Global Business Center

Kentucky remains a leader in attracting foreign direct investment, with nearly 35 percent of announced new investment in 2012 due to FDI activity. Today, about 420 foreign-owned firms from 30 nations employ nearly 80,000 people in the state.

NEW YORK
Think New York for Business Opportunity

When you hear "New York" you probably think of tall buildings and Wall Street — not cows, pastures, and a state whose leading industry is agriculture. In fact, we have both, and the world is taking notice of the abundant milk supply, sophisticated transportation system, and oneday access to almost 100,000,000 consumers.

OHIO
The Columbus Region Grows Increasingly Global Each Year

The Columbus Region is a thriving 11-county area located in Central Ohio. Home to 15 Fortune 1000 headquarters, with two million people and a population growth rate of 1.3 percent annually, the Columbus Region is one of the fastestgrowing major metropolitan areas in the Midwest, and is growing more and more global each year.

The New Ohio — A Leader in New Job Creation

Profitable. Diverse. Motivated. Strategic. Global. These are the words that describe the new Ohio and make us a leader in new job creation in the U.S.

OKLAHOMA
Tulsa - Where Business Grows

Home to more than 950,000, Tulsa, Oklahoma, perfectly balances convenience and affordability with the advantages of a highly skilled work force, a central location, a pro-business atmosphere, and an excellent quality of life. It is a dynamic, growing region that offers the fifth-lowest cost for doing business in the nation and is home to some of the nation's largest companies. These assets combine to make an ideal home for progressive companies competing in a global economy.

TENNESSEE
Select Tennessee for Your Next Investment

Tennessee's ideal location, strong transportation infrastructure, low costs of doing business, and high quality work force provide an attractive setting for investments from around the globe. With most major U.S. markets within a day's drive, Tennessee provides immediate access to eight interstate highways, an extensive network of railways and waterways, and the world's second-busiest freight airport in Memphis.

WEST VIRGINIA
Plastics - West Virginia's Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

Offering one of the highest concentrations of hightech, specialty, and engineering polymer production in the world; an abundance of necessary raw materials; a knowledgeable, highly trained and productive work force; and established transportation systems; it is no wonder West Virginia is home to a vibrant and growing plastics industry.