ECoNA with its municipality partners got a chance to promote northern Arizona to hundreds of semiconductor manufacturers and related businesses during the recent SEMICON West expo in San Francisco.
According to SEMI, the international trade organization that organizes the expo, global sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment are poised to reach $109 billion this year, a new industry record. ECoNA’s 5-year Strategic Plan identifies advanced manufacturing as one of the five sectors the region should pursue for economic development.
As part of the booth hosted by the Arizona Commerce Authority, we were able to promote multiple northern Arizona sites, including the Northern Arizona Technology Park near Pulliam Airport in Flagstaff, multiple parcels along the 260 Corridor in Camp Verde, and the 1,200 acres that make up the Winslow Industrial Park.
In addition to shovel ready sites, we also promoted our region’s talent pipeline. Currently we have more than 2,000 students enrolled in STEM programs at either Northern Arizona University or Coconino Community College. Meanwhile Northern Arizona University is opening microelectronics and semiconductor training programs centers in both Flagstaff and Phoenix.
Then there are the statewide programs that companies relocating to our region could benefit from, such as multiple tax credits for research and development and the creation of high-quality employment opportunities, plus exemption of sales tax on utilities, manufacturing equipment, and material purchases.
Arizona has established itself as a powerhouse in the tech and semiconductor industry. After a historic 50 year run in the Bay Area, SEMICON West is heading to Phoenix next year – a testament to our state’s growing importance to the industry.
We are excited to roll out the red carpet for SEMICON West 2025 and show off the incredible potential of our region to this continually growing sector of our economy.
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