News from 2015


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.

McSally calls for Douglas port of entry

U.S. Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ) asked Homeland Security officials yesterday in Washington, D.C. to seriously consider a new port of entry in Douglas, Arizona, located within her jurisdiction, following the city’s recent commercial port expansion.

Bollente Companies prepares global expansion for trutankless water heater

“Smarter than the average water heater,” Bollente Companies’ innovative “trutankless” water heater brand is ready to hit the market under the newly formed Bollente International, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, the firm announced in Phoenix today.

Mesa-based Impact Auto Body scores certification and honors

Mesa, Arizona-based Impact Auto Body has won official certification from Assured Performance, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization, garnering a place in its repair network and the assurance of appropriate tools, equipment, training and facility capabilities.

Arizona Corporation Commission’s pipeline safety section achieves high federal safety ranking

A nearly perfect score rendered the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Pipeline Safety Section safe and reliable in the eyes of Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Monday in Phoenix, with the division tallying 99.5 percent.

McCain, Flake react to canceled Obamacare co-op

U.S. Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) released a statement Monday regarding the removal of Meritus Mutual Health Partners from the federal marketplace, rendering it unable to write new or renew existing policies.

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce awards 3 women 2015 ATHENA honors

Recipients of the 2015 ATHENA awards included Melissa Sanderson, Leah Fregulia and Ashley Kasarjian.

Congress' extension of safety mandate will do little for Arizona's trains

Federally mandated GPS safety feature already in use throughout most of Arizona's rail lines.