#6 Arizona
#12 in Taxation and Regulation
#14 in Workforce Quality
#11 in Living Environment
Right to Work? ✓
Regional Profile – Southwest
| Arizona | ||||
| Arkansas | ||||
| New Mexico | ||||
| Oklahoma | ||||
| Texas |
Key Industries
Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace & Defense, Biotech, Clean Energy, Optic/Photonics
Key Companies
America West Airlines
Best Western
Cold Stone Creamery
Greyhound
Honeywell Aerospace
P.F. Chang’s
Republic Services
Advantages
Arizona reduced its corporate tax rate from 6 percent to 5.5 percent.
With Mexican trade generating half Arizona’s GDP sales, the state is moving forward with Mexican trade agreement to solidify its relationship with the country below.
Challenges
Arizona is fighting a significant skills gap. To overcome it, the state needs to form relationships with the K12 education system. Little progress will be made in this area unless the Arizona government softens or eliminates immigration laws.
Key Contacts
Commerce Authority
Sandra Watson
602-845-1200
333 N. Central Ave., Suite 1900
Phoenix, AZ 85004
sandraw@azcommerce.com
http://www.azcommerce.com/
CEO Comments
“Arizona is attempting to draw business out of California with tax incentives and a much lower cost of living.”
“Arizona has a right-to-work law that does not help high turnover rates.”
“Many businesses start here and end up either shutting down after short periods of time or get bought out by out-of-state companies. Rare to find a parent company in Arizona.”
Current Developments
2016 Regional Report: The Southwest
January 13, 2016