By AZ Big Media
Arizona today was awarded a prestigious “Gold Shovel” award from Area Development Magazine, the state’s second consecutive year taking gold for the 5-8 million population category. The Shovel Awards recognize states that “garnered large job-creating and investment projects through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, and other processes” in 2021.
In addition, Area Development named Intel’s $20 billion expansion in Chandler one of ten “Manufacturing Projects of the Year.” Intel broke ground in September on two new semiconductor fabs in Chandler. The factories are expected to be operational in 2024 and create more than 3,000 jobs.
Since 2007, Arizona has won four gold shovel and six silver shovel awards. Arizona’s four gold shovels were awarded all in the past six years.
“Arizona continuously leads the way in the creation of high-quality jobs,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “Whether it’s semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries–you name it–Arizona has become an epicenter of innovation. This award is a reflection of the ingenuity and perseverance of Arizona’s entrepreneurs and workers, and we are proud to continually be recognized as a top state for economic development.”
