Happy New Year!

The County is excited to share information about some of the new materials and tools that we will utilize in the new year to continue to grow our economy. In this issue, we highlight our new Economic Development Profile, an updated Visitors Guide, the Pinal Partnership map that features the County’s economic development assets, a strategic alliance with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), as well as the updated Workforce Development Strategic Plan.

We also spotlight some recent economic development announcements in the County as well as a feature in the Japan Times that highlighted some of the County’s economic development projects and opportunities.

The future continues to look bright for Pinal County. We look forward to working with you in the coming year to continue to build a thriving economy in our region. As always, please let us know if you have suggestions or if our staff can be of service to you or your business.

Best wishes,

James Smith

Director, Economic and Workforce Development

Economic Development Profile

Our department is excited to announce the release of our newly updated Economic Development Profile, a dynamic resource designed to spotlight the vast array of assets that make Pinal County an ideal destination for investment, and thus help to attract businesses and foster economic growth. The updated profile showcases the county’s many advantages, including highlights of key elements such as Strategic Location, Skilled Workforce and Quality of Life.

The Economic Development Profile will be distributed through economic development channels and strategic partnerships. It can be viewed by clicking here.

Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) Membership

The County recently reached a strategic alliance agreement with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC). This will align the County with one of the largest business groups in the state, and one of the most highly acclaimed economic development organizations in the Country. GPEC will assist the County with marketing, business exposure and industry prospecting increasing opportunities for economic development.

The County has a strategic goal to stem the daily flow of commuters to nearby urban areas by creating new, high-paying job opportunities within the County’s borders as its population booms. This alliance with GPEC is seen as a way to help accomplish this goal.

Arizona Association for Economic Development Golden Prospector Awards

The County recently received two Golden Prospector Awards from the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED). One recognition was in the Multimedia Promotion Category for the “Pinal County Workforce Recruitment Video Campaign.” The campaign assisted in making skilled employees in key regions of the U.S. aware of the job opportunities and excellent quality of life here. The video was produced entirely in-house by the County’s Communications & Marketing Department, which made it extremely cost-effective. That department also led efforts to broadcast it via social media sites, leading to over 63,000 impressions and 500 clicks to our website. The campaign was designed to partner with our employers to assist in filling job openings. Click below left to view the winning video.

The County also received an award in the Special Event Category for its event held in partnership with the Phoenix Business Journal – “Pinal County 2022: Arizona’s New Manufacturing Region.” This event was specifically designed to inform key business decision-makers who are not familiar with Pinal County about the development that is occurring and the future opportunities in our region. Panel discussions included executives from key companies in the County explaining why they chose to do business here and some of the reasons for their success. In addition to the event, the Phoenix Business Journal produced editorial content that was distributed online and in print, reaching tens of thousands of additional business leaders.

New Economic Development Projects

Marana Aerospace Solutions (Ascent Aviation Services) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have signed a long-term agreement to carry out passenger-to-freighter conversions on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Ascent will convert two lines of Boeing B777-300ER aircraft starting in 2024 at their facilities located in Marana, Arizona (Pinal County). To support the program, Ascent will build two new widebody hangars with pre-construction work having already commenced.

Kinze Manufacturing Inc., an independent farming equipment manufacturer, acquired 443 acres in the Casa Grande area for $4 million in an all-cash deal on Dec. 15. The company, which was founded in 1965, designs and produces planters, grain carts, and tillage tools for agricultural uses.

Pinal County Workforce Development Board Strategic Plan

On December 20, 2023, the Pinal County Workforce Development Board (PCWDB) Strategic Plan was presented to the Pinal County Board of Supervisors. The strategic plan includes the PCWDB’s goals and strategies to achieve its mission which includes being responsible for strengthening the overall workforce development system. The strategies in the plan are based upon the desired outcomes of continuous improvement through innovation and the alignment of employment, training and education programs to promote economic growth.

The 2023 PCWDB Strategic Plan was developed with input from board members at a series of three meetings facilitated by Sheila Murphy, LLC. This plan represents an update to the original PCWDB Strategic Plan, which was completed in 2020. The plan will be considered for final approval by the entire PCWDB at their January 18, 2024 meeting. To view the presentation at the Board of Supervisors, click the video below.

Pinal County Workforce Development Board Member Update

Under the leadership of Chairman Harold Christ (Windmill Winery), the Pinal County Workforce Development Board (PCWDB), consists of 23 professionals, appointed by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, representing businesses, education, and community organizations. Each member is passionate about developing systems that positively impact the future of the County’s businesses and job seekers. The PCWDB, in shared governance with the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, collaborates with regional workforce partners to help strengthen the local workforce ecosystem. The board, one of over 500 such boards nationally and one of 12 in Arizona, provides strategic direction and oversight of the ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County workforce delivery system.

In recent months, the following members were reappointed to the PCWDB:

• Logen Kelly, Cardinal Glass
• Jim Garrett, Garrett Motors
• Bryan Seppala, Resolution Copper

Explore Pinal County is excited to announce the release of its updated Visitors Guide for 2024, which is aimed at attracting and welcoming visitors to the diverse and vibrant landscapes of our region.

This comprehensive guide serves as a curated resource for visitors seeking an enriching and immersive experience within the County. The guide highlights our unique attractions, natural wonders, cultural sites, and recreational opportunities, and serves as a valuable tool for both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers. QR codes found throughout the document allow users to quickly access additional information on restaurants, lodging, trails and attractions.

The Visitor’s Guide will be available in print and digitally, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience. Copies can be obtained at local airports, visitor centers, chambers, and can be downloaded online through the Explore Pinal website: explore.pinal.gov

Click Here to View the Visitors Guide

The purpose of the Pinal County Tourism Sponsorship Program is to assist in fostering the success of community events that will generate additional tourism activity. This supports the County’s goal of creating economic growth by promoting our region as a destination for day trips and overnight visitors. To date this fiscal year, the program has sponsored 24 events in Pinal County, attracting thousands of visitors to our county.