News published on Business Daily in July 2016

News from July 2016


ABB, a global leader in power electronics and automation, will be ceasing its U.S.-based manufacturing operations at its Phoenix production plant, jeopardizing 89 jobs.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital is now offering full-tuition scholarships to five employees pursuing degrees through a joint effort with University of Phoenix.

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) recently released a statement applauding the news from the U.S. Department of Transportation that Arizona will be awarded $54 million for infrastructure improvements along Interstate 10.

Arizona Public Services (APS) has proposed to offer a flat monthly discount of $34 for customers with limited incomes and seeks a $12 million expansion of its current financial relief program.

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) welcomes three new members to its Valley Young Professionals (VYP) board of directors: Julie Sorensen, operations administrator at CIGNA; Bethany Bennick, youth and education program coordinator with Phoenix Sister Cities, City of Phoenix; and Ashley LaRae Sampson, director of community relations for the Art Institute of Phoenix.

Homebuilder KB Home recently opened its Oakmore Reserve development in Tucson.

Applications for the “Teaming Up For Education” scholarship program, an initiative co-sponsored by the University of Phoenix and the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation since 2011, may be submitted through July 31 to the university.

The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, announced a preliminary agenda for the 10th annual Algae Biomass Summit in Phoenix on Oct. 23-26.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. became the sole owner of Tanger Outlets Westgate in Glendale after acquiring its partners' ownership interests last week.

Natural Grocers will open two new stores in Gilbert on Tuesday with grand opening celebrations at each location.

Ryan, a global tax services firm with offices in Scottsdale, has been named to the 2016 Top Companies to Work for in Arizona.

West USA Realty Inc. said it will be holding more than 100 simultaneous open houses in the Phoenix metropolitan area on Sunday.

After six months of renovations, the Texas Canyon rest area on Interstate 10 has reopened as the Arizona Department of Transportation moves past the halfway point in a decade-long effort to improve rest areas across the state.

John Halikowski, director of the Arizona Department of Transportation, noted the 60th anniversary of the national interstate highway system initiated by President Dwight Eisenhower and said this essential infrastructure requires sustained investment.

Wal-Mart has introduced Walmart Pay, a safe, convenient way for customers to pay with their smartphones, in its stores in Arizona.

The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) recently approved key measures to help water companies become more sustainable and provide emergency help to ensure safe, reliable water for customers.

Dr. Justin Matus, associate dean of the Sidhu School of Business & Leadership at Wilkes University, has been elected to the board of commissioners by the membership of the The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Driven by the increase in global demand for sensors for the smartphone and automotive markets, Amkor Technology Inc. is adding a new MEMS and sensor packaging line at its facility in Shanghai.

Former county and city planning director Debra Stark has been selected by the Phoenix City Council to fill the District 3 council seat being vacated by Councilman Bill Gates, who is running for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

The governor signed executive order #2016-05 this week in an effort to protect taxpayers and reduce the influence of special interests at the state capitol.