SAFFORD — Ten Chambers of Commerce in Southern Arizona have come together in support of the Arizona Commerce Authority.
The Chamber Alliance of Southern Arizona — which include Graham, Greenlee, Sierra Vista, Nogales-Santa Cruz, Marana, Oro Valley, Vail, Tucson Metro, Tucson LGBT and Tucson Hispanic — cite a number of programs beneficial to Southern Arizona as a reason to re-authorize the ACA, including:
• The Arizona Advanced Technology Network
• The Arizona Innovation Challenge
• The Small Business Boot Camp
• The Arizona State Trade Expansion Program
The chambers also points out the ACA supports rural economic development through its rural webinar series, and encourages manufacturing start-ups via sales tax exemptions.
“Under the ACA’s guidance, Arizona has evolved from a construction-focused economy to a diversified industrial powerhouse, excelling in advanced manufacturing sectors such as mining technology, aerospace and defense and semiconductors. This evolution not only stimulates our economy but also enhances national security by minimizing reliance on international supply chains,” the chambers wrote in a letter to the Legislature dated Jan. 25.
The Arizona Commerce Authority has come under fire from members of the state Legislature, following a state Auditor General’s report showing a lack of documentation by the agency. Some legislators have called for shutting down the agency, while others have suggested combining it with other state agencies and narrowing the ACA’s scope.
