Pima County Economic Development was awarded the Golden Prospector Award by the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) on October 23, 2025, recognizing excellence in marketing materials. The honor was given for a newly updated brochure developed in collaboration with Pima County Communications, which showcases the region’s economic strengths, key industries, available properties, and relocation incentives. Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Director of Pima County Economic Development, praised the achievement, noting it reflects both the county’s growing visibility in economic promotion and the strong partnership between departments. The publication won top honors in the Marketing Brochure category and features visually engaging design elements, including QR codes linking to the official website and the Economic Development Strategic Plan, enhancing digital engagement and search engine visibility. A Spanish version was also produced to support outreach to Mexican business delegations. In November, Pima County hosted over 20 representatives from Baja California, Mexico, facilitating site visits, academic collaborations, and discussions on cross-border trade and talent development in sectors like aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. Partners included the University of Arizona, Pima Community College—which showcased its Centers of Excellence in Automotive and Advanced Manufacturing—and the Chamber of Southern Arizona, which hosted a networking dinner. Separately, Tech Parks Arizona announced a $2.6 billion annual economic impact based on 2024 data analyzed by Rounds Consulting Group. The figure accounts for direct, indirect, and induced effects across its three innovation hubs: UA Tech Park at Rita Road, UA Tech Park at The Bridges, and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI). In 2024 alone, the parks supported 15,857 jobs, generated $1.1 billion in labor income, and contributed $84 million in state and local tax revenues. Carol Stewart, CEO of Tech Parks Arizona, highlighted the integration of people, place, and programming in fostering innovation. The parks host over 100 companies—from startups to major tech firms—in fields such as aerospace, software, optics, and life sciences, employing 9,205 individuals at an average annual wage of $75,600, significantly above the Tucson metro average of $62,200. Notably, 69% of knowledge workers in the parks are University of Arizona alumni, reinforcing the education-to-employment pipeline. Hundreds of internships are offered annually, strengthening workforce readiness. A perception study identified key benefits including startup support through UACI, collaboration opportunities, and access to university resources. The ecosystem’s influence extends beyond physical boundaries, bolstering supplier networks and public revenues. Lincoln Property Company also marked a milestone with the completion of Phase I of I-10 International, an $80 million industrial project on 79 acres near Tucson International Airport. The development includes two Class A warehouse buildings totaling 373,811 square feet, with future phases planned to exceed 1 million square feet. Features include 32-foot clear heights, energy-efficient roofing, natural lighting, and outdoor amenities designed to attract skilled workers. David Krumwiede of Lincoln emphasized the project’s strategic location and modern design as vital additions to Tucson’s limited industrial inventory. Vickie Palmer of AURP and Ebba Lund of IASP commended Tech Parks Arizona’s national and international leadership in innovation-driven economic development.
— news from Pima County, AZ (.gov)
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Economic Development Newsroom
Pima County Economic Development received the Golden Prospector Award on Oct. 23, 2025, from the Arizona Association for Economic Development for a brochure it developed in partnership with Pima County Communications. n n“We’re thrilled to have won a Golden Prospector Award through AAED for our newly-updated marketing brochure,” said Pima County Economic Development Director Heath Vescovi-Chiordi. “This award highlights not only that Pima County now has a more prominent presence in the economic development marketing space, but also that we have an excellent relationship with our Comms department and that we can easily collaborate on creating award-winning ideas, designs, and more. Truly, we are so appreciative of this award!” n nThe brochure received the top award in the Marketing Brochure category in the statewide competition. The new brochure tells the story of Pima County’s strengths, what it has to offer companies that want to relocate here, what the main industries are currently, and what properties the County has to offer. n nWhile it seems like a lot of information, the Communications team was able to fit all of that in the brochure in a visually appealing way. The back cover also includes QR codes that direct users to the Pima County Economic Development website and to the current version of the Economic Development Strategic Plan. n nThe addition of the QR codes enhances access to more information and drives traffic to our website, helping to boost SEO relevance and increasing our ability to market more easily. n nAdditionally, this brochure was translated to Spanish to share when meetings are held with people from Mexico. n nWith this brochure, Pima County Economic Development continues to raise its profile as the regional economic leader and makes it easier for industry leaders to see the opportunities available in Pima County. n nPima County was pleased to organize and host a delegation visit with more than 20 representatives from Baja California, Mexico. The delegation toured several locations throughout Pima County and Tucson from Nov. 4-6. n nOver the course of three days, Pima County Economic Development and its partners met directly with representatives from the Mexican state of Baja California. Partners included state government, local economic development organizations, academia, and industry cluster representation. The event resulted in several new partnership opportunities and codified several others that were in development. n nWorking directly with Justin Dutram at the University of Arizona, Pima County helped coordinate a series of on-campus activities. These included tours of award-winning assets and facilities, discussion of new partnerships, curriculum development, and more. n nAdditionally, Pima Community College led the delegation on a tour of two of its new Center of Excellence facilities — Automotive and Advanced Manufacturing. The visits highlighted Pima Community College’s commitment to hands-on workforce development through physical facility assets, credentialing, certifications, industry-specific training, and more. n nPima County and the City of Tucson engaged directly with the representatives on expansion of companies into Pima County, as well as how to leverage regional assets in various ways, including talent development and attraction. n nThe Chamber of Southern Arizona planned and hosted a welcome dinner, giving the delegation from Mexico an opportunity to interact with members of the local business community to make additional and new connections. n nPima County organized and hosted this delegation to explore new ways in which the Economic Development Department can work with colleagues from across the border to increase trade and Foreign Direct Investment in key industry areas like Aerospace and Defense, Advanced Manufacturing, Medical/Healthcare, and more, as well as how to engage in mutually beneficial talent development, talent sharing, and talent attraction. n nTech Parks Arizona celebrates a powerful economic legacy, reporting a $2.6 billion annual economic impact. The figure comes from a newly released analysis of 2024 data, the organization’s milestone 30th anniversary year, and conducted by the independent research firm Rounds Consulting Group. n nEvery five years, Tech Parks Arizona undertakes a comprehensive assessment of its three innovation hubs: the UA Tech Park at Rita Road, UA Tech Park at The Bridges and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI). n nIn 2024 alone, Tech Parks Arizona supported 15,857 jobs, generated $1.1 billion in labor income, and contributed $84 million in state and local tax revenues. These outcomes reflect the combined direct, indirect, and induced impacts of its innovation ecosystem, reinforcing its role as a driving force in Arizona’s knowledge-based economy. n n“Our success is built on the power of people, place, and programming,” said Carol Stewart, Vice President of the University of Arizona, CEO of Tech Parks Arizona. “We create connections that matter — linking entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry partners to drive meaningful innovation. By providing purpose-built environments and tailored programs that help companies grow, we’re fostering a thriving community where business, research, and talent come together to turn ideas into impact.” n nVickie Palmer, CEO of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP), said: “Tech Parks Arizona stands among North America’s leading university research and technology parks, exemplifying the best practices in innovation-driven economic development. This newly released impact analysis reaffirms Tech Parks Arizona’s critical role as a national model — successfully linking academic research, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurial growth to generate extraordinary economic outcomes. As a long-standing member of AURP, Tech Parks Arizona continues to raise the bar for what research parks can achieve.” n nIn alignment with the University of Arizona’s mission to ensure success for every student, Tech Parks Arizona plays a pivotal role in creating pathways from education to employment. n nData collected from tenants of Tech Parks shows that 69% of knowledge workers within the parks are University of Arizona graduates, demonstrating a strong pipeline from classroom to career. Additionally, Tech Parks Arizona facilitates hundreds of internship opportunities annually, providing students with hands-on experience and direct access to industry leaders, further strengthening the university’s commitment to student success and workforce development. n nTech Parks Arizona hosts over 100 companies, ranging from innovative startups to industry-leading tech giants, across sectors such as aerospace and defense, software, optics, financial services and life sciences. As a major employment hub, the parks are home to 9,205 workers whose average annual wage of $75,600 exceeds the Tucson metro area average by more than $13,000 — compared to $62,200. n nThese findings underscore the strength of Tech Parks Arizona’s ecosystem in connecting research, industry, and entrepreneurship. As a vital driver of regional innovation and economic growth, the parks continue to fuel long-term prosperity for the region. n nBeyond the numbers, a recent perception study highlights the unique environment Tech Parks Arizona has cultivated, which supports businesses beyond traditional models. n nThe perception study identified the top recognized benefits as: n nSupporting startups through the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) n nFostering a collaborative business and innovation community n nConnecting companies with university resources n nThe economic influence of Tech Parks Arizona extends well beyond the physical boundaries of its campuses. From supporting high-wage employment to strengthening supplier networks and generating critical public tax revenues, the ecosystem fostered by the parks underscores their role as a cornerstone of Southern Arizona’s growth and a vital contributor to the state’s long-term economic success. n n“An IASP member since 2019, Tech Parks Arizona has been an active and valued part of our international network, which brings together 350 like-minded organizations across 80 countries,” said Ebba Lund, CEO of International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP). “Tech Parks Arizona has actively contributed to the knowledge sharing and learning processes of innovation communities and peers worldwide, enriching the strategic goals of our global innovation community.” n nLincoln Property Company hosted a ribbon-cutting event for its nearly 375,000 square-foot industrial development near I-10 and Valencia Road on Nov. 12. n nThe project, called I-10 International, is valued at $80 million and sits on 79 acres at the southeast corner of Alvernon Way and Los Reales Road, two miles from a full-diamond interchange at I-10 and Valencia Road, within the Tucson International Airport submarket. It is the first-ever ground-up industrial development in Tucson for Lincoln Properties and is the newest addition to Southern Arizona’s emerging Sonoran Desert industrial corridor. n nThe project totals 373,811 square feet and includes two high-performing warehouse/distribution buildings: a 158,944-square-foot Building B and 214,867-square-foot Building C. A fully designed, 188,434-square-foot Building A and a 476,000-square-foot Building D will be developed in line with market demand, bringing the project to more than 1 million square feet of prime Class A industrial inventory. n n“This project’s strategic location and superior design are a valuable addition to Tucson’s limited pipeline of state-of-the-art industrial space,” said Lincoln Senior Executive Vice President David Krumwiede. n n“As long-established Arizona developers, we’re excited to bring this resource to the market, in a project that has been embraced by Tucson and its leaders since day one. We’re grateful for that support and very pleased to celebrate the completion of Phase I.” n nBuildings at I-10 International Phase I are state-of-the-art cold capable with 32-foot clear height, 14-foot tall glass entrances creating a modern and inviting presence, full concrete truck courts, generous use of clerestory windows allowing abundant natural interior light, and an R-38 insulated roof deck system supporting energy efficiency and long-term performance. n nLike all of Lincoln’s new Arizona industrial developments, I-10 International follows a “creative industrial” vision, with unique amenities designed to attract and retain a new era of highly skilled and specialized employees. These enhancements include a best-in-class outdoor amenity space with shaded and landscaped areas, built-in barbecue equipment and seating for outdoor relaxing, dining and games. n n“I-10 International’s next-gen features and people-first approach will support the most demanding modern user and set a new standard of quality for Southern Arizona industrial product,” said Lincoln Senior Vice President John Orsak. “We are proud to add it to our Arizona portfolio and confident it will only continue to grow in value and appeal.” n nElevated design details at I-10 International include architectural shade elements on the north and south elevations, shading adjacent landscaped outdoor amenity spaces. Each building is also differentiated in its design flexibility, able to accommodate up to six individual suites and a range of leasing configurations for current and future adaptability.