For years, employers and working parents have understood the practical challenges created by a shortage of affordable, accessible child care. New research and polling suggest those challenges are increasingly becoming something else, too: an economic issue with growing political salience.

The numbers help explain why.

A finds that more than eight in 10 likely voters 鈥� 82% 鈥� consider the cost of childcare part of the nation鈥檚 broader concerns with the cost of living. More than three-quarters, 76%, say the cost of care for families with young children is either a crisis or a major problem.

For parents who actually pay for childcare, the issue is even more immediate. Asked to identify the two biggest cost pressures they face, 38% named childcare, putting it virtually even with groceries at 40% and behind only housing at 56%.

Those findings come as new data illustrate the size of the challenge here in Arizona 鈥� and recent economic research makes the case that childcare isn鈥檛 simply a family issue but increasingly a workforce and economic competitiveness issue as well.

Arizona families feel the squeeze

Arizona is home to more than 481,000 children age 5 and younger, according to the First Five Years Fund, and 62% have all available parents participating in the workforce.

For those families, care can represent a significant household expense. The annual price of center-based childcare in Arizona is $16,384, or about $1,365 per month. Home-based care is less expensive, but still averages $9,339 annually, or $778 per month. FFYF estimates a 17% gap between the supply of childcare and potential need in Arizona and puts the annual economic impact of the state鈥檚 childcare challenges at $3.3 billion.

Those figures align with that found Arizona鈥檚 supply of licensed child care providers has declined dramatically even as the state鈥檚 population has grown.

Arizona had 5,126 licensed childcare providers in 2002. By 2024, that number had fallen to 2,779 鈥� a 46% decline. Meanwhile, the median daily cost of licensed center-based infant care increased from $43.03 in 2018 to $61.40 in 2024.

The problem is especially acute in some rural areas, but it isn鈥檛 confined to them. CSI found that even Maricopa County has licensed capacity sufficient for only about 13% of its infant population.

A workforce issue hiding in plain sight

For the business community, perhaps the most consequential aspect of the childcare debate is its effect on the labor force.

When parents cannot find care, cannot afford it, or cannot find care that accommodates their work schedules, the consequences eventually reach employers. Workers may reduce their hours, turn down jobs or promotions, miss shifts, or leave the workforce altogether.

The latest polling suggests the effects extend well beyond parents themselves. Nearly 40% of all voters surveyed said their own ability to work is affected by coworkers鈥� childcare challenges. Almost half of working parents said childcare challenges affect their ability to work, and one in five parents with young children said those challenges frequently do so.

CSI attempted to put an economic value on addressing that problem.

Its analysis estimates that making childcare sufficiently affordable and accessible could draw between 15,500 and 87,800 additional Arizonans into the labor force. Under CSI鈥檚 midpoint scenario of 50,000 new workers, the effects ripple well beyond those individuals: The modeling projects 131,700 additional jobs by year five, approximately $17.5 billion in additional state GDP, more than $13.5 billion in additional personal income and an estimated $188 million in additional state income tax revenue.

Those are significant numbers in a state where employers regularly identify access to talent as one of their most important considerations when deciding whether to expand, relocate or invest.

Political salience is growing

None of this means there is an obvious policy answer.

The childcare market presents a particularly difficult economic equation. Care is expensive for parents while wages for childcare workers remain comparatively low. Providers operate in a labor-intensive business with narrow margins, and regulations intended to ensure children’s health and safety can also increase operating costs and create barriers to adding capacity.

CSI鈥檚 research cautions against viewing increased subsidies as the only answer. It points to regulatory reform, expansion of home-based and alternative models, and policies that encourage more providers to enter the market as ways to increase supply and put downward pressure on costs.

But what does appear to be changing is the political environment surrounding the issue.

The FFYF poll found broad support for several basic objectives: 83% support ensuring that parents can choose the type of childcare that works best for their family, 73% support lowering monthly child care costs, and 71% support expanding the supply of care. Nearly half of Democratic voters surveyed said congressional Democrats should work with Republicans and President Donald Trump to pass childcare legislation.

That is noteworthy at a time when affordability is likely to remain central to the political conversation.

Housing, groceries, energy and other household expenses tend to dominate discussions about the cost of living, but for many families with young children, childcare increasingly belongs in that conversation, representing one of the largest bills they pay.

And unlike many other household expenses, the availability and price of childcare can determine whether a parent is able to work in the first place.

That makes childcare unusual in the affordability debate: Addressing it has the potential not only to reduce pressure on household budgets, but also to increase labor-force participation and expand the pool of workers available to employers.

This latest research suggests policymakers should expect childcare to command greater attention, not simply as a family issue, but as an affordability, workforce, and economic growth issue with increasingly significant political implications.

Image courtesy Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

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The Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry has been named the recipient of the 2026 Conference of State Manufacturers Associations Leadership Award, a national honor recognizing work on behalf of the manufacturing sector.

The National Association of Manufacturers this week during COSMA鈥檚 annual meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

COSMA members serve as the NAM鈥檚 official state partners, representing manufacturing priorities at the state level while helping elevate federal policy issues from across the country. A selection committee made up of previous award recipients evaluates nominees based on advocacy, organizational excellence, innovation, industry promotion and growth.

The Arizona 91果冻传媒 was selected in part for its work on a first-in-the-nation federal air-quality policy outcome affecting the Phoenix-Mesa region.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved Arizona鈥檚 Clean Air Act Section 179B demonstration, preventing the region from being reclassified to 鈥淪erious鈥� ozone nonattainment based on pollution originating largely outside the state鈥檚 control.

The 91果冻传媒 and Arizona Manufacturers Council had spent years advocating for the change alongside state, regional and federal partners. The decision spared manufacturers and other employers from additional permitting requirements, emissions-offset mandates and other regulatory costs that would not have addressed the primary sources of the region鈥檚 ozone levels.

鈥淭he Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry has blazed a trail for all manufacturers by helping the EPA align federal policy with scientific reality and pragmatic solutions,鈥� said Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association and COSMA chair.

Siekerka said the Arizona effort provides other states with 鈥渁 replicable playbook for collaborative and effective advocacy.鈥�

NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons also cited Arizona 91果冻传媒 President and CEO Danny Seiden鈥檚 bipartisan approach and broader advocacy on behalf of manufacturers.

鈥淒anny Seiden exemplifies the best of manufacturing association leadership in the United States,鈥� Timmons said. 鈥淏y leading with integrity, focusing on bipartisan solutions and delivering an impact across our sector and the communities we serve, Danny has earned wide respect not only from the business community but lawmakers of both parties and at all levels.鈥�

Timmons said manufacturers and families across Arizona benefit from Seiden鈥檚 鈥渃are, drive and stewardship,鈥� adding that the NAM was proud to recognize his advocacy.

Seiden said the award reflects the work of the 91果冻传媒鈥檚 staff, members and partner organizations across a range of policy and economic-development priorities.

鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to COSMA and the NAM for this recognition,鈥� Seiden said. 鈥淚t means even more coming from organizations that understand the work it takes to support a strong manufacturing sector.鈥�

He said the 91果冻传媒鈥檚 efforts have included work on federal air-quality policy, building public support for new investment and advancing the infrastructure needed to support Arizona鈥檚 continued economic growth.

鈥淭his award reflects the effort of our entire team, our members and the partners who have worked alongside us,鈥� Seiden said.

The Arizona 91果冻传媒 works with the Arizona Manufacturers Council to advocate for policies affecting manufacturers across the state, including regulatory, workforce, infrastructure and economic-development issues.

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A broad coalition of U.S. business organizations, including the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council, is urging Congress to approve a long-term reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), arguing the agency plays a critical role in helping American manufacturers compete globally.

In a July 21 letter to lawmakers, 319 companies, trade associations, state chambers of commerce, manufacturers’ groups and local business organizations from all 50 states called on Congress to pass a robust 10-year reauthorization of EXIM before its authorization expires later this year.

The coalition argues that export financing has become an increasingly important competitive tool as foreign governments expand support for their domestic industries. The letter notes that more than 115 foreign export credit agencies are actively supporting exporters in their respective countries and points to China’s estimated $24 billion in medium- and long-term export credit support in 2024, more than four times the volume officially supported by the United States.

鈥淓XIM is an essential tool that helps American exporters compete globally and level the playing field,鈥� the organizations wrote, adding that the bank鈥檚 financing programs can determine whether U.S. companies win international contracts, expand operations and create jobs.

According to the coalition, EXIM authorized $8.7 billion in transactions during fiscal year 2025, supporting approximately 40,000 American jobs. More than 87% of those transactions directly benefited small businesses. Since 1992, the bank has generated a net $9.8 billion for the U.S. Treasury while maintaining a low default rate.

鈥淎rizona manufacturers compete in a global marketplace every day. The Export-Import Bank helps ensure that American companies aren鈥檛 forced to compete with one hand tied behind their backs while foreign governments aggressively finance their own industries,鈥� Arizona Manufacturers Council Executive Director Grace Appelbe said. 鈥淎 long-term reauthorization of EXIM will provide the certainty businesses need to invest, grow, and support high-quality manufacturing jobs here in Arizona and across the country, which is why we鈥檙e urging Congress to act.鈥�

Beyond extending the agency鈥檚 authorization for a decade, the letter calls on Congress to strengthen EXIM鈥檚 ability to operate during board vacancies, expand its China and Transformational Exports Program, and revise lending restrictions that the coalition says unnecessarily limit the bank’s competitiveness against foreign export credit agencies.

Arizona organizations signing the letter include the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry, Arizona Manufacturers Council, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation, Buckeye Valley 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, Chandler 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, Coolidge 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, Fountain Hills 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, Greater Phoenix 91果冻传媒, Mesa 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, Nogales Santa Cruz County 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, PHX East Valley Partnership, Scottsdale Area 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, and The 91果冻传媒 of Southern Arizona. The National Association of Manufacturers coordinated the nationwide sign-on effort, which drew support from major corporations including Boeing, Ford Motor Co., Lockheed Martin, Siemens Energy, Toyota Motor North America and the U.S. 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, along with hundreds of state and local business organizations.

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The Arizona Supreme Court has declined to review a legal challenge involving a planned hotel development in Marana, leaving in place an appellate ruling that the project鈥檚 development agreement is not subject to referendum.

The Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry participated through the Arizona 91果冻传媒 Legal Center, filing an amicus curiae brief urging the Supreme Court to let the lower court ruling stand.

鈥淭his is a significant result for Marana and for communities across Arizona that rely on a predictable development process,鈥� said Vanessa Pomeroy, chief counsel of the Arizona 91果冻传媒 Legal Center. 鈥淭he courts have now consistently recognized that the referendum power cannot be used to reopen every administrative action taken to implement a land-use plan that has already been publicly considered and adopted. Businesses need to know that when they follow the rules and a project receives the required approvals, those decisions will carry some measure of finality.鈥�

The case began after Marana rejected referendum petitions challenging a development agreement for a planned hotel project. A Pima County Superior Court judge sided with the town, and the Arizona Court of Appeals later upheld that ruling, finding the agreement carried out an existing development plan and was therefore not subject to referendum.

The agreement covers approximately 19 acres of town-owned property near Marana Main Street and Civic Center Drive and is tied to the Rancho Marana West Town Center Specific Plan, adopted in 2008. The plan calls for a mixed-use town center that could include commercial, retail, office, entertainment, residential and hospitality uses.

Arizonans for Responsible Development sought to place the Town Council鈥檚 approval of the agreement before voters. Marana declined to process the petitions, arguing that the resolution implemented an existing development plan rather than creating new policy.

That distinction is central under Arizona law. Legislative actions can generally be challenged through referendum, while administrative actions ordinarily cannot.

In its June ruling, the Court of Appeals said the development agreement 鈥渇urthers an already-declared policy鈥� and concluded that the resolution was 鈥渘ot legislative but administrative and is therefore not referable.鈥�

The court also rejected the challengers鈥� broader argument that all municipal development agreements are automatically subject to referendum, finding that state law does not eliminate the traditional distinction between legislative and administrative actions.

Pomeroy said the outcome matters beyond the Marana project because businesses, developers and local governments rely on clear rules and dependable timelines when making investment decisions.

鈥淭he referendum is an important constitutional safeguard, but it鈥檚 not a tool for creating perpetual uncertainty around approved development,鈥� Pomeroy said. 鈥淭here has to be a clear line between creating new policy and implementing policy that has already been adopted. That distinction matters for communities, employers and developers trying to move projects forward.鈥�

The Supreme Court鈥檚 decision leaves the appellate ruling intact, ending the challengers鈥� effort to place the development agreement before voters.

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The U.S. Forest Service earlier this month issued the Final Record of Decision (ROD) for the Hermosa Critical Minerals Project in Southern Arizona’s Patagonia Mountains, completing the federal environmental review required for portions of the project planned on National Forest land. The decision follows several years of environmental study, public input, tribal and interagency consultation. 

Project developer South32 says Hermosa could produce up to five federally designated critical minerals, including zinc, silver, and manganese. The project includes a broader land package with potential for additional polymetallic and copper mineralization, positioning it as a significant domestic source of minerals tied to energy, manufacturing and supply-chain needs. 

The decision paves the way for South32 to fully develop the project beyond its privately held land, including building ancillary infrastructure such as a primary access road, a secondary dry-stack tailings facility, and allowing utility UniSource Energy Services to build a portion of a 138-kV power line on Coronado National Forest land.  

Construction is already halfway complete on private land. It was the first mining project accepted into the federal FAST-41 permitting program, which is reserved for nationally significant infrastructure projects meeting rigorous criteria.  

鈥淔rom the beginning, we designed Hermosa to be a different kind of mine, and the federal review process helped make it even better,鈥� South32 Hermosa President Pat Risner said. 鈥淵ears of agency review, Tribal consultation and community engagement strengthened environmental protections, informed project refinements and shaped a project that can transform the local economy. We are grateful to everyone who participated throughout the process and look forward to continuing that engagement as we move from construction and development into operations.鈥� 

The Final ROD also represents an important milestone in the broader national conversation around domestic critical mineral development and permitting reform. Hermosa鈥檚 advancement under FAST-41 did not reduce the thoroughness of environmental review or limit public input. Rather, the process helped improve interagency coordination, transparency, and accountability across federal agencies while ensuring the project moved through permitting in a timely and disciplined manner.  

Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry, said the Hermosa project also demonstrates the value of a predictable and transparent permitting process. 

鈥淪outh32鈥檚 Hermosa project represents the kind of investment Arizona needs to strengthen domestic supply chains, support critical minerals production, and create long-term jobs in Santa Cruz County and across the state,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also a model for how permitting should work. Hermosa has gone through years of environmental review, public input, and interagency consultation, and the project remains on track under the federal permitting schedule. That鈥檚 the kind of predictable, transparent process Arizona needs more of if we want to lead in industries critical to our economy and national security.鈥� 

Over the course of the review process, Hermosa underwent extensive federal environmental analysis and consultation including more than 120 days of formal public comment periods, coordination across six federal and state agencies and consultation with 12 Tribes with historic affiliation to the region. 

鈥淚f we鈥檙e serious about bringing supply chains back to America and reducing our dependence on foreign countries, we need to responsibly produce more critical minerals here at home. This is exactly what the Hermosa project is doing,鈥� said U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). 鈥淭his milestone shows we can move projects through an efficient permitting process to create good-paying jobs while strengthening our national security.鈥� 

South32 conducted extensive baseline environmental studies and community engagement before permit applications were formally submitted, allowing project alternatives, water management approaches, access roads and mitigation measures to be shaped by stakeholder input early in the process. 

The Final ROD confirms that environmental protections, mitigation commitments, and adaptive management measures are integrated into the approved project. Throughout the review process, South32 refined Hermosa’s design in response to agency feedback, Tribal consultation and community input, including: 

• Redesign of the dry-stack tailings facility to avoid sensitive plant species;听
• Design of a Primary Access Road, necessary for expansion, to also reduce traffic impacts to Patagonia and outdoor recreation areas;听
• Surface and ground water quality and quantity monitoring beyond state level requirements;听
• Wildlife crossings and habitat protections;听
• Cultural resource avoidance measures; and听
• Operational refinements听are designed听to reduce emissions,听noise,听and surface disturbance.听

In total, South32 committed to more than 135 conservation, mitigation and monitoring measures developed in coordination with federal agencies, Tribes and local stakeholders. Many of those commitments will become federally enforceable components of the final Mine Plan of Operations, and associated management plans outlined in the Final ROD. 

鈥淭he Final Record of Decision for Hermosa is another important milestone for Nogales. It reflects years of collaboration to ensure the Hermosa project is developed in a way that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship,鈥� said Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado. 鈥淪outh32 is making a long-term investment in the people and future of Nogales through investments like its remote operating center 鈥淐entro鈥�. Hermosa has the potential to create new opportunities to support good-paying jobs and help ensure that more of our young people can build successful careers right here at home, and we appreciate South32’s commitment to developing Hermosa responsibly while creating opportunities for local families, students and businesses.鈥� 

With a surface footprint of 750 acres and projected to use approximately 90% less water than other mines in the region, South32 designed Hermosa to minimize its environmental impact. Once in operation, Hermosa would help transform and grow the local economy and create up to 900 good-paying jobs during peak operations, and support investment across surrounding communities for decades to come. 

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Arizona small businesses struggling with rising health insurance costs will soon have more coverage options after Gov. Katie Hobbs signed HB 2693, legislation spearheaded by the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry that expands access to multiple employer welfare arrangements, or MEWAs.

Nationally, the pressure is especially acute for the smallest employers. A 2024 JPMorganChase Institute analysis found that health insurance premiums consumed a larger share of compensation costs for lower-revenue businesses, with firms under $600,000 in annual revenue seeing a median health insurance payroll burden of nearly 12%, compared with 7% for firms above $2.4 million.

Sponsored by Rep. David Livingston (R-Peoria), the legislation allows small employers to join qualifying organizations, like the Arizona 91果冻传媒, that can negotiate health benefits on behalf of a broader pool of participants. For Arizona鈥檚 smaller employers, the MEWA model offers a framework to build greater purchasing power in a market that often gives larger businesses more leverage.

鈥淭his bill is about giving small businesses more choices,鈥� Rep. Livingston said. 鈥淲hen employers can come together through an association, they have a better opportunity to access coverage the way larger employers do, with more people in the risk pool and more leverage to manage costs.鈥�

The law also expands eligibility to include sole proprietors, working owners, and employers with as few as two eligible employees. When coverage is available, eligible employers may be able to seek plans through a qualifying statewide chamber of commerce or a statewide business league.

Arizona is not starting from scratch. Similar MEWA models are already in use in other states, including Missouri, where the Missouri 91果冻传媒 Federation鈥檚 91果冻传媒 Benefit Plan has used a MEWA structure since 2017 to help small employers join a larger self-funded pool. The Missouri 91果冻传媒 says the plan has grown to nearly 4,000 covered groups and more than 45,000 covered individuals.

As HB 2693 moves into implementation, Missouri鈥檚 experience provides Arizona policymakers and business leaders with a useful point of reference for how a similar model can expand coverage options for small employers.

鈥淗B 2693 allows for greater flexibility, expanded choice, improved stability, and lower costs,鈥� said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry. 鈥淔or small businesses working to attract and retain talent, those benefits can make a meaningful difference for employers and employees across Arizona.鈥�

Thanks to this legislation, the 91果冻传媒 is launching a MEWA program that will help Arizona鈥檚 small businesses, the backbone of our economy, have access to more affordable and flexible health coverage.

As that program takes shape, the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry has created an HB 2693 website where employers can learn more about MEWA and add their support for expanding health coverage options for Arizona small businesses.

For small employers facing rising benefit costs, HB 2693 creates a new option for more stable, affordable coverage, helping businesses better support employees and compete for talent.

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The Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry has installed Monica Coury, vice president of external affairs at Arizona Complete Health, as chair of its board of directors, as the organization begins its new fiscal year.

Coury officially assumed the chairmanship during a ceremonial passing of the gavel at the 91果冻传媒鈥檚 June 26 board meeting. She succeeds Ted Geisler, president and CEO of APS, who served as board chair over the past two years.

As chair, Coury will lead the 91果冻传媒鈥檚 board while helping guide the organization鈥檚 efforts to advance policies that strengthen Arizona鈥檚 economy, improve the state鈥檚 business climate, and promote long-term prosperity.

鈥淚t is an incredible honor to serve as chair of the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry,鈥� Coury said. 鈥淚 want to thank my fellow board members for the confidence they鈥檝e placed in me, and I鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the 91果冻传媒鈥檚 outstanding team. The 91果冻传媒 has long been one of Arizona鈥檚 most effective and respected advocates on behalf of the state鈥檚 job creators, and I look forward to building on that legacy as we continue working to make Arizona the best place in the nation to live, work, and do business.鈥�

Coury has served on the 91果冻传媒鈥檚 board for several years. She previously chaired the Public Affairs Committee and most recently served as chair-elect. In her role at Arizona Complete Health, she oversees one of the state鈥檚 leading health plans and has been a prominent voice on issues involving healthcare access, workforce development, and Arizona鈥檚 economic competitiveness.

鈥淢onica is an exceptional leader whose collaborative approach, strategic vision, and deep commitment to Arizona make her the ideal person to lead our board,鈥� said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry. 鈥淪he understands that a strong economy depends on smart public policy, and she has consistently brought thoughtful leadership and sound judgment to the 91果冻传媒. I look forward to working closely with Monica as we continue advancing policies that help Arizona employers create jobs, invest, and grow.鈥�

Seiden also thanked Geisler for his leadership during a period that included significant legislative successes and continued growth for the 91果冻传媒.

鈥淭ed has been an outstanding chairman, a trusted partner, and a friend,鈥� Seiden said. 鈥淗is steady leadership, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to Arizona鈥檚 economic future have helped position the 91果冻传媒 for continued success. We are grateful for his service and look forward to his continued counsel and involvement on our board.鈥�

The 91果冻传媒 also installed the following governing board officers:

• Chair-elect: Jimmy Lindblom, Willmeng Construction
• Vice-chair, audit & finance: Don Isaacson, Isaacson Law Firm
• Vice-chair, manufacturing: Angela Creedon, Intel

The Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry is Arizona鈥檚 leading statewide business advocacy organization, representing employers of every size and industry across the state. The 91果冻传媒鈥檚 mission is to advance Arizona鈥檚 competitiveness through policies that foster economic growth, job creation, and opportunity for all Arizonans.

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Honeywell Aerospace is preparing to launch as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company headquartered in Phoenix, placing the global operation of one of the industry鈥檚 largest suppliers at the center of Arizona鈥檚 growing advanced-manufacturing economy.

The company is expected to separate from Honeywell International on June 29 and begin trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker HONA. The planned spinoff is part of a broader restructuring of Honeywell into more focused standalone businesses.

Honeywell Aerospace marked the milestone last week with its inaugural Investor Day in Phoenix, followed by an evening reception at its Sky Harbor hangar for state and local leaders. The events offered a look at the company鈥檚 strategy as an independent business, along with aircraft, engines, and other aerospace and defense technologies bearing its newly unveiled branding.

The company reported $17.4 billion in global net sales in 2025 and is one of Arizona鈥檚 largest employers, with more than 7,000 workers in the state. Honeywell Aerospace operates across commercial aviation, business aviation, defense, and space markets.

鈥淭his is a major vote of confidence in Arizona鈥檚 economy and in the people who have spent decades building our aerospace and advanced-manufacturing base,鈥� Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. 鈥淭he impact goes well beyond the thousands of high-paying jobs Honeywell supports today. A headquarters means the big decisions are made here, and that creates opportunities for investment, suppliers, small businesses, and communities across our state.鈥�

Honeywell Aerospace鈥檚 portfolio includes avionics, navigation systems, sensors, aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, electric-power systems and thermal-management technologies. The company will be organized into three operating segments: Electronic Solutions, Engines & Power Systems and Control Systems.

Honeywell has deep roots in Arizona. Its aerospace operations have been based in Phoenix for decades, and the company has played a role in developing technologies used across commercial aviation, defense and space exploration.

The Phoenix headquarters designation takes on greater significance as the newly independent company lays out plans for its next phase of growth. Honeywell Aerospace told investors it expects sales to grow between 6% and 8% annually through 2030, driven by demand from commercial aviation, aftermarket services, defense and space customers. Its backlog has grown to $19 billion, up 20% from a year earlier.

CEO Jim Currier said the company plans to prioritize investments in manufacturing capacity and its supply chain as it moves forward as a standalone business.

Grace Appelbe, executive director of the Arizona Manufacturers Council, said the headquarters announcement highlights the importance of Arizona鈥檚 advanced-manufacturing sector and the skilled workforce supporting it.

鈥淗oneywell鈥檚 presence in Arizona is a reminder that advanced manufacturing is not an abstract concept here,鈥� Appelbe said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 skilled Arizonans building technologies that power aircraft, support national defense and shape the future of flight. Anchoring that global operation in Phoenix strengthens Arizona鈥檚 broader manufacturing ecosystem and reinforces our state鈥檚 position as a hub for advanced industry.鈥�

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The Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry recognized business, civic and legislative leaders helping shape the state鈥檚 economy Tuesday evening at its 2026 Annual Awards Celebration.

The event, held at Warehouse215 in downtown Phoenix, honored the City of Peoria, Amkor Technology, Banner Health, RNDC Arizona鈥檚 Chris Curtin and three state lawmakers for their work to support job creation, economic growth and Arizona鈥檚 business climate.

鈥淎rizona鈥檚 success does not happen by accident,鈥� 91果冻传媒 President and CEO Danny Seiden said. 鈥淚t takes leaders who are willing to take on complicated issues, bring the right people to the table, and stay focused on what matters for employers, workers and communities across the state.鈥�

The 91果冻传媒 named Peoria its 2026 Best City for Business, recognizing the city鈥檚 efforts to attract investment and plan for long-term growth.

Under Mayor Jason Beck鈥檚 leadership, Peoria has made economic development, water security and public safety core priorities. The Peoria Innovation Core, located along the Loop 303 corridor, is designed to position one of the city鈥檚 key growth areas as a hub for advanced industries and employment.

In accepting the award, Beck said, 鈥淚 wanted to make a difference in my city, I wanted to make a difference in my community,鈥� and that he didn鈥檛 waste any time getting to work executing a business plan for the city that spurred major investments and created to new jobs.

Amkor Technology鈥檚 planned advanced semiconductor packaging and test campus is one of the most visible examples of that strategy. The $7 billion project is expected to create approximately 3,000 high-wage jobs.

Amkor also received the 91果冻传媒 Top Newsmaker Award. Its Peoria project was named magazine鈥檚 No. 1 North American deal of 2025 and will bring advanced packaging and testing capacity to the United States, strengthening a critical piece of the domestic semiconductor supply chain.

鈥淚t is more than just a strategic investment,鈥� Amkor鈥檚 Mark Rogers said. 鈥淚t is a testament to Amkor鈥檚 deep roots in Arizona, our confidence in the semiconductor ecosystem in Arizona, a manifestation of our commitment to U.S.-based advanced manufacturing and supply chain resiliency.鈥�

The 91果冻传媒 presented the Doug Yonko Volunteer of the Year Award to Chris Curtin, director of regulatory affairs for RNDC Arizona.

Curtin has supported the 91果冻传媒 for years by making RNDC facilities available for policy events, member receptions, board meetings, candidate forums and previous Annual Awards celebrations. The award is named for Doug Yonko, a former Hensley Beverage Company vice president of communications who served as 91果冻传媒 board chairman from 2012 to 2013.

Three state lawmakers were honored for their work on issues affecting Arizona employers and communities.

Rep. Janeen Connolly (D-Tempe) received a Representative of the Year Award for her collaborative approach, willingness to work across the aisle and engagement with the business community on practical solutions.

Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-Chandler) also received a Representative of the Year Award for his consistent advocacy on behalf of Arizona job creators, including his work to support small businesses and last year鈥檚 legislation to modernize Chase Field and help keep the Arizona Diamondbacks in downtown Phoenix without creating a new tax.

Sen. T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge) was named the 91果冻传媒鈥檚 2026 Senator of the Year for his leadership on major growth issues, including last year鈥檚 Ag-to-Urban water legislation and this year鈥檚 91果冻传媒-backed proposal to bring greater transparency and consistency to the local initiative process.

Banner Health was named the 91果冻传媒鈥檚 2026 Corporate Citizen of the Year, recognizing the nonprofit health system鈥檚 role as a care provider, employer, research institution and community partner.

As Arizona鈥檚 largest health care provider and largest private employer, Banner supports communities across the state. Its $80.5 million research enterprise advanced 1,300 clinical and translational studies in 2025, while the organization provides more than $1 billion in annual community benefit.

鈥淎s a nonprofit health organization that serves the people of Arizona, we succeed when you stay healthy, not when you get sick,鈥� said Dr. Marjorie Bessel, chief clinical officer at Banner Health. 鈥淭hat means we reinvest every dollar we generate into care, technology, talent and community health initiatives.

鈥淲e partner with Arizona organizations making real impact every day, from supporting recovery and family services with the Arizona Women鈥檚 Recovery Center and Chicanos Por La Causa to generating breakthrough research and training the next generation of health providers with the University of Arizona. This is what we can accomplish when healthcare, business, and community work together as true partners to build Arizona鈥檚 future.鈥�

Seiden said the range of recipients reflected the many factors behind Arizona鈥檚 continued economic momentum.

鈥淓ach of this year鈥檚 honorees represents a different part of Arizona鈥檚 success story: public leadership, private investment, community service, bipartisan problem-solving and a shared commitment to keeping Arizona competitive,鈥� Seiden said. The 2026 Annual Awards Celebration was presented by Arizona Public Service. Warehouse215 served as host sponsor, and ViaWest Group served as gold sponsor.

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Banner Health鈥檚 research enterprise delivered new treatment opportunities to patients in 2025 while strengthening Arizona鈥檚 position in medical innovation, according to the health system鈥檚 newly released听.听

The report also highlights Banner鈥檚 role in Arizona鈥檚 health care and research economy. 

Banner鈥檚 $80.5 million research enterprise now supports 1,300 translational and clinical studies spanning neuroscience, cardiology, oncology and orthopedics.  

鈥淲e are deeply committed to advancing patient care through the power of clinical research,鈥� said Corey Casper, MD, MPH, Banner鈥檚 chief research officer.  

Banner鈥檚 research footprint spans 33 hospitals and includes 371 team members, 315 scientific publications, 158,470 biomarker tests for collaborators and 16,389 brain tissue samples shared with scientific groups in 10 countries. 

Banner said partnerships are also helping expand the reach of its research enterprise, including collaborations with the University of Arizona and MD Anderson Cancer Center, as well as relationships with institutions such as Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins University and Arizona State University.  

Amy Perry, Banner Health鈥檚 president and chief executive officer, described the research enterprise as a 鈥渟trategic investment in Arizona鈥檚 future鈥� in the release.  

Among the milestones highlighted in the 2025 report was Banner鈥檚 role in advancing the first FDA-approved device for severe mitral annular calcification, a heart valve condition affecting up to 30% of older Americans that has traditionally required open-heart surgery.  

鈥淏anner Health鈥檚 continued commitment to patients and communities shows the role Arizona can play in advancing medical innovation,鈥� said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry. 鈥淚ts investment in research and patient care is strengthening our economy and making a meaningful difference for Arizona patients and communities.鈥� 

Banner Health will be recognized with the Corporate Citizen Award at the Arizona 91果冻传媒鈥檚 Annual Awards Celebration on June 2, 2026, highlighting its broader role in Arizona鈥檚 economy and its dedication to serving communities across the state. 

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