News from August 2015


2 state commissioners target utilities' campaign donations in commission races

Arizona Corporation Commissioners Susan Bitter Smith and Bob Burns said recently that  public service corporations, such as utilities and other entities, including solar companies, should cease making campaign contributions that affect Corporation Commission races.

Associa hosts forum featuring Arizona's Rep. Sinema

Associa, an industry leader in community management, featured U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) as guest speaker at its Bipartisan Business Forum event Aug. 28 at the firm’s Client Shared Services Center (CSSC) in Richardson, Texas.

Phoenix Chamber of Commerce installs new chair of young professional program

Erin Mettille welcomed as chair and Adam McAnally also joins board.

Study quantifies Maricopa County park system's benefits

Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department conducted an economic-impact analysis to assess its local open-space park system’s value to the community and to identify its benefits, the county said last week.

Salt River Project meets record energy demand in Phoenix

Meeting the recent heat wave’s challenges with upgraded technology, Salt River Project (SRP) provided a record amount of energy to its Phoenix-area retail customers by delivering 6,806 megawatts at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Innovative SRP data station to support Central Arizona's electric demand

A prototype next-generation data center recently installed at an electric substation will soon provide consumers with unprecedented, reliable, grid-connected power performance thanks to Valley-based companies Salt River Project (SRP) and BASELAYER.

TEP’s 9/11 Tower Challenge to benefit veterans, first responders

Hundreds of Tucson residents are expected to convene for Tucson Electric Power (TEP)’s 9/11 Tower Challenge at Arizona Stadium to benefit first responders, military personnel and their families Sept. 11 at the University of Arizona.

WIFA announces $550,000 loan for Somerton to acquire water company

Arizona’s Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) has closed a loan for the City of Somerton to acquire the Orange Grove Water Company, enabling better management, facility improvement and safer infrastructure, WIFA announced from Phoenix Aug. 14.

Innovative SRP DataStation to support grid, data center growth

Prototype next-generation data center going online this week in Phoenix area.

Trico, CoBank contribute $8,000 to benefit YOTO

Thanks to an $8,000 donation from Trico Electric Cooperative, lending partner CoBank and a special needs program administered by Youth on Their Own (YOTO), homeless youth in southern Arizona are able to continue their education.

Mattamy Homes to unveil Dove Mountain models at Mattany Sales Center

Award-winning builder Mattamy Homes’ first Tucson-area venture will bring stunning views and interactive designs to Marana, Arizona, with the grand opening of its Dove Mountain on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Trico, CoBank contribute $8,000 to benefit homeless students

Thanks to an $8,000 donation from Trico Electric Cooperative, lending partner CoBank, and a special needs program administered by Youth on Their Own (YOTO), homeless youth in Southern Arizona are able to continue their education.

Ronn Motor Group has another 'eco-exotic' vehicle on drawing board

Ronn Motor Group (RMG) is officially back at the forefront of the high-tech vehicle market, with CEO and founder Ronn Maxwell trumpeting the resurgence of his 2007-founded business from Scottsdale company headquarters on Tuesday.

Arizona Commerce Authority seeks input for promotional campaign

The Phoenix-based Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) recently launched a grassroots statewide project to craft a fresh, unified message to promote Arizona development and tourism, nurture civic pride and engage public participation.

APS teams with Phoenix Suns to offer Arizona schools STEM grants

Applications for grants of up to $2,500 each will be accepted through Oct. 7.

Mohave Electric's J. Tyler Carlson recognized with national service award

Mohave Electric Cooperative CEO J. Tyler Carlson will receive the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) 2015 Paul Revere Award, a national service award, it was announced Monday in Bullhead City, Arizona.

PrimeLending welcomes Dan Yribar as Tucson branch manager

Residential mortgage lender PrimeLending announced Monday that Dan Yribar has joined the firm as manager for the company’s first full-service Tucson branch, expanding its presence in southern Arizona.

Scott Harward wins exclusive spot on Phoenix Magazine’s Five Star List

Scott Harward, of Arizona Mortgage Specialists, Inc., is featured in a special section of the October issue of Phoenix Magazine as a 2015 Five Star Mortgage Professional award winner.

Natural Grocers to launch second Tucson store Sept. 8

Natural Grocers will distribute gift cards to the first 60 customers at its newest Arizona store’s grand opening at 6320 N. Oracle Road in Tucson at 7:55 a.m. Sept. 8.

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce names 11 finalists for ATHENA Award

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce announced 11 finalists for its prestigious ATHENA Awards, three of whom will be selected as recipients at the chamber’s 28th annual ceremony in October.