scottsdalechamber.com
MEMBER COMMUNIQUÉ March 2011 - June 2011
Scottsdale Airpark: The Economic Engine That Really Could An unassuming business park surrounding a former World War II training field in the desert has grown, matured and become the second largest employment center in the state of Arizona. Home to thousands of businesses of every size and type, the Scottsdale Airpark is now the amazing economic engine that could and will be the engine that Rick Kidder can for many decades to come as it undergoes redevelopment, identity building, transportation improvements and individual company growth. The Airpark, the envy of its type, has seen meteoric growth over the last twenty years. It is the embodiment of the diversity of the Scottsdale economy and a triumph of the importance of place — often in spite of itself. When it began, the Scottsdale Airpark lacked just about everything that economic development folks say is crucial to attracting business. It had no center. It had little infrastructure. It had no definable transportation routes. It had no gathering spots, no restaurants, no retail and no workforce for miles. The Scottsdale Airpark should not have worked, but instead it thrived, thanks to a lot of people who came before us who envisioned an economic development model that worked for Scottsdale. At the core of that model is a simple premise. Decisionmakers, all things being equal, will locate a business close to where they want to live. Businesses thrive there because of that simple fact. Business owners wanted to be close to their places of business but only if the amenities and livability were top-notch. Freeways and infrastructure came later. Restaurants, retail and gathering places followed. Improvements come every year. And the Chamber is working to unite the Airpark. It is remarkable to watch this engine go!
Inside the Scottsdale Airpark
There is a lot going on in the Scottsdale Airpark these days. Everyone has heard of the effects of the recession on the Airpark: employment is down from the record high four years ago, commercial vacancy is over 30%, even worse in the Perimeter Center area. The “great recession,” as they are calling it, has had a profound effect in the Airpark. Even so, there is much cause for optimism. Many firms have weathered the recession and come out stronger, ready to take advantage of improving market conditions. As a business owner and commercial property owner in the Airpark, I have developed a passion for promoting economic development in the area. I am honored to serve as the Chairman of the Scottsdale Area Chambers’ Airpark committee, which focuses on facilitating economic development and building community. Our committee has never been more vibrant, focused and energetic. The committee currently has five initiatives: 1) Airpark advocacy, Continues on pg. S@W 02
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Scottsdale providing business advocacy, education, networking, leadership and exposure opportunities to our member businesses. The Chamber actively works to maintain Scottsdale’s high quality of life and create an environment where business innovation, excellence and entrepreneurship can thrive. For more information visit www.scottsdalechamber.com or call 480.355.2700.
Rick Kidder, President/CEO
In Business Magazine
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