Welcome to Phoenix, one of the most vibrant and livable communities in the United States, and a city where a strong, diverse economy supports a thriving and growing business community.
Phoenix is in the heart of the fastest growing region in the country, serving all the major markets in the western United States. With a population of almost 1.4 million, Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the country and serves as the centerpiece for almost 3.4 million people in the metropolitan area. The city's location is ideal for service not only to the Southwest, but also to southern California and the international markets of the Pacific Basin and Mexico.
Local, national, and international businesses find that Phoenix has an excellent transportation infrastructure, with frequent non-stop air connections to all major cities, easy freeway access and rail service destined to major ports. The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is now the fifth busiest in the world with over 1,300 commercial flights per day. The Airport is serviced by 23 airlines with non-stop flights to 198 cities including various cities in Canada, Mexico, and Europe. It's obvious why so many businesses and companies have made Phoenix their home.

Distance to Major Western Markets Tucson 110 miles Las Vegas 300 miles San Diego 350 miles Los Angeles 370 miles Hermosillo, Mexico 374 miles Albuquerque 450 miles San Francisco 760 miles Denver 810 miles Dallas 1,000 miles Calgary, Canada 1,600 miles

With over 514 square miles of land, Phoenix offers plenty of room for long-term growth. Only 50 percent of the land in the city is developed. Plenty of prime industrial and commercial land is available, much of it already set with modern infrastructure and an assured water supply necessary to start operation right away. A massive canal and pump system delivers water to Phoenix from the Colorado River, supplementing the supply from local reservoirs and river and assuring a reliable water supply for the foreseeable future. Also, Phoenix voters in 2004 approved a Regional Transportation Plan that includes nearly $16 billion of spending on construction of freeways, a light rail system, and enhanced bus services.

Thousands of companies have discovered that it pays to do business in the city of Phoenix. Among other things, the state has no corporate franchise tax, business inventory is not subject to property tax, and Arizona is a right-to-work state. The city also offers two programs for businesses located within designated areas. Qualifying businesses located within the City of Phoenix Enterprise Zone (COPEZ) can receive income tax and property tax benefits. Qualifying businesses within the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) can defer or eliminate duty on imported goods prior to entering the US market.

The greater Phoenix area has experienced positive job growth in 50 of the last 54 years, and the growth is a function of an ever-diversifying economic base. Motorola and Honeywell are among the larger corporate citizens. Regional and national headquarters in Phoenix include American Express, U S Airways, Bank of America, Charles Schwab, Sumitomo Sitix, USAA, Viad, Avnet and Phelps Dodge. Smaller companies, too, have reaped the rewards of establishing a Phoenix location. The blend of high-tech, manufacturing, agriculture, trade and service industries found in the area contribute to a healthy and well-diversified economy.

Phoenix is one of the most popular leisure destinations in the world, with its famous sunny climate and its proximity to the scenic wonders of Arizona.

Phoenix is also the location for hundreds of conferences and conventions each year. The downtown convention center known as Phoenix Civic Plaza is currently undergoing expansion even as its main exhibit halls remain open. When finished in 2008, the expanded Civic Plaza will have almost 1 million square feet of exhibit space plus an adjacent 1,000 room Sheraton hotel.

The Grand Canyon, Indian reservations, and winter ski areas are only a few hours from downtown Phoenix. Large nearby lakes offer fishing and boating. Lush stretches of beautiful Sonoran desert preserves extend right into the heart of the city. Add to that challenging golf courses, year-round outdoor activities, and an unlimited variety of attractive shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities.

Sports enthusiasts enjoy events for all major league sports as well as baseball spring training and auto racing. Phoenix's cultural offerings are superior, and its performing arts groups meet the highest standard. The Heard Museum, Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo each have won international acclaim for quality and innovation.

Phoenicians are proud of the city's reputation as a preferred place to work and do business, and are just as proud that Phoenix is a great place to raise a family. Neighborhoods feature quiet, tree-lined streets, manicured parks, housing costs that are among the lowest of all major cities; and quality education is a high priority for families and community leaders.

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