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May '07 Briefcase

MARICOPA GROWS

Maricopa County, gained 696,000 residents between 2000 and 2006, the largest numerical increase of the nation's 3,141 counties, according to estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. This increase surpasses the total population of all but 15 U.S. cities. Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, has 3.8 million residents, making it the nation's fourth largest county. Maricopa added nearly 3 million residents since the 1970 Census.

The dramatic increase in Maricopa County's population is the main reason Arizona became the nation's fastest-growing state between 2005 and 2006, says Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon. For more info, visit www.census.gov.



TREO SHOWS BLUEPRINT

The Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities Inc. (TREO) recently unveiled its economic strategy for the Tucson area. Late last year, metro Tucson topped 1 million residents for the first time. By 2036, it is expected to grow to 1.7 million.

The strategic plan falls into the following areas:

High-wage jobs. Target high-growth industries and attract or train the best workers.

Educational excellence. Promote adequate funding and relevant curriculum.

Urban renaissance. Create a public/private Downtown Tucson development group and target growth zones including Downtown, and areas in Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita.

Livable communities. Enhance transportation and infrastructure. Focus on water, housing and crime issues.

Collaborations. Encourage private sector leadership. Foster collaboration in a "sun corridor" from Prescott through Phoenix and Tucson to Nogales. Seek to improve government efficiency in areas such as permits.

Joe Snell, TREO president and chief executive, said TREO surveyed 6,000 community members through surveys and that the organization will issue an annual economic report card beginning next year to track progress on goals. For more info, visit www.treoaz.org.


MAHC SYMPOSIUM

The Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens (MAHC) presents its Third Annual Minority/Small Business Symposium on May 9.

The event will be held from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Mesa Community College Downtown Office, 165 N. Centennial Way, at the Institute of Business & Industry on the fourth floor. Bilingual presentations will include:

. How to Start a Small Business

. Financial Planning and Operational & Program Processes.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. The event includes a complimentary lunch and business expo. To make a reservation, call (480) 649-3458 or e-mail mahcaz@yahoo.com.


TECATE ROLLS OUT NEW PRODUCT

Tecate Light celebrated its rollout in the Phoenix market on April 3 by bringing in Heineken USA executive Carlos Boughton, Tecate brand manager.

Boughton met with area media and attended a VIP Launch event at the Corona Ranch in Laveen that featured local band Powerdrive and DJ Big Latin. For more info, call (212) 219-0321.


TOYOTA HONORS ENTREPRENEURS

The Valley Toyota Dealer Association has launched a new awards program, Avanzando Confiados, and is seeking nominations for small-business leaders across the Valley who best represent the spirit of Latino entrepreneurship in Arizona.

"This year we set out to recognize the growing number of Latino entrepreneurs in the Valley and their contributions to our communities," says Bob Staup, president of the Valley Toyota Dealer Association. "Latino small business leaders are bringing about positive change and we want to call attention to their work and learn what makes them successful."

Toyota's Avanzando Confiados program will recognize 12 outstanding Latino leaders in monthly editions of Latino Perspectives magazine. Toyota is also collaborating with the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on the program. To nominate a Latino small business owner visit Latino Perspectives at www.latinopm.com.


BEST COMPANIES

The application period of the LATINA Style magazine 2007 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work ends May 21. This annual survey evaluates corporate sensitivity to Latinas' needs and goals in the workplace and identifies companies that offer the best career opportunities for U.S. Latinas. Companies wanting to participate in the survey should visit the Web site, .


RECORD SET

Valley of the Sun United Way's fundraising campaign reached $50.5 million to address social needs, hitting the goal it set last fall. The results push the nonprofit past the $50 million ceiling, and mark the third consecutive year it has broken its own record. For more info, visit www.vsuw.org.


FRAUD UP

The Mortgage Asset Research Institute's annual fraud survey found that Arizona has jumped from 23rd to seventh place in the country for mortgage fraud, the highest the state has ever placed on the list. The jump in mortgage fraud is the result of a wave of cash-back deals last year, the institute says. For more information, visit www.mari-inc.com.


TRIBE DONATES

The Tohono O'odham Nation gave $1.1 million to Tucson-area groups. The donations are part of a statewide tribal gaming profit distribution program approved by voters in 2002. The funds will be divided among 15 groups, says O'odham Chairwoman Vivian Juan-Saunders.

Some of the local grant recipients chosen were:

Aztlán Youth Program, $36,000 for a 15-passenger van for its boxing program.

Chicanos Por La Causa, $44,000 to fund a children's opera program.

The Haven, $29,114 to help American Indian women with substance abuse problems

University of Arizona Steele Children's Research Center, $190,000 to study type 2 diabetes.

For more info, visit http://www.tonation-nsn.gov/.

 

QUEPASA GROWS MEMBERS

Quepasa.com announced its registered members grew beyond one million in March.

"We are encouraged by our membership growth and the increased amount of time that visitors spend on the Quepasa site," said Robert B. Stearns, chairman and chief executive officer of Quepasa Corporation.

The Quepasa web site provides visitors with content that includes entertainment, sports, health and fitness, fashion and breaking news, as well as an active social network and Latin America TV channel video streaming. The site is delivered in English and Spanish versions. It debuted its new look and enriched user experience a year ago, and since then has seen its membership grow by more than five times. For more info, visit www.quepasa.com.


QWEST DONATES

A Stepping Stone Foundation received a $10,000 check from Qwest Foundation to support their free preschool program located at Westwood Elementary in the Alhambra School District. The Qwest Foundation awards grants that focus on the area of pre-K through 12 education. They are typically community-based and have shown to produce results.

"A Stepping Stone Foundation is a proven difference maker in the community," said Hector Placencia, Qwest director of multicultural marketing. "The literacy programs they administer are beneficial to both the young student and their parents. We are very pleased to continue our support of this most worthwhile program."
For more info, visit www.qwest.com.


CASA GRANDE MALL

Westcor, a Valley-based mall developer, announced retailers for The Promenade, a new shopping mall in Casa Grande. Best Buy, Harkins Theatres 14-screen movie complex, JC Penney, Kohl's, Staples and Target are tenants.

The project occupies 130 acres at the northeast corner of Interstate 10 and Florence Boulevard in Casa Grande. It includes more than 1 million square feet of retail, dining and entertainment. The project is expected to serve residents in northern Pinal County which includes Florence. Developed through Westcor, WDP Partners and The Pederson Group, the first phase of the project is expected to open this fall. For more info, visit www.westcor.com.