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Musings of Sara Dial

Image Courtesy of Rick D'Elia

I’ve had the unique experience over the past 20 years of working on both sides of the economic development model. In the 90’s, I served as Governor Symington’s Commerce Director aggressively recruiting companies and making the case for government support. Following that position, I moved into the private sector as a site selection consultant representing businesses in the economic development process.  Among my clients are Google and Facebook. I know what they look for and what other cities are doing to attract them:

  • Universities and other knowledge clusters - Available and qualified talent is the most critical factor in the site selection process.
  • Cool urban environments – Large urban cores connected to smaller neighborhood districts.
  • Transportation assets – Both global and pedestrian transportation is desired.
  • Lifestyle amenities – Arts and culture, parks and sports venues.

Phoenix and Tempe can individually claim many of the assets critical to attracting knowledge companies. But when you look at the area as a region, the story becomes much stronger.

Why didn’t we look at packaging this area as a region before?!

It’s time to think big and act like the entrepreneurs we want to attract and retain. Together, we can make the vision for the Discovery Triangle a reality.  Join me in this exciting effort.

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THINGS TO DO IN THE TRIANGLE – Holiday Traditions in Full Swing

Amidst shopping and family gatherings, it is easy to lose sight of what the holidays are all about. Join the crew of KUPD’s Holmberg’s Morning Sickness November 22 -24 as they broadcast live from Tempe Marketplace for their 9th annual “Homeless for the Holidays” event. The morning show hosts will camp out for three days to raise awareness for the Neighborhood Center of Phoenix. Stop by on November 23 at 7 p.m. for a wrap-up concert. For more information, click here.

Gather up the family and head to the Phoenix Zoo on November 25 for the kickoff of SRP’s ZooLights exhibit. The nighttime display features more than 3.5 million lights, and 600 dazzling animal sculptures. Bundle up, and experience the Phoenix Zoo in a whole new way! Tickets may be purchased online, and start at just $7.

Dancing, music and acting bring The Nutcracker to life at The Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix. Ballet and Friends company perform the holiday classic beginning November 26. Don’t wait, because the production only runs until November 28. Ballet and Friends is also holding a toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots. Donations will be collected in the front lobby of the theater. Tickets are available online or at the box office.

Tempe will light up with holiday cheer on November 27 with its annual Fantasy Lights Parade on Mill Avenue. The event, beginning at 6 p.m. will include a tree lighting ceremony, street entertainers and a visit by Santa Claus. Best of all, the parade is free of charge.

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THINGS TO DO IN THE TRIANGLE – Popular Performances

Cirque Du Soleil Alegria swings into the US Airways Arena in downtown Phoenix.  Opening night is November 17th for this international cast of 55 performers and musicians from 15 countries.  Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster. Catch the holiday spirit (or not)…the Grinch graces Gammage Auditorium in Tempe.  Opening night for this timeless classic is November [...]

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GateWay Emerging Technologies Incubator

Starting a business in today’s economic climate is a challenge, especially when that company requires extensive funding and support. GateWay Community College, located in the Discovery Triangle, is not letting those challenges hinder success. Instead, the college is opening avenues of opportunity for local technology and bioscience start-ups. The Emerging Technologies Incubator at 38th and Van [...]

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THINGS TO DO IN THE TRIANGLE – Living Local

THURSDAY NIGHT MARKET Look for local food growers, vendors, fun activities, live music performances and cooking demonstrations at Tempe’s Urban Garden from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM this Thursday.   Giving Valley chefs and the community at large access to locally grown, organic produce, the garden allows Downtown Tempe to extend their role in community sustainability.The Tempe [...]

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What is the Discovery Triangle?

The Discovery Triangle is a multi-city urban development and investment initiative led by the Discovery Triangle Development Corporation (DTDC), a public/private, not-for-profit organization.

As its name implies, the Discovery Triangle is a rich center for knowledge and innovation. Encompassing the urban areas of Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona, the effort capitalizes on existing infrastructure, multi-model transportation options and the hundreds of cutting-edge companies clustered in the area.

As a non-profit development services company, the DTDC encourages, facilitates and enables (re)development opportunities for creating a sustainable future for existing and future businesses and residents. Specifically, the DTDC:

- Facilitates location or expansion within the Discovery Triangle region.

- Negotiates with policy makers for valuable economic growth tools.

- Creates project-specific solutions to financing gaps.

Balanced by nature, arts, culture, professional sports and a variety of affordable housing options, the Discovery Triangle's quality-of-life appeal is a huge attraction to all types of businesses.

The area's inclusion of top-tier higher educational institutions provides the source for a well-educated workforce, while its immediate proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport provides a gateway to the world.