Next phase of I-10 widening project rapidly approaching… The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) plans to make its first permanent ramp closure—the Speedway westbound off-ramp—by the end of this month. Over the next couple of weeks, other closures on frontage roads, cross-streets and the Interstate itself are scheduled to prepare for the two-and-a-half year widening of I-10. Click here to view the most recent traffic alert detailing all of the upcoming closures.

Global Advantage welcomes Bundestag members… Global Advantage, the U of A international affairs program, welcomed members of the German Bundestag to Tucson last week. The Chamber’s Business Development staff attended an event celebrating Tucson’s ties to Germany in academic research, culture and economics. The German delegation included four members of the German Bundestag (Parliament) from the capital of Berlin, and Bernard Otremba-Blanc, the Honorary German Consul of Arizona. The Chamber participates in Global Advantage, which contributes to and supports the international outreach of Tucson through business development in leading technology fields, such as optics, nanotechnology, bio-technology, and laser technology. Global Advantage is a network of interconnected international regions that are committed partnerships, linking economies, communities, businesses, research institutions and capital networks in order to enhance global trade and economic development. The participating Global Advantage partners are Berlin, Germany; Manchester, England; Ottawa, Canada; and Tucson.

Tucson’s first Town Hall is ready to proceed… Thanks to the efforts of many community partners including SALC, the U of A, TREO, the Hispanic Chamber and the Tucson Chamber, the upcoming Town Hall, slated for May 7 - 9, is in the final stages of preparation. With over 150 participants discussing several critical issues for our community, Tucson leaders are ready to take the next major step in deciding our own destiny. Although the Town Hall event itself is a monumental task and a huge step in the right direction, this upcoming effort will only be the beginning. Ongoing work, discussions and action plans need to continue in order for our efforts to bring about real, meaningful and positive change. Chamber President Jack Camper will be participating in the Town Hall.

Pima County average wages continue to lag state… According to the Arizona Department of Economic Research – in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics – Pima County is still a low-pay city in this state. In the 2nd quarter of 2006, Arizona’s annual average wage was $39,156 and Phoenix’s was $41,288; Pima County (the greater Tucson metropolitan area), on the other hand, averaged $36,453. This disparity has been relatively static for at least the last 17 years, with Tucson lagging the U.S. average by 18-19%, the state by 7-10% and the Phoenix area by 13-16%. More troubling are the forecasts for future wages provided by the University’s Eller College. Those predictions show a continual disparity through 2011, with no major changes in Tucson’s overall relationship to the average wages paid nationally. The current discussions about changing our community’s future are important and need to be given a great deal of support if we are ever going to be able to improve our average wage base.