AZ Commerce Authority
June 30, 2010 in Imported by Bob Hagen
Governor Brewer creates Commerce Authority
Successor to Arizona Dept. of Commerce aimed at attracting, retaining businesses
Gov. Jan Brewer on Tuesday created a public-private Arizona Commerce Authority to replace the state Department of Commerce and immediately advanced it $10 million in U.S. stimulus funds to diversify and strengthen the state’s economy.
The authority, to be chaired by the governor and guided by a 30-member board, is charged with helping the state attract and retain.
Brewer said it will be more comprehensive and focused than the Commerce Department and less subject to political whims.
“Arizona is serious about business,” she said. “Arizona is going to be even more aggressive and even more competitive.”
The state’s economy badly needs help. Almost 10 percent in the state are struggling to find jobs, and nearly 160,000 residents receive unemployment benefits. Extended and emergency federal benefits are running out.
