Economic Development

Central Arizona College is fortunate to collaborate with a remarkable network of Pinal County Economic Development Professionals

Our partnerships are fundamental in fostering a thriving business environment and promoting sustainable growth within the region. We work closely with experts who have a deep understanding of each unique community in Pinal County, offering tailored insights and support to businesses interested in exploring opportunities here. If you are considering doing business in one of our vibrant communities, we encourage you to connect with the following individuals. They are not only well-versed in the economic landscape but also provide detailed descriptions and insights into the specific advantages each community offers.

Personalized approach

Our personalized approach ensures that businesses can make informed decisions and find the right fit for their growth and success in Pinal County. Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, our team and partners are here to guide and support your venture every step of the way.

James Smith
Economic and Workforce Development Director
Email: james.smith@pinal.gov
Office: (520) 866-6664
Website: https://www.pinal.gov/874/Economic-Development

Pinal County, formed in February 1875, comprises 5,376 square miles. Nestled between Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson), Pinal County is home to over 453,924 residents. The county has two distinct regions: the eastern mountainous area (copper mining and tourism) and the western lower valley desert area (manufacturing, distribution, and agriculture). The County has opportunities in its traditional industries like agriculture and mining but is also seeing strong growth in emerging manufacturing and technology sectors such as aerospace and aviation, electric vehicles and batteries, biotechnology, renewable/green technologies (solar and wind), and the supply chains related to semiconductors and building materials. The County’s robust recreational, cultural, and tourism opportunities, lend themselves to the continued creation of a diverse economy and high-wage job opportunities, as well as a very high-level quality of life.

Patrick Ainsworth, AICP
Economic Development Director
City of Apache Junction, Arizona
Email: pmainswoth@apachejunctionaz.gov
Office: (480) 747-5076
Website:https://www.apachejunctionaz.gov/1069/The-Apache-Junction-Advantage

The City of Apache Junction rests at the foothills of the Superstition Mountain and we are poised to double our population from 40,000 to 80,000 in the next years given our tremendous residential growth. There are a variety of commercial spaces and development sites ready to accommodate various business types. Additionally, thousands of acres are already zoned for future commercial and employment development so city staff is excited to work with entrepreneurs to launch their business concept in this growing, affordable community.  The city also boasts the Central Arizona College – Superstition Mountain Campus in the heart of our community and we strive to continue working with the CAC to help make this campus the centerpiece of education and workforce development/skills training.

Richard Wilkie
Economic Development Director
City of Casa Grande, Arizona
Email: Rwilkie@casagrandeaz.gov
Office: (520) 518-1423
Website: https://casagrandeaz.gov/272/Economic-Development

Located in the Heart of the Arizona Innovation and Technology Corridor, Casa Grande serves as the manufacturing, logistics, health care, retail, and commercial hub for Pinal County. Positioned perfectly between the state’s major metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson, Casa Grande’s connectivity is ideal for business and community growth. Proximity to metro areas give companies access to talent needed for immediate and future hires. Casa Grande also enjoys a low cost of living, 35% – 50% lower than metro areas. It provides a high quality of life featuring clean air, beautiful night skies and over 300 days of sunshine to support an abundance of outdoor recreational activities.

Gilbert Lopez
Economic Development Director and Chair of the Coolidge Chamber and Coolidge Economic Development Committee (CDEC)
City of Coolidge, Arizona
Email: glopez@coolidgeaz.com or cedc@coolidgeaz.com
Office: (520) 723-6075
Website: https://www.choosecoolidge.com/

From large corporations to small retail shops, Coolidge provides a unique opportunity to manufacture, sell, or move your goods across the globe or right here in Arizona. Whether you’re a site selector for a major company to a small business owner looking to locate to Arizona: See why Coolidge is a city of Growing Opportunities. Coolidge is also home to America’s First Prehistoric & Cultural Reserve, the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument operated by the U.S National Park Service and has over 100,000 visitors a year.

Christian Price
President & CEO
Maricopa Economic Development Alliance (MEDA)
City of Maricopa, Arizona
Email: info@maricopaEDA.com
Office: (520) 208-2390
Website: http://maricopaeda.com

Located in the Phoenix metro area, Maricopa AZ in Pinal County, is one of the fasted growing cities in the United States. From 1200 people in the year 2000, to approximately 80,000 today, Maricopa continues to shine as a model of what an incorporated fast-growing city can do in just 20 years. Maricopa boasts an extremely high standard of living, great schools, and a highly educated and young workforce with land and water availability for continued growth in both the commercial and industrial sectors.  The Maricopa Economic Development Alliance (MEDA) and City of Maricopa partner in our business attraction efforts to bring high paying jobs and commerce to this newfound frontier of livability and business opportunity.