Phoenix Arizona has made it onto a prestigious top 10 list of U.S. metropolitan areas that are attracting business expansions and relocations, and it snared the No. 2 spot in a ranking of cities that are adding manufacturing sites in the process. AZ employer news

The phenomenal expansion is being driven by the technology-manufacturing sector and its vendors, as well as by major service providers, according to an officer of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

"Companies locating to the state continue to be attracted by the quality of life, quality work force and lower tax burdens. The number of high-tech manufacturers is attracting a lot of the suppliers and vendor business," the Department said.

The outlook for technology in Arizona is unanimous: growth-strong growth, according to the Investment banking firm Peacock, Hislop, Stacey and Given - citing the state's economic strength, probusiness climate, growth of the state's entrepreneurial community and spillover from major expansions.

Further confirmation of Arizona's attractiveness as a new business location comes in an issue of Plants, Sites, Parks, a specialty publication aimed at corporate relocation officials. Arizona ranked fourth on the list of most attractive locations in a survey of the magazine's readers. The magazine also singles out Phoenix for an Editor's Choice designation as "one of the most dynamic cities in the nation." One of the main attractions cited is the brain power that's available. "The state ranks among tops in scientists and engineers in the work force, science and engineering graduate students, and patents issued per capita," the story said.

The area's quality of life is also emphasized as an important aspect of its attractiveness to companies looking to relocate or expand.

From the moment of arriving in Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area, there is a sense of a different kind of place. Although Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the country, it maintains a small-town friendliness and an ease of movement.

Encompassing 9,226 square miles, the region is one of the largest land areas of any major U.S. metro area. Greater Phoenix's vast expanse of land gives it an open and uncrowded feeling despite its nearly 3.4 million residents in the metropolitan area. Yet it is easy to find one's way in this carefully planned community. Even the Sky Harbor Airport is well placed, just ten minutes plus drive from the State Capitol and core business center.

One of the most vibrant and livable communities in the United States, and a city where a strong, diverse economy supports a thriving and growing business community, Phoenix is in the heart of the fastest growing region in the country, serving all the major markets in the western United States.

The city's location is ideal for service not only to the Southwest, but also to southern California and the international markets of the Pacific Basin and Mexico. Local, national, and international businesses find that Phoenix has an excellent transportation infrastructure, with frequent non-stop air connections to all major cities, easy freeway access and rail service destined to major ports.

The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is now the fifth busiest in the world with over 1,300 commercial flights per day. The Airport is serviced by 23 airlines with non-stop flights to 198 cities including various cities in Canada, Mexico, and Europe. It's obvious why so many businesses and companies have made Phoenix their home.

Arizona ranked fourth for new jobs totals:

Arizona added 119,200 jobs between over the last 12 months and 5,500 new jobs between August and September of 2006, according to new numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Those year-over-year jobs numbers rank fourth in the U.S. behind only Florida, Texas and California. They have far larger populations than Arizona.

Arizona posted larger September 2005 to September 2006 job gains than more populous states such as New York and Massachusetts.

Arizona also had the third-highest percentage job growth over the last two years, behind only Nevada and Utah. Arizona had held one of the top two spots for some time.

California added 17,300 jobs last month and 179,000 jobs over the past year, according to BLS.

For more: www.bls.gov

Source: The Business Journal of Phoenix

Links to Local Employment Sites:

Starting Your Own Business in Arizona.

Arizona Small Business Development Center Network.

HomeBased Business Association of Arizona

Small Business Notes

Small Business Assistance

Small Business Administration

Arizona Business Gazette

GPEC (Greater Phoenix Economic Council)

The Arizona Technology Council and jobs link

Apply and search for jobs with the State of Arizona .