A delegation of more than 70 healthcare industry-related companies from across the globe visited Pima County on May 8 and were given a tours by Pima County Economic Development, the City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives, the University of Arizona, Sun Corridor Inc., University of Arizona Center for Innovation and Tech Launch Arizona, as well as many other community partners. 

The event was a multi-day affair, including asset tours, panel discussions, networking, presentations, and much more. It was organized by the Arizona Commerce Authority.

"It was an excellent opportunity to connect directly with companies in an industry complementary to our region, and we are excited to continue our dialogue with our new partners," said Pima County Economic Development Director Heath Vescovi-Chiordi. 

In partnership with the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI), Pima County Economic Development met with three startup companies housed at UACI as part of their Soft Landings Program. 

During the conversation, they discussed growth opportunities, local government resources available to companies in the region, and how to establish new and ongoing partnerships with the startup ecosystem and UACI.

Select USA Summit attracts international businesses

Pima County Economic Development was one of more than 5,500 attendees at the annual SelectUSA Summit 2025 in Washington D.C. May 11-14, alongside multiple partners from across Arizona. 

This year's SelectUSA Summit event was the largest to date, drawing participants and exhibitors from more than a hundred international markets as well as the various U.S. states and territories, allowing them to directly interact with one another and explore market expansion opportunities. 

Southern Arizona was well-represented during the conference, discussing the area's regional assets and competitiveness, as well as recent wins that facilitate potential investment. 

Next year's conference is scheduled for May 3-6, 2026. Read more about the SelectUSA Summit here. 

Finnish semiconductor and mining technology delegation visits

In partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the University of Arizona, Sun Corridor Inc. and many other regional partners, Pima County Economic Development staff coordinated and hosted a delegation of Finnish companies across the semiconductor and mining technology industries May 6. 

The companies benefited from connecting directly with economic development practitioners, academic and research resources, private industry partners, and others. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped out with this event! 

Economic forum highlights cross border partnerships

Pima County Economic Development was proud to help plan and to sponsor the Arizona-Sonora Economic Forum, hosted by its partners at the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 

The economic forum brought together Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo, and Sonora's Secretary of the Economy and Tourism Roberto Gradillas Pineda, among others, to discuss economic development partnerships, opportunities, ongoing diplomatic efforts, and much more. 

This event is an integral piece of the County’s execution of the 2023-2026 Economic Development Strategic Plan, and it will help to open new opportunities for Foreign Direct Investment and trade with Mexico. The event also highlighted Arizona's status as a hub of semiconductor manufacturing. 

To read more about the Arizona-Sonora Economic Forum, check out this recent article in Tucson Spotlight.