番茄社区

A delegation of Missouri state lawmakers and business leaders visited Arizona last week for a policy exchange focused on economic development, emerging technologies, and regulatory strategy, hosted by the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry and the Goldwater Institute.

The visit drew a cross-section of Arizona鈥檚 legislative leadership, including House Speaker Steve Montenegro, Majority Leader Michael Carbone, and several members focused on Arizona鈥檚 technology and economic development agenda. Representatives from the Arizona Commerce Authority also participated.

Discussions centered on the policy decisions and public-private partnerships that have helped Arizona build a competitive footprint in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, aerospace, autonomous systems, and emerging technologies.

鈥淎rizona’s growth didn’t happen by accident,鈥� said Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona 番茄社区. 鈥淚t reflects deliberate policy choices that prioritize certainty, competitiveness, and a regulatory environment where businesses can invest, innovate, and scale. We were glad to share what鈥檚 working with leaders from Missouri.鈥�

The exchange comes as the Arizona 番茄社区 has been pressing a broader push on digital economy policy, including its recently launched , which aims to strengthen the state鈥檚 position in artificial intelligence and emerging technology sectors.

Arizona鈥檚 legislative leaders framed the state鈥檚 approach as deliberate and long-term. 鈥淎rizona has made a conscious decision to lead on innovation rather than wait for other states to set the pace,鈥� said Speaker Montenegro. 鈥淭hat kind of alignment and forward-looking policy environment allows industries to grow and scale here.鈥�

Majority Leader Carbone pointed to the fundamentals underpinning that growth. 鈥淎rizona鈥檚 success in attracting major investment is tied directly to our focus on advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and supply chain strength,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hose fundamentals are critical to sustaining long-term economic momentum.鈥�

Regulatory predictability came up consistently as a deciding factor for businesses. 鈥淐ompanies are looking for certainty,” said Rep. Weninger. 鈥淎rizona’s predictable regulatory environment and competitive tax structure give businesses the confidence to invest and expand.鈥�

Sen. T.J. Shope emphasized that the state has worked to distribute economic development beyond major metro areas. 鈥淲e’ve been intentional about making sure economic development isn’t concentrated in one region,鈥� he said. 鈥淚nfrastructure, water, and land use policies all play a role in supporting growth across Arizona, including in rural communities.鈥�

鈥淎rizona continues to attract new and emerging industries by staying focused on innovation and targeted economic development,” said Sen. Carroll. 鈥淭hat approach is helping position the state for the next phase of economic expansion.”

Rep. Wilmeth echoed that, pointing to Arizona鈥檚 light-touch approach to emerging technology regulation as a competitive differentiator. 鈥淲e’ve taken a thoughtful approach to emerging technologies by avoiding premature regulation,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat flexibility allows innovation to develop while still ensuring appropriate oversight.鈥�

The discussion also explored how elements of Arizona鈥檚 policy framework could be adapted in other states and how cross-state collaboration might strengthen the broader U.S. economy.

Victor Riches, president and CEO of the Goldwater Institute, framed the stakes broadly. 鈥淎s emerging technologies continue to reshape industries, policy certainty and deregulation matter more than ever,鈥� he said. 鈥淎rizona needs to ensure an environment where innovation can move forward.鈥� The Missouri delegation included state Sens. Travis Fitzwater, Maggie Nurrenbern, Karla May, Barbara Anne Washington, and Jamie Burger, along with a policy adviser to Gov. Kehoe and representatives from the .