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Phoenix Added 20,700 Technology Jobs Since 1993; Phoenix Boasts 82,600 High-Tech Workers in 1998

Business Wire, Dec 5, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2000

The Phoenix metropolitan area added some 20,700 high-tech jobs to its economic base between 1993 and 1998, according to Cybercities: A City-by-City Overview of the High-Technology Industry, a new analytical report released today by AeA (the American Electronics Association) and The Nasdaq Stock Market. The study found that Phoenix employed some 82,600 technology workers in 1998, making it the 12th largest cybercity in the nation.

Cybercities found that Phoenix is the nation's second largest cybercity in semiconductors manufacturing employment. Further, Phoenix's 2,300 high-tech establishments employ 64 of every 1,000 private sector workers.

"Cybercities shows what we here in Phoenix have known all along -- the technology industry is an important part of our economy. Last year, companies in Phoenix received $287 million in venture capital investments, which should help the industry grow even larger," said D'Arcy Collins, President of ACADZ inc and AeA-Arizona Chairman of the Board. "We also have Arizona State University providing the industry with much needed skilled labor. And who can beat our weather, with the most sunny days of any cybercity?" he added.

Not only do the residents of Phoenix create technology products and services, they also use technology. Indeed, 59 percent of Phoenix's households had a personal computer, and 47 percent of households were online as of August 2000.

Cybercities provides a snapshot of the high-tech industry in 60 metropolitan areas using data on employment, wages, establishments, and payroll. The report also identifies characteristics that can enhance the growth of cybercities, like a strong venture capital market, research intensive universities, a clustering of technology companies, and the elusive concept of quality of life. However, there does not seem to be a standard formula of qualities that a cybercity must possess to be successful; indeed, each has its own unique strengths and qualities.

Cybercities is the newest addition to AeA's analytical series of cyber reports, which includes Cybernation 2.0, Cyberstates 4.0, and CyberEducation. AeA members can purchase the Cybercities report for $95; non-members for $190. Call AeA at 800/284-4232 or 408/987-4200.

Responding to the substantial growth in its membership and keeping pace with the New Economy, the American Electronics Association has changed its name to the more succinct AeA. AeA has also adopted a new tagline, "Advancing the Business of Technology," to highlight its unique leadership and the unrivaled vitality of its member companies in shaping the New Economy.

Advancing the business of technology, AeA is the nation's largest high-tech trade association. Founded in 1943, AeA has more than 3,500 member companies that span the high-technology spectrum, from software, semiconductors and computers to Internet technology, advanced electronics and telecommunications systems and services. With 17 regional U.S. councils and offices in Brussels and Beijing, AeA offers a unique global policy grassroots capability and a wide portfolio of valuable business services and products for the high-tech industry. For 57 years, AeA has been the accepted voice of the U.S. technology community.

What Does High Tech Mean for Phoenix?

-- 82,588 high-tech workers (12th ranked cybercity), adding 20,700 jobs between
1993 and 1998, the 16th largest increase

-- High-tech firms employ 64 of every 1,000 private sector workers in Phoenix
(28th ranked)

-- An average high-tech wage of $57,200 (27th ranked), 85 percent more than the
average private sector wage in Phoenix

-- A high-tech payroll of $4.7 billion, ranked 15th nationwide

-- 2,338 high-tech establishments, ranked 20th nationwide

-- 2nd in semiconductors manufacturing employment with 35,400 jobs

Phoenix's Cybercity Characteristics:

-- $287 million in venture capital investments in 1999, ranked

25th nationwide

-- $81 million in university R&D expenditures in 1997, ranked

41st nationwide, led by Arizona State University

-- 59 percent of households had a computer in August 2000, ranked

24th nationwide

-- 47 percent of households had Internet access in August 2000,

ranked 29th nationwide

Phoenix = Arizona: Maricopa and Pinal Counties

Editor's Note: Cybercities data are for 1998 unless otherwise noted.

Business Services Industry

Phoenix Added 20,700 Technology Jobs Since 1993; Phoenix Boasts 82,600 High-Tech Workers in 1998

Business Wire, Dec 5, 2000

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