The Soft Pitch

Steve Phillips is our CIO…the Brit is becoming very well known man in PHX after just a few years…I think not only because he is talented, but his personality is as interesting as his accent and humor.

Last night he was introduced as the Arizona Tech Council’s new chairman in front of approx 900 attendees of the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation awards in PHX. The Tech Council has 500 members and is one of the most succesfully assocations in the state. I’m proud to say and willing to bet he will do a great job

A few of his opening comments…”Innovation is what fuels American business.  And this same positive energy that innovation creates is what draws us all together here tonight….in fact at a very innovative time slot and with a diiferent approach to awards programs

The Governor’s Celebration of Innovation is a great opportunity to come together once each year to recognize some of Arizona’s best and most exciting technology-driven innovations that our state has produced over the last 12 months. 

I can tell you that the quality of the submissions has absolutely gotten better, year after year. I can also tell you there is a tremendous effort being given by many of you in the room to ensure that the trend continues. 

This is no easy task.  Arizona is in serious competition with many other established and growing states and metropolitan areas.  Our goal is to attract the most innovative thinkers, entrepreneurs and business leaders needed to build a diverse, growing economy. 

This effort requires that state and local governments, secondary and tertiary educators, non-profits, and the private sector must all work together to meet this goal. 

This combined effort will be all the more important as we enter what many predict will continue to be a challenging business environment.  The innovation required will need to extend beyond technology.  We need innovative partnerships.  Innovative approaches.  Innovative strategies to help ensure that Arizona emerges from this downturn stronger and more diverse than ever before.    

But that’s work for another day.  Tonight, let’s take a moment to turn our backs to the wind for a moment.  Let’s celebrate together the amazing and inspiring things that can take place when world-class talent and imagination is given the opportunity to fully express itself.” 

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