News from February 2016


McCain calls forest restoration funding an important step

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said the recent announcement that Arizona's Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) will be receiving an additional $10 million per year over 10 years in Forest Service funding is an important step forward in advancing forest thinning projects in the state.

Arizona Polymer Flooring acquires Super-Krete to expand offerings

Arizona Polymer Flooring (APF) said it recently acquired Super-Krete, a California-based concrete manufacturer, and hopes to improve its industrial and decorative flooring offerings.

Former Washington AG pushes back on critics of Flake-sponsored FACT Act

The FACT Act would "discourage fraud and abuse" in the asbestos bankruptcy trust system while protecting claimants' personal information, says former Washington AG Robert McKenna.

DrawAlert, ConstructionReports.com team up to boost construction funding transparency

Phoenix-based DrawAlert and ConstructionReports.com said they have forged a partnership that will lead to more benefits for members and create a more transparent construction funding process.

Arizona Corporation Commission backing lean government initiative

The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) has recently chosen to accept a new initiative proposed by Gov. Doug Ducey, the Lean Government Initiative, which aims to increase efficiency while also bettering customer service practices.

Yee pushing state bill to simplify CTE teacher certification

Arizona state Sen. Kimberly Yee (R-20th) recently began pushing her Senate Bill 1502 to simplify teacher certification for career and technical education (CTE) programs, a measure she said would increase the programs for high schools.

Arizona Public Service, Habitat for Humanity helping Ethiopian single mom build a new life

An Ethiopian family living in America is about to experience what it means to have a home; Habitat for Humanity for Central Arizona, the city of Peoria and Arizona Public Service (APS) representatives joined forces over the weekend to help the family.

Arizona Corporation Commission call delay of Clean Air Plan a win

The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) recently called the Supreme Court decision to delay implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Plan to minimize carbon-dioxide emissions by the year 2030 a win.

Gosar criticizes EPA's Clean Power Plan

U.S. Rep Paul Gosar (R-AZ) recently criticized the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to enact the Clean Power Plan, which would force states to comply with a 1.8 percent carbon-dioxide emissions reduction by the year 2030, condemning the EPA and Obama administration for what some feel is an overextension of control.

New U.S. Chamber study could bolster fate of Sen. Flake’s asbestos trust transparency bill

The fate of legislation sponsored by U.S. Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) that would provide more transparency in the asbestos bankruptcy trust system could be bolstered by a new study that shows “inconsistencies” and “red flags” in that system.

BioAccel receives grant to help grow Arizona's bioscience, health IT sectors

Phoenix-based BioAccel recently was awarded a grant of $250,000 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration for a project to provide entrepreneurial training and mentorship in biosciences and health technology in Arizona.

Greater Phoenix chamber chooses 2016 IMPACT Awards finalists

Leaders at the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce recently chose 20 local companies to be finalists for the 29th annual IMPACT Awards.

Ducey signs financial package for career, technical education

Gov. Doug Ducey recently signed a financing package agreement for technical as well as career education for residents living throughout Arizona.

Harper-Marinick to serve as interim chancellor for Maricopa Community Colleges

Maria Harper-Marinick, Maricopa Community Colleges’ executive vice chancellor and provost, will serve as interim chancellor beginning next month.

Ducey signs legislation to reform police, firefighter pension plans

Earlier this week, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation supporting the preservation of the state’s pension system for police and firefighters, decreasing the fiscal burden on public employers and bringing wanted predictability to diligent, tax-paying citizens.

Corporation Commission, Arizona 811 hold seminars for safety and damage prevention

The Corporation Commission recently partnered with Arizona 811, previously called Arizona Blue Stake, to initiate the first Metro Phoenix Region Damage Prevention & Safety Seminars of 2016.

Installed Building Products acquires Marshall Insulation

Installed Building Products Inc. (IBP), an installer of insulation and building products, recently acquired Marshall Insulation LLC.

Gust Rosenfeld announces new partner

Nicholle Harris became the newly elected partner at Gust Rosenfeld PLC as of Jan. 20, after having worked at the firm since 2012.

Taylor Morrison's Phoenix division wins Top Production Builder award

Scottsdale-based Taylor Morrison, a nationwide leader in developing and building homes, said Thursday that Ranking Arizona, the state’s largest opinion poll, voted its Phoenix division the Top Production Builder of 2016.

DMB names new president, CEO

Scottsdale-based real estate investment and development company DMB Associates Inc. said this week that Brent Herrington will be its president and CEO.