At the Tucson Metro Chamber’s first annual State of the Region breakfast, Southern Arizona leaders gathered to discuss strategies for sustainable economic and workforce development… and to hear the first public comments from new University of Arizona President, Suresh Garimella.
The event, hosted by the Tucson Metro Chamber, featured speeches and panel discussions on cooperation between local government, educational institutions and businesses.
Ted Maxwell, president and CEO of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in addressing workforce and economic challenges.
“Regionalism is incredibly important to Pima County,” Maxwell said, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts between the city of Tucson, surrounding municipalities, and unincorporated areas to drive growth. “Our ability to come together to address both workforce, the economy, business, and quality of life in the region” is essential, he added.
President Garimella, who assumed his role last month, underscored the university’s role in supporting local economic growth through education.