It’s not the biggest deal when it comes to employees or square feet.

But a Silicon Valley data storage company’s opening a new office in the West Valley shows some of the technology links between California and Arizona and how one deal might lead to more and more jobs. San Jose-based SerialTek has leased space for new office in Peoria on Union Hills Boulevard near the Loop 101.

Things move quickly in Arizona. In July 2016, when I wrote an op-ed for the 10th anniversary of CNBC's America's Top States for Business series, I talked about how our state is slashing red tape and embracing the new economy. What a difference a year makes.

While retail stores and shopping malls throughout the nation struggle to survive and remain relevant, the owners of Scottsdale Fashion Square are seeking approval for changes they say will ensure the popular mall’s future remains strong and vital.