Chandler Economic Development Update (12/15/2020)

Economic Development E-Newsletter | December 15, 2020

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Satellite Telecommunications Company signs 15-year lease for 146,000 square feet at Chandler Technology Center

Comtech EF Data Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (a publicly traded company under the symbol “CMTL”) has signed a 15-year lease to occupy the entire 146,000 square feet at 305 N. 54th St. The company will be consolidating between 300 to 400 employees from four building, into the single building that can facilitate all operations and provide for future expansion. Comtech plans to begin operating in the building by June 2021.

Comtech designs, develops and manufactures satellite ground equipment used throughout the world. The new manufacturing facility will utilize state-of-the-art design and production techniques, including analog, digital and RF microwave production, hardware assembly and full-service engineering. It will support the anticipated growth and long-term business goals of Comtech and enable the company to realize operating cost savings and efficiencies. In addition, based on the new location in the well-known technology corridor of Chandler, Arizona, many employees of the company will have reduced commute times, resulting in positive environmental impacts and less congestion.

“The West Chandler employment corridor’s central location and highly skilled workforce has a long track record of attracting advanced technology companies like Comtech,” stated Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “Comtech is a respected leader in the telecommunications industry and we look forward to building a close partnership with them in the years ahead.”

Full news release

University of Arizona College of Law launches Master of Legal Studies Program in Chandler

The City of Chandler Economic Development Division and the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law announce the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program offering flexible online coursework and the option to meet in-person weekly in Chandler.

Chandler’s business-friendly environment and world-class labor force have made it an attractive location for companies of all sizes and industries. The Master of Legal Studies program equips the Chandler workforce to address the growing need for professionals with legal training in business, government and nonprofit settings, creating a stronger workforce for Arizona.

“The University of Arizona’s commitment to delivering quality higher education options in Chandler has played a key role in building our talented workforce,” said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “I look forward to supporting the University of Arizona’s continued expansion as our community continues to attract world-class companies in need of a diverse labor force.”

“The University of Arizona College of Law Master of Legal Studies degree delivered at UA Chandler is a natural expansion of one of the college’s fastest-growing and most vibrant and adaptable degree programs,” said Marc Miller, dean and Ralph W. Bilby Professor of Law. “We are excited to bring to Chandler our exceptional faculty and wide range of courses, as well as opportunities for professional development and connection to the large law school and huge University of Arizona Phoenix area alumni base.”

Full news release

Local Motors Signs Lease for New Headquarters Location in Chandler

Local Motors signed a 10,000-square-foot lease at Chandler Tech Center, which is located at 7400 W. Detroit St. This new headquarters location will have 80 percent of the building dedicated to office space with the remaining 20 percent reserved for research and development.

Local Motors is developing the Olli, a 3D printed, autonomous, electric shuttle. The vehicle has been deployed at locations around the globe, including hospitals, campuses, bases, and universities.

Chandler has developed a growing cluster of automotive technology companies, with technology giants like Waymo choosing Chandler to test out their latest autonomous vehicle technology. There are multiple other companies in Chandler involved in various stages of the automotive technology supply chain, such as NXP, Garmin, Maxim Integrated, Intel, Rogers, and ARM.

“Chandler has been focused on growing our autonomous vehicle industry and we are excited to see Local Motors sign this new lease in our community,” stated Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “We look forward to working alongside Local Motors as they continue to innovate with new products and we wish them many years of success at their new headquarters in Chandler.”

“We are very excited to be moving into our new headquarters in Chandler, said Local Motors President, Vikrant Aggarwal. “Chandler is building an amazing ecosystem of technology companies that will allow us to accelerate our product and technology roadmaps.”

Full news release

Looking for a locally-made gift?

Check out our Choose Chandler Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday shopping can be hectic and sometimes a little overwhelming, especially when December sneaks up on you! An easy option for shoppers this year is purchasing gift cards from Chandler restaurants and stores. For those looking for the perfect holiday gift, we've put together a made-in-Chandler holiday gift guide. The guide features a selection of locally-made products from right here in Chandler.

Businesses featured include:

State Forty Eight
Wet Shaving Products
YoYo Factory
Sibley's West: The Chandler and Arizona Gift Shop
Museum Store
Vision Gallery
DNA Chocolate
D'Vine Gourmet
Peixoto Coffee Roasters
AZ Bitters Lab
SanTan Brewing Company

Find the holiday gift guide and more Chandler insider tips at VisitChandler.com.

#ChooseChandler for your holiday shopping needs

Now more than ever, your community needs your support. This holiday season, as you are shopping dining, exploring and donating, #ChooseChandler to make the biggest economic impact and investment in your community.

"Chandler small businesses need you this holiday season. Shop with purpose, shop for your community, and keep dollars in your home," said Thomas Barr, executive director of Local First Arizona. "As Arizona works to recover from a national economic downturn, we can keep up to four times more dollars in our state by shopping from locally-owned businesses and help build a stronger economy."

Below are a few festive ways you can #ChooseChandler:

Dec. 19 | Photos with Santa at the Shoppes at Casa Paloma. Event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dec. 19 | Downtown Chandler Farmers Market at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To learn more about the impact you make when you #ChooseChandler, visit iChooseChandler.com. For weekly giveaways supporting our small business community, follow Visit Chandler on Facebook and Instagram.

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