IAN McDOWELL

Vice President & Regional Director
Tucson Sundt Construction Inc.

What is the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years? 

Sun Corridor has been an epicenter for collaboration in this community.  I have seen this in community efforts to recruit and retain local employers, to attract potential businesses, and in bolstering awareness of our region’s strengths.  I think the collaboration between Sun Corridor, the State of Arizona, the City of Tucson, and Pima County in the recruitment and onboarding of Caterpillar for their Tucson Mining Center was an outstanding example of bringing regional partners together.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc? 

We all work for our individual businesses during the majority of our day.  Sun Corridor gives me an opportunity to participate in improving our community in a tangible way with a broad group of leaders.  I enjoy the fact that a diverse group of businesses from organizations that include healthcare, government, defense, local utilities, education, biotechnology and construction (to name a few) all band together to help in creating economic success for everyone in the region.  When we all get in the same boat and row in the same direction, good things tend to happen.

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

 Continued collaboration. Finding ways to demonstrate our commitment to each other attracts businesses to Southern Arizona and helps create job growth and stability.  Things like the re-authorization of the RTA shows that we act as a region to improve our communities, which helps not only our existing organizations and businesses but also catches the notice of businesses who are considering relocation.

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