Cooper Sutherland

VP
Acquisitions & Development
Schnitzer Properties

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

Sun Corridor has mastered the ability to create a synergistic effect between state agencies, local municipalities, and the private sector as opposed to the more divisive and antagonistic relationships between the private and public sectors that we see in most locations in our portfolio.  The ability to draw private sector business and investments into Tucson has clearly been a success and as Arizona continues to be a major relocation destination for Americans and the international community that capability will continue to be critical.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

My involvement in Sun Corridor Inc. stems from a desire to improve the Tucson community as a whole, not only from a quality of life by providing efficient & reliable real estate solutions for businesses but also ensure that the appropriate drivers are in place that benefit all Tucsonans.  

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

The biggest opportunities for the region lie in Arizona being the direct beneficiary of the CHIPS act and the massive amount of investment that is committed to Arizona for the next five to 10 years.  Arizona is no longer seen as a second-tier market, but due to the diversification of businesses operating in the state, has been escalated to a tier 1 market which has just happened since the Great Recession.  The re-shoring of businesses has benefited Arizona, not only due to direct investment but also increased trade with Mexico which significantly impacts Tucson.  Sun Corridor is in a unique position to continue to drive growth, in conjunction with the public sector and private investment, as Arizona continues its exponential growth into the foreseeable future.

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