The Greater Casa Grande
Chamber of Commerce
AZ Office of Tourism Visitor
Information Center
Building Area Economy
The Central Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation provides the economic development services for the Greater Casa Grande Valley, which encompasses several central Arizona communities. In addition to actively marketing the area as a prime business location, The Foundation provides a wide range of services designed to make the location choice a simple, clear-cut process.
The Foundation’s services assist prospective businesses during the location-analysis process. The services range from providing data on topics such as demographics, available sites and buildings, labor-force availability, current area wages and utility-rate analysis to community tours.
The Foundation also works hand-in-hand with the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce to assist existing companies to grow and expand, as well as assisting in addressing any issues that may hinder expansion plans. (Central Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation 520-836-6868, or 1-888-211-6868, e-mail: info@caredf.org or website http://www.caredf.org.
Casa Grande, conveniently located in the heart of a large southwestern market, is noted for its outstanding location including its close proximity to suppliers and customers. These factors have put Casa Grande on the map as a major center for manufacturing and distribution facilities. In addition to the location, Pinal County has an available and trained labor force, which is growing. Not only are the labor force resources an asset to the area, they are also cost competitive with other regions.
The Casa Grande area has a pro-business attitude. The Foundation and Chamber connect potential businesses with the appropriate city and county offices and departments. City and County staff works closely with companies to provide the necessary assistance including familiarization with area regulations and identification of potential hurdles. A "one-stop permit program" enables a builder or manufacturer the convenience to work with one city employee to get the necessary paperwork done expediently and efficiently. (Casa Grande Building Dept. 520-421-8630)
FOCUSED FUTURE II
Strategic Plan for Community and Economic Development
Due to the tremendous growth and development occurring in and around Casa Grande, the community was selected to participate in a new program called Focused Future II, sponsored by APS.
The Casa Grande Focused Future II Community and Economic Development Strategic Plan, which was the result of many months of study and input from the public and all business sectors of the city, is intended to provide the framework for improving the economy as well as enhancing the community’s quality-of-life.
Area growth changes are coupled with Casa Grande’s need and desire to ensure that it is “Creating a Livable City” that can be sustainable both financially and from a quality-of-life standpoint.
The community understands the areas strengths and weaknesses while working to position Casa Grande for success in the future. This preparedness requires thoughtful leadership, collaborative partnerships, and dedication to move forward in a strategic, focused manner. This commitment was represented by the collaboration exhibited through the development of the Strategic Plan for Economic and Community Development. Success will be achieved as this collaboration expands and matures through the plan’s implementation.
The plan is divided into five implementation strategies: Enhancing Quality of Life, Ensuring a Balance Economy, Infrastructure Support, Adequate and Skilled Workforce, and Quality Education.
Excerpted from the Casa Grande -- A Focused Future II Strategic Plan for Community and Economic Development 2004, sponsored by APS.
AGRICULTURE, MANUFACTURING and PROCESSING
The Casa Grande Valley agricultural industry has long been a major contributor to the area economy. Cotton continues to be a key crop, with Pinal County farmers producing about 305,100 bales in 2002. Other farmers in the region raise alfalfa, barley, wheat and several types of vegetables and fruits. Casa Grande’s diverse economic base also includes first-class manufacturers and distribution facilities. Companies located in Casa Grande and the surrounding area include: Abbott Laboratories, Ross Products Division; Frito-Lay, Inc.; Wal-Mart Distribution Center; Hexcel Corporation; CEMEX USA; Cardinal CG; Otto Plastics; Seafab Metals Company; PPL Sundance Energy; Oldcastle Westile Roofing Products; Seafab Metals Company; Graham Packaging; Mitsui Components (USA), Inc.; Jensen Precast; San Juan Pools – AECC; SRP Desert Basin Generating Station; Mobile Mini, Inc., and Rinker Materials - to name a few.
The Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce works with the City, the Economic Development Foundation and with existing businesses, and welcomes the opportunity to work with businesses considering locating to the Casa Grande area. The City of Casa Grande is pro-quality; always mindful of the environment and quality of life that has made the area a great place to raise families.
Call the Chamber for a business relocation packet at 1-800-916-1515 or contact the Central Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation at (520) 836-6868 or toll-free at 1-888-211-6868, or fax at (520) 836-4898 or by e-mail at info@caredf.org.
CASA GRANDE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
The Casa Grande Municipal Airport, occupies approximately 300 acres and is owned and operated by the City of Casa Grande. It is located north of the city, just west of Arizona Highway 387 and south and west of Interstate 10. It has 52 T-Hangars, 18 shade hangars, and 90,000 flight operations take place each year. For more information, visit the City’s website, www.ci.casa-grande.az.us/airport/airport.php. The airport is the site of annual Cactus Fly-In, held the first full weekend in March each year. For more information, visit the Cactus Fly-In website, www.cactusflyin.org.
Mission Statement
The Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce, as the voice of business, leads, promotes and develops opportunities for the success of our members and the community.
The Greater Casa Grande
Chamber of Commerce
575 N. Marshall Street, Casa Grande, Az 85222
(520) 836-2125
(800) 916-1515
