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Governor Hobbs Joins Canadian Leaders To Celebrate Opening Of Canada Consulate Office In Arizona

PHOENIX, AZ (June 25, 2026) – To further strengthen the growing relationship between Arizona and Canada, dignitaries and leaders from both regions gathered to mark the opening of the new Canada Consulate office in Phoenix with a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception held on June 24, 2026. Governor Katie Hobbs joined Mark Wiseman, Ambassador of Canada to the United States; Sylvie Bédard, Consul General a.i. of Canada in Los Angeles; Ali Ehsassi, Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy (Canada-U.S. Trade); Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, and local government, economic development, business and community leaders to celebrate the office opening.

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Arizona Wins Sixth Straight Gold Shovel Award Recognizing Economic Development Excellence

PHOENIX, AZ (June 17, 2026) – Following another year of major economic development wins highlighted by historic investments, significant expansions and rapid economic growth, Arizona received a prestigious “Gold Shovel” award from Area Development Magazine in the 5-8 million state population category, marking the sixth year in a row that Arizona has received a gold shovel. The Shovel Awards recognize states that “garnered large job-creating and investment projects through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, and other processes that attracted new employers as well as investments in expanded facilities.” In addition, Area Development named Amkor’s $7 billion advanced packaging and testing expansion project in Peoria and Axon’s Scottsdale headquarters expansion as “Projects of the Year.” 

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Airbus and ACA Host Supplier Day Showcasing Arizona’s Aerospace and Defense Leadership

PHOENIX, AZ (June 12, 2026)  –  With rapid momentum across Arizona’s dynamic aerospace and defense ecosystem, Airbus, a global aerospace and defense leader, and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), hosted Airbus Supplier Day on June 12, 2026. Governor Katie Hobbs joined Robin Hayes, Chairman and CEO of Airbus in North America; Sharon Green, CEO of Unical; Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority; Representative Greg Stanton; Representative David Schweikert; Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and over 60 A&D suppliers for Airbus Supplier Day, showcasing the strength and depth of the state’s aerospace and defense supply chain. Since 2020, Arizona has attracted more than 62 aerospace and defense industry expansions, representing over $3.3 billion in investment and more than 18,400 new jobs.

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