Industry leaders in CRE, multifamily give back to the next generation through The Mazzon Foundation

PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 10, 2026) – The Mazzon Foundation, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the next generation of commercial real estate professionals, held its first board meeting, bringing together some of the brightest and most experienced minds in the industry.

The gathering united a diverse group of thought leaders from the Metro Phoenix and Tucson markets. They include Logan Mather; Rosalinda Bridges, CPM; Elizabeth Betsy Johnson; Nicole Salaman, CPM; Gilbert Romero; Lance Norling, AcoM; Mary Visner, CSM, CRRP; Marshall MacFarlane, SFP, IFMA Fellow; Robert Stock; and Daniel Mazzon.

Each shares a common purpose: to create opportunity, education, and growth for property managers, building engineers, brokers, and trade workers across the industry.

“If one person on a team gets better, the whole team operates at a higher level,” the Foundation’s leadership said in a statement. “The board represents a remarkable assembly of talent, experience, and passion. By coming together, these leaders are actively shaping the future of the industry, creating opportunities that will impact careers, communities, and the broader commercial real estate and multifamily landscape for years to come.”

Through fully funded scholarships for professional licenses, certifications, designations, and trade education, the Foundation is cultivating a new generation of commercial real estate and multifamily professionals ready to lead, innovate, and strengthen the industry.

The Foundation’s mission is simple yet powerful: to give back to the next generation of CRE professionals, ensuring knowledge, mentorship, and opportunity are available to those who will drive the industry forward.

To learn more about The Mazzon Foundation and its mission, please visit www.themazzonfoundation.org.

Pima County Lands Taiwan-Based Precision Machinery Company Following Trade Mission

TUCSON, AZ (March 10, 2026) — A Taiwan trade mission led by the Arizona Commerce Authority reported last September has produced an early win for Southern Arizona, with Taiwan-based Jiann Sheng Machinery & Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (JSEDM), a precision machinery manufacturer serving industries including semiconductors, aerospace, defense, optics, and precision manufacturing, joining the University of Arizona Center for Innovation’s incubator program as it explores expansion into the U.S. market.

JSEDM, a machinery manufacturer specializing in Wire Cut EDM and Diamond Wire Saw technologies, serves industries including semiconductors, aerospace, defense, optics, and precision manufacturing. Its entry into UACI reflects a direct outcome of the Taiwan delegation and adds another piece to Southern Arizona’s growing semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

The September mission brought together more than 50 Arizona business and community leaders, including representatives from Pima County Economic Development, the University of Arizona, Tech Parks Arizona, and UACI. The trip focused on workforce development, international partnership building, and expanding Arizona’s ties to Taiwan’s technology and manufacturing sectors.

Beginning in March, JSEDM will participate in UACI’s virtual incubator program, where it will receive mentorship, access to the UACI Program Roadmap©, and support through the organization’s digital resource hub. The program is intended to help the company evaluate market opportunities and establish an Arizona foothold as the first stage of its U.S. expansion.

“The goal is to have our machines at Tech Parks Arizona for both demonstration and test trials, allowing us to introduce new cutting solutions to the Arizona market,” said Tsung-Hsun “Tony” Yang, R&D Manager at JSEDM. “Joining UACI provides us with the guidance and regional insight needed to better understand our customer base and move closer to that goal.”

Pima County Economic Development is backing that effort by sponsoring JSEDM’s first six months in the UACI program, an investment county officials say supports a broader strategy to strengthen Southern Arizona’s role in the semiconductor supply chain.

“By investing early in companies like JSEDM, we’re strengthening Southern Arizona’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain and ensuring our region remains competitive, innovative, and well-positioned for long-term growth,” said Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, director of economic development for Pima County.

UACI Executive Director Casey Carrillo said the company’s arrival demonstrates how international trade missions can translate into tangible regional economic development results.

“JSEDM’s onboarding is a clear example of how international trade missions can create long-term economic impact for Arizona,” Casey Carrillo said. “By combining tailored Soft Landings programming with the strength of our regional partners, UACI is proud to help bridge global innovation with regional opportunity. We look forward to supporting JSEDM as they explore the U.S. market and build lasting roots in Arizona.”

JSEDM’s move also aligns with broader Arizona-Taiwan partnerships, including the University of Arizona’s Talent and Innovation Hub with National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, which aims to advance workforce development, student education, and applied research aligned with industry needs.

Recognized as a Soft Landings Designee by the International Business Innovation Association since 2020, UACI has supported dozens of international startups entering the U.S. market. For JSEDM, that support will include tailored programming and connections to regional partners as it navigates Arizona’s business environment and builds commercial relationships in the state.

Tucson International Airport Launches Free Parking Promotion

TUCSON, AZ (March 10, 2026) — Tucson International Airport (TIA) is offering free parking for travelers who begin their trip at TUS and book a flight connecting through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The promotion offers up to 7 days of free parking in the Uncovered Economy Lot when booked online, giving Southern Arizona travelers another incentive to start their trip in Tucson rather than drive to Phoenix.

The promotion is designed to highlight the convenience of flying from TUS while drawing attention to an underused airport parking option for many local travelers. Airport officials say the incentive underscores how easy and stress-free it can be to fly locally.

The offer comes as flight options between Tucson and Phoenix continue to expand. Southwest Airlines launched twice-daily service between TUS and PHX on March 5, 2026, joining American Airlines’ existing service and giving travelers more opportunities to connect to destinations across the country and internationally with just one stop.

The free parking offer is available for departures between March 1 and April 30, 2026. Travelers can qualify and receive a validation code by emailing their flight details to [email protected].