TUCSON, Ariz. (October 30, 2025) — Tech Parks Arizona celebrates a powerful economic legacy, reporting an annual economic impact of $2.6 billion. The figure comes from a newly released analysis of 2024 data, the organization’s milestone 30th anniversary year, and was conducted by the independent research firm Rounds Consulting Group. Every five years, Tech Parks Arizona undertakes a comprehensive assessment of its three innovation hubs: the UA Tech Park at Rita Road, UA Tech Park at The Bridges, and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI).

In 2024 alone, Tech Parks Arizona supported 15,857 jobs, generated $1.1 billion in labor income, and contributed $84 million in state and local tax revenues. These outcomes reflect the combined direct, indirect, and induced impacts of its innovation ecosystem, reinforcing its role as a driving force in Arizona’s knowledge-based economy.

“Our success is built on the power of people, place, and programming,” said Carol Stewart, Vice President of the University of Arizona, CEO of Tech Parks Arizona. “We create connections that matter—linking entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry partners to drive meaningful innovation. By providing purpose-built environments and tailored programs that help companies grow, we’re fostering a thriving community where business, research, and talent come together to turn ideas into impact.”

Vickie Palmer, CEO of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP), shared, “Tech Parks Arizona stands among North America’s leading university research and technology parks, exemplifying the best practices in innovation-driven economic development. This newly released impact analysis reaffirms Tech Parks Arizona’s critical role as a national model—successfully linking academic research, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurial growth to generate extraordinary economic outcomes. As a long-standing member of AURP, Tech Parks Arizona continues to raise the bar for what research parks can achieve.”

In alignment with the University of Arizona’s mission to ensure success for every student, Tech Parks Arizona plays a pivotal role in creating pathways from education to employment. Data collected from Tech Park tenants shows that 69% of knowledge workers in the parks are University of Arizona graduates, demonstrating a strong pipeline from classroom to career. Additionally, Tech Parks Arizona facilitates hundreds of internship opportunities annually, providing students with hands-on experience and direct access to industry leaders, further strengthening the university’s commitment to student success and workforce development.

Tech Parks Arizona hosts over 100 companies, ranging from innovative startups to industry-leading tech giants, across sectors such as aerospace and defense, software, optics, financial services, and life sciences. As a major employment hub, the parks are home to 9,205 workers, whose average annual wage of $75,600 exceeds the Tucson metro area average by more than $13,000, at $62,200.

These findings underscore the strength of Tech Parks Arizona’s ecosystem in connecting research, industry, and entrepreneurship. As vital drivers of regional innovation and economic growth, the parks continue to fuel long-term prosperity.

Beyond the numbers, a recent perception study highlights the unique environment Tech Parks Arizona has cultivated, which supports businesses beyond traditional models.

The perception study identified the top recognized benefits as:

• Supporting startups through the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI)
• Fostering a collaborative business and innovation community
• Connecting companies with university resources

The economic influence of Tech Parks Arizona extends well beyond its campuses. From supporting high-wage employment to strengthening supplier networks and generating critical public tax revenues, the ecosystem fostered by the parks underscores their role as a cornerstone of Southern Arizona’s growth and a vital contributor to the state’s long-term economic success.

“An IASP member since 2019, Tech Parks Arizona has been an active and valued part of our international network, which brings together 350 likeminded organizations across 80 countries. Tech Parks Arizona has actively contributed to the knowledge sharing and learning processes of innovation communities and peers worldwide, enriching the strategic goals of our global innovation community, “ shared Ebba Lund, CEO of International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP).

Tucson, AZ — (October 30, 2025) — Tofel Dent Construction is pleased to announce the appointment of Janis Gallego as Vice President, General Counsel. In this role, Gallego will manage all legal aspects of the company, including contracts, compliance, and risk management.

Gallego brings nearly two decades of diverse legal and compliance experience to the leadership team. Her background spans nonprofit, higher education, corporate, and private practice sectors, giving her a unique perspective on organizational governance, risk management, and contract strategy.

Before joining Tofel Dent Construction, Gallego served as Vice President, Associate Counsel at Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., one of the nation’s largest social service organizations. She previously worked at the University of Arizona as the Deputy Director of the Office of Title IX and as the Student Legal Services Counsel. Gallego’s corporate experience includes serving as Senior Manager of Corporate Contracts at Universal Avionics Systems Corporation and practicing law at prominent Tucson law firms.

She is also a Part-time Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona, where she teaches law and mentors students. Gallego is a two-time wildcat, earning her J.D. from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in 2005 and graduating cum laude with a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Arizona in 2002.

Gallego is an active community leader, having served in several capacities at the University of Arizona, including as Chair of the Hispanic Advisory Council, a member of the Intercollegiate Athletic Committee, and a member of the Wildcat for Life Leadership Council. Gallego is a current board member of the Arizona Women Lawyers Association and the State Forty-Eight Foundation and Vice President of Women Leaders of Southern Arizona. In 2010, Gallego was named one of the Arizona Daily Star’s 40 Under 40. In 2022, Gallego was recognized as an Honorary Bobcat by the University of Arizona Bobcats Alumni Organization.

Managing Member Jim Tofel expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointment: “We are excited to welcome Janis Gallego as Vice President, General Counsel at Tofel Dent Construction. Her extensive legal expertise, combined with her deep commitment to community and education, closely aligns with Tofel Dent’s mission and values. We are confident that Janis will play a critical role in strengthening our operations and supporting our continued growth.”

Formed in 1984, Tofel Dent Construction is a general contractor specializing in multi-family and commercial projects, including affordable and market-rate housing and mixed-use facilities. The company has completed nearly 200 projects and over 16,000 units throughout Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico.

TUCSON, AZ (October 29, 2025) – A newly built Take 5 Oil Change property at 850 W Irvington Road in Tucson has sold for $2,263,562 ($1,605 PSF) in an all-cash transaction to NS Retail Holdings, an affiliate of NETSTREIT Corp. (NYSE: NTST) of Dallas, TX.

The single-tenant, 1,410-square-foot automotive service facility was completed in 2023 on 0.59 acres and is fully leased under an absolute NNN lease to Take 5 Oil Change, a rapidly expanding quick-lube brand with more than 950 locations nationwide.

The property drew investor attention for its long-term corporate-backed lease and prime visibility along Irvington Road near I-19, one of Tucson’s busiest retail corridors. The site offers exposure to more than 46,000 vehicles per day and is surrounded by national tenants, including Walmart Supercenter, The Home Depot, and Planet Fitness.

The sale was brokered by Ed Beeh, Executive Vice President at SRS Real Estate Partners in Phoenix, who represented the seller. NS Retail Holdings acquired the property as part of its ongoing expansion of single-tenant net-lease assets in the Sun Belt region.

NETSTREIT’s Q3 2025 earnings release reported $203.9 million in acquisitions, primarily focused on convenience, automotive, and service-based retail tenants—categories that include Take 5 Oil Change among its national holdings.

This transaction underscores continued investor demand for new-construction, passive NNN retail assets in high-growth Arizona markets, particularly those offering stable, necessity-based tenancy and minimal landlord responsibilities.

Source: RED Comp #12133