Phoenix, Arizona – Economic development leaders around the Valley have been working to create the next wave of economic development for Arizona, focused on leveraging the strengths of our existing economy and building a path to the future. This month, the Valley Partnership Friday Morning Breakfast will bring together Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and John Graham, president of Sunbelt Holdings, to discuss how Arizona is working to position itself as a regional and global leader.

Both Chris Camacho and John Graham serve on the board of directors for the Partnership for Economic Innovation (PEI), which Graham chairs. PEI is a passionate collective of community, business and opinion leaders, dedicated to the mission of fulfilling the economic opportunities of Greater Phoenix. The intent of PEI is to present a vision, identify opportunities for action, and guide resources for producing real solutions. The success of PEI is measured by the advancement of our economic presence, beyond being a more competitive region and toward being recognized as a world-class economy.

“The development community works in concert with the business and education communities to build a stronger economy here. This legislative session saw leadership focused on investing in infrastructure and education, two key elements of building a stronger economic base for the long-term future. This month, our program will focus on how these interests are coming together to create a more dynamic climate for high quality employers, those who are here in Arizona and those looking to relocate,” said Cheryl Lombard, president of Valley Partnership.

• What/When: Valley Partnership Friday Morning Breakfast on Friday, June 16 at 7:30am (Program begins)
• Where: Phoenix Country Club, 2901 N. 7th St, Phoenix
• Registration: Members: $50 / Non-Members $75 / Onsite add $10
• Program and moderator:  The New Economy: Building our Future featuring panelists:  Chris Camacho, President and CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council; and John Graham, President of Sunbelt Holdings

PHOENIX, Arizona – Hines, the international real estate firm, announced it has renewed a long-term 11,976-square-foot lease for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) at Renaissance Square in Phoenix.

GPEC, which has been in Renaissance Square since its inception, will continue occupying its space on the 25^th floor. The organization renewed an 8-year lease and is updating the office into a more modern and collaborative space.

Hines acquired Renaissance Square in 2008. The two-building office complex in downtown Phoenix is bounded by Adams, Central and Washington streets and 1^st Avenue, and has 968,790 combined square feet.

“Hines is thrilled to retain GPEC, a long-standing tenant that makes a significant impact in the community,” said Steve Hamel, Hines’ general property manager of Renaissance Square.

“The location of One Renaissance Square provides a centrally located office space for the various stakeholders from the private and public sector around the region to participate in the work that GPEC is undertaking, a factor that was incredibly important in the selection process,” said Chris Camacho, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

Pat Devine with Cushman & Wakefield represented the landlord. Andrew Cheney with Lee & Associates represented GPEC.

PHOENIX – Oscar, a New York-based health insurance company, has announced an operational expansion to Tempe, Ariz. The company’s new facility will house the Oscar Concierge team and will be located at The Circuit, a new modern, adaptive re-use project near the Loop 101 and Loop 202 freeways.

Oscar is a new kind of health insurance company designed to put people first. Through a high-tech, data-driven approach, easy-to-understand language and a unique set of benefits, Oscar is drastically changing the way people think about and interact with their health insurance. Founded in 2012, Oscar makes health insurance simple, transparent and human and now offers plans in New York, New Jersey, Texas and California.

“We’re excited to expand operations to Tempe, Arizona to continue to provide our members the highest quality of care,” said Oscar CEO Mario Schlosser. “With this year’s growth from 40,000 to 135,000 members across four states, Oscar is continuing to hire talented professionals to provide the best experience to our members. The Oscar Concierge is a unique program which allows Oscar to deliver a more personal experience to educate and empower our members.”

After a competitive process, Oscar selected Tempe for its newest location after working with economic development representatives from the Greater Phoenix region, including the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, the city of Tempe and Arizona Commerce Authority. The region’s large, skilled workforce, high quality of life and pro-business climate and creative office space options like The Circuit were attractive draws for the company.

“Oscar is a leading technology company whose innovative approach to health insurance delivery makes them a natural addition to Greater Phoenix’s growing entrepreneurial community,” said Chris Camacho, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “Their entrance into the market reinforces what more and more businesses are discovering—that Greater Phoenix is an ideal place to go to scale.”

“Over the past four years nearly 17,000 new jobs have been announced in Tempe,” said Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell. “We are a city where businesses know they can start, grow and thrive. I am excited to welcome Oscar to our community, as a great addition to our growing tech and insurance industry clusters.”

Sandra Watson, president & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority added, “We are thrilled that Oscar Insurance will expand its operations in Arizona, joining our dynamic business-services sector. Oscar is an excellent example of the type of innovative company – at the intersection of technology, business and health care – that is thriving here, supported by our pro-business environment and talented workforce. We welcome Oscar to Arizona and thank them for their commitment to our state.”

We continue to see robust activity in the technology sector and do not anticipate it slowing down in the near future,” said Ryan Bartos, Managing Director, Savills-Studley. “Access to outstanding labor, affordable housing, and competitive operating costs will continue to make it a top destination for expansion.”

The Circuit is EverWest Real Estate Partners’ newest adaptive re-use project. Built in 1982 as a semiconductor building, The Circuit is an ultra-modern, 185,000-square-foot high-density office project designed for large office users looking to attract active professionals to a creative environment.  Building features include a collaborative indoor-outdoor layout enhanced with 17-foot ceilings, 14-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and more than 60 skylights to maximize natural light.

Said Curt Kremer, Managing Principal – Equity Ventures, EverWest Real Estate Partners, “This building offered a unique opportunity to build for a young, professional demographic and the employers who seek out and hire these employees. Oscar’s lease brings that vision full circle. It will be exciting to watch them use and grow in this space, and to continue the employment base that The Circuit is capable of providing for Arizona.”

For more information on Oscar, visit hioscar.com.