On the next episode of Metro Week we go to the University of Arizona Tech Park to meet some companies it is attracting to Tucson, and find out what else happens at the sprawling campus near I-10 and Rita Road: Global Advantage: The Tech Park has a program aimed at attracting companies from around the country, and the world, to Tucson. Its first class of four companies was just announced. We talk to Global Advantage coordinator Naomi Weiner about the program. Then we interview Rodger Shepherd of Cleveland Electric Labs about why that company will expand its manufacturing arm to Tucson. International recruiting: The park is specifically reaching out to companies in Mexico, and has attracted ProAutomation to Tucson. We ask CEO Daniel Beltran why it’s important to do business here. The park is also working with another tech park in Finland to help foster business relationships with European countries, Justin Dutram, director of business development for Tech Parks Arizona tells us about that work. What else happens there? Associate Vice President of Tech Parks Arizona, Bruce Wright, explains the kinds of businesses at the park, and then we meet Mary Darling, one of the CEOs of a tech company at the park. She explains the benefits of being at the park for her company, and shows a sample of her work on air. Solar Zone: This story takes us to the acres and acres of solar panels at the park, and explains how Tucson Electric Power is utilizing the research into photovoltaic energy production and storage to become a leader in alternative power production expertise. Guests Richard Powell of Tech Parks Arizona, and Carmine Tilghman of TEP.
