08:35 – 08:55
Greater Phoenix: Semiconductor Excellence on the Global Stage
Camacho presents the industry’s recent boom and how Greater Phoenix is harnessing its strengths to become a magnet for innovation and investment, furthering its position as a globally leading semiconductor market.
Chris Camacho
Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)
Chris Camacho serves as president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), one of the longest-standing public-private partnerships for economic development across the country. As chief executive, Chris leads the development and execution of the region’s strategic economic strategy, oversees domestic and international business development, and ensures the market position remains competitive through coordination with partner organizations, private sector leaders, and municipal and state leadership. GPEC has attracted more than 540 companies during his tenure, creating more than 100,000 jobs and $56.8 billion in capital investment. Some notable projects include TSMC, Apple, LG Energy Solutions, Microsoft, GoDaddy, Amazon, Garmin, General Motors, HelloFresh, KORE Power, Williams-Sonoma and headquarters including Benchmark Electronics, Carlisle Companies, Rogers Corporation and EMD Electronics. In October 2021, Chris led GPEC to being recognized as the top economicdevelopment organization globally by the International Economic Development Council a year after being named the top EDO in the U.S. in 2020.
Company Profile
Established in 1989, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) actively works to attract and grow quality businesses and advocate for the competitiveness of Greater Phoenix. As the regional economic development organization, GPEC works with 22 member communities, Maricopa County and almost 200 private investors to accomplish its mission, and serve as a strategic partner to companies across the world as they expand or relocate. Consistently ranked as a top national economic development organization, GPEC’s approach to connectivity extends beyond the fabric of the community. Known as The Connected Place, Greater Phoenix is in a relentless pursuit of innovative and entrepreneurial technology-focused companies that are committed to changing the game. As a result, over the past 32 years GPEC has fueled the regional economy by helping more than 895 companies, creating more than 163,000 jobs and $33.4 billion in capital investment.
