A cybersecurity firm (Datashield), an electric vehicle charger company (ChargePoint Inc.) and a co-working space (Deskhub) are just a few of the businesses that have added jobs in Scottsdale in 2017.
Scottsdale’s Economic Development team said it played a direct role in creating or retaining 1,019 jobs in the last fiscal year, with an average wage of $62,744.
“We are really there to respond to economic conditions, meet with businesses and understand what their challenges are and then create programs and services appropriate for the government that we can offer that are gonna make it a better business opportunity for them,” said Danielle Casey, Scottsdale economic development director.
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The effort is part of a strategic economic development plan developed in 2015.
Here’s a few examples of what that’s looked like in the last fiscal year:
- Recruiting at Austin’s South by Southwest Conference and Festival
- Offering small-business courses for more than 160 people
- Meeting with 111 Scottsdale companies
- “Work Scottsdale,” a talent recruitment initiative that includes a website with information about jobs and relocation.
“The majority of our companies have said things are great, but access to talent is becoming a bigger and bigger challenge,” Casey said.
In the current fiscal year, the department plans to look for redevelopment opportunities at Scottsdale Airpark and ease downtown parking.
