BNSF may purchase 3,500 acres for Arizona industrial complex
State-owned land near Surprise, to be sold at auction, could be site of intermodal, logistics facilities
BNSF Railway is seeking to acquire more than 3,500 acres of state-owned land for an intermodal and industrial facility in the Phoenix area, according to a news report.
The Phoenix Business Journal reports that state records show BNSF, through WittDev LLC, wants to bid on the land currently held by the Arizona State Land Department. The application allows potential private owners to request a public auction of the state land. The state land commissioner can then approve or deny the request; in this case, the request has been approved and the auction will be held March 30. The minimum bid price will be more than $49 million, or about $14,000 per acre.
The land is located near a BNSF line and State Route 60 between the communities of Whittmann and Surprise, and is adjacent to 500 acres already owned by the railroad. The railroad’s plan call for a logistics park, logistics center, and intermodal facility, with development over a five- to 10-year period.
One of the country’s largest freight companies plans to bid on more than 3,500 acres of state land for a proposed intermodal facility and industrial complex in the NW Valley region, according to public records.
Through WittDev LLC, Fort Worth, Texas-based BNSF Railway Co. applied in March 2021 to purchase the Arizona State Land Department property located in the West Valley, state records show. This application process allows private developers or individuals to request a public auction of state land; the state land commissioner has the power to approve or deny the request.
The massive property is located northeast of State Route 60 and the existing BNSF railway between Wittmann and Surprise in the West Valley, which has some of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
On the site, BNSF is proposing a logistics park along the north portion, a logistics center through the middle section and an intermodal facility at the southeast segment, according to a state appraisal of the site conducted in July.
State-owned land near Surprise, to be sold at auction, could be site of intermodal, logistics facilities
BNSF Railway is seeking to acquire more than 3,500 acres of state-owned land for an intermodal and industrial facility in the Phoenix area, according to a news report.
The Phoenix Business Journal reports that state records show BNSF, through WittDev LLC, wants to bid on the land currently held by the Arizona State Land Department. The application allows potential private owners to request a public auction of the state land. The state land commissioner can then approve or deny the request; in this case, the request has been approved and the auction will be held March 30. The minimum bid price will be more than $49 million, or about $14,000 per acre.
The land is located near a BNSF line and State Route 60 between the communities of Whittmann and Surprise, and is adjacent to 500 acres already owned by the railroad. The railroad’s plan call for a logistics park, logistics center, and intermodal facility, with development over a five- to 10-year period.
One of the country’s largest freight companies plans to bid on more than 3,500 acres of state land for a proposed intermodal facility and industrial complex in the NW Valley region, according to public records.
Through WittDev LLC, Fort Worth, Texas-based BNSF Railway Co. applied in March 2021 to purchase the Arizona State Land Department property located in the West Valley, state records show. This application process allows private developers or individuals to request a public auction of state land; the state land commissioner has the power to approve or deny the request.
The massive property is located northeast of State Route 60 and the existing BNSF railway between Wittmann and Surprise in the West Valley, which has some of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
On the site, BNSF is proposing a logistics park along the north portion, a logistics center through the middle section and an intermodal facility at the southeast segment, according to a state appraisal of the site conducted in July.
Elected Officials to Descend on Surprise
Elected officials and chamber CEOs from the entire West Valley will be convening in Surprise on June 15 on the West-MEC Campus. The meeting is being planned by the West Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance.
“We were excited the Alliance chose Surprise to host the meeting,” said Mr. Sada, president and CEO of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This will afford us an excellent opportunity to showcase our region and the new West-MEC campus."
Mr. Sada stated this meeting would be much larger than the typical meeting planned by the West Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance (WVCCA). These meetings are generally for the mayors, state legislators, and chamber CEOs. However, the June meeting will be expanded to include west valley inter-government staff from all the municipalities, governmental affairs chairs from each chamber, and council members from each of the cities/towns.
The West Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (WVCCA) is comprised of Buckeye Valley, Glendale, Peoria, Southwest Valley, Surprise Regional, and Wickenburg Chambers of Commerce.
The six chambers of commerce represent the 14 west valley communities of Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Tolleson, Waddell, Wickenburg, and Youngtown.
“The need for these types of regional gatherings and coordination is more important than ever because the West Valley has achieved tremendous growth over the last several decades. Today, more than 1.8 million people call the West Valley home, and its population over the next five years is projected to grow at twice the national rate of growth,” said Mary Orta, Vice President of Marketing for the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The primary purpose of this Alliance event is to provide more opportunities for the bipartisan group to connect with their peers and counterparts, build networks, and deepen relationships. "With so much political tension in our country today, these community-building activities are more important than ever, said Orta. Therefore, there is a compelling need for the WVCCA to champion gatherings like this so that people can work together on initiatives that support commerce and strengthen all the communities that make up the west valley,” said Orta.
The WVCCA has planned several of these bipartisan gatherings over the years. The purpose of all the programs is similar, which is to find areas of common interest, gain a better understanding of the shared issues, and then help foster solutions that support the economic growth and the vitality of the entire West Valley, said Mr. Sada.
If you would like to volunteer for the event click here.
Elected officials and chamber CEOs from the entire West Valley will be convening in Surprise on June 15 on the West-MEC Campus. The meeting is being planned by the West Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance.
“We were excited the Alliance chose Surprise to host the meeting,” said Mr. Sada, president and CEO of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This will afford us an excellent opportunity to showcase our region and the new West-MEC campus."
Mr. Sada stated this meeting would be much larger than the typical meeting planned by the West Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance (WVCCA). These meetings are generally for the mayors, state legislators, and chamber CEOs. However, the June meeting will be expanded to include west valley inter-government staff from all the municipalities, governmental affairs chairs from each chamber, and council members from each of the cities/towns.
The West Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (WVCCA) is comprised of Buckeye Valley, Glendale, Peoria, Southwest Valley, Surprise Regional, and Wickenburg Chambers of Commerce.
The six chambers of commerce represent the 14 west valley communities of Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Tolleson, Waddell, Wickenburg, and Youngtown.
“The need for these types of regional gatherings and coordination is more important than ever because the West Valley has achieved tremendous growth over the last several decades. Today, more than 1.8 million people call the West Valley home, and its population over the next five years is projected to grow at twice the national rate of growth,” said Mary Orta, Vice President of Marketing for the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The primary purpose of this Alliance event is to provide more opportunities for the bipartisan group to connect with their peers and counterparts, build networks, and deepen relationships. "With so much political tension in our country today, these community-building activities are more important than ever, said Orta. Therefore, there is a compelling need for the WVCCA to champion gatherings like this so that people can work together on initiatives that support commerce and strengthen all the communities that make up the west valley,” said Orta.
The WVCCA has planned several of these bipartisan gatherings over the years. The purpose of all the programs is similar, which is to find areas of common interest, gain a better understanding of the shared issues, and then help foster solutions that support the economic growth and the vitality of the entire West Valley, said Mr. Sada.
If you would like to volunteer for the event click here.
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New hospital planned for Loop 303, Bell Road
Phoenix-based Abrazo Health plans to open a hospital in Surprise, Ariz., this fall, according to the Surprise Independent. The single-story facility will house a 13-bed emergency department, eight inpatient rooms and one operating room. The Abrazo Surprise Hospital will open after the necessary licensure is awarded and inspections are completed.
The new Abrazo Surprise Hospital is slated to open in the fall near Loop 303 and Bell Road in Surprise. Abrazo Surprise Hospital is on track to open this fall at the southwest corner of Bell Road and Loop 303. It will be the city’s first hospital and demonstrates Abrazo Health’s commitment to offering safe, high-quality care in the community, according to a news release.
Abrazo Surprise Hospital will offer emergency care and surgical services in a single-story facility that will include a 13-bed emergency department, an operating room and eight inpatient rooms, along with diagnostic imaging and additional services.
The hospital is designed with an emphasis on quality medical care, convenience, efficiency and shorter emergency room wait times. It will offer access to medical care beyond what’s available at an urgent care or freestanding emergency center, according to Administrative Director Chrissy Salazar, RN.
“Residents of our community still need emergency, preventive and emergency care, even during the current pandemic. Abrazo is laser-focused on patient safety and we want patients to feel safe and comfortable in our hospital. It’s very important to seek care when needed, as delays in care could lead to significant complications in many types of conditions,” Ms. Salazar said.
Phoenix-based Abrazo Health plans to open a hospital in Surprise, Ariz., this fall, according to the Surprise Independent. The single-story facility will house a 13-bed emergency department, eight inpatient rooms and one operating room. The Abrazo Surprise Hospital will open after the necessary licensure is awarded and inspections are completed.
The new Abrazo Surprise Hospital is slated to open in the fall near Loop 303 and Bell Road in Surprise. Abrazo Surprise Hospital is on track to open this fall at the southwest corner of Bell Road and Loop 303. It will be the city’s first hospital and demonstrates Abrazo Health’s commitment to offering safe, high-quality care in the community, according to a news release.
Abrazo Surprise Hospital will offer emergency care and surgical services in a single-story facility that will include a 13-bed emergency department, an operating room and eight inpatient rooms, along with diagnostic imaging and additional services.
The hospital is designed with an emphasis on quality medical care, convenience, efficiency and shorter emergency room wait times. It will offer access to medical care beyond what’s available at an urgent care or freestanding emergency center, according to Administrative Director Chrissy Salazar, RN.
“Residents of our community still need emergency, preventive and emergency care, even during the current pandemic. Abrazo is laser-focused on patient safety and we want patients to feel safe and comfortable in our hospital. It’s very important to seek care when needed, as delays in care could lead to significant complications in many types of conditions,” Ms. Salazar said.
PPP Loans helped nearly 1,500 local businesses
A new Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce report showed almost 1,500 small businesses in the Northwest Valley have received $155 million in PPP loan assistance.
Based the Chamber’s latest data, the PPP loans helped to retain 6,879 workers in the region (El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Waddell and Youngtown.) However, several small businesses in Surprise and surrounding areas are still suffering from the COVID-19 slowdown and waiting for Congress to act on additional bailout money.
“When the previous bailout programs were rolled out there was much confusion and turbulence, and small businesses did not initially fair well,” Chamber President and CEO Raoul Sada said. “The Chamber wants to do its part, making sure that does not happen again, and we are lobbying Capitol Hill for a packages that favor small businesses.”
Key Points:
•The SBA has just released a massive trove of data on PPP loans. This was a significant step forward in transparency by the government, prior to this the SBA resisted requests to share the recipients of the funds. This is why it is so important for the Chamber to hold government officials accountable, and for us to demand transparency at all levels of government (local, state and federal!)
•More than 81,000 Arizona businesses and nonprofits have received forgivable loans through the federal government's Paycheck Protection Program totaling $8.6 billion, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
•The Paycheck Protection Program, which was designed to avert mass layoffs during the Covid-19 pandemic.
•PPP loans are not made by SBA. PPP loans are made by lending institutions and then guaranteed by SBA.
•According to the data, 58 businesses in Arizona received between $5 and $10 million, the maximum amount allowed under the program. But the vast majority of loans, approximately 86%, are valued under $150,000.
•Close to 1500 small businesses received PPP loans in the six cities that make up the Chambers service territory. The amount of cash infused into our local economy was over $154 million dollars! Based on application data, the loans help to retain 6,879 workers in our region.
•Approximately 42 businesses were non-profits (2.8% of the recipients)
Based the Chamber’s latest data, the PPP loans helped to retain 6,879 workers in the region (El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Waddell and Youngtown.) However, several small businesses in Surprise and surrounding areas are still suffering from the COVID-19 slowdown and waiting for Congress to act on additional bailout money.
“When the previous bailout programs were rolled out there was much confusion and turbulence, and small businesses did not initially fair well,” Chamber President and CEO Raoul Sada said. “The Chamber wants to do its part, making sure that does not happen again, and we are lobbying Capitol Hill for a packages that favor small businesses.”
Key Points:
•The SBA has just released a massive trove of data on PPP loans. This was a significant step forward in transparency by the government, prior to this the SBA resisted requests to share the recipients of the funds. This is why it is so important for the Chamber to hold government officials accountable, and for us to demand transparency at all levels of government (local, state and federal!)
•More than 81,000 Arizona businesses and nonprofits have received forgivable loans through the federal government's Paycheck Protection Program totaling $8.6 billion, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
•The Paycheck Protection Program, which was designed to avert mass layoffs during the Covid-19 pandemic.
•PPP loans are not made by SBA. PPP loans are made by lending institutions and then guaranteed by SBA.
•According to the data, 58 businesses in Arizona received between $5 and $10 million, the maximum amount allowed under the program. But the vast majority of loans, approximately 86%, are valued under $150,000.
•Close to 1500 small businesses received PPP loans in the six cities that make up the Chambers service territory. The amount of cash infused into our local economy was over $154 million dollars! Based on application data, the loans help to retain 6,879 workers in our region.
•Approximately 42 businesses were non-profits (2.8% of the recipients)
Surprise Independent News Coverage
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See What Businesses are Open and Their COVID-19 Safeguards Based on a self -reported survey, as on 05/11/2020. Information is subject to change without notice. The collection and dissemination of the data was a combined effort between the City of Surprise and the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce. ShopSurprise Receive Special Deals, Promotions and Community Messages from Local Merchants, and your Chamber of Commerce. All messages are sent Directly to Your Phone! Get advance notice of new restaurants, grand openings, community events and more. It's FREE! Enroll Now |
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Chamber’s NW Valley COVID-19 Consumer Survey Results Are In
Survey Results Make the Paper-Click Here to Read the Article Consumers, not the government, will ultimately decide when the economy will open—that is why it is important for citizens and businesses to know what people are thinking. Please share your comments on our Facebook page! Government leaders and public health officials will make decisions, and issue guidance on when we return to work, but truly regaining some semblance of normalcy will be determined by how people feel and what motivates them to act or not act. The Chambers recent survey sheds more light about what consumers are thinking in the NW Valley . Share your comments on our Facebook page Take Our 1-Minute Survey |
Business COVID-19 Survey Results
Survey Makes Front Page of Surprise Independent- Read the Story
CEOs across the globe are coming to terms with the reality that business will be anything but normal over the coming months as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate.
But while revenues are set to suffer a short-term hit, the majority of leaders remain confident that their companies will be back on solid footing within the year, according to a new study on the business impact of the outbreak of COVID-19.
The survey results found that 82% of business leaders expect declines in revenues over the next six months, but more than half (54%) anticipate revenues will be back to normal in a year’s time. And 61% of CEOs expect their total fixed investments to remain unchanged year on year.
How Business Owners are Responding
Among the industries seeing the greatest impact from the fallout are hospitality and travel (89%), education (87%) and media and entertainment (80%). Meanwhile, production firms in agriculture, factories, mines and utilities reported some uptick in revenues.
Nevertheless, business leaders across the board (95%) said they’re taking new measures curb the impact of the virus. That includes communicating more regularly with employees (68%), adopting new health and safety procedures (67%), cancelling major events (64%) and halting business travel (53%).
Meanwhile, other respondents, when asked for their advice for business leaders, recommended the following:
Citation: The Survey was conducted by YPO a global leadership community of more than 29,000 chief executives in 130 countries. Full Press Release
Survey Makes Front Page of Surprise Independent- Read the Story
CEOs across the globe are coming to terms with the reality that business will be anything but normal over the coming months as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate.
But while revenues are set to suffer a short-term hit, the majority of leaders remain confident that their companies will be back on solid footing within the year, according to a new study on the business impact of the outbreak of COVID-19.
The survey results found that 82% of business leaders expect declines in revenues over the next six months, but more than half (54%) anticipate revenues will be back to normal in a year’s time. And 61% of CEOs expect their total fixed investments to remain unchanged year on year.
How Business Owners are Responding
Among the industries seeing the greatest impact from the fallout are hospitality and travel (89%), education (87%) and media and entertainment (80%). Meanwhile, production firms in agriculture, factories, mines and utilities reported some uptick in revenues.
Nevertheless, business leaders across the board (95%) said they’re taking new measures curb the impact of the virus. That includes communicating more regularly with employees (68%), adopting new health and safety procedures (67%), cancelling major events (64%) and halting business travel (53%).
Meanwhile, other respondents, when asked for their advice for business leaders, recommended the following:
- Focus on the facts
- Communicate regularly with employees and stakeholders/customers
- Stabilize supply chains
- Make short-term and long-term plans
Citation: The Survey was conducted by YPO a global leadership community of more than 29,000 chief executives in 130 countries. Full Press Release
USMCA AGREEMENT IS A WIN FOR THE NORTH WEST VALLEY
By any measure, the push to get the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) passed — which preserves and strengthens our economic ties with our neighbors and top two export markets — was a three-year-long process. And it did not happen by accident.
The U.S. Chamber, the Surprise Regional Chamber as well thousands of chambers from around the country put the full weight of our alliances behind this historic effort. A special thank you to all local businesses in our region who contacted their elected officials and encouraged them to support the agreement. The new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is expected to usher tangible benefits for the NW Valley including agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and other business sectors, industry analysts say.
Here’s a brief overview of what’s in it:
- Country of origin rules: Automobiles must have 75 percent of their components manufactured in Mexico, the US, or Canada to qualify for zero tariffs (up from 62.5 percent under NAFTA).
- Labor provisions: 40 to 45 percent of automobile parts must be made by workers who earn at least $16 an hour by 2023. Mexico agreed to pass new labor laws to give greater protection to workers, including migrants and women. Most notably, these laws are supposed to make it easier for Mexican workers to unionize.
- US farmers get more access to the Canadian dairy market: The US got Canada to open up its dairy market to US farmers, a big issue for Trump.
- Intellectual property and digital trade: The deal extends the terms of copyright to 70 years beyond the life of the author (up from 50). It also includes new provisions to deal with the digital economy, such as prohibiting duties on things like music and ebooks, and protections for internet companies, so they’re not liable for content their users produce.
- Sunset clause: The agreement adds a 16-year sunset clause — meaning the terms of the agreement expire, or “sunset,” after 16 years. The deal is also subject to review every six years, at which point the US, Mexico, and Canada can decide to extend the USMCA.
First-Ever Scorecard Released
Who Made the List? Our first-ever scorecard evaluates the votes of each state senator and representative and represents the positions of the West Valley Chamber Alliance that were communicated to our state lawmakers throughout the 2019 Regular Session. The scorecard helps the business community know where their elected officials stand on issues that affect us all. Click Here for Full Report
The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce (Districts 13, 21 and 22) would like to recognize Rick Gray, Frank Carroll, Tim Dunn and Joanne Osborne for having 100% scores in support of pro-business policies.
As a Chamber, we commend those elected leaders with scores above 80% and recognize them as Free Enterprise Champions for recognizing the vital role businesses play and supporting those businesses through common sense, pro-business, and growth-oriented public policy. All elected officials in Districts 13, 21 and 22 earned the Free Enterprise Champion designation which included Rick Gray, Ben Toma, Frank Carroll, Kevin Payne, Tony Rivera, David Livingston, Tim Dunn, Joanne Osborne and Sine Kerr.
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2020 Business Climate Census Survey
Many in our business community are experiencing both challenges and successes as our economy grows. As we work to secure the NW Valley's future, it is crucial that the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce understand what issues are most important to businesses. The purpose of the Business Climate Survey is to track trends and issues affecting businesses and to inform elected officials about the issues and concerns of the local business community.
Click Here Now, To Take Our Annual Business Climate Survey
2020 Business Climate Census Survey
Many in our business community are experiencing both challenges and successes as our economy grows. As we work to secure the NW Valley's future, it is crucial that the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce understand what issues are most important to businesses. The purpose of the Business Climate Survey is to track trends and issues affecting businesses and to inform elected officials about the issues and concerns of the local business community.
Click Here Now, To Take Our Annual Business Climate Survey
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