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Phoenix, Arizona
| City of Phoenix | |
|---|---|
| Images, from top, left to right: Downtown Phoenix skine, Saint Mary's Basilica, Arizona Biltmore | |
| Nickname(s): "The Valley" "PHX" "The 602" |
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| Location in Maricopa County and the state of Arizona | |
| Coordinates: 33°26′54″N 112°04′26″W / 33.44833°N 112.07389°W | |
| Incorporated | February 5, 1881 |
| Elevation | 1,117 ft (340 m) |
| Population (2008)[1][2][3] | |
| - City | 1,567,924 (US rank : 5th) |
| - Density | 2,937.8/sq mi (1,188.4/km2) |
| - Metro | 4,281,900 |
| Time zone | MST (UTC-7) |
| - Summer (DST) | no DST (UTC-7) |
| Area code(s) | 602, 480, 623, 520 |
| FIPS code | 04-55000 |
| Website | http://www.phoenix.gov/ |
Phoenix is the state capital of Arizona, and was incorporated as a city on February 25, 1881. Phoenix is located in central Arizona in the southwestern United States, 118 miles northwest of Tucson. It is Arizona's largest city and largest metropolitan area by population. It is also the county seat of Maricopa County and the principal city of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Phoenix is called Hoozdo, or "the place is hot", in the Navajo language and Fiinigis in the Western Apache language.
The 2000 U.S. Census reported the Phoenix Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as the fourteenth-largest in the U.S., with a population of 3,251,876. The city's MSA grew to an estimated 3,790,000 by 2004. Between 1990 and 2000, the metropolitan area grew by 34 percent, making it the eighth fastest-growing metropolitan area in the U.S.
Phoenix is the largest capital city by population, meaning that it's the most populous of all U.S. capital cities (all 50 state capitals and the national capital Washington, D.C.). It is also the third-largest capital city by area in the U.S. (behind Juneau, Alaska and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma).
Contents
State and City business policies, benefits and taxes
- Arizona has no corporate franchise tax
- Business inventory is not subject to property tax
- Arizona is a right-to-work state.
- Qualifying businesses located within the City of Phoenix Enterprise Zone (COPEZ) can receive income tax and property tax benefits.
- Qualifying businesses within the Pheonix Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) can defer or eliminate duty on imported goods prior to entering the US market.
Business environment
Only 50 percent of the 514 square miles of land in the Phoenix is developed. Plenty of prime industrial and commercial land is available, much of it already set with modern infrastructure and an assured water supply necessary to start operation right away. A massive canal and pump system delivers water to Phoenix from the Colorado River, supplementing the supply from local reservoirs and river and assuring a reliable water supply for the foreseeable future. Also, Phoenix voters in 2004 approved a Regional Transportation Plan that includes nearly $16 billion of spending on construction of freeways, a light rail system, and enhanced bus services.
The greater Phoenix area has experienced positive job growth in 50 of the last 54 years, and the growth is a function of an ever-diversifying economic base. Motorola and Honeywell are among the larger corporate citizens. Regional and national headquarters in Phoenix include American Express, U S Airways, Bank of America, Charles Schwab, Sumitomo Sitix, USAA, Viad, Avnet and Phelps Dodge. Smaller companies, too, have reaped the rewards of establishing a Phoenix location. The blend of high-tech, manufacturing, agriculture, trade and service industries found in the area contribute to a healthy and well-diversified economy.
Phoenix is one of the most popular leisure destinations in the world, with its famous sunny climate and its proximity to the scenic wonders of Arizona.
Phoenix is also the location for hundreds of conferences and conventions each year. The downtown convention center known as Phoenix Civic Plaza is currently undergoing expansion even as its main exhibit halls remain open. When finished in 2008, the expanded Civic Plaza will have almost 1 million square feet of exhibit space plus an adjacent 1,000 room Sheraton hotel.
The Grand Canyon, Indian reservations, and winter ski areas are only a few hours from downtown Phoenix. Large nearby lakes offer fishing and boating. Lush stretches of beautiful Sonoran desert preserves extend right into the heart of the city. Add to that challenging golf courses, year-round outdoor activities, and an unlimited variety of attractive shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities.
Sports enthusiasts enjoy events for all major league sports as well as baseball spring training and auto racing. Phoenix's cultural offerings are superior, and its performing arts groups meet the highest standard. The Heard Museum, Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo each have won international acclaim for quality and innovation.[4]
References
- ↑ "[1]." United States Census Bureau. 2005. Retrieved on June 27, 2007.
- ↑ "Population Estimates for the 25 Largest U.S. Cities based on July 1, 2006 Population Estimates" (PDF). http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2007/cb07-91table1.pdf.
- ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Population for Incorporated Places in Arizona". United States Census Bureau. 2008-07-10. http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2007-04-04.csv. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
- ↑ Phoenix.gov City of Phoenix Website - Marketplace Overview
See also
External links
- Phoenix.gov - City of Phoenix official website
- Pheonix.gov/business - City resources for businesses
- Pheonix.gov/Startup/10steps.html - Ten Steps to Starting a Business in Pheonix
- PhoenixChamber.com Phoenix Chamber of Commerce website
- Pheonix.com/directory - Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce business directory
