How Arizona Became the U.S.’s New Semiconductor Central E20
Semiconductors are the nation’s fifth-largest export, accounting for $49 billion in 2020. As the U.S. looks to increase chip production and fulfill its semiconductor needs on its own, Arizona is quickly emerging as a base for the industry’s growth and success. In fact, Arizona has skyrocketed to No. 3 in the nation with 107 semiconductor establishments operating here including Intel, TSMC, Microchip, onsemi, NXP and many others.
In the Arizona Technology Council’s November 2021 episode of AZTechCast, Phoenix Business RadioX owner and president Karen Nowicki was joined by Angela Creedon, Arizona Public Affairs Manager for City, County and Higher Education at Intel; Alex Iuorio, Senior Vice President of Supplier Development at Avnet; and Bianca Buliga, Director of Marketing & Communications at the Arizona Technology Council to discuss Arizona’s transformation into a leader for new semiconductor investments.
Throughout this hour-long episode, this panel of experts painted the picture of just how prevalent semiconductors are in our day-to-day lives, including the cars we drive, the computers we work on and even the rice cookers we prepare dinner with. As Alex said it best, the increased “electronification” of society is leading to a surge in demand in semiconductor manufacturing and usage that isn’t going away anytime soon.
Founded in 1968, Intel’s technology has been at the heart of computing breakthroughs. We are an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives.
We stand at the brink of several technology inflections—artificial intelligence (AI), 5G network transformation, and the rise of the intelligent edge—that together will shape the future of technology. Silicon and software drive these inflections, and Intel is at the heart of it all.
Angela Creedon is the Arizona’s Public Affairs Manager for County, City and Higher Education for Intel Corporation. Angela is responsible for developing and implementing strategic engagements with city and county officials as well as Arizona-based higher education institutions to protect Intel’s license to operate, enhance Intel’s reputation and ability to influence, as well as promote a favorable business environment that enables Intel’s growth.
Most recently, Angela was the Associate Vice President for Innovation Zone Development and Corporate Engagement at Arizona State University. During her 11 years at ASU, Angela managed community relations, local municipal and county relations, special events and corporate engagement. Before joining ASU, she was the East Valley Community Development manager for APS, the State of Arizona’s largest private electric utility, where she managed local municipal relations, community relations and economic development.
Angela has spent many years working in community and government relations and is presently serving as the Vice Chair of Fighter Country Foundation, an organization dedicated to serving the men, women, and families of Luke Air Force Base.
Avnet, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology serving customers globally.
Avnet accelerates its partners’ success by connecting the world’s leading technology suppliers with a broad base of customers by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions.
For the fiscal year ended June 28, 2014, Avnet generated sales of $27.5 billion. For more information, visit http://avnet.com.
Alex Iuorio is a 40-year veteran of the high technology distribution industry. He has held various positions within Avnet and prior to that, with Hall-Mark Electronics which was acquired by Avnet in 1993.
He’s been headquartered in four (4) different US markets with experiences ranging from field sales to Area Vice President.
Beyond Avnet, Alex served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Development for software solutions provider Azerity, a leader in innovative solutions for the business problems that face component manufacturers in our global marketplace.
Today, As Senior Vice President, Global Supplier Development, Alex leads the supplier and business development organizations within Avnet coordinating all global initiatives with respect to those responsibilities and Avnet’s supplier partners.
Mr. Iuorio holds a BA from University of Illinois, with fields of concentration in mathematics, economics, and political science.
He resides in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife of 35 years, Barbara.
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About AZ TechCast
AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.
Through the art of connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s guests will share their expertise, success stories, news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling the state’s growing technology ecosystem.
About Your Hosts
Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.
Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.
Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.
Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.
Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.
In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.
Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Bianca Buliga is a trilingual first-generation American of Romanian ethnicity. A marketing professional with experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Bianca currently works as Director, Marketing & Communications for the Arizona Technology Council.
Previously, Bianca worked as Marketing Communications Lead at Proctorio, a learning integrity platform that offers remote proctoring software ensuring exam integrity for learners around the world.
Bianca also worked as Senior Marketing Manager at SEED SPOT, a social impact incubator that educates, accelerates, and invests in impact-driven entrepreneurs creating market-based solutions to social problems. In January of 2020, Bianca was selected as an awardee of the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Exchange Program and traveled to the African island of Mauritius to run entrepreneurship programming for 15 impact-driven ecopreneurs on behalf of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Bianca has also completed comprehensive consulting projects for IBM, ESAN Business School, and the Peruvian government, and interned at the Arizona House of Representatives and U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania.
Bianca earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Northern Arizona University in 2014 and her Master’s degree in Global Affairs and Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in 2017. She is an avid reader, yogi, and world traveler always planning her next trip.
Connect with Bianca on LinkedIn.
About Our Sponsor
The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.
A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.
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