Tempe’s prime location in the center of the thriving Phoenix metropolitan area contributes to its success in attracting and keeping dynamic companies within its borders. Tempe is surrounded by freeways providing quick and easy access to Sky Harbor International Airport.

Tempe has the highest concentration of high technology firms in Arizona. In addition, Tempe has the densest industrial area in Arizona, and two zip codes (85282 and 85281) represent the highest concentration of businesses in Arizona. While Tempe represents less than four percent of the state’s population, more than 15 percent of Arizona’s high-tech companies are located in Tempe.

Tempe is also home to more than 106 office complexes and developments. Three of Tempe’s beautifully planned business parks, Arizona State University Research Park, Papago Park Center and Fountainhead Corporate Center, are home to internationally recognized companies.

Arizona State University’s Research Park is an elegant example of the type of developments found in Tempe. The park was established in 1984 to help build relationships between the local university and industries. The park covers 323 acres and tenants are primarily research and development organizations and regional headquarters. Major companies located in the Research Park include Motorola Labs, ASML, and Edward Jones Brokerage. Edward Jones Brokerage recently opened its new regional headquarters in the ASU Research Park. Currently, Edward Jones houses 125 associates and that number is expected to grow to 325 by year’s end. Edward Jones will eventually occupy up to 328,000 square feet of office space located on about 18.37 acres at the ASU Research Park.

The Research Park boasts more than 18 acres of an unsurpassed environment of mature landscaping, three lakes, six miles of jogging paths, picnic ramadas and tennis courts. The park is located adjacent to the 101 Freeway and only 15 minutes from the airport.

Many of Tempe’s manufacturing and service firms are international companies. Familiar names include Honeywell, America West Airlines and Medtronic Microelectronics.

Some of Tempe’s largest employers include Arizona State University, 14,000 employees; Salt River Project, 2,175; Honeywell, 1,800; America West Airlines, 4,000; Motorola, 3,775; Tempe Elementary School District, 1,700; Chase Manhattan, 1,700; and City of Tempe, 2,000.

Tempe’s favorable tax structure and proactive approach to business development, combined with its prime location, creates the ideal climate for businesses to grow and prosper.