2.5.2.b Issues Discussion

Business Strategy

The Surprise Economic Positioning Framework will identify clusters within which the city will create an active developer/business/talent recruitment program. Targeted business pportunities will take advantage of Surprise’s unique attributes and resources within the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and southwestern United States 

Potential Tourism Market

The city of Surprise must understand and engage the tourism market. The community lacks sufficient hotels/motels, restaurants, and attractions. The city planning area around the White Tank Mountains and north of SR 74 provide excellent opportunities to develop future resort- and recreation-based tourism. 

Transportation Issues Related to Economic Development

Addressing transportation issues is critical to successfully capturing potential economic growth. Establishing and imple-menting a coordinated regional transportation program is important in order for goods and services to move easily to markets for future connection with employment opportunities in Surprise as part of an overall business recruitment program.  

Labor Force

Surprise’s primary labor market encompasses much of the West Valley. While there is an abundant supply of labor, it may not be the skilled labor that will be required for knowledge-driven industries. Secondary labor markets in the central valley–particularly those with access to and along future passenger rail corridors–should be explored for future connection with employment opportunities in Surprise as part of an overall business recruitment program.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications and technology infrastructure for residents and business is critically important to economic recruitment. Being able to work globally and connect to others through the latest technology is essential to foster communications and commerce. Developing infrastructure for technology such as wireless hot spots or fiber optics will help Surprise become a well connected society that enables new forms of enterprise, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and commercialization of ideas.

Entrepreneurial Business Growth

Surprise has an opportunity to expand its entrepreneurial business development program. Entrepreneurs can locate anywhere and often choose a location because of its quality of life. These businesses are becoming a growing and important segment of the economy.

Education

The development of a knowledge-based economy rests on a foundation of education. Innovation and entrepreneurship are key competitive advantages of the United States economy in general, and Surprise, with its large and continuous in migration of new residents, has an opportunity to capitalize on the collective knowledge and problem-solving skills of community members. This hidden asset, in combination with a robust education system that emphasizes independent thinking and creativity will provide a strong platform for economic growth.

International Economic Development

The attraction of foreign companies is an increasingly important component of economic development. The globalization of industry and research and development presents Surprise with an opportunity to grow and diversify the city’s economy in new directions. Foreign direct investment in Arizona has lagged that of other states, and Surprise can be a leader in reversing this trend while capturing an important new source of jobs and investment.