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Mesa has the office space, but it doesn't have the tenants. A glut of office space is available now with another 2.5 million in square feet that are currently under construction. This type of problem is expected, especially when businesses are shutting their doors leaving even more existing space. So, the real question is, should we lament their emptiness or should we be looking for ways to fill the space?
For now, the first step is to curtail the approval of additional office space. In the past, Mesa has had the tendency to continue to allow more and more of a good (or bad) thing until the entire city is saturated. It sounds like we have a pretty good base of office space lined up, so it might be time to cut down on the approvals.
With the HEAT plan, (healthcare, education, aerospace, and tourism) the next step would be divide up the spaces into the respective categories where they would be best suited, and start pushing them as a block of available space instead of marketing each center individually. In fact, if, for example, there was a large block of medical office space available in a particular area, work to find something that would attract business (ie a hospital, atheletic rehab, a med school, senior treatment, hospice care, etc).
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
More Good News for the Gateway Area
As a follow up to yesterday's Gateway Area: Destination 2012, it looks like we have even more good news with Allegiant Air posting big numbers in the first quarter of 2009. Again, this is great news for the Gateway area, especially since Allegiant makes up such a big portion of their current success. I am still in favor of diversification, but you should take the time to celebrate when someone is doing good business - especially in the heart of a bad economy.
The key to their success has to do with the growth in travelers and the ability to make up for lower fees with increased capacity. Probably the most important factor leading to their success is the fact that fuel is significantly down from where it was a year ago. Hopefully their success will show other carriers that Gateway is a viable option for additional travel in and out of the valley.
The key to their success has to do with the growth in travelers and the ability to make up for lower fees with increased capacity. Probably the most important factor leading to their success is the fact that fuel is significantly down from where it was a year ago. Hopefully their success will show other carriers that Gateway is a viable option for additional travel in and out of the valley.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Gateway Area: Destination 2014
It looks like the 2014 is going to be the big year for the Gateway Airport area. That is the year that the new terminal expansion will be done, the new fire station will be built, and the Gaylord resort is supposed to be up and running around that time as well.
The idea that the number of passengers out of Gateway is going to jump from 300,000 to 600,000 next year seems to be like quite a jump, but anything is possible, especially if you have spent any amount of time near the traffic nightmare that is Sky Harbor these days.
It is also great news that Allegiant air is doing good business as well, but I would encourage the Gateway authority to continue to do what they can to expand the business at Gateway even further. If Alliegant can make up so much of the economic and passenger growth of the area, a misstep by the could also spell a major decline. This is not to say that I see anything but upside from Allegiant in the future, but it is a safe bet to keep our eggs in a couple of different baskets.
Its true as the Mayor said, the vison of Gateway is only beginning to be realized. Let's hope that they can continue to grow in the right direction (even though I still think the logo is goofy).
The idea that the number of passengers out of Gateway is going to jump from 300,000 to 600,000 next year seems to be like quite a jump, but anything is possible, especially if you have spent any amount of time near the traffic nightmare that is Sky Harbor these days.
It is also great news that Allegiant air is doing good business as well, but I would encourage the Gateway authority to continue to do what they can to expand the business at Gateway even further. If Alliegant can make up so much of the economic and passenger growth of the area, a misstep by the could also spell a major decline. This is not to say that I see anything but upside from Allegiant in the future, but it is a safe bet to keep our eggs in a couple of different baskets.
Its true as the Mayor said, the vison of Gateway is only beginning to be realized. Let's hope that they can continue to grow in the right direction (even though I still think the logo is goofy).
Oops.
This plane got a little damaged while trying to land at Falcon Field today. No one was hurt in the mishap, which is a good thing. In fact, this is much better than the normal news that comes out of Falcon when some plane has had an accident.
Ah, Mesa...
You have to hand it to Mesa. It truly is a diverse place. For every feel good story about a kid who, at age 19, has started a limo company that is doing okay despite the terrible economy, we have a story about the police chasing and tasering a man on a motorcycle with a case of beer between his legs.
This topic has been mentioned before, and I am sure as its been pointed out, every city has these sorts of problems. It just feels like Mesa continues to wear them on their sleeve. Is that because local news is so scarcely covered that only interesting crimes make the cut?
First, congratulations to the 19 year old gentleman who has been able to take his life-long interest in limos and stretched cars and turn it into a business. Its also promising to see a mother so encouraging in a son's dream - a great story of a supportive parent.
As for the motorcycle beer hauler - we should also follow this because this guy has a fairly long rap sheet going into this arrest. Since it happened in Mesa, its only a matter of time before the questions of his legal status start to flow in. If he is found to have entered the United States illegally, people are going to somehow blame Mesa for this, when in fact, he has been picked up many other places before his run in with Mesa PD.
This topic has been mentioned before, and I am sure as its been pointed out, every city has these sorts of problems. It just feels like Mesa continues to wear them on their sleeve. Is that because local news is so scarcely covered that only interesting crimes make the cut?
First, congratulations to the 19 year old gentleman who has been able to take his life-long interest in limos and stretched cars and turn it into a business. Its also promising to see a mother so encouraging in a son's dream - a great story of a supportive parent.
As for the motorcycle beer hauler - we should also follow this because this guy has a fairly long rap sheet going into this arrest. Since it happened in Mesa, its only a matter of time before the questions of his legal status start to flow in. If he is found to have entered the United States illegally, people are going to somehow blame Mesa for this, when in fact, he has been picked up many other places before his run in with Mesa PD.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Much ado about Twitter
Since Oprah's venture into twitter last week, there has been much ado about twitter. The Mesa Issues twitter has been going strong, though I admit that we are still trying to figure out all of the insider language and the nuances.
I am probably a bad twitter friend, since we sometimes forget to check in, and I didn't even tweet the posts from yesterday (oops). Also, while I do try to add everyone who follows us, there is a lot of skepticism on if they really care about what is going on in Mesa. If so, awesome, but "padding the stats" is suspected. Admittedly, I was just excited to learn that we are up to almost 500 followers - yay!
I still remain shocked about how many tweets are about how awesome twitter is, which I equate to people blogging about how much blogging rocks, or someone going on the news to talk about how amazing and useful television is, but hey, what do I know?
I am probably a bad twitter friend, since we sometimes forget to check in, and I didn't even tweet the posts from yesterday (oops). Also, while I do try to add everyone who follows us, there is a lot of skepticism on if they really care about what is going on in Mesa. If so, awesome, but "padding the stats" is suspected. Admittedly, I was just excited to learn that we are up to almost 500 followers - yay!
I still remain shocked about how many tweets are about how awesome twitter is, which I equate to people blogging about how much blogging rocks, or someone going on the news to talk about how amazing and useful television is, but hey, what do I know?
Baywood Campus launches teen program during National Volunteer Week
Great news from Banner about getting kids involved in the community:
Baywood Campus launches teen program during National Volunteer Week
MESA, Ariz. (April 22, 2009) – The Banner Baywood Medical Campus is launching its teen volunteer program this week in honor of National Volunteer Week.
The program, which will take place at Banner Baywood Medical Center and Banner Heart Hospital, is aimed at introducing youngsters to the health care industry.
“While health care is not recession proof, it is one of the few industries that is continually growing and looking for good employees,” said Volunteer Services Manager Amy Sanders. “The volunteer program is a good way for young people to be exposed to the workings of a hospital and decide if they would like to pursue a career in health care.”
National Volunteer Week runs from April 19 to 25, and honors those who give voluntary service. More than 800 volunteers serve the Banner Baywood Campus.
The campus’ new program is unique in that it teams the teen volunteers with a parent or guardian.
“This way, teens aren’t the only ones who get to experience the benefits of volunteering,” Sanders said.
The teen volunteer teams will be stationed at one of the hospitals’ main information desks or gift shops. The teams agree to serve one four-hour shift per week for a minimum of 100 hours, and receive a certificate at the end of the program. The teams can also choose which hospital they’d like to serve.
Other requirements for teen volunteers:
- two letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, advisor, group leader, religious leader or employer
MESA, Ariz. (April 22, 2009) – The Banner Baywood Medical Campus is launching its teen volunteer program this week in honor of National Volunteer Week.
The program, which will take place at Banner Baywood Medical Center and Banner Heart Hospital, is aimed at introducing youngsters to the health care industry.
“While health care is not recession proof, it is one of the few industries that is continually growing and looking for good employees,” said Volunteer Services Manager Amy Sanders. “The volunteer program is a good way for young people to be exposed to the workings of a hospital and decide if they would like to pursue a career in health care.”
National Volunteer Week runs from April 19 to 25, and honors those who give voluntary service. More than 800 volunteers serve the Banner Baywood Campus.
The campus’ new program is unique in that it teams the teen volunteers with a parent or guardian.
“This way, teens aren’t the only ones who get to experience the benefits of volunteering,” Sanders said.
The teen volunteer teams will be stationed at one of the hospitals’ main information desks or gift shops. The teams agree to serve one four-hour shift per week for a minimum of 100 hours, and receive a certificate at the end of the program. The teams can also choose which hospital they’d like to serve.
Other requirements for teen volunteers:
- two letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, advisor, group leader, religious leader or employer
- attend a three-hour orientation with your guardian
- complete health screening requirements, which include a tuberculosis skin test and current immunizations such as measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox.
Those who are interested in participating can call (480) 321-4122 for more information. Applications are available at the Volunteer Services Office at Banner Baywood Medical Center, 6644 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa 85206.
All necessary applications and requirements are also available online: http://tinyurl.com/chs25t
- complete health screening requirements, which include a tuberculosis skin test and current immunizations such as measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox.
Those who are interested in participating can call (480) 321-4122 for more information. Applications are available at the Volunteer Services Office at Banner Baywood Medical Center, 6644 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa 85206.
All necessary applications and requirements are also available online: http://tinyurl.com/chs25t
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Happy Birthday Mesa CVB
Mesa's Convention and Visitor's bureau celebrated their 25th anniversary this week with a party a Toby Keith's new bar and grill. Apparently, they believe that TK's new place is what is needed to revive Riverview's district.
It was interesting was to read about not only all the stuff that they have done over the two previous decades, but how active they have been in the past few years in improving Mesa as a tourist and revenue destination. From Waveyard to Gaylord, they have been promoting concepts that would help make Mesa unique and attract even more people. While Gaylord seems much more likely than Waveyard at this point, they have been out there looking for creative ways to boost Mesa and its image.
Let's hope they continue this passion and vigor for Mesa for the next 25 years, especially with a focus on Gateway as Mesa's next big attraction.
It was interesting was to read about not only all the stuff that they have done over the two previous decades, but how active they have been in the past few years in improving Mesa as a tourist and revenue destination. From Waveyard to Gaylord, they have been promoting concepts that would help make Mesa unique and attract even more people. While Gaylord seems much more likely than Waveyard at this point, they have been out there looking for creative ways to boost Mesa and its image.
Let's hope they continue this passion and vigor for Mesa for the next 25 years, especially with a focus on Gateway as Mesa's next big attraction.
Why spring training is a big deal
Increased attendance and additional spring training games brought $359 million into the local economy. According to the story, the games attracted 1.57 million people. Now, not every single person out there is from out of town, but there is a significant portion of people who travel here and spend money during that time.
Once again, the Cubs were the top draw, bringing more than 200,000 fans to 19 games. There weren't numbers to show how well Mesa did in additional revenues, but it is surely enough that Mesa would be hurting without them.
Its incredible numbers like these that remind us what Spring Training is such a big deal to the Valley and why its imperitive for the Cubs to stay in Mesa. Just as the Cubs want to upgrade their facility to stay, Mesa must upgrade their strategy for capturing more revenue from the record number of people who come watch games in town.
Once again, the Cubs were the top draw, bringing more than 200,000 fans to 19 games. There weren't numbers to show how well Mesa did in additional revenues, but it is surely enough that Mesa would be hurting without them.
Its incredible numbers like these that remind us what Spring Training is such a big deal to the Valley and why its imperitive for the Cubs to stay in Mesa. Just as the Cubs want to upgrade their facility to stay, Mesa must upgrade their strategy for capturing more revenue from the record number of people who come watch games in town.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Two new fire stations are moving forward
The City Council has voted to move forward with the construction of two new fire stations. These new stations are directly from the overwhelming passage of the fire bond program in November. This is the first step in the council delivering what they promised in the bond program, and being able to get these projects going within 6 months of passage is a great move.
Of course, there are a few people who are mad that the stations being built are not the ones in their backyard. Obviously, it would be great if Mesa could be building all of these new stations at once, but the key is, its great that they are even able to build any. Look around the valley, very few cities are taking advantage of the lowered land and construction prices. The fact is, Mesa is getting the most bang for their buck, and probably even creating a few construction jobs in the process.
Also, its important to note that putting a new fire station in town, helps response times for everyone. Now the stations that used to serve the area can focus on the needs of other areas and can stay closer to their base of operations. All in all, even if these stations aren't in your backyard, helping Mesa go from 17 stations to 19 is good for everyone.
Of course, there are a few people who are mad that the stations being built are not the ones in their backyard. Obviously, it would be great if Mesa could be building all of these new stations at once, but the key is, its great that they are even able to build any. Look around the valley, very few cities are taking advantage of the lowered land and construction prices. The fact is, Mesa is getting the most bang for their buck, and probably even creating a few construction jobs in the process.
Also, its important to note that putting a new fire station in town, helps response times for everyone. Now the stations that used to serve the area can focus on the needs of other areas and can stay closer to their base of operations. All in all, even if these stations aren't in your backyard, helping Mesa go from 17 stations to 19 is good for everyone.
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