Chris Zaharis

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) is a data-driven regional economic development organization that works with 22 member communities and over 190 private investors to attract and grow quality businesses in the Greater Phoenix area. The non-profit company is based in Phoenix, AZ, and the CEO of the company is Chris Camacho. The company's mission is to advocate for the competitiveness of the region and serve as a strategic partner to companies across the world as they expand or relocate to Greater Phoenix. Over the past 32 years, GPEC has helped 895 companies, creating nearly 164,000 jobs and $33.40 billion in capital investment.

Empire Southwest LLC manufactures industrial machinery and equipment. Its products include backhoes, compactors, dozers, front shovels, loaders, pipe layers, tele-handlers and tractors. The firm serves the customers in the construction, mining, agriculture and transportation industries. The company was founded by Jack Whiteman in 1950 and is headquartered in Mesa, AZ.