Maricopa Chamber of Commerce supports CAC bond

From all across Pinal County support from the business community has grown for Question One. The bond, which would be Central Arizona College’s first since 1972, has been endorsed by numerous Chambers of Commerce.

“We know what this will mean for our community, that’s for sure,” said Mark Molus, president of the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce. “We get new campuses in our fast-growing areas – like Maricopa – and we reap the benefits for years of great job training and more four-year degree offerings. These are the kind of things that will attract major employers to Pinal County.”

Along with Maricopa, Central Arizona College (CAC) will build a campus in the SanTan/Johnson Ranch area if Question One is passed. Campuses at Superstition Mountain, Signal Peak and Aravaipa will be expanded as will CAC learning centers located throughout the county.

The Arizona City Chamber of Commerce, the Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce, the Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce and the Eloy Chamber of Commerce join with Maricopa’s Chamber in backing Question One. Other Chamber endorsements are forthcoming.

“Everyone from high school students to seniors benefits from a strong CAC,” said Belinda Akes of the Eloy Chamber. “CAC provides opportunities to high school students to get a jump on college courses. That means they are much more likely to get a degree in the long run. An educated population is good for our economy. People who have degrees increase their standard of living and have more to spend in the community.”

Chamber members know that a well-trained workforce will bring much-needed employment to Pinal County. Currently, Pinal County’s job-to-population ratio lags behind those of other Arizona counties.

A strong Central Arizona College also plays an important role in the health and safety of the communities as CAC trains more police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and nurses than any other institution in Pinal County.

“It is gratifying to see support from every part of Pinal County for Central Arizona College and Question One. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, newspapers and now the business community are joining the groundswell of support,” said Casa Grande businessman Bill Bridwell, who is co-chairing the campaign effort with former Casa Grande Mayor Bob Mitchell.

For more information on Question One and the CAC bond, please contact Jim Sharpe at (602) 363-4780 or [email protected].

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