PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Jan. 10, 2023) – AZCREW, the commercial real estate organization that exists to transform the industry by advancing women globally, kicks off 2023 with a Foreign Direct Investment update as the topic for its January lunch.

An outstanding panel of experts will discuss the flow of projects led by international companies into the Valley including the massive, $12 billion Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plant being built in north Phoenix. The facility is expected to begin mass production in 2024.

“One of the benefits of working for the regional economic development organization is the line of sight on the origin of new investment into the region. We’re seeing the number of international projects surpassing the number of companies relocating out of California, which has traditionally been our largest generator of prospects,” said AZCREW President Samantha Pinkal with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC).

“They make up about 20 percent of our portfolio of clients and we expect this trend will continue given the growth of the semiconductor, solar, battery, and electric and autonomous vehicle industries.”

The panel was assembled to cover various perspectives: foreign investor, service provider, regional economic development, and federal programming and assistance.

“I’m excited about how our panelists will be able to shed light on the experience at the ground level of these international investments and how our members can best prepare themselves to service these new clients’ unique needs,” Pinkal added.

Panelists include Ruth Soberanes, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service; Casey Gilchrist, Senior Director, International Business Development, Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC); Laura Franco French, Director, State Government Relations, TSMC; and Brooke Taff, Business Development Manager, Wood, Patel & Associates, Inc.

The event is Jan. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the offices of Kitchell, 1707 E. Highland, Ave., Phoenix. The registration fee is $45 for members; $65 for non-members. Register here.

 About AZCREW:

AZCREW is the local affiliate of CREW Network. CREW Network is at the forefront of achieving gender equity and greater diversity in commercial real estate. We will achieve this by transforming the industry by advancing women globally. Our membership offers unparalleled business development, leadership opportunities and networking both locally in your market and globally across our 12,000-member base. For more information visit arizonacrew.org.

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