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About Cochise County

Home to a little more than 130,000 people in the southeastern corner of Arizona, Cochise County has a rich cultural and economic history — and bordering Mexico to the south, the county also sits at the center of issues involving international politics and economics. Today, though, it is in the midst of creating a complete tech economy ecosystem.

Cochise County’s rugged landscape, located about 2.5 hours outside of Phoenix, includes ghost towns, dark sky territory, wineries, birdwatching, historic locations like the town of Bisbee, plenty of outdoor recreation, and a city of more than 40,000 — Sierra Vista — that is home to the U.S. Army base, Fort Huachuca. And Cochise College, the local, two-year higher education institution, serves the population from a pair of campuses.

Community partner

The Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation (AREDF) was incorporated in 1985 with the mission of creating a thriving, sustainable economy. Since then, the organization has been responsible for the recruitment and retention of large companies such as Northrop Grumman and Teleperformance — directly creating hundreds of jobs.

AREDF is also responsible for the successful launch and operation of two business development co-space buildings that house entrepreneurs in the startup to development stage of business. In addition to the recruitment of companies and operation of business development locations, AREDF is the founder and operator of Aerospace Arizona Association, a growing association geared toward promoting the aerospace industry throughout the State of Arizona. The organizations represents southern Arizona through its influential positions on state and national economic development councils and by working with legislators on a variety of economic topics.

Explore our Network

Today, these local leaders are focused on educating and training local residents in digital skills (especially those traditionally excluded from the tech industry), employing them in new economy jobs, and empowering them to launch startups that will drive a prosperous 21st-century economy. Diverse in geography, economic origin, and demographics, these communities represent the full spectrum of rural America.