Thank you, Tony.
It was just this past October that we announced plans by Clear Energy Systems to expand its operations in Arizona -- creating hundreds of new jobs.
And, here we are today ready to break ground at the site of Clear Energy Systems' future home.
Tony, because of your leadership, Clear Energy continues its great success, and Arizona is proud to have you as a partner.
I also want to thank Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman -- whose efforts to bring this project to Tempe were instrumental. I appreciate your commitment to the continued economic development of Tempe.
Today, this site is an open space. But, in about eight months, a 156,000 square foot building will open. Inside the building, the bright minds at Clear Energy will manufacture a transportable one-megawatt power generation system that is fueled by natural gas and bio-fuels.
This state-of-the-technology can be used for a number of things like oil exploration and mining operations. And the beauty of it is that it's portable -- so it can be transported to generate energy during emergency situations like natural disasters.
In addition, this building will soon be home to more than 225 new employees. These are good, stable, and high wage jobs that Arizonans deserve and need.
In closing, I want to express my appreciation to the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council for the collaborative work they did to bring this project to Arizona.
I especially want to thank Don Cardon for his efforts. Don and Tony Carmen joined me in China last year, and I know that the conversations they had while on the trip helped close this important deal for Arizona.
As you know, I just returned from Europe where, along with the Arizona Commerce Authority, we spent time in Germany attending the Thunderbird School of Global Management Summit.
Clear Energy is a perfect example of how global outreach will put Arizona on an international stage and attract new businesses, jobs, and investment for our long-term economic stability.
Arizona has made huge strides since 2009. Jobs are flowing back into the state, businesses are growing, and our economic forecast is bright. And breaking ground on Clear Energy Systems' new home today is a perfect illustration of the efforts of the ACA and its partners paying huge dividends.
Tony, congratulations on the accomplishments of Clear Energy Systems. Your decision to expand in Arizona is the right one, and Arizona looks forward to seeing even more growth and success.