Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Pinal Partnership.
By Pinal Central
The panel was moderated by Court Rich of Rose Law Group and included QTS Data Centers Vice President of Utility Engagement Travis Wright, Copia Power Chief External Affairs Officer Ryan Galeria, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden and Rounds Consulting Group President and CEO Jim Rounds.
Rich began the discussion by pointing out that data centers had operated in Arizona for years with relatively little public attention before asking why attitudes toward the industry appeared to have changed so dramatically.
Wright said the change had taken the industry somewhat by surprise.
“Eighteen months ago, data centers were considered the prettiest girl in the prom,” Wright said, adding communities had previously sought the developments because of the tax revenue they could generate.